(Proverbs 14:25 KJV) A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
My first thought in reading this was being a “witness” (5707) in court. It is used that way. It is also the word used as false witness in the Ten Commandments. I have never done the first and hopefully avoid the second. I then realized there is one sense in which we use the word that is, or should be, a daily occurrence. I am to be a witness for Jesus Christ.
What kind of testimony do I give for Jesus on a daily basis? If asked in a carefully controlled environment I can do an acceptable job. Most of us could. The big issue is in the moment by moment ways in which we demonstrate to people who really is Lord of our lives. By being impatient, by stretching the facts, by ignoring the obvious, even by being silent, I can deny my Lord.
So? Jesus said turn the extra cheek. He told us not to take a brother to court. He told us to love our enemies. How is my witness?
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
Bath Water Anyone?
(Proverbs 13:10 KJV) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Have you ever tried to “counsel” (3289) someone who has an attitude? As I think about that I begin to wonder how many times have people tried to open my eyes to reality and I would not listen because I knew I was right. Even when I am being “open” to what others have to say, in my heart I am impervious.
Sometimes that is necessary. To waiver on Biblical truth is the first step to decay. Some things are so clear that we don’t need to listen to the sophistry of evil. For instance, homosexual marriage. The Bible is clear. There is no wiggle room. It fits in the same category with those who claim to be Christian and are sexually involved before marriage. Sin is sin.
The key is knowing what is Biblical truth and what is tradition. That takes a familiar grasp of the Word and the right friends.
So? They say, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” Unfortunately we are often throwing out the clean baby so we can keep the dirty water. Have a care.
Have you ever tried to “counsel” (3289) someone who has an attitude? As I think about that I begin to wonder how many times have people tried to open my eyes to reality and I would not listen because I knew I was right. Even when I am being “open” to what others have to say, in my heart I am impervious.
Sometimes that is necessary. To waiver on Biblical truth is the first step to decay. Some things are so clear that we don’t need to listen to the sophistry of evil. For instance, homosexual marriage. The Bible is clear. There is no wiggle room. It fits in the same category with those who claim to be Christian and are sexually involved before marriage. Sin is sin.
The key is knowing what is Biblical truth and what is tradition. That takes a familiar grasp of the Word and the right friends.
So? They say, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” Unfortunately we are often throwing out the clean baby so we can keep the dirty water. Have a care.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Local Broadcasting
(Proverbs 12:8 KJV) A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
“Commended” (praise NASB) (1984b) is an interesting word. Most of the nuances of translation have to do with us tooting our own horn or others singing our song. One variation was more interesting. It can mean “to shine, to flash forth light”. Thus a person of “insight” (7922) would radiate this quality. He would not need to talk about it. His life would show it.
I am reminded of a time when a student said he wished I wouldn’t talk about Jesus all the time. I wish his statement were accurate but I had not mentioned the name of Jesus in class for a long time and usually it was in response to specific questions. What I think he was seeing was the “praise” of my life. At least I would like to think that is true.
So? What do your daily actions broadcast? We say something in the way we ask a question, in the way we answer a question, in how we listen and look. I think I would be embarrassed if I had a video replay of my day.
“Commended” (praise NASB) (1984b) is an interesting word. Most of the nuances of translation have to do with us tooting our own horn or others singing our song. One variation was more interesting. It can mean “to shine, to flash forth light”. Thus a person of “insight” (7922) would radiate this quality. He would not need to talk about it. His life would show it.
I am reminded of a time when a student said he wished I wouldn’t talk about Jesus all the time. I wish his statement were accurate but I had not mentioned the name of Jesus in class for a long time and usually it was in response to specific questions. What I think he was seeing was the “praise” of my life. At least I would like to think that is true.
So? What do your daily actions broadcast? We say something in the way we ask a question, in the way we answer a question, in how we listen and look. I think I would be embarrassed if I had a video replay of my day.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
A Different Hope
(Proverbs 11:23 KJV) The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
As I was reading this verse I noticed that it was very similar to the one I looked at yesterday in the previous chapter. I noted that at the beginning of chapter 10 my translation had a title of “Proverbs Contrasting the Godly and the Wicked”. Your translation may have such titles at the beginning of a chapter or at the top of the page. Understand that these titles are not part of the Hebrew or Greek text but are added by editors to guide your reading.
Having said that I am again reminded that there are large numbers of people in the world that march to an evil drum beat. Notice that they have an “expectation” (8615b) of “wrath” (5678). This word has the sense of hope. These people desire wrath. Have you ever been around someone who keeps pestering and bothering someone else until there is a violent response. They will not stop until the victim explodes. It is like a game to them. For many of them, if it gets them involved in a fight that is fine. They desire violence. It makes their day.
So? This is where the fruit of the Spirit is our strength. We can call on the power of God to resist and keep our cool. Of course, if we are the one causing the problem, we might want to do a little self examination.
As I was reading this verse I noticed that it was very similar to the one I looked at yesterday in the previous chapter. I noted that at the beginning of chapter 10 my translation had a title of “Proverbs Contrasting the Godly and the Wicked”. Your translation may have such titles at the beginning of a chapter or at the top of the page. Understand that these titles are not part of the Hebrew or Greek text but are added by editors to guide your reading.
Having said that I am again reminded that there are large numbers of people in the world that march to an evil drum beat. Notice that they have an “expectation” (8615b) of “wrath” (5678). This word has the sense of hope. These people desire wrath. Have you ever been around someone who keeps pestering and bothering someone else until there is a violent response. They will not stop until the victim explodes. It is like a game to them. For many of them, if it gets them involved in a fight that is fine. They desire violence. It makes their day.
So? This is where the fruit of the Spirit is our strength. We can call on the power of God to resist and keep our cool. Of course, if we are the one causing the problem, we might want to do a little self examination.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Lip Glosses
(Proverbs 10:32 KJV) The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
I wonder why [yada] is translated “bring forth” (3045) in the NASB? How do you get to that with a word meaning “to know”? This would really be “A righteous mouth knows what is acceptable”. The KJV is better here on this point but uses an archaic word, “frowardness” (8419) also. Notice that the verb is implied in the second part of the verse. Just as the “righteous” (6662) has an awareness, so do the “wicked” (7563).
So? We know the difference between good and evil. Even people who advocate tolerance of deviant behavior know in their hearts it is wrong. They may not admit it, but they know. My job is not to try to get them to admit the truth but to live the truth.
I wonder why [yada] is translated “bring forth” (3045) in the NASB? How do you get to that with a word meaning “to know”? This would really be “A righteous mouth knows what is acceptable”. The KJV is better here on this point but uses an archaic word, “frowardness” (8419) also. Notice that the verb is implied in the second part of the verse. Just as the “righteous” (6662) has an awareness, so do the “wicked” (7563).
So? We know the difference between good and evil. Even people who advocate tolerance of deviant behavior know in their hearts it is wrong. They may not admit it, but they know. My job is not to try to get them to admit the truth but to live the truth.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
The Balking Dead
(Proverbs 9:18 KJV) But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Somewhere in a novel I remember reading a phrase, “They are dead. They just don’t know it.” I think it referred to people who had been infected with a disease or parasite. We are surrounded by the walking “dead” (7496) and I am not talking about zombies. I am talking about spiritual zombies, people who have been infested by sin and have no hope.
The reason they have no hope is because they have no faith. Having no faith is a matter of choice. You could call them the balking dead instead of the walking dead. Think about the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Did they fall at the feet of Jesus and proclaim Him Lord? No.
So? Do you know any spiritual zombies? Pray for them. Witness if you get a chance. Live an upright life in front of them. Hope is available.
Somewhere in a novel I remember reading a phrase, “They are dead. They just don’t know it.” I think it referred to people who had been infected with a disease or parasite. We are surrounded by the walking “dead” (7496) and I am not talking about zombies. I am talking about spiritual zombies, people who have been infested by sin and have no hope.
The reason they have no hope is because they have no faith. Having no faith is a matter of choice. You could call them the balking dead instead of the walking dead. Think about the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Did they fall at the feet of Jesus and proclaim Him Lord? No.
(John 11:53 KJV) Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.They were dead and didn’t know it.
So? Do you know any spiritual zombies? Pray for them. Witness if you get a chance. Live an upright life in front of them. Hope is available.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
All Means All
(Proverbs 8:8 KJV) All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
“All” (3605) is pretty inclusive. Such a small word and yet it covers so much. Here it is talking about our speech. This is Wisdom speaking. It is informing us that in order to be true wisdom an idea or teaching must conform to a high moral standard. Wisdom is moral. It is not amoral or immoral. Totally.
As we gain wisdom ourselves be become like her. So these are expectations for our lives. Since we are fallible human beings there is a lot of training and growing to be done. Our knowledge is incomplete. Accept that. Our habits are ingrained. Don’t accept that. God understands that we are on a growth track. When in doubt, do the righteous thing. What is the righteous thing? Read your Bible and find out.
So? If you stumble across an area of you life that is still not conforming to the love of Christ, don’t forget the pattern of confession and repentance. Remember that is preceded by recognition and followed by change.
“All” (3605) is pretty inclusive. Such a small word and yet it covers so much. Here it is talking about our speech. This is Wisdom speaking. It is informing us that in order to be true wisdom an idea or teaching must conform to a high moral standard. Wisdom is moral. It is not amoral or immoral. Totally.
As we gain wisdom ourselves be become like her. So these are expectations for our lives. Since we are fallible human beings there is a lot of training and growing to be done. Our knowledge is incomplete. Accept that. Our habits are ingrained. Don’t accept that. God understands that we are on a growth track. When in doubt, do the righteous thing. What is the righteous thing? Read your Bible and find out.
So? If you stumble across an area of you life that is still not conforming to the love of Christ, don’t forget the pattern of confession and repentance. Remember that is preceded by recognition and followed by change.
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