Tag: Truth

A Scorner – Part 2

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Proverbs 9:7-9 He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 

Three examples of rebuking and being hated: Joseph (Gen. 37:2, 18-28). The prophet (2Chr. 25:16). John the Baptist (Matt. 14:1-10).

‘Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.’ We can rebuke or warn a fellow Christian, depending on how far and for how long such an individual has backslidden. Christ warns that He will spew such a person from His mouth because they are lukewarm (Rev. 3:15-17) and most people do not want to ‘hear the truth’ about their sinful state, that’s why they choose it and keep on living in that state – they reject the knowledge of the Truth and will thus be rejected (Hos. 4:6; Heb. 10:26).

Three examples of rebuking and being loved: Nathan (2Sam. 12:1-31). Two disciples (Luke 24:25-29). Peter (John 21:17; Gal. 2:11-14).

‘Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.’ To instruct – reading (or quoting), not preaching – from God’s Word will remind us of how we must live and act and keep us on the straight and narrow (Matt. 7:13-14) therefore Scripture commands us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds by His Word (Eph. 4:23-24; Rom. 12:1-2).

A Scorner – Part 1

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Proverbs 9:7-9 He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 

‘Scorner’ [Hebrew: luwts] to make mouths at; to scoff; to mock (Ps. 1:1; Pro. 1:22; 3:34; 9:7). Anyone that rejects, jokes or makes light of the Word of God.

‘Wicked’ [Hebrew: rasha‛] lawlessness (Isa. 57:20-21). All classes of the wicked are like the troubled sea that cannot be still and constantly stirs up the mire and dirt of sin and corruption. They have no peace (Isa. 57:20-21), no calmness of soul or spirit; their passions and appetites keep them in continual turmoil seeking something satisfying; the wealth, business, pleasure, pride, pomp, flattery, and unrest of the world only keep them dissatisfied; and strong undercurrents of malice, jealousy, lust, revenge, strife, and ambitions to outdo others keep them at war with God and fellowmen. The guilt of a past life and the burning memories of wrongdoing agitate the sinner day and night to cover up his evil, but he cannot escape the fear of hell and future reaping.

‘Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee.’ This scripture is a great warning to all Christians not to rebuke those who reject the Word of God, because it will end in them making a mockery of you and the Scripture and they will not heed your rebuke, because ONLY the Holy Spirit can convict others of sin (John 16:7-11). Matthew 7:6 confirms this truth and gives the result if you persist in this warning: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you.” Do not force truth upon rebels who reject it, or give holy things to faultfinders, mote hunters, or evil speakers. To rebuke a sinner (Matt. 7:1-6; Rom. 2:1-11) means you condemn and judge them for what they chose and it leads to condemnation instead of conviction (Rom. 8:1).

To be continued…

Forsake the Foolish and Live

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Proverbs 9:5-6 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 

‘Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.’ The invitation of wisdom to eat her bread and drink her wine is a symbol of life through proper wisdom and understanding.  In the New Testament bread and wine symbolize the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, which give life to all who appropriate their benefits by faith (Matt. 26:26-30; 1Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-30).

No justification of using alcoholic beverages can be justified by using any Scripture. The word wine was the common word for the product of the grape (grape juice) and was taken from ‘fruit of the vine’ and fermentation (the process of rot that causes alcohol production) was not always clearly stated. Scripture, however, is clear on being sober (1Thess. 5:6,8; 1Tim. 3:2; Tit. 2:2,4,6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8) and the sin of drunkenness (Pro. 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; Isa. 5:11; Hab. 2:15; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7) that refers to the user and not only the state of the user as most people interprets.

‘Wine which I have mingled.’ Among Jews, Greeks, and Romans, wine was rarely used without mixing with water. Some mixed 3 parts water with 1 of wine, and others 5 to 1. The common mixture was 3 parts water and 2 parts wine.

‘Forsake the foolish, and live.’ Four examples of forsaking things to live: Moses (Heb. 11:24-27); Rahab (Jos. 2:9-13; 6:25; Heb. 11:31); Ruth (Rth. 1:16; 2:11-12); Disciples (Matt. 4:18-22; 9:9; etc.).

Wisdom

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Proverbs 9:1-4 Wisdom has builded her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars: She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also furnished her table. She has sent forth her maidens: she cries upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wants understanding, she said to him…

‘Wisdom has builded her house.’ The personification of wisdom continues in this chapter. In Proverbs 8:1-36 she was manifested in all of God’s creation. Here she is the ruler of what she has built (9:1-12). In Proverbs 9:1-3 she is building a house, making a banquet, and sending out her maids to invite guests to partake of her bounties. She is pictured here as a builder, sculptress, butcher, and gracious hostess.

‘Sent forth her maidens.’ An Eastern custom. In the New Testament men are sent forth with banquet invitations (Matt. 22:3; Luke 14:17). The complete custom was that invitations were sent out to guests by a company of women, preceded by eunuchs. They went from door to door of the invited, delivering their message.

‘Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither.’ Their message to the simple and those who lack understanding is, to forsake the foolish things of life and live by going in the way of understanding (9:4-6).

‘Simple’ [Hebrew: pethiy] inconsiderate; unwary; artless, guileless, and unsuspecting; those who, through lack of knowledge and experience, act rashly and unwisely (1:22, 32; 7:7; 8:5; 9:4, 16; 14:15, 18; 19:25; 21:11; 22:3; 27:12). Referring to those who are unsaved.

‘Understanding’ [Hebrew: leb] is translated as heart over 500 times in the Old Testament, 76 of which are in Proverbs (2:2, 10; 3:1, 3, 5; etc.). Also translated as understanding (9:4, 16; 6:32; 7:7; 10:13; 12:11; 15:32; 17:18; 24:30); and as wisdom (10:21; 11:12; 15:21; 19:8).

Blessed are They That Keep My Ways

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Proverbs 8:32-36 Now therefore hearken unto me, O you children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me love death. 

‘Blessed are thy that keep my ways.’ Happy are they who keep my ways, and whoever finds wisdom obtains favour or grace from the Lord (8:32-35; Ps. 1:1-6). The one who rejects wisdom and sins against her does so to the damnation of his own soul (8:36). It is therefore not so much sin and satan, but the man himself that is responsible for his rejection or reception of wisdom which leads to eternal life. If he receives the teaching of God, sin will not have dominion over him, and if he resists satan, the devil will flee from him (Jas. 4:7; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:12-13).

Seven acts of a righteous man: Delights in the Word of God (Ps. 1:2). Meditates in it day and night (Ps. 2:1-12). Consecrates to obey it (Ps. 1:1). Makes it his rule of life and conduct (Jas. 1:22-27). Makes it his standard of faith and religion (2Tim. 3:16-17). Reads it to gain knowledge and wisdom (Matt. 24:15; Eph. 3:4; Rev. 1:3). Feeds on it to grow spiritually (1Pet. 2:1-3; Rom. 10:17).

‘All they that hate me love death.’ They that hate wisdom love sin which leads to death, so they can be justly accused of loving death, the penalty for sin. We see from John 3:19 the following: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” This refers to when Christ came to the earth for the first time to bring us the gospel and give His life so that we don’t have to keep on living under the joke of sin, but men chose darkness and sin over light and righteousness. That is the problem today still, people are not willing to die to themselves (John 12:24-26; Matt. 10:37-39) and live a life following in His footsteps and the example He came to set for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).

The Foundations of the Earth

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Proverbs 8:29-31 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. 

‘When he appointed the foundations of the earth.’ All this refers to the original creation of the heavens and earth long before the six days of Genesis 1:3-2:25. Between this creation and Adam’s day the earth was inhabited by pre-Adamite beings who were ruled by Lucifer for an indefinite period of sinlessness, followed by a long period of rebellion before his defeat and that of the pre-Adamite beings and the angels and demons who took part in his invasion of heaven in the attempt to dethrone God (Isa. 14:12-14; Jer. 4:23-26; Ezek. 28:11-17; Matt. 13:35; Luke 10:18; 2Pet. 3:5-7).

‘Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.’ Wisdom is pictured here as a child who is always near his parent, watching him at work and under his constant care. The passage is a personification of wisdom. These doctrines are plainly expressed in many other scriptures directly on the subject (Isa. 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Col. 1:15-18; Heb. 1:1-8; Rev. 1:8; etc.).

‘Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth.’ Wisdom is especially displayed in the works of God in the affairs of men. God’s providence is over all, and all are subjects of His eternal care.

He Prepared the Heavens

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Proverbs 8:25-28 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep

‘Highest part of the dust of the world.’ Before He made the first particle of dust.

‘When he prepared the heavens, I was there.’ This was before the creation of the earth (Gen. 1:1; Job 38:4-7). Genesis 1:1 refers to the creative ages which stretch from the dateless past to the end of the seven days of Genesis 1:3-2:25. This period may be called the dispensation of angels because they ruled on earth (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Col. 1:15-18).

‘Heavens’ There are three heavens (2Cor. 12:2, 4): The clouds above us that were called the firmament and our heaven (Gen. 1:8; Ps. 77:17-18; 104:2-3). The paradise that was moved after Christ’s ascension when He set the captives free (Eph. 4:8-10; Ps. 68:18; Heb. 2:14-15) – this is the place where current believers ‘who die IN Christ’ go to await the rapture (1Thess. 4:13-18). The third heaven which is God’s current dwelling place (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:13-14; 66:1; Rev. 21:2, 10)

‘Compass’ – A circle or vault.

‘Fountains of the deep.’ Deep underground water (Gen. 1:2; 7:11; 8:2; 49:25; Deut. 33:13; Ps. 104:6) to supply water sources on earth, it was the source for the floods of Lucifer (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:5-9; 2Pet. 3:6) and of Noah (Genesis 6:8 – 8:14).

Before His Works of Old

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Proverbs 8:22-24 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 

‘The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.’ Wisdom is not acquired by God but by men, angels, and other created beings. Wisdom existed before: God’s creations of old (8:22). The creation of the earth (8:23). The depths and fountains of waters (8:24). The mountains and hills (8:25). The earth, fields, and dust of the world (8:26). The heavens and the clouds (8:28). The laws governing creation (8:29).

‘From everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.’ From the beginning of the ages.

‘I was brought forth.’ I was produced or manifested in the plan of God as well as in the creation of all things. By me (wisdom) God made all things (Ps. 104:24; 136:5).

When one stops to consider the infinite details of creation and the plan of eternal sustenance of all things – from the smallest creation to the largest  – he is forced to exclaim the truth of Romans 11:33 which states: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! 

Riches and Honour – Part 3

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Proverbs 8:18-21 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

‘My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.’ Man sold himself a slave to sin and satan. God paid the price of His redemption. Man is now obligated to meet God’s terms of faith, repentance, and service if He wants to be redeemed. The word is not used here of man actually paying a price in money or goods – exchanging material things for the gold, raiment, and ointment of Revelations 3:18 – but rather of his paying the price of renouncing satan, repenting of sins, and consecrating to God in face of suffering persecution such as Christians must suffer for Christ (Rev. 3:19; 2Tim. 3:12).

‘Gold tried in the fire’ represents true faith (1Pet1:7).

When the atonement of Christ is fully embraced, the sick, sinful, helpless, and needy are restored health, holiness, power, and prosperity, and full dominion over satan and membership and communion in God’s family. The Lord will prosper your work, bless your family, increase your prosperity, and rejoice over you for good (Deut. 30:8-10). Material prosperity is a blessing that is God’s will (Job 36:11; Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16; 2Cor. 9:6-8; Php. 4:19; 3Jn. 1:2) . Universal prosperity will be a reality (Isa. 2:2-4; 35:1-8; 65:20-25; Mic. 4:4-5).

Riches and Honour – Part 2

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Proverbs 8:18-21 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Riches in Scripture are considered the cause of much sin and rebellion against God; and, for this cause, there are many warnings to men, especially converted men, to shun all covetousness of such (Deut. 6:10-17; Ps. 52:1-7; 73:1-22; Pro. 23:4-5; 28:20-22; 30:8-9; Jer. 9:23; Ezek. 28:5; Matt. 6:19; Luke 6:24; 12:15-20; 16:13-31; 1Tim. 6:4-19; Jas. 1:9-11; 5:1-3).

Covetousness [the intense lust for gain] is forbidden (Ex. 20:17; Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Hatred of it was one qualification of leaders, civil and religious (Ex. 18:21; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2). It will damn the soul (1Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:3-5; 1Tim. 6:9-11; 2Pet. 2:3, 14). It must be killed out entirely (Col. 3:2-6).

Covetousness breeds: Greed and murder (1:19; Isa. 56:11; Jer. 22:17). Poverty and rebellion (11:24). Oppression and violence (22:16; Jer. 22:17; Mic. 2:2). Denial of God (30:8-9). Injustice (Isa. 1:23; Mic. 7:3). Backsliding (Mic. 3:11). Deceptions (Matt. 13:22). Defilement (Mark 7:21-23). Temptations and lusts (1Tim. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 2:15-17). A short life and a fool’s end (Jer. 17:11; Luke 12:16-21).

Seven sins of wicked rich men: Heaping together treasures on earth (Jas. 5:3; Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:15-21). Defrauding labourers (Jas. 5:4; Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14-15; Jer. 22:13; Mal. 3:5). Living in pleasure at the expense of those defrauded (Jas. 5:5; Matt. 23:14). Living in wantonness or sensual appetites to the uttermost (Jas. 5:5; Rom. 13:13; 1Tim. 5:11; 2Pet. 2:18). Nourishing the heart, or living in luxury and pride (Jas. 5:5). Condemning the just, or perverting the judgment of the poor (Jas. 2:1-10; 5:6). Killing the just to multiply their own riches (Jas. 5:6; 1Kin. 21:1-29).

To be continued…