An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Favorites

(Proverbs 13:15 KJV)  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

How does “understanding” (7922) “giveth” (produce NASB) (5414) God’s approval?  How does this relate to grace and salvation being a free gift?  Very well, actually.

When I look at the way the word “giveth” (produce NASB) (5414) is explained in the Hebrew dictionaries there is a running theme in all of the definitions and that is the idea of being something given.  So the idea of grace being a free gift of God is entwined in the word.  The part where the Bible differs from some people’s doctrine is that God chooses to give the gift of His favor because we have chosen to give Him enough attention to what He is teaching to develop “understanding” (7922).  If that goes against what you believe then keep reading your Bible in the context of all the proof texts you can quote for me.

So?  God gives.  We cannot earn.  It is beyond us.  The question is, “How does God decide to bestow the gifts?”  Seek understanding. 

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