Tag: Truth

Prolonged Days

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Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 

‘The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.’ The fear of God promotes righteousness and long life, but wickedness shortens life as stated in Proverbs 11:19, righteousness promotes health and long life (Ps. 34:12-15; 91:1-16; 1Pet. 3:10-11), but wickedness shortens life (11:19).

There are eighteen revelations stated in Scripture of a long life: Freedom from fear (Ps. 34:4). Quickening from God (Ps. 34:5). Boldness – freedom from shame. Freedom from troubles (Ps. 34:6). Divine deliverance (Ps. 34:7). Partaking of God’s life (Ps. 34:8). Absolute trust in God. Fear of God (Ps. 34:7-9). Freedom from want (Ps. 34:9-10). Seeking God first (Ps. 34:10, 15; Matt. 6:33). Godly teaching (Ps. 34:11; 2Tim. 3:15). Control of the tongue (Ps. 34:12-13). Godliness – departing from evil (Ps. 34:14-16). Consecration to doing good (Ps. 34:14). Seeking and pursuing peace. Brokenness and humility (Ps. 34:18). Salvation of the soul (Ps. 34:22). Prosperity – freedom from worry.

One of the blessings of obedience is long life (Deut. 4:1, 4, 10, 40) thus disobedience shortens your life. There are many conditions of long life: Live free from idolatry (Deut. 4:25-26). Keep the commandments (Deut. 4:40; 6:2; 11:8-9; 32:46-47; Matthew 5 – 7). Honour one’s parents (Deut. 5:16; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:2). Teach children God’s Word (Deut. 11:19-21). Walk in God’s ways (Deut. 5:33). Fear God (Deut. 6:2; Pro. 10:27; Eccl. 8:13). Humility and obedience (Deut. 17:20). Kindness to animals (Deut. 22:6-7). Faithfulness to God (Deut. 30:18). Having understanding and knowledge (Pro. 28:2). Hatred of covetousness (Pro. 28:16). Read His Word and learn to fear God and obey His will (Deut. 17:19-20; Rom. 1:5; 10:17). Have perfect and just weights and measures – be honest (Deut. 25:15). Love and obey God (Deut. 20:15-20). Set the heart on obedience to God and His Word (Deut. 32:44-47).

The Sluggard

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Proverbs 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 

‘As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.’ As vinegar sets the teeth on edge and as smoke irritates the eyes, so the sluggard hurts and grieves those who send him.

There are eighteen facts about the slothful: They are unteachable, careless, and indifferent (6:6-9). They love excessive sleep (9:9; 19:15; 24:33). They are irritating to others (10:26). They are servants to others (12:24). They are too lazy to cook food (12:27). They are wishful thinkers (13:4; 24:34). They have a life full of troubles (15:19). They are great wasters (18:9). They are lazy (19:24; 24:30-34; 26:14-15). They refuse to work (20:4; 21:25). They make the most senseless excuses for their laziness (22:13; 26:13). They are void of understanding (24:30). They permit property to ruin (24:31-34; Eccl. 10:18). They are too lazy to move themselves (26:14). They are conceited (26:16). They are unfaithful to trust (Matt. 25:26). They are unbelievers (Heb. 6:12). They lack business ability (Rom. 12:11).

The Wicked vs. the Righteous

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Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 

‘As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.’ As a tornado sweeps away everything in its path, so the wrath of God will destroy the wicked (Ps. 145:20). The righteous will never be moved by the wrath of God (Ps. 125:1).

Because the wicked refuse righteousness they will be destroyed by the methods they used to destroy others (21:7) and by the wrath of god. The wrath of God is revealed in the gospel as part of God’s righteousness The phrase ‘wrath of God’ is found ten times in Scripture (Rom. 1:18; Ps. 78:31; John 3:36; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; Rev. 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1).

God’s wrath is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul proves the utter ungodliness of the Gentile world and its deserving God’s wrath. In Romans 2:1-3:8 he proves that the Jews are also ungodly and deserving of God’s wrath. In Romans 3:9-20 he sums up the case of both Jews and Gentiles, proving the whole world guilty.

‘The righteous is an everlasting foundation.’ Twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame (Ps. 15:2). They work righteousness. They speak truth inwardly. They be free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach about neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to their own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

Fear

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Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 

‘The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him.’ The wicked will reap what he has feared (11:27; Isa. 66:4; Gal. 6:7-8). The warning of whatever we fear shall come over us is clear from Job 3:25: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Christians should never allow any form of fear to enter their thoughts as this will cause them to fall away from God’s grace (2Tim. 1:7; 1Jn. 4:18).

‘But the desire of the righteous shall be granted.’ Four examples of righteous desire granted: Hannah (1Sam. 1:20); Esther (Est. 4:16; 8:15-17); Daniel ( Dan. 2:18-23; 9:1-23; 10:1-21); Simeon (Luke 2:25-30).

To Do Mischief

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Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom. 

‘It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom.’ Iniquity is as sport to a fool, but a man of understanding hates sin. He that seeks the good of others gains their favour, but he that seeks their harm shall reap it himself (11:27; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7-8). The law of sowing and reaping is unfailing and unchangeable (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 29).

‘To do mischief’ – mischief is the Hebrew word zimmah, wicked thought or device (Ps. 26:10; 119:150; Pro. 10:23). The wicked man continually conceives deceit and mischief, which lead to nothing but vanity (Job 15:35). He that has a stubborn heart finds no good, and he that has a deceitful and unmanageable tongue falls into evil (17:20).

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 4

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

These blessings are (continues): Answers to all prayers (Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 18:19; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; John 14:12-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Rom. 8:32; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:17; 1Pet. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:20-22; 5:14-15). Answers to prayer according to faith (Matt. 9:29; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Boldness (not ashamed of Christ, Rom. 9:33; 10:11; 1Pet. 2:6). God unchangeable (Rom. 11:29). Rapture of all saints (Luke 21:36; John 14:1-3; 16:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Eph. 5:27; Php. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1Thess. 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:9-10, 23; 2Thess. 2:7; Jas. 5:7; 1Jn. 3:2). Soul rest (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9). Salvation of Gentiles (Rom. 9:25-26; 11:11-12; 15:21). Salvation of Israel (Rom. 9:27; 11:23-39; Heb. 8:10-12; 17). Final salvation at the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:23-25; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Immortality of body (Luke 20:36; Rom. 2:7; 1Cor. 15:42-54; 2Cor. 5:1-8). Earth as an inheritance (Matt. 5:5). Separation of good and bad (Matt. 13:41-43, 49-50). Exaltation of righteous (Matt. 13:43). Salvation from wrath (Rom. 5:9-10). Justice (Rom. 2:6, 12-16; 8:33; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 4:5; 11:31). Indignation and wrath (Rom. 2:8-9). Rewards according to works (Matt. 16:27; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10). A state of no hunger or thirst (John 4:14; 6:35). God’s vengeance (Rom. 12:19). Restoration of creation (Rom. 8:21; Eph. 1:10, 12; Rev. 21:3-7; 22:3). The resurrection of all people (John 5:28-29; 6:40, 44, 54; 14:19; Acts 24:15; 1Cor. 6:14; 15:20-58; 2Cor. 4:14; Rev. 20:11-15). Manifestation of God (John 14:21). Coming Messiah to reign (Rom. 15:12). Satan’s defeat (Rom. 16:20; cp. Rev. 12:7-12; 20:1-10). God for all people (Rom. 3:29-30).

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 3

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

These blessings are (continues): All good things (Matt. 7:11). Material blessings (Matt. 19:29; 21:21-22; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30). Great rewards (Matt. 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18; 10:42; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; 14:14; John 4:36; 1Cor. 3:8-15; 15:58; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Heb. 10:35; Jas. 1:25). Blessing for persecution (Matt. 5:11). Exaltation through humility (Matt. 19:30; 20:16; 23:12; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30; 14:11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; 1Pet. 5:6). The end of law in Christ (Rom. 10:4). Faith (Rom. 10:17; 1Cor. 12:9). Holiness (Rom. 11:16; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; cp. Heb. 12:14). Atonement (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:19-20; John 1:29; Rom. 3:25; 5:11; Eph. 1:7). Victory (Rom. 5:17; 8:4, 13; 37; 2Cor. 2:14; 1Jn. 5:4). Abundant grace (Rom. 5:20-21). Divine help (Rom. 8:26-27, 31, 34; 14:4; 1Cor. 10:13). A short work of God (Romm. 9:28). Protection by angels (Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:10-11; Heb. 1:14). Sonship (Matt. 5:9, 45; Luke 6:35; John 1:12; Rom. 8:14, 16; Gal. 3:7-9, 26; Heb. 3:6; 1Jn. 3:2, 10). Power to bind and lose (Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 14:12; 20:23). Divine presence now (Matt. 18:20; 20:23) and hereafter (Rev. 7:15; 21:3-7). Unlimited power (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; 17:6; 24:49; John 14:12; Acts 1:8). Love of God (John 14:21). Goodness of God (Rom. 2:4; 11:22). Blessing or cursing (Rom. 13:2-3).

To be continued…

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

These blessings are (continues): Physical healing (Matt. 8:18; 9:29; 13:15; 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 4:18; John 10:10; 14:12; Acts 28:27; Rom. 8:11; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24). Justification (Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 2:13; 3:24-28; 4:25; 5:1-2; 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:24). Righteousness (Rom. 3:22; 4:5, 16, 24; _5:19; 1Cor. 1:30). Spirit baptism (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:17-21, 38-39; 11:16; Gal. 3:14). Eternal life (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29-30; John 3:15-16, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:27, 47, 50, 58; 8:51; 10:27-29; 20:31; Rom. 2:7; 6:22-23; Tit. 1:2; 1Jn. 2:25; 5:11-12). Life by the Word (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4). Newness of life (Rom. 6:5, 8). A spiritual mind (Rom. 8:6). Impartiality of God (Rom. 2:11). Mercy (Matt. 5:7; Luke 1:50; Jas. 5:11). Comfort (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 2Cor. 1:4, 1:7; 7:6). Greatness (Matt. 5:19; 18:4; Luke 9:48). Inspiration (Matt. 10:19; Luke 12:12). Wisdom (Luke 21:15; Jas. 1:5). Assurance (John 6:37; Php. 1:6; 2Tim. 1:12; 2:11-13; Heb. 6:1-20; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Knowledge (John 7:17; 14:20, 26; 2Cor. 1:1-24; 2:12; 12:8-11). Freedom from condemnation (John 3:16-18; Rom. 8:1; Heb. 9:13-15). Freedom (John 8:32, 36). Word near all people (Rom. 10:8). Light of life (John 8:12). Honour (John 12:26; Rom. 2:8-10). Glory and honour (Rom. 2:10; 8:18). Necessities of life (Matt. 6:30, 33; Luke 11:9-13; 12:31). Providence of God (Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 24, 28; Rom. 8:28-30; 1Pet. 5:7).

To be continued…

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 

‘Blessing of the LORD, it makes rich.’ Five examples of the Lord making rich: Abraham (Gen. 24:1); Isaac (Gen. 25:11; 26:12); Jacob (Gen. 28:4; 30:27); Solomon (1Kin. 3:13); Job (Job 42:10).

There are 750 promises in the New Testament, but only 250 separate benefits (blessings) because many of the promises are repeated in different books. These blessings are Forgiveness of sins (Matt. 6:14; 12:31; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 5:24; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18; Rom. 3:25; 4:7-8; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1Jn. 1:9; 2:12)Salvation from sin (Matt. 1:21). Salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Thess. 2:13; Tit. 2:11-12). The simplicity of salvation (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:2; 1Jn. 1:9; 2Thess. 2:13). Salvation of the lost (Matt. 18:11; Luke 5:32; John 5:25; 10:9; Rev. 22:17). Filling of righteousness (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21). Conversion upon obedience (Matt. 13:15; Acts 3:19; Jas. 5:19-20). Fruitfulness (John 15:5; 2Pet. 1:8). The Holy Spirit in a measure (John 16:7-13; Rom. 8:14-16) and in all fullness (Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:12-18, 26; 15:26; Acts 1:8; 2:16-21, 38-39; 5:32). Guidance (John 16:13-15). Joy, righteousness, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

To be continued…

The Just vs the Wicked

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Proverbs 10:20-21 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 

‘The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.’ What a just man speaks is like silver, but what comes out of the heart of a wicked man is like worthless dross. A gentle tongue speaks truth and life, but a piercing tongue kills the soul (15:4). The circle of human life is continually excited by the tongue unless it is kept sanctified. Evil surmisings, misrepresentations, falsehoods, jealousies, envyings, wrath, and malice, all form part of the destroying flames of fire from the tongue of the ungodly (Jas. 3:6). Salvation alone can help a man control the tongue (2Cor. 5:17-18).

‘Feed many’ – They shepherd or instruct many. Six examples of godly instruction: Job (Job 4:3-4; 29:21-22); David (Ps. 78:70-72); Peter (Acts 4:1-4); Philip (Acts 8:5-8); Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:32-35); Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32-33).

‘Fools die for want of wisdom.’ Three examples of fools dying: are Korah and company (Num. 16:1-50); Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20-25) and the rich fool (Luke 12:16-26).