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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:15 Willingness to Listen

In Advice, Attitude, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Change, Christian, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Correction, Counsel, Decision Making, Decisions, Discernment, Discretion, Disobedience, Fool, Foolishness, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Learning, Listening, Pride, Proverbs, Stupid, Truth, Uncategorized, Unwise, Wisdom on June 9, 2024 at 7:43 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).

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Willingness to Listen

This is going to be a long one but well worth the read as it hits the snake dead on the head.

As the readers know this is written in order verse by verse through the Book of Proverbs. Wow, what a powerful verse and a timely one, as I have had some recent encounters with various people who showed some were “a fool” and some “wise” in their actions and responses. I will get into some examples later in this piece.

We have all met those people who know everything they need to know. They need no help or counsel from other people and certainly not unsolicited counsel, counsel they cannot control, even if that counsel speaks directly to their situations. Such has been the case recently. It is sad to see people so steeped in their own spiritual, intellectual, and emotional ignorance or denial or self-deception that they cannot or refuse to see Truth when it is brought to them. ‘They perish for a lack of knowledge.’ (Hos. 4:6) However, the fool always thinks they are right, that their way is right.

What is a fool according to the Hebrew language. When thoroughly researched it has great and in-depth meaning.

“fool” in the Hebrew language means all of the following, with author’s notes:

aphrōn ἄφρων Strong’s Greek #878

mindless, i.e. stupid, (by impl.) ignorant, (spec.) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (mor.) unbelieving:— fool (-ish), unwise.

191 אֱוִיל [ʾeviyl /ev·eel/] adj m. From an unused root (meaning to be perverse); one who despises wisdom. 1a2 of one who mocks when guilty. 1a3 of one who is quarrelsome. 1a4 of one who is licentious.

ESL

Note:

A fool has a perverse view of life, of how things should be done. Their views and actions do not line up with God’s Ways, God’s Truth, or God’s Will. I recently encountered a “spiritual leader” who though warned by not one but two unconnected, unrelated, servants of God that he should not allow a man steeped in sin to lead worship at his congregation, has chosen instead to do so. How perverse is such a thing! Disgustingly so! Leading worship of all things. Then again, at one time Satan was the worship leader in heaven.

And yet another person whose life is literally being destroyed day after day, while she celebrates her ignorance as enlightenment, and tries to persuade others to do the same; their life blood will be on her hands, and she will answer to God for it one day; as will the earlier mentioned “pastor” for his choice.

Yet another, who is missing out on what God has for her because she has chosen to allow a sinful man to bring her down to sin and dictate her life. This one is horribly sad. Some people long for love so much they are too easily controlled.

FOOL ˒ewil (אֱוִיל, 191), “fool.” This word appears primarily in the wisdom literature. A person described by ˒ewil generally lacks wisdom; indeed, wisdom is beyond his grasp (Prov. 24:7). In another nuance, “fool” is a morally undesirable individual who despises wisdom and discipline (Prov. 1:7; 15:5). He mocks guilt (Prov. 14:9), and is quarrelsome (Prov. 20:3) and licentious (Prov. 7:22). Trying to give him instruction is futile (Prov. 16:22).

VCEDONTW

Note:

People should not be given leadership roles when they lack the ability to understand True Wisdom when it is presented to them. God must remove these people when they reach the point that giving sound wisdom and “instruction is futile” due to their lack of willingness to listen. Why should they listen after all, they know it all…right. How pathetic.

˒ĕvı̂yl אֱֱוִיל Strong’s Hebrew #190

to be perverse); (fig.) silly:— fool (-ish) (man).

hâlal הָלַל Strong’s Hebrew #1984

to celebrate; also to stultify:— (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.

keçı̂yl כְּסִיל Strong’s Hebrew #3684

fat, i.e. (fig.) stupid or silly:— fool (-ish).

Note:

These people revel in their wisdom ignorance. Yet, in reality they show just how silly or down right stupid they truly are.

nâbâl נָבָל Strong’s Hebrew #5036

impious):— fool (-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.

Note:

These types of people’s actions (the foolish and unwise) are both heartbreaking and disgusting at the same time. I feel so sorry for them and their lack of understanding but at the same time I am appalled at their ungodly behavior. Both feelings are normal as God both loves the sinner and hates their sin.

çâkal סָכַל Strong’s Hebrew #5528

5528. סָכַל çâkal, saw-kal’; for 3688; to be silly:— do (make, play the, turn into) fool (-ish, -ishly, -ishness).

çâkâl סָכָל Strong’s Hebrew #5530

5530. סָכָל çâkâl, saw-kawl’; from 5528; silly:— fool (-ish), sottish.

anŏētŏs ἀνόητος Strong’s Greek #453

sensual:— fool (-ish), unwise.

asŏphŏs ἄσοφος Strong’s Greek #781

particle) and 4680; unwise:— fool.

mōrainō μωραίνω Strong’s Greek #3471

act) as a simpleton:— become fool, make foolish, lose savour.

mōrŏs μωρός Strong’s Greek #3474

from the base of 3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (mor.) blockhead, (appar.) absurd:— fool (-ish, × -ishness).

Pamphulia Παμφυλία Strong’s Greek #3828

Note:

I often think about the fact that these people, along with so many in our society, sound so ridiculous when they speak about their beliefs, and at times I am amazed by how skillfully Satan can blind so many people to Truth.

3828. Παμφυλία Pamphulia, pam-fool-ee´-ah; from a compound of 3956 and 5443; every-tribal, i.e. heterogeneous (5561 being impl.);

Note:

As you think about our society today, I will let that aspect of the definition speak for itself.

paraphrŏnĕō παραφρονέω Strong’s Greek #3912

3912. παραφρονέω paraphrŏnĕō, par-af-ron-eh´-o; from 3844 and 5426; to misthink, i.e. be insane (silly):— as a fool.

Note:

As I have listened to these types of people, their ideas, their beliefs, their intended action, I have often thought to myself, ‘Are these people completely insane?’ and in a spiritual sense, intellectual sense, and emotional sense they are.

phullŏn φύλλον Strong’s Greek #5444

5444. φύλλον phullŏn, fool´-lon; from the same as 5443; a sprout i.e. leaf:— leaf.

Note:

They, as a young “sprout” of a plant, certainly display their spiritual immaturity, intellectual immaturity, and emotional immaturity. All of which they shall never recover from until they are ready to listen to true godly wisdom and counsel.

I am going to repeat the following aspect of the definition of “fool” as it is the core of the problem with foolish people.

aphrōn ἄφρων Strong’s Greek #878

mindless, i.e. stupid, (by impl.) ignorant, (spec.) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (mor.) unbelieving:— fool (-ish), unwise.

These people often absolutely believe they are right, even when everything they believe is right goes against what God has established as right. God’s RIGHT is the only right! But let’s look at why they like their “right” instead of God’s right.

“right” in the Hebrew language, in this verse, from the unwise person’s perspective of right, meaning with author’s notes:

3477. יָשָׁר yâshâr, yaw-shawr’; from 3474; straight (lit. or fig.):— convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet (-est), + pleased well right (-eous), straight, (most) upright (-ly, -ness}.

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}.

Note:

They believe it is the “straight” or the right way for many reasons; among them it is often the “convenient” way, and might also produces a perverse form of what they view as “equity” among people. They believe it right because it is “pleasant” to them; if it feels right do it or if you think it is right for you then it is, both of which are simply garbage. However, to them their actions “seem good” so they view themselves as “upright” in their behavior. And we cannot forget that people think their actions are right because it makes them “prosperous” – we cannot dismiss the greed factor. It is not only greed for monetary gain or possessions but it can often be greed for power, position, praise, etc. This frequently ensnares spiritual leaders.

Foolish unwise people simply do not want to listen to wise godly counsel. Additionally, listening to that counsel involves much more than hearing with your ears, as you will see from our review of the definition.

“hearkeneth” in the Hebrew language, meaning with author’s notes:

8085. שָׁמַע shâma˓, shaw-mah’; a prim. root; to hear intelligently (often with impl. of attention, obedience, etc.

Note:

When a person does not act on what has been spoken to them, they have not heard in a godly sense.

We should all know what “counsel” is but we will review the definition, and we know this speaks only of godly counsel.

“counsel” in the Hebrew language means:

6098. עֵצָה ˓êtsâh, ay-tsaw’; from 3289; advice; by impl. plan; also prudence:— advice, advisement, counsel ([-lor]), purpose.

3289. יָעַץ yâ˓ats, yaw-ats’; a prim. root; to advise; refl. to deliberate or resolve:— advertise, take advice, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel (-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.

A person can be a fool for a day, a year, or a lifetime and still come back from this characteristic, if they are willing to turn from their ways (repent), listen to and act on wise godly counsel – then they too can one day become wise.

“wise” in the Hebrew language means:

2450. חָכָם châkâm, khaw-kawm’; from 2449; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful):— cunning (man), subtil, ([un-])wise ([hearted], man}.

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.

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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 12:11,24,27,14 Work and Words

In Attitude, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Grace, Money, Proverbs, Stealing, Suffering on June 5, 2024 at 2:36 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).

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

Work and Words

What we say, what we do, both, have a major impact on the quality of our life. People speak death to their own lives then wonder why their lives are continually in lack. People want much but do little, then wonder why they do not have what they want or need.

If you work you eat (v.11).

This word “diligent’ that is used in verse twenty-four in the Hebrew definition has the meaning of being “eager” and having “determination” as qualities. A determined person finds a way through their eagerness to do what is necessary, and lawful, to take care of and provide for their family. They end up on top in a good sense for to “bear rule” as found in this verse, means to “to rule:— (have, make to have) dominion, governor, × indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule (-ing, -r), have power.”

Looking at verse twenty-seven, we find that the “substance” which the “diligent man” has, is according to the Hebrew language, “wealth” and “implies enough” is the condition of the “diligent man” and lack is the condition of the “slothful” lazy man. Again, the idea of the man “hunting” for his food indicates he is actually doing something to produce this “substance” that he enjoys. And get a load of what this “precious” “substance” consist of according to the Hebrew language.

“precious” =

3368. יָקָר yâqâr, yaw-kawr’; from 3365; valuable (obj. or subj.):— brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation.

3365. יָקַר yâqar, yaw-kar’; a prim. root; prop. appar. to be heavy, i.e. (fig.) valuable; caus. to make rare (fig. to inhibit):— be (make) precious, be prized, be set by, withdraw.

Wow, this type of man even draws a certain type of woman, an “honourable woman” (honorable). Be careful however about what your view of an “honourable woman” is because she definitely does not have the qualities viewed by the world as good, she has the qualities, often difficult ones for people to accept, but nevertheless qualities that God, not man, views as honorable.

Verse twenty-four has a very serious warning for the “slothful” person – a note here that this word “slothful” in the Hebrew language also means “deceitful” as well. That type of person will “be under tribute” in life. However, what does that mean? It is bad, very bad!

“shall be under tribute” in the Hebrew language means:

4522. מַס maç, mas; or

מִס miç, mees; from 4549; prop. a burden (as causing to faint), i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor:— discomfited, levy, task [-master], tribute (-tary).

4549. מָסַס mâçaç, maw-sas’; a prim. root; to liquefy; fig. to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief):— discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, × utterly.

This is not a good life. I have seen firsthand people with this life. People living this type of life and they were extremely lazy and deceitful people. That is all I will comment on that, as the meaning of the words say it all.

However, going back to verse eleven we find that people who have made the choice to follow “vain persons” which is inclusive according to the Hebrew language of people who are “empty fig. worthless” find they lack the “understanding” to ever make a life of true meaning or substance, and they always seem to try and blame someone else for that reality. Do people effect and affect another person’s existence? Yes, to a point depending on the depth of the relationship and the day to day interactions of the relationship. (This could lead to so much to write so I will just leave it there.) People are so vain; many think their education alone is cause for “enlightenment” of which they have none and their life reflects this fact. Nevertheless, people follow these “vain, empty, worthless” people down a path titled “enlightenment” that only leads to their misery and destruction – usually “death by a thousand cuts” sinful cuts, that is.

Be careful of what you say about yourself and other people. Be careful what you choose to do and not do in life for it will effect and affect every part of your existence.

Side note: on both spelling and grace

FYI for those of you who might not know; in Britain, which is where the King James Bible originated, the letter “u” is used in many more words than we use them in, here in America. I recall once I had another minister and his wife over for dinner. I had a tapestry on one of my tables. The wife pointed out that they had spelled the word “colour” (British) vs. color (American) incorrectly. She was a school teacher by trade but I knew it was due to her lack of exposure to other cultures that she was unaware of the differences, therefore, I said nothing. Nevertheless, it stuck with me and I learned a valuable lesson about grace as we never know the extent of another person’s background.

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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 12:10 Animal Treatment

In Abuse, Animal Treatment, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Cruelty, Decision Making, Decisions, Devotional, Godliness, Proverbs, Uncategorized on January 31, 2024 at 5:50 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).

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Animal Treatment

Wickedness has no concept for true compassion, mercy and love. Godliness understands the importance and need of all three for people and all living creatures.

Let us get the worst over with first by examining the word cruel.

“cruel” in the Hebrew is defined 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.

The wicked, their ideas of ‘mercy are cruelty’ yet they know it not. They are often blinded by Satan. Wicked people often harm animals. One of the key traits, psychology claims, of a serial killer is that when they were young, they harmed or even killed animals. How horrid!

When you look at what it means to “regardeth” and animal you see where the need for care, love, mercy, and instruction come in.

“regardeth” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

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.) [as follow]:— acknowledge, acquaintance (-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, [un-] awares, can [-not], certainly, for a certainty, comprehend, consider, × could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be [ig-] norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to, let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have [knowledge], (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, × prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have [understanding], × will be, wist, wit, wot.

Godly people understand their responsibility to give “care, recognition, instruction, and punishment” where needed to the animals in their care. That dog or cat we love is a “familiar friend” to us, but one who must be corrected when they potty on the rug. In order to train an animal correctly we must have a “kinsman” type relationship with them meaning we “know” them, we “have knowledge of and have understanding” of their temperament, needs, strengths, and weaknesses. A farmer will tell you that all of this is very necessary to get the maximum amount of productivity from their animals.

All living creatures are created by God for a purpose. Let us both respect their purpose and their existence for the length of their life. ++end++

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 12:9 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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An Old Man’s Christmas

In Bible, Biblical Principles, Birth, Charity, Christ Birth, Christian, Christianity, Christmas, God’s Promises, Love on December 14, 2023 at 6:15 pm

An Old Man’s Christmas

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn’t been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn’t hate Christmas, just couldn’t find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don’t mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you’re busy, I’ll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain’t much, but it’s hot and tasty. Stew … Made it myself. When you’re done, there’s coffee and it’s fresh."

Just at that moment, he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell.. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old ’53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold the car was dead.

"You ain’t going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help …." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain’t the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night.. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave ’em the truck, their tires were shot too. That ‘ol truck has brand new." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn’t cracked; it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain’t gonna get ’em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife’s old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn’t going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car, an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic.. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin’," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills.. "You hang in there; I’m going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two-way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain’t gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is.. Bullet passed right through ‘ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer.

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain’t got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That’s the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I’ll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, its Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain’t much but it’s all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I’m not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I’ve lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein’ stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin’ in here with a gun ain’t the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we’ll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I’m sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee,” the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread.. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don’t know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep,” George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy … and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go something for the little woman. I don’t think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can’t take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That’s all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell.. "Here’s something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I’ll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I’m closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where’d you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don’t celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn’t see what all the bother was. Puttin’ up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin’ cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn’t the same by myself and besides I was gettin’ a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George’s shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George … it’s My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"

Merry Christmas!!

Titled by me – Author Unknown – Sent to my ministry anonymously on December 25, 2010

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 Candymaker’s Witness

In Biblical Principles, Candy, Candy Cane, Christ, Christ Birth, Christmas, Christmas Candy, Jesus, Love on December 7, 2023 at 9:37 am

This came to me in the form of a Christmas greeting decades ago printed on a 4×7 laminated sheet with a candy cane attached.  I loved it and have passed it on each year ever since.

A Candymaker’s Witness

Original source/author unknown

A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs, who like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a Candy Cane – a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who “have eyes to see and ears to hear.” I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness TO THE WONDER OF JESUS and HIS GREAT LOVE that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.

This year try hanging your candy canes, on your tree, upside down so that they form the letter “j”. It will be a small way to remind all who see them the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

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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Movie "The Shift"

In Apostasy, Biblical Principles, Change, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Decisions, Demon, Demon Possession, End Times, End-times, Evil, Godliness, Left Behind, Mental Illness, Movie - The Shift, Obedience, Renewal, Repentance, Righteous Living, Satan, Suffering, Trust, Uncategorized on December 2, 2023 at 4:27 pm

Movie "The Shift"

Okay guys another movie review and recommendation for Christians and all people. Again, another movie that on the surface you would not think it is a Christian themed movie but it absolutely is Christian.

The trailer for the movie seems to be very odd but it truly is a good movie and well done. I am going to provide you with just a few bullet points about the movie because I do not want to give away any of the plot.

† Job – Modern day take on the book of and biblical character of Job.

† Trials – An examination of what it truly means to go through trials in our lives.

† Choices – An examination of the effects of our choices on our life and our very existence.

† Movie Type – Sci-fi version of end times, a disguised Christian movie meant to look secular, with a love story thrown in.

† Suffering – God revealed in suffering.

† Characteristics – The power of selfishness and selflessness.

The Shift… The last sentence of the film.

"This is not my world but this is my home."

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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Walmart Prophet

In Biblical Principles, Christ Return, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Church Growth, Conditional Prophecy, Correction, Discernment, Disobedience, Disunity, End Times, End-times, God, God Speaking, God’s Promises, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Reformation, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Revelation, Rhema Words, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sovereign Prophecy, Spiritual Remnant, Unity, Words, Words of Knowledge, Words of Wisdom on November 29, 2023 at 6:12 pm

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

On Sunday I was reminded that God always finishes what He starts and brings to fulfillment His Work on earth. This has prompted me to repost a posting I did almost a year ago now, as it is more important than ever. Then at the beginning of December, I will begin with my annual Christmas and New Year’s postings.

Walmart Prophet

Walmart Prophet – January 22nd 2023 approximately 2:00 p.m.

Yesterday I had the most powerful encounter with another Believer that I have had in years, in of all places, Walmart.

The last couple of months Jesus has been impressing upon me over and over the need to give more care and attention to every single encounter I have every day. With every stranger, with every clerk in a store, with friends, other Believers, simply everyone. God is wanting me to make every encounter as meaningful as it can be. He has been stressing that this is extremely important in part because of the condition of our society and the disconnect between human beings. So I’ve been trying to be more mindful of that, not being in such a hurry and simply looking to see if God desires to do anything.

Well yesterday in Walmart I was in the mindset to do that when a white haired older gentleman approach me and began to talk. It only took about 30 to 45 seconds for him to ask me was I a Christian. I replied in the affirmative.

He began to remind me of the Scriptures that speak about how God would one day divide the real Christians from those who just claim to be Christians. He went on to say they are distinctions for determining what real Christians are. Then he pivoted the conversation and began to speak about what True God-honoring Congregations of Believers looked like versus what they did not, and additionally what they would have to be like during the end-times and prior to Christ return. Now he had my attention as this was something that God had actually shown me in the late 1990s. I listened with great spiritual discernment.

He began to talk about groups of Believers, those in the Outer Court, those in the Inner Court, and those in the Holy of Holies and their distinctions. As he spoke, he looked me directly in the eyes and began to move closer and closer. I looked him back just as intently and stood my ground as this seemingly stranger closed in on what we would call my personal space. He spoke about how you could tell the Real Believer from an unbeliever by the look in their eyes, and this was something I have always believed. The eyes, as he reminded me, are a window to the soul.

He was beginning to truly capture my attention fully. It seemed like an extremely unusual encounter because God has very rarely sent anyone to speak to me, I’m usually the one He has sent. I knew however in this moment I had to listen, and I was about to find out why.

I stood there and listen to this man, a man who had to be of God, if truly a man at all and not an angel, recount according to him the characteristics of a group of people or Believers (gatherings, as he called them) that would be considered part of the Outer Court (those congregations who house people who say they are Christians but may or may not be, more not than likely because True Christians likely would not stay in these congregations), the Inner Court (those congregations who house people who have actually obtained salvation but beyond that not much else and the congregation is not functioning as God desires), and the Holy of Holies (these are the congregations that are housing True Passionate Followers of Christ who are desiring to function as a group in the manners that God intends).

As the Man of God stood there describing those congregations or as he put it gatherings of God’s people who were a part of the Holy of Holies, I was spiritually astounded. I listened to this man recount every single characteristic of a congregation of Believers that God would bless and use, characteristics that God had given (spoken to) me back in the 1990s. God had described what He wanted His congregations to be before He could use them the way He desired and prior to His return, and He had described this way back then. Now this man was listing every characteristic one by one and why it was important. I was amazed, simply amazed! I had never forgotten what God had shown me He desired for His congregations to be, and I had never stopped spiritually advocating for the existence of those characteristics and functionality in congregations, but God wanted me to be reminded that today in 2023 He still wants the same thing he spoke in approximately 1998.

Then the Man of God moved on to me personally. He pointed out two specific things, and they were very specific. One was, God wanted me to know that a specific leader that ended up corrupt in the end, with a ministry that ended badly, was not always corrupt and that God was working there at one time, when they were following what He said. My view was imbalanced when it came to this particular ministry and leader because I always focused on the end, and gave little time or attention to what was real in the beginning, so I welcome that adjustment. The second was a spiritual principle that is at work in the Body of Christ that I need to give more attention to than I have been, so I received that exhortation as well.

As only God could do as soon as God’s points had been made the gentleman’s phone began to ring so loud it sounded like an alarm clock, like something saying wake up – wake up, and we both knew the encounter was over, although we did pause just staring in each other’s eyes making sure we understood each other. Then we both simply walked away.

We never know what our everyday encounters will bring and what exactly God would like to do through them, so it is in our best interest to take the time to pay close attention.

If this was not a case of me entertaining angels unaware, which it most likely was not, sir if you ever read this, which you might since we shop in the same location and there is a huge sign on my car with the blog address, if you do read it please use the comment section below to be in touch. I would be blessed by further communication with you.

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 12:5-8, 12-13 Righteousness vs. Evil

In Authority, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Evil, Holiness, Lifestyle, Obedience, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Revival, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sanctification, Uncategorized on October 14, 2023 at 12:50 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).

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Righteousness vs. Evil

In these verses the meaning as far as application to life is fairly straightforward. It is in an in-depth look at the definitions for the words in this verse that the nuggets of spiritual gold are found.

Hebrew definition for:

v. 5 “wicked”

7563. רָשָׁע râshâ˓, raw-shaw’; from 7561; morally wrong; concr. an (actively) bad person:— + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.

The fact that “morally wrong” is part of the Hebrew definition indicates that there is a moral standard. We as Christians know this to be true, but the world, and some people who say they are Christians, indicate that there is no concrete moral standard. They are wrong! God has clearly laid out a moral standard for humanity and there are consequences for not following that Standard and blessings for doing so.

Note that the definition states that the “wicked” persons referred to here are those who are, “an actively bad person” not a person who sins at times or does wrong on occasion. None of us are perfect and we are going to sin at times, though we do not have to do so habitually thanks to the freeing power of Jesus, but we are not a person who actively seeks to do wrong or is comfortable with doing wrong. There is an element of being “condemned” that comes with being “an actively bad person” or someone deemed to be a “wicked” person.

Hebrew definition for:

v. 5 “deceit”

4820. מִרְמָה mirmâh, meer-maw’; from 7411 in the sense of deceiving; fraud:— craft, deceit (-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery.

7411. רָמָה râmâh, raw-maw’; a prim. root; to hurl; spec. to shoot; fig. to delude or betray (as if causing to fall):— beguile, betray, [bow-] man, carry, deceive, throw.

Wicked people are filled with “deceit” and they seek to deceive other people. Where you find a deceitful person you find Satan, the Father of Lies (John 8:44), deep at work. They cannot and should not be trusted because they are “feigned” (insincere or pretend) people. Deceitful people will always bring hurt to your life.

Hebrew definition for:

v.6 “upright”

3477. יָשָׁר yâshâr, yaw-shawr’; from 3474; straight (lit. or fig.):— convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet (-est), + pleased well right (-eous), straight, (most) upright (-ly, -ness).

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).

Hebrew definition for:

v.6 “deliver”

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)

There is a right way to God in life and that is God’s Way. It is only through following God’s Standards for life that we can fulfill life in a meaningful way, in the way God intended. When we follow God’s Way for our life, He then delivers us in our time of need or distress. Following God’s path for our life makes our life “prosperous” as well. Note that to be prosperous is not just about money, it is about life, health, godly spirituality, relationships, all the things that make up life. Follow, look to, “the straight way” in life, God’s Way.

I want to focus in on the “deliver” aspect of verse six. Have you ever had God remove something from your life you did not want removed? There are times when God will “snatch away” something or someone from our life and at the time it appears to be a horrible thing to have happen to us. We definitely in these times view the snatching away as being done in “a bad sense” at least from our LIMITED perspective. Yet, after we wait a while, maybe years, we finally see that God in the snatching away of what we viewed as important or precious, was instead actually us being delivered by God from something or someone that did not need to be in our life, or that had its season for our life, was now over, yet, we had not yet let go of it, so God snatched it away. Whatever or whomever from which God sees to “deliver” us, is intended for the purpose to “preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, or defend” our life in accordance with God’s Will. Trust God’s deliverance.

Hebrew definition for:

v.7 “overthrown”

2015. הָפַךְ hâphak, haw-fak’; a prim. root; to turn about or over; by impl. to change, overturn, return, pervert:— × become, change, come, be converted, give, make [a bed], overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way).

It is the destiny of the wicked to be “overthrown” at some point and time. Perhaps, even to the point where they will “be converted” to God’s Way of life. When God makes your life “tumble” it is quite the tumbling, and life is never again the same.

On the other hand the life “of the righteous shall stand” thanks to God.

Hebrew definition for:

v.7 “stand”

5975. עָמַד ˓âmad, aw-mad’; a prim. root; to stand, in various relations (lit. and fig., intr. and tran.):— abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be [over], place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.

The absolute greatest security in the world and in the world to come is a relationship with Jesus the Christ.

Hebrew definition for:

V.8 “commended”

1984. הָלַל hâlal, haw-lal’; a prim. root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; caus. to celebrate; also to stultify:— (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.

Note that in this definition there is both positive and negative meaning. Since a person is “commended according to his wisdom” positive and negative would have to apply. “According to” indicate a degree and type of commending. For the godly wise this would mean they are “renowned” – “they shine” – people “sing their praise” – their wisdom is “cause to celebrate” for themselves and other people – they bring “glory” to God the giver of their wisdom. For those who lack in wisdom they too are “commended” for their lack of wisdom – they ”boast and thus tend to be clamorously foolish” – they show they are a “fool” – people tend to “rage” against them instead of praising them.

The wicked cannot give godly wisdom because their heart is “perverse” and not seeking the heart, will, and mind of Christ. This leads to them ultimately being “despised” by people, hence the “rage” people feel against them.

The wicked are their own worst enemy for they are “snared by the transgression” of their own life, their own “lips” not by other people.

Hebrew definition for:

v.13 “transgression”

6588. פֶּשַׁע pesha˓, peh’-shah; from 6586; a revolt (national, moral, or religious):— rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass.

6586. פָּשַׁע pâsha˓, paw-shah’; a prim. root [rather ident. with 6585 through the idea of expansion]; to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel:— offend, rebel, revolt, transgress (-ion, -or).

Wicked people choose to rebel against God, to reject Christ, to live in “revolt – morally and religiously” on a daily basis. They have chosen “to break away from just authority” the authority of God, their Creator.

However, “the just shall come out of trouble” thanks to God. Note that it does not say they will never enter trouble or have trouble, what it says is that they “shall come out of trouble” and they shall, every single time.

++end++

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.

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

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 12:3 Roots Only Grow In One Soil

In Behavior, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Decisions, Disobedience, Evil, Proverbs, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Change, Spiritual Fruit, Truth, Uncategorized, Wickedness, Wisdom on September 6, 2023 at 3:10 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).

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

Roots Only Grow In One Soil

When we think of trying to secure ourselves, our life, our reputation, etc., we are thinking about something that in the long run of life only God can do. Security that we produce is only an illusion, then one day it is gone. Security God produces holds. We do however play a part in allowing God to secure our life for us, and that part is what we will explore here.

“established” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

3559. כּוּן kûwn, koon; a prim. root; prop. to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence, (caus.) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether lit. (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or fig. (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous):— certain (-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable , (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, × very deed.

Wow, right! What incredible and in-depth meaning there is to the word established. It literally covers every aspect of human life. It is no wonder man cannot do it himself/herself but instead it requires an act of God in concert with an individual.

No form of wickedness will ever help a person truly reach a point of this type of security, as found in what it means to be “established” by God’s standard. We have seen this played out in society time and time again. A person is riding high by the world’s standards, has fame, plenty of fortune, then one day it is all gone, seemingly overnight. In almost all of these cases there is one common thread, the fame and fortune was almost always acquired through ungodly means, wickedness.

“wickedness” in the Hebrew is defined as:

7562. רֶשַׁע resha˓, reh’-shah; from 7561; a wrong (espec. moral):— iniquity, wicked (-ness).

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).

Wickedness is only temporary security, at best. God will never allow it to be anything else. Righteousness on the other hand is another thing.

“righteousness” is defined in the Hebrew language as:

6662. צַדִּיק tsaddı̂yq, tsad-deek’; from 6663; just:— just, lawful, righteous (man).

צִדֹנִי° Tsı̂dônı̂y. See 6722.

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).

Jesus is the only one who can do that initial “cleanse” of our souls and spirit that is required. He does that through our willingness to humble ourselves to our sinfulness, believe and trust in His sacrificial death on our behalf, our seeking of forgiveness from Him, and our invitation to Him to come into our life, every area of our life, and make us what He wants us to be, what He created us to be. He makes us “morally right” with God the Father.

Jesus “clears us of self” and instead as we allow His Holy Spirit to work in us, He provides the strength needed to live in the “righteousness” He has called each and every one of his children to live in. His strength must be sought before we can “turn to righteousness” in a way that will be successful and long-lasting. What far too many Christians miss is that it is His strength through us, which equals us calling on Him to empower or strengthen us to live as He wants, coupled with us choosing what God deems morally right or “righteous” in each situation.

Jesus’ strength + our choice = righteousness.

That kind of living is a life that is rooted in a way that cannot be uprooted, “moved”, or toppled.

“moved” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

4131. מוֹט môwṭ, mote; a prim. root; to waver; by impl. to slip, shake, fall:— be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, × exceedingly, fall (-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip.

Unlike the life “established by wickedness” those lives whose “root of righteousness’ is Christ, and following God’s Way to live, is a life that will not “be out of course” with God’s Will or one found to “be fallen in decay exceedingly” at any point.

To truly be “established” in life, rooted in a way that cannot be toppled, God must do the establishing and you must choose righteousness, His Way over your own. Who will “establish” you in life, God (righteousness) or self (wickedness)?

Again, Jesus’ strength + our choice = righteousness. ++end++

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?

++end++

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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++end++

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 11:30-31 – Who Ends The Game With More

In Actions, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Decisions, Divine Protection, Evil, Godliness, Lifestyle, Proverbs, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wisdom on July 18, 2023 at 4:21 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).

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Who Ends The Game With More

Far too many people look at life as a competition for who can have more, but more of what? For each person having “more” depends on what their heart tells them is important. For some it is simple, like my spouse used to say, ‘If I wake up in the morning it is a blessing from God, anything more I get is extra.’ If everyone could be so grateful to God for life.

As we have explored previously there are many people who obtain what they have through evil, wicked, and ungodly means only to have it all stripped away in an instant.

Righteousness, godliness produces fruit, righteous fruit. That fruit produces a “tree” or as the Hebrew definition includes “a stalk” of life, meaning the evidence or reward manifest in our daily lives (v.30). Let us take a moment to explore this “tree of life” and what “life” includes.

“life” in the Hebrew Language is defined as:

2416. חַי chay, khah’-ee; from 2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, espec. in the fem. sing. and masc. plur.) life (or living thing), whether lit. or fig.:— + age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life (-time), live (-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.

2421. חָיָה châyâh, khaw-yaw’; a prim. root [comp. 2331, 2421]; to live, whether lit. or fig.; caus. to revive:— keep (leave, make) alive, × certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, (× God) save (alive, life, lives), × surely, be whole.

Before I start down the path of writing about what it means to reap the rewards of righteousness through life, let me make this perfectly clear. I do not ascribe to the idea that some “religious, overly charismatic, legalistic people” have that if a person dies young, in middle age, dies some horrible death or due to some horrific illness that there was something wrong in their lives. That is legalistic nonsense that stinks in the nostrils of God. That said, there is biblical foundation for righteousness or righteous living providing people forms of protection and/or rewards. With that stated let us explore the implication of the definition for the word “life” in verse thirty.

There is little doubt that righteous living overall produces a “strong” individual spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. There is longevity of life that often goes with righteous living, as righteous living produces better health and a greater resolve to live. It also produces an “appetite” for life and the “company” or companionship, “congregation” to go along with and fulfill that zest for life. Righteous living is the greatest form of “maintenance” for the body, mind, soul, and emotions, there is absolutely no diet, vitamin, workout routine, etc. that can do a better job. Righteousness creates a “merry” spirit that is filled with joy and hope. A righteous lifestyle is our greatest chance at being “old, quick, and running” in our old age with a ‘spring in our step’ and as a true ‘trooper’ for the Kingdom of God. Righteousness will “preserve, recover, repair, restore, and revive’ us as individuals, our relationships, almost anything in life we encounter. Righteousness makes us to “surely be whole” this side of heaven and in the life to come, as the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us gives us a way “to live, whether literally or figuratively” in this life and will “cause us to revive” in the next life.

Who would not want people to have the type of life that was just described. Our hearts should burst at the opportunity to ‘win souls for Christ’ whenever possible. It is certainly a fruit of righteousness and an incredibly “wise” thing to do (v.30).

Righteous people have a reward not only in heaven, but they also have “recompense” right here and now while they are alive on the earth (v.31), as “earth” and world mean the same thing in this verse. World is part of the Hebrew definition for earth. Therefore, let us explore further what the righteous have to look forward to in the here and now.

“recompensed” in the Hebrew Language means the following:

7999. שָׁלַם shâlam, shaw-lam’; a prim. root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); fig. to be (caus. make) completed; by impl. to be friendly; by extens. to reciprocate (in various applications):— make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace (-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper (-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, × surely.

They can expect “to be safe” in their “mind, body, and estate” – estate being belongings, possessions, etc. They are “completed” in the spiritual realm and that completeness permeates their inner being, their spirit, their heart, and their soul. They tend “to be friendly” and that is “reciprocated” by others in various ways as they find favor with God and people. Other people long to, and righteous people long to keep relationships in good repair, thus making “amends” when needed or to “make good” on anything due someone, they seek to “be at peace” with people and live a “peaceable” life. Righteous people can expect to be made “prosperous” yet, as my late spouse pointed out prosperity does not always come in the form of money only, as far too many people mistakenly think. Prosperity can come in the form of family, relationships, work, health, too many ways to name, which yes, does also include financial prosperity. Righteous people experience “recompense” in this world, they are “rendered” reward(s) for that righteousness, God will “restore” their losses as He did with Job, “requite” is on their side as God avenges the wrongs done to them – “the righteous” see their “reward” in this life as well as the next.

The second have of verse thirty-one can be confusing for many people. If you look it up in various translations of the Bible you find the meaning varies widely, too widely for them all to be right as they contradict one another. I will make my explanation simple.

Just as the righteous get their reward on earth and in the afterlife in heaven, the wicked get their reward on earth and in the afterlife as well (v.31). Who are the wicked? Here is how they are defined based on the definition of the word “wicked” from verse thirty-one.

“wicked” has the definition of the following the Hebrew:

7563. רָשָׁע râshâ˓, raw-shaw’; from 7561; morally wrong; concr. an (actively) bad person:— + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.

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).

I believe the “wicked” person is pretty obvious when you meet and talk with them.

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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.