Do We Exercise Spiritual Discernment In Our Walk With Christ?
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going. A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. (Proverbs 14:15-18)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 14:15-18
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Pursuit Of The Wise: Godly Discernment: Proverbs 14:15-18
15) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.
16) A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17) [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18) The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
EXPOSITION:
15) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.
1. Those who are easily seduced will trust and follow any message
2. A wise man will examine the true nature of any message and will watch over the path of life that he will take.
Wise discernment will lead us to Godly teachings and holy living.
16) A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
1. A wise man will recognize the harmfulness of sin and will purposely walk away from any temptation to sin.
2. A fool will anger over accusations of error and sin and will be self-assured of his wicked lifestyle
Wise discernment will cause us to seek out and depart from sin and temptation that enters our life.
17) [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
1. A man who is short tempered will labor without great value or purpose.
2. A man who exhibits sinful methods and motives is the enemy of those around him.
Wise discernment will improve the usefulness of our actions and enhance our relationships with others.
18) The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
1. Those who are naïve will have distributed to them worthlessness.
2. Those who are wise are rewarded with increased truths from the Word.
Wise discernment will lead us to lifestyles that bear useful fruits. Those who use the truths of God wisely, applying them to their lives will be rewarded with increased knowledge.
SUMMARY:
In this text we have seen some very important results to exhibiting Godly discernment in our lives…
1. Wise discernment will lead us to Godly teachings and holy living.
2. Wise discernment will cause us to seek out and depart from sin and temptation that enters our life.
3. Wise discernment will improve the usefulness of our actions and enhance our relationships with others.
4. Wise discernment will lead us to lifestyles that bear useful fruits. Those who use the truths of God wisely, applying them to their lives will be rewarded with increased knowledge.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Only You Can Know What Your Standing is Before God…
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself. (Proverbs 14:10-14)
To view the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 14:10-14
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Pursuit Of The Wise: Absolute Peace Proverbs 14:10-14
10) The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11) The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
13) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.
14) The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.
EXPOSITION:
In this text, we find that wise people will seek to absolute security that is only found in our Lord and Savior.
10) The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
1. No man can recognize with certainty the spiritual disposition of others. It is only one’s own mind and set of desires for his life that one can recognize when his life is unfulfilling and filled with dissatisfaction and emptiness.
2. Likewise, others cannot share in our experiences and emotions. They can only observe them from a distance.
This principle applies to our peace with God. Our spiritual condition is a personal issue between us and the Lord. Our actual condition before God can only be known by our own heart and the Spirit’s witness within us. Although our outward fruits that are borne are an indication of our spiritual condition, no other person can know with certainty our standing before the Lord.
“Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.” (Job 6:2-4)
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
11) The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
1. Those who remain in their sinful condition will be overtaken and brought to desolation.
2. In comparison, those who are aligned with God’s desires, through repentance of sin and submission to His Lordship, will be blessed in his life and peace knowing he is right with the Lord.
True peace and security comes from a certainty of our right standing before the Lord. This certainty comes into being based upon the witness of our human spirit and the Holy Spirit that is within us.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
When the human spirit is left without the Lord’s intervention, it can mislead us to follow the well-trodden path of the world. In our spirit it appears to be the path that leads to happiness and contentment but, in actuality, it is the path that leads to continued spiritual death (separation from the Lord due to our sin) and coming eternal death (permanent separation from the Lord in the Lake of Fire due to our sin).
This proverb helps us to understand our desperate need of the gracious intervention of Christ to obtain peace with God. Through the Holy Spirit’s workings, the Lord can open our spiritual eyes and show us the true way that leads to salvation. Without His intervention, we are like a blind man unable to find what he so desperately needs.
“Enter ye in by the narrow gate, because wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are they who enter through it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted the way, that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
13) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.
1. There are many lost men who outwardly appear happy and content, while being empty and miserable within.
2. Without Christ, it makes no difference what hypocritical joy we may display outwardly; within, we only find emptiness which will result in a burdensome misery of our spirit.
The lack of a personal relationship with Christ guarantees an emptiness and misery of the inward man. Despite outward displays of joy and happiness, the lost man only experiences a void and unfulfilled longing within. This is why a wise man will seek out a relationship with the only source of genuine fulfillment, peace and joy …. The Lord Jesus Christ.
“Be ye sorrowful, and mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into a downcast look.” (James 4:9)
14) The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.
1. Those who mentally receive the Word of God in their minds (without the Holy Spirit applying it to their hearts) when they willfully choose to turn back to their own ways will receive their deserved punishment for their wicked deeds.
Note: These men did not “lose their salvation” for they never had it to begin with. They simply mentally assented to the truth of God’s Word, and hypocritically reformed their outward actions. However, over time, because they were never experience a Godly change within turned back to their old ways proving they were never saved to start with. A hypocritical “acceptance” of the truth of God’s Word never releases a man from the judgment of God.
“For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:21-22)
Why does the dog return his vomit and the sow return to the mire? Because they were never changed within… they are still a dog and a sow.
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1 John 2:19)
What does it show us when a person willfully departs from the truth that he once claimed to believe? It shows us that they were never really a part of God’s kingdom, family and fellow servants of Christ.
2. A man who is genuinely saved and serving Christ will find, satisfaction, peace and contentment as he lives life on earth. In spite of hardships and trials that he might face, he knows that his relationship with the Lord has secured for him eternal peace, security and a life with meaning and purpose.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:8)
SUMMARY:
In this text we have seen some very important principles in a search for genuine peace and security:
1. Our spiritual condition is an issue between us and God alone. NO man can, with certainty, see the spiritual condition of the heart
2. Without repentance of sin and submission to His Lordship, we are destined for an empty life and separation from the Lord
3. To gain peace and security we are in desperate need of the gracious intervention of Christ. We cannot gain peace of our own effort or merit.
4. The lack of a personal relationship with Christ guarantees an emptiness and misery of the inward man.
5. Those who mentally receive the Word of God in their minds (without the Holy Spirit applying it to their hearts) when they willfully choose to turn back to their own ways will receive their deserved punishment for their wicked deeds.
6. A man who is genuinely saved and serving Christ will find genuine, lasting satisfaction, peace and contentment as he lives life on earth.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Are We A Faithful Messenger For Christ?
5) A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth.
7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.
8) The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.
9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour. (Proverbs 14:5-9)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 14:5-9
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Pursuit Of The Wise: Speak A God Honoring Message: Proverbs 14:5-9
5) A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth.
7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.
8) The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.
9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.
EXPOSITION:
In this text, we find that wise people will seek to speak a God honoring message to all who will hear…
5) A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
1. A witness that is worthy of our trust and attention is one that does not deceive with their speech.
2. A witness that should be ignored is one that speaks falsely and deceptively.
For our message to be trusted and taken seriously, we must develop a lifestyle of honesty and truth. How can others believe our message about Christ, when we are known to be deceptive in other areas of our lives?
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” (Exodus 23:1)
6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth.
1. One who holds the Word of God as dirty and useless, when he seeks genuine wisdom elsewhere will not find it.
2. Those who perceive the value and truthfulness of God’s Word will swiftly find truthful facts when he seeks them.
For our message to be truthful and Godly we must recognize the source of all divine truth…. The Word of God. For those who speak messages based upon other worldly sources will only be speaking sinful, fallen knowledge of this world.
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].” (Matthew 11:25-27)
7) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.
We are to walk away from those we perceive are foolish teachers who lack wisdom in their teachings. They are false teachers. We are to not listen to them, consider their message, or encourage others to do so.
We are to always guard our message from the influence of false teachers. We are to keep in hearts and minds pointed to the Lord and His truth if we expect to continue increasing our knowledge of Him and to strengthen the foundation of our teachings.
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:27)
8) The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.
1. Those who possess Godly wisdom place their attention on their life and their duty before the Lord. They are making sure that their lifestyle matches the Godly message they proclaim.
2. Those who are foolish do not care about their lifestyle but concentrate on how to mislead and deceive others for their own personal gain.
To have a fruitful message we must always be sure that our lifestyle mirrors that of the message that we proclaim. To contradict our teachings by living in contradiction to them is only an exercise in futility and displeasure in the eyes of God.
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” (Psalms 143:8)
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” (Ephesians 4:22)
9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.
1. Those without wisdom will not take sin seriously, it will only be an object of their jest, excusing it and mocking it.
2. Among those who take sin seriously and have lifestyles that reject sin, they will find favor with God and man.
To have a Godly message of truth, we must always take sin seriously in our lives and our teachings. To mock at sin or to take it lightly will only corrupt our message and bring displeasure of God upon us. Our message should always include the harmful aspects of sin, the need to repent of that sin and the need to flee from its presence.
“How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:18-19)
“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.” (Proverbs 13:15)
SUMMARY:
To possess a God honoring message we should pay special attention to:
1. develop a lifestyle of honesty and truth
2. recognize the source of all divine truth
3. keep in hearts and minds pointed to the Lord and His truth
4. be sure that our lifestyle mirrors that of the message that we proclaim
5. always take sin seriously in our lives and our teachings.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Are We Spiritually Strengthening Our Children?
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him. In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:1-4)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 14:1-4
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Pursuit Of The Wise: Strengthening The Family: Proverbs 14:1-4
1) Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2) He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him.
3) In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4) Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox.
In this chapter of Proverbs, the Lord inspires Solomon to give to us a list of many different pursuits of those who are wise in the Word…
EXPOSITION:
In this text, we find that wise people will seek to spiritually strengthen their family…
1) Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
The Bible recognizes the woman as holding the greatest amount of direct control and influence over those that are in her family. Although the man is said to hold the position absolute authority, the woman’s role in the family should never be minimized. Here, we find that…
1. a wise woman will spiritually and physically establish, strengthen and support her children. She does this by establishing Godly guidelines, instituting Godly practices and instructing through her words and her examples.
2. a woman who lacks wisdom will root up and weaken her family by allowing Godliness to become the lifestyle of the family members.
It is important to recognize, that although the woman, due to her elevated role in rearing children, is discussed in this proverb… these basic principles also apply to the man as well.
“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)
2) He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him.
1. The person whose lifestyle is lived in alignment with the desires of the Lord declares His respect and fear of the Lord.
2. The person whose lifestyle displays a twisting and perverting of the desires of the Lord reveals his distain, dislike and disrespect for the Lord and His desires.
Our lifestyles are living examples of how our family should respect the Lord and His Word. By living lives of obedience, we are teaching our children to respect the Lord and His desires… by living lives of disobedience, we are teaching disrespect for our Lord.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” (2 Timothy 3:2-3)
3) In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
1. The speech of the foolish are harmful to others because they are motivated by pride. They can harm the innocent like a rod used to drive away the opposition in times of war.
2. The speech of those who are wise are spoken to build up, correct, and restore to obedience to the desires of the Lord. Because of this, their speech leads to the physical and spiritual protection of the listeners.
One of the great roles of parenting is to guide the children through the use of wise speech. By teaching our children the truths of God’s Word and the application of it, the parent is equipping the child to live a lifestyle of peace, security and obedience to God.
“My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.” (Psalms 57:4)
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)
4) Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox.
1. Where there are no oxen, there is no need to feed nor clean up after them. By owning no oxen, it eliminates work and effort for the owner…. However….
2. The stronger the ox, the more work can be accomplished in the field. There can be no food grown and no profit made without the ox.
Although no harvest is immediately gotten, the willingness to labor now by caring for the ox and laboring in the field…. will lead to reaping a harvest after months have passed.
Here, we have a basic principle that should be shared with our children. The need of lawful labor for sppuly our needs and be profitable in life. Like those who choose to not own an ox, they are choosing current ease and laziness over supplying future needs through honest labor now.
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
SUMMARY:
Those who are wise, will seek to spiritually equip and strengthen their family. This would include:
1. by establishing Godly guidelines, instituting Godly practices and instructing through her words and her examples.
2. lifestyles that are living examples of how our family should respect the Lord and His Word.
3. verbally teaching our children the truths of God’s Word and the application of it
4. teaching the need of lawful labor for the supply physical needs and to be industrious in life.
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Godly Parents Meet the Physical and Spiritual Needs Of Their Children…
A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just. Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. (Proverbs 13:22-25)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:22-25
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: Godly Parenting: Proverbs 13:22-25
22) A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.
23) Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.
24) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25) The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
EXPOSITION:
Our Proverbs devotional series now addresses the wise desire to parent children in a Godly way…
22) A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.
The first principle of Godly parenting is laying up valuable possessions to be handed down to the child:
1. A parent who is pleasing to the Lord will leave wealth to his children to be used the parent’s death. This includes both worldly possessions and, more importantly, the spiritual “valuables” found through God’s Word and a Godly example.
In today’s world, an inheritance is thought of as only being physical in nature. However, in God’s Word, the importance of the physical inheritance pales in comparison to the great value of a spiritual inheritance. Above all else, a Godly parent will seek to leave to his child a spiritual inheritance that includes:
a. Knowledge of the need of salvation.
b. The doctrinal truths of the Word.
c. An understanding of the “real-world” usage of the Word.
d. A Godly example of a wise lifestyle.
2. Those parents who reject the Lord’s desires for their lives will find that their worldly labors and efforts will hold no personal benefits for themselves but will in actuality only benefit God’s people. The labors of the wicked, being under the sovereign control of God, are allowed for His people’s good and His glory.
“For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 2:26)
23) Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.
1. The physically poor and spiritually humble parent, recognizing the great value of possessions and their origin from the Lord will use their possessions wisely. They will seek to accumulate them for the Godly purpose of helping their children and others in need. The Lord then blesses the motivations and efforts of their labors, in an overflowing fashion. By giving them an abundance of fruits for their labors, the poor have their needs met and leftover to be able to help their children and others in need.
2. For those who accumulate possessions with selfish motives and ungodly practices show themselves to be lacking sound judgment and face the perishing of their possessions and themselves throughout eternity.
“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” (Psalms 112:4-6)
“How do ye say, We [are] wise, and the law of the LORD [is] with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he [it]; the pen of the scribes [is] in vain. The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?” (Jeremiah 8:8-9)
24) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
1. The parent that puts his own pleasure and ease ahead of their children will withhold punishment from their disobedient child. This will be a sign that the parent is counting their child as a burden and an enemy, as they refuse to deal with their obedience in a manner pleasing to the Lord and for the long-term benefit of the child.
2. The parent that is willing to sacrifice for the child and do what is for the child’s good will discipline the child when they are disobedient. This displays they love their child and their willingness to inconvenience themselves for the sake of the child.
Remember, the proper disciplining of a child, when done in response to willful, rebellious, disobedience will teach the child the need to submit to higher authorities in their life. One course, this principle will be instrumental in their salvation, if we remember that the Highest Authority is our Lord who commands all men everywhere to repent.
“Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” (Proverbs 29:15-17)
Please note in the above verses when corporal punishment is used in a Scriptural way, it can be very beneficial in the raising of children. At the hand of a loving parent, who only desires the good of their child, they will take special care in this type of discipline will not becoming abuse.
WHEN A PERSON SAYS THAT CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IS UNACCEPTABLE IN ALL SITUATIONS, THEY ARE DENYING THE CLEAR TEACHINGS OF SCRIPTURE.
25) The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
1. The parent who is righteous, one who is seeking out and applying the truths of the Word to their life, will be blessed of the Lord and find both physical contentment and possess a spiritually satisfying life. They can look back on their life knowing they were faithful to the Lord, they equipped their children for a Godly life through their teachings and examples, and helped others in need.
2. For those parents who were wicked, they can only look back at a spiritually destitute life, many missed opportunities of service to God, failures in meeting the spiritual needs of their children, and living selfish lives.
“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.” (Isaiah 65:13-14)
SUMMARY:
Godly parenting, although difficult and demanding of time, requiring much patience and effort, will lead to contentment and satisfaction knowing that life was lived to enable children to be greater servants of the Lord. May times, through Godly parenting, a child is able to accomplish much more for Christ than what the parent could accomplish. What a blessing it is to see a child faithfully serving the Lord in even greater ways that that of the parent. It is an acknowledgement of the Lord’s promises of blessings, the parent’s patient, faithful, upbringing of the child, and the gracious hand of the Lord…
“I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.” (Psalms 78:2-8)
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
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SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
The 2 Types Of Conscience Conviction….
Leads To Sorrow of the World or A Godly Sorrow…
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
For the SIH lesson on this subject please click following link:
The Human Conscience Series: “The Origin And Conviction Of Our Conscience”
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth:
but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
(Prov 28:1)
In the past few lessons we have seen the Biblical meaning of the word “conscience”; the existence of the human conscience in both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures and examples of some of the many varied ways it influences man.
Now, let’s take a few moments to learn more about the origin of the human conscience and it’s convicting powers…
THE SCRIPTURES:
(Genesis 1:27)
So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
(Psalms 51:4)
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.
(John 8:9)
And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
(John 16:7-11)
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
(Acts 3:18-19)
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
(Acts 16:14-15)
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.
(Romans 2:14-15)
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
(2 Corinthians 1:12)
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
(2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
THE STUDY:
The Origin of the Human Conscience
The conscience was given to man by God…
1. “So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)
Please notice that God created (formed, shaped) man in His image (likeness, a shadow). One aspect of mankind being created in the likeness of God is the ability to discern moral right from wrong.
Animals can understand that a certain action will result in their punishment, but they cannot discern the morality of an action. Man, however, was given the ability to not only link and action to its consequences, but they can also understand that their sin has broken the commands of God and that their actions have displeased God….
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.” (Psalms 51:4)
Here, we see that our conscience was given to us by God giving us moral discernment which is one aspect of being made in His image.
2. “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” (Romans 2:14-15)
In this set of verses, we can see that Gentiles who had never been taught the Word of God, were still capable of recognizing sin and the need to live moral lives. By doing this, they “shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness,” .
In other words, God has written His law in their mind and desires. Through the testimony of their conscience, the law in their mind and desires are validated and emphasized. This is much like a witness at a legal proceeding verifying the evidence and giving it more weight in the eyes of the jurors.
Who did the writing of the law upon the heart of man? It is the Lord of course. It is the Lord that equipped man with the conscience, and uses it as a tool to confirm and bring to the forefront His standard of morality…
“For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)
These verses help us to come to an understanding of the definition of our conscience….
The Conscience Conviction vs. Holy Spirit Conviction
There is a clear difference between conscience conviction apart from the Holy Spirit and conscience conviction in conjunction with the Holy Spirit…
1. “And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” (John 8:9)
This is a clear example of conviction that is the result of the conscience of man APART without the intervention of the Holy Spirit. It results in shame and acknowledgment of sin, but does not result in repentance nor a changed life.
2. “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.” (Acts 16:14-15)
This is an example of a woman who had been convicted by the Holy Spirit, through the use of her conscience resulting in her heart being “opened”; turning from her sin to submission to Christ “she attended unto the things which were spoken by Paul” and “she was baptized”. In this example, we can see a true repentance for sin taking place which led to a changed life of obedience to Christ.
3. “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
(2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
The sorrow that results from the conviction of the conscience APART from the Holy Spirit is described here as “the sorrow of the world”. Conviction which proceeds from the Holy Spirit through the use of the conscience is described as “Godly sorrow”. Note the basic differences:
Conscience conviction without the Holy Spirit’s workings results in:
a. sorrow without Godly intervention – “ye were made sorry” and “sorrow of the world”
b. eternal spiritual death – “worketh death”.
Conscience used as a tool by the Holy Spirit to convict and convince results in:
a. sorrow that results in turning from the sin to service to God – “sorrowed to repentance”
b. sorrow that is a gift of God’s grace – “sorry after a Godly manner” and “sorrowed after a Godly sort”
c. sorrow that results in repentance and salvation – “sorrow worketh repentance to salvation”
d. sorrow for sin that is permanent – “not to be repented of”
e. sorrow that results in Godliness as top priority – “what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge!”
The conviction that is brought upon us through our conscience alone is useful showing us our sin and, by implication, our need of salvation. However, it is only through the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God opening our sin hardened heart, turning us from our sin to our Lord and Savior that we can experience a Godly sorrow and true salvation in Him.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:7-11)
THE SUMMARY:
May we thank the Lord for the wonderful gift of the conscience that He has given to us. By His grace, may He, in the person of the Holy Spirit, use our conscience to convict us of our sin, open our sin hardened hearts, draw us to Himself, recognizing Him as our Lord and Savior, and grace us with Godly sorrow, repentance and faith.
In doing so, we will receive salvation from our sins, become new creatures in Christ and receive a continual display of His grace in our lives, beginning now and stretching throughout eternity…
“But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:18-19)
May the Lord bless us as we seek His truth.
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Settled In Heaven Ministries Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Saturday Scripture
Meekness is power under control….
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-25)
For the SIH Bible lesson on this subject please click here:
Making It Plain: “Messiah” or “Christ” = Anointed One
1. “Messiah” comes from Hebrew word: “mashiyach” which means “to anoint, to rub, to apply”.
2. The meaning of the word Messiah is brought into the New Testament by use of the Greek word “christos” which is translated “Christ”
Therefore Old Testament title “Messiah” is equivalent to the New Testament title “Christ”….. “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the MESSIAS, WHICH IS, BEING INTERPRETED, THE CHRIST”
(John 1:41)
We find that there are three different Jewish offices that used the act of anointing to place an individual in the postion of service to God….
1. prophet
2. priest
3. king
By recognizing Jesus as THE “Messiah” or THE “Christ” it is saying that He is THE Anointed One, in other words the Ultimate, Superior Holder of the offices of Prophet, Priest and King. Christ was publicly declared to hold these three offices when The Father anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit at His baptism… “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” (Matthew 3:16)
The term “Messiah” is only used in one 2 verse text in the Old Testament…. “Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the MESSIAH the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall MESSIAH be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” (Daniel 9:25-26)
The term “Christ” is used very frequently in the New Testament. A few of those references are….
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]. (John 4:25-26)
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)
Who Do We Hang Around With?
They can affect our spiritual walk…
Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. (Proverbs 13:18-21)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:18-21
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: The Word Of God (2): Proverbs 13:18-21
18) Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20) He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21) Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
EXPOSITION:
A description of the benefits of a wise attitude concerning the Scriptures is shown to us in this text…
18) Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
1. A foolish attitude is described as “willfully loosening” or “letting slide away” the instruction found in the Word. We can refuse His Word by simply allowing it to gradually slip away and no longer be a part of our life.
2. This is compared with the wise attitude of “protecting” or “guarding over” the correction found in the Word. In this case, instead of allowing these things to slip away due to lack of diligence, we carefully watch over His Word making certain it continues to be a living part of our lifestyle and testimony.
What do these attitudes result in?
1. For the foolish, allowing the Word to slide away results in spiritual poverty (and, perhaps, physical poverty) as well as public shame in this world and eternity to come.
2. For the wise, carefully guarding His Word, results in being taken seriously by those around us and receiving eternal rewards for faithfulness from the hand of God.
Wise attitudes result in spiritual blessings, human respect and eternal rewards.
“But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
19) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil.
1. For those who wisely desire to depart from sin, overcoming sin is agreeable, pleasant and brings fulfillment.
2. For the fools holy living is detestable and to be avoided.
Wise attitudes result in a fulfilling, pleasant life desirous of Godliness.
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
20) He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
1. For those who are wise, they will understand the strong influence of others and, therefore, will desire to accompany others who are wise.
2. The fool does not understand the power of the influence of their companions and, therefore, form close relationships with those that are foolish.
Wise attitudes result in seeking out Godly acquaintances that will enhance their spiritual growth.
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” (Malachi 3:16-18)
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
21) Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
1. For the foolish who make a practice of sin, harm, distress and retribution will follow them.
2. For those who wisely forsake sin and live according to righteousness, they shall receive that which is beneficial and pleasing to them.
Wise attitudes will lead a man to a righteous lifestyle that will only benefit Him now and throughout eternity.
“Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.” (Psalms 32:10)
SUMMARY:
A wise attitude that leads a man to reject sin and live according to the desires of God is of great gain…
1. Wise attitudes result in spiritual blessings, human respect and eternal rewards.
2. Wise attitudes result in a fulfilling, pleasant life desirous of Godliness.
3. Wise attitudes result in seeking out Godly acquaintances that will enhance their spiritual growth.
4. Wise attitudes will lead a man to a righteous lifestyle that will only benefit Him now and throughout eternity.
May we all remember the overflowing blessings that await those who are in submission to the will and ways of the Lord. May we use these blessings as a motivating force as we produce a Godly lifestyle that honors and glorifies the Lord.
“But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” (Hebrews 11:26)
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Do We Respect And Obey God’s Words?
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard. Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health. (Proverbs 13:13-17)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:13-17
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: The Word Of God: Proverbs 13:13-17
13) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 14) The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard. 16) Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly. 17) A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.
EXPOSITION: The wise attitude concerning the Scriptures are described in this text…
13) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 1. Those who disrespect and despise God’s Word will face distress, turmoil and annihilation. 2. Those who respect and submit to the commands of God will receive safety, security and blessings. Attitudes concerning the acceptance and application of His Word will be recognized and dealt with justly by God.
“But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.” (Ezekiel 20:13)
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.” (Malachi 3:16)
14) The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 1. Enhanced physical life and eternal spiritual life will flow forth from the guidelines given by God and followed by the wise. 2. It will be these same guidelines that will lead us away from the traps of unbelief that lead to spiritual death. Acceptance of His Word leads to life, rejection leads to death.
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me” (Psalms 18:4-5)
15) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard. 1. When we apply principles of discernment based upon His Word we are pleasing to God and blessed by Him 2. The God’s principles for living are departed from life is difficult to bear. The level of application of God’s Word will affect our quality of life on earth.
“Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” (Psalms 95:8-11)
16) Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly. 1. Every man who understands the true nature of things is well acquainted with Scriptural knowledge. 2. Every one who is naieve concerning the true nature of things is seen as senseless by the public. The Word’s role in life dictates how the things of this world are perceived and the public testimony that is put forth.
“A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psalms 112:5) “For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” (Romans 16:19) “Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 10:3)
17) A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health. 1. A unfaithful, evil, messenger fall into many afflictions, adversities and punishments from the one who has sent them. 2. A loyal representative will produce wellness and peace in himself and the one that sends him. Our proclamation of the Word will affect well-being of the messenger and the one he represents.
“Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17) “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
SUMMARY:
Our relationship with the Word of God affects:
1. Our spiritual condition
2. Our quality of life on earth and throughout eternity
3. Our perception and decision making ability
4. Our public testimony
5. Our relationship with the One that has given us the Word
God’s Word affects the most important aspects of our life on earth. Let us all seek to cultivate a God-glorifying and Word honoring attitude that will result in blessings for us and delight to our Lord. By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/ SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/ SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com
Great Opportunities Await When We Use Our Possessions Wisely…
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches. The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom. Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:7-12)
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 13:7-12
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: Our Possessions: Proverbs 13:7-12
7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
8) The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
11) Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.
EXPOSITION:
7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
The true wealth of a person is not found in physical possessions but in spiritual blessings of God…
1. There are those that accumulates earthly possessions, yet in the end they will possess nothing of lasting value
2. There are those who sends away his possessions in an attempt to help others, in the end they will possess the blessings of God throughout eternity
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2)
8) The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Another detriment of riches vs the benefits of being poor…
1. A rich man attracts those who would desire to abuse and steal from him. He is always faced with physical opposition and threathenings.
2. A poor man attracts no one’s attention, nor must he worry about the loss of his physical possessions for he has none.
“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, [and] not see corruption. For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.” (Psalms 49:6-10)
9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The influence of the righteous is far greater than the wicked when they sacrificially give to help others in need…
1. A righteous man through his sacrificial actions sends forth a light into the world showing Christ, His love and His grace to those with whom they have contact.
2. A wicked man who accumulates wealth selfishly faulters in having a lasting reputation and influence in the world around them.
“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psalms 112:4-5)
10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
1. The accumulation of wealth, many times is the result of a prideful person who desires to exalt themselves. This prideful and selfish attitude ends in opposition from those around them.
2. Those who seek Godly counsel will gain wisdom and see the need and benefits of giving to meet other’s spiritual and physical needs.
“From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (James 4:1-5)
“The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.” (Proverbs 12:15-16)
11) Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Not only is how we use our wealth important, but also how we supply our physical needs is a great opportunity for service to the Lord as well….
1. Wealth that is gained by “vanity” shall be gradually wasted and diminished until it is gone. The idea of vanity comes from a Hebrew word for “breath”. It is describing wealth that is accumulated very easily through deceitful speech as compared to physical labor. Why is it wasted so easily? The “value of a dollar” is not recognized because of the ease at which it is gained.
2. In comparison, those who labor for their possessions understand their value and, therefore, are careful how it is used. When a person is willing to work for their possessions and share them with others in need, the Lord blesses them and supplies their needs.
“Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods. In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.” (Job 20:19-22)
“For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.” (Psalms 128:2)
12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.
When we help others at our own expense, many times we do not see the results of our labors, nor do we receive a reward immediately. It is only after consistent obedience that we receive the reward of faithfulness…
1. Realizing we do not receive immediate gratification for our obedience, we must expect to be tempted with discouragement and weariness.
2. However, as we continue in faithfulness, the results of our labors will be seen and rewards for our obedience will be received. If not in this world, for certain in eternity to come.
“To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?” (Psalms 42:1-3)
“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Psalms 69:3)
“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalms 40:2-3)
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalms 17:15)
SUMMARY:
Do we seek to gain physical wealth for the right motives and using the right methods? Are we willing to share our wealth with others who are in need? Do we realize that through our giving to others, when motivated by a heart of love for God and concern for others we glorify our Lord and present a living testimony of His grace and kindness?
By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.
May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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