(Pro 8:20 KJV) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
Our culture is perverted. Perversion does not exit in a vacuum. Often, if not always, it takes something that is good and perverts it. That is why we call it perversion to take the love of a parent for a child and turn it into incest or molestation. The Biblical words for perversion seem to have the idea of twisting. Our culture has done that to the concepts of “righteousness” (6666) and “judgment” (justice NASB) (4941).
The twist goes back to having no wisdom, which is what this verse is about. The lack of wisdom goes back to the statement that it starts with a fear of the Lord. The gurus of our culture hate God simply because His righteousness and His righteous demands knock us off the throne of our lives and keeps us from twisting what is good. The human condition wants to twist. It is the way we are made. It is why training children is so hard. They are little gods and want to keep ruling.
So? On one side you have the righteousness that God expects. On the other side you have the twisted version of truth that our culture embraces. In the middle is where each human being stands. The big question is which way are we going to go. Only you can make that decisions for you and remember to not decide is to decide.
Showing posts with label Perversion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perversion. Show all posts
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Monday, September 2, 2019
Something Wicked Never Left
(Pro 2:14 KJV) Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
If you have been paying attention pedophiles are being mentioned more often lately. Currently I have been seeing that historic figures such as John Maynard Keynes seemed to be linked to sexual activity with young boys and of course we have the Island hops of Epstein. We will also probably see that this type of activity will get less and less criticism and more calls for tolerance. What the KJV calls “frowardness” (8419) is well on its way to social acceptance.
What Christians need to understand is that sexual perversion is real and it is a part of the sinful nature. Being accepted by your local public school and society at large does not make it right. It is just an indication of where people are coming from and where they will go if not countered by the grace of God.
So? Evil exists. It has been toned down by Christian culture but Christian culture is not the same as a society filled with Christians. Until we see revival it will get worse.
If you have been paying attention pedophiles are being mentioned more often lately. Currently I have been seeing that historic figures such as John Maynard Keynes seemed to be linked to sexual activity with young boys and of course we have the Island hops of Epstein. We will also probably see that this type of activity will get less and less criticism and more calls for tolerance. What the KJV calls “frowardness” (8419) is well on its way to social acceptance.
What Christians need to understand is that sexual perversion is real and it is a part of the sinful nature. Being accepted by your local public school and society at large does not make it right. It is just an indication of where people are coming from and where they will go if not countered by the grace of God.
So? Evil exists. It has been toned down by Christian culture but Christian culture is not the same as a society filled with Christians. Until we see revival it will get worse.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Shiny
(Pro 31:5 KJV) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Although this is a passage talking about drinking too much it is also a reminder to us of whom we should accept as leaders. Drunk leaders “pervert” (8132) what they touch. I would add that even followers destroy what they touch when under the influence. When I went to look for the definition of “pervert” I was expecting to find a word that reflects the usual, to bend or twist. Not so in this case. The root meaning is “to change”. That brought to mind another verse that I have noticed and I wondered if it was the same word in the Hebrew.
This is an argument for the place of tradition in our lives. There may be times for change. Where would we be if America rejected the horseless carriage? I guess there would be a lot of jobs available for sweeping up the horse manure off the street but it would have lowered the quality of life for the average person. On the other side is the need for a flashy new car every two years. The point is we need to avoid people who want to change just for the purpose of change. The new is not always better than the old.
So? Be wary of political leaders and church leaders who come up with innovative ideas. There is a good chance they are not on the side of the angels.
Although this is a passage talking about drinking too much it is also a reminder to us of whom we should accept as leaders. Drunk leaders “pervert” (8132) what they touch. I would add that even followers destroy what they touch when under the influence. When I went to look for the definition of “pervert” I was expecting to find a word that reflects the usual, to bend or twist. Not so in this case. The root meaning is “to change”. That brought to mind another verse that I have noticed and I wondered if it was the same word in the Hebrew.
(Pro 24:21 KJV) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change (8132):It was.
This is an argument for the place of tradition in our lives. There may be times for change. Where would we be if America rejected the horseless carriage? I guess there would be a lot of jobs available for sweeping up the horse manure off the street but it would have lowered the quality of life for the average person. On the other side is the need for a flashy new car every two years. The point is we need to avoid people who want to change just for the purpose of change. The new is not always better than the old.
So? Be wary of political leaders and church leaders who come up with innovative ideas. There is a good chance they are not on the side of the angels.
Friday, February 8, 2019
A Genuinely Inconvenient Truth
(Proverbs 8:13 KJV) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Christians need to do some serious thinking about love and “hate” (8130). God is love. We are to love. As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Everyone seems to be on board for that.
We are also to hate. That seems harsh but it is what this verse is telling us. We are to “hate” (8130) “evil” (7451b) and especially the evil “way” (1870). Too often we embrace evil in the name of love. What would those evil actions be? Here we could specifically see “pride” (1344), “arrogance” (1344), and foul mouths. Other places you can find more kinky behaviors and attitudes. The word used for “perverted” (8419) or “froward” means perversion.
So? Perversion exists. It is defined and examples are given in the Bible. We need to accept that as true not just go along with the pressure of our culture that is embracing it.
Christians need to do some serious thinking about love and “hate” (8130). God is love. We are to love. As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Everyone seems to be on board for that.
We are also to hate. That seems harsh but it is what this verse is telling us. We are to “hate” (8130) “evil” (7451b) and especially the evil “way” (1870). Too often we embrace evil in the name of love. What would those evil actions be? Here we could specifically see “pride” (1344), “arrogance” (1344), and foul mouths. Other places you can find more kinky behaviors and attitudes. The word used for “perverted” (8419) or “froward” means perversion.
So? Perversion exists. It is defined and examples are given in the Bible. We need to accept that as true not just go along with the pressure of our culture that is embracing it.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Yule Tide Aspirin
(Proverbs 16:28 KJV) A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
When I think of people who are deviant my mind goes to things like molesting children and torturing animals. I don’t tend to think of the family member who comes for Christmas and proceeds to get the family fighting, yet here they are labeled “froward” (perverse NASB) (8419). This is the direct contrast to the person Jesus spoke of in the Beatitudes. That whole passage addresses this and specifically,
So? You all have seen this happen. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Has it been me?” If you follow this word through Proverbs you notice a strong presence of volition. People choose to be a pain. We can work on being an anesthetic.
When I think of people who are deviant my mind goes to things like molesting children and torturing animals. I don’t tend to think of the family member who comes for Christmas and proceeds to get the family fighting, yet here they are labeled “froward” (perverse NASB) (8419). This is the direct contrast to the person Jesus spoke of in the Beatitudes. That whole passage addresses this and specifically,
(Matthew 5:9 KJV) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.This is not talking about negotiators for the UN. This is talking about the family member who doesn’t complain about the gifts they got, who doesn’t keep asking how much something cost, who doesn’t grab the best seat and leave grandma standing.
So? You all have seen this happen. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Has it been me?” If you follow this word through Proverbs you notice a strong presence of volition. People choose to be a pain. We can work on being an anesthetic.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Froward, March
(Proverbs 2:14 KJV) Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
In looking at the KJV I was again struck by the archaic word “frowardness” (perversity NASB) (8419). It is so easy to confuse with “forward” if you are reading fast or assume it is a misprint. It is actually a contrast to forward. The difference is in the prefix. “Fro” and “for” are like “pro” and “con.” They are opposites. That helps us understand this characteristic of evil.
Frowardness means to be turning back from the direction that God would have us go. We meet people like this. Sometimes we are those people. Here it is implied, not that they have minds of their own, but that they have minds that thrive on being contrary to God. When they see evil going on and it is obviously working to counter righteousness, they rejoice. For example when a judge declares that pornography is covered by the free speech clause in the Bill of Rights, they celebrate and praise the decision even though it is obviously advancing evil.
So? Consider what you support and advance. A current example would be the recent decisions of the Boy Scouts. They may be politically correct and in tune with the times but are they forward or froward?
In looking at the KJV I was again struck by the archaic word “frowardness” (perversity NASB) (8419). It is so easy to confuse with “forward” if you are reading fast or assume it is a misprint. It is actually a contrast to forward. The difference is in the prefix. “Fro” and “for” are like “pro” and “con.” They are opposites. That helps us understand this characteristic of evil.
Frowardness means to be turning back from the direction that God would have us go. We meet people like this. Sometimes we are those people. Here it is implied, not that they have minds of their own, but that they have minds that thrive on being contrary to God. When they see evil going on and it is obviously working to counter righteousness, they rejoice. For example when a judge declares that pornography is covered by the free speech clause in the Bill of Rights, they celebrate and praise the decision even though it is obviously advancing evil.
So? Consider what you support and advance. A current example would be the recent decisions of the Boy Scouts. They may be politically correct and in tune with the times but are they forward or froward?
Friday, May 10, 2013
Every Day Evidence
(Proverbs 10:32 KJV) The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
As I read through this chapter today I am struck how it reflects the society I live in. Wisdom is absent. Righteousness is absent. As you look through the chapter you see the every day evidence of that absence. By coincidence I end up being at the end of the chapter.
What are the results of a society based on foolishness? The KJV calls it “frowardness” (8419), the NASB “perverted.” I am sure that our culture thinks the KJV word is a misprint. I am sure that they think the culture is moving “forward” as it denies the meaning of marriage, glorifying fornication and homosexual marriage. Hollywood’s “forward” is God’s “froward.” It means twisted or bent, in another word “perverted.”
So? What do your “lips” (8193) declare? What influence do you have at school, in your home, at your work? Do you leave the world with a taste of righteousness or the hint of perversion?
As I read through this chapter today I am struck how it reflects the society I live in. Wisdom is absent. Righteousness is absent. As you look through the chapter you see the every day evidence of that absence. By coincidence I end up being at the end of the chapter.
What are the results of a society based on foolishness? The KJV calls it “frowardness” (8419), the NASB “perverted.” I am sure that our culture thinks the KJV word is a misprint. I am sure that they think the culture is moving “forward” as it denies the meaning of marriage, glorifying fornication and homosexual marriage. Hollywood’s “forward” is God’s “froward.” It means twisted or bent, in another word “perverted.”
So? What do your “lips” (8193) declare? What influence do you have at school, in your home, at your work? Do you leave the world with a taste of righteousness or the hint of perversion?
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Are You a Froward Heart?
(Proverbs 11:20 KJV) They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Sometimes I like the langauge of the KJV. I like it because it sounds so mysterious. Some people are of a “froward” (6141) “heart” (3820). I would never want to be accused of this even if I don’t know what it means. Froward is not a misprint. It is in the dictionary. My spell-check recognizes it so it must be true. It is interesting the ways it is translated. You will see “uncontrolled” (BBE), “sneaky” (CEV), and “crooked” (ESV) in the translations I have on my software. When you put it that way it doesn’t seem like a nice person.
This is another of those themes that Proverbs keeps reminding us of. Some people insist on being “perverse” (6141). It is a condition of the human heart. It is an indication of the sinful nature.
Make no mistake about it, these people are an “abomination” (8441) to God. He may love them. Jesus certainly died for them. We know because we were them. So we can understand them. We can love them. We can be involved in their lives. What we can’t do is sugar coat them and act like it doesn’t matter.
So? Be salt and light. If the Holy Spirit opens a door, be a verbal witness. At all times be a living witness. Do it today. A froward heart may be watching you.
Sometimes I like the langauge of the KJV. I like it because it sounds so mysterious. Some people are of a “froward” (6141) “heart” (3820). I would never want to be accused of this even if I don’t know what it means. Froward is not a misprint. It is in the dictionary. My spell-check recognizes it so it must be true. It is interesting the ways it is translated. You will see “uncontrolled” (BBE), “sneaky” (CEV), and “crooked” (ESV) in the translations I have on my software. When you put it that way it doesn’t seem like a nice person.
This is another of those themes that Proverbs keeps reminding us of. Some people insist on being “perverse” (6141). It is a condition of the human heart. It is an indication of the sinful nature.
Make no mistake about it, these people are an “abomination” (8441) to God. He may love them. Jesus certainly died for them. We know because we were them. So we can understand them. We can love them. We can be involved in their lives. What we can’t do is sugar coat them and act like it doesn’t matter.
So? Be salt and light. If the Holy Spirit opens a door, be a verbal witness. At all times be a living witness. Do it today. A froward heart may be watching you.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Artisan Evil
(Proverbs 6:14 KJV) Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
This is a continuation of the discussion of the “worthless person” begun in verse 12.
“Perversity” (8419) is a characteristic of “evil” (7451b). The KJV again uses the word “frowardness.” If I see this word often enough I may begin to use it. What is being conveyed here is another way of describing original sin, the condition of human hearts without the washing of the blood and the cleansing of the Spirit. It has the idea of turning away from the original purpose. Proverbs is talking about a worthless person so there is a sense of deliberate choice.
This worthless person has a “heart” (3820) that is continually turning life away from its divine purpose. This word is used to mean the core of the inner man, just as we might use it. Again we see that the perversion, sin, is coming from within. It is not a product of his society. EVIL EXISTS. “EVIL” (7451b) PEOPLE EXIST.
The evil person “devises” (2790a) more evil. This is the word of the artisan. This is designer evil. The definition gives some insight into the picture: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise. This implies a gifted, talented approach to evil. This person is an artist of evil. This type of person is very common.
“Strife” (4066) {end} is a result of deliberate, targeted work. This person is at all of your business meetings, family gatherings, social events. He is in all three branches of government, all ranks in the military, all church committee, and in every charity organization. He writes blogs. He gets his greatest joy in causing dissension and suspicion. He is often subtle and quiet.
So? Be aware. Be an antidote. Be oil on the water. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peace makers.” Love is patient.... Much of the time this will involve refusing to be seduced. Often it will mean ignoring the person. At times it will mean correction, reproof and rebuke. In extreme cases it will mean ostracizing a person. Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you aware of the problem and how to be part of the solution.
This is a continuation of the discussion of the “worthless person” begun in verse 12.
“Perversity” (8419) is a characteristic of “evil” (7451b). The KJV again uses the word “frowardness.” If I see this word often enough I may begin to use it. What is being conveyed here is another way of describing original sin, the condition of human hearts without the washing of the blood and the cleansing of the Spirit. It has the idea of turning away from the original purpose. Proverbs is talking about a worthless person so there is a sense of deliberate choice.
This worthless person has a “heart” (3820) that is continually turning life away from its divine purpose. This word is used to mean the core of the inner man, just as we might use it. Again we see that the perversion, sin, is coming from within. It is not a product of his society. EVIL EXISTS. “EVIL” (7451b) PEOPLE EXIST.
The evil person “devises” (2790a) more evil. This is the word of the artisan. This is designer evil. The definition gives some insight into the picture: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise. This implies a gifted, talented approach to evil. This person is an artist of evil. This type of person is very common.
“Strife” (4066) {end} is a result of deliberate, targeted work. This person is at all of your business meetings, family gatherings, social events. He is in all three branches of government, all ranks in the military, all church committee, and in every charity organization. He writes blogs. He gets his greatest joy in causing dissension and suspicion. He is often subtle and quiet.
So? Be aware. Be an antidote. Be oil on the water. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peace makers.” Love is patient.... Much of the time this will involve refusing to be seduced. Often it will mean ignoring the person. At times it will mean correction, reproof and rebuke. In extreme cases it will mean ostracizing a person. Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you aware of the problem and how to be part of the solution.
Friday, November 19, 2010
A Strange Twist
(Proverbs 19:3 KJV) The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Why do some people go through tragedy on an even keel and others lash out at God? We have all probably seen both demonstrated. Perhaps we have experienced it. I have friends who have lost children. My brother struggles with a rare form of cancer. Right now some friends have a grown son in ICU and it seems like it could go either way. Most have kept the faith. At least one has nothing but anger toward God. This verse gives some clues to why people turn away from God. It does not deal with the entire problem of evil. (If you want to go into that check out this post at Covenant of Love. I t is long but good.) This is personal. It lays a path for us to avoid.
Our response under pressure is condition by our “foolishness” (200). This is a word that is almost always reserved for the book of Proverbs with its emphasis on Wisdom. It is only used twice in Psalms compared to twenty-two in Proverbs. It means folly. Another word that comes from the same root means “silly.” Everyone has a bit of “silly” in their life. It breaks the monotony and gives a bit of variety. We all do things that are stupid. That is part of being human. What we are talking about here is habitual behavior. Some people go through life ignoring the warnings of the Holy Spirit and laughing at the “uptight prudes” around them. They are going to grab for all the gusto, do it their way, live for the day; and set up the foundations of failure.
This “perverteth” (subverts NASB) (5557) their “way” (1870). The KJV has it better here. “Pervert” means twist and warp. Have you ever seen someone standing straight and tall, walked up behind them, struck the back of one of their knees and watch them stagger and possibly fall? It is fun if no one is hurt. It is an example of what happens in life when our foundations is subverted or bent. When the weight comes the support crumbles.
Then when we have disobeyed all God’s commands and ignored His wisdom we “rage” (2196) against God. We blame God. When the time comes to trust and walk in faith we lose it. I don’t really fault anyone who goes through a brief reaction. Pain is real. Responses happen. God is patient and ministers to us. But I have noticed that if a person is not in the habit of cursing they don’t yell obscenities when they hit their thumb with a hammer.
So lay the groundwork daily. Avoid foolishness. Ground yourself in truth. I pray that you will either never be tested or will pass with faithful colors.
Why do some people go through tragedy on an even keel and others lash out at God? We have all probably seen both demonstrated. Perhaps we have experienced it. I have friends who have lost children. My brother struggles with a rare form of cancer. Right now some friends have a grown son in ICU and it seems like it could go either way. Most have kept the faith. At least one has nothing but anger toward God. This verse gives some clues to why people turn away from God. It does not deal with the entire problem of evil. (If you want to go into that check out this post at Covenant of Love. I t is long but good.) This is personal. It lays a path for us to avoid.
Our response under pressure is condition by our “foolishness” (200). This is a word that is almost always reserved for the book of Proverbs with its emphasis on Wisdom. It is only used twice in Psalms compared to twenty-two in Proverbs. It means folly. Another word that comes from the same root means “silly.” Everyone has a bit of “silly” in their life. It breaks the monotony and gives a bit of variety. We all do things that are stupid. That is part of being human. What we are talking about here is habitual behavior. Some people go through life ignoring the warnings of the Holy Spirit and laughing at the “uptight prudes” around them. They are going to grab for all the gusto, do it their way, live for the day; and set up the foundations of failure.
This “perverteth” (subverts NASB) (5557) their “way” (1870). The KJV has it better here. “Pervert” means twist and warp. Have you ever seen someone standing straight and tall, walked up behind them, struck the back of one of their knees and watch them stagger and possibly fall? It is fun if no one is hurt. It is an example of what happens in life when our foundations is subverted or bent. When the weight comes the support crumbles.
Then when we have disobeyed all God’s commands and ignored His wisdom we “rage” (2196) against God. We blame God. When the time comes to trust and walk in faith we lose it. I don’t really fault anyone who goes through a brief reaction. Pain is real. Responses happen. God is patient and ministers to us. But I have noticed that if a person is not in the habit of cursing they don’t yell obscenities when they hit their thumb with a hammer.
So lay the groundwork daily. Avoid foolishness. Ground yourself in truth. I pray that you will either never be tested or will pass with faithful colors.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Smoothies
(Proverbs 15:4 KJV) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
I think this is another approach to the thought of verse 2. A “wholesome" (soothing NASB) (4832) “tongue” (3956) can be a good thing. Notice I did not say “is” a good thing. More on that in a moment. Proverbs is full of reminders that it is better to be a peacemaker than an agitator. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This has the idea of healing. Think of the first aid cream in your cabinet. Think of petroleum jelly and all the soothing it does. Our mouths can be that way. We can calm angry people. We can avoid stirring things up. This is supposed to be a good thing.
But.... And it is a big “but.” A soothing tongue can also be a “perversion” (5558). Based on other passages in Proverbs, this is a deliberate goal for some people. Perversion seems to have a consistent meaning. It is a twisting. Remember that much sin is a warping of a normal, God-blessed, activity. Yes, we are to sooth and heal, but what about the times when the need is for reproof and rebuke. What do you do when a brother in Christ needs correction and you are the person that God has directed to speak. Part of love is doing what is right for the other person, not what is easiest. What if Jesus had always followed the soothing route? The rich young ruler would have never known the truth. Peter would have not been corrected. The Pharisees would have continued being smug and deceived. Pilate would have been untroubled. The list could go on.
So? It is best to be a healing influence, except when surgery is needed. In medicine the least invasive technique is best. The same is true in our spiritual lives. But remember that when the Holy Spirit demands more than a band-aid then a band-aid becomes perversion.
I think this is another approach to the thought of verse 2. A “wholesome" (soothing NASB) (4832) “tongue” (3956) can be a good thing. Notice I did not say “is” a good thing. More on that in a moment. Proverbs is full of reminders that it is better to be a peacemaker than an agitator. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This has the idea of healing. Think of the first aid cream in your cabinet. Think of petroleum jelly and all the soothing it does. Our mouths can be that way. We can calm angry people. We can avoid stirring things up. This is supposed to be a good thing.
But.... And it is a big “but.” A soothing tongue can also be a “perversion” (5558). Based on other passages in Proverbs, this is a deliberate goal for some people. Perversion seems to have a consistent meaning. It is a twisting. Remember that much sin is a warping of a normal, God-blessed, activity. Yes, we are to sooth and heal, but what about the times when the need is for reproof and rebuke. What do you do when a brother in Christ needs correction and you are the person that God has directed to speak. Part of love is doing what is right for the other person, not what is easiest. What if Jesus had always followed the soothing route? The rich young ruler would have never known the truth. Peter would have not been corrected. The Pharisees would have continued being smug and deceived. Pilate would have been untroubled. The list could go on.
So? It is best to be a healing influence, except when surgery is needed. In medicine the least invasive technique is best. The same is true in our spiritual lives. But remember that when the Holy Spirit demands more than a band-aid then a band-aid becomes perversion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)