A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

 

Life here and hereafter is about choices. 

I think of the scene in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” where the Knight who guarded the Holy Grail—the cup Christ drank from in the Last Supper—beckoned, “choose wisely,” for the wrong cup would bring death and the other life. The American businessman working with the Nazis drank from the golden, gem encrusted, glittering cup. When he was doomed to death, the Knight said, “He choose—poorly.”  Indiana Jones chose the simple cup of a Carpenter. “You have chosen wisely,” was the Knight’s affirmation. 

The wise choice for us is God’s way.  On the surface, it may not have all the sparkle of the world’s splendor, but it will prove of enduring radiance in glory!

THE SUMMONS OF WISDOM, (8:1-11). It is a blessing to us in our senseless ways that God takes the initiative in calling us with a summoning word. Left to ourselves, we would follow the path of folly—as sheep to the slaughter—but, God is gracious and reaches out to us. In our natural state, we would give ourselves to the pursuit of trash, packaged as treasure. Wisdom beckons us to true wealth.

THE SUCCESS BY WISDOM, (8:12-36). Only a fool would determine to fail in life. The problem is that in our depraved mind, we are proud and pursue a perverse pathway. If we would humble ourselves before God and seek His way, we will find the success He means for us. There awaits eternal wealth and everlasting worth—all we need here and abundance hereafter!  Wisdom’s attributes are akin to Deity’s, for they are of Divine origin.

THE SHELTER IN WISDOM, (9:1-18). Wisdom builds a house that is secured and supplied, (v.1-6). 

It shelters us from the scoffer, (v.7-12). The scoffer is resistant to reproof. His questions are not from genuine desire for wisdom, but to generate questions in the witness and undermine faith. If you are well-acquainted with Biblical bread, you will have no appetite for forbidden fruit. You will sniff it out before you bite into it.  If you chew on it, you might spit it out, but you are more likely to swallow some of it. I do not have to taste dung to know it is not chocolate pudding!

It shelters us from the seductress, (v.13-18). Folly is personified as a prostitute. She offers you a night to “live it up,” but her bed is that of the dead!  I think of these words in the Eagles’ pop song, “Hotel California:”

    Mirrors on the ceiling
    The pink champagne on ice
    And she said, “We are all just prisoners here
    Of our own device"
    And in the master's chambers
     They gathered for the feast
     They stab it with their steely knives
     But they just can't kill the beast
 

    Last thing I remember, I was
    Running for the door
    I had to find the passage back
    To the place I was before
    "Relax, " said the night man
    "We are programmed to receive
    You can check out any time you like
    But you can never leave"

As a teacher of mine was fond of saying, “A word to the wise is sufficient.”  Let us listen to wisdom for it is a matter of life and death!

THE MEANING OF GOD’S OMNISCIENCE

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?’” (Romans‬ ‭11:33-34‬)

Understanding the meaning of God’s omniscience leads to rest and wisdom for us. The practical implications of this on our earthly pilgrimage are many.

When there are things that I cannot understand of the ways of God, I am confronted with the truth that He knows what I do not.  I can rest in His perfect knowledge.

There are things I can learn, but did you know God has never learned anything?  God is not seeking our advice.  Listen, though, to how we pray at times—and I’ve done it too—“Oh God you know Bill is over there in the hospital…” to which God does not respond, “Thank you!  I had no idea!”

Often my prayers are attempts to persuade God that I know best.  We may become petulant and peevish—even bitter.  God knows what He is doing—and always does what He is knowing!  This means that even though He doesn’t need my direction, that I can learn to listen to His!  Seeking the mind of God is where to find wisdom.

Before time began, God knew this day in your life would come.  He knew you’d be reading this because it wield speak to you.  God knows fully all and you need and has already planned to provide it.  When a need arises, it is merely God’s way of telling you that He already has the provision waiting!

This is what it means for us that God is omniscient.

THE MAJESTY OF GOD’S OMNISCIENCE

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?’” (Romans‬ ‭11:33-34‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Considering the majesty of God’s omniscience leads to rejoicing and worship.  Paul’s attitude see in this passage is that of rejoicing and worship in response to God’s omniscience.  This man had seen things none of us have ever seen and heard things that none of us have ever heard.  He was caught up into the third heaven (2 Cor.12) and had things revealed that he was forbidden to tell.  Still, his breath is taken away and he is left reeling, overwhelmed by the majesty of God’s omniscience!

Listen—the experience of genuine worship grows out of the contemplation of God’s greatness.  Most of what we call worship is superficial—rooted in emotion alone.  A lot of what happens in churches today is man-centered fluff.  It’s about my preferences, my style, what floats my boat, and makes me feel good.  True worship is being captivated with God.  It is an encounter with Him that flows from our grasp of truth, awakens our emotions to love and adore Him, and brings us our knees in commitment to serve Him.

The omniscience of God is but one part of God’s majestic being, and yet that alone should be sufficient to ignite rejoicing and worship as we consider it!

THE MAGNITUDE OF GOD’S OMNISCIENCE

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?’” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭11:33-34‬)

 Meditating on the magnitude of God’s omniscience leads us to reverence and wonder.  Paul uses the word, “depth” here to measure the magnitude of God’s wisdom and knowledge.  As soon as I begin to think about this subject I realize that I am out of my depth—that God’s knowledge far exceeds not only my understanding but even the ability  to understand how great is God’s understanding.  I don’t even know how much I don’t know—and neither do you!

God’s judgments are described as “unsearchable”—that is, begin today and make it your lifetime pursuit—combine that with the knowledge of every man and angel—and you will not even have scratched the surface of what God knows!  We will never know all that God knows. The Scripture speaks of God’s omniscience as, “His ways past finding out!”  We will have all eternity to relentlessly pursue knowing all God knows and never know it all!

This should fill us with reverence and wonder—to be in awe of such a God.  Worship Him today. Let Him direct your path. He already knows the end of your day before you take a step!

THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?’” (Romans 11:33-34)

Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?  I first heard one of our former staff pastors, Terry Hollifield, say this, and it has stuck with me.

God has all knowledge.  This is what we mean by omniscience—omni “all” and science “knowledge.”

Last week we saw that God is omnipotent—all-powerful.  Today we begin to ponder the fact that He is omniscient—all-knowing.

He knows our steps before we take them.  God knows our deeds before we do them. He knows our words before we speak them, and our thoughts before we think them.  Let’s stretch our minds by exploring this attribute of God—an exploration of a Subject that will never end—not even for eternity—as God is an infinite being!  We can know more, yet can never know all He knows,  but will still be better in the knowing of what we may know.

HUMAN CLAY: Dedication, Direction, and Discipline

Read Proverbs 22:6.

When I worked with clay on the potter’s wheel, there were basic skills used to shape each vessel.  Yet, the clay was not totally identical, and the results likewise differed somewhat. The vessels were not mass-produced as on an assembly line, but were unique creations. Sometimes, the clay contained grit that caused the potential to be marred, and it had to be broken down and begun again.

Similarly, Proverbs 22:6 speaks to the dedication, direction, and discipline required in molding the human clay of our children.

There is dedication.  When Solomon says to “Train up,” the word means to dedicate. This is why we practice a ceremony in our church life called “baby dedication.”  It is a public act of dedicating parents to the task of training their children in God’s ways, and committing those children into God’s hands.

There is direction. It is “a child,” that we are directing. We are pointing them in God’s way and pouring into them God’s truth, if we are helping shape them for His purposes. As pottery clay is best shaped before long exposure to the atmosphere begins to render it rigid, so the word “a child,” points to the strategic time before puberty, when a youngster is most pliable. There is a window of time—all too brief and adults must seize the day!

There is discipline. This requires persistence “in the way he should go.”  Unlike actual clay, human clay is more resistant. It can bow up in our hands and even get up off the potter’s wheel!  Yet, we must discipline ourselves in persistence and discipline the child to overcome resistance. The right amount of pressure is needed to make a useful vessel. Too much or too little and the clay is misshapen.  Part of this discipline is understanding, “the way he should go,” as the Hebrew means, “in his own way,” that each child is a unique creation and requires nuances of difference in training.  A cookie cutter approach won’t work.  We had five kids and I assure you that each was different and responded uniquely to our efforts to train them.

So, the general principle is, “when he is old he will not depart from it.”  I wish this was a promise, but it is a proverb—a wisdom principle. Generally speaking, the child so trained will never get away from what we have poured into them.  Even if there is a period of time when a child wanders, what we have put in them remains in them. The prodigal son left his father’s direction, but his father’s direction never left him. He knew the way back.

This is our duty.  Carpe diem—Latin for “seize the day!”

FIGHTING FAMILIES: The Company We Keep

Read Proverbs 13:20. 

“A man is known by the company he keeps,” is the old saying. Another form of that is, “Birds of a feather flock together.”  The fact is that our close companions are so influential—and that is true to Scripture. 

Sadly, Solomon did not practice what he preached.  He told his son to surround himself with the wise and shun association with the foolish, but instead brought many heathen women into his home that turned his heart from God. His son, Rehoboam, therefore, did not heed this warning. When wise counselors sought to guide him, he chose to listen to his friends in their folly. The results were not only personal failure, but destructive to the nation he ruled. 

We are influenced by our environment for good or bad. While only heaven will bring absolute freedom from evil, we still need to minimize those influences which lead to wickedness and maximize the ones that lead to holiness. As parents, we need to model this and instruct our children accordingly.

What children take into their hearts and minds will make a big difference. Music, movies, media, books, magazines, websites, and their relationships with friends and those they date will be uplifting or destructive. Their “companions” need to be  godly influences.

These are discussions we must have. We cannot be with our children at all times, so we must guide them into discernment—helping them to identify and choose that which edifies rather than harms. Eventually, they will have more and more freedom, and young people must be taught who they should spend time with and those they must avoid. Giving them too much liberty, too soon, without direction is deadly. Sheltering them too long, and suddenly sending them into a hostile world without gradual freedom to choose can be harmful, as well.

As parents, grandparents, teachers, and other adults, left us recognize this powerful principle, making sure we choose proper influences and then help children and teens choose likewise. God, give us wisdom and perseverance in this evil age!

A FRESH START: Life Lessons

Read Proverbs 4:10-27.

The home is the classroom of life and parents have been designated by God as the instructors. Grandparents are to reinforce those truths and the church is to offer encouragement, enablement of parents through equipping and resourcing, then, supplement the discipleship process. Solomon shows three targets of this instruction.

Show the PATH TO TAKE.  “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. ... Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.” (v.10-11, 14‬). Our children must be steered in the right direction. We must show them the way of wisdom in the pattern we show and the principles we share. It is vital that we do more than tell them what to do, but explain why they ought, so when they must make decisions later, they will know the path to take.

Explain the PEOPLE TO AVOID.  “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.” (v.14‬). The children’s peers will have a tremendous influence on them.  We must help them identify the characteristics of people who will bring destructive influences into their lives. Our more developed spiritual radar needs to help us keep them safe from such.  There is to be careful guidance to help them care for sinners in loving them without conforming to sin by joining them.

Reinforce the PURPOSE TO EMBRACE. “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (v.23‬). More than the conduct of a child, their heart is what we are to aim for. If we help them embrace God’s purposes in their heart, then they will choose God’s path for their feet. Failing to win their heart means we will lead them to be: moral hypocrites, who outwardly are religious, yet inwardly are self-righteous or eventual rebels, that as soon as they escape parental supervision run in the direction of their sinful heart.

“Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” (v.26-27‬). Are we hitting the target?

OTHERS

Read Romans 15. 

If God is our Father, that makes all His children to be our brothers and sisters.  We are in the same family and are to relate to each other in love.

Those who are strong ought to bear with the tender souls of the weak.  “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” (Rom.15:1-2). We are not to drive the sheep like cattle, but lead them like lambs.  Those mature in faith are not meant to be arrogant and indifferent to the immature, but to lovingly lead them.  Our concern is to build others up in faith.

Those whom Christ has received need to be received into the church. “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” (v.7). The compassion of Christ has reached out to sinners with grace and mercy, and He has embraced us.  Even more, He has come to dwell in us.  When we receive others, we receive Him.  This, in turn, brings us into the purpose for which we have been redeemed—to glorify God. 

Those God has brought together in His family are meant to admonish one another. “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” (v.14). To admonish is to inform and correct, or as some translations render it, “instruct.”  As we grow in moral goodness and Biblical knowledge, we are meant to help others do likewise.  Someone else in the body is always farther along than us and can instruct us, while someone else is behind us and we can instruct them.

Those in the church can be at peace through the presence of the Prince of Peace. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (v.33). Here is the source of our unity.  The God of peace who has given us His peace can now enable us to abide in peace with one another in the church.

The Christian life is about others, not about me.

MIGHTY MOUTH

What we say and the way we say it makes such a difference. When our words issue from our lips, they have power for good or evil. Once spoken, just like toothpaste squeezed out of a tube, you cannot put the words back in.  They have a life of their own. 

1.  OUR SPEECH CAN EXTINGUISH OR EXACERBATE CONFLICT. “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”(Proverbs 15:1). The easiest thing to do when attacked by wrathful words is to respond in kind.  That is bound to fuel the fire of anger.  The wise thing is to respond softly—and that fights the fire. 

2.  OUR SPEECH CAN BE WISE OR WICKED. “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2). A man or woman of wisdom speaks words that disclose their smarts. On the other hand, a person of wickedness speaks words that disclose their stupidity. What we say is an indicator of what we are. 

3. OUR SPEECH CAN BE HEALING OR HURTFUL. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4). Our words can help make people well, or they can cause a wound.  They bind up or break down. Is what you say healing or hurtful?

May the Lord use our speech to honor Him and help others today.  What we say will do one or the other. 

KNOWING MORE IN ADMITTING TO KNOWING LESS

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man.

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

Proverbs 30:1-2, 5-6 NKJV

Who is Agur?  I admit to knowing nothing about him, except what is written here.  Yet, in knowing little, there is a desire to know more, and as one can learn much about an unknown artist in his paintings, and an unknown musician in his songs, we can say a few things about the man in his proverbs. 

He admitted to knowing less than he wanted to know—to the point of calling himself “more stupid than any man,” and yet, it was this humble admission that seemed to motivate him to search for knowledge, and in so doing, he came to know more than most!  Blaise Pascal was a brilliant Christian thinker, who knew enough to admit the same.  He said, “The last proceeding of reason is to recognise that there is an infinity of things which are beyond it.”

Those who humbly admit how little they know of a limitless God will soon discover this as the path to knowing more than they could ever dream.  Then, the more they do know, the more they will know there is more to know.  The truly ignorant man is the one who thinks he knows much.  The unteachable man is the one who believes he knows it all.

In my early days as a Christian, I dove into Scripture, God grew me, and called me into ministry.  I went to Bible college and passed all my courses with flying colors—and became an arrogant student who knew much less than he thought he knew. I would make statements and ask questions of my lovely wife, who worked hard each day to put me through school, and had little time to contemplate the theological propositions I was soaking in. She put me in my place one evening!  Humbled, I became a real student of Scripture, that after nearly a half-century now knows how little he knows—and thirsts for more!  I thought I was drinking from a fountain, and now I see I am floating in the middle of a boundless ocean!

I know this—“every word of God is pure”—and the mystery of God and the majesty of His Word convinces me of that the longer I linger over the text. It is deadly to subtract from Scripture—that is what liberals do.  Yet, the “stupid” Agur, smartly warns us, it us just as wrong to add to the Bible—as the legalists do.

Contemplate this chapter alone, and you will find how smart this stupid man was!

THE DANGERS OF DRINKING

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭23:29-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Beer, wine, whiskey—you name it, I don’t need it.  For me, it is not worth the danger.  Some may say they can drink, “socially,” but I cannot.  I am not judging you, but I am judging myself, and as I write I am seeking to lead you to sound judgment.

Clearly, drunkenness is sin.  Scripture forbids it in many places. Before I was saved, I did not drink alcohol because I liked the taste, but to get buzzed. I usually went beyond buzzed to blitzed.  I could have been the poster child for this Proverbs 23:29-35.  That is a matter of wickedness.

When you start down that path, how do you know?  Where is the need to do it?  Why run the risk?  There is the influence you also have on others, and even your family—will they be emboldened to try it, and will they be enticed to drunkenness? That is a matter of wisdom.

So, will I tell you the Bible forbids a beer or a glass of wine?  It does not, but neither does it demand that you do it.  There was a compelling reason for drinking some wine in the New Testament era.  Grape juice would naturally ferment, as they did not have the means to preserve it.  We do not face that issue today. In Bible times, water alone might often be contaminated as they had no means to purify it, except by adding some wine.  Paul told Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” (1 Tim.5:23). There was a health reason for its use.

What we see in our culture is the celebration and promotion of alcohol that often leads to excess. It is easy to be sucked into that vortex of vice or become a stumbling block to others.  How many broken homes, shattered lives, and deaths on highways result?  Someone near and dear to my heart is in prison now because of drinking and driving, resulting in a death.  I sat in a courtroom and listened to weeping family members speak of the pain of their loved one needlessly killed. 

I would like for you to weigh the wisdom of abstinence from alcohol. Rather than asking the question, “Can I have a drink?” to consider, “Should I?” What is the profit weighed against the peril?  You may come to a different conclusion—some Christians do—but as for me, I just say, “Give me a glass of water,” or “I’ll take a cup of coffee.”  That’s stimulating enough for me.  

A BUFFET OF BLESSINGS

I love buffets.  You come to these long lines of delicious foods of all varieties, and you can zero in on what you like, take ample samples, and stuff yourself.  The book of Proverbs is much like that from a spiritual standpoint—a buffet of blessings.  You certainly get that kind of variety in chapter eighteen.  Today, we will look at a few tasty truths to nourish our souls.  Remember, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt.4:4). 

1.  GOD IS OUR SAVIOR.  “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (v.10). Salvation is not found in our works, but in God’s.  Calling upon His name is our salvation (see Rom.10:9, 10, 13). God’s name represents His nature.  It stands for all He is, so to call on Him is to find a refuge. Not only does He save us initially when we call on Him and He makes us righteous, but as we righteous ones live in this hostile world, He remains our Defender, as we pray to Him, and find Him mighty to save.  As Luther wrote, “A mighty fortress is our God.”

2.  WISDOM IS OUR TEACHER. “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (v.15).  The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God, and a prudent person seeks it diligently.  Each day, we should come to the Lord to teach us from His Word.  Read your Bible.  Read great writers who have walked with God. Listen to your pastor and Bible teachers who dispense doctrine. You will be blessed if you feed at the table of truth.

3.   MARRIAGE IS OUR GIFT. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”  (v.22). There are a select few to whom God blesses with the gift of singleness. But, most of us will marry.  Make sure you get God’s gift for you, and don’t open someone else’s!  There are those who made an impulse “purchase,” only to unwrap it and find it came from Satan’s store and not God’s gift shop!  There is a great difference between a Ruth and a Jezebel.

4.  FRIENDSHIP IS OUR HELP.    “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (v.24). If you have a good friend, you have someone who will stick with you in the fiercest storms. Where family might not support you, you can count on a faithful friend. How do you get friends like that?  Be such a friend!  We reap what we sow.

I hope you enjoyed this meal prepared for you today!  Breakfast with the Bible—yum!  Thank you Lord for your salvation, Scripture, a sweet spouse, and supportive friends with which I am blessed!

SMART OR STUPID? GLADNESS OR GRIEF?

“The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Our children have the capacity to bring us great gladness or giant grief.  They are a source of happiness but can also be a source of heartbreak. The determining factor according to Solomon is whether the sons are smart or stupid.  By that, I don’t mean intellectual aptitude and educational achievement.  There are some morons with PHD’s and some geniuses who are post hole diggers. There is certainly nothing wrong with “book learning,” and mental acuity is wonderful.  Develop your mind as far as you are able for the glory of God who created you with a brain.  Use your head for something other than a hat rack!

Solomon, however, is speaking of the wisdom that comes from the Word—of spiritual capacity rooted in knowing God.  Remember that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Prov. 9:10). So, wisdom is not so much about our mental capacity as our moral character. What we are spiritually affects every dimension of our life—our mind, will, and emotions are directed according to the Scriptures.

As parents are we discipling our children to know the Lord?  Are we helping them grow in their connection with the eternal One?  Such sons and daughters will gladden us.  Instead, we may focus on their classroom grades and ballfield trophies—preparing them for success in the world—but, if we fail to impart wisdom, leading them to be smart in the things of God, we will have stupid kids who will grieve us.  They may know many foreign languages, speaking them fluently, but not be conversant with eternity. They may get high marks in trigonometry, but flunk theology. They may make a fortune in business, but be spiritually bankrupt and morally impoverished.

Let’s get busy on teaching them Book work—the Good Book, that is.

WASTED WORDS

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs‬ ‭9:7-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

There was a pastor who became an undertaker. When they asked him why, he answered, “Now, when I straighten them out, they stay straight!”  I can sympathize.  The truth is, however, that we don’t have to straighten everyone out.  That is the work of the Spirit.  You cannot make a blind man see or a deaf woman hear.  Yet, we may be the personality type who insists on trying.

Jesus put it this way, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matt.‭7:6‬). Sometimes, it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.  The scoffer is not one who needs more information.  They have already heard the truth and have rejected it—militantly and stridently.

Some preachers would have been better being pugilists.  They continually climb into the ring with their verbal fists up.  Saying the right thing, the wrong way, the wrong time, to the wrong person, is still wrong. Often, the root of our relentless stream of rebuke is a motive to be right.  We may be more concerned to win an argument than to win a soul—a point of pride.

Christ’s counsel was, “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” (‭Luke‬ ‭9:5‬). Words are worth too much to waste.  Go on to the next person—they might listen.  Instruct the wise and they will become more wise and love you—even if you rebuke them.

There are times we must stand up and speak to the scoffers.  It is not so much about them as reinforcing our own convictions and to let the weak and wavering who are listening to them know that they need not be swayed by their folly.  May God give us discernment to know when to speak up and when to shut up.  Words are worth too much to waste.  Sow Gospel seed on receptive soil if you can, and do not cast it on rocks intentionally.  Opportunity is fleeting.

Regeneration is a supernatural work.  If I can talk someone into believing something, someone else can talk them out. There is a place for apologetics, but there is also a time to say our piece and move on. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (1 Cor.2:14). It is foolishness to them.  God does use the power of the Gospel we share to do a miracle, but in the final analysis, a miracle is what it takes—not our brilliance and eloquence.

THE WINSOMENESS OF WISDOM

“Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.” (Proverbs‬ ‭8:1-4‬ ‭NKJV‬)

There is quite a contrast between the call of the whore in chapter seven and the cry of wisdom in chapter eight.

“And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭7:10-13‬).

The one beguiled by her is branded a fool—a dumb beast led to the slaughter, a man on his descent to hell.

Then, we come to the next chapter and wisdom is personified as a winsome woman, crying out for men to climb up to the high hill where she abides. It is a holy, happy, heavenly way.

When one embraces wisdom, they find an uplift rather than a downgrade. They become bright, rather than a brute. Instead of giving their riches to a harlot, they gain true riches from wisdom.  How winsome she is!

Here is the promise of those who learn the wisdom of God found in His Word:

“Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8:34-35‬).

The folly of the world that brings death or the favor of the Lord that brings life—what will we choose?

CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE? The Experiential Testimony, Part 1

The proof of the pudding is in the eating and the evidence of lives transformed by truth adds weight to the Bible’s claims.  When we add this to our previous lessons concerning the logical rationale for believing the Bible and the internal and external evidence to back it up, there is every reason to answer, “Can I trust the Bible?” with a resounding, “Yes!” 

Consider first THE MIRACULOUS POWER OF SCRIPTURE PROMISED.   Psalm 19:7-11 presents ten promises of the power of the Word of God.  We will look at the first five today.

1.  IT CONVERTS THE SOUL.  The Bible is perfect—complete—nothing needing to be added or amended, subtracted or retracted.  Though it doesn’t tell us all there is to know, or want to know, it tells us all we need to know.  Its power is to convert—to change us—from sinners to saints.  That is an ongoing process which the Scriptures accomplish in us.

2.  IT TEACHES THE SIMPLE.  It is sure—infallible—and will impart the very wisdom of God!  The word “simple” in the original language is rooted in a term for a door.  A simple person has the door of the ears open to everything so that whatever deception or delusion is given access.  The Word of God enters and closes the door.  Then it only opens to the sweet friend of truth and is locked to the knock of the evil foe of error.

  

3.  IT REJOICES THE SPIRIT.  The Word is right, and it is our joy to hear and heed it.  Sorrow comes when we get life wrong.  Wrong decisions lead to wrong directions and ultimately to wrong destinations.  Hell is the ultimate end of those who get life wrong—a place of unimaginable sorrow.  On the other hand to get life right is to experience joy here and hereafter!  That will bring unending rejoicing.  The Bible marks the right path.

4.  IT ENLIGHTENS THE EYES.  The Scriptures are pure, giving clarity—light to navigate this dark world.  Part of my morning ritual is to clean my glasses before I head out to face the day.  I want to be able to see clearly.  You would not want to see me coming down the road without my glasses.  Everything would be a fog.  A wreck would surely ensue.  When we put on our Bible glasses, God’s Word gives us an always clean lens by which we see things without blurred vision.  Our eyes are enlightened by it.  They even make the invisible things of the spirit world visible!

5.  IT ENDURES THE CHALLENGES.  It is clean—a Holy Bible—and despite all the challenges of the wicked it endures.  Satan’s persistent attack has always been against the Word—doubt and denial.  Recall when the serpent beguiled Eve in the garden, he approached her first with a question to cause doubt, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat...’ ” Then, when she continued the debate, he uttered a denial, “You will not surely die!”  The devil has not changed his modus operandi.  He does not need to; it has been so effective.  Yet, despite all the critics and their assaults, the Word endures!  People may falter, but Scripture will not fail.

OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)

Our days are numbered—we just don’t know the number for certain.  Only the Giver of Life does.  He has said, however, that an average expectation would be 70-80 years (Ps.90:10).  Even so, Moses—the author of Psalm 90—states that the years will race by and all too quickly we “fly away.”  A wise man is one who contemplates the brevity of life and the gravity of eternity.  Now, Moses was exceptional—living to be 120—yet, he died.  These words seem to carry an even greater weight when we realize they are spoken by such an “old-timer.”  If he felt that life was too soon at an end, then how much more will we who in a few rare instances may make it to 100—though it may be that none who read these words will.  Since our days have been counted already in the all-knowing mind of a Sovereign God, then we ought to make our days count for something worthy—that will stand the test of eternity.

Every generation needs to run to God for refuge (v.1).   Mortal flesh can cast itself on the Eternal God.  He has created all things—including us—for a purpose, and when we discover that, and pursue it, then we can fill our limited time with meaning (v.2).  We can build a heritage of faith that will outlast our days on earth (v.16-17).  

Death is coming for us all (v.3).  That specter may lurk around the corner, ready to seize us with icy fingers before this day concludes.  We are like broken branches in a river at flood stage, swept away by the current of time (v.4).  We are like grass in the field, green and growing, then the Grim Reaper cuts us down with his scythe (v.5-6).

Death is all about us, for we live in a world under the curse of sin (v.7-11).  Even the best of people have succumbed to iniquity—and the wages of sin is death (Rom.3:23; 6:23).  We enter the world with a cry and we exit it with a sigh (v.9).  How appropriate—for this life is full of burdens and sorrows (v.10).

This could lead us to deny reality—to fight against it with Botox, silicone, facelifts, tummy tucks, and all the rest.  We can dye our hair and even replace it when it falls out, yet we are only fooling ourselves if we think that our deadline with death can be evaded.  Such troubling thoughts may drive some to seek to fog the brain with drugs, alcohol, accumulating material possessions, and experiencing carnal pleasures lest they contemplate their end.  That is folly—not wisdom!

The wise man embraces his mortality and sets his heart on preparing for eternity (v.12).  The man of God (the title affixed to Moses in the superscription) and the woman of God, as well, is driven to seek God with urgency and find the compassion He offers (v.13).  We will never know satisfaction in this life apart from Him—and the experience of His mercy (v.14a).  The sooner we seek that the better off we are.  God’s people are not immune from grief, but they find great reasons for gladness (v.14-15).  Our brief sojourn on earth can be a testimony of God’s activity and redound to His glory (v.16).  The work done for Him is of eternal significance and an enduring heritage (v.17).

Our days are numbered—let us make them count!

THE WEALTH OF WISDOM

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. (1 Kings 3:9a)

Many pursue that which they will never achieve and even if they did attain it, has no enduring worth.  It is of this material universe and Scripture tells us that all that is of the world is passing away.  But to pursue God’s wisdom is to find wealth that extends into every area of life.  Solomon obtained this wisdom and so may we.

Solomon was smart enough to know he wasn’t smart enough.  Imagine getting a blank check from God.  He did and notice how he filled it in.  In humility, he acknowledges his need.  He basically says, “I don’t know if I’m coming or going!”  Solomon displays the fear of God.  Scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  He had a love and desire to serve the people that demanded wisdom to succeed.  He knew the work was too great for him.  God delights to answer such prayers.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God”  (James 1:5a).

The reason wisdom is so valuable is that it touches every dimension of life.  Wisdom is not mere knowledge.  Knowledge puffs us up the Bible says (1 Cor.8:1).  Wisdom is the ability to take knowledge and apply it in practical ways, especially in the moral realm.  It enables us to understand God’s ways, which are often 180 degrees from man’s ways.  Being rich in wisdom enables you to prosper in other facets of life.  No wonder Solomon advised above all, “Get wisdom” (Prov.4:7).

God gives Solomon discernment.  He is able to make wise decisions.  Solomon desired to administer justice and reign effectively and he does by the gracious gift of wisdom.  The people now respect his leadership ability.  To have a title is not the same as being a leader.  How we need good judgment in leaders—whether in government, the home, business or the church.  Life is about choices and we face them constantly.  Seek God’s guidance.  That’s the key to being successful.

Solomon’s leadership was established.  He shows wisdom in his great organizational skills (1 Kings 4:1-28).  He delegates responsibilities (v.1-7).  Not even a man as wise as Solomon had all the answers.  He needed help.  Wisdom leads us to secure partners.  He gathers resources (v.20-28).  You can’t do a job without the tools required.  A wise leader knows what resources are needed and where to secure the resources needed to get the job done.  The results of all this was a kingdom at peace.  Delegating responsibilities and determining resources will help the leader have peace of mind.  Burn out comes from trying to carry the entire load.  The Apostles recognized this wouldn’t work in the early church (see Acts 6:1-7).  It still won’t.

The king didn’t have to send out a press release trumpeting that he was the wisest man in the world (1 Kings 4:29-34).  The results spoke for themselves.  If we make good decisions and provide good leadership, we don’t have to promote ourselves.  The boss will notice.  The voters will respond.  The church will acknowledge.   We’re not after a title but a testimony.  Ultimately God gives the final accounting.

How we need wisdom!  Ask God like Solomon did.  Stop pursuing earthly wealth and pursue eternal worth—the wealth of wisdom.  God has a treasure chest in His Word.  We are promised to prosper in every way if we meditate on it continually.  Get started now!

ARE YOU A THERMOMETER OR A THERMOSTAT?

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalms 43:5)

A thermometer shows the temperature, but a thermostat sets the temperature.  As a child of God I can reflect the climate of the circumstances I am in, or I can choose to see the situation from God's perspective and set my heart accordingly.  In Psalms 42-43 we find a man in great difficulty and tempted to be a thermometer reacting to his environment with despair.  Instead, he decides to be a thermostat by rejoicing in the hope he has in God.  Here is how it is done.

Let sorrow give way to song (Ps.42:1-5). You can be DEDICATED THOUGH DISTRESSED IN TEARFUL TIMES.  Imagine a deer relentlessly pursued by hunters--the hounds hot on its trail--panting for water and strength to escape.  That describes the writer of this psalm.  Maybe it's how you feel today.  Trouble is chasing you and you need help.  One of the dangers at this point is to try to find wisdom by drinking from the world's polluted streams.  The Psalmist chooses to seek God--who alone can satisfy the thirst of our soul.  There is where hope is found.  Each stanza ends with that affirmation (42:5,11; 43:5).

See storms give way to sunshine (Ps.42:6-11).  You can be DETERMINED THOUGH DEPRESSED IN TROUBLED TIMES.  The psalmist is sinking fast.  Troubled times have come--like waves relentlessly breaking over him, threatening to drown him in despair.  Yet, he speaks of "Your waterfalls" and "Your waves," recognizing the sovereignty of God in the storms. God has a purpose (see Rom.8:28).  If the problems are permitted then we know He has a higher good in mind.  The same sovereign God commands His lovingkindness to come, as the writer cries out for help.  God is the Rock he can stand on.  A shaft of sunshine--radiant hope--breaks through the clouds.  Despite how he feels, he makes a choice, "I will remember" (42:6); "I will say" (42:9); "I will go to the altar...I will praise" (43:4).  Where there is a will there is a way.

See strife give way to serenity (43:1-5).  You can be DELIVERED THOUGH DISTURBED IN TOUGH TIMES.  The sacred writer uses the language of the courtroom to plead his case (v.1).  Still, it seemed God was oblivious to his plight (v.2).  He knew that only the light of truth could be a beacon to bring him out of the darkness of despair (v.3).  In John Bunyan's, "Pilgrim's Progress," Christian is imprisoned in Doubting Castle, held by a giant named Despair, when he escapes by using the key of promise.  Such is the power of the Word to free us!  The light on his path would lead the way to the house of God, where he would offer sacrifices of delight and songs of deliverance (v.4).  There hope is found despite the situation (v.5).  The house of God is the place to calibrate your thermostat (read Heb.10:24-25).  If you stay away, you may be sure the world will set your temperature, and you will cool off spiritually.

Will you be a thermometer or a thermostat?