God's Truth In Love

Archive for the ‘Evil’ Category

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:20 God’s Disgust

In Abominations, Actions, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Cruelty, Decision Making, Evil, Mental Disorder, Mental Illness, Proverbs, Psychiatry, Renewal, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on August 13, 2022 at 5:31 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).

20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

God’s Disgust

We will address part one of this verse.

To be an abomination to Jehovah God is a very serious state to be in. Yet, this Scripture makes it clear that those who are “of a froward heart” are in exactly that situation (v.20). We will take the time to look at what an abomination actually is and what having a froward heart actually means.

“abomination” in the Hebrew is the defined as the following:

8441. תּוֹעֵבָה tôw˓êbâh, to-ay-baw’; or

תֹּעֵבָה tô˓êbâh, to-ay-baw’; fem. act. part. of 8581; prop. something disgusting (mor.), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; espec. idolatry or (concr.) an idol:— abominable (custom, thing), abomination.

8581. תָּעַב tâ˓ab, taw-ab’; a prim. root; to loathe, i.e. (mor.) detest:— (make to be) abhor (-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable (-y), × utterly.

That’s harsh! Far too many people see God as some marshmallow who just loves everybody no matter what, without balancing His true character. God does love everybody, but God absolutely hates sin. Sin is sin but there are times in the Bible where some sins are depicted as having the effect of being abhorring to God. The ones, for lack of better wording, that He just hates, hates, hates. Those people with a “froward heart” are among that group.

The idea of being morally disgusting in God’s eyes is heartbreaking to me. To be hated, loathed, detested by my own Creator is beyond description. However, if I were to fall into this category that is where I would be at – unless or until I repented.

What does a froward heart look like? Let us examine that.

“froward” in the Hebrew is defined as:

6141. עִקֵּשׁ ˓iqqêsh, ik-kashe’; from 6140; distorted; hence, false:— crooked, froward, perverse.

6140. עָקַשׁ ˓âqash, aw-kash’; a prim. root; to knot or distort; fig. to pervert (act or declare perverse):— make crooked, (prove, that is) perverse (-rt).

A heart distorted by evil, wrongdoing, perversion, which is a cheat, a heart that is by all account twisted in knots (in an evil sense) by life, is a froward heart. A person consumed with these traits is not a welcome sight in God’s eyes. If you have these traits in your life I urge you, warn you, to repent and clean up your heart before God.

A side note for a moment.

I was once interviewed for a book a professor was writing because of two events in my life. I went into the ministry, and I was almost killed by a serial killer. In this interview we talked about how hearts get distorted by evil (the man who tried to kill me had been horribly abused as a child) and I told the professor my beliefs on the matter. Here is one of the quotes from the things I shared with him, that he cited in his book.

“Evil opens the doorway to psychological damage and psychological damage opens the doorway to evil.” It is a vicious cycle, I told him.

If your heart is distorted it is one of the most serious things in life, so deal with it and do so quickly!

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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 11:18-19 Your Fruit Your Choice

In Actions, Advice, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Evil, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Godliness, Holiness, Lifestyle, Obedience, Proverbs, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wisdom on August 3, 2022 at 6:41 pm

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

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

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

Your Fruit Your Choice

Death and life in the figurative, moral, mental, emotional, physical (to some degree) and spiritual (to a small degree) are in your hands based on your choices you make each day. In these verses we see a contrast between evil and righteousness, between deceitfulness and uprightness and the resulting fruit of each.

Wickedness is deceitful, plain and simply. Many of their wicked acts require deceit.

“deceitful” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

8267. שֶׁקֶר sheqer, sheh’-ker; from 8266; an untruth; by impl. a sham (often adv.):— without a cause, deceit (-ful), false (-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully.

8266. שָׁקַר shâqar, shaw-kar’; a prim. root; to cheat, i.e. be untrue (usually in words):— fail, deal falsely, lie.

Deceit takes on many forms but at its heart is something rooted in being dishonest with someone about something in order to gain an advantage in some manner. It is wicked to be deceitful despite what some might think; to lie, to scam a person, to mislead them, to deal with them in a manner that is morally wrong, or to cheat them in some manner. To be less than genuine or real, which is what “feignedly” means, is also deceitful. Deceitfulness has an air of vanity about it because people feel they are somehow entitled to treat others with such contempt.

Righteousness on the other hand is just the opposite. It knows that our true worth is only found in Christ and in obeying Christ’s Will for our life.

In the same language “righteousness” is defined as:

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

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

Righteousness wants to see justice done, to make or cause things to be put right, hungers for virtue, is moderate in its dealings, actions, and lifestyle, seeks goodness and decency, which is what “rectitude” means. Righteousness wants to cleanse itself and wants to see the world cleansed from wickedness. Righteousness produces prosperity, not just monetarily but mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, etc. in so many manners.

That prosperity is there, a result, a fruit, of what is written about in verses eighteen, where it states that the righteous “shall be a sure reward” or shall have a sure reward. Righteousness is a reward to the person who is acting in a righteous manner and a reward to all who have the privilege of dealing with someone who lives their life by a morally righteous code based on God’s Word.

The Hebrew defines “sure” as:

571. אֶמֶת ˒emeth, eh’-meth; contr. from 539; stability; fig. certainty, truth, trustworthiness:— assured (-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.

539. אָמַן ˒âman, aw-man’; a prim. root; prop. to build up or support;

And the Hebrew defines “reward” as:

7938. שֶׂכֶר seker, seh’-ker; from 7936; wages:— reward, sluices.

The righteous person knows they can depend on the rewards of God. They will receive the wages for their faithfulness. Those rewards will flow to them from heaven’s throne to their daily life.

Righteousness will bring life to your life, just as evil will bring death to your life (v.19). Righteousness or evil are a choice, a choice that will bear fruit, a choice that must be made.

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cruelty and Mercy’s Rewards

Cruelty is its own punishment and goodness its own reward.

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

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

“merciful” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

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

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

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

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

“good” in the Hebrew is defined this way:

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

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

Now a look at the other side.

“cruel” is defined in the Hebrew as:

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

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

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

“troubleth” in the Hebrew is defined this way:

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foolishness and Wickedness Paired / Wisdom and Righteousness Paired

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

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

Galatians 6:8 (KJV-AV)

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

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

Psalm 37:4 (KJV-AV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:15-16 Step on People Step on Self

In Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, Evil, Godliness, Greed, Money, Proverbs, Prudence, Repentance, Uncategorized, Wisdom on May 2, 2021 at 4:55 pm

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

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

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

Step on People Step on Self

Wealth itself is not evil or a bad thing. However, dependence upon wealth instead of God is shaky ground and evil in the sight of God, for we are only to be dependent upon the one thing that cannot be taken away or that we cannot lose, that is God.

An individual can be materially rich and morally poor, the latter definitely being a choice a person, whether rich or poor, makes.

Let us look at the meaning from the Hebrew language of a few words found in verse fifteen, reflecting on how those meanings would relate, in context, to this verse of Scripture and the attitudes of some, not all, but some, rich people. Please not the underlined portions.

“strong” 5797.=

עֹז ˓ôz, oze; or (fully)

עוֹז ˓ôwz, oze; from 5810; strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise):— boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong.

5810. עָזַז ˓âzaz, aw-zaz’; a prim. root; to be stout (lit. or fig.):— harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong.

‘impudent” is defined by the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as:

1 obsolete : lacking modesty
2 : marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others : INSOLENT


“city” 7151.=

קִרְיָה qiryâh, kir-yaw’; from 7136 in the sense of flooring, i.e. building; a city:— city.

There are those individuals who are more dependent on their money than they are God. There are those who love their money more than God. Love of that money is the cause of, and an open door for, many evils in their life.

1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV-AV)

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

People who “love” their money often depend on their money as their “strong city” manifested as a “force” to get what they want in life, as “security” in life, a cloak of “majesty” for which they should be admired, and when things do not go their way, they are often found to possess great “boldness” be “loud” exerting their “might, power, and strength” that they buy with their money. In their impudent behavior they are often found to be “lacking modesty, and marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others.”

Their sense of self-importance is misplaced however because it is not their character, morality, rightness, or goodness that gets them their way or draws people to them but instead it is their money that gets them their way, gets them people’s attention, attention which they often mistake for respect, and their relationships too often become about what they can do for the other person instead of being a relationship built on sincere interest in the person, care for, respect of, and love for the person who has the riches. Relationships built on money end when the money disappears.

They that mistakenly make their money the foundation of their life, their “flooring” and their protection, their “building” in a storm often come to find out that money cannot save you from “life” happening to you. They might fall ill and cease to be able to enjoy their money, only for everything they worked for to be left behind to be enjoyed by other people or they might, as is so often seen to happen, lose everything they have overnight, all the money gone – all the power and protection gone. Then what? If you have depended on your money for power, protection, strength, and comfort it is going to be a very lonely scary place to be in life.

How do you discern godly wealth or riches from evil wealth or riches? In many ways, one of which is by the manner of care and treatment those with the money treat those individuals under them who are making the money possible for them, their worker.

“destruction” 4288.=

מְחִתָּה mechittâh, mekh-it-taw’; from 2846; prop. a dissolution; concr. a ruin, or (abstr.) consternation:— destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror.

“consternation” is defined by the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as:

amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion

When an individual of wealth and riches mistreats or oppresses those who work for or service them in the advancement of their own gain their riches are of an evil source, not a godly source. Those people who tear down individual so they can line their pockets with a few more dollars suffer from a ‘love of money that is the root of all evil’ for both them and their family. The day will come when the price for such ruthlessness will have to be paid!

Now turning our attention to verse sixteen. A person’s “labour” and the resulting wealth that comes from that labor, produced in a godly or ungodly manner, will bear fruit in how it is multiplied, what it spent on, how it used, etc. To “tendeth” toward life according to the definition in the Hebrew use is to ‘“err” on the side of using one’s wealth in a godly manner,’ with godly “wisdom” resulting in the “prolonging” of the wealth and the “prolonging” of the life of the holder of said wealth. Whereas you can see the fruit of sin found in the manner in which the wicked obtain their wealth, use their wealth, the sinful ways they spend their wealth, and the decay of life and morality that comes with the wicked obtainment of wealth.

If a person could choose how to obtain and how to use their wealth, both of which a person can do, why not choose a manner that breeds life, godliness, and goodness instead of one that breeds sin, wickedness, ultimately loss and death. Again, remember you can be materially rich but morally poor, it is your choice – morality or immorality.

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:8-14 Heart of Goodness or Wickedness

In Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Evil, Godliness, Proverbs, Renewal, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on April 19, 2021 at 4:22 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).

8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Heart of  Goodness or Wickedness

The wise and the foolish are easily recognized. The wise person is looking to how they might grow and expand their insight into God, finding God’s Will (commandments), and following His Will in obedience(v.8). The foolish person can be found going on and on about things that do not matter, whether people are interested in what is being said or not, sadly for those who are listening (v.8). For that is what “prating” is, “to talk for very long about something that is not very important or interesting” or “chatter foolishly” often ‘in a boastful manner’ that matters little or serves little purpose.

When a person walks honorably before God using wisdom, according to the Hebrew language definition they are walking ‘without being careless’ they conduct themselves ‘safely’, taking “refuse” in abiding by God’s Ways and Principles with a sense of “assurance, (they walk) boldly, (with) confidence, (and with) hope” in God’s protection because of their use of wisdom (v.9). The opposite is also true of the person who “distorts”(the meaning of “perverteth” in the Hebrew) the way in which God wishes them to live, they will find themselves outed or found out (v.9)

Then you have the con artists, the liars, and the boastful (v10). They leave people pained and wounded. The boastful surely find the fall from the perch they placed themselves upon painful. Pride goes before the fall.

Those who speak the things of God, who share His Truths are a source of true life to people if those people hearing accept what they have to say (v.11,13). The “well” spoken of in verse eleven is, according to the Hebrew language, a “source of happiness, wisdom, and progeny (offspring, posterity)” – a producer of goodness and fruit of all sorts for the life of those willing to receive the words. Whereas, once again the mouth of the sinful person speaks death, unhappiness, sin, their words tear people down, wound, and cause pain and/or mental and emotional destruction (v.11). Punishment in some form comes to those individuals who refuse the wisdom, counsel, and understanding of God’s Ways (v.13).

People with hatred in their hearts want to cause problems and strife but those who have love in their hearts want to do nothing to cause harm, their love keeps them from sinning against another person and their love helps them forgive those individuals who sin against them (v.12). Each day we can make the choices that will train and develop our hearts into being a heart filled with love or hatred. I pray you choose love. Hatred is taught and practiced; it does not come naturally. As a young child our first instinct is to love. Then the pain of life begins, and we start choosing to hate, mainly so we will not hurt. Better to love and hurt than to hate and feel only sorrow or grief, which hatred produces.

Those people who are wise continually seek the wisdom and knowledge of God. Those people who are foolish are always teetering on the edge of ruin and destruction in some capacity (v.14).

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 8:13 – Can You Love God and Hate?

In Advice, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, Evil, Godly Counsel, Hate, Hatred, Proverbs, Prudence, Wickedness, Wisdom on November 7, 2019 at 8:30 am

Please forgive my absence in posting, I have been dealing with some personal matters. 

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).

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Can You Love God and Hate?

People do not often think of hate as a part of the true Christian godly experience. Nevertheless, if hate can be a part of God’s experience (v.13) why would it not be a part of a godly person’s experience? Are we greater than or better than God? There is such a thing as good or godly hate.

The Scriptures tell us we are to abhor evil and cling to what is good. To abhor evil, sin, or wrong-doing is to hate evil, sin, or wrong-doing.

Romans 12:9 (NKJV)

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Let us examine what to “abhor” is as defined in the Greek language and by the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.

“abhor” in the Greek language is defined as:

655. ἀποστυγέω apŏstugĕō, ap-os-toog-eh´-o; from 575 and the base of 4767; to detest utterly:— abhor.

“abhor” in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary is defined as:

to regard with extreme repugnance : LOATHE synonyms see HATE

From the Scripture above we know we are “to detest utterly” and “regard with extreme repugnance” to the point of ‘loathing’ and ‘hating’ what is evil, sin, wrong-doing or against God’s Principles. So yes, godly people can hate, but only in the same manner that God hates – the hatred of evil – the hatred of evil, not the hatred of the person doing the evil, there is a difference.

Verse thirteen of chapter eight in Proverbs tells us that hating evil and sin is a way in which we show fear or reverence for the Lord, for to fear “the LORD is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy.”

Most people, even the secular world, accept that evil is a bad thing, but the secular world’s ideas of what is evil do not match God’s ideas and devout Christian’s ideas about what is actually considered evil. The secular world respects in a way and even rewards pride and arrogance, but in God’s economy they are worth nothing, they are things He himself hates.

We are all guilty of pride and arrogance in some form at some stage in our life. However, I challenge you to examine yourself before God to determine just how much pride and arrogance is in you, in addition to whether or not you are partaking in what God would consider evil.

Evil, wrong-doing, or sin is simply anything that is against God’s Will, God’s Word, and God’s Principles.

“pride” and “arrogancy” is defined in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as:

“pride”

the quality or state of being proud: as a : inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship

Synonyms CONCEIT, egoism, egotism, self-consequence, self-glory, self-importance, self-opinion, self-pride, swellheadedness, vainglory

Related Words bighead, cockiness, overconfidence, self-assurance

to congratulate (oneself) for something one is, has, or has done or achieved

“arrogancy”

an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

Synonyms PRIDE, disdain, disdainfulness, haughtiness, hauteur, loftiness, morgue, superbity, superciliousness

an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter, or more important than other people

offensively exaggerating one’s own importance

an exaggerated sense of one’s importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims

Lastly in the Hebrew language this “froward” mouth that God hates is defined as:

8419. תַּהְפֻּכָה tahpûkâh, tah-poo-kaw’; from 2015; a perversity or fraud:— (very) froward (-ness, thing), perverse thing.

When a person distorts God’s Word, Ways, and Principles they are partaking in perversity against Him.

Do not take after the prideful arrogant person, but instead steer clear of them as much as you are able. If you are indulging in pride and arrogant, I have good news for you, Jesus is ready to forgive you, just ask Him and turn from your pride and arrogance.

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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Generational Curses

In Evil, Generational Curses, Psychiatry, Spiritualist, witchcraft on May 19, 2019 at 8:45 am

God has led me to deviate from the regular postings on Proverbs and put forth these three posting to remain for two weeks, at which time we will return to our study of Proverbs.

Please feel free to contact regarding these posts, as the subject matters are very serious.

Generational Curses

I do believe there are such things as generational curses and demonic influences, which are passed down or transferred from one generation to another. I believe this is why you find the actions of the parents or grandparents repeated in the children or grandchildren. I do not believe it to be just or simply genetic or environmental; because you can find this in families where either a] the generations have been too far apart to have enough contact for environment to play a part or b] it can be found in families where the children are not connected biologically to the parent.

Even the practice of psychiatry promotes the idea of generational curses, yet they would never call it such, because they a] Assume family history will determine a person mental capabilities. b] Promote and teach cognitive correction in order to break the cycles of addiction, abuse, etc. in families, which is actually a biblical principle; hence the reason it works. c] Psychiatry believes that it actually takes several generations for an unhealthy mental health cycle to be broken in or dissipate from a family.

Now let’s look at some Scriptures on the matter. We will look at two verses, which speak to generational curses and one that addresses the sovereignty of our environment.

Exodus 20:5 (NKJV) – In relation to and inclusive in the Ten Commandments.

5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

The principle of this verse can also be found in Deuteronomy 5:9

hate = in the Hebrew

8130. שָׂנֵא sânê˒, saw-nay’; a prim. root; to hate (personally):— enemy, foe, (be) hate (-ful, -r), odious, × utterly.

Note:

Notice in this verse that God addresses the issue of generational curses within the framework of the Ten Commandments. God loves us so much and longs for our fellowship so much that He describes Himself as a “jealous God” who does want His children bowing down to or serving anything other than Him. He makes it clear that those who choose to do this are exhibiting a form of hate toward Him and that hate will result in damage, in a variety of forms, for three to four generations. The hate that God speaks of, as you can see by the Hebrew definition, is a personal choice to become an enemy or foe of God.

Exodus 34:6–7 (NKJV) – When Moses was being given the second set of Tablets in the Wilderness, after the Hebrew children of God had left Egypt.

6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

The principle of this verse can also be found in Numbers 14:18

iniquity = in the Hebrew

5771. עָוֹן ˓âvôn, aw-vone’; or

עָווֹן ˓âvôwn (2 Kings 7:9; Psa. 51:5 [7]), aw-vone’; from 5753; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:— fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin.

Note:

Here in this verse we see that God is making a distinction between being forgiving, patient, and merciful while still allowing the guilty and consequences which come with sin. God wants His people to understand that their sin does not just effect, and affect, them but it also impacts the generations that will follow them. It is almost like say, ‘Ha if you do not care about yourself maybe you will care about your children and your children’s children and their children; maybe that will motivate you to live a godly life.’ Here the focus is on how one lives, verses what we saw in Exodus 20:5 in relation to whom one serves. If you look at the word “iniquity” in the Hebrew, you see the definition is inclusive of moral perversity and evil as well as mischief and sin. There is a sense of willful and stubborn rebellion against God’s principles and against a godly lifestyle.

Acts 17:26 (NKJV) – Paul expressing the sovereignty of God in people’s environment.

26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

habitation [KJV] and dwellings [NKJV] = in the Greek

Strong’s Greek #2733 2733. κατοικία katŏikia, kat-oy-kee´-ah; residence (properly the condition; but by implication the abode itself):— habitation.

Note:

Next one must keep in mind that despite all that we see about generational curses in the verses above that God Himself has determined the time, in which a person will live, where they will live, and under or in what conditions they will live. That means the parents that they have or had were given by God for His Divine Purpose. Wherever, however, and within the conditions we grew up were no accident they were that way for a reason which God intents for His use and His glory if we allow ALL to be redeemed by Him for His Glory. Nothing has escaped His notice or sovereign power.

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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Prayer for Renouncement of Evil

In Evil, Generational Curses, Prayer, Psychiatry, Spiritualist, witchcraft on May 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

God has led me to deviate from the regular postings on Proverbs and put forth these three posting to remain for two weeks, at which time we will return to our study of Proverbs.

Please feel free to contact regarding these posts, as the subject matters are very serious.

Prayer for Renouncement of Evil

Heavenly Father I come to you in the name of Jesus. Please hear my prayer because of the work of Christ on the Cross and allow the blood of Christ to cover my every sin and need.

I thank you for your Holiness, your Presence, your omnipotence and your great love. You as the Creator of all things are worthy of praise and honor for you alone have dominion over all things and people. I thank you for the freewill you have given me and through that freewill I have erred against you and that is why I seek you today.

I have both knowingly and unknowing sinned against your will and therefore against you. I have both embraced and been exposed to “evil” found in the form of partaking in the things of Satan, the occult, witchcraft, and the like, which your Word makes clear you hate. Having repented of these things and no longer wishing to have anything to do with any of them; I have come to you to seek your forgiveness, to bleed the blood of Jesus over both those sins and the effects upon my life as a result of those sins, and to enter into covenant with you that I will not partake in any of these sins again, nor will I allow myself to be exposed to them. I will flee in the presence of such sins and thus flee from the Enemy. May my change of heart on these matters be full and complete through your sovereign grace.

Father I ask you now to bring to my remembrance any and all evil you wish me to renounce.

[Pause and allow God to show you anything more you are not aware of to date.]

I now ask in Jesus’ name for your forgiveness of the following sins and I thank you that you are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

I plead the precious blood of Jesus over the following sins.

[Now specifically pray for everything God reveals to you, or has revealed to you, and ask forgiveness for each individual act of evil. Pleading the blood of Jesus over each and every act. – Do not pray generically or as a general group of “all evil”, be specific and deal with each category of demonic activity.]

Forgive me for my involvement in __________________ and through the blood of Jesus break the power, thus cancelling the effects and affects of this evil on my life.

Forgive me for my exposure to _________________ and through the blood of Jesus break the power, thus cancelling the effects and affects of this evil on my life.

Forgive me for _________________ and through the blood of Jesus break the power, thus cancelling the effects and affects of this evil on my life.

Forgive me Lord for allowing evil to have any access to my life, mind, heart, soul, and spirit breaking its power and influence in my life forever. Forgive me Lord for all those acts of evil for which my mind and heart cannot recall at this time and break the power of those influences within my life as well, through the blood of Jesus.

Father in the name of Jesus I seek your forgiveness for my participation in evil and the things of your Enemy, Satan. I renounce any and all effects, and affects, of these things and I plead the blood of Jesus over my life and myself. I ask you to place a hedge of protection around me so that evil and the Enemy can no longer harm or influence me. I ask that you give me an obedient heart that I might follow your will from this moment forward. I ask you to give me eyes to see and discern evil from good and the power to resist the evil. Increase my capacity to understand what you want, and do not want, for me in my daily life.

Jesus cover me with your blood as I stand against the works of the Devil.

Satan I speak to you now through the blood, and the power of the blood, of Jesus. In the name of Jesus, I renounce you and any power or influence you have gained in life through open doors, doors of evil, which I have opened or that has been opened by events or other people. I am a Child of God and therefore, you have no place or standing in my life. Therefore, by the blood of Jesus any and all effects and affects you have had on, or have on, my live are now broken, no longer effective and shall no longer disturb or influence my life. You and your workers, any and all demonic presence, must leave my life and I close the door of my spirit to any influence past, presence, or future. The blood of Jesus has broken the power of your work and you are overcome by the Blood of the Lamb. Flee from me now in the Name of Jesus; you no longer have any place in my life.

Jesus I thank you for your death on the cross and the forgiveness that sacrifice affords me. I thank you for your blood and the power over the Enemy that blood has bought me. I thank you that you have interceded for me with the Father and obtained my forgiveness for these and all my sins. I thank you that through the cross I am set free from the negative and evil effects/affects these acts have had on my life. I am grateful to you for it all and for your love. Thank you for dealing with my Enemy, Satan, and for rendering his work in my life useless and void. I shall always be grateful beyond measure. Father thank you for the Son and the work of the Son. God thank you for your Almighty Provision found in the blessed work of Calvary.

I ask all these thing in the precious name of Jesus,

Amen and Amen.

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 6:12-15 – Results of Wickedness

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discretion, Evil, Godly Counsel, Proverbs, Prudence, Truth, Uncategorized, Wickedness, Wisdom on May 9, 2019 at 9:00 am

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

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

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

Results of Wickedness

Who is this naughty and wicked person? We shall discover whom by way of an examination of the meaning of the words found in verse twelve.

“haughty person” in the Hebrew language =

1100. בְּלִיַּעַל belı̂ya˓al, bel-e-yah’-al; from 1097 and 3276; without profit, worthlessness; by extens. destruction, wickedness (often in connection with 376, 802, 1121, etc.):— Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked.

1097. בְּלִי belı̂y, bel-ee’; from 1086; prop. failure, i.e. nothing or destruction; usually (with prep.) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.:— corruption, ig[norantly], for lack of, where no … is, so that no, none, not, un[awares], without.

Please note from the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary what or who “Belial” actually is. “1 — a biblical name of the devil or one of the fiends” – a naughty person is, that right, one of the devil’s friends. How horrid to called one of Satan’s friends.

“wicked” in the Hebrew language =

205. אָוֶֶן ˒âven, aw-ven’; from an unused root perh. mean. prop. to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; spec. an idol:— affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners (-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain ,vanity, wicked (-ness). comp. 369.

“froward” in the Hebrew language =

6143. עִקְּשׁוּת ˓iqqeshûwth, ik-kesh-ooth’; from 6141; perversity:— × froward.

6141. עִקֵּשׁ ˓iqqêsh, ik-kashe’; from 6140; distorted; hence, false:— crooked, froward, perverse.

Now a look at verse thirteen.

A naughty and wicked man is deceitful, “winketh with his eyes” honesty is the exception not the rule. This type of man tells you who he is by where he goes and how he spends his time, “speaketh with his feet” little of which is godly. He shows what he believes about God and people by what he does, “teacheth with his fingers” his actions are his character.

“Forwardness” as found in verse fourteen, is defined in the Hebrew language as:

“8419. תַּהְפֻּכָה tahpûkâh, tah-poo-kaw’; from 2015; a perversity or fraud:— (very) froward (-ness, thing), perverse thing.” One cannot expect this type of person to be honest about who they are or what they do. Perversity when found in the Bible often does not mean perversity as we might think of it today, it means to twist and distort the truth, to be ungodly in many ways.

According to verse fourteen these types of people love to irritate, to try and get a rise out of people, to as the verse states continually cause irritation and strife to a greater or lesser degree. They are always up to something, some mischief.

However, look closely at what verse fifteen has to say about what happens to this type of person. “Calamity” is at their door quickly and often. A calamity that brings them to a “broken” state, a state that is without “remedy” or relief.

The Hebrew definition of the word “calamity” is as follows:

343. אֵיד ˒êyd, ade; from the same as 181 (in the sense of bending down); oppression; by impl. misfortune, ruin:— calamity, destruction.

The Hebrew definition of the word “remedy” is as follows:

4832. מַרְפֵּא marpê˒, mar-pay’; from 7495; prop. curative, i.e. lit. (concr.) a medicine, or (abstr.) a cure; fig. (concr.) deliverance, or (abstr.) placidity:— ([in-]) cure (-able), healing (-lth), remedy, sound, wholesome, yielding.

Note: Placidity means to be ‘serenely free of disturbance or interruption’.

What a cautionary truth! Does one want to end up “incurable” and without the ability to be made “wholesome and sound?” Better to be a godly person who practices the use of godly wisdom, prudence and discretion, then a person whose end is brokenness.

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

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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 4:25-27 – Focus On Wisdom’s Path (The God Path)

In Advice, Anxiety, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Confusion, Decision Making, Discretion, Evil, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on December 5, 2018 at 10:00 am

Please forgive my delay in posting, I have had an especially challenging week. Please keep me in your prayers and know that if God should speak anything into your heart as you pray for me regarding my life please feel free to share that with me. God speaks through His people.

This blog will alternate with each post between two subjects. One week will address why churches are not growing, and the coming move of God. The alternate week the blog will continue with the in-depth study through the Book of Proverbs.

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

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

25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Focus On Wisdom’s Path (The God Path)

If you do not look at where you are going you will surely lose your way. We must continually look at and keep our focus on what God wants our life to be, looking straight toward what we want to be, solely focused on our priorities in life – provided those priorities come from an honorable godly focus. There are so many things in life that wish to drag us away from being someone we can feel good about or proud of in a godly way, so many temptation and personal desires that conflict with God’s Plan and Purpose for our life and our personal long-term life goals. V.25

We are all too often allowing our eyes to stray from what is important or worst toward things they should not pursue. This is why the wisest man to ever live, King Solomon, shared the wisdom God had provided him and has counseled us to keep our eyes “straight before thee” where they should be focused on what is good, decent, honorable, and pleasing to God. V.25

We have to actually think about our actions in life, not just flow through life acting on any desire and whim, if we are to be a person of substance, a person of honor, a person of discipline, a godly person, if we want to be a wise person. We have to ask ourselves before we act, ‘What affect will this action I am about to take have on my life, on the life of those I love or on the life of those around me? Can I tell God that in taking this action I honored the life He gave me?’ It is with the answer to those question that we should determine what course of action to take or not take. V.26

In the Hebrew language the word “established” in verse twenty-six has the meaning of ‘standing erect in faithfulness.’ Only through making quality decisions consistently can we establish and enjoy a life of wisdom – a life filled with peace, joy, contentment, and happiness. V.26

We must make a decision to live our life based on wise quality decisions, the practice will not just fall on us. If we want to do something, we must make the decisions necessary to discipline ourselves to accomplish the task. If we wish to be healthy, we must make the choices that benefit our health. If we desire to have quality relationships, we must make choices that promote mutual love, mutual respect, mutual dignity, mutual satisfaction, and mutual honor in our relationships. If we want to maintain a job, a relationship, a marriage, or an activity, we must conduct ourselves with faithfulness to what is required to keep and maintain any or all of those aspects of life. V.27

Faithfulness is something even Christians have begun to disregard in our society. If we want to maintain a job, we must be faithful to show up, show up on time, and do what we are assigned to do. If we wish to maintain a relationship or marriage, we must be faithful to devote our time and energies to that relationship or marriage, investing our heart, our time, our life, establishing and maintaining trust, taking care not to betray the relationship in words or deeds. If we wish to partake in an activity then we must be faithful to show up and do said activity, so the other people involved can know they can depend upon us to be there and be a part of the activity. In order to be faithful, we must remain focused on what is important and keep our hearts, minds, eyes, and spirit way from what is not. V.27, 28

We have to actually do something to keep ourselves from evil, as verse twenty-eight warns us to do. We know that in the Bible “evil” is considered anything that God does not want us to do. With that established why does God instruct us to “remove thy foot from evil” – is there the presumption we are sinning? Yes, a life not ordered in godly wisdom is a life filled with sin. V.28

We are instructed to ‘remove ourselves from sin’ and that often requires not giving into our own desires because the heart is deceitful above all things.

Jeremiah 17:9–10 (KJ-AV)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

In the Hebrew language the word “remove” used in verse twenty-eight, when we are instructed to ‘remove our foot from evil or sin,’ means “to turn off (literally or figuratively)” from partaking in sin. We are to “decline, depart, eschew (which means avoid)” anything that God would find displeasing for us. We are to “go aside” to avoid temptation, and “grievously lay away or leave undone” things that displease God. Note that in the definition it is made clear that to “lay aside or leave undone” things that we want to do will be “grievous” for us yet, it is what God requires. We are to “put away or put down” what is displeasing to God and “ remove” those things from our life. God wants us according to the definition to “ revolt against, to be sour to, to withdraw from and to be without” all that we know not to be godly wisdom or His Will for our life. V.27 – Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition.

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 4:14-19 – Wicked and Evil or Wise and Shining

In Advice, Anxiety, Apostasy, Bible, Bible Study, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Evil, Godly Counsel, Proverbs, Prudence, Truth, Uncategorized, Wickedness, Wisdom on October 24, 2018 at 1:32 pm

This blog will alternate with each post between two subjects. One week will address why churches are not growing, and the coming move of God. The alternate week the blog will continue with the in-depth study through the Book of Proverbs.

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

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

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Wicked and Evil or Wise and Shinning

Wickedness and evil behavior however severe or minor in the eyes of man is something to be avoided at all cost. God warns us to turn from evil before it consumes us or consumes parts of our life. (verse 14-15)

There are those who hunger after evil even to the point of losing sleep if they cannot find a way to partake in the evil they desire. Almost like a drug that someone is addicted to, evil calls after the wicked person. There are people who simply enjoy causing hurt for other people – hard to conceive for those who truly love God, but it is true. (verse 16-17)

You can see evil on a wicked person. There is a darkness on their countenance and vacancy to their eyes, an aura of darkness around them that cannot be described in words. Similarly, it is true of a Believer when they are actually living for God, there is a light that shines from their countenance, a light in their eyes, an aura of godly spirituality that is seen and detected by most people, sensed with mixed reactions. (verse 18)

Some people are draw to, and interested in, the light they see in this type of Believer, while other people are uncomfortable around the godly spirituality they can sense coming from the person. This tends to be true whether either type of person can detect exactly, or understand fully, what it is they sense coming from the dedicated Believer.

When you look into the Hebrew language at the meaning of the words and phrases in verse 19 it is extremely interesting and supports a principle we find in many other parts of Scripture. “As darkness” and “not at what they stumble” denotes the concept of those people who regularly do evil, sin, not understanding why “misfortune” and problems seem to continually plague them. The definitions define the person’s life as a life in continual decline, “decaying” and filled with “misfortune.” (verse 19)

The godly Believer continues to grow and shine brighter and brighter as their spiritual life with God progresses, they grow and slowly change for the better, whiles the evil person continues in a life of misfortune and trouble, they rarely change or grow as a person, have little desire to grow or change, and their life is slowly decaying away. (verse 18-19)

Which type of person will you choose to be?

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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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 10 – Abuse and The Church (Spiritual and Psychological Abuse)

In Abuse, Advice, Apostasy, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Church Growth, Evil, Exhortation, Holy Spirit, Renewal, Repentance, Revival, Suffering, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized on September 7, 2018 at 5:13 pm

This blog will alternate with each post between two subjects. One week will address why churches are not growing, and the coming move of God. The alternate week the blog will continue with the in-depth study through the Book of Proverbs.

One of the worst forms of abuse, in my belief, is spiritual abuse. This is when someone uses the things of God to control, manipulate, abuse, use, degrade, etc. other people. This has been done in extreme forms such as, ‘If I do not get X amount of money from my people God will take my life, close our church, etc.’ ‘If you do not read your Bible daily, God will not have fellowship with you.’ ‘If you are not in church each time the doors are open you are not a committed Christian.’ On and one we could go. I am sure each of you has your own example. The examples provided are damaging forms of spiritual and psychological abuse pure and simple.

A desire for a leader to obtain unquestionable dedication, which is free from accountability to the ones asked to give said dedication, is spiritual abuse. Does the Word of God call us to submit to the authorities He has placed in our lives? Yes. Who are those authorities however, and do we submit regardless? We do not submit regardless. We are accountable to God first, then to other people. We submit to our spiritual leaders when they are following the Will of God as found in God’s Word. We do not submit to sin or follow a leader into sin. How many cults, which started out with religious undertones, ended in disaster? Too many to recall. Why? Because people followed, even in the face of sin, because they believed they were to submit to authority without questioning authority.

A more hideous form of spiritual abuse is to distort and misuse the Word of God in order to get what one wants or justify one’s actions. So many people sit in church with their Bibles closed looking at an overhead screen trusting that the text on that screen matches what is actually in God’s Written Word. It only takes subtle and slight changes to God’s Word to distort its entire meaning and purpose. No matter how long you have known someone and no matter how much you trust them, you should have your Bibles out and open when they are speaking or teaching so that you can confirm that they are rightly dividing the Word of God. Especially grievous to the heart of God is this form of spiritual abuse that uses the Word of God, and God will deal with this abuse quite harshly.

When a person uses another person’s love for God to advance their own cause, regardless of what that cause might be, to get their way, to attempt to mislead or deceive the heart that trust in God both people are in danger. The abuser’s target is in danger of being spiritually and psychologically abused resulting in spiritual and perhaps psychological damage, and the perpetrator is in danger of the wrath of God that does come upon those individuals who use spiritual things to hurt God’s children.

Abuse in the Body of Christ, in all its forms, can stop when we become willing to both speak up and be spoken to when necessary. Accountability is a responsibly not an option. It is the basic fabric that holds the cloth of Christ’s Body together. Without the courage to question our leaders, we will find ourselves impotent and frustrated. Without the willingness to be questioned, we will find ourselves isolated and insolent.

This concludes the addressing of this difficult subject of abuse found within the church and how that abuse effects the growth of individual congregations as well as the universal church, which is the Body of Christ. We will continue to reflect on reasons why churches are not growing from various angles aside from the abuse angle.

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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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 8 – Abuse and The Church (Physical Abuse)

In Abuse, Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Apostasy, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christ, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Church Growth, Compassion, Confusion, Courage, Evil, Exhortation, Forgiveness, Grief, Hate, Hatred, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Masculinity, Mercy, Persecution, Renewal, Repentance, Suffering, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized on August 9, 2018 at 11:16 am

This blog will alternate with each post between two subjects. One week will address why churches are not growing, and the coming move of God. The alternate week the blog will continue with the in-depth study through the Book of Proverbs.

Physical abuse also takes place within the walls of our congregations. I have personally read outlines for physical disciple of wives. I have heard the stories of children being physically abused under the guidelines of church discipline. There is no place within the church for the physical abuse of another human being.

In an outline for how to discipline your wife, it was stated that if a woman would not submit to her husband then a certain amount of physical discipline could be used. You could inflict pain but where not to bring about too much bruising, no lacerations, and you were not to break bones. This physical abuse would be increased in nature until the woman “repented” and submitted regardless of how long it took or how many sessions of discipline were necessary to bring about the woman’s change of attitude. These sessions could not however result in broken bones or cuts on the woman’s body.

How horrid that a person would believe that they had the right to inflict physical pain on a woman until she agreed to agree with them! How could one possibly believe that this is real submission? Conformity maybe, submission no.

I once counseled a woman who would not enter a church building. When we started our relationship, she hated the church and all its members. When we were done she still had not entered a church building but was willing to give God another try and Christians a second glance.

Why did this woman have such a hard attitude? She had loved God very dearly and was an extremely dedicated church member, as was her husband who was an elder in their local church. Each Sunday they went to church, worshipped God, and serviced in their congregation. Each Sunday after church they went home where her husband proceeded to beat her. Like clockwork every Sunday after church he would beat her that way she would be healed up enough by the following Sunday to attend church and play the role of his faithful wife always at his side.

My heart broke when she told her story. It was obviously true and very difficult for her to disclose to me, yet, she found the courage to do so. As time went on this woman’s pain eased and her understanding that not all Christians were this way increased.

At a conference once, a woman was struggling with guilt. She felt inside herself that she had allowed her child to be abused but she was wrestling with the biblical principle that she was to submit to her spiritual leaders. In her church children were brought up to the front, next to the pulpit, and physically struck with a belt by the pastor for various infractions at both church and home. The number of licks they received from the belt depended on the degree of their offense. This woman was riddled with confusion and guilt, this was after all how their congregation handled discipline. Everyone else did it and everyone was afraid to question their Christian spiritual leader since this might be viewed as be rebellious or as a refusal to submit. The church and local congregations should play no role in the physical discipline of children.

It takes courage to speak up when we know physical abuse is going on in our congregations. It is easier to tell ourselves it is not our business. How can that be true however? Do we not carry a certain amount of Christian responsibility and accountability with our brothers and sisters? According to Scripture we do. We are required to hold each other accountable for our actions. There must have been someone at some point who suspected this woman was being abused or even knew firsthand she was being mistreated. Many people sat in the pews on those days when the children were humiliated and physically abused in the name of God and correction. There had to some of people who knew in their spirits that this behavior was wrong, yet, they remained silent. We cannot do such, we must speak up! We cannot allow leaders to go off the rails because we are concerned other Christians will think us out of line or rebellious. Our responsibility is to Truth and too upholding the principles of Scripture not to uphold man or man’s ideas.

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 3:31-35 – Treatment of People

In Abuse, Advice, Anxiety, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Compassion, Curses, Decision Making, Discretion, Evil, Exhortation, Hate, Hatred, Idolatry, Learning, Peace, Persecution, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Repentance, Spirituality, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on July 31, 2018 at 6:10 pm

This blog will alternate with each post between two subjects. One week will address why churches are not growing, and the coming move of God. The alternate week the blog will continue with the in-depth study through the Book of Proverbs.

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

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Treatment of People

How we treat other people has a major impact on the quality of our own life. All too often people attempt to improve their own life by diminishing the value of another person’s life through abuse, mistreatment such as oppression or through using those individuals to fulfill their own perverse needs physically, mentally, and emotionally.

An oppressor is not hard to spot. Most people have had to deal with one or more oppressive person in their lifetime through some form of connection or relationship. We are warned in verse thirty-one to make sure we are not the one doing the oppressing.

“oppressor” in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary is defined as follows:

1 b : to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority
2 : to burden spiritually or mentally : weigh heavily upon

There are so many ways a person can oppress another person, far too many to attempt to list here. Take a moment and think of a couple of ways a person might oppress someone through the ‘abuse of their power or authority,’ through ‘burdening another person mentally,’ through ‘burdening another persona spiritually,’ and by ‘being a heavy weigh upon’ that person’s life through producing stress or distress.

When God’s finds something or someone’s actions an abomination that is about as bad as it gets. Verse thirty-two makes it clear that those who are “froward” are an abomination to Jehovah God, LORD. The Lord finds such people to be morally disgusting and considers them a person who worships idols (see Hebrew definition below), the idols of their own self-will and the desire to live life accord to their own terms instead of living life according to His Ways, His Will, and His Purposes.

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

8441. תּוֹעֵבָה tôw˓êbâh, to-ay-baw’; or

תֹּעֵבָה tô˓êbâh, to-ay-baw’; fem. act. part. of 8581; properly something disgusting morally, i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; espec. idolatry or concretely an idol:— abominable (custom, thing), abomination.

Who are the “froward?” One might think it would have to be someone really horrible, evil, and very sinful. No not at all! The truth of who are they and how easily we can be one of them is scary.

“For the froward” in the Hebrew language is defined as literally to depart from God’s Ways and Wisdom or figuratively to be perverse in one’s actions, thoughts, or behaviors. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines “froward” as someone who is “habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition.”

Verse thirty-two also talks about another type of person, those God defines as the righteous. To these righteous persons God grants a secret. Let us look at what that secret is and entails.

“but his secret” in the Hebrew language is defined as follows:

5475. סוֹד çôwd, sode; from 3245; a session, i.e. company of persons (in close deliberation); by impl. intimacy, consultation, a secret:— assembly, counsel, inward, secret (counsel).

God keeps company with the righteous. They sense and know His Presence in their life. They are able to have a “session” with God where He talks to them and they to Him. God guides their actions through a close relationship where He walks with them daily in intimacy. They are able to “consult and counsel” with God “inwardly” and receive direction for their life and answers to their questions. God is present with them, and for the righteous there is a great awareness daily of His Presence.

Verse thirty-three through thirty-five makes it clear what the oppressors and the froward can look forward to in life because the LORD finds these behaviors such an abomination and wicked – their houses will be cured, their life will be cursed, they will not live in the blessings of God. Only the “just” aka lawful and righteous people will live in the blessings of God.

A person is about as blessed as their actions allow them to be. With minimum obedience to God comes minimum blessings. God does make life tough for those who refuse to obey Him, “he scorneth” their life in an attempt to show them that their way is not His Way and that His Way is far better. Shame is the result of foolish behavior.

Grace is found with those who humble themselves before God before His Will and obey Him. Wise people who honor God inherit God’s glory and live in the blessings of God.

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.