(Pro 28:17-28)

[Study Aired May 7, 2026]

The answer to the question posed in the title is found in (Jas 4:1-10) and the accompanying proverbs we will look at in this last section of chapter 28 explains how we rob ourselves of a rich and abundant life in Christ by wanting the riches of this life at all costs, losing sight of the true riches which are incomparable to that which God has set before those who love him, and who are called according to His purpose (Php 3:8 , 1Co 2:9 , Rom 8:28).

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

1Co 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

As we go through these last proverbs of chapter 28 we’ll look at how they correlate with these commandments of Christ (Mat 5:44 , Luk 6:27 , Luk 6:35) that tell us to love our enemies. The world cannot reconcile these verses in their hearts, and a warring spirit, one that hates, is associated with one who is wanting and willing to do what it takes to get what we want. The result is war in our hearts, and whether we know it or not, this avarice is the breeding ground for the entire history of humanity’s warring ways.

Pro 28:17  A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

This proverb is true of everyone who has ever picked up a sword and thought that an eye for eye and a  tooth for a tooth was the way to go, whether you picked up a real physical sword or not (1Jn 3:15).

1Jn 3:15  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

But this is what Christ commands us today: (Mat 5:38-42). Everything that follows (Mat 5:38) tells us what we must actively be doing to demonstrate by our actions that we love our enemies (Mat 5:39-42). Violence does not have to be physical violence, it can a violent act of neglect, or seeking vengeance in some way when God tells us that this belongs to him (Rom 12:19).

Mat 5:38  Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Mat 5:39  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Mat 5:40  And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
Mat 5:41  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Mat 5:42  Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

“let no man stay him” is just another way of saying “let the dead bury the dead” (Luk 9:60). We don’t try to shelter the guilty, not within the body of Christ or without, but we bury our own dead in Christ in the prescribed manner God has ordained found in (Mat 18:1-20) along with our own dying daily examination of whether we be in the faith or not (Rom 14:4).

Luk 9:60  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Rom 14:4  Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

The court measures itself (Rev 11:2), and as hard as it was for Cain to be a marked man, God did not shelter him from the punishment that was due for his actions of murder against his brother (Gen 4:12-14). The Corinthian fornicator was not sheltered from the punishment of being put out of the church, and neither was Paul or any of us exempt from being buffeted by “the messenger of Satan” as Paul was (1Co 5:5 , 2Co 12:7).

Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not;[Luk 9:60] for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

2Co 12:7  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Pro 28:18  Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

We are all perverse in our ways at first as we read in (Eph 2:1-3), and not able to walk “uprightly” in order to be saved. Only Christ can change our walk and wrestle our old man to the ground and leave us in a state for the rest of our lives (2Co 12:7-8) knowing that we can only be more than conquerors through Christ, as this story of Jacob typifies (Num 14:22 , Gen 32:24-25).

2Co 12:7  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Num 14:22  Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Gen 32:25  And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

It is a lifetime of overcoming that is required as we completely fall seven times (Pro 24:16) and by God’s grace get up and keep overcoming as we confess our iniquities to our merciful and forgiving Father who knows our frame and is cleansing us through Christ. This judgment and wrestling match that the elect have their whole lives (1Pe 4:17) is how our “life is preserved” (Lev 26:40 , Eph 4:22-26 , Lev 16:21 , Gen 32:30).

Gen 32:30  And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Pro 28:19  He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

Howbeit in vain Christ said do they worship me (Mar 7:7), and that vanity spoken of in this verse, “but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough”, points to our labours in Babylon where there was no stay of bread and water (Isa 3:1), and we were in fact building our own houses, and bigger barns, as opposed to examining ourselves and being led unto true repentance which is what this statement is a shadow of, “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread”.

The harvest comes after the hard work of tilling the land, which is symbol of examining ourselves, and being prepared in heart to receive the word of God that our Father will give increase to in our lives as He wills “plenty of bread”. It is when we labour for the meat that does not perish (Joh 6:27), that we do so without vanity, as a result of presenting our lives to him as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2 , Joh 6:44). This is what will give us “plenty of bread” and enrich our lives in Him.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Pro 28:20  A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

The “faithful man” represents the elect in this age who are blessed with Christ’s wisdom (1Co 1:29-30). It is the Lord who makes us as such so that we can provide our portion or be a joint that supplies in love in due season that which the body needs to the edifying of itself in love (Luk 12:42-43 , Eph 4:16).

1Co 1:29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1Co 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Luk 12:42  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luk 12:43  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Pro 28:21  To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

Christ is the one who has kept us thus far, and Christ is the one who will give us the power to endure until the end (Php 4:13), no one taking us out of the Father’s hand (Joh 10:28). If we contributed one iota to our salvation then perhaps we could “have respect of persons”. But God tells us in this proverb that glorying in men or the flesh of men is akin to this statement, “for for a piece of bread that man will transgress”. We do this at first when we are dragged to the body of Christ when we innately, because of our past making an idol of the beast (Rev 14:9-11), continue in this vein falling at the feet of John to worship him approach (Joh 6:44 , Rev 19:10 , Rev 22:9).

Joh 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Joh 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Rev 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Rev 22:9  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Pro 28:22  He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

An evil eye is an eye that is not single (Mat 6:22) and tries to serve both God and mammon (Mat 6:24). By doing this spiritual poverty is certain to “come upon him”.

Mat 6:22  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Mat 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Seeking the kingdom of God first (Mat 6:33), and laying down our lives for each other is what will bless us with peace that passes all understanding (Php 4:7), whether we have a little or a lot (Php 4:12).

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Php 4:12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Pro 28:23  He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

Everyone that Christ rebuked will benefit from His correction, as God’s elect are today (Heb 10:26 , Pro 27:6). The many examples of Christ rebuking in the bible is for our sakes as scripture tells us “that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (2Co 4:15).

Below are some of the examples of Christ rebuking, and never flattering flesh, including His own flesh of which He told someone right after he explained that we must be as humble as a child to enter into the kingdom of God, “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”[in other words having a right perspective of what flesh is, including Christ’s flesh, is absolutely needful if we are going to “inherit eternal life”]

Christ rebuked the religious leaders (Mat 23:27-28), his disciples (Mat 16:23), again his disciples for a lack of faith (Mar 16:14), the sons of thunder were rebuked (Luk 9:55), he rebuked the crowd, the wicked and adulterous generation (Mat 12:39), He rebuked the corruption in worship (Mat 21:12-13), and the unrepentant cities mentioned in (Mat 11:20-24).

Pro 28:24  Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

Wherein have we robbed you Lord? That was the question in the book of Malachi (Mal 3:7-9).

Mal 3:7  Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Mal 3:8  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Mal 3:9  Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.[the fig tree cursed Mar 11:14]

We have robbed God in tithe and offerings which represents the whole of our life (Rom 12:1). We naturally rob God of His glory when we don’t present our lives a living sacrifice and continue to conform to this world (Rom 12:2). And when we take glory unto ourselves by being found operating in our flesh, by our own righteousness, our companionship at that moment is with the devil who is called a destroyer, making us “the companion of a destroyer”(Rev 9:11).

Rev 9:11  And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon^G3, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon^G623.

G3 Abaddōn ab-ad-dohn’
Of Hebrew origin [H11]; a destroying angel: – Abaddon.
Total KJV occurrences: 1

G623Apolluōn ap-ol-loo’-ohn
Active participle of G622; a destroyer (that is, Satan): – Apollyon.
Total KJV occurrences: 1

It is our “father or his mother” we are robbing, who typify God the Father and Christ who is the head of the church, or we could say it is Christ and the church who we are robbing, when we don’t present our bodies a living sacrifice unto Him (Rom 12:1-2). The opposite effect of robbing Him is pronounced in these verses that proclaims that if we keep his commandments, his words, the Father and the Son will abide in us (Joh 14:20-23).

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Joh 14:22  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Joh 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Pro 28:25  He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Pro 28:26  He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

A proud heart is a heart that trusts in his own righteousness (Php 3:9). Pride comes before a fall, and what causes that fall is the inability to walk humbly with God and mankind (Mic 6:8 , Zec 4:6). God therefore humbles His children so that we can walk humbly with Him, no longer trusting in our hearts but yielded to His will (2Co 1:8-9 , Pro 3:5-6).

2Co 1:8  For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
2Co 1:9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

When we don’t bind His laws around our hearts we are going to bring strife upon others and not know the way to peace (Deu 11:18 , Pro 3:3 , Pro 6:21 , Pro 7:3 , Isa 59:8). When we trust God emphatically it is because we have been going through fiery trials (1Pe 4:12) which create zeal within us so that we can bind God’s laws continually upon our hearts.

Pro 3:3  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Pro 3:4  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Pro 6:21  Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

Pro 7:3  Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

It is a fool who trusts in his own heart (Jer 17:9-10), and a wise man who sees the need to examine himself and die daily (1Co 15:31) so that we can walk wisely and be delivered from our flesh (Pro 3:5-10).

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jer 17:10  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;(Jer 17:9) and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Pro 28:27  He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

We are to do good unto all men, but especially unto the household of faith (Gal 6:10), and this is the way of life we’ve been called unto (Luk 6:38 , Pro 19:17).

Luk 6:38  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Pro 19:17  He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

If we forsake this way of life it will bring “many a curse” on us (1Jn 3:17), but if we present our bodies a living sacrifice and give our entire life to God as a living scapegoat sacrifice, we “shall not lack” and will be blessed for helping the poor in spirit who Christ says the elect are (Mat 5:3).

We are poor because we truly see the impoverished state that flesh is in, and the need for continual deliverance, as opposed to those who we once were, thinking, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17 , Joh 9:41).

Joh 9:41  Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Pro 28:28  When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Another way of saying this part of the proverb, “but when they perish, the righteous increase”, is found in (Joh 3:30).

Joh 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.

The wicked within us must be made manifest, and those giants in the land may cause us to hide ourselves, but not in a negative sense but rather in the Lord who will do battle against those giants in our land, those powers and principalities that He is far higher than (Eph 6:12 , Eph 1:19-21).

Every battle in history is just a reminder for God’s elect that the main battlefield we are always to be identifying is within us, “From whence come wars and fightings among you?”(Jas 4:1-7).

This is where the battles are taking place and why Christ tells us not to worry, because the battle is of the Lord and we will be more than conquerors through Him (1Sa 17:47 , Mat 24:6 , Rom 8:37).

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [within the hearts and minds of His children]
Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1Sa 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.

Mat 24:6  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth”

(Pro 27:1-2)

[Study Aired March 26, 2026]

Pro 27:1  Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Pro 27:2  Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Our discussion today is in regards to ‘boasting’, which will be excluded in the life of God’s elect when the faith of Christ is present in our sojourn (Rom 3:27, 1Jn 5:4-5, Col 1:27).

Rom 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?(Joh 6:28-29, Jas 2:26, Php 2:12-13, 1Sa 17:47, Gal 5:6)

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe (1Jn 5:5) on him whom he hath sent.

Jas 2:26  For as the body without the spirit (Rom 8:9, Col 1:27) is dead, (Luk 9:60) so faith without works is dead also.

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.[with the faith of Christ]
Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [we are His workmanship]

1Sa 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.

Gal 5:6  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision;[trying to perfect ourselves in our flesh does not avail anything] but faith which worketh by love.(Rom 3:27)

Pro 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

This most critical proverb has a micro and macro way in which it can be looked at. Starting with the micro, as was stated when we know we are God’s workmanship, it means that the faith of Christ is at hand (Joh 14:20), and with that faith we are being given the victory over our naturally boastful flesh so that we can die daily and give God all the glory for that which He is working in each member of the body of Christ (Eph 6:16,  1Th 5:19).

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith [the faith of Christ with works (Jas 2:26, 1Ti 6:19, this is the clothing and work of those who are as a soldier for Christ 2Ti 2:3 , Eph 6:13-20)], wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Jas 2:26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1Ti 6:19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

When the man of perdition is destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming into our heavens, boasting is also dethroned and overcome by little and little (Deu 7:22, Exo 23:29-30) as we learn to not lean unto our own understanding, but rather acknowledge God in all our ways so His righteousness can be revealed in our heavens (Pro 3:5-7, Php 3:9). That trust spoken of in (Pro 3:5-7) is formed by Christ driving the beasts out of our temple, which results in bringing health to the body of Christ (Pro 3:8-10) as we worship Him in spirit and in truth  (Mat 21:12 , Joh 4:24).

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.(this is what we must depart from Joh 9:41)

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Mat 21:12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

God’s goal which will be accomplished is to have us “all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Eph 4:13-15). To get us to that macro event of believing and seeing ourselves as one body, with many members, there must be continual trials of our faith that are precious unto our Father (Act 14:22) as this is what it takes for us to each be placed in the body of Christ by God where it hath pleased Him (1Co 12:18).

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

1Co 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

We grow to love and appreciate each other more and more as the body of Christ, disciples of Christ who demonstrate that love toward each other through obedience (Joh 13:35, 1Jn 5:2), that is being fashioned through the things that we suffer in this life (2Ti 2:12, Php 1:29). As we go through fiery trials we cease from sinning more and more and with the victories that Christ gives us over our flesh (1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 4:12) we become more and more united and fitly framed as the body of Christ, through the spirit. This does away with boasting and ultimately leads to the first resurrection where we will see Christ face to face (1Co 13:12), where we will cast our crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Eph 2:21-22, Rev 4:10-11).

Eph 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Rev 4:10  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Rev 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

That is the macro event of which Christ is the author and finisher of for each one of us, and the bride collectively who will be made ready (Heb 12:2, Rev 19:7). Boasting about anything is just another way of saying that we are being conceited and another very good example of the macro view of how and what the faith of Christ can and will produce is found in (Rom 11:5-8, Rom 11:18-22).

Rom 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:6  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Rom 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.(1Jn 5:4) Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity;[the natural branches] but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.[Rom 2:4]

God willing we will not grow weary of his correction or in well doing (Gal 6:9-10, Heb 12:4-7) or the dying daily process we have been called unto, never losing sight that God is the one who causes us to err (Isa 63:17) and leads us to repentance for our good, for our maturing, so that through Him having done all we can stand in the day of evil, and have strength in the day of adversity (Pro 24:10), because of our hearts having been prepared through God’s judgements that have taught us His righteousness and strengthened us to do spiritual battle through Christ (Php 4:13, 2Ti 2:10, 1Co 13:7).

Gal 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gal 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.[again works that are accompanied by faith which reassures us that we are His workmanship]

Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.(Rom 5:10)
Heb 12:5  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Isa 63:17  O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

How God will “Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance”

Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2Ti 2:10  Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

1Co 13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Boasting is excluded from this entire process, not giving ourselves credit even for our sins (Rom 6:20-23), or of our righteous behavior which are all part of the workmanship that must unfold in all of His children (Eph 2:10). Only God knows what has been written in our books, but to be certain if it is written that we are granted to be more than conquerors through Christ who has apprehended us (Php 3:12), then nothing shall separate us from His love (Rom 8:37). We don’t cast away our confidence in the work that Christ can do in us, that has great recompence of reward (Heb 10:35), even as we continue to be of the generation who have no confidence in our flesh (Php 3:3). We can go forward even if we don’t know what the morrow is going to bring, “for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth”, and be saved (Rom 8:25).

Rom 6:20  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Rom 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Heb 10:35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Php 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. “for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Col 1:27, Heb 11:26-27).

Pro 27:2  Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Knowing what we know regarding not boasting, we are given this next proverb that explains the great ongoing need to be thankful for what God is doing in each of our lives, in the many parts that make up the body of Christ. No man ever hated his own flesh (Eph 5:29) and we are His flesh and bones (Eph 5:30). Giving honour where honour is due is something we must keep in the forefront of our thinking, being grateful for what God has provided through each joint that supplies in love (Luk 17:15, Rom 13:7).

Luk 17:15  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Rom 13:7  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Praising ourselves is just another way of saying you are boasting, even if you know God did the work in you. It is still possible to glory in those things that He did as if we did them when we did not (1Co 4:7, 1Co 3:4-6).

1Co 4:7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

1Co 3:4  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (Mat 6:27, Jer 13:23)

Finally what was it that Paul gloried in, and how did Christ glorify His Father when he was on earth, and what must we do to do the same?(2Co 11:30, Joh 17:1-2, 2Co 3:18, 2Co 12:9, 2Co 4:15, 1Co 10:16, 2Th 1:4-5).

2Co 11:30  If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.(2Th 1:5)

Joh 17:1  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Joh 17:2  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.(Mat 28:18, Mat 6:10)

2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.(Zec 4:6)

2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

1Co 10:16  The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

2Th 1:4  So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
2Th 1:5  Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Now finally when we realize we are being given the power to lose our life and give up everything to follow Christ (Gal 2:20), we will by God’s grace embrace these exceedingly great and precious promises (2Pe 1:3-4) that Christ spoke to a yet unconverted Peter who represents the church before we are granted the faith of Christ that makes it possible for this victory to be realized (Mat 19:26-30, 1Jn 5:4).

Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Mat 19:24  And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. [the self-righteous rich young ruler we all are at first (Mat 19:21-22, Mar 10:21, 1Jn 2:19, Joh 6:44)]
Mat 19:25  When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.[to escape “the corruption that is in the world through lust” and this is why boasting is excluded by the law of faith]
Mat 19:27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mat 19:30  But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

“The glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” Part 2

(Know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God) (Pro 25:5-16)

[Study Aired January 29, 2026]

Pro 25:5  Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Pro 25:6  Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
Pro 25:7  For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
Pro 25:8  Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Pro 25:9  Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Pro 25:10  Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Pro 25:11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Pro 25:12  As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Pro 25:13  As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Pro 25:14  Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Pro 25:15  By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Pro 25:16  Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

God has called the elect to “know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1Ti 3:15). It is the longsuffering spirit of God working within the body of Christ (Rom 8:9) that is required in order for us to become overcomers, or “a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out”(Rev 3:12). It is the glory of God to conceal this process of overcoming from the world, and it is the honour of kings to search out this matter, this unsearchable matter by the spirit of God, the Comforter that is able to lead us into all truth that will set us free if we are granted to continue in it (Joh 16:13, Joh 8:31-32).

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Joh 8:31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Solomon’s prayer for the physical temple found in (1Ki 8:22-36) is a type and shadow event that describes what God is answering for the temple of God that we are today (1Co 3:16, Luk 22:31-32).

1Ki 8:27  But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
1Ki 8:28  Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
1Ki 8:29  That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

In order to become part of “the pillar and ground of the truth” or “a pillar in the temple of my God”, we must go through this longsuffering process ordained of the Master Potter, and not despise it (Rom 2:4), seeing it is the way by which the bride will be made ready (Rev 19:7). This section of proverbs gives some very instructive and clear reminders to the body of Christ as to “how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

1Ti 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Rev 3:12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Before we read the verses for our study today, let’s look at the prayer in Solomon’s dream (1Ki 3:5-10), and the prayer that Solomon was inspired to make for the temple itself (1Ki 8:22-36). What we’ll see is that, in type and shadow, Solomon is praying for the church, the temple which we are and asking God to know how we ought to walk in the midst of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The first thing to notice is that we will not ask anything amiss (Jas 4:3, Mar 11:24) if we are granted to be dead to sin and alive in Christ, which is typified by Solomon’s being asleep when God inspired his selfless prayer for the nation of Israel who represents the Israel of God [Luk 8:52-53, Rom 6:11, Gal 6:16].

Rom 6:11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gal 6:16  And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

“Know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God”
“which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”

1Ki 3:5  In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
1Ki 3:6  And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
1Ki 3:7  And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. [these words of (1Co 1:26) symbolized by “and I am but a little child”]
1Ki 3:8  And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. [Our calling is ultimately for the multitudes who will be saved (Rev 7:9 , Oba 1:21)]
1Ki 3:9  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?(1Co 2:16)
1Ki 3:10  And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

David is a type of Christ and Solomon a type of the body of Christ who will do greater works than Christ (Joh 14:12), by way of building the temple, which is symbolic of converting the life of those that God draws to the body of Christ, represented by Solomon. Solomon is asking, in old covenant letter of the law terms, to teach me that I may “know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”

“Know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God”
“which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”

1Ki 8:22  And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: [It is before the altar which is the cross where we must stand if we are going to be pillars of our God in his temple]
1Ki 8:23  And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:
1Ki 8:24  Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.
1Ki 8:25  Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; (Mat 22:14) so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me. (1Co 11:1)
1Ki 8:26  And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.
1Ki 8:27  But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
1Ki 8:28  Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
1Ki 8:29  That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.
1Ki 8:30  And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. (Joh 17:20)
1Ki 8:31  If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:
1Ki 8:32  Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.
1Ki 8:33  When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house:
1Ki 8:34  Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. (Rom 2:4)
1Ki 8:35  When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
1Ki 8:36  Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, [“know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God”] and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. (Rom 2:4)

Pro 25:5  Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Pro 25:6  Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
Pro 25:7  For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

These first three verses give the critical message of identifying the wicked within ourselves (Pro 16:4, 1Co 11:31-32) and the need to take it away from before Christ “the king”, and then shall His throne within us be established. We must not put “forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great” (1Co 10:12), which is accomplished by resisting the devil and cleaving unto God, humbling ourselves under His mighty hand (Jas 4:7, Mat 23:12). If God will permit us this spirit then we will hear His voice telling us “Come up hither” (Rev 11:12). If we are to be raised in heavenly places today (Eph 2:6) we must be lying dead in the streets of that great city (Rev 11:11). If we are boasting in our flesh we will be “put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen” in the lake of fire, great white throne judgement. Judging ourselves today will result in our being chastened of the Lord abasing us in this age so that we can be exalted in the next (Rev 20:6).

Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

1Co 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1Co 11:32  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Mat 23:12  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Pro 25:8  Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

If we are going in the way that seems right to us in our flesh we will end up being put to shame by those who see that we tried to build something by our own strength that never came to fruition in the first resurrection (Psa 127:1, Php 3:9). Only God can give us the power to stop trusting in our flesh (Eph 1:11-12) and to continue to rely on Him for everything, which is what will happen when we stop going “forth hastily to strive”. It takes the ongoing trial of our faith in order to make that a reality in the lives of God’s elect (Act 14:22, Pro 3:5, 2Co 1:9, 2Ti 2:24-26, Php 4:4-7).

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

2Co 1:9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2Ti 2:24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2Ti 2:26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Php 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Pro 25:9  Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Pro 25:10  Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

In other words, don’t be a talebearer, go to  your brother and him alone (Mat 18:3-4, Mat 18:10, Mat 18:15).

Mat 18:3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 18:10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 18:15  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

If we gossip and don’t cover each other’s sins by going to our brother, the Lord will expose that immature spirit within us and it will humble us in one manner or another, “Lest he who hears should embarrass you When your gossip cannot be retracted” (CLV).

Pro 25:11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

How we go to our brother who is ensnared of the devil with a spiritual sin is with a humble and contrite heart (Isa 66:2, Jas 5:20, 1Pe 4:8), and then our words will be “fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver”. The gold represents the tried word of God that is framed with silver that represents someone who has a humble and contrite heart and knows they are the chief of sinners and capable of any sin, but for the grace of God go we (Mal 3:2-6).

Mal 3:2  But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
Mal 3:3  And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver (Pro 25:11, Jer 5:14), that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. (Isa 33:14-15)
Mal 3:4  Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Mal 3:5  And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Jas 5:20  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1Pe 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Pro 25:12  As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Pro 25:13  As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Our goal in going to our brother is to be “a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters”, which is another way of saying we are winning our wayward brother by “pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” of (Jud 1:23).

Jud 1:23  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jud 1:24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

If God permits, “an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold” will be found in both parties, the one being led and listening to the voice of the shepherd who leads us  to be our brother’s keeper (Gen 4:9, 1Ti 4:16), and God permitting the brother will be granted ears that hear Christ’s message to repent, represented by one who has an “obedient ear”, an ear that has been anointed and able to receive correction (Rev 3:18-22).

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The love and care we show to each other by going to our brother is interestingly connected with the snow and winter, when there is nothing happening in our lives spiritually, yet God says because we are sent as faithful messengers as Christ was sent into our lives, our actions will be “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest”, the harvest being the time of judgement when the wheat is separated from the tares (Mat 13:30) and where “the cold of snow” is the refreshing water in the heat of the Day (2Pe 3:9-12, Act 3:19)

Pro 25:13  (ERV) A messenger that can be trusted is worth much to the people who send him. He is like cool water during the hot days of harvest.

Mat 13:30  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Act 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Pro 25:14  Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Pro 25:15  By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Pro 25:16  Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

There is a warning in these verses that speaks about swallowing down this honey, these riches he gifts us with (Job 20:15), to become “waxen fat and turn unto other gods” (Deu 31:20), leaning unto our own understanding with this knowledge that we can get puffed up with (1Co 8:1-2).

Job 20:15  He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

Deu 31:20  For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

1Co 8:1  Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1Co 8:2  And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

This whole section of proverbs that we’ve looked at today has been very centered around humility and repentance, and how that is an integral part of how we walk in the house of God. It is with that humble and contrite spirit, a gift from God that we learn to bear long with the infirmity of our brother, and in God’s perfect timing, “By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone”, which breaking of bones symbolizes a turning of our stony hearts to repentance (Eze 11:19, Eze 36:26, 2Co 3:3, Rom 2:5). Once we see it in ourselves, we are able to help our brother.

Rom 2:5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

If we do not operate in the measure of faith that God gives us, we will be operating in our flesh, which is as one “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain”, the rain representing the spirit of God, the gift of faith that comes with that spirit.

This last verse, “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it”, is also speaking about the measure of faith that we need, and being grateful for what God supplies, knowing that He knows our needs and is teaching us to be content whether we have a little or a lot (2Co 8:15, Exo 16:18, Rom 12:3, Php 4:12).

2Co 8:15  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Exo 16:18  And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

Rom 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Php 4:12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

God will always provide what each joint needs to supply (Eph 4:16) so that we learn how a many-membered body works together for the church to grow (1Co 12:18), in order that we may “know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (Joh 13:35).

Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1Co 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

“The first man is of the earth, earthy:
the second man is the Lord from heaven” Part 1

(Pro 20:1-10)

[Study Aired October 2, 2025]

Pro 20:1  Wine makes men foolish, and strong drink makes men come to blows; and whoever comes into error through these is not wise.
Pro 20:2  The wrath of a king is like the loud cry of a lion: he who makes him angry does wrong against himself.
Pro 20:3  It is an honour for a man to keep from fighting, but the foolish are ever at war.
Pro 20:4  The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing.
Pro 20:5  The purpose in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of good sense will get it out.
Pro 20:6  Most men make no secret of their kind acts: but where is a man of good faith to be seen?
Pro 20:7  An upright man goes on in his righteousness: happy are his children after him!
Pro 20:8  A king on the seat of judging puts to flight all evil with his eyes.
Pro 20:9  Who is able to say, I have made my heart clean, I am free from my sin?
Pro 20:10  Unequal weights and unequal measures, they are all disgusting to the Lord.

These first ten verses of Proverbs chapter twenty that we will look at today highlight the value of wisdom, integrity, hard work, honesty, and humility, while warning against deception, laziness, and injustice which victory over these powers and principalities is all being accomplished through the faith of Christ (Rom 4:2-6).

Rom 4:2  If he became acceptable to God because of what he did, then he would have something to brag about. But he would never be able to brag about it to God.
Rom 4:3  The Scriptures say, “God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith in him.”
Rom 4:4  Money paid to workers isn’t a gift. It is something they earn by working.
Rom 4:5  But you cannot make God accept you because of something you do. God accepts sinners only because they have faith in him. [Jas 2:18]
Rom 4:6  In the Scriptures David talks about the blessings that come to people who are acceptable to God, even though they don’t do anything to deserve these blessings. David says, [CEV]

We know that our wisdom comes from Christ (1Co 1:30), as does our righteousness which will manifest in a spirit of integrity, producing a desire to labour in the word, as we present all things honestly before all men (Rom 12:17), with a humble and contrite spirit that is also a gift from God (Isa 66:2).

The natural lessons for our flesh are important [listed below] and always precede the deeper spiritual lesson (1Co 15:46) that each of these proverbs point to and instruct those who have God’s spirit abiding within them (Rom 8:9, Luk 8:10).

1Co 15:46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Luk 8:10  And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Natural concepts [generated by AI] that precede the spiritual (1Co 15:46)

Verse 1 – Alcohol can deceive and destroy; those who are misled by it lack wisdom.
Verse 2 – Angering a powerful ruler is dangerous; it puts one’s life at risk.
Verse 3 – Avoiding conflict shows honor; fools are always stirring up trouble.
Verse 4 – Laziness leads to poverty; the lazy miss opportunities and suffer the consequences.
Verse 5 – Wise people are able to uncover deep and thoughtful advice in others.
Verse 6 – Many boast about themselves, but truly faithful people are rare.
Verse 7 – Those who live with integrity bless their children after them.
Verse 8 – A just ruler quickly identifies and removes evil.
Verse 9 – No one can truthfully claim to be completely pure and sinless.
Verse 10 – Dishonest business practices are detestable to God.

And afterward that which is spiritual (1Co 15:46)

Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker^H3887, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (KJV)

Pro 20:1  Wine makes men foolish, and strong drink makes men come to blows; and whoever comes into error through these is not wise. (BBE)

The wine of Babylon is the cup that we all become intoxicated on at first (Rev 18:3), and the spiritual outcome of our drunkenness on false doctrines has us being described in this proverb as mockersH3887 who rage and are not wise, as we walk through this earth as negative ambassadors, and false teachers, blaspheming God’s name amongst the gentiles (Rom 2:24).

Rev 18:3  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Rom 2:24  For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

H3887 mocker  lûts  loots
A primitive root; properly to make mouths at, that is, to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede: – ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn (-er, -ful), teacher.

Obviously we don’t (normally) see people in the churches coming to fisticuffs with one another, but what we do see is a divided body of Christ (1Co 3:4) which does great violence to the word of God, as we all do at first in our former conversation (Mat 11:12, Eph 2:1-5).

1Co 3:4  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

Mat 11:12  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;[Heb 12:6]).

The ‘whoever’ of “whoever comes into error through these is not wise” is all men because we all must go into Babylon to come out of her, and God’s elect are the first to experience coming out of spiritual captivity to be received of our Father via the chastening and scourging process we are called unto (2Co 6:17, Heb 12:6-7).

2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Pro 20:2  The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. (KJV)

Pro 20:2  The wrath of a king is like the loud cry of a lion: he who makes him angry does wrong against himself. (BBE)

The ‘lion’, or ‘king’ spoken of in this verse is Christ, and His wrath against our old man of sin is as the “roaring of a lion” (Hos 11:10, Joe 3:16).

Hos 11:10  They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

Joe 3:16  The LORD also shall roar out of Zion (Oba 1:21, 1Jn 4:17 we are as Christ roaring like lions against the prey (Isa 58:1)), and utter his voice from Jerusalem (The church, the body of Christ); and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel (The Israel of God, His elect Gal 6:16).

Isa 58:1  Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, [“like the loud cry of a lion”] and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

We all start off making God angry and doing wrong against ourselves as we abide in the west (Hos 11:10) which symbolizes living by our carnal reasoning, until the man of perdition is destroyed by the brightness of Christ coming to us from the east (Psa 95:10, 2Th 2:8, Mat 24:27).

Psa 95:10  Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: [40 years means tribulation is coming against our old man if we are God’s elect (1Co 10:11)]
Psa 95:11  Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. [our first man Adam, flesh and fleshly thinking is not going to inherit the kingdom of God]

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Mat 24:27  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Pro 20:3  It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. (KJV)

Pro 20:3  It is an honour for a man to keep from fighting, but the foolish are ever at war. (BBE)

We are all Peter at first not able to cease from strife as we meddle in others’ business, even Christ’s with an unsavory spirit of self-righteousness, telling even our Lord what He ought to do for us, and how he ought to conduct his affairs (Mat 16:22-24, Jas 4:2-3).

Mat 16:22  Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Mat 16:23  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. [the other Jesus is the one who is controlled by the traditions of men that worship him in vain not savouring the things that be of God, and want dominion over the laity as Peter did over Christ (Mar 7:7)]
Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [and not the traditions of men]

Jas 4:2  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. [Peter and all of us at first]

Thanks be to God, Christ died for the ungodly and in due time makes a way for us to overcome and turn the other cheek which we could not do at first (Rom 5:6, Rom 7:24-25). Peter did in time “cease from strife” which was his honour that was given to him, as it will be for all of us by the only one who can cause us to cease from sinning (Joh 8:36-37).

Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Joh 8:37  I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

Pro 20:4  The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. (KJV)

Pro 20:4  The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing. (BBE)

The lesson for us in this proverb is to be about our Father’s business as Christ was (Luk 2:49, 1Jn 4:17), no matter what the season in our lives. Pray that your flight be not in the winter or on the sabbath when nothing is happening, pray that God will keep us all zealous and holding fast to our crowns until the return of our King (Mat 24:20-22, Rev 3:11).

Luk 2:49  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Mat 24:20  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened [God’s elect are the salt of the earth that God will use to save the earth physically, and then save the world spiritually].

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Rev 3:12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

These following verses remind us of the stability that can be ours if we continue to seek the kingdom of God first and his righteousness (Mat 6:33), laying up treasure in heaven “against the time to come” (Tit 3:8,  Joh 6:27, 1Co 15:58, 1Ti 6:19, Psa 37:25, Psa 104:15, Luk 21:26-27).

Tit 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Joh 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1Ti 6:19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Pro 20:5  Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Pro 20:5  The purpose in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of good sense will get it out.

We draw the deep counsel out by being dragged to the One who gives us the strength to do so (Joh 6:44, Gen 29:10, Joh 4:10-11).

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Gen 29:10  And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob [symbolizing Christ] went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Joh 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Joh 4:11  The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

With His strength working within us both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure (Php 2:12-13) we will not neglect so great a salvation and will be able to overcome, quenching all the fiery darts of the adversary with that water, and becoming more than conquerors through Christ (Rom 8:37). Great is that faithfulness which we can depend upon (Lam 3:23) to provide for our every spiritual need until the very last breath of our life (Heb 13:5, Php 1:6).

Lam 3:23  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Pro 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (KJV)

Pro 20:6  Most men make no secret of their kind acts: but where is a man of good faith to be seen? (BBE)

These verses bring the question to mind, will there be any faith on earth when Christ returns? ‘Men proclaiming their own goodness’ is the same spirit found in this verse (Mat 7:22).

Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [strong delusion, and no faith to be found]

As in the days of Noah, and Lot, there will be very few on the earth who will be of an understanding heart, as we read in the book of Malachi (Mal 3:16-18), “a faithful man who can find?”. Noah and Lot typify the few elect who will be alive and remain at that time with the mind of Christ (1Th 4:17).

Mal 3:16  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Mal 3:17  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Mal 3:18  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Pro 20:7  The just man walketh in his integrity^H8537: his children are blessed after him. (KJV)

Pro 20:7  An upright man goes on in his righteousness: happy are his children after him! (BBE)

Our children symbolize our doctrines and they will be blessed in the earth because the spiritual seed will go forth from the elect and will not return void (Isa 55:11). Those doctrine will bring great joy to all the earth in time “happy are his children after him!”

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

H8537 integrity  tô  tome
From H8552; completeness; figuratively prosperity; usually (morally) innocence: – full, integrity, perfect (-ion), simplicity, upright (-ly, -ness), at a venture. See H8550.

Pro 20:8  A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.(KJV)

Pro 20:8  A king on the seat of judging puts to flight all evil with his eyes. (BBE)

Inwardly when the eye is single, it represents having the mind of Christ whose judgment is in our lives, as he sits on the throne of our hearts and “scattereth away all evil with his eyes”(Rev 19:12).

Rev 19:12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Pro 20:9  Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (KJV)

Pro 20:9  Who is able to say, I have made my heart clean, I am free from my sin? (BBE)

The first thing to consider is this verse (1Jn 1:8).

1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

This verse reveals that we will never, in this physical flesh as the body of Christ, ever be able to say we have perfectly “made my heart clean”. We will sin less and less, Lord willing, and gain dominion over sin in this life (Rom 6:14) if this is written in our books to happen (Joh 3:30). This increasing comes from God as does the ability to decrease, both are predestined by Him. It all comes down to whether we will heed or not heed the admonitions of His word, keeping His works to the very end, which words and works are being accomplished by believing in God’s power, as we’re granted the faith of Christ to do so. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:1-2, 1Pe 5:7-8, 1Pe 1:7).

Pro 20:10  Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. (KJV)

Pro 20:10  Unequal weights and unequal measures, they are all disgusting to the Lord. (BBE)

The statement ‘the punishment should fit the crime’ is a biblical principal, as well as ‘the reward should fit the sacrifice’ (Php 2:9, 2Ti 2:12-13). Peter asked Christ about how things were going to play out for himself and all the others who forsook all to follow him, and Peter was speaking for all of us who are losing our lives to gain them (Mat 10:39). Christ’s perfectly balanced answer to Peter was not what Babylon teaches (Mat 19:27-30). Babylon teaches eternal torment, an evil divers weight and measure that comes from the mind of Satan.

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Mat 19:27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mat 19:30  But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” Part 2

(Pro 18:8-16)

[Study Aired August 28, 2025]

Pro 18:8  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Pro 18:9  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Pro 18:10  The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Pro 18:11  The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
Pro 18:12  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Pro 18:13  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Pro 18:14  The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Pro 18:15  The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Pro 18:16  A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

This section of Proverbs 18:8–16 contains a series of wise sayings that touch on themes of speech, work ethic, pride, humility, wisdom, and justice.

The overall theme of these verses emphasize the value of wise living—guarding one’s words, maintaining humility, seeking knowledge, being diligent, and relying on God rather than false securities like physical wealth. All of these qualities are a gift of God that we grow in through a lifetime of overcoming which will lead to greater joy and happiness, as we see the day approaching more and more clearly (Col 1:24 , Php 4:4 , Heb 10:25).

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

Php 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Our first verse:

Pro 18:8  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (KJV)
Pro 18:8  The words of a slanderer are greedily swallowed; yea, they go down into the innermost chambers of the belly (LITV)
Pro 18:8  the words of a tattler, are dainties, they, therefore go down into the chambers of the inner man. (Rotherham)
Pro 18:8  The words of a tale-bearer are as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down to the inner parts of the heart. (YLT)

The Bible warns often against talebearers—those who spread gossip, slander, or secrets that cause division and harm. Here are three verses in the old covenant that have to do with a talebearer.

1. Leviticus 19:16 (KJV): “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.”

2. Proverbs 11:13: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

3. Proverbs 20:19: “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.”

Here are some examples of talebearers (or gossipers/slanderers) in the Bible that should help us round off our understanding of this word, and our first verse were looking at (Pro 18:8).

1.  Doeg the Edomite (1Sa 21:1-22)

Doeg saw David receive help from the priest Ahimelek and reported it to King Saul. His report, while factually accurate, was used maliciously. Saul then ordered the killing of Ahimelek and 85 priests.

Doeg spread damaging information with evil intent, leading to innocent deaths.

Again these examples were written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the ages are come (1Co 10:11). God uses these extreme examples of old to motivate us to be diligently guarding our hearts against this evil spirit of gossip.

2.  The Spies Who Gave a Bad Report (Num 13:1-14)

Ten of the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land returned with a fearful and discouraging report, causing the Israelites to doubt God and rebel.

They spread exaggerated, fear-driven reports that undermined faith and unity, leading to national disaster.

This example in God’s word reveals that it is the ten that represents our flesh that must be mortified as we die daily so that the other two spies who represent the witness of Jesus Christ in our lives can go forth and conquer the land as we are promised we will (Rom 8:35-37).

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

3.  Absalom (David’s Son) (2 Samuel 15)

Absalom quietly spread dissatisfaction by telling people their concerns weren’t being heard and that he would treat them better if he were king.

He used manipulation and subtle criticism to undermine his father King David and steal loyalty, leading to civil war.

The lesson here with Absalom is that a little leaven leavens the whole lump, and there is no such a thing as a little bit of gossip being okay, or a little leaven. When the adversary attacks us, as he will, being the accuser of the brethren, we are to pray for one another, and those prayers will give us the ability to persevere and overcome evil with good, rather than being overcome by the evil that gossip is (Rom 12:21).

Rom 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

4.  The Enemies of Nehemiah (e.g., Sanballat and Tobiah) (Neh 6:5-9)

They spread false rumours that Nehemiah was rebelling against the king to make himself king in Judah.

They used lies and gossip to try to stop God’s work and discredit Nehemiah.

In this story we learn of the motives behind the devil who is intent on destroying the unity of the body of Christ and always has been (Mat 24:24). Satan is very subtle, more than any beast of the field [the world] (Gen 3:1) and his approach is going to be so, using a word of truth here, and then twisting God’s word to spread false rumours as the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). Thanks be to God we are not ignorant of his devices (2Co 2:10-11) and are covering each others sins with the blood of Christ, not letting the devil get any advantage over our body, the church (1Pe 4:8).

2Co 2:10  To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2Co 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

1Pe 4:8  above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:

5.  Jezebel and Her Hired Slanderers (1 Kings 21)

Jezebel arranged for false witnesses (essentially talebearers) to accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king, so she could steal his vineyard.

These witnesses lied publicly, resulting in Naboth’s unjust execution.

Jezebel’s lying and stealing of the vineyard of Naboth is typical of Babylon taking the words of God that come forth from the vine Jesus Christ and then misappropriate them and kill the innocent Christ, typified by Naboth (Mat 21:37-39).

Mat 21:37  But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
Mat 21:38  But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
Mat 21:39  And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

I spent a little more time with this important first verse of our study in hopes that we can see how the next few verses can be used to instruct us in ways to overcome the adversary and the divisive tool of gossip that he has utilized through the ages:

Pro 18:9  He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

This verse reminds me of Christ’s words in (Joh 10:10).

Joh 10:10  The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

A thief steals because he doesn’t want to work, and when we are not diligent in our work, or working out our own salvation with fear and trembling it is going to cause us to reap the fruits of that slothfulness. God can burn that spirit out of us and if we are being received of him in this age through a chastening and scourging process of judgement we’ve been called unto, it will bring about a peculiar people who are zealous of good works (Tit 2:11-14).

Tit 2:11  For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
Tit 2:12  instructing us [G3811 = Paideuo], to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;
Tit 2:13  looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15  These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

An idle hand truly is the workshop of the devil, and Satan’s workmanship as we read is being accomplished through those idle hands and hearts that become instrumental in spreading gossip and causing division in the body of Christ. God will make the bride ready, and these sins are caused of Him and will be overcome through Christ within each joint that supplies in love.

Pro 18:10  The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe
Pro 18:11  The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.

Christ is our tower and refuge in this life, without him we have no chance of overcoming, that is why it is only the righteous who truly run into that tower that represents Christ who is our safe haven who gives us the power to overcome in this life as we’re dragged to him by our Father (Psa 107:30 , Joh 6:44).

Psa 107:30  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The walls of New Jerusalem represent the bride of Christ the body of Christ where “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city”. It is with the mind of Christ that we can imagine what is impossible for the world to conceive and believe “And as a high wall in his own imagination”. Conversely, the world’s imagination is full of deceit and unbelief (Hab 1:5 , 2Th 2:11) that is increasing as we near the end of this age (2Pe 3:3-4 , 2Ti 3:1-5).

Hab 1:5  Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

2Th 2:11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2Pe 3:3  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe 3:4  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

2Ti 3:1  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

In the negative, the rich man’s wealth is a metaphor that describes the pride of life within us, “and as a high wall in his own imagination” which is the way that seems right to our first man Adam and leads to death. By God’s grace and the faith of Christ (Eph 2:8) we can overcome that pride and bring every thought into captivity to Christ so that there is no chance of our being a talebearer in this life, as Christ increases and we decrease (Joh 3:30).

Pro 18:12  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.

All that is in the heart of man becomes very manifest when God wants it to be so, and before destruction God always lets the sins of the Amorites come to their fulness in each of our lives, making manifest what needs to be burnt out of us (Gen 15:16).

Gen 15:16  But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

This tells us that our humbling trials and sins in this life are of God, and what is required before honour is humility which these sins being worked in our lives will cause.  The talebearer in me is haughty and proud and exalted, and must be destroyed through the humbling circumstances God causes in our lives so that in due time we can be exalted under His mighty hand that humbles us (1Pe 5:1-10).

1Pe 5:1  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
1Pe 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1Pe 5:5  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Pro 18:13  He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.

Here is another way that we bring shame unto ourselves, that by God’s grace can also be burnt out of us. We all naturally lean unto our own understanding (Pro 3:5-8), until God starts to receive us as sons (Heb 12:6 , 2Co 1:9). That receiving is a lifelong process that is needed to get us to stop trusting in our flesh and only in the living God who knows our frame and how to make us a people who are quick to hear and slow to speak (Jas 1:19). Christ is the one who gives us the ability to tame the tongue and bring every thought into subjection unto him (2Co 10:5).

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

2Co 1:9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Pro 18:14  The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?

It sounds like God is out of the picture in this first part of the proverb when it says “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity”, but that is just not the case if we consider the sum of his word on the matter. God gave us the spirits that we have and He is the one who knows what we can endure in these marred clay vessels, so yes we sustain our own infirmities, but it is God who has created us to do so, not independent of his will (Eph 1:11). A broken spirit is also something that God can bring about in our lives so that we cry out to the only one who can restore us in this life (Psa 51:1-3 , Gal 6:1 , 1Jn 2:1).

Christ was sorrowful near unto death, and yet God held him up, and Christ made clear that all of his life was in his Father’s hand as we are now in His hands (Joh 5:30 , Joh 15:5 , Joh 18:9 , Joh 10:28-29).

Joh 5:30  I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Joh 5:31  If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. [Luk 24:48 , 1Jn 4:17 , Col 1:27]

Joh 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Joh 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

The broken spirit is harder to bear than even great physical trials (Pro 18:14), and some of the hardest trials Christ had to endure were centered around not having the comfort of either his disciples who would forsake him (Mar 14:50) (negative), and then His Father who forsook him (Mat 27:46) (positive), his Adamic flesh, for a moment for our sakes (2Co 4:15).

Mat 27:46  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Pro 18:15  The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

God’s people are blessed to have a hunger and thirst for His righteousness in this life (Mat 5:6), and as our hearts are changed by going from glory to glory, the prudent spirit God gives us will want to get knowledge, and the ear of the wise will want to seek knowledge (Heb 11:6).

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.[“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled”(Mat 5:6)]
Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Pro 18:16  A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.[KJV]
Pro 18:16 A man’s gift widens the way for him, And guides him before the great.” [CLV]
Pro 18:16  A gift will get you in to see anyone. [CEV]

God has given us his holy spirit, and that gift is the one that is needed in order to obtain salvation in this life (Eph 2:8).

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

The physical gifts that mankind have may open many physical doors for them, but the gift of the holy spirit opens the most important and greatest door one could ever go through, bringing us to our Creator, who we see in each other through Christ the door day by day (Joh 10:9 , 1Jn 4:17 ,  Joh 14:9).

Joh 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Joh 14:9  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

Pro 16:11-20 “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ”

(Aired on July 24, 2025)

Pro 16:11  A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Pro 16:12  It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Pro 16:13  Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Pro 16:14  The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Pro 16:15  In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
>Pro 16:16  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Pro 16:17  The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Pro 16:19  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Pro 16:20  He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits” (Pro 16:2). It is the ways that are clean in our own eyes that will naturally lead to spiritual death unless the Lord judges us in this age (1Pe 4:17, Isa 26:9).

It is His judgments in our lives that will redirect our steps and our thinking processes with the mind of Christ (1Co 2:16) so that by the grace of God and faith of Christ (Eph 2:8) we can now understand that Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life: [and that] no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”, even though we are in bodies of death, with the faith of Christ we will not see death, and be able to go unto the Father through Christ “wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Pro 14:12, Joh 14:6, Rom 8:14-16, Joh 11:25-26, Eph 1:6).

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

It takes the “just weight and balance” of the LORD in our lives to create this spiritual understanding that eludes the first man Adam in us until His judgements are in our marred earth that must be made anew, becoming a new creation that can now see and hear spiritually (2Co 5:17-18).

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18  And all things are of God (Eph 2:10), who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

God’s elect clearly see the kingdom of God being within us now, and the parables that Christ spoke that reveal the hope of glory within and blind the truth from the masses who are not at this time given to see and hear these mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Rom 8:9, Col 1:27, Mat 13:11)

Rom 8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,(Rom 2:28-29) if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Mat 13:11  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

In these next series of proverbs we will look at how the Lord is working within the body of Christ to prepare the bride for that glorious day when “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever”. This will only happen after the seventh angel has sounded which is when the entire body of Christ will have experienced the complete [7] process of judgement we have to go through, being made ready or prepared to hear “great voices in heaven” telling them that now it is time to rule the kingdoms of this world (Rev 11:15).

Rev 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Pro 16:11  A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

This verse explains why we can’t take any credit for anything that we accomplish in our life, good or evil (Isa 45:7), seeing it is the Lord who has worked it, both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Php 2:12-13, Isa 63:13), which produces “A just weight and balance [which] are the LORD’S”. We have “obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh “all the weights of the bag are his work”, all things after the counsel of his own will” (Eph 1:11, Isa 63:17). We have obtained an inheritance, now in earnest, although God declares this finished work from the beginning (Mal 3:17).

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Pro 16:33  The lot is cast into the lap; [“all the weights of the bag”] but the whole disposing thereof  is of the LORD [“A just weight and balance are the LORD’S”].

Isa 63:17  O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

Mal 3:17  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Pro 16:12  It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Pro 16:13  Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

What tears down a right relationship with Christ, who is our King, is committing wickedness, the iniquity that separates us from God and Christ (Isa 59:2). When we do sin and fall and come to our senses it is an abomination unto the one who God is working this in, and that is the whole point that God works with the contrast of light and dark to bring us to our wits’ end, where we are given to contrast our former conversation (Rom 6:21, Eph 2:3) with that of the righteous lips that have been purged with fire (Isa 6:7) and are now a delight unto Jesus our King. He loves to hear right things being spoken from those lips, things that come from the abundance of our heart where Christ is residing, in those who He dwells (Luk 6:45, Joh 7:38). Speaking of Christ’s voice through the body of Christ, his Kings, “They love him that speaketh right things”, and those right words are born out of being received by our loving Father via His chastening grace (Heb 12:6).

Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Joh 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Pro 16:14  The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

God’s wrath against our first man Adam is “as messengers of death”, because they are coming to destroy that part of us that defiles the temple of God (1Co 3:17). If we would judge ourselves now we can pacify that messenger of death by being given to yield to God’s goodness that is leading us unto repentance, confessing our faults (Rom 2:4-5).

1Co 3:17  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1Co 3:18  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [see yourself as the chief of sinners]

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Rom 2:5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

In repenting, being blessed to heed God’s admonition in our lives, we can “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him”(Psa 2:12). Trusting is how “a wise man will pacify it”, and it is the Father who drags us to Christ for that express purpose (Heb 12:6), and then it is through the beloved that we are accepted, by our advocate, “a wise man will pacify it”.

Pro 16:15  In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

God’s favour upon the body of Christ is very much like the mercy that He will show to the rest of the world in the lake of fire. It is the same fire, “the light of the king’s countenance” [the sun of righteousness Mal 4:2], the consuming fire that God is (Heb 12:29), the favour or grace which is expressed through His judgments, that bring life (Isa 26:9).

Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

“his favour is as a cloud (Heb 12:1) of the latter rain”, is speaking of the one event that is common to all men, and that is His judgment upon us, each man in his own order. Inwardly there is an early and latter rain in the lives of God’s elect that reminds us that by God’s grace we will continue to grow and mature all our lives, if God permits (Mat 4:4, 1Co 3:6). The growth that the elect are blessed with from an early and a latter rain culminates in the first resurrection revealing Christ’s bride who will have been made ready to administer the words of life that have matured within them (Jas 5:7-8, Joe 2:23, how the fruit is brought about today in the lives of God’s elect Jas 5:16-20).

Jas 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.(1Jn 4:17)

Joe 2:23  Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

Jas 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Jas 5:17  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
Jas 5:18  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

[Elias who is a type of the elect typifies how God will use his children as His threshing tool to put an end to the man of perdition who sits on the heart of every man’s soul. What the elect demonstrate is the severity and goodness of God by withholding and not withholding the rain (1Jn 4:17). The judgements of God will be in the earth during the thousand year reign but there will be no conversion, and so in that sense the rain is withheld for three and a half years, even though the word will go forth (Isa 55:11). The earth will only bring forth her fruit when God permits it, and Elias represents the elect who, at the appointed time, will ask God to bring his rain, his judgement upon the world in the lake of fire [preceded by Gog and Magog]. It is that “latter rain” typified by Elias praying to God for rain that will result in spiritual fruit “And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit” (Jas 5:18)]

Jas 5:19  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Jas 5:20  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

[the multitude of sins within us first, but also as a result of our being judged first, we will be used to cover the sins of the innumerable multitude in the great white throne judgement (2Sa 14:14)]

Pro 16:16  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

To get wisdom is to have Christ abiding within us who is our wisdom (1Co 1:30-31), the pearl of great price, more precious than anything (Pro 16:16). In this proverb, gold represents the wisdom of this world that is being contrasted with Christ who is our wisdom, and we know what the holy spirit inspired as a comparative to the passing and fleeting wisdom of this world (Php 3:8).

1Co 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Pro 16:16  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Pro 16:17  The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

We keep our way, through Christ who is our example and “The highway of the upright” who enables us to depart from evil (Joh 8:36), and in doing so the life of Christ is preserved within us (Pro 3:7-14).

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes:(1Co 3:18) fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Pro 3:8  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Pro 3:9  Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Pro 3:10  So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Pro 3:11  My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

(It takes God’s chastening grace to bring us to stop trusting in the wisdom of men, and become wise by trusting in the power of God, His ways which are higher, his thoughts that are higher, (Isa 55:8-9) and make up “the highway of the upright”  (1Co 2:5))

Pro 3:12  For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Pro 3:13  Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Pro 3:14  For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, (1Jn 2:16) lay a ground work within our hearts for pride. Not being content with what God has given us produces a proud spirit, “pride” that “goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”(Jas 1:13-15).

Jas 1:13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas 1:14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed [the ground work].
Jas 1:15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin (Rom 6:23), when it is finished, bringeth forth death (“Pride goeth before destruction”).

Pro 16:19  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

We pray that God will give us this humble and contrite spirit where the lowly abide (Isa 66:1-2, Psa 51:17) and where there is peace that passes all understanding, and reason to rejoice always in the Lord and again I say rejoice as opposed to not being content in this life and wanting more and more and striving with the proud of this world who are like a hungry pride of lions dividing the spoil.

Isa 66:1  Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

[everything belongs to God and yet we live in a world that Satan is the god of and his subjects are full of pride thinking they have something of value to add to God, like a house, or a place of rest, when in reality we bring nothing to the table]

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word [“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly”].

Pro 16:20  He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

Handling a spiritual matter wisely is possible with the wisdom that comes from the power of God (1Co 2:5-7) and we know if any man lacks wisdom He can ask God who will give us that wisdom abundantly (Jas 1:5-18).

1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1Co 2:6  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1Co 2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

The end result of receiving that wisdom is that we will find good (Jer 29:11), being blessed to be the first to trust God, in this age (Eph 1:12), so we can experience the joy of His salvation, which will happen if we are blessed to endure to the end after the seventh angel has sounded, hearing the great voices in heaven (Rev 1:3) saying, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever”.

Jer 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility” Part 3 (Pro 15:25-33)

(Aired on July 10, 2025)

Pro 15:25  The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Pro 15:26  The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Pro 15:27  He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Pro 15:28  The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Pro 15:29  The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Pro 15:30  The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Pro 15:31  The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Pro 15:32  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Pro 15:33  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

This is the last section of Proverbs 15 and it’s interesting to note that verse 25 and verse 33 have a parallel message that connects to the overall thread of this chapter which is that God is going to “destroy the house of the proud” and that destruction is something that must happen within each of the elect’s life and will be brought about by our being given to have “the fear of the LORD”.

Our weak corruptible flesh provides the means for God to give us an experience of evil (Pro 16:4) that will humble all (Ecc 1:13) of God’s children in this life. It’s painful and humbling, “before honour is humility”, when God shows us the beasts that we are (Ecc 3:18) but it is the greatest blessing to be given to recognize the beast who gets his power from the dragon (Rev 13:4), and see that man of perdition being destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming into our temple (2Th 2:3-5), where the mind of our Father and Christ are being formed within us (1Co 2:16, 1Jn 4:17, Joh 14:9, Joh 14:20).

Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.

Pro 15:25  The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

We have these two homes within us, one that is built on sand and the other that is built on Jesus Christ (Mat 7:24-27).

Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

It is through the binding on earth and the loosing of things on earth within us that this first old temple is destroyed, and as that process of tearing down and binding of old things on earth is being accomplished by God’s grace, there is increase happening in our heaven as the new creation is revealed by things that are bound in heaven and loosed in heaven. This is what it means to have our names written in heaven, and it is being written. It is ongoing and Christ is the author and finisher of this process of faith (Mat 16:18-19, Luk 10:17-20).

Mat 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

The pride of life builds the first home without any acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty, or at the very least with a corrupt and deceived mind that builds its own spiritual house upon our own works and self-determination which is the first religious house built on sand, the first religious beast that speaks like a lamb but has the horns, or power which horns represent given to the beast from the devil (Rev 13:11, Rev 13:2).

Rev 13:11  And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Rev 13:2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

The “border of the widow” is established by the tearing down of the first house that comes about by our most humiliating and crushing moments in our life where we are brought low and dragged to Christ to touch the border of His garment where the widow within us is healed from her issue of blood (Mat 9:20-22). The next story that comes right after this miraculous healing of the widow with the issue of blood is the resurrection of the twelve year old girl, in these verses (Mar 5:22-43).

Mat 9:20  And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
Mat 9:21  For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Mat 9:22  But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. (Joh 6:28-29) And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mar 5:22  And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
Mar 5:23  And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
Mar 5:24  And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
Mar 5:25  And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
Mar 5:26  And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
Mar 5:27  When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
Mar 5:28  For she said, If I may touch but his clothes,(Rev 19:8) I shall be whole.
Mar 5:29  And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
Mar 5:30  And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? (Joh 6:44)
Mar 5:31  And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
Mar 5:32  And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
Mar 5:33  But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
Mar 5:34  And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Mar 5:35  While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
Mar 5:36  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. (Joh 6:28-29)
Mar 5:37  And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

(three disciples typifying God’s highly favoured bride, the elect who are given to see this process of healing through judgment that is happening to the elect today, and would soon begin in the lives of these three disciples on Pentecost once the spirit of God was given)

Mar 5:38  And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
Mar 5:39  And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
Mar 5:40  And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
Mar 5:41  And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
Mar 5:42  And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years.

[same situation, the dream is one “an issue of blood twelve years”. A new foundation is being discussed in both of these stories, that new foundation being Christ who brings spiritual healing from death, from the issue of Adamic blood that needs to be replaced with the precious blood of Christ (1Pe 1:19)]

…And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
Mar 5:43  And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

These stories reveal to us the point of this first proverb we are looking at, that God will destroy the house of the proud within us that laughs Christ to scorn saying he is not able to heal this child, ‘she is dead’, when in fact ‘she only sleepeth’ as Christ said, “sleep” being a metaphor for death, revealing as well the unbelief of the disciples who are only seeing the physical events, the thronging of the crowds, the physical interaction of knowing Christ after the flesh and not the hidden spiritual work of healing our Adamic-blood nature typified by the healing of this woman with an issue of blood for twelve years as well as raising the young damsel shortly after this first miracle had occurred.

Surely, when we are given to believe that God can raise us from the dead, we become that child of God raised from death (Eph 2:6), we become that woman who has been healed from an issue of blood, and our new house begins to be built by the author and finisher of our faith Jesus Christ (the issue of blood for God’s elect described in Heb 12:2-6, Psa 127:1).

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Heb 12:5  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Psa 127:1  A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Heb 12:4)

Pro 15:26  The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

Wicked thoughts come from the earth, and heavenly thoughts that are controlled by the earth are what come out of the mouth of the beast that speaks as a lamb but has the horns of a dragon (Rev 13:11-12).

Rev 13:11  And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Rev 13:12  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Pleasant words are pure words, meaning the words of God that have been tried and tested and purified seven times in a vessel of clay (Pro 12:6-8)

Pro 12:5  The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Pro 12:6  The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Pro 12:7  The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

Pro 15:27  He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts^{H4979=gift or bribe} shall live.

God is not a liar as men are, and so if He says He’s going to take care of us, He will (Num 29:13-14). This is the anchor of our soul that God cannot lie, and if we are greedy  for gain we are going to trouble our own house, and the house of God; and not be heeding this admonition (1Ti 6:17-19), possibly because we don’t have the faith to believe that God can and will provide exactly what we need both physically and spiritually day by day.

Num 23:19  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Num 23:20  Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

1Ti 6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Conversely if we ‘hate gifts’, meaning we are not living to gain more and more in this life, either by bribe or covetousness (Luk 12:15, Rev 11:10), believing that through Christ our lives can give the very best widow’s mite as we humble ourselves under His mighty hand.

If we have a lot we are to ‘have pity’ in God’s house to help those who have less (Pro 19:17, Luk 21:1-4). If we are greedy and hold onto that which is the gift that is needed by others, we will be guilty of doing harm to our own body, troubling our own house, the body of Christ”, He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house”. We also learn to be content whether we have a little or a lot, being blessed to experience the strength of the one body that operates together for the benefit of each other, both physically and spiritually (Php 4:11-13).

Pro 19:17  He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; (Mat 25:40) and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Luk 21:4  For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Pro 15:28  The heart of the righteous studieth^{H1897=meditate} to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Meditating on the Truth before speaking or ‘studying to show yourself a workman approved’ is what Christ is teaching us to do, resulting in God opening up the heavens of our minds by simply being diligent in our search every day of His word (Act 17:11, 2Ti 2:15-16).

Act 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2Ti 2:16  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

If we don’t focus on our Father and Christ and the words of life He has given us, it will be evidenced by “the mouth of the wicked” that “poureth out evil things”. That is the mouth within us that must be silenced and destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming into our lives (2Th 2:8-10).

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Pro 15:29  The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

When we were seduced by our former conversation, we had no ears or eyes to hear and see the things of the Lord, and that was when “The LORD is far from the wicked”, not that he is far away, but only that we do not yet have eyes and ears to perceive His presence (Act 17:27-28, 2Ki 6:16-17).

Act 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

2Ki 6:16  And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2Ki 6:17  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Pro 15:30  The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

The good report is the true gospel of Jesus Christ that when seen and understood rejoiceth the heart and makes the bones fat. We are the flesh and bones of Christ’s body (Eph 5:30) and God has given us to each other as a many membered body that supplies in love what each joint supplies, “a good report that maketh the bones fat ^H1878 [H8762=Piel]. “ (Heb 10:25, 1Co 14:26).

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1Co 14:26  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

“fat” H1878 dâshên BDB Definition:
1) to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint
1a) (Qal) of prosperity (figuratively)
     1b) (Piel)
            1b1) to make fat, anoint
            1b2) to find fat (of offering – acceptable)
            1b3) to take away ashes (from altar)
1c) (Pual) to be made fat
1d) (Hothpael) to fatten oneself (of Jehovah’s sword)

Pro 15:31  The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

This verse takes us back to the verses that talk about the safety that is in the multitude of counsellors (Pro 11:14, Pro 15:22, Pro 24:6). If we are granted to hear the reproof of life that will come from God’s word and not despise his chastening in this life, we will be blessed to “abideth among the wise”.  Those who are wise have the mind of Christ (1Co 2:16) and God’s spirit dwelling within them (Rom 8:9, Col 1:27), leading them into all truth (Joh 16:13, Rom 8:14-16).

Pro 15:32  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

In the natural that reveals the spiritual no man ever hated his own flesh or despised his own soul, unless that person has been bound by evil spirits (Mar 5:5). Christ comes into our lives to bind those spirits and cast them out of us so we become the one who “heareth reproof getteth understanding”.

Mar 5:5  And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
Mar 5:6  But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
Mar 5:7  And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
Mar 5:8  For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

What hope and great assurance God has given us in His promises that tell us there is no spirit, nothing in the past or present or future, that can separate us from his love because Christ in us is higher than all those powers and principalities that are within the first house, which He alone can sweep clean, and then when seven spirits worse come back, if God is working with us in this age He will pour out upon that house the seven last plagues that will do away with that entire legion of evil spirits. God’s elect are the first to overcome all these powers and principalities for the sake of the rest of humanity who will have in time all these spirits exercised from their heavens in the lake of fire.

Pro 15:33  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility^{H603 = humility, meekness}.

If we are called and chosen and remain faithful to the end then we will be given dominion over every beast of the field within, and it will be a humbling experience, “before honour is humility”, to see all those spirits cast into the sea, but the glorious conclusion of this evil experience that will humble us is that we will be honoured with the greatest honour ever bestowed on anyone on this earth. Christ has taught us the way to obtain this reward through “the fear of the LORD” (Luk 12:5-9) which will bring  the meek to receive “the instruction of wisdom”.

Luk 12:5  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Luk 12:6  Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luk 12:7  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luk 12:8  Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Luk 12:9  But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Psa 37:11  But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility” Part 1

(Aired on June 26, 2025)

Pro 15:1  A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Pro 15:2  The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Pro 15:3  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Pro 15:4  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Pro 15:5  A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Pro 15:6  In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Pro 15:7  The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
Pro 15:8  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Pro 15:9  The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Pro 15:10  Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Pro 15:11  Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Pro 15:12  A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Pro 15:13  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Pro 15:14  The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Pro 15:15  All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

There is a main theme in this fifteenth chapter of proverbs that has to do with the humbling experiences of this life that makes me think of (Ecc 1:13) which reads:

Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it. (CLV)

As we learn to apply our hearts by “inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens”, our own heavens are going to be humbled under His mighty hand (1Pe 5:6-8, Mat 23:12), as we come to see ourselves as a corrupt beast (Ecc 3:18) that needs to have God’s judgments come upon us through His word, which will heal us via the baptisms into Christ’s death that we are called unto, as we die daily (1Pe 4:17-18, Psa 107:20, Rom 6:3-4).

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

It takes the fiery trials of this life (1Pe 4:12) that God prepares our hearts to endure (1Co 10:13) for something new in Christ to be formed (2Co 5:17). It is that beaten gold that is everywhere in the temple that we are (1Co 3:16), which represents His workmanship that has been fashioned by God through Christ, symbolized also as a bride, new Jerusalem, that comes down from heaven (Eph 2:10, Rev 21:2).

Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

This process of judgement that God’s elect must go through in order to become that fitly framed bride happens as a result of light coming out of darkness as we’ve seen explained over and over in these proverbs. The many members that make up the bride are being placed in the body of Christ exactly where our Father has determined that we fit (1Co 12:18). It is in a humbled state of life, which comes as result of God’s chastening and scourging of His sons and daughters, that the bride will be made ready (Heb 12:6-7, Rev 19:7).

1Co 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Let us be glad and rejoice as we build ourselves up in our most holy faith (Jud 1:20), the faith of Christ that God has mercifully given to us, along with His strength so we can endure all things, and be saved by His mighty hand (Rom 8:37-39, 1Jn 5:14, Heb 10:35-36, 1Jn 5:4-5).

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1Jn 5:14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

Heb 10:35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Pro 15:1  A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Pro 15:2  The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Christ’s exemplary life gives us hope that, with the same spirit within us (Luk 2:51-52, Isa 50:6, 2Pe 3:18, 1Jn 4:17), we can, with all humility as Christ did, also turn away the wrath, the grievous word of those who come up against us, to try to provoke us unto anger (Rom 12:21, Luk 18:1).

Luk 2:51  And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Luk 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Isa 50:6  I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

The key is the soft answer as Christ demonstrated against Satan in the wilderness, not being angry at his adversary but realizing this was all a work of God that was proving him as God’s only begotten son through whom we have become more than conquerors (Mat 4:3-4, Php 4:13, 1Jn 4:17).

Mat 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which

Christ did not just have the knowledge, the wisdom and stature that he grew into (Luk 2:52), but also committed his judgement unto God so that he would always know how to deal with the mouth of fools that pour out foolishness (Joh 5:30, Joh 20:21, Pro 26:4-5). It was the word of God that gave him victory over the adversary and it is the word of God in our lives that will give us the same victory Lord willing (Jas 4:13-15).

Joh 5:30  I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Joh 20:21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Pro 26:4  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Pro 15:3  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

God is omniscient, God is omnipresent (Rev 19:6), and He has called the elect to endure in seeing Him who is invisible and has eyes in every place (Heb 11:27), with whom nothing is hidden with whom we have to do (Heb 4:13).

Heb 11:27  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Heb 4:13  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

It is by the ripping of the vail of this carnal mind, which must die daily, that we see more clearly through a glass darkly (1Co 13:12) the one who we serve who created both the light and darkness, the evil and the peace (Isa 45:7), the severity and the goodness of life (Rom 11:22).

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (God is omniscient, God is omnipresent, and God is love 1Jn 4:7-8, 1Jn 4:16, Rom 5:5).

Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1Jn 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1Jn 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Rom 8:28).

Pro 15:4  A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Pro 15:5  A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

The “tree of life” is Christ in us our hope of glory (Col 1:27) who can give us the power to bridle this tongue that is impossible to rule over without His life within us opening up the seals that contain the plagues that must be poured out upon us in order to overcome the “perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit”.

Lord willing we will not despise his chastening that burns out that breach, and be granted to show the same love toward one another (Joh 14:21, Rom 5:5-8). Christ in us can mature us to become prudent sons and daughters who regard his reproof and don’t despise it (Pro 15:32)

Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Pro 15:32  He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.(1Pe 4:18)

Pro 15:6  In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Pro 15:7  The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

The good treasure that is in our house is the righteousness of Christ with a relationship that we have with our Lord where we can worship our Father in spirit and in truth (Joh 4:23). Nothing could be more valuable than this privilege that God has given His children, to be seated in the heavens with Jesus Christ, even today (Eph 2:6). This is where we lay up treasure in heaven, “In the house of the righteous is much treasure”(Psa 84:4, Mat 6:20), a shadow of the promise of the resurrection to life, the blessed and holy first resurrection (Joh 5:29, Rev 20:6).

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Psa 84:4  Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Mat 6:20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Conversely if we are not growing in the mind of Christ and dispersing the words of Life that we are sent out to do in order to bring spiritual healing, then our heart will be that of a fool that is not built upon the rock, Jesus Christ, God’s word (Mat 16:18). Or we may be as the wicked whose knowledge that is laid up is likened unto revenues that will only bring trouble, a foolish and corrupt heart has not been judged and therefore no good fruit can come from that ground that has not been broken (Isa 66:2).

Mat 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Pro 15:8  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Pro 15:9  The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

The fervent prayer of the righteous avails much and gives us victory over our deceitful and desperately wicked hearts which are an abomination unto God, and only by mortifying the deeds of the flesh through Christ can we offer up sacrifices that are acceptable unto God, “the prayer of the upright is his delight” (Eph 1:6-7). It is Christ’s life in us that offers up the prayers of the saints, who are led of God’s spirit into the path of righteousness for His name sake and to the glory of God (Rom 8:14-16).

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Pro 15:10  Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Pro 15:11  Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Pro 15:12  A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

It’s the scorner, the despiser of God and of those who do good, who does not love God’s reproving of himself, and neither will such a hardened heart go unto his brother to confess his fault or to tell his brother between you and him alone what they have done against Christ (Mat 18:22-28, Mat 18:3, Mat 18:35, Mat 5:24).

When God’s ways are grievous [H7451 = Ra (evil)]  unto us, we must beg God for a spirit of repentance (Jer 36:3, Rom 2:4) so that we don’t forsake the way of God and find ourselves having hated reproof right into the lake of fire (Psa 51:2-3).

Jer 36:3  It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil [H7451 = Ra] which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil [H7451 = Ra] way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

These verses are telling us that nothing is hid from Him, not the unknown to us, “Hell [the grave/death] and destruction [ruin/decay]”, and certainly not what is in our deceitful and wicked hearts (Jer 17:9).  He knows when we are despising His goodness that is leading us unto repentance, and so the solution is to pray for a new heart that is cleansed of the Lord (Psa 51:2-3), kissing the Son of righteousness, and healing yet another breach in the body of Christ (Psa 2:12, Rev 3:3, Rev 3:11)

Psa 2:12  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Rev 3:3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Pro 15:13  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Pro 15:14  The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Pro 15:15  All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

The spirit of man can be broken easily Christ told Peter, ‘sifted as wheat’ is how He put it, and so it is important to understand that vulnerability within each of us and to continue to pray for each other that we don’t lose heart (Luk 18:1). By doing that we can rejoice and again I say rejoice as we draw near to God and resist the devil, making way for “a merry heart” that puts forth a “cheerful countenance”. We may not make the immediate connection but Stephen’s face shining like an angel in the midst of martyrdom is how great God’s power is toward us as he brings us to rejoice and be glad even in the midst of fiery trials (Jas 1:2-3).

Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Jas 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

With an understanding heart we desire to seek knowledge with all our hearts that will be cheered by the revelations that God will bestow upon those who seek him early in this life. If our life is void of His word and we are not coming together often to break bread, we will naturally drift toward having mouths that feed on foolishness, the unprofitable things of this world that are passing and likened unto dung by the apostle Paul (Php 3:8).

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility, and to be partakers of those who have merry hearts that have a continual feast before them we must first be granted to be given victory over the evil experience or evil day of our own lives that God has prepared for our benefit and growth in the Lord (Pro 16:1-2, Pro 16:4, Pro 15:33, Pro 18:12, Pro 22:4).

Pro 16:1  The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Pro 16:2  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Pro 15:33  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Pro 18:12  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Pro 22:4  By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

The Spiritual Significance of Valleys in Scripture

[Study Aired April 8, 2025]

Introduction

In our previous study, “The Spiritual Journey Through the Mountains of Scripture,” we explored how mountains in Scripture symbolize significant stages of spiritual growth and transformation. Just as mountains represent divine encounters, covenants, and spiritual victories, valleys hold equally profound spiritual lessons. While mountains highlight spiritual highs, revelation, and closeness to God, valleys emphasize humility, testing, and God’s faithful presence through life’s challenges. This complementary study of valleys deepens our understanding, illustrating that spiritual maturity involves both ascending mountains and traversing valleys.

Remember that “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20), and physical patterns in creation reveal spiritual truths, for “the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made” (Romans 1:20). By examining valleys in Scripture, we discover essential insights into God’s transformative work in our lives, equipping us to navigate difficulties with faith, discernment, and hope.

Valleys as Places of Testing and Humbling

Throughout Scripture, valleys often represent places of testing, humility, and preparation before spiritual elevation. David’s experience in the Valley of Elah before confronting Goliath powerfully illustrates this pattern. When facing the giant, David declared, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). This valley encounter preceded David’s elevation to prominence in Israel, showing how God uses valleys to prepare us for greater purposes.

The Valley of Baca, mentioned in Psalm 84, further illustrates this principle: “Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:6-7). The name “Baca” means “weeping,” suggesting that this valley represents seasons of sorrow and difficulty. Yet notice how those passing through this valley transform it into a place of refreshment — they “make it a well.” This shows that times of humbling and testing, when approached with faith, become sources of spiritual growth and blessing.

The prophet Hosea captures this transformative purpose of valleys: “And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15). The Valley of Achor, whose name means “trouble,” becomes “a door of hope.” This pattern reveals how God transforms our places of trouble into gateways of hope as we yield to His purifying work.

Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones powerfully demonstrates this principle. In a place of death and barrenness, God asked, “Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3). Through prophesying as commanded, Ezekiel witnessed a resurrection: “and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (Ezekiel 37:10). This vision shows how God brings life from death, strength from weakness, in the valleys of our experience.

Valleys as Places of Decision and Judgment

The Valley of Jehoshaphat, or “the valley of decision,” represents God’s judgment and the consequences of spiritual choices. Joel prophesied: “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14). This valley symbolizes moments of spiritual crisis where destinies are determined based on response to God’s word.

The Valley of Hinnom, later called Gehenna (translated as “hell” in the New Testament), served as Jerusalem’s garbage dump where continual fires burned. Jesus referenced this location when warning: “If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29). This valley represents the consequences of unrepentant sin and the judgment that follows.

These valleys of judgment serve as warnings, yet also carry redemptive purpose. As Isaiah prophesied: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain” (Isaiah 40:4). This leveling process might seem painful, for valleys must first be filled and mountains must first be brought low. Spiritually speaking, this represents God’s transformative work within us, often through trials, discipline, and humbling experiences. Though such experiences may feel difficult or even overwhelming, they are essential, as they strip away our pride, self-dependence, and reliance upon fleshly wisdom. As God removes these obstacles, He creates a clear pathway for His righteous presence to manifest within our hearts and lives.

This preparation is not without purpose, as it readies us to receive something far greater—the revelation of God’s glory. The valleys that God fills represent our emptiness and need for Him, while the mountains He lowers symbolize our self-exaltation and human pride. Through this divine leveling, God places us on equal footing before Him, enabling us to witness His glory without obstruction.

The next verse beautifully underscores the profound purpose behind this process: “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). God’s intention is not merely personal transformation but the universal unveiling of His glory. He desires that “all flesh” – every person, regardless of status, position, or strength—might witness the fullness of His majesty and recognize Him as the Sovereign Lord.

Therefore, what may initially feel painful or confusing is, in reality, God’s merciful act of preparation. In smoothing out spiritual terrain and leveling personal pride, He graciously readies each of us for the unparalleled privilege of beholding and reflecting His glory.

Valleys as Places of Provision and Blessing

Despite their association with testing and judgment, valleys in Scripture also represent places of glorious provision and blessing. The Psalmist declares: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). These “green pastures” would typically be found in valleys where water collected and vegetation flourished. The same psalm later mentions “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), showing that even in death’s valley, God provides comfort and guidance.

The Valley of Eshcol, where the Israelite spies gathered enormous clusters of grapes, represents abundance in lowly places: “And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff” (Numbers 13:23). Though the spies lacked faith to enter the land, this valley’s bounty testified to God’s provision.

The prophet Zechariah described a dramatic geographical transformation: “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley… and ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains” (Zechariah 14:4-5). This newly-formed valley becomes a place of refuge during judgment, demonstrating how God provides escape in the midst of tribulation. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Valleys as Places of Spiritual Transformation

The Valley Gate in Nehemiah’s account of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls holds special significance: “The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof” (Nehemiah 3:13). This gate likely led to the Hinnom Valley and represents the humility required to enter God’s presence. Just as physically one had to descend through this gate, spiritually we must humble ourselves to experience God’s restoration work.

This principle of humility preceding elevation appears throughout Scripture. James declares: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Peter echoes this: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). The sequence is clear—humbling precedes exaltation, valleys come before mountains.

Jesus Himself embodied this pattern. Paul describes: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him” (Philippians 2:6-9). Christ descended into the valley of human experience and death before His exaltation, establishing the pattern we all must follow.

The Valley of Vision: Seeing Spiritually in Low Places

Isaiah receives “the burden of the valley of vision” (Isaiah 22:1), a prophecy concerning Jerusalem. Though Jerusalem sat on hills, spiritually it had become a valley. This paradoxical name—Valley of Vision—reveals how spiritual sight often develops in places of humility. When we’re “brought low,” we gain perspective unavailable from mountaintops of pride forcing us to look up.

This connects to Paul’s experience with his “thorn in the flesh.” When he prayed for its removal, the Lord responded: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul then concluded: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). His valley experience became a place of clearer spiritual vision as he discovered Christ’s strength perfected in weakness.

The Valley Between—From Shadow to Substance

The physical geography of the temple in Jerusalem provides another spiritual pattern. The temple stood on Mount Moriah, while the Mount of Olives lay to the east, separated by the Kidron Valley. To approach the temple from the east required descending into this valley and then ascending the temple mount. Jesus often crossed this valley, physically enacting the spiritual reality that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

On His final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, crossed the Kidron Valley, and ascended to the temple (John 12:12-15; Matthew 21:1-11). Later, after the Last Supper, He reversed this journey, crossing the Kidron to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives’ slopes (John 18:1; Matthew 26:36). This physical movement between mountains, passing through the valley, symbolizes His role as mediator—bridging heaven and earth, God and man. As John writes, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

This pattern reveals that valleys often represent transitions between spiritual states. Paul explains this principle when discussing how the law serves as “our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ” (Galatians 3:24). The valley experience of law leads to the mountain of grace. Similarly, the tabernacle’s physical patterns showed “the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5), with the physical pattern being a valley pointing toward spiritual heights.

Practical Application: Our Valley Experiences

Understanding the spiritual significance of valleys transforms how we view difficult seasons in our lives. When faced with valleys of testing, humbling, or judgment, we can recognize these as necessary parts of our spiritual development. As David testified: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Rather than resisting valley experiences, we can embrace them as opportunities for growth, knowing that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Even the Valley of the Shadow of Death loses its terror when we realize “thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

The Valley of Dry Bones reminds us that even in situations that appear completely hopeless, God can bring resurrection life. When Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones as commanded, “breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (Ezekiel 37:10). This miraculous transformation illustrates how God works in our seemingly dead circumstances to display His power.

Conclusion: The Purpose of Valleys

The spiritual pattern revealed through valleys in Scripture shows that they serve multiple godly purposes:

1. Valleys humble us, preparing us for greater spiritual insight and elevation
2. Valleys test and purify our faith, revealing what truly motivates our hearts
3. Valleys serve as places of judgment and decision, where spiritual destinies are determined
4. Valleys provide unexpected blessing and provision in the midst of lowly circumstances
5. Valleys transform our spiritual vision, allowing us to see what pride obscures
6. Valleys mark transitions between spiritual states, serving as bridges in our journey

Ultimately, every valley in our experience prepares us for what lies beyond. As the psalmist declares, those passing through the Valley of Baca “go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:7). The valleys we face are never dead ends but pathways to deeper communion with God.

Understanding this spiritual pattern helps us embrace Isaiah’s prophetic vision: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:4-5). In God’s perfect timing, every valley serves its purpose in revealing His glory and conforming us to the image of His Son.

The Purity of God’s Word:  Why We Must Not Add or Take Away

[Study Aired March 18, 2025]

Introduction

Throughout Scripture, God consistently emphasizes the perfection and completeness of His Word. In a world where man’s opinion often overshadows divine truth, understanding the purity of God’s Word becomes essential for genuine spiritual growth. As we explore this vital topic, we must begin with the foundational understanding that “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20), reminding us that these truths must be internalized, not merely understood intellectually.

The writer of Proverbs delivers a powerful declaration: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-6). This statement establishes both the perfect nature of Scripture and the serious consequences of attempting to alter it. The Psalmist reinforces this concept: “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalm 119:160 ASV), emphasizing that God’s Word in its entirety constitutes truth.

The apostle Paul further explains the origin of Scripture: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Understanding the purity of Scripture requires spiritual discernment beyond natural comprehension. As Paul explains, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). We must approach this topic recognizing that true understanding comes through God’s Spirit comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

Throughout biblical history, deviations from God’s pure Word have led to spiritual confusion, judgment, and separation from God. By examining what Scripture itself says about its purity, we gain insight into why every word matters and why both adding to and taking away from God’s Word represents a serious spiritual transgression.

The Declaration of God’s Word as Pure

Proverbs 30:5-6 contains one of Scripture’s most direct statements about God’s Word: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” This declaration deserves careful examination.

The Hebrew word translated “pure” is “tsaraph” (Strong’s H6884), meaning refined or purified as metal in a furnace. This metaphor appears elsewhere: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). The imagery suggests a process where all impurities have been removed, leaving only what is perfect and valuable. Unlike men’s words which often contain error or impurity, God’s words are completely refined.

This purity stands in stark contrast to human wisdom. As Isaiah reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The verse continues by describing God as “a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” This reveals the protective function of God’s pure Word. When we trust in what God has said—without addition or subtraction—it shields us from error and spiritual harm.

The warning follows: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” This serious consequence indicates that when we add to God’s words, we misrepresent Him and spread falsehood, even with good intentions. This principle applies not only to obvious textual alterations but also to giving traditions or interpretations the same authority as Scripture itself. Jesus confronted this problem: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).

The purity of God’s Word serves a spiritual purpose beyond mere factual accuracy. As Jesus taught, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Each word carries spiritual significance and life-giving power that can be diminished when modified.

This warning appears elsewhere in Scripture, establishing the principle by the biblical standard of “two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1): “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2), and “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life” (Revelation 22:18-19).

The Sum of God’s Word is Truth

The Psalmist provides profound insight: “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalm 119:160 ASV). This statement carries enormous implications. While the KJV renders this verse as “Thy word is true from the beginning,” the ASV translation captures an important nuance in the Hebrew. The word “rosh” can refer to the beginning, but also to the sum or totality, suggesting that truth is found not merely in isolated verses but in the complete testimony of Scripture.

This principle safeguards against misinterpretation. Individual verses or passages must be interpreted in light of the entire revelation of Scripture. As Paul instructed Timothy, we must be diligent to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), comparing Scripture with Scripture.

This concept aligns with Paul’s instruction about “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13). The Holy Spirit teaches by connecting related truths across Scripture, revealing patterns that might not be apparent from any single passage alone.

The Psalmist continues: “and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.” This affirms the eternal nature of God’s Word. Unlike opinions or cultural standards which change over time, God’s Word remains permanently relevant and authoritative because it originates from the unchanging God who declares, “I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

This eternal quality means we cannot dismiss portions of Scripture as outdated without effectively taking away from what God has declared to be perpetually valid. While specific applications may vary according to covenant contexts, the underlying spiritual principles remain consistently true.

This principle has practical implications for handling difficult or seemingly contradictory passages. Instead of dismissing such texts, we should see them as invitations to deeper study. Jesus demonstrated this approach when confronting temptation in the wilderness. When Satan quoted Scripture, Jesus responded not by rejecting the quoted passage but by bringing additional Scriptures to bear, saying “It is written again” (Matthew 4:7).

Understanding that “The sum of thy word is truth” reveals why both adding to and taking away from Scripture distort its message. Adding introduces elements that conflict with the harmonious whole, while taking away creates gaps in the complete picture God intends us to see.

All Scripture is Given by Inspiration of God

Paul’s declaration provides another foundational principle: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This passage establishes both the source and purpose of Scripture.

The phrase “given by inspiration of God” comes from a single Greek word, “theopneustos” (Strong’s G2315), literally meaning “God-breathed.” This vivid term conveys that Scripture originates from God Himself—it is His very breath expressed in written form. This connects to creation, where “God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). Just as the Word brought creation into existence, He has breathed forth His Word to us, explaining its purity.

Significantly, Paul states that “all scripture” bears this quality. This comprehensive statement leaves no room for selecting which parts we consider inspired and which we might dismiss. When we understand that all Scripture is God-breathed, we must receive the whole counsel of God.

Scripture is “profitable” for four specific purposes:

1. Doctrine (teaching) – establishing what we are to believe about God
2. Reproof – revealing where we have strayed from God’s path
3. Correction – showing how to return to the right path
4. Instruction in righteousness – teaching how to live rightly before God

These functions work together toward the ultimate purpose: “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The word “perfect” (artios, Strong’s G739) means complete or fully prepared. Scripture thoroughly equips us for every good work, explaining why additions are unnecessary and dangerous—God has already provided everything we need.

This connects with Jesus’ statement that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Just as our physical bodies require a complete diet, our spiritual lives depend on the entire Word of God.

Since Scripture originates from God, we cannot interpret it according to our preferences. As Peter warns, “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). We must approach Scripture with humility, recognizing that spiritual discernment comes through the Holy Spirit, who “teach[es] you all things” (John 14:26).

Historical Examples of Adding to or Taking Away from Scripture

Scripture contains numerous examples of the dangers that result from modifying God’s Word. As Paul noted, “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4). These accounts provide practical insight into how these errors manifest.

In the wilderness, the Israelites demonstrated taking away from God’s Word by repeatedly ignoring portions of His commands. When Moses was on Mount Sinai, the people requested Aaron to make gods to go before them (Exodus 32:1), violating God’s command against idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5). The resulting judgment was severe, “And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.” (Exodus 32:28)

The prophet Balaam initially delivered God’s message to Balak faithfully, but later compromised by teaching Balak how to entice Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16). Revelation identifies this as “the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel” (Revelation 2:14). By adding his own counsel to God’s message, Balaam caused great harm.

During the Judges period, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25), substituting their judgment for God’s commandments. The book demonstrates the tragic consequences of this approach.

By Christ’s time, religious leaders had developed elaborate traditions placed alongside Scripture. Jesus confronted this error: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13). These additions effectively nullified certain commandments, particularly regarding care for parents (Mark 7:9-12).

The early church faced similar challenges when certain teachers added requirements beyond those established by Scripture, teaching “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). This prompted the Jerusalem Council, which affirmed salvation through grace alone (Acts 15:11).

Paul later confronted different errors in Colosse, where false teachers promoted “philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8). These included restrictions not found in Scripture: “Touch not; taste not; handle not” (Colossians 2:21). Paul identified these as “commandments and doctrines of men” lacking true spiritual value.

These examples reveal a consistent pattern: whether adding to or taking away from God’s Word, the result is spiritual corruption. Church history beyond the biblical record shows similar patterns, as various groups have either added extra-biblical writings or removed portions deemed offensive or difficult. In each case, the result has been distortion of God’s truth.

Modern Applications and Dangers

Understanding these biblical warnings has profound implications for us today. We face many contemporary temptations to modify God’s Word.

Many add to Scripture by elevating traditions or denominational practices to the level of biblical authority. While traditions aren’t inherently wrong, they become problematic when treated as equally binding as Scripture. Jesus addressed this: “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3).

Another form of addition occurs through embracing extra-biblical teachings that claim equal authority with Scripture. Paul warned about this: “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

Similarly, interpreting Scripture through worldly philosophies can introduce foreign elements. Paul cautioned: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8). When cultural values determine our understanding of Scripture rather than Scripture shaping our view of culture, we effectively add to God’s Word.

Taking away from Scripture happens when we dismiss certain passages as culturally bound or selectively emphasize comfortable teachings while minimizing challenging ones. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

Modern scholarship sometimes questions the reliability of certain passages, suggesting our understanding stands in judgment over God’s Word. This subtly diminishes Scripture’s authority, forgetting that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Perhaps most commonly, we take away from Scripture through simple neglect. When we fail to engage with God’s Word entirely, portions cease to influence our thinking and living, unlike the Psalmist who declared: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

These modifications lead to serious spiritual consequences:

1. Diminished spiritual discernment
2. Vulnerability to deception
3. Compromised relationship with God
4. Loss of spiritual effectiveness
5. Confusion and division among believers

Rather than modifying Scripture to fit our understanding, we need Scripture to modify us. As Paul instructed, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This transformation occurs as we approach Scripture with humility, allowing God’s pure Word to work internally.

Preserving the Purity of God’s Word in Our Hearts

Maintaining Scripture’s purity begins with our internal approach. As Jesus taught, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), indicating that the true battlefield lies in our hearts and minds.

The first essential step is approaching God’s Word with genuine humility. Isaiah described the attitude God honors: “to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). This reverent respect acknowledges Scripture’s authority over our opinions and preferences.

This humble approach leads to dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding. Jesus promised, “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). Rather than relying solely on intellectual abilities, we must seek the Spirit’s illumination, recognizing that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture’s complete testimony provides another safeguard. When we consistently study the whole counsel of God, comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13), we become sensitive to distortions or omissions. The Bereans exemplified this practice, as they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Internalizing God’s Word helps us more readily notice alterations. The Psalmist valued this: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). This provides an internal reference point against which we can compare all teaching.

We must cultivate willingness to obey what Scripture teaches, even when uncomfortable. Jesus established this connection between obedience and understanding: “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17). Partial obedience subtly takes away from Scripture by treating some commands as optional.

Community provides another safeguard. Paul instructed Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2), establishing a pattern that protects against individual distortions. When we humbly submit our understanding to mature believers, we reduce the risk of adding personal ideas to Scripture.

Regular self-examination regarding our handling of Scripture remains essential. Paul encouraged Timothy to be “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5) This requires vigilance against tendencies to modify God’s Word based on preferences or cultural influences.

Finally, preserving Scripture’s purity requires trusting God’s sovereignty over our understanding. Solomon instructs, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). When Scripture presents difficult truths, we must remember that God’s thoughts transcend ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and trust that apparent contradictions resolve in His perfect wisdom.

Through these practices, we fulfill the pattern of Ezra, who “had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10). This three-fold commitment—seeking God’s Word, doing it, and teaching it faithfully—preserves Scripture’s purity across generations.

Conclusion

Throughout this study, we have explored the critical importance of maintaining God’s Word in its purity, neither adding to nor taking away from what He has spoken. We began with the declaration from Proverbs that “Every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5), establishing the perfect nature of Scripture as our starting point. The Psalmist’s insight that “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalm 119:160 ASV) reminded us that Scripture must be received in its totality for its full truth to be grasped. Paul’s testimony that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16) further confirmed that Scripture originates not from our minds but from God Himself.

Historical examples from Israel in the wilderness to the Pharisees demonstrated the consistent pattern—adding to or taking away from God’s Word invariably leads to spiritual error and vulnerability to deception. These biblical accounts serve as warnings, showing that even seemingly small modifications can create openings for more serious deviations from truth. The modern applications and dangers we examined revealed how these same tendencies manifest in our contemporary context, often in subtle ways that require vigilance to identify.

Finally, we explored practical approaches to preserving Scripture’s purity in our hearts, recognizing that this preservation begins internally as we humble ourselves before God’s Word, depend on His Spirit, and commit to receiving the full testimony of Scripture. These practices protect us from the ever-present temptation to modify God’s Word according to our preferences or cultural pressures.

The implications of this study extend beyond mere academic understanding. How we approach Scripture directly affects our relationship with God, our spiritual discernment, and our effectiveness in representing Christ to the world. When we add to or take away from God’s Word, we distort the very means by which He reveals Himself to us and through which He transforms us. Conversely, when we receive His Word in its purity, we position ourselves to experience its full life-giving power, as Jesus declared, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Let us therefore approach Scripture with the reverence it deserves, carefully guarding against both additions and subtractions. In doing so, we follow the example of Jesus, who consistently upheld the complete authority of God’s Word, declaring, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). May we likewise value every word God has spoken, treating Scripture not as raw material to be shaped according to our preferences but as the pure revelation of God that shapes us according to His perfect will.