Tag: Truth

Riches and Honour – Part 1

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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 and honour’ – Riches, honour, and life depend upon humility and fear of the Lord (22:4). The Word states clearly that both riches and honour come from the Lord (3:16; 1Chr. 29:12), but never if it will lead us away from Him (Matt. 13:22; Luke 12:15-21; 1Tim. 6:17-18).

In Psalms 112:3 we see that God sanctions wealth and riches for the righteous man. How foolish to condemn riches and class rich men as wicked just because of their prosperity. Wealth is a blessing if used as God intended. It was God’s original plan that all men be prosperous and use all things in creation for their own good and God’s glory. It is still God’s purpose, and when the Messiah reigns every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree, which indicates there will be universal peace and prosperity (Isa. 2:2-4; 65:20-25; Mic. 4:1-8).

The ungodly rich, however, permit the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things to choke the Word of God (Mark 4:18-19) thus they cannot keep or understand the Word they receive. The warning against covetousness is clear throughout Scripture and we need to be thankful for a little with righteousness is better than the riches of many wicked (Ps. 37:16). Riches profit not in the day of wrath (11:4).

Ten dangers of coveting riches: Many temptations of the devil (1Tim. 6:9). Many snares of the devil. Many foolish lusts. Many hurtful lusts. Destruction and perdition. The root of evil to grow (1Tim. 6:10). One to err from the faith. Many sorrows. High mindedness (1Tim. 6:17). Wrong trust. 

To be continued…

Seek Me Early

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Proverbs 8:15-17 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 

‘I love them that love me.’ Five examples of loving wisdom: Joseph (Gen. 37:2-17; 39:3-9; 41:38); Samuel (1Sam. 2:26; 7:3-17); David (1Sam. 17:37-46); Solomon (1Kin. 3:1-28); Daniel (Dan. 1:1-21; 5:1-31; etc.).

‘Those that seek me early shall find me.’ Youth is the time to seek wisdom and knowledge and take advantage of every life improvement. If young people live carefree and follow all the lusts of their hearts and eyes, they will give an account of it, for one is judged for everything done in life, whether good or bad. The youth were thus advised to remove the things that will eventually cause grief and to put away evil from the flesh so that there will be no pain and remorse in the time to come (Eccl. 11:9-10). In other words, Remember your Creator in the days of youth instead of living in sins that will damn the soul; use youth wisely before old age comes and pleasure is rare (Eccl. 12:1).

The Fear of the LORD

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Proverbs 8:12-14 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 

‘Prudence’ is defined here as practical wisdom, or wisdom in action, choosing the best means to an end. Hence, witty (shrewd, practical) inventions.

‘The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.’ To depart from evil through the fear of God is to obtain eternal life (14:27). Four things the fear of God is the hatred of- Evil, the evil way, arrogance and pride.

There are four blessings of the fear of God: Strong confidence (14:26). A place of refuge – security. Eternal life (14:27). Holiness of life and conduct.

Fourteen blessings of the fear of the Lord: Is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). Determines destiny (1:29). Helps to depart from evil (3:7; 16:6). Is to hate evil (8:13). Prolongs days (10:27). Gives strong confidence (14:26). Is a fountain of life (14:27). Produces satisfaction (15:16). Is the instruction of wisdom (15:33). Tends to life (19:23). Gives riches, honour, and life (22:4). Brings freedom from envy (23:17). Brings blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). Involves humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yir’ah] religious reverence. By the mercy and truth of God, atonement for sin is made and iniquity is purged; through fear of Him, men depart from sin (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).

‘Hate evil’ – A man may outwardly depart from evil yet love it in his heart, but to hate it he must have divine wisdom. By nature men love evil (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 7:17; 15:19; John 3:19; Rom. 3:10-18; 8:7-8; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:2-12; 4:17-22).

‘Froward mouth’ – A perverse mouth is referred to in a threefold way: Froward speaking (2:12). Froward mouth (4:24; 6:12). Perverse lips (4:24).

‘Sound wisdom’ [Hebrew: tuwshiyah] stability; essence; substance; reality. From it come all inventions and knowledge of all sciences known to man. Translated as “wisdom” (Job 6:13; 12:16; Pro. 2:7; 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Mic. 6:9); “enterprise” (Job 5:12); “that which is” (Job 11:6); “the thing as it is” (Job 26:3); “substance” (Job 30:22); and “working” (Isa. 28:29).

The Words of My Mouth

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Proverbs 8:8-11 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 

‘Righteousness’ – All my sayings are righteous, declaring what man owes to God, his neighbour, and to himself, so that each can receive his due.

‘Froward or perverse’ – Crooked or crafty, perverse, unrighteous, or difficult.

‘They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge.’ My words are plain to him that understands, and righteous to those who have the knowledge. This is in contrast to the crooked, crafty, and unrighteous ones of Proverbs 8:8. The man of understanding and wisdom does not despise truth.

‘Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.’ Choose instruction over silver, and knowledge over gold. Wisdom is even better than rubies and all other things one can desire (8:11; cp. 3:15).

‘Better than rubies’ – Seventeen “better” things in Proverbs: Wisdom is better than gold (3:14; 8:19). Wisdom is better than silver. Wisdom is better than rubies (3:15; 8:11). A despised man is better than one who honors himself (12:9). A little with the fear of God is better than treasures with trouble (15:16). A dinner of herbs with love is better than a feast where hatred is (15:17). A man slow to anger is better than a hot tempered mighty man (16:32). A man who rules his spirit is better than an intemperate hero (16:32). A morsel of bread with quietness is better than a feast with strife (17:1). An honest poor man is better than a fool with perverse lips (19:1). A poor man is better than a liar (19:22). It is better to dwell alone in a small place than in a large one with a brawling woman (21:9; 25:24). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious woman (21:19). It is better to be exalted than to be abased before men (25:7). An open rebuke is better than secret love (27:5). A near neighbour is better than a far-off brother (27:10). A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6).

Speak Truth

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Proverbs 8:6-7 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 

‘My mouth shall speak truth.’ This is the third great personification of wisdom (8:1-9:18; cp. 1:20-32; 3:13-18). She lifts up her voice in the most public places and warns the young to avoid the ways of seduction and sin (8:1-14). She promises riches, honour, wisdom, knowledge, and success in every field of endeavour to those who love her (8:15-21). She speaks of her eternity with God and advises men to obey her because of her ancient experiences (8:22-9:18).

‘Truth’ – this word is used by Jesus in John 22 times and only 4 times by Him in the other gospels. He is the truth of God that sets free (John 8:32-36; 14:6). He is the teacher and source of truth (Matt. 22:16; Mark 12:14; John 1:14, 17).

Many claim today to speak God’s truth, but they speak lies in hypocrisy (1Tim. 4:2) [Greek: pseudologos] speakers of lies in pretended revelations; putting on an act of self-denial and mortification of the flesh to prove their false doctrines to be truth. All liars and slanderers shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8; 22:15).

Twenty personal acts of wisdom: She cries (8:1-3). She stands (8:2). She calls (8:4). She speaks (8:4 – 9:18). She reproves (8:5). She abhors sin (8:7). She admonishes (8:10). She searches (8:12). She hates (8:13). She counsels (8:14). She advises (8:15). She loves (8:17). She leads (8:20). She blesses (8:21). She rejoices (8:30). She delights (8:31). She builds (9:1). She cooks (9:2). She plans (9:3). She invites (9:5).

‘Wickedness’ [Hebrew: resha‛] lawlessness (Isa. 57:20-21).

You Simple… You Fools

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Proverbs 8:4-5 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O you simple, understand wisdom: and, you fools, be you of an understanding heart. 

‘Sons of man’ – The call is to all the sons of Adam – to the simple, to the fools (8:4-5).

‘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.

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: ‛ormah] shrewdness. Translated as wisdom (8:5); subtilty (1:4); and prudence (8:12).

‘Heart’ – Eighteen commands concerning the heart: Apply the heart to understanding (2:2; 22:17; 23:12). Open the heart to wisdom (2:10). Keep the commandments (3:1; 4:4, 21). Write commandments on it (3:3; 7:3). Trust in the Lord with it (3:5). Keep it with all diligence (4:23). Bind commandments upon it (6:21). Do not lust in it (6:25). Do not be inclined to sin (7:25). Have an understanding heart (8:5). Be wise in it (11:29; 12:23; 16:21). Retain wisdom in it (14:33). Be merry in heart (15:13, 15). Study answers with it (15:28). Increase its knowledge (18:15). Apply it to instruction (23:12). Do not use it to envy sinners (23:17). Give heart to wisdom (23:26).

Wisdom and Understanding

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Proverbs 8:1-3 Does not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 

‘Does not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?’ Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8:8-9. Just as the gospel [God’s Wisdom] is made known to man and is free and easy to find for those who seek it, we can find godly wisdom and understanding if only we ask and believe.

From James 1:5-7 we have the command to ask God (anything) if we lack wisdom, and He will, without scolding, give to all men liberally, BUT it must be asked in faith, without wavering because then you will not receive anything from the Lord.

Fifteen ways “wisdom” is used: Human education (Acts 7:22). Man’s wisdom (1Cor. 1:19-22; 2:1-13). Human philosophy and religion (Col. 2:23; 1Cor. 3:19; 2Cor. 1:12; Gal. 1:14). Earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom (Jas. 3:14-16). Prophetic anointing (Luke 11:49). Godly training (Luke 2:40, 52). Anointing to speak (Luke 21:15; Acts 6:1-15; 1Cor. 2:7). Ministerial ability for the apostles (Eph. 1:8, 17; 3:10; Col. 1:19, 28). Christ the wisdom of God (1Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 2:3; 3:16). Divine gift of wisdom (1Cor. 12:8). Divine attribute of God (Rom. 11:33). Heavenly wisdom (Jas. 3:17-18). Spirit of revelation (2Pet. 3:15). Ability of Christ (Matt. 12:42; 13:54). Native insight (Rev. 13:18; 17:9).

‘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.

‘Top of high places’ – Wisdom cries in five places: high places, crossroads, gates, broad roads, and at the doors. Wherever men are, there she cries and warns of wrong ways (8:2-5).

The Chambers of Death

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Proverbs 7:18-27 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goes after her straightway, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hastes to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life. Hearken unto me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she has cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. 

‘Take our fill’ [Hebrew: ravah] to make drunk; to drink one’s fill; satiate.

‘Goodman is not at home’ – She tried to make him think she was married and only fulfilling religious vows and worship.

‘With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.’ She overcame his scruples with lascivious talk.

‘As an ox goes to the slaughter.’ Three comparisons of the stupidity of his folly: As an ox going to slaughter. As a fool to the stocks. As a bird to the snare (7:23).

‘Hearken unto me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth.’ Again the repetitive warning (4:1, 20; 5:1; 7:24) to obey godly instruction and reproof, no one will have an excuse one day to say they didn’t know (Hos. 4:6) – knowledge and wisdom have always been available to those who ask and seek it truly (Matt. 7:7-8; 21:22; John 15:7; Jas. 1:5-8; 1Jn. 3:22; 5:14-16). Solomon appeals again to the simple and inexperienced to follow his advice; again he warns against the harlot and the end of those who sin with her (7:24-27).

‘Many strong men have been slain by her.’ Four great men fell by women: Samson (Jdg. 16:4-21); David (2 Samuel 11-12); Solomon (1Kin. 11:1-43; Neh. 13:26); Herod (Matt. 14:1-36).

‘Hell’ [Hebrew: She’owl]) the unseen world of departed spirits. The unsaved go to hell when they leave their bodies (Ps. 9:17; 55:15; Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:23; Jas. 2:26; Rev. 20:7-15) and the lost are in conscious torment in hell (Deut. 32:22; 2Sam. 22:6; Ps. 18:5; 116:3; 139:8; Isa. 14:9-11; Ezek. 32:21; Son. 8:6; Hab. 2:5; Luke 16:23-28).

Peace Offerings

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Proverbs 7:14-17 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 

‘I have peace offerings with me.’ After the blood of the offering was shed and the fat burned, all but the breast and shoulder (the priest’s portion) belonged to the sacrificer, who could take it home and make a feast for friends (Lev. 3:1-17; 7:31-34). This shows how much worship was carried on in connection with idolatry and harlotry. The gods of many pagan nations were worshipped in the brothels, and fragments of the offerings were divided among the temple prostitutes. Every heathen temple, high place of sacrifice, and place of worship had its consecrated prostitutes to attract men to such worship.

Today we need to be aware of the same fact – not every word that originates from the Word of God that is used by the world is used to honour God, but people act sanctimoniously.

‘I paid my vows.’ She insinuated that she had made a vow for the health and safety of the young man; that she had made her peace with God; that she had come forth especially to meet him; and that by partaking with her in her worship no sin would be committed; and that she was forced to avail herself of the nighttime and the absence of her husband to complete her vows and worship.

‘To meet thee.’ She implied that she came to meet him and no one else, but if this young man had not come along, another would have been the same to her.

‘Bed’ [Hebrew: ‛eres] couch or sofa on which to recline at meals; not mishkab, a bed to sleep on, as in Proverbs 7:17. She used every means to incite the passions and appetites of the young man – worship, food, and the prospect of sexual satisfaction (7:14-21).

Loud and Stubborn

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Proverbs 7:9-13 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lies in wait at every corner.) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

‘The attire of an harlot.’ Harlots have always had their mark of identification. A description is given of Judah’s time in Genesis 38:14-19. In Solomon’s time as in Judah’s, they seemed to be known by their attire. Today women dress like harlots in their everyday attire and have no shame, sobriety or modesty (1Tim. 2:9-10). Even the behaviour described in this Scriptures is that of an acceptable normal standard to most individuals today for ‘having a good time,’ going out, partying and flirting. Morally it is of a very low standard and character and leads in every way to sinful behaviour (Col. 3:5-10; 1Pet. 4:1-5; 1Jn. 2:15-17).

‘She caught him.’ Ten facts about harlots: Their attire or marks that advertise them for hire (7:10; Gen. 38:1-30). Their subtlety of heart (7:10). Their boisterous and loud disposition (7:11). Their boisterous disposition (7:11-12). Their stubbornness and persistence in pursuing innocent victims (7:11). They have no respect for the good of men – married or unmarried. They gloat over causing young men to fall into sin and husbands to go astray. They are bold, unashamed, impudent and unlawfully familiar (7:13). They are flatterers (7:5, 14-21). They are deceitful of heart (7:13-21). They are liars (7:14-21). They are temptresses and seducers (7:13-21).

‘Kissed him.’ She laid hold of him and kissed him to let him know her intentions (7:12-13).

‘Impudent face’ – She made her face look as friendly, confident, and sincere as she could.