God's Truth In Love

Archive for the ‘Attitude’ Category

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:9 Popularity or Prosperity

In Advice, Attitude, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Change, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Decisions, Devotional, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Honor, Humility, Lifestyle, Pride, Proverbs, Renewal, Righteous, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized on January 8, 2024 at 4:19 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Popularity or Prosperity

This is a very interesting verse that seems somewhat out of place, but we know with the Word of God there is no such thing.

First, it must be pointed out that in the Hebrew definition of the word “despised” there is an implied meaning and a figurative meaning. The word means both to be a person who is “light and in rapid motion” and also a person “held in contempt” who “seems vile” to other people. A godly person would fit both of those categories.

A godly person is going to be a “light” to the world around them. They are also going to be a person who is “in rapid motion” working to care for their family. They are not going to be lazy or a slacker. Being both a “light” in a dark world and a person “in rapid motion” to provide for your family will make you “despised” by a world growing more and more evil and distorted each day. However, it will also cause the blessings of God to rain down on you where you do not lack for the important things in life and may well also prosper to the point where having a “servant” is a part of your life.

This is a far better life than the “entitled person” who thinks life owes them, without their doing much of anything – the self-important person – those who “honoureth” themselves, usually because no one else does or should for that matter. These people lack for almost everything in life including “bread” or food to eat.

Haughtiness, pride, is a horrible sin that God absolutely hates. Many believe pride to be the very first sin, and it was in a way. Pride can typically be found at the root of every sin or every problem with other people in life. Test this theory and see if after you peel away all the various layers at the core of the issue if pride cannot be found.

Humility, God and godliness is the better choice in every circumstance over Haughtiness, Satan, and sin. Your life will be better the quicker you realize this in life.

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All content generated by a human being, 100%, no AI. 

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:2 In or Out of Favor?

In Actions, Attitude, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Condemnation, Decision Making, Discernment, Favor, God's Favor, God’s Condemnation, Proverbs, Renewal, Repentance, Responsibility, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Wisdom on August 21, 2023 at 9:06 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

In or Out of Favor?

To be in the favour of God is one of the greatest blessings in life. However, to be out of favour with God in the manner addressed in this verse is the worst, it is a form of condemnation.

Good people obtain favor with God. People who practice evil live with the condemnation of God. So let us look at what both the “good” and the “wicked” person looks like.

“good” in the Hebrew is defined as:

2896. טוֹב ṭôwb, tobe; from 2895; good (as an adj.) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masc. and the fem., the sing. and the plur. (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adv. (well):— beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, × fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, × most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well ([-favoured]).

2895. טוֹב ṭowb, tobe; a prim. root, to be (tran. do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense:— be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, × please, (be, do, go, play) well.

There are many characteristics to be seen in this definition to help you assess what a “good” person should look like. The main ones to keep in mind is that a good person is “kind” and” loving” toward people. They are “at ease” with themselves and others because they know their heart and life is pure, they are “good” inside and out. Some of the definitions in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary include “virtuous” and “of the highest worth and reliability” – yes, a person considered good in God’s eyes would be of great worth and would have to be godly as well as faithful.

“favour” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

7522. רָצוֹן râtsôwn, raw-tsone’; or

רָצֹן râtsôn, raw-tsone’; from 7521; delight (espec. as shown):— (be) acceptable (-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as … (what) would.

7521. רָצָה râtsâh, raw-tsaw’; a prim. root; to be pleased with; spec. to satisfy a debt:— (be) accept (-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour (-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please (-ure), reconcile self.

The idea of the favor of God is a wonderful thing. It holds so much, much of which is beyond description. God has “delight” and finds the good person “acceptable” in His sight, taking “good pleasure” in having them as part of His family. He is “pleased with” that person because they have chosen goodness, godliness, in return or to pay Him back for the great sacrifice Jesus made on their behalf; they are in their small way trying “to satisfy a debt” they owe to Jesus by living for Jesus in a godly manner. Favor brings the ability to “accomplish” in life because God now “approves” of you, and He “delights” himself in you and allows you to “delight” within yourself. The favor of God is the greatest “pardon” in life, and it brings about the ability for God to “reconcile self”- meaning reconcile you to what you were created to be.

Again, to be condemned by God is the worst thing that could happen to a person in this life. Though to the wicked it is their lot, because by their choice, they choose to be a wicked person.

“wicked” in the Hebrew is defined as:

4209. מְזִמָּה mezimmâh, mez-im-maw’; from 2161; a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity):— (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly.

2161. זָמַם zâmam, zaw-mam’; a prim. root; to plan, usually in a bad sense:— consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil).

“machination” means to be a plotting, scheming, or maneuvering person.

For many Christians, myself included, we do things that are wrong, we even know they are wrong when we do them, but to have a mind and heart that sets out to do “wicked, mischievous, lewd” things, to actually “plan out evil” is a bit beyond my full grasp of understanding, yet I know it to be true of some people. My spouse use to say to me, ‘Why are you so surprised, so hurt, when people with an evil heart, do evil things that hurt you?’ I have never come to a place in life where it was what I expected from a person. However, for those who practice such evil, they live in the reality of God’s condemnation.

A look at what that condemnation looks like and how it might manifest in a person’s life.

“condemn” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

7561. רָשַׁע râsha˓, raw-shah’; a prim. root; to be (caus. do or declare) wrong; by impl. to disturb, violate:— condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked (-ly, -ness).

God will have no part with a wicked person; His method of dealing with them is to “depart” from them in any positive or good sense. He does however bring “trouble” into their lives “to disturb” and “violate” their existence. God will “vex” their life, which is a very serious thing. To have one’s life vexed is a rough road – to vex means to bring “worry” to a person. It also means “to bring trouble, distress, or agitation, to bring physical distress, to irritate or annoy by petty provocations, or to shake or toss about” according to the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, none of which sounds like a way any person would want to live. God is judge however, and God has “cause to declare wrong” the actions of an evil person and deal with those actions as He deems best.

Each person has a choice to live as a “good” person or an “evil” person in accordance with the Standard for good and evil that God has set. What will your choice be?

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All content generated by human being 100%, no AI. 

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:1 Correctable?

In Advice, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Correction, Decision Making, Decisions, Knowledge, Proverbs, Wisdom on August 15, 2023 at 12:27 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Correctable?

It is really tough to allow yourself to be a correctable person. Yet, if we are not teachable, we do not grow. What happens to things once they cease to grow? That’s right, they begin to die.

That stated, it is also extremely important to understand who can teach us, who we can teach, and the difference between them both. At different seasons of your Christian Life you will need different types of teachers. Just as at different seasons of our Journey with Christ we will be different types of teachers; thus, our passions and/or His instruction for our focus of teaching will vary. Nevertheless, it is important to want to continue to grow, and in order for that to happen we need to maintain a teachable spirit.

Part of having a teachable spirit is having a willingness to receive instruction.

“instruction” in the Hebrew language is defined as follows:

4148. מוּסָר mûwçâr, moo-sawr’; from 3256; prop. chastisement; fig. reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint:— bond, chastening ([-eth]), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.

3256. יָסַר yâçar, yaw-sar’; a prim. root; to chastise, lit. (with blows) or fig. (with words); hence, to instruct:— bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach.

People do not like “chastisement” but we cannot just sit by and watch our brother or sister in Christ fall further and further away from all that God means for them to be. We must give them a “warning” when needed, a word of “instruction” if the situation requires. We must call upon them to show “restraint” through a word of “rebuke” if that is what is required. “Correction” and putting a “check” on “doctrine” that is out of line is one of the greatest ways we can “reproof” our brother or sister when they have veered from the narrow path. Without “reproof” and “instruction” how can they “reform” their actions, behavior, or beliefs.

I realize that no person who is sincerely following Christ enjoys chastising or correcting their brothers and sisters. They see their own failures and think, ‘Who am I to say anything.’ However I set to you this, if we are waiting to be perfect before we open our mouths to help another, or if we will only listen to those we view as without sin, there is going to be so many wandering Christians in direr need of help – and sadly, there are.

I will tread lightly on the aspect of the definition that deals with “to chastise literally with blows” and to “punish” as this is such a serious issue in our society today. I will just say there are far too many children out there who have grown into adults who could have used a spanking or two, and a little more punishment.

“knowledge” in the Hebrew is defined as:

1847. דַּעַת da˓ath, dah’-ath; from 3045; knowledge:— cunning, [ig-]norantly, know (-ledge), [un-] awares (wittingly

3045. יָדַע yâda˓, yaw-dah’; a prim. root; to know (prop. to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, fig., lit., euphem. and infer. (incl. observation, care, recognition; and caus. instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)

It is through this very “instruction” that we come to the “observation” or the “care” for and “recognition” of the “knowledge” we so desperately need to navigate each season of life. We must be wise, knowledgeable, and yes “cunning” in a good way in order to have the full “awareness” and “wit” needed to manage life well.

If you are someone who despises correction aka reproof, then Scripture’s view on you is that you are brutish.

“reproof” is defined in the Hebrew as:

8433. תּוֹכֵחָה tôwkêchâh, to-kay-khaw’; and

תּוֹכַחַת tôwkachath, to-kakh’-ath; from 3198; chastisement; fig. (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence):— argument, × chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, × be (often) reproved.

3198. יָכַח yâkach, yaw-kahh’; a prim. root; to be right (i.e. correct); recip. to argue; caus. to decide, justify or convict:— appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct (-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove (-r), surely, in any wise.

FYI – Daysman in archaic means “an arbiter, referee, mediator”

We have explored much of how correction or reproof presents, but from this definition of “reproof” I would like to point out that correction also comes in the form of one trying to be “mediator” between what is right and God verses what is evil and Satan. Often correction comes only in the form of attempting to “convince” and individual of what is the correct path, even at the point of to “plead” with that person. However, the “brutish” individual is not going to listen, to the point of their own detriment.

“brutish” is defined in the Hebrew as:

1198. בַּעַר ba˓ar, bah’-ar; from 1197; prop. food (as consumed); i.e. (by exten.) of cattle brutishness; (concr.) stupid:— brutish (person), foolish.

1197. בָּעַר bâ˓ar, baw-ar’; a prim. root; to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating); also (as denom. from 1198) to be (-come) brutish:— be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set ([on fire]), waste.

According to this verse of Scripture, to be unwilling to be corrected is to be “stupid” and a “foolish” person who will ultimately consume their life with nothing but “waste” in the end.

It is a choice to be a person who loves knowledge and thus embraces instruction. It is also a choice to be a person who hates reproof and instead chooses to live as a brutish, stupid, foolish person. Which type of person will you choose to be?

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Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:29 – Wisdom or Enslavement

In Anger, Attitude, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Change, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Enslavement, Fool, Money-management, Proverbs, Responsibility, Spiritual Change, Wisdom on June 7, 2023 at 10:10 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

29…and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Wisdom or Enslavement

These above mentioned individuals could fall into the category of what people might view and the Bible might refer to as a fool. A fool always ends up in subjection to the wise in some manner, which is what it means to be a servant to the wise, which is mentioned in the second half of verse twenty-nine.

“servant” in the Hebrew is defined as:

5650. עֶבֶד ˓ebed, eh’-bed; from 5647; a servant:— × bondage, bondman, [bond-] servant, (man-) servant.

5647. עָבַד ˓âbad, aw-bad’; a prim. root; to work (in any sense); by impl. to serve, till, (caus.) enslave, etc.:— × be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, + husbandman, keep, labour (-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve (-ing, self), (be, become) servant (-s), do (use) service, till (-er), transgress [from marg.], (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper.

The first part of this definition is fairly straightforward, it is easy to see the implications and applications that apply. Fools rarely are in a position of ease when it comes to physical labor. They almost always end up serving other people and in menial ways. They might be highly educated, but because they act foolishly in their life and lifestyle, they work menial jobs just to get by. Another example, they might have won the lottery but because they were foolish with the money, how they used and spent it, their lack of discretion, investing, or saving, leaves them broke within a few years and back at some form of menial work, when had they been wise, they might never have had to work again in their lifetime.

There are two other aspects to what this “servant” of the wise looks like, they will “be wrought” and a “worshipper” of some sort.

To ‘be wrought” aside from the work aspect means to be deeply agitated inside. The fool has deep anger against the wise. The fool thinks they should have what the wise person has, that they are deserving, yet they have done nothing whatsoever to be deemed entitled in any manner to what a wise person might have or possess, whether material, monetary, or intangible things such as relationships, characteristics, peace, looks, contentment, etc.

The other side of the coin is the fool who looks up to the wise to such an intense degree that they begin to enter a form of worship of that person, and more importantly what that person has in life. A fool can covet the life, lifestyle, relationships, money, etc. of the wise person so much that they become a ‘worshipper” of that person. For a worshipper reveres, looks up to, admires the person who has what they want. They seek to be like the wise in respect to having all that they possess, yet most fools are not willing to turn their lives around and become wise in order to have what the wise people have…hence, they stay fools trapped in a bondage of their own creation, while they blame other people for their situation. How terribly sad and unnecessary.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:29 – The Ungodly Agitator

In Anger, Attitude, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Enslavement, Fool, Hate, Hatred, Money-management, Proverbs, Responsibility, Spiritual Change, Wisdom on May 25, 2023 at 10:07 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

The Ungodly Agitator

Some Synonyms for you:

Agitator or Campaigner, Protestor, Dissenter, Activist

Agitate or stir, disturb, shake, mix, trouble, excite, disquiet, rouse, shake up

A person can actually agitate for good, to promote righteousness, freedom from sin, repentance, bring God’s Will into being, etc., that is not the type of agitator we will be addressing here. We will be examining the trouble maker, that person who just cannot seem to allow peace to reign in any situation. A person whose actions bring nothing but trouble for themselves and the other people of their household.

The word “troubleth” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

5916. עָכַר ˓âkar, aw-kar’; a prim. root; prop. to roil water; fig. to disturb or afflict:— trouble, stir.

There are people who do not view their actions as actions that create trouble for other people. I had one of those people in my home for a long time. They could clearly see the faults of the other people around them, but seemed oblivious to the fact that their actions created such turmoil, pain, distress, and unrest in their orbit that they actually created the other people’s problems. You can spot these people because they have no rest even when on their own, running and living their own life, they still cannot find true peace.

Troublemakers are not always overt. Some of the most sinister ones are very covert about the way they do it; they lie, they con people, they manipulate, they portray themselves as a victim, they seek to control and dominate people by mental and emotional abuse, these are the ones who are much harder to detect and much more dishonest in their character regarding who they are. These people are extremely dangerous, not because of the direct assault they will make on a person but because of the destruction of lives they will cause by all of their manipulation and lies; in essence destroying other people and at times making them, the other person, look like the troublemakers.

These individuals have a reward for all of the trouble they cause. They inherit the “wind” according to this verse of Scripture. Inheriting the wind does not sound to bad until you find out what the “wind” actually consist of and how it manifest.

The word “wind” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

Figuratively it means to “anticipate” or “enjoy” the following, but it also means to actually have these things present in your life.

7307. רוּחַ rûwach, roo’-akh; from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; fig. life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extens. a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (incl. its expression and functions):— air, anger, blast, breath, × cool, courage, mind, × quarter, × side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, × vain, ([whirl-]) wind (-y).

Yes, they inherit the “anger” and the wrath of the people around them. They also inherit the inner anger that causes so many of them to distort who they are as people, to hurt themselves, to hide from God, to become mentally disturbed, and I could go on and on, as the outpouring of what they reap is extensive. Their life is never solid, “life is unsubstantial” for them in so many ways, it lacks any substance or firm foundation. The definition from the Hebrew language even touches on the fact that, a ‘spirit that appears to be a rational being influences their expressions and functions’ but the spirit is a counterfeit, not rational as we know rational but a deceptive spirit, which speaks to distorted mental thinking or disturbed emotional life, yet they will be the first to class other people as mentally ill. Inside of themselves they are never alright, they never feel right or solid.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:22 Swine or Swan

In Advice, Attitude, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Decisions, Discernment, Discretion, Femininity, Feminism, Gender, Godliness, Grace, Instruction, Lifestyle, low self-esteem, New Year’s Resolutions, Proverbs, Prudence, Righteous Living, Righteousness, self-esteem, Uncategorized, Wisdom on January 12, 2023 at 5:46 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition(s).

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Swine or Swan

If you are a woman let me ask you, would you rather be an ugly dirty swine or a beautiful white swan? If you answered the swine, you might as well stop reading now, but if you answered a swan, however, and are just not sure you are there yet, read on and let God work in your life.

Have you ever met a woman who walking by looks absolutely beautiful, and then you meet her, she opens her mouth, you spend a few minutes with her and see her inner ugliness, lack of intelligence, low character, ugly mouth, pettiness when it comes to life and other people, her shallowness, vanity, gossipy tongue, etc. and you just can’t believe that such a pretty package is filled with such an ugly gift inside.

An inner swine: you can dress her up, you can ply her with pretty jewels, but ugly is ugly and when you are ugly on the inside that is something that you cannot hide for long and something that will strip the bloom off the rose so to speak with people pretty quickly no matter how beautiful your face, hair, or figure.

I absolutely believe a woman should take care of her outer self. Her looks, her health, her figure, all of it, but more than that she should care for her inner self, her swan, that thing that makes women beautiful and appealing no matter what the outer package looks like.

Also when you look at what it means to be “fair” as described in this verse you see that it can be two fold, inner and outer. Note the physical, but then note the inner “to be bright” which is always a sign of inner beauty.

“fair” is defined in the Hebrew language is as follows:

3303. יָפֶה yâpheh, yaw-feh’; from 3302; beautiful (lit. or fig.):— + beautiful, beauty, comely, fair (-est, one), + goodly, pleasant, well.

3302. יָפָה yâphâh, yaw-faw’; a prim. root; prop. to be bright, i.e. (by impl.) beautiful:— be beautiful, be (make self) fair (-r), deck.

Discretion is the number one key to a swan, the key to inner beauty that cannot be match or outdone by outer beauty. Now a look at what discretion actually is and how it manifest itself.

“discretion” in the Hebrew is defined in the following manner:

2940. טַעַם ṭa˓am, tah’-am; from 2938; prop. a taste, i.e. (fig.) perception; by impl. intelligence; tran. a mandate:— advice, behaviour, decree, discretion, judgment, reason, taste, understanding.

As we look at what this means in the Hebrew language, we see that for a Christian godly woman discretion is “a mandate” – a mandate to use sound “judgement and reason” in one’s behavior and when providing “advice” to others. A woman of discretion is a woman who lives by a “decree” in daily life, God’s Decrees, about what she will and will not do, and is a woman who has “understanding” which in biblical terms is synonymous with wisdom.

“discretion” in the Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary is defined as:

1 : the quality of being discreet : CIRCUMSPECTION; especially : cautious reserve in speech
2 : ability to make responsible decisions

“discreet” is defined as:

1 : having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : PRUDENT; especially : capable of preserving prudent silence
2 : UNPRETENTIOUS, MODEST

A gossip or as some in church circles call it, the woman running around always talking about who we need to pray for and why, is not a woman of discretion by any stretch of the imagination. She is a gossip, plain and simple, doing much harm to the Body of Christ.

Women of discretion must take the time to use “good judgment” in what they will do and in how they go about life in order to “make responsible decisions” that will not negatively impact their life or the lives of others.

Lastly, a woman of discretion is a “modest” woman in her manner of dress. A woman who has half her cleavage hanging out, then gets angry or feels disrespected when men look, is not only foolish she is a swine and lacks the swan trait of discretion. If her dress is so tight or the hemline is so high that nothing is left to the imagination this is a swine woman not a swan woman, this is a woman without respect for herself or discretion.

A little tip ladies about swine women (women with no discretion, grace or class) verses swan women (women of discretion, grace and class). A good man, a Christian man, a man of quality will look at those swine type women, might even play with them here and there, but when it comes to the woman he wants to marry, the woman he wants as the mother of his children, these swine woman are not the type of women they want long-term. Almost all men want a swan.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:17 Cruelty and Mercy’s Rewards

In Actions, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Blessings, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Cruelty, Decision Making, Evil, Grace, Mercy, Proverbs, Reactions, Rewards, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Wisdom on July 25, 2022 at 3:53 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition(s).

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Cruelty and Mercy’s Rewards

Cruelty is its own punishment and goodness its own reward.

Our soul (our mind, body, and spirit) are effected physically and affected mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by our own conduct. If we seek to be merciful toward people, we will find a goodness in our lives. In the same token, if we seek to be cruel in our dealing with people, we can expect our lives to be filled with trouble. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

What does it mean to be merciful? Well, let us examine the word merciful as defined in the Hebrew language.

“merciful” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

2617. חֶסֶד cheçed, kheh’-sed; from 2616; kindness; by impl. (toward God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subj.) beauty:— favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity.

2616. חָסַד châçad, khaw-sad’; a prim. root; prop. perh. to bow (the neck only [comp. 2603] in courtesy to an equal), i.e. to be kind; also (by euphem. [comp. 1288], but rarely) to reprove:— shew self merciful, put to shame.

Within the definition of merciful we find one of rewards “beauty” subjective beauty. To be merciful to someone is a beautiful act. Mercy is given to “kindness” toward others, as well as “kindness toward God” displayed in our “piety” or godly conduct. Mercy actually corrects the brother or sister who needs correction (“reproof”) so they might find “shame” over their conduct and repent. Mercy shows” favor” to other people over oneself. It does “good deeds” whenever possible. Merciful behavior is found in “courtesy” toward people. Mercy, true merciful conduct, shows ‘mercy to ourselves’ when mercy is needed.

Now a look at the “good” that comes to us from mercy we show other people.

“good” in the Hebrew is defined this way:

1580. גָּמַל gâmal, gaw-mal’; a prim. root; to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite; by impl. (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (spec.) to wean:— bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, + serve, mean, yield.

Mercy feeds our souls. When ‘we treat ourselves and other people well’ – when we are merciful – being treated well will mean being well. Our spiritual fruit will “ripen” as we treat other people and ourselves with mercy. We mature as a person as we seek to show mercy all around. “Good” things come our way as we walk in mercy, we receive the “recompense” or “reward” for our godly conduct. As we show mercy to those who oppose us God is freed to take action on our behalf to “requite” (avenge) the wrongs done to us. Mercy brings a willingness on people’s part to “yield” to us when we are walking in God’s Will.

Now a look at the other side.

“cruel” is defined in the Hebrew as:

394. אַכְזָרִי ˒akzârı̂y, ak-zaw-ree’; from 393; terrible:— cruel (one).

393. אַכְזָר ˒akzâr, ak-zawr’; from an unused root (appar. mean. to act harshly); violent; by impl. deadly; also (in a good sense) brave:— cruel, fierce.

When our conduct toward other people is “terrible” or “cruel” not in line with God’s Will and Ways we too reap the rewards of such. When we are a person given to “acting harshly” we expect the same. The “violent” and “deadly” are always looking over their shoulders for the “fierce” forces coming for them.

“troubleth” in the Hebrew is defined this way:

5916. עָכַר ˓âkar, aw-kar’; a prim. root; prop. to roil water; fig. to disturb or afflict:— trouble, stir.

If you are such a person who acts with harshness and cruelty you can expect your life to be filled with “roil” (agitation) and distress. Your soul will be constantly in a state where it is “disturbed” and your life “afflicted” with regularity. Your life will be a pot of hot mess that is continually “stirred” with “trouble” and peace you will not see on any level, mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

There is so much good that comes from being merciful, I cannot imagine why we would want to do anything different, expect that the sinful nature would like to rule us and take way the good we could have if chose mercy over cruelty.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:4-6 Riches or Righteousness Protects

In Advice, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Curses, Decision Making, Money, Obedience, Proverbs, Prudence, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wisdom on April 12, 2022 at 6:36 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

Riches or Righteousness Protects

There comes a point in life that most people with wealth come to where they are faced with the truth that money cannot save you from everything in life. Where the fruit of your life, the fruit of your actions overtake any means to buy oneself out of a situation. People arrive at a place in life where all the money in the world cannot mend the broken health or the damaged relationship. Money though powerful in a secular world is not God even though many people think money is god.

There is protection to be found in righteousness. But what is righteousness?

“righteousness” in the Hebrew language is defined as follows:

6666. צְדָקָה tsedâqâh, tsed-aw-kaw’; from 6663; rightness (abstr.), subj. (rectitude), obj. (justice), mor. (virtue) or fig. (prosperity):— justice, moderately, right (-eous) (act, -ly, -ness).

6663. צָדַק tsâdaq, tsaw-dak’; a prim. root; to be (caus. make) right (in a moral or forensic sense):— cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just (-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be, turn to) righteous (-ness).

When trouble does arise the righteous are delivered by the power, wisdom, might, hand, will, and/or purpose of God(v.4). That deliverance is found in the form of the following, based on the definition.

“delivereth” in the Hebrew language is defined as follows:

5337. נָצַל nâtsal, naw-tsal’; a prim. root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense:— × at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, × without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, × surely, take (out).

God the Deliver, God the Protector, is going to take care of His righteous people(v.4).

In Christ Believers are made perfect. We are in a spiritual sense without spot or blemish, completely righteous in Christ. As we walk in the Spirit, which means to seek and follow Christ’s Will for us in all things, we can walk in a form of perfection only possible because of the strength and power of God (v.5).

Take a few moment to examine the definition of the words “perfect” and “direct” as defined in the Hebrew language.

“perfect” is defined as the following in the Hebrew language:

8549. תָּמִים tâmı̂ym, taw-meem’; from 8552; entire (lit., fig. or mor.); also (as noun) integrity, truth:— without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole.

And then…

“direct” is defined as:

3474. יָשַׁר yâshar, yaw-shar’; a prim. root; to be straight or even; fig. to be (caus. to make) right, pleasant, prosperous:— direct, fit, seem good (meet), + please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright (-ly).

Whereas the protection and direction for life is granted to the righteous through the power of Christ, Satan gives his people the fruit of their actions and his power as well. The wicked are undermined by their own wickedness. It will without doubt bring about their downfall, a downfall they played a major role in as they followed their leader, Satan (v.5,6).

“naughtiness” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

1942. הַוָּה havvâh, hav-vaw’; from 1933 (in the sense of eagerly coveting and rushing upon; by impl. of falling); desire; also ruin:— calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness.

And to be “taken” is defined in the Hebrew language as:

3920. לָכַד lâkad, law-kad’; a prim. root; to catch (in a net, trap or pit); gen. to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); fig. to cohere:— × at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take.

Those individuals given to sin will find that sin seeks them and undermines them in their pursuits in life (v.6). In verse six “their own” was added to the text for clarity. Think for a moment about the two different ways that line in the verse could read, with and without the addition.

“but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.”

“but transgressors shall be taken in naughtiness.”

Thus, when you look at this portion of the verse in the two different ways, we can determine that a sinful person will be brought down by their own sin. Also we find that a sinful person’s sin will draw even more sin toward them, sin that will seek to destroy them.

Righteousness will breed more righteousness and sin will breed more sin. Destruction will be found at the end of the path of sin. Protection and deliverance will be found down the road of righteousness.

Please keep me in your prayers and know that if God should speak anything into your heart as you pray for me regarding my life, please feel free to share that with me. God speaks through His people.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:2-3 Pride and Perverseness vs. Integrity and Uprightness

In Advice, Attitude, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Correction, Decision Making, Guidance, Knowledge, Lifestyle, Obedience, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on March 26, 2022 at 12:19 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition(s).

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Pride and Perverseness vs. Integrity and Uprightness

These two verses are pretty straightforward and easy to understand. Certain behaviors and characteristics in your life will bring about a spiritual law in your life or what some might call a spiritual reaction.

Let’s look at each one, what they produce in a person’s life, and the actual biblical meaning of said behavior or characteristic.

Pride will bring shame in your life.

“Pride” =

2087. זָדוֹן zâdôwn, zaw-done’; from 2102; arrogance:— presumptuously, pride, proud (man).

2102. זוּד zûwd, zood; or (by perm.)

זִיד zı̂yd, zeed; a prim. root; to seethe; fig. to be insolent:— be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod.

“Shame” =

7036. קָלוֹן qâlôwn, kaw-lone’; from 7034; disgrace; (by impl.) the pudenda:— confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame.

7034. קָלָה qâlâh, kaw-law’; a prim. root; to be light (as impl. in rapid motion), but fig. only (be [caus. hold] in contempt):— base, contemn, despise, lightly esteem, set light, seem vile.

Humility (lowliness) produces wisdom in your life.

“Lowly” =

6800. צָנַע tsâna˓, tsaw-nah’; a prim. root; to humiliate:— humbly, lowly.

“Wisdom” =

2451. חָכְמָה chokmâh, khok-maw’; from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):— skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.

2449. חָכַם châkam, khaw-kam’; a prim. root, to be wise (in mind, word or act):— × exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser.

Integrity results in insight in your life.

“Integrity” =

8538. תֻּמָּה tummâh, toom-maw’; fem. of 8537; innocence:— integrity.

8537. תֹּם tôm, tome; from 8552; completeness; fig. prosperity; usually (mor.) innocence:— full, integrity, perfect (-ion), simplicity, upright (-ly, -ness), at a venture.

“Guide” =

5148. נָחָה nâchâh, naw-khaw’; a prim. root; to guide; by impl. to transport (into exile, or as colonists):— bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten.

Perverseness will bring destruction in your life.

5558. סֶלֶף çeleph, seh’-lef; from 5557; distortion, i.e. (fig.) viciousness:— perverseness.

5557. סָלַף çâlaph, saw-laf’; a prim. root; prop. to wrench, i.e. (fig.) to subvert:— overthrow, pervert.

Transgression will bring destruction in your life.

“Transgressors” =

898. בָּגַד bâgad, baw-gad’; a prim. root; to cover (with a garment); fig. to act covertly; by impl. to pillage:— deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress (-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful (-ly, man), × very.

“Destroy” =

7703. שָׁדַד shâdad, shaw-dad’; a prim. root; prop. to be burly, i.e. (fig.) powerful (pass. impregnable); by impl. to ravage:— dead, destroy (-er), oppress, robber, spoil (-er), × utterly, (lay) waste.

And that is the hard truth whether we like it or not!

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Please keep me in your prayers and know that if God should speak anything into your heart as you pray for me regarding my life, please feel free to share that with me. God speaks through His people.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:1 Cheating Others is Cheating Yourself

In Advice, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Proverbs, Righteous Living, Stealing, Wisdom on March 1, 2022 at 3:01 pm

You can sign up to have each blog posting sent directly to your email. Just find the small “follow” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the main page, then enter your email address. All email information remains confidential and is never shared in any manner.

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition(s).

1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

Cheating Others is Cheating Yourself

Far too many people do not give a second thought to taking advantage of another person, and some people do not even have a problem with downright cheating another person. However, taking advantage of people and/or cheating people is not something that should be taken lightly. In God’s view it is a horrible thing to do.

“abomination” in the Hebrew language means “ something disgusting, morally an abhorrence; especially idolatry:— abominable, abomination”

What is it to have a “false balance” when it come to a person’s dealings with other people? It is basically and simply to find a manner or way in which to cheat them or take advantage of them. To deceit, mislead, be dishonest, in order to take advantage or gain an advantage over another person.

In days past actually scales were used to measure out the exchange of monies for goods. In biblical times the practice of tipping the scales in the merchant’s favor or when taxes were being collected was not that unusual. Just as in the days prior to electric scales you might have gone into a butcher shop to buy meat, bacon, or cold cuts and noticed that their large white metal scales showed an ounce or two before your product was ever place on them or in produce markets the fruit weighting scale that never returns to zero balance.

However, when you look into the Hebrew definition for the word “balance” you find that it also has a figurative meaning as well, which is “figuratively to ponder” a matter. This is where taking advantage of a person instead of down right cheating them comes in. You might consider how to manipulate a person, how to get them to do something for you that they should not or give you something they do not owe you and should not give you or contemplating a scheme in general to get something out of a person for your own gain.

To cheat, use, and take advantage of people is extremely displeasing to God.

God is well pleased with those individuals who deal with other people in a just and fair manner. The meaning of the word “just” in the Hebrew language even entails a “friendly” manner. Think about that, not just a fair and just manner but also a friendly manner.

Please keep me in your prayers and know that if God should speak anything into your heart as you pray for me regarding my life, please feel free to share that with me. God speaks through His people.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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A New Year’s Thought – Living the Righteous/Godly Life

In Advice, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Lifestyle, New Year’s Resolutions, Renewal, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Wisdom on January 1, 2022 at 4:16 pm

Before you take action to make all those resolutions about what you are going to do or not do, who you are going to be or not be, take a moment and reflect on God’s method of change.

Read the thoughts of a young woman desiring honest change in her life, and my response to her.

Quote = “When I pray and read the Word and worship as I have been recently, i am experiencing more of a closeness and a love… like i am coming back to my first love. I do not think I am explaining it well but I want to live a righteous life and spend time with my Father becuase I love Him and want to, not because there is this list of "do’s and don’ts" to follow.” = End Quote.

You need not worry sister…you are not going to live a “righteous life” without it being a manifestation of God’s grace in your life. Any desire you have for God is a manifestation of God’s grace in your life.

Some thoughts…

A ship is not going to move along steady by being propped from the outside. In order for a ship to be balanced, it must have ballast within the ship in order for the ship to move along steadily. The same is true for us as God’s children. Nothing on the outside of us is ever going to make our lives steady and balanced. It is only through and by the grace of God that our lives ever become consistent, steady, and balance. All three of which God wants for us and all three of which He is more than willing to shed out His grace in service to perform.

Therefore, God’s grace becomes our ballast. Ballast being:

bal·last

1. stabilizing heavy weights: heavy material carried in the hold of a ship, especially one that has no cargo, in the keel of a sailing boat, or in the gondola of a balloon, to give the craft increased stability

2. something that gives bulk or stability: anything that serves no particular purpose except to give bulk or weight to something or that provides additional stability

3. foundation material: stones or gravel when used as a foundation for a road or railroad track

4. industry gravel used in making concrete: gravel used in making concrete and in earthworks

5. electrical engineering circuit limiting current flow: a circuit that limits the current flow in a fluorescent lamp

Encarta ® World English Dictionary

A play on the definitions and a connection to God’s grace.

1 – God is the weight that holds us steady when life blows and blows; only He and His grace provide us stability.

2 – Grace is simply there to bring stability to our souls, our spirits, and our lives.

3 – Grace is the foundation of our relationship with our Savior Jesus.

4 – The endless grace of God turns our liquid hearts and jelly backbones into faith stronger than concrete.

5 – God’s grace is always poured out in just the right dose at just the right time so that we might not become overwhelmed spiritually.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:23-25, 29-30

In Advice, Attitude, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Evil, Fear, Proverbs, Prudence, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wisdom on November 9, 2021 at 7:40 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition(s).

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

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

Foolishness and Wickedness Paired / Wisdom and Righteousness Paired

For the godly person it is hard to believe that there are people who actually enjoy doing wrong, but they are those individuals (v.23). Fools do in fact enjoy mischief, which in the Hebrew language is to have “a plan, purpose, thought” to do wrong or a “crime” even. Those individuals with a sick soul find pleasure in mischief. However, the opposite is true for a wise person, a godly person, a person of wisdom (v.23).

What comes with seeking to do evil is the expectation of evil. Therefore, those who partake in mischief fear bad to come, and those fears will be realized eventually (v.24). Deep inside the evil person knows that what they reap they too will one day sow.

Galatians 6:8 (KJV-AV)

8 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.

The desires of the righteous are granted to them (v.24). But why? Because the godly person’s desires can be trusted by God. The godly person wants what God wants and therefore they will be given what they desire.

Psalm 37:4 (KJV-AV)

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

When our hearts, minds, bodies, and especially our wills are fully submitted to God, God has no problem giving us the desires of our heart, as those desires and God’s desires usually match at that point for the godly person.

The wicked are here today and gone tomorrow (v.25), whereas the righteous are continual and steady. According to the Hebrew language they are “literally and figuratively a fountain, ever in repairing” meaning they are able to continually face life and keep going, keep pressing forward, rebounding when needed and continuing to approach life with a trust in God’s ultimate plan for them.

Why is this true for the godly wise person? It is true because living in the ways of the LORD provides a type of strength for life that cannot be defeated (v.29) whereas the only end path of the wicked person that refuse to repent is destruction (v.29). The godly will never be permanently defeated, at most they will stumble to rise again (v.30). However, the wicked will never find a place of true rest and peace, a place of safety and a place to truly belong, which is what it means to not be able to inhabit the earth (v.30).

A life lived in wisdom and godliness is a life that be at rest, which is a far cry better than living a life of fear.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:18-21, 31 Gossip

In Advice, Attitude, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Hate, Hatred, Proverbs, Prudence, Wisdom on June 17, 2021 at 4:55 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

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

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Gossip

The use of the word “fool”(v,18) in reference to an individual with certain types of conduct is by far one of the worst descriptions of one’s character. It is down there with “stupid, silly, and fat” all of which are part of the definition for the word fool in this verse. There are two types of people called a fool in verse eighteen.

1 – The two-faced person. Those individuals who act as if they like someone or something only to turn around and reveal they actual have distain for that person or thing. They lie to cover their dislike (hatred) and to cover being known as one who hates at heart.

2 – The gossiper. That person who just has to run down people to whomever they can find to run them down to that is willing to listen. To slander someone is to “defame” them or give an “evil report” about them to another person according to the Hebrew definition.

Where you find a gossiper, you are likely to find the embracing of many other types of sinful behavior (v.19). Where you find a wise person who is unwilling to partake in gossip you find many other types of godly behavior.

You do not find slanderous talk emanating from a righteous person. They select their word with care, words to promote righteousness and defeat sin, not words meant to enflame sin (v.20). An evil person has a heart that is filled with wickedness. A heart filled with wickedness is of little use to anyone for any purpose (v.20).

Verse twenty-one contains two statement that contrast one another but are not directly related and their opposition to one another is obvious, hence the semicolon. The words of a righteous person are going to bear fruit, those words are going to spread to other people and bear fruit in their lives as well; this is the fruit of a life lived in wisdom (v.21). The fool’s life leads to nothing but death, a complete absence of fruit bearing; their lack of use of wisdom brings about literal and figurative death (v.21).

A righteous person is going to suggest the course of wisdom in various situation. It is hard for a godly person not to promote the path of godly wisdom (v.31). If you want to know the way to go, the way of righteousness, you need to ask a person who loves the Lord Jesus (v.32). Wicked, worldly, ungodly people will only lead you astray because their ways and beliefs are perverse aka frowardness; meaning they are twisted, not wise nor godly (v.32). In reflection upon the Hebrew definitions of some words in verse thirty-one, froward and cut out, those voices that rise up with “perversity, fraud, very forward” deceitful (froward tongue) will be “destroyed” (cut out)( v.31).

Our words are immensely important, they need to reflect godly wisdom despite our personal desires or current condition of life, health, relationship, finances, career, etc. We do not bend God’s Will to our desires, we must allow our desires to be changed to desire God’s Will. Let us each make sure when we share with other people or partake in self-talk that it is godly wisdom to which we concede.

If you have been the victim of gossip or slander and would like someone to be a sounding board, send me a message via the comment link.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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GOD Growth in COVID-19 / Individual Growth

In Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Coronavirus, Coronavirus/COVID-19, COVID-19, Godliness, Godly Counsel, New Year’s Resolutions, Renewal, Repentance, Resolutions, Revelation, Revival, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Spiritual Fruit, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Wisdom on March 7, 2021 at 4:10 pm

Though people have played up the loss and problems of COVID-19, which there have been many of course, much loss and much grief, nevertheless, I mentioned in my last post that we would tackle the other side of the coin and explore the growth that has occurred and the good things that have come out of going through this pandemic.

Over the next few post we will take a look at the GOD growth in individuals, families, and couples during the pandemic. I use the term GOD growth because God wants to bring about change in people that draws them closer to Him and that causes them to implement His Principles regardless of whether or not they have come to trust in Him for their salvation as of yet or not. God is about seeing His Will and His Principles come about in our society, in our homes, and in us personally before and after we enter that personal relationship with Him.

Individual growth will be the topic here. As stated in the last posting, “There has also been more time for individuals to take a good look at themselves, to explore their own inner spiritual person, come to terms with, and perhaps do something in response to, what they discovered during the isolation that God has allowed in their life.”

Crisis pushes crisis, meaning a societal crisis usually produces a personal crisis for people. When confronted with mass alterations in the societal landscape a person finds their personal life altered in many capacities, and underneath those alterations they find their inner life altered as well.

During this pandemic people’s movements have been greatly restricted causing them a loss in what many people use to escape seeing themselves clearly, “distraction[s]” of every type and usually in multiple degrees or quantities. People often search for anything that can help them avoid dealing with what is inside of them. During the isolation of this pandemic that just has not been possible thus resulting horribly for some people in despair and giving up, but for other people in self-reflection and growth.

It is extremely hard to be alone with one’s self, yet it is extremely healthy. Many very spiritual and godly people over the course of history have heralded the importance of a time of personal spiritual retreat with God to reflect, recharge, and seek growth in God. It is during the aloneness that God’s voice is heard most clearly by the majority of people, when most people’s insight and understanding is opened up the most. In the aloneness we find whether or not we like ourselves (or if we should like ourselves), and if not, we learn from God what to do about what we do not like.

From what I have understood from people living in relative isolation during the pandemic, that isolation has also brought with it a quietness of life, a slowing of their pace, a peeling back of the daily stresses of life and thus resulted for many individuals in an embracement of a quieter simpler less stressful life.

The isolation of the pandemic for individuals has not been all bad, it has produced personal growth, reordering of priorities, and recharging of one’s stress coping batteries.

I want to close each of this series of postings with a quote from the original post, “COVID-19 – God and Man at Work.”

“Blessings from God are not just material or financial more often the greater ones (blessings) are intangible such as growth and change.”

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COVID-19 – God and Man at Work

In Agape Love, Attitude, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Church Growth, Contentment, Coronavirus, Coronavirus/COVID-19, COVID-19, Disunity, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Love, Marriage, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on February 28, 2021 at 9:25 am

During the whole of the pandemic we have heard so much about the negative affects that the isolation and the restrictive movement have had on people’s lives, or so we hear in our local media. However, I challenge the notion that it has been all bad.

What has God been doing in the lives of people as He kept children at home, dads at home, moms at home, couples at home together? What has God been doing during the time when He stripped away religious practice and worship truly was up to the private individual, in their own way, in their own home?

Has there been mental and emotional, and perhaps even spiritual problems due to the isolation and the restricted movements of the pandemic? Yes, of course there have been. There has been horrible abuse, horrible loneliness, and sin has existed. However, there has also been great growth for individuals, for families, and for couples. Growth we will explore in more depth in another post. There has also been more time for individuals to take a good look at themselves, to explore their own inner spiritual person, come to terms with and perhaps do something in response to what they discovered during the isolation that God has allowed in their life.

The pandemic has caused financial loss, but I dare to say that in a spiritual and relational level it has done more good for people than harm, and certainly more good than what was financially lost. Blessings from God are not just material or financial more often the greater ones are intangible such as growth and change.

Sometimes God has to get people’s attention, sometimes God has to get a country’s attention, but God always leaves people who are repentant better off than they were when He started a particular work in their life.