Proverbs 18:12 KJV
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
And before honour is humility.
This proverb also link with the previous one. It is haughtiness and pride that makes a man trust in his own wealth for refuge. Self-sufficiency provides for and feeds our inner wicked need for control and independence.
Evidence abounds that testifies to the building of man’s character while in time of need. The present recession has caused many to change their lifestyle. People pool resources together, barter, save, learn to repair, humble themselves by asking for help, rearrange priorities and have to be nicer to each other simply because they need each other more. Need has a strange way of bringing out the human being in us.
On the other hand, one who is self-sufficient feels that he can afford to be proud arrogant, haughty, judgmental and independent. Little does he know that like gravity, which ordains that whatever goes up must come down, his attitude has a natural bent for destruction. It is like the old saying about the whale: it is when she ‘blows’ that she harpooned!
We as humans are people of community. We need each other. May we learn to recognize when we have come to a point in our life when we’ve attained such s level of independence and self-sufficiency that we feel we can afford to be proud and arrogant with others.
By the way, these same principles that define godliness as people individually, also apply corporately for nations.
'Be strong, be strong and be strengthened!'
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
THE COMPASSIONATE INTERCESSOR
Proverbs 18:11 KJV
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
This proverb works in contrast with the preceding one thus we have the following statement: The Name of Adonai is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
When God wanted to destroy Israel His people because of the sin of the golden calf, Moses relied on God’s Name for mercy. God’s Name is defined by His merciful and compassionate nature and character as read in Exodus 34:5-7:
And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Thirteen Attributes of God. Later, when God is again wroth against his people, Moses reminds God of these attributes and thus again averts catastrophe. As we see, the Name of Adonai is certainly a strong tower of mercy and compassion where the righteous can run into The ‘righteous’ spoken of here is Moses pleading and interceding for his people, and upon whose merits God repented from the evil He wanted to do to Israel. What a marvelous foreshadow picture of the Messiah Himself upon whose merit and Name we obtain mercy.
By contrast, a man who is rich not of God’s Name, but of his own natural doings, sees his personal wealth and abilities as his refuge. He trusts in his own personal merit to protect him from the wrath to come upon the entire world. What a sad sight!
No matter how far we have gone, let us trust in The Righteous, the Son of God Himself Who ever lives to make intercession for us.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
This proverb works in contrast with the preceding one thus we have the following statement: The Name of Adonai is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
When God wanted to destroy Israel His people because of the sin of the golden calf, Moses relied on God’s Name for mercy. God’s Name is defined by His merciful and compassionate nature and character as read in Exodus 34:5-7:
And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Thirteen Attributes of God. Later, when God is again wroth against his people, Moses reminds God of these attributes and thus again averts catastrophe. As we see, the Name of Adonai is certainly a strong tower of mercy and compassion where the righteous can run into The ‘righteous’ spoken of here is Moses pleading and interceding for his people, and upon whose merits God repented from the evil He wanted to do to Israel. What a marvelous foreshadow picture of the Messiah Himself upon whose merit and Name we obtain mercy.
By contrast, a man who is rich not of God’s Name, but of his own natural doings, sees his personal wealth and abilities as his refuge. He trusts in his own personal merit to protect him from the wrath to come upon the entire world. What a sad sight!
No matter how far we have gone, let us trust in The Righteous, the Son of God Himself Who ever lives to make intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
THE NAME OF ADONAI
Proverbs 18:10 KJV
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Much is made about the ‘Name’ of the Lord and again our western Greek philosophical mind lures our understanding to erroneous fields of interpretation. The Greek mind is concerned about things, about definitions, nouns, and descriptions. The Hebrew mind looks for actions, verbs and functions. Some study groups are intent on a Greek literal interpretation of the ‘Name’ referring to a particular ‘sound bite’ to which someone responds. They proclaim that God does not respond if we don’t say it the right way, and that He may even mistake us for calling unto idols if we say it wrong.
The Hebrew word ‘shem’ refers to someone’s personal nature and character. It can even speak of ‘authority’ as when we speak in the name of someone. That is why we pray to the Father in the Name of Yeshua, because Yeshua’s sinless nature and atoning character is the sole authority whereby we may approach the Father. He is the sacrifice that allows us to interact with the Almighty God. The author of the Book of Hebrews defines the nature of Yeshua as being the brightness of His (God’s) glory, and the express image of His (God’s) person; Hebrews 1:3.
Jews have long contemplated about this notion of the ‘Name’ of Adonai as is written in our Proverb, and an ancient writing called the Midrash Tillim refers to the ‘Name of Adonai as the very Messiah Himself. This notion is pervasive throughout talmudic studies.
Let us thereby follow David the psalmist, his injunction and example and proclaim the Name of Adonai by making mention of the works Messiah. And let us not proclaim His Name in words only, but in works and deeds, in the Manner of a Godly lifestyle powered by His Spirit.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Much is made about the ‘Name’ of the Lord and again our western Greek philosophical mind lures our understanding to erroneous fields of interpretation. The Greek mind is concerned about things, about definitions, nouns, and descriptions. The Hebrew mind looks for actions, verbs and functions. Some study groups are intent on a Greek literal interpretation of the ‘Name’ referring to a particular ‘sound bite’ to which someone responds. They proclaim that God does not respond if we don’t say it the right way, and that He may even mistake us for calling unto idols if we say it wrong.
The Hebrew word ‘shem’ refers to someone’s personal nature and character. It can even speak of ‘authority’ as when we speak in the name of someone. That is why we pray to the Father in the Name of Yeshua, because Yeshua’s sinless nature and atoning character is the sole authority whereby we may approach the Father. He is the sacrifice that allows us to interact with the Almighty God. The author of the Book of Hebrews defines the nature of Yeshua as being the brightness of His (God’s) glory, and the express image of His (God’s) person; Hebrews 1:3.
Jews have long contemplated about this notion of the ‘Name’ of Adonai as is written in our Proverb, and an ancient writing called the Midrash Tillim refers to the ‘Name of Adonai as the very Messiah Himself. This notion is pervasive throughout talmudic studies.
Let us thereby follow David the psalmist, his injunction and example and proclaim the Name of Adonai by making mention of the works Messiah. And let us not proclaim His Name in words only, but in works and deeds, in the Manner of a Godly lifestyle powered by His Spirit.
Monday, June 22, 2009
TO BE FAITHFUL
Proverbs 18:9 KJV
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
‘Slothful’ has the connotation of ‘lax’, ‘negligent’.
If our life belongs to Yeshua, He is our master and our work is to do His commandments. The Commandments are spiritual, including charity works, but they also include the mundane such as good stewardship over our families and households. A Mom running after the kids all day long works for God as much as the priest in the temple. A man fighting traffic to get to his work or having his hands in the dirt of his fields works for God as much as the missionary in a far-flung field, or he who volunteers at the local orphanage. All these things being parts of God’s Commandments become God’s work as we, His people, do them.
In this passage, the Hebrew word for ‘work’ is the same as the one used for the word ‘creation’ in the beginning of the Bible. In the same way that God’s creation is His witness to us of His glory and majesty, our ‘works’ in His Name (since we carry His Name in us) are the witness of His greatness to those who don’t know Him. We need to realize though that His ‘work’ through us is reflected in several ways. It is reflected in our diligence to properly manage every aspect our households; to faithfully execute His Commandments to the best of our abilities; and also in our general attitude, especially in times of crisis. People who see the “work” of Yeshua’s people are supposed to see Yeshua. If instead these people see hypocrisy, selfishness, laziness and pride, our witness will be flawed; we will be responsible for their lost soul and become brother to Satan (cursed be his name), the faith-destroyer.
This is a tall order as all of us fail in many ways; that is why we need His atonement. Let us try to take sample though from a man who received a great commendation from the Father: Moses, of whom it was said that he was faithful in all His house.
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
‘Slothful’ has the connotation of ‘lax’, ‘negligent’.
If our life belongs to Yeshua, He is our master and our work is to do His commandments. The Commandments are spiritual, including charity works, but they also include the mundane such as good stewardship over our families and households. A Mom running after the kids all day long works for God as much as the priest in the temple. A man fighting traffic to get to his work or having his hands in the dirt of his fields works for God as much as the missionary in a far-flung field, or he who volunteers at the local orphanage. All these things being parts of God’s Commandments become God’s work as we, His people, do them.
In this passage, the Hebrew word for ‘work’ is the same as the one used for the word ‘creation’ in the beginning of the Bible. In the same way that God’s creation is His witness to us of His glory and majesty, our ‘works’ in His Name (since we carry His Name in us) are the witness of His greatness to those who don’t know Him. We need to realize though that His ‘work’ through us is reflected in several ways. It is reflected in our diligence to properly manage every aspect our households; to faithfully execute His Commandments to the best of our abilities; and also in our general attitude, especially in times of crisis. People who see the “work” of Yeshua’s people are supposed to see Yeshua. If instead these people see hypocrisy, selfishness, laziness and pride, our witness will be flawed; we will be responsible for their lost soul and become brother to Satan (cursed be his name), the faith-destroyer.
This is a tall order as all of us fail in many ways; that is why we need His atonement. Let us try to take sample though from a man who received a great commendation from the Father: Moses, of whom it was said that he was faithful in all His house.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
CRITICISM CONTROL
June 18
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
A very sharp warning reiterated in Proverbs 26:22. Also, Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Proverbs 26:20.
The Hebrew word translated as ‘talebearer’ has imbedded in itself the idea of whispering, of whispering complaints and slander about someone to third party. As a result, some translations use the word ‘complainer’. This slandering of others usually makes both talebearer and hearer feel better about themselves so some translations also use the word flatterer. The truth is that all these translations are right. We are talking about a person who elevates him or herself in their own eyes by telling negative stories about a third party to others, thus elevating them in their own eyes also, while at the same time hypocritically portraying an image of true concern about the people they are slandering. Ugh!
It is very hard to resist hitting back those who displease us with negative publicity; and to think that this is the principle behind political campaigns.
A sergeant was asked for his opinion about a certain soldier considered for a promotion. The sergeant gave a glowing report to which another soldier replied, ‘Are you aware that the private you just honored with such a positive report constantly criticises your leadership to others?’ To which the sergeant answered, ‘I was not asked his opinion of me as a sergeant, but my opinion of him as a soldier’.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
A very sharp warning reiterated in Proverbs 26:22. Also, Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Proverbs 26:20.
The Hebrew word translated as ‘talebearer’ has imbedded in itself the idea of whispering, of whispering complaints and slander about someone to third party. As a result, some translations use the word ‘complainer’. This slandering of others usually makes both talebearer and hearer feel better about themselves so some translations also use the word flatterer. The truth is that all these translations are right. We are talking about a person who elevates him or herself in their own eyes by telling negative stories about a third party to others, thus elevating them in their own eyes also, while at the same time hypocritically portraying an image of true concern about the people they are slandering. Ugh!
It is very hard to resist hitting back those who displease us with negative publicity; and to think that this is the principle behind political campaigns.
A sergeant was asked for his opinion about a certain soldier considered for a promotion. The sergeant gave a glowing report to which another soldier replied, ‘Are you aware that the private you just honored with such a positive report constantly criticises your leadership to others?’ To which the sergeant answered, ‘I was not asked his opinion of me as a sergeant, but my opinion of him as a soldier’.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
THE FOOL AND HIS MOUTH
Proverbs 18:7 KJV
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Proverbs 18:1-7 seem to weave on a similar theme: The Fool and his Mouth.
In verse one, lusting after ungodly concepts, the fool is a meddlesome separatist. In verse two he desperately wants to be acknowledged at his true value. In verse three, his unbridled mouth bring ignominy and reproach wherever he goes, and the whole thing is contrasted with verse four in the difference with the quiet un-meddlesome mouth of the wise. In verse five we are warned not to favor the fool over the wise while verses six and seven, as if to instruct us, reveal the self-destructive nature of the fool’s mouth. Like the old saying, ‘Give the devil enough rope and he’ll hang himself’.
May God grant us not let our mouth be our own destruction.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Proverbs 18:1-7 seem to weave on a similar theme: The Fool and his Mouth.
In verse one, lusting after ungodly concepts, the fool is a meddlesome separatist. In verse two he desperately wants to be acknowledged at his true value. In verse three, his unbridled mouth bring ignominy and reproach wherever he goes, and the whole thing is contrasted with verse four in the difference with the quiet un-meddlesome mouth of the wise. In verse five we are warned not to favor the fool over the wise while verses six and seven, as if to instruct us, reveal the self-destructive nature of the fool’s mouth. Like the old saying, ‘Give the devil enough rope and he’ll hang himself’.
May God grant us not let our mouth be our own destruction.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
LETS MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS
Proverbs 18:6 KJV
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
The Bible teaches to be active members of society. It expects us to be involved, to be concerned by the events we witness. The problem is that today, we can become aware of so many situations, both near and far, that we can end up involved in too many things. Somehow, our sense of indispensability makes us feel that we need to oversee every needy situation. The result becomes a very stressful life where we have our hands in so many pies that eventually all burn for lack of proper oversight. The worst, is that while we are busy with the good, we often neglect the best. We save the world somewhere else, while we leave our own household in dysfunction.
It can also happens that as we get involved in battles that are not our own, we become the recipients of hurtful blows. We may console ourselves with the idea that we are victims of our own goodness, martyrs for righteousness sake, but maybe we were just fools entering into other people’s business. Our lips entered a contention and as a result, our mouth called for strokes.
May we learn to actively stay away from fights that are not our own. It could be that by getting involved, we keep God from doing His work in people’s lives. It could be that the reason we witness things is only to get actively involved in prayer, in prayer leaving people in God’s perfect will (as opposed to those prayers that portend to tell God what to do).
Here is a good verse about this:
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
The Bible teaches to be active members of society. It expects us to be involved, to be concerned by the events we witness. The problem is that today, we can become aware of so many situations, both near and far, that we can end up involved in too many things. Somehow, our sense of indispensability makes us feel that we need to oversee every needy situation. The result becomes a very stressful life where we have our hands in so many pies that eventually all burn for lack of proper oversight. The worst, is that while we are busy with the good, we often neglect the best. We save the world somewhere else, while we leave our own household in dysfunction.
It can also happens that as we get involved in battles that are not our own, we become the recipients of hurtful blows. We may console ourselves with the idea that we are victims of our own goodness, martyrs for righteousness sake, but maybe we were just fools entering into other people’s business. Our lips entered a contention and as a result, our mouth called for strokes.
May we learn to actively stay away from fights that are not our own. It could be that by getting involved, we keep God from doing His work in people’s lives. It could be that the reason we witness things is only to get actively involved in prayer, in prayer leaving people in God’s perfect will (as opposed to those prayers that portend to tell God what to do).
Here is a good verse about this:
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Proverbs 26:17
Monday, June 15, 2009
THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
Proverbs 18:5 KJV
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
I hate to be political on these daily devotionals, but this proverb today is loaded with significance.
Many of us today can attest that we live in important times, even possibly the times described by Yeshua in these terms, Many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Matthew 13:17. The expression of this statement belongs to the followers of Yeshua of then as much as to those of today.
Sin, wickedness, righteousness and holiness are not defined by our quantum of virtues; they are solely defined by our level of harmony with God and His will. In all of history, the fate of nations has always been determined by their reaction towards God’s will. It is the same today.
As we watch and assess the culmination of world events, it is important that we react intelligently looking to our prophetic blue prints in order to determine the ‘righteous’, (what is according to God’s will) and the wicked (what is against God’s will).
The Word clearly makes mention of the rebirth of the displaced country of Israel in the endtimes. It tells us of the return of the Jewish people in their homeland, where they will live peacefully. This return is key to our future millennial reality. This prophecy has been fulfilled in troublous times and even now as we speak the issues are culminating. Many, in Israel and out of Israel, have different ideas on how this should be achieved. Some believe in the virtue of sacrificing land for peace, others believe that it is wrong. Time and history will tell (or maybe it has already ‘told’?). One thing is sure though, it is that God seems to always have a way to surprise us on how He fulfills His will.
With our understanding of the ‘righteous’ and of the ‘wicked’, may we remember In all of our dealings and opinionating, that,: It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. In the wise words of Rabbi Gamaliel:… lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Acts 5:39.
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
I hate to be political on these daily devotionals, but this proverb today is loaded with significance.
Many of us today can attest that we live in important times, even possibly the times described by Yeshua in these terms, Many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Matthew 13:17. The expression of this statement belongs to the followers of Yeshua of then as much as to those of today.
Sin, wickedness, righteousness and holiness are not defined by our quantum of virtues; they are solely defined by our level of harmony with God and His will. In all of history, the fate of nations has always been determined by their reaction towards God’s will. It is the same today.
As we watch and assess the culmination of world events, it is important that we react intelligently looking to our prophetic blue prints in order to determine the ‘righteous’, (what is according to God’s will) and the wicked (what is against God’s will).
The Word clearly makes mention of the rebirth of the displaced country of Israel in the endtimes. It tells us of the return of the Jewish people in their homeland, where they will live peacefully. This return is key to our future millennial reality. This prophecy has been fulfilled in troublous times and even now as we speak the issues are culminating. Many, in Israel and out of Israel, have different ideas on how this should be achieved. Some believe in the virtue of sacrificing land for peace, others believe that it is wrong. Time and history will tell (or maybe it has already ‘told’?). One thing is sure though, it is that God seems to always have a way to surprise us on how He fulfills His will.
With our understanding of the ‘righteous’ and of the ‘wicked’, may we remember In all of our dealings and opinionating, that,: It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. In the wise words of Rabbi Gamaliel:… lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Acts 5:39.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
OF SPEAKERS AND TEACHERS
Proverbs 18:4 KJV
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
There are two kinds of speakers and teachers: the emotional motivator and the one who speaks as the oracles of God. The first is moved by his internal emotional charisma, the second by the external substantial power of God.
The first uses all the psychological tricks in his Carnegie arsenal. He is everywhere on the stage, emotional, agitated and agitating. He is tiring just to look at. He relies on the energy and the emotional factor to touch and move people with his message. They are all excited and moved while he is around, but only very small substantial fruits remain of the event after the speaker/teacher is gone. The people have remained speaker dependant.
The second seems usually quiet and unemotional, but he draws his strength from an external pool connected to his heart. He is quiet on the surface, but his heart is connected to God’s Springs and it bubbles inside of him like there is no tomorrow. As result, this speaker reaches people in the deepest place of their heart. They are not only moved but they are changed; not only in his presence but also after he is gone. The people have become God dependant.
We can only reach people’s heart if we speak from our heart. When we have failed to reach their heart, it is because we do not speak from ours.
Here is true story I found in an anecdote book:
"Some years ago a great actor was asked at a drawing-room function to recite for the pleasure of his fellow-guests. He consented and asked if there was anything they specially wanted to hear. After a minute's pause an old minister of the Gospel asked for Psalm 23. A strange look came over the actor's face; he paused for a moment, then said, 'I will, on one condition--that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same.'
'I!' said the preacher, in surprise, 'I am not an elocutionist, but, if you wish it, I shall do so.'
Impressively the actor began the Psalm. His voice and intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound, and, as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from his guests. As it died away, the old man rose and began to declaim the same Psalm. His voice was not remarkable: his tone was not faultless; but, when he finished, there was not a dry eye in the room.
The actor rose and his voice quivered as he said, 'Ladies and gentlemen, I reached your eyes and ears: he has reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Psalm but he knows the Shepherd.'"
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
There are two kinds of speakers and teachers: the emotional motivator and the one who speaks as the oracles of God. The first is moved by his internal emotional charisma, the second by the external substantial power of God.
The first uses all the psychological tricks in his Carnegie arsenal. He is everywhere on the stage, emotional, agitated and agitating. He is tiring just to look at. He relies on the energy and the emotional factor to touch and move people with his message. They are all excited and moved while he is around, but only very small substantial fruits remain of the event after the speaker/teacher is gone. The people have remained speaker dependant.
The second seems usually quiet and unemotional, but he draws his strength from an external pool connected to his heart. He is quiet on the surface, but his heart is connected to God’s Springs and it bubbles inside of him like there is no tomorrow. As result, this speaker reaches people in the deepest place of their heart. They are not only moved but they are changed; not only in his presence but also after he is gone. The people have become God dependant.
We can only reach people’s heart if we speak from our heart. When we have failed to reach their heart, it is because we do not speak from ours.
Here is true story I found in an anecdote book:
"Some years ago a great actor was asked at a drawing-room function to recite for the pleasure of his fellow-guests. He consented and asked if there was anything they specially wanted to hear. After a minute's pause an old minister of the Gospel asked for Psalm 23. A strange look came over the actor's face; he paused for a moment, then said, 'I will, on one condition--that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same.'
'I!' said the preacher, in surprise, 'I am not an elocutionist, but, if you wish it, I shall do so.'
Impressively the actor began the Psalm. His voice and intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound, and, as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from his guests. As it died away, the old man rose and began to declaim the same Psalm. His voice was not remarkable: his tone was not faultless; but, when he finished, there was not a dry eye in the room.
The actor rose and his voice quivered as he said, 'Ladies and gentlemen, I reached your eyes and ears: he has reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Psalm but he knows the Shepherd.'"
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
EXPOSE THE WICKED
Proverbs 18:3 KJV
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Is there contempt? Is there scorn? Their source lie with the ignominy of the wicked. Remove the wicked and his ignominy, contempt and scorn will vanish away.
Who is the wicked? The Hebrew word used by our kingly author here is ‘rashah’, a word meaning ‘evildoer, condemned, guilty, ungodly, that did wrong’.
If we are to find peace and unity with our Father, we must resist, refute and rid ourselves of iniquity and sin in our hearts. The apostolic Scriptures teach us that after we have recognized and accepted our Messiah, we must ‘work our Salvation with fear and trembling’. By the same token, if we are to be and stay united together as congregational units, we cannot accept fellowship with the ungodly, at least not from within our congregations. If we do not know how to resist these within the realm of our own persona and congregations, how will we find the guts to resist that wicked man of sin, the evildoer, the guilty, the condemned and ungodly one who will one day come on the world’s scene to test all mankind, especially the ‘very elect’, those of the House of God.
It is imperative that we recognize these devious works within us. If anyone through inflammatory words or deeds is the source of contempt, reproach, and disunity within the Assembly of the people of God, he must be exposed and shunned. May we learn to recognize such wolves in sheep’s clothing who like Satan, know how to use even the Word of Father in order to bring confusion.
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Is there contempt? Is there scorn? Their source lie with the ignominy of the wicked. Remove the wicked and his ignominy, contempt and scorn will vanish away.
Who is the wicked? The Hebrew word used by our kingly author here is ‘rashah’, a word meaning ‘evildoer, condemned, guilty, ungodly, that did wrong’.
If we are to find peace and unity with our Father, we must resist, refute and rid ourselves of iniquity and sin in our hearts. The apostolic Scriptures teach us that after we have recognized and accepted our Messiah, we must ‘work our Salvation with fear and trembling’. By the same token, if we are to be and stay united together as congregational units, we cannot accept fellowship with the ungodly, at least not from within our congregations. If we do not know how to resist these within the realm of our own persona and congregations, how will we find the guts to resist that wicked man of sin, the evildoer, the guilty, the condemned and ungodly one who will one day come on the world’s scene to test all mankind, especially the ‘very elect’, those of the House of God.
It is imperative that we recognize these devious works within us. If anyone through inflammatory words or deeds is the source of contempt, reproach, and disunity within the Assembly of the people of God, he must be exposed and shunned. May we learn to recognize such wolves in sheep’s clothing who like Satan, know how to use even the Word of Father in order to bring confusion.
Monday, June 08, 2009
THE ARROGANCE OF THE FOOL
Proverbs 18:2 KJV
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Our kingly author reveals to us here is another property of the ‘fool’; of the person who, according to the definition of the Master, knowing the Word of Instruction does not obey it.
A more contemporary literal translation of this proverb may say: ‘The heart of the fool is not inclined to understanding; only that the understanding which he thinks he possesses may be revealed. Ralbag, the 14th century Rabbi, talmudist, mathematician and astronomer comments on this verse saying, ‘Only when he is shown up publicly does he wish he were a wise man, but then he reverts to his former way of life.’
‘Empty pots make the most noise’ the old adage says. It is true that while also making noise, full pots resound less; they are more discreet. The person who is wise has the intelligence which consists in the knowledge of one’s own deficiency, and of that which necessary to meet it. This acknowledgment keeps him humble and free from arrogance. The ‘noisy’ arrogance of the fool causes him to also always be full of advice for other people; it makes him feel important and needed. It gives him the appearance of intelligence, but without the wisdom thereof.
Let us learn from watching the ‘fool’. Let us learn to assess ourselves and leave others to God. Let us learn to first realize how little we know, how little we understand. It keeps us more discreet, humble, and easier to live with.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Our kingly author reveals to us here is another property of the ‘fool’; of the person who, according to the definition of the Master, knowing the Word of Instruction does not obey it.
A more contemporary literal translation of this proverb may say: ‘The heart of the fool is not inclined to understanding; only that the understanding which he thinks he possesses may be revealed. Ralbag, the 14th century Rabbi, talmudist, mathematician and astronomer comments on this verse saying, ‘Only when he is shown up publicly does he wish he were a wise man, but then he reverts to his former way of life.’
‘Empty pots make the most noise’ the old adage says. It is true that while also making noise, full pots resound less; they are more discreet. The person who is wise has the intelligence which consists in the knowledge of one’s own deficiency, and of that which necessary to meet it. This acknowledgment keeps him humble and free from arrogance. The ‘noisy’ arrogance of the fool causes him to also always be full of advice for other people; it makes him feel important and needed. It gives him the appearance of intelligence, but without the wisdom thereof.
Let us learn from watching the ‘fool’. Let us learn to assess ourselves and leave others to God. Let us learn to first realize how little we know, how little we understand. It keeps us more discreet, humble, and easier to live with.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
LUST EXPOSED
Proverbs 18:1 KJV
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
The proverbs continue their exposition of foolish behavior by presenting the position of the separatist. What is inferred in the Hebrew word used here for ‘separatist’ is the idea of one who separates himself from his Torah congregation, the Word study group that provides him accountability in order to pursue his own lusts.
We are all individualists. There is nothing wrong with that as long we are not that way with God and His program in our lives. The apostle Paul puts it in very good words. He says that we not to be conformed to this world, but that we are to be conformed to God’s will. This seemingly generic wording leaves of course a door wide open for each one of us to yield, and eventually become slaves and subjects to our own prideful independence.
We are told here about the person who leaves the safe accountable environment of his Word study group in order to follow his own lust. These ‘lusts can either be carnal, emotional or spiritual. One may want to ‘play’ with the world for awhile; he may have an overcoming desire for independence, or feels that he knows everything better than everyone else. We are taught in this proverb that one yields to such behavior to separate himself seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. The Hebrew actually says that he, ‘will be exposed’ as in ‘his folly will eventually be exposed to all his congregant friends’.
The idea is not of a person who leaves because their study group because their path takes them to a deeper place and they need to associate themselves with another study group that reflects that deepening of faith in their lives. The idea is of someone who leaves because they have yielded to their lusts. Of course, when we leave, we never say, ‘I am tired of the Word; it convicts and confines my spirit too much. I now want to go do my own thing’. We usually find an excuse through faultfinding or spiritualize issues in order to justify ourselves.
In the end though, like the proverb says, we are exposed.
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
The proverbs continue their exposition of foolish behavior by presenting the position of the separatist. What is inferred in the Hebrew word used here for ‘separatist’ is the idea of one who separates himself from his Torah congregation, the Word study group that provides him accountability in order to pursue his own lusts.
We are all individualists. There is nothing wrong with that as long we are not that way with God and His program in our lives. The apostle Paul puts it in very good words. He says that we not to be conformed to this world, but that we are to be conformed to God’s will. This seemingly generic wording leaves of course a door wide open for each one of us to yield, and eventually become slaves and subjects to our own prideful independence.
We are told here about the person who leaves the safe accountable environment of his Word study group in order to follow his own lust. These ‘lusts can either be carnal, emotional or spiritual. One may want to ‘play’ with the world for awhile; he may have an overcoming desire for independence, or feels that he knows everything better than everyone else. We are taught in this proverb that one yields to such behavior to separate himself seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. The Hebrew actually says that he, ‘will be exposed’ as in ‘his folly will eventually be exposed to all his congregant friends’.
The idea is not of a person who leaves because their study group because their path takes them to a deeper place and they need to associate themselves with another study group that reflects that deepening of faith in their lives. The idea is of someone who leaves because they have yielded to their lusts. Of course, when we leave, we never say, ‘I am tired of the Word; it convicts and confines my spirit too much. I now want to go do my own thing’. We usually find an excuse through faultfinding or spiritualize issues in order to justify ourselves.
In the end though, like the proverb says, we are exposed.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
OUR HEART: THE BANK OF OUR MOUTH.
Proverbs 17:28 KJV
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:
And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
This is the second proverb in row that relates to wisdom incurred through careful use of the mouth. In Hebraism, a word or a repeated sentence denotes of extra emphasis. It seems that this King had much to say about the mouth, as was concurred by his apostolic successors such as Paul and James. Yeshua also gave much advice on right and wrong speech.
In his rendition of the Gospels, Matthew relates the following words from Yeshua as addressed to the religious leaders who opposed Him,
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:
And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
This is the second proverb in row that relates to wisdom incurred through careful use of the mouth. In Hebraism, a word or a repeated sentence denotes of extra emphasis. It seems that this King had much to say about the mouth, as was concurred by his apostolic successors such as Paul and James. Yeshua also gave much advice on right and wrong speech.
In his rendition of the Gospels, Matthew relates the following words from Yeshua as addressed to the religious leaders who opposed Him,
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Matthew 12:34.
In essence, the treasury of the heart funds the currency that comes out of our mouth.
It is good to properly prepare what we have to say; to assess our choice of words, the tone and spirit in which we are. The heart though, is filled through the conduits of the eyes and the ears, through what we watch and listen to.
So, since the only currency that can come out of the bank of our heart through our mouth is the one that we have put in, it is logical to deduct that f the bank of our heart is filled with a good and godly treasure, through what we watch and listen to, we don’t have to worry so much about the currency that comes out of our mouth.
It is good to properly prepare what we have to say; to assess our choice of words, the tone and spirit in which we are. The heart though, is filled through the conduits of the eyes and the ears, through what we watch and listen to.
So, since the only currency that can come out of the bank of our heart through our mouth is the one that we have put in, it is logical to deduct that f the bank of our heart is filled with a good and godly treasure, through what we watch and listen to, we don’t have to worry so much about the currency that comes out of our mouth.
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