Tag: Gospel

Attend to Know Understanding Part 1

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Proverbs 4:1 Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 

‘Hear’ – the command to listen and obey the words given in Proverbs – the same command is given in Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23: 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35 and Revelation 2:2, 11, 17; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9.

‘You children’ – To be a child of God and have the authority to call Him Father, one must be born again of the Holy Spirit and be adopted into His family (John 3:3-5; Rom. 8:14-16). Sinners are not children of God. Ephesians 5:1 declares that we should be followers of God, as dear children; thus were followers called children. The Greek word mimetes means imitators; to mimic the gait, speech, accent, and manner of life of another. It means here to imitate God as children do their parents – imitate His acts, words, nature, ways, graces, and Spirit. We are called to be followers of that which is good (1Pet. 3:13), followers of God (Eph. 5:1) and to follow Christ’s example (1Pet. 2:21), but those who do not choose or stand in rebellion against God become followers of satan (1Tim. 5:15).

In Scripture, we have plenty of examples where children refer to followers: children of the Highest (Luk. 6:35); children of God (Luk. 20:36; Rom. 8:21; 1Jn. 3:10, 5:2); children of light and the day (Eph. 5:8-9; Col. 1:12; 1Thess. 5:4-5); and children of the resurrection (Luk 20:36).

In contrast to good, we have the rebels who are the followers of evil called the children of wrath (John 8:44; Rom. 5:12-21; Eph. 2:3; 5:6; Ps. 51:5); children of disobedience (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 4:22-24; 5:6; Col. 3:6, 9; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18); children of the wicked one and the devil (Matt. 13:38; Acts 13:10; 1Jn. 3:10); and children of pride (Job 41:34).

Hebrews and Greeks called anyone who had a particular destiny, quality, or trait, the child of that thing, as “children of the kingdom” (Matt. 8:12; 13:38); “of the bridechamber” (Matt. 9:15); “of hell” (Matt. 23:15); “of wrath” (Eph. 2:3); “of wisdom” (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:35); etc.

The Curse of the LORD

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Proverbs 3:33-35 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesses the habitation of the just. Surely he scorns the scorners: but he gives grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. 

‘Curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked.’ Three examples of a curse on the wicked: Baasha (1Kin. 16:1-13); Jehoiakim (Jer. 22:13-19); Coniah (Jechoniah, Jer. 22:24-28).

‘Blesses the habitation of the just.’ Three examples of a blessing on the just: Abraham (Heb. 11:12); Jacob (Gen. 30:27); and Joseph (Gen. 39:2, 21).

‘He scorns the scorners: but he gives grace unto the lowly.’ Quoted in James 4:6 and 1Peter 5:5. Lowly means to be humble – “humility” (1Pet. 5:5; Col. 2:18, 23); “humility of mind” (Acts 20:19); “humbleness of mind” (Col. 3:12); “lowliness” (Eph. 4:2); and “lowliness of mind” (Php. 2:3). Humility is the secret to the following things: The glory of the creature (Rev. 4:11; Luke 17:10). Redemption (Php. 2:5-8). Riches and honour (15:33; 22:4; Matt. 5:3). Fellowship (Isa. 57:15; 66:2). Soul rest (Matt. 11:29). Personal salvation (Matt. 18:3; Luke 18:1-43). Greatness (Matt. 20:26-27; Luke 22:26). Exaltation (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11). Revelation (Matt. 11:25; Luke 10:21). Unity (Eph. 4:1-3; 5:21; 1Pet. 5:5). Victorious Christian living (Rom. 12:10, 16; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Gal. 5:26; Php. 2:1-4; Col. 3:5-14; 1Jn. 4:20; 1Tim. 1:15; Tit. 2:11-14). Faith (Matt. 8:8; 15:28; John 4:50).

Ten examples of humility: Abraham (Gen. 18:27, 32); Jacob (Gen. 32:10-11); Moses (Ex. 4:10; Num. 12:1-16); David (2Sam. 7:18-19; 1Chr. 17:17); Job (Job 42:4-6); Isaiah (Isa. 6:5); The centurion (Matt. 8:8); John the Baptist (John 3:30); Jesus; Paul (Eph. 3:8; 1Tim. 1:15).

‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.’ This is the 3rd prophecy in Proverbs (3:35) and unfulfilled.

‘Shame shall be the promotion of fools.’ Fools pile up disgrace. “Fools” is the Hebrew word keciyl.

The LORD shall be Thy Confidence

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Proverbs 3:25-32 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou have it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwells securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. 

‘Be not afraid’ – Fear not is found 80 times in Scripture, generally of God quieting the fear of man because of His presence. Four illustrations of not being afraid: Moses (Ex. 14:13-14); Rahab (Jos. 6:24-25); Elisha (2Kin. 6:16-17); Ebed-melech (Jer. 39:15-18).

‘Withhold not good’ – Four examples of withholding good: Jacob (Gen. 25:29-33); The Ammonites (Deut. 23:3-4); Nabal (1Sam. 25:10-11); The priests and Levite (Luke 10:30-35).

Three examples of not withholding good are Abraham (Gen. 13:9; 14:23); The widow (1Kin. 17:9-16); and the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

‘Devise not evil’ – Three examples of plotting evil: Rebekah and Jacob (Gen. 27:1-46); Joseph’s brethren (Gen. 37:18-23); Daniel’s enemies (Dan. 6:1-28).

‘Strive not with a man without cause.’ “strife” (Gal. 5:20; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 2:3; Jas. 3:14, 16); “contention” (Php. 1:16; Rom. 2:8). Disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavour to equal or pay back in kind the wrongs done to one. Someone who is quarrelsome, ready to strike back at those who displease him, a persecutor of those who differ with him. Three examples of strife without cause: Saul (1Sam. 18:8-9); The Ammonites (2Sam. 10:1-19); Ahab (1Kin. 21:1-29).

‘Envy thou not the oppressor.’ Two examples of not envying oppressors: Moses (Heb. 11:25-26) and Elijah (1Kin. 21:17-24).

‘Abomination to the LORD.’ Twenty things that are an abomination to God: The froward man [Hebrew: luwz] perverse; one who turns aside (3:32; 11:20). A proud look (6:16-17). A lying tongue (6:17; 12:22). Hands that shed innocent blood. A wicked scheming heart (6:18). Feet quick to sin. A false witness that speaks lies (6:19). A sower of discord. Wickedness (8:7). A false balance (scale, 11:1). Sacrifice of the wicked (15:8; 21:27). The way of the wicked (15:9). The thoughts of the wicked (15:26). The proud of the heart (16:5). Justifying the wicked (17:15). Condemning the just. Diverse weights (20:10, 23). Diverse measures. Refusing to hear the law (28:9). Prayer of the rebel.

‘His secret is with the righteous.’ Secret counsel is for the righteous.

Life Unto Thy Soul

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Proverbs 3:19-24 The LORD by wisdom had founded the earth; by understanding had he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shall thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou lies down, thou shall not be afraid: yea, thou shall lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 

‘The LORD by wisdom had founded the earth.’ Here wisdom is taken for the infinite knowledge and skill of God whereby everything in creation has been made and maintained. The composition and structure of all creation have not been changed. It is just the condition of nature that is in a fallen state (Rom. 8:22-23).

‘Them depart from thine eyes.’ “Them” may refer to mercy and truth (3:3), or wisdom and understanding (3:13).

‘Life unto thy soul’ – Eight things that will bring life: Law and commandments (3:1-2). Mercy and truth (3:3-4). Trust in God (3:5). Acknowledgement of God (3:6). and reverence for God (3:7-8). Departure from evil. Wisdom and understanding (3:13-18). Wisdom and discretion (3:21-24).

‘Grace to thy neck’ – Another reference to ornaments around the neck (1:9).

‘Then shall thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.’ Here is another conclusion (2:5, 9; 3:23). THEN – when all the conditions of Proverbs 3:1-22 shall have been met – one will not stumble. One can then live in confidence, security, and safety, and sleep will be sweet (3:23-24).

Happy is the Man

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Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left-hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retained her. 

‘Happy is the man’ – There are eight beatitudes in Proverbs (3:13; 8:32, 34; 14:21; 16:20; 20:7; 28:14; 29:18).

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: Chokmah] wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, skill. Translated as “wisdom” 145 times (1:2, 7; 2:2, 6, 10; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7, 11; 5:1; 7:4; 8:1, 11-12; 9:10; 10:13, 23, 31; 11:2; 13:10; 14:6, 8, 33; 15:33; 16:16; 17:16; 24; 18:4; 21:30; 23:23; 24:3, 24:14; 28:26; 29:3, 15; 30:3; 31:26; Ex. 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26; 31, 35; 36:1-2; Ps. 37:30; 51:6; 90:12; 104:24; 111:10; Eccl. 1:13-18; 2:3-26; 7:11-25; 8:1, 16;). It is the predominant word for wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

‘Understanding’ [Hebrew: biynah] discernment and discrimination. Translated as understanding (1:2; 3:5; 4:1-7; 7:4; 8:14; 9:6, 10; 16:16; 23:23; 30:2); wisdom (23:4); and knowledge (2:3).

‘Better than …’ Wisdom and understanding better than Silver (3:14); fine gold; rubies (3:15) and other things.

‘Rubies’ – Pearls, or precious stones in general.

‘Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.’ Six blessings of wisdom/knowledge: Length of days (3:16). Riches and honour. Pleasantness (3:17). Peace. Tree of Life (3:18). Happiness.

‘Tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.’ Compare Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24 and Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14. By obeying wisdom and knowledge one can live long and even enter into eternal life.

The Chastening of the LORD

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Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights. 

‘Despise not’ – Don’t shrink away from it. Quoted from Job 5:17 and in Hebrews 12:5-6 (cp. Job 34:31-32; Ps. 94:12; Rev. 3:19). Some Christians do not think of chastening any other way except by sickness and disease. They believe they are being chastened when sick and yet they know nothing in particular that they have done. The facts below prove that when God allows plagues there is a reason which will be known to the individual or nation. God never allows drastic means except as a last resort, when all other methods of getting men to obey have been exhausted. Leviticus 26:1-46 and Deuteronomium 28:1-68 are clear chapters on this point. In Job 33:14-29 we have the cause of sickness in many cases.

If a child of God wants to claim he is being chastened by God, then let him acknowledge also that he has repeatedly refused to listen to God or obey Him (Job 33:1-33). Let him acknowledge his sins, for God does not allow plagues upon obedient children. They are given promises of healing and protection from plagues if they will but appropriate them (Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91:1-16; 103:3; Matt. 7:9-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 1Pet. 2:24; 2Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16). Only those who sow will reap and only those who rebel will be cursed (Gal. 6:7-8; Job 33:14-29; Lev. 26:1-46; Deut. 28:1-68).

One thing is certain, God is not to blame for sicknesses upon His obedient children and to claim such is to cooperate with satan and not God (John 10:10; Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38). If people use Job as an excuse for unbelief, let them realize that Job did not know the gospel. He had no written revelation, covenant, or promise, and yet he was healed by God. Let people likewise fight as Job did until they get an answer and healing (Job 42:10; Jas. 5:10-11).

‘Chastening of the LORD.’ Three illustrations of chastening: David (2 Samuel 15-16; 23:5); Hezekiah (Isa. 39:5-8); Israel (Deut. 11:2; 2Chr. 6:24).

Honour the LORD with Thy Substance Part 2

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Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Blessings of Tithing: Blessings for obedience. God’s house will not lack (Mal. 3:10). God’s ministers will not lack (1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 5:17-18; Neh. 13:10; Mal. 3:8-10). Material and spiritual blessings (Mal. 3:8-10; Pro. 3:9-10; 2Chr. 31:1-21; Neh. 13:1-31).

1Timothy 5:18 states that we must not muzzle an ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. This clarifies that no one should work for free (Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7).

Examples of paying tithes: Abraham (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:1-11); Jacob (Gen. 28:22); Levi in Abraham (Heb. 7:9); Hezekiah and Israel (2Chr. 31:1-21); Nehemiah and Israel (Neh. 13:1-31); Hypocrites (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42; 18:12); Christians (1Cor. 9:7-14; 16:2; 2Cor. 7:11; 8:1-15; Gal. 6:6; 1Tim. 5:17-18; Heb. 7:1-28).

No scripture even mentions a substitute program for tithing in the New Testament.

‘So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.’ This expresses material prosperity.

Honour the LORD with Thy Substance Part 1

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Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

‘Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.’ Tithing is a Biblical doctrine that must still be adhered to. [1] Before the Law of Moses: It was practised 430 years before the law (Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Heb. 7:1-11). [2] Tithing under the Law of Moses: He commanded it (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:10). It had five purposes: (1) For Levites (Num. 18:21-24); (2) Tithes of tithes for priests (Num. 18:26; Neh. 10:37; 12:44); (3) Tithes of tithes every three years for the poor and the ministers (Deut. 14:27-29; 26:12-14); (4) To supply God’s house (Mal. 3:10); (5) To honour God (Pro. 3:9-10). It was brought: yearly, along with all other offerings for the feast (Deut. 12:6-7; 14:22-26). It belonged to God, not the people who paid them (Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:8). [3] Tithing in the New Testament: Christ taught it (Matt. 23:23; Luk. 11:42; cp. Matt. 5:20 with Luke 18:11-12; see Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7-8). This was teaching for the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 11:11-14; Luke 16:16). Paul Taught It: (1) Condemned sacrilege (Rom. 2:22), or robbing temples (Mal. 3:8-10) and using holy things (Lev. 27:1-34). (2) Teachers to be paid (Gal. 6:6). (3) God ordained the support of ministers (1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 6:17-18). (4) Christians to give as God prospers them (1Cor. 16:2). (5) Melchisedec priesthood is eternal and must be supported by the children of Abraham (Heb. 6:20; 7:1-11, 17, 21). (6) Children of Abraham in faith must walk in his steps (Rom. 4:12; Heb. 7:1-28). (7) Tithing is proof of obedience and appreciation of God’s blessings (Rom. 4:12; Heb. 7:6-10; 1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 6:17-18; cp. Mal. 3:8-10; Pro. 3:9-10; Gen. 14:20; Deut. 8:10-20).

To be continued…

Trust In The LORD

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Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

‘Trust’ [Hebrew: batach] to confide in, to be secure and without fear. Translated as “trust” 103 times.

‘With all thine heart.’ Seven examples of heart trust: Abraham (Gen. 24:1-8); Eleazar (Gen. 24:12-27); Jephthah (Jdg. 11:11); David (1Sam. 30:6-8); Asa (2Chr. 14:9-15); Hezekiah (2Kin. 18:4-7; 19:14-37); Nehemiah (Neh. 1:4-11; 2:4-8).

‘Understanding’ [Hebrew: biynah] discernment and discrimination. Translated as understanding (1:2; 3:5; 4:1-7; 7:4; 8:14; 9:6, 10; 16:16; 23:23; 30:2); wisdom (23:4); and knowledge (2:3).

‘In all thy ways acknowledge him.’ Begin, continue, and end every work, purpose, and plan with God. Self-sufficiency and self-confidence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall. Man’s sin has been to live independently of God. True religion consists of full acknowledgement of God in all human affairs and all our day-to-day plans and activities (3:5).

‘Direct’ [Hebrew: Yashar] rightly divides. It is the same idea as rightly dividing the word of truth (2Tim. 2:15).

‘Be not wise in thine own eyes.’ Quoted in Romans 11:25 and 12:16. To reject God’s Wisdom and understanding and listen to your own ideas and opinions lead to your own destruction and downfall. Four men who were wise in their own eyes: Ahab (1Kin. 22:30-35); Jeroboam (1Kin. 12:26-33; 13:33); Asa (1Kin. 15:19); Benhadad (1Kin. 20:10-11).

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yare’] to revere (24:21; Eccl. 3:14; 5:7; 12:13).

‘Depart from evil.’ Shun, avoid, abstain from.  1Thessalonians 5:22 warns us to abstain from all appearance of evil, not only from all evil. 

‘Health to thy navel’ – Just like the umbilical cord (referred to here as the “navel”) is how the child receives life and nourishment from the mother while it is in the womb, so fearing God and departing from evil gives life to a child of God (3:7-8).

‘Marrow to thy bones’ – Bone marrow produces vital red blood cells which help sustain life. Fearing God and departing from evil is just as vital to one’s spiritual life as bone marrow is to the physical life.

Keep My Commandments

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Proverbs 3:1-4 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shall thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 

‘Keep’ [Hebrew: natsar] to watch or guard. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts above all, from going astray, for out of it are the issues of life. The reference is not only to the arteries which carry the blood to all parts of the body but also to the evil and good deeds that come from the heart (centre) of man (Mark 7:19-21).

‘For length of days, and long life, and peace.’ Threefold blessing to those who remember and keep the commandments (3:1-2): Length of days (3:2, 16; 4:10; 9:11). Long life (1Pet. 3:10-11). Peace (Isa. 26:3).

‘They add to thee.’ The law and commandments add these.

‘Mercy’ – lovingkindness or grace.

‘Bind them about thy neck.’ Like the phylacteries (6:21; 7:3).

‘Write them upon the table of thine heart.’ This is done by the Spirit of the living God (2Cor. 3:3).

‘So shall thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.’ The three acts of Proverbs 3:3 are the secrets of favour with God and man.