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(Proverbs 17:11 KJV)  An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

It is interesting to compare the KJV and the NASB here. 

(Proverbs 17:11 NASB)  A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

Notice in one you have the “evil” (7451b) man seeking “rebellion” (4805) and in the other you have the “rebellious” man seeking “evil.”  In the Hebrew the “man” is assumed.  Which is correct?  Does it make a difference?

Sometimes we nit pick in order to avoid the real issue.  Bible study is not just disagreements on semantics. It is preparing for eternity.  Attitudes of rebellion and a tendency toward evil go hand in hand.  In order to avoid eternal damnation they must be dealt with.

Another reality that we don’t like to hear is that sometimes a “cruel” (394) “messenger” (4397) is necessary.  Is it necessary to allow an AIDS epidemic in order to wake up society to sexual sin?  It would seem so.  Is it necessary to allow massive earthquakes and hurricanes in order to remind people that they are not in control as much as they imagine?  It would seem so.  Is it necessary to have the government start putting Christians in jail for proclaiming the truth?  It would seem so.

So?  How’s it going Bro?  Do you need God to send you a cruel messenger today?  Maybe that angel can be avoided by a few moments of confession and repentance.