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

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

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

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

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

Willingness to Listen

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

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

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

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

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

aphrōn ἄφρων Strong’s Greek #878

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

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

ESL

Note:

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

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

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

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

VCEDONTW

Note:

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

˒ĕvı̂yl אֱֱוִיל Strong’s Hebrew #190

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

hâlal הָלַל Strong’s Hebrew #1984

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

keçı̂yl כְּסִיל Strong’s Hebrew #3684

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

Note:

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

nâbâl נָבָל Strong’s Hebrew #5036

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

Note:

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

çâkal סָכַל Strong’s Hebrew #5528

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

çâkâl סָכָל Strong’s Hebrew #5530

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

anŏētŏs ἀνόητος Strong’s Greek #453

sensual:— fool (-ish), unwise.

asŏphŏs ἄσοφος Strong’s Greek #781

particle) and 4680; unwise:— fool.

mōrainō μωραίνω Strong’s Greek #3471

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

mōrŏs μωρός Strong’s Greek #3474

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

Pamphulia Παμφυλία Strong’s Greek #3828

Note:

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

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

Note:

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

paraphrŏnĕō παραφρονέω Strong’s Greek #3912

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

Note:

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

phullŏn φύλλον Strong’s Greek #5444

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

Note:

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

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

aphrōn ἄφρων Strong’s Greek #878

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

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

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

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

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

Note:

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

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

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

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

Note:

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

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

“counsel” in the Hebrew language means:

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

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

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

“wise” in the Hebrew language means:

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popularity or Prosperity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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Truth Tellers

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Correction, Decision Making, Favor, Fear, Godliness, Guidance, Obedience, Prophecy, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on October 2, 2022 at 12:07 pm

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil:

Psalm 97:10

There are those individuals who tell the truth, and the world hates them for it.

If you are a true Christian, who truly loves God and desires to see His Will done, you have no choice but to tell the truth to a decaying and dying society.

If you are one of those Christians who sold out Christ in order to be accepted by their society and by people in general, to be liked, to make life easier for yourself, one day you will have a lot to answer for before God and I wonder then if it is all going to be worth it.

Because…

When people have the opportunity to quietly, discreetly, sometimes even anonymously tell the truth, those very people in that decaying society from whom you wanted so much acceptance, secretly hate themselves. They are constantly discontent with who they are if they’re able to accept who they are at all. They can never get to a place of being okay, they are always suffering from some type of anxiety or mental disturbance or some form of discontent with their life. Their ideas, their values, their belief system is so distorted and depraved that they can’t be anything but inwardly miserable while they pretend to society and to those people around them that they’re just fine. They are among the masses every day marching in their uniformity line to their own destruction and death, but ha they are politically correct and they “fit in” within their society. They’re just fine, while they’re dying every day little by little because of their…

These are the people you want to be like? These are the people you want acceptance from? No thank you! I’ll go right on being a Truth Teller and being hated by all of them because I would rather be hated by them than to degrade myself to the degree necessary to be accepted by them. What about you?

There are people who have destroyed their whole lives, destroyed who God created them to be, destroyed their relationship with God, destroyed their spirituality all on the altar of trying to fit into and be accepted by their distorted, depraved, cookie cutter, dying society.

         

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 11:15 Watch Whom You Cover

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Debt, Decision Making, Guidance, Lifestyle, Loans, Money, Poverty, Proverbs, Prudence, Uncategorized, Wisdom on June 15, 2022 at 8:41 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).

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Watch Whom You Cover

Oh the perils of money, especially when we believe we do not have enough of it and seek to borrow money. The development of debt is dangerous. Debt enslaves the borrower. However, money, debt, another person’s debt can enslave the lender or the one that secures the funds for another person.

“surety” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

6148. עָרַב ˓ârab, aw-rab’; a prim. root; to braid, i.e. intermix; tech. to traffic (as if by barter); also to give or be security (as a kind of exchange):— engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be (-come, put in) surety, undertake.

“smart” in the Hebrew is defined as:

7321. רוּעַ rûwa˓, roo-ah’; a prim. root; to mar (espec. by breaking); fig. to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy):— blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph.

It is very unwise to get involved in another individual’s finances. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be helpful to another human being but once money, especially borrowed money, becomes involved often relationships are fractured. In a situation with a person that you do not know well it is even worse. Money has destroyed many relationships.

It would be far better overall to simply give a person money than it would be to loan them money or become a co-signer for them to borrow money from a financial institution. To risk our indebtedness in order to secure a debt for another is to put our life, our future, in that person’s hands.

“suretiship” is defined as:

8628. תָּקַע tâqa˓, taw-kah’; a prim. root; to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by anal. to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by impl. to become bondsman (by handclasping):— blow ([a trumpet]), cast, clap, fasten, pitch [tent], smite, sound, strike, × suretiship, thrust.

“sure” in the Hebrew language means the following:

982. בָּטַח bâṭach, baw-takh’; a prim. root; prop. to hie for refuge [but not so precipitately as 2620]; fig. to trust, be confident or sure:— be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust.

Debt is a hopeless hole that can suck the life out of you and nothing you bought that created the debt will take away that draining feeling and burden that debt brings. However, being without debt provides a sense of peace, security, and safety that can only be experienced by having little to no extensive debt.

Wisdom does not loan money, wisdom does not borrow money if it is at all possible, wisdom does not indebt itself so it can drive the latest and greatest, and wisdom does not run up credit card debt buying things that are not truly needed.

Do you want to be a slave to those credit cards, a slave to that overpriced vehicle you bought for show, a slave to that huge home that is far more than you actually need, or do you want freedom?

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 11:13-14 Safe Counsel

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, Godly Counsel, Gossip, Guidance, Proverbs, Prudence, Uncategorized, Wisdom on May 2, 2022 at 5:32 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).

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Safe Counsel

Those people who tell the business of other people, we all know them, are disgusting people. A person’s privacy is sacred in my view. People who violate that sacredness are people unworthy of any form of trust.

We all know what it means “to reveal” the details of another person’s life. To reveal is part of the Hebrew definition of the word “revealeth” which I have listed below. Yet, take a moment to review the definition and you will find another, what I find to be very an interesting aspect of the definition (v.13).

“revealeth” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

1540. גָּלָה gâlâh, gaw-law’; a prim. root; to denude (espec. in a disgraceful sense); by impl. to exile (captives being usually stripped); fig. to reveal:— + advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, × plainly, publish, remove, reveal, × shamelessly, shew, × surely, tell, uncover.

Part of the definition regarding revealing a person’s personal information includes the implication that you will be placing that person under a form of ‘exile, as captives being stripped’ of something. Stripped of what? Exiled in what manner? Let us consider that for a moment.

When we reveal a person’s personal business, we are exiling them to an island unto themselves. Why? Because we break their trust and in their brokenness from the betrayal they retreat to a place of isolation. Thus, our betrayal of the trust they placed in us leads to brokenness and isolation, leaving them without the help they were most likely seeking when they confided in us originally.

Now we will examine the proper and godly way we should handle the private details of a person’s life when they entrust us with what is on their heart. A “faithful” friend, brother or sister in Christ, a faithful Christian in general will be very careful to keep the confidence of other people regardless of the circumstances (v.13).

“concealeth” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

3680. כָּסָה kâçâh, kaw-saw’; a prim. root; prop. to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by impl. to cover (for clothing or secrecy):— clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. comp. 3780. כֶּסֶה keçeh. See 3677. כִּסֵּה kiççêh. See 3678.

People love to tell and hear gossip, Christians can be some of the worst about this because of the sinister way in which they go about it, ‘We need to pray for so and so, did you hear…?’ How horrid, and God will judge them for using His precious gift of prayer for their indulgence in sin. YES, gossip is sin!

I once was at a bible study where the leader, yes, the leader, stated we needed to pray for XXXX and then proceeded tell the entire room about the woman’s adultery, her husband response, the condition of the current marital situation, with whom the woman had cheated, etc. I was in shock at first, I could not believe what she was doing and how many people in the room were asking her questions, soliciting very intimate details, like to do so was perfectly normal. I got up, pointed out my disbelief that she as a leader would do such a thing, and left, never to return.

When someone entrust you with a detail about their life be trustworthy and keep it to yourself. Always assume anything someone says to you is only meant for you to hear, keep your mouth close, and you will save many people and yourself a great deal of hurt.

Verse fourteen shows us the value of counsel and the outcome of lack of counsel. We will begin by looking at the definitions of two words in this verse “fall” and “safety” as defined in the Hebrew language.

“fall” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

5307. נָפַל nâphal, naw-fal’; a prim. root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intr. or caus., lit. or fig.):— be accepted, cast (down, self, [lots], out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell (-ing), fugitive, have [inheritance], inferior, be judged [by mistake for 6419], lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (× hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present (-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, × surely, throw down.

“safety” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

8668. תְּשׁוּעָה teshûw˓âh, tesh-oo-aw’; or תְּשֻׁעָה teshû˓âh, tesh-oo-aw’; from 7768 in the sense of 3467; rescue (lit. or fig., pers., national or spir.):— deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.

All manner of destruction comes to those people who have no counsel to guide them in life (v.14). Godly counsel is a must in order to live a life of godliness and wisdom. Seek out trustworthy counsel from several mature godly Christians, counsel that is wise and godly, measure their words against God’s Word, and then follow their counsel.

Please note that the safety found in a multitude of godly counselors is also “national” safety, safety for a country. How many countries have we seen fall that were ran by a dictator? Dictators do not seek counsel beyond themselves, and their lack of counsel has brought destruction to their people and to themselves.

Be faithful, be trustworthy, be honorable, be safe counsel for each and every person who comes to you and is willing to share the details of their life with you; and find likewise counsel for yourself as well.

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

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.

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:8-12 Divine Protection and Favor

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Divine Protection, Favor, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Lifestyle, Obedience, Proverbs, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wisdom on April 23, 2022 at 5:08 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 righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Divine Protection and Favor

God is going to take care of His people. If the righteous person and the sinful person are walking side by side into trouble God is going to pluck out the righteous person first. There are times when the wicked will take the place of the righteous on the path of trouble (v.8).

What is a “hypocrite” exactly? Is it what people often think a hypocrite to be?

“hypocrite” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

2611. חָנֵף chânêph, khaw-nafe’; from 2610; soiled (i.e. with sin), impious:— hypocrite (-ical).

2610. חָנֵף chânêph, khaw-nafe’; a prim. root; to soil, espec. in a mor. sense:— corrupt, defile, × greatly, pollute, profane.

One of the major marks of a hypocrite is the irreverent attitude toward God, God’s Will, God’s Way, God’s Purpose, etc. The fact that they sin is secondary though it is what people often think about when they think of a hypocrite. They are soiled and stained with sin because they have no reverence for what God wants of them and from them.

Hypocrites are morally defiled and being so, they have no problem attempting to defile the reputation and character of other people (v.9). Using their slanderous mouth to attempt to tear down other people. However, when this is attempted against the just righteous person it is surely going to fail. God will not leave His just righteous people unprotected; information will come to light to deliver them from the slanderous false accusations against them (v.9).

Things going well for the righteous person often results in benefits for all of those around the righteous person. Most people rejoice when goodness prospers, and fruitful plans are able to flourish (v.10). On the flip side of that coin people also tend to rejoice when the wicked person gets what they have coming to them (v.10). When they reap what they have sown or eat the fruit of their works (Galatians 6:7). It is very rare that people root for evil in their hearts, most people hunger for righteousness in their hearts even if their words or acts do not reflect such. What is deep inside a person’s heart can be very different from what you see on the outside of a person.

Something interesting to note is that in verse twelve the word “despiseth” in the Hebrew language actually means “disrespect” and “of understanding” actually means a person of “intelligence.” To “holdeth his peace” means in the Hebrew language “to be silent” about or “to let alone” a situation.

Based on all of those definitions another way you could paraphrase that verse would be something like, ‘An unwise person who is not very smart will disrespect people but a wise person who is intelligent will let alone a volatile situation or remain silent instead of entering into conflict’ (v.12).

People mistakenly think that someone who refuses to participate in an argument or a shouting match with another person is somehow a coward or a weak person, when in fact the exact opposite is true. It takes great strength to hold your tongue when you are being verbally attacked or to walk away and let a situation alone when conflict arises.

Keeping silent or walking way is often called taking the high road. Life is more peaceful, fruitful, productive, and godly when you take and stay on the high road. Divine protection and favor is found for the wise righteous person who travels on the high road.

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 11:2-3 Pride and Perverseness vs. Integrity and Uprightness

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

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

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

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

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

Pride and Perverseness vs. Integrity and Uprightness

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

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

Pride will bring shame in your life.

“Pride” =

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

2102. זוּד zûwd, zood; or (by perm.)

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

“Shame” =

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

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

Humility (lowliness) produces wisdom in your life.

“Lowly” =

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

“Wisdom” =

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

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

Integrity results in insight in your life.

“Integrity” =

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

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

“Guide” =

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

Perverseness will bring destruction in your life.

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

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

Transgression will bring destruction in your life.

“Transgressors” =

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

“Destroy” =

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheating Others is Cheating Yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some thoughts…

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

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

bal·last

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

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

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

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

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

Encarta ® World English Dictionary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:17 – Reproof

In Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Correction, Decision Making, Discernment, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Instruction, Learning, Proverbs, Prudence, Reproof, Righteous Living, Wisdom on May 28, 2021 at 5:49 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).

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

Reproof

If a person wishes to thrive in life, to bear fruit, to succeed they will first have to adapt themselves to receiving and learning from both the instruction and the reproof of other people. If a person cannot receive reproof, they will find that they fail much more often in life than they have to fail (v.17).

When a person “erreth” out of refusal to accept instruction or reproof, according to the Hebrew definition of the word, that person can experience any number of results in their life from, “to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (lit. or fig.); also caus. of both:— (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way” with the effects upon their life being significant. Thankfully, the willingness to receive instruction and reproof is a positive and godly choice we can make for our life.

Granted reproof is harder to accept than instruction because of the corrective nature of reproof. According to the Hebrew language reproof is defined as “chastisement; fig. (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence):— argument, × chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, × be (often) reproved.” In those times when someone refutes our beliefs and proves us to be wrong, we must be willing to accept our wrongness and learn from our mistake or correct our mistaken beliefs. If we can do that our life will bear fruit.

A word from a person who has both listen and learned at times, then at time refused to listen and stumbled; listening and learning is a much easier smoother path through life.

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.