(Proverbs 14:27 KJV) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The overview here says that “fear” (3374) will keep us from “death” (4194). The KJV says we will “depart” (5493) from the “snares” (4170). The NASB says we will “avoid” them. It seems a little different emphasis but I find hope in both translations. The basic meaning of the word is “to turn aside.” You can see how you can get both translations.
Which applies to you? It depends on the day, the need in your life and the voice of the Holy Spirit. This is the glorious truth of the inspiration of scripture. The Holy Spirit is the interpreter who brings out the truth. He will meet you where you are and it does no damage to the truth.
So? First, walk in fear. Second, make sure that death is not a part of your portfolio of options. You can escape it or avoid it all together, but life is there.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Stink Bombs
(Proverbs 13:5 KJV) A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
A liar is “loathsome” (acts disgustingly NASB) (887). This literally has the idea of being a little stinker. There are places in the Bible where I wish the translators would allow the literal meaning to stand. There are some word pictures that could burn the image into our hearts much better than modern equivalents. For instance the NASB marginal note points out that the literal meaning is “causes a bad odor.”
This is a picture that is used throughout the Bible. A word search for the words “sweet savour” in the KJV brings up 88 hits, all but one in the Old Testament. It is tied to the sacrifices offered up to God. It is used once in the New Testament. Let me give you that in its context.
So? What is your aroma? Are you the smell of death or life?
A liar is “loathsome” (acts disgustingly NASB) (887). This literally has the idea of being a little stinker. There are places in the Bible where I wish the translators would allow the literal meaning to stand. There are some word pictures that could burn the image into our hearts much better than modern equivalents. For instance the NASB marginal note points out that the literal meaning is “causes a bad odor.”
This is a picture that is used throughout the Bible. A word search for the words “sweet savour” in the KJV brings up 88 hits, all but one in the Old Testament. It is tied to the sacrifices offered up to God. It is used once in the New Testament. Let me give you that in its context.
(2 Corinthians 2:14-16 KJV) Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?God’s people also have a smell but it is now defined as the smell of life.
So? What is your aroma? Are you the smell of death or life?
Monday, November 12, 2012
The Law of Unintended Consequences
(Proverbs 12:6 KJV) The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
How do your “words” (1697) effect others? Today I want to focus on unintended consequences. We see the Law of Unintended Consequences in application all around us. One good example was the War on Poverty unleashed by Lyndon B. Johnson. The purpose was to destroy poverty and bring the poor into the mainstream. That was a worthy goal. The means was lots of government money applied with no moral standards.
What were the results? After billions of dollars, poverty still seems to be winning. In addition we have destroyed the family unit in black American families. When this war began 80% of black children were born into intact families. Fifty years later 80% are born out of wedlock.
If you judge by the results, intended or otherwise, it would seem that the proposal was a case of “wicked” (7563) “words” (1697). Have we changed our approach? No we just keep doing the same things.
So? You can’t change government policy by yourself but you can see the failure and apply it in how you treat your family and friends. Beware of the wicked with good intentions.
How do your “words” (1697) effect others? Today I want to focus on unintended consequences. We see the Law of Unintended Consequences in application all around us. One good example was the War on Poverty unleashed by Lyndon B. Johnson. The purpose was to destroy poverty and bring the poor into the mainstream. That was a worthy goal. The means was lots of government money applied with no moral standards.
What were the results? After billions of dollars, poverty still seems to be winning. In addition we have destroyed the family unit in black American families. When this war began 80% of black children were born into intact families. Fifty years later 80% are born out of wedlock.
If you judge by the results, intended or otherwise, it would seem that the proposal was a case of “wicked” (7563) “words” (1697). Have we changed our approach? No we just keep doing the same things.
So? You can’t change government policy by yourself but you can see the failure and apply it in how you treat your family and friends. Beware of the wicked with good intentions.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Winning Souls
(Proverbs 11:30 KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
What an unusual statement for the Old Testament. Look at that second phrase. We don’t think of the OT as talking about winning souls, yet there it is.
It is not a mistranslation. This is the Hebrew word “nephesh.” It is a very common word in the Old Testament and is usually translated “soul.” The next most common translation is “life.”
Here is an additional part of the definition of wisdom, winning souls. It means that the wise person sees the perspective of eternity and is concerned about bringing people to Jesus.
So? Even the book of Proverbs is concerned about evangelism and discipling. Maybe we should be too.
What an unusual statement for the Old Testament. Look at that second phrase. We don’t think of the OT as talking about winning souls, yet there it is.
It is not a mistranslation. This is the Hebrew word “nephesh.” It is a very common word in the Old Testament and is usually translated “soul.” The next most common translation is “life.”
Here is an additional part of the definition of wisdom, winning souls. It means that the wise person sees the perspective of eternity and is concerned about bringing people to Jesus.
So? Even the book of Proverbs is concerned about evangelism and discipling. Maybe we should be too.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Original Spock Greeting
(Proverbs 10:27 KJV) The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
I can think of many reasons why “fear” (3374) “prolongs” (3253) “days” (life NASB) (3117) [yom].
Fear can keep you from doing something stupid. A fear of heights can keep you away from places that invite falling. Fear can keep you from swimming in dangerous surf. Fear can keep your mouth shut at key times. Those are obvious.
But we are talking about the fear of the “Lord” (3068) [Yahveh]. This is the word that is translated Jehovah four times in the KJV. This is not the craven fear of terror but the holy awe of the eternal God. This is a fear that not only keeps us from evil but transforms our inner being. When you are transformed there are consequences, good ones.
I have read reports that say that people who worship regularly tend to be happier, more successful and, yes, live longer. I didn’t need to read the research, I have already read the Word.
So? You already have what Spock wishes for you. You are going to live long and prosper. And then you will live forever and prosper more.
I can think of many reasons why “fear” (3374) “prolongs” (3253) “days” (life NASB) (3117) [yom].
Fear can keep you from doing something stupid. A fear of heights can keep you away from places that invite falling. Fear can keep you from swimming in dangerous surf. Fear can keep your mouth shut at key times. Those are obvious.
But we are talking about the fear of the “Lord” (3068) [Yahveh]. This is the word that is translated Jehovah four times in the KJV. This is not the craven fear of terror but the holy awe of the eternal God. This is a fear that not only keeps us from evil but transforms our inner being. When you are transformed there are consequences, good ones.
I have read reports that say that people who worship regularly tend to be happier, more successful and, yes, live longer. I didn’t need to read the research, I have already read the Word.
So? You already have what Spock wishes for you. You are going to live long and prosper. And then you will live forever and prosper more.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Not a Spectator Sport
(Proverbs 9:15 KJV) To call passengers who go right on their ways:
Who are these “passengers” (5674/1870) ( who pass NASB (5674a))? They are the righteous. They are the ones who are on the “ways” (paths NASB) (734) that are “right” (straight NASB) (3474).
Actually it is not just that they are on the right path. The righteous are in the process of “making straight” (3474) their ways. Joshua said, “Choose this day...” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus said, “Follow me.” These words appear 46 times in the gospels. There is an active involvement in being a follower of Jesus. There is a buy-in that is expected.
Christianity was not designed as a spectator sport.
So? Make your path straight (NASB). Go right (KJV). Righteousness is required, not optional.
Who are these “passengers” (5674/1870) ( who pass NASB (5674a))? They are the righteous. They are the ones who are on the “ways” (paths NASB) (734) that are “right” (straight NASB) (3474).
Actually it is not just that they are on the right path. The righteous are in the process of “making straight” (3474) their ways. Joshua said, “Choose this day...” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus said, “Follow me.” These words appear 46 times in the gospels. There is an active involvement in being a follower of Jesus. There is a buy-in that is expected.
Christianity was not designed as a spectator sport.
So? Make your path straight (NASB). Go right (KJV). Righteousness is required, not optional.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Take It to the Bank
(Proverbs 8:22 KJV) The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Wisdom is timeless. We believe that there are certain principles that were established by God before the creation. They reflect His nature. God “possessed” (7069) wisdom.
This goes against the teaching of our culture. We live in a time when absolute truth, and wisdom, are rejected. Everything is relative. Nothing is unchanging. Common sense tells us that some things are relative. You drive slower in a midnight ice storm than you do on a sunny day. Other things you can take to the bank. Adultery is wrong. Your college professors might disagree but what do they know?
This should give us a secure place to stand. Not in arrogance. We are not the ones that are always right, God is. And God has made His teachings clear enough for the simple and complex enough for the scholar.
So? Live what you know. Ignore the nonsense as much as you can. Remind yourself, “This, too, shall pass.”
Wisdom is timeless. We believe that there are certain principles that were established by God before the creation. They reflect His nature. God “possessed” (7069) wisdom.
This goes against the teaching of our culture. We live in a time when absolute truth, and wisdom, are rejected. Everything is relative. Nothing is unchanging. Common sense tells us that some things are relative. You drive slower in a midnight ice storm than you do on a sunny day. Other things you can take to the bank. Adultery is wrong. Your college professors might disagree but what do they know?
This should give us a secure place to stand. Not in arrogance. We are not the ones that are always right, God is. And God has made His teachings clear enough for the simple and complex enough for the scholar.
So? Live what you know. Ignore the nonsense as much as you can. Remind yourself, “This, too, shall pass.”
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