Under Gods command

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 8:14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. 

What makes nations great? Since all men came from Adam and are of the same blood, why are differences among the nations so obvious and so great (Gen 3:20; Acts 17:26)?

How are some nations known for counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength? Why do they have a reputation among other nations as being superior by these measures?

The answer is very simple, and it has more impact on national power and prosperity than all the factors that men can imagine combined. It is the degree of God’s wisdom in a nation. And where is that wisdom found? In the Bible, the inspired revelation from God!

Proverbs chapter eight is a long personification of wisdom as a woman. Lady Wisdom introduces herself (Pr 8:1-11), lists the blessings of wisdom (Pr 8:12-21), describes God’s use of wisdom in creating the universe (Pr 8:22-31), and concludes (Pr 8:32-36).

It is an error of interpretation to miss the context of this book and the figure of speech here and think Solomon wrote a mystical sermon about Jesus Christ. It helps to see his similar personifications of wisdom in other places (Pr 1:20-33; 3:13-20; 4:13; 9:1-12).

The context of Proverbs 8:14 is the wealth and power of nations, for Lady Wisdom continued on with clear descriptions of political prosperity and success. She described blessing of justice for kings, princes, nobles, and judges of the earth (Pr 8:15-16).

The counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength here are the knowledge, prudence, freedom, liberty, inventions, advances, enlightenment, and power that some nations have and others do not have. These are intellectual, moral, and spiritual virtues.

Men have wondered for centuries at the greatness of some nations and the ignorance and poverty of others. Adam Smith (1723-1790) thought he had identified some important factors, and his book, “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,” published in the curious year of 1776, is still considered an important thesis to this day.

However, he and all other natural men lacking spiritual understanding overlook the most influential factor for the successes and destinies of nations. The decrees and providence of Almighty God are the primary reasons for the differences in all created beings, including nations (I Chron 29:10-13; Ps 33:12; 75:6-7; Isaiah 10:5-15; 45:9-10; Jer 18:1-10; Amos 3:2; Dan 2:20-22; 4:17; 5:18-21; Rom 9:21-24; I Cor 4:7; Rev 17:17).

There are also practical reasons. When a nation rejects God’s word, He will destroy that nation (Lev 18:24-30; 22:20-26; 26:14-39; Deut 28:15-68; Ps 9:17). When a nation fears God and the Bible, He will bless (Lev 26:1-13,40-46; Deut 28:1-14; Ps 33:12-22; 89:15-18; 144:11-15). The ancient difference between Israel and Egypt is remarkable, as God protected and prospered His people, while they plundered their Egyptian oppressors!

Then Israel took the cities, moved into the furnished houses, drank from the wells, and used the vineyards of the seven nations of Canaan (Deut 6:10-12; Josh 24:11-13)! God annihilated seven nations and blessed Israel to take their place based on obedience to His words. And such profound political wisdom is not taught in any university in the world.

The United States of America developed almost overnight from a few poor settlers on a wild continent to the wisest and most powerful nation on earth for one basic reason – the word of God was preached and obeyed more than any other nation since Israel under Moses or under godly kings like David or Hezekiah.

The pagan Indians, which could not read, write, calculate, build, or imagine a wheel, could only watch the progress, unable to even comprehend the witty inventions and conventions brought by the white men to their continent. Before America, there was England, where God’s word was published, read, and obeyed widely among its people.

These two nations were miracles after the Dark Ages that had blinded and enslaved Europe for over a thousand years, for they had greater counsel in their homes and public deliberations, wisdom in their courts and schools, understanding in their government and laws, and strength in their economies and militaries than any other nation.

The sun never set on the worldwide British Empire, which was ruled from a small island of the sea with only a small population. America turned a wilderness into the most free, productive, prosperous, and peaceful nation on earth in a few decades, which could when called upon fight wars against multiple enemies on multi-fronts without fear of defeat.

But now, with both nations in full-blown decline, the reason is just as obvious – they have forsaken the God of their fathers and His word. Both nations legislate and promote wickedness from abortion to same-sex marriages, from labor unions to bankruptcy protection, from pagan holidays to excluding prayer from schools, from cesspool entertainment to Godless education, and from neutered authority to confused civil rights.

Most of the churches that remain are dead with ritual, alive with Charismatic nonsense, or compromising as fast as they can to attract the unregenerate and worldly. Both nations religiously are in the throes of the perilous times of the last days (II Tim 3:1 – 4:4). The reason the collapse has not fully occurred yet is for the righteous remnant still in them and their prayers (Gen 18:23-33; Jer 29:4-7; I Tim 2:1-2). Pray for the peace of Babylon!

Each year and each election shows further decline into the abyss of confusion, ignorance, folly, and moral depravity. Counsel, wisdom, and understanding cannot be found. Financial integrity and wealth are nearly gone. Military strength is only a fraction of what it was. Its homes and institutions are jokes compared to previous generations. The proverb before you has never had a better illustration than Israel, England, and America.

For further enlightenment from this inspired rule of political wisdom and prosperity, compare the nations of the earth in any generation. Measure their general religious practice by faithfulness to the Bible or its principles, and then quantify their overall counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength. There is a lesson for you to learn.

How do Catholic nations compare to Protestant nations? How do Muslim nations compare to Christian nations, even if the Christianity is mostly in form and name? What about those nations practicing Buddhism, Hinduism, animism, ancestor worship, voodoo, and so forth? Differences in counsel, wisdom, understanding and strength are obvious.

Reader! You can personally grow in counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength by taking heed to God’s word yourself (Ps 1:1-6; 19:7-11; 119:1-176). You can have the certain words of truth to give to those who ask you any question (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15). You can also build a family tree from children trained in the words of Lady Wisdom.

The Bible is God’s gift of wisdom to His children, and it is your gravest duty and most glorious privilege to read it, meditate upon it, memorize it, promote it, defend it, and obey it. It is the only light in a dark world (Ps 119:128; Is 8:20; I Tim 6:3-5; II Pet 1:19-21). It can and will make you wise, if you will read it and attend to the faithful preaching of it.

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

What is casual sex? It is the way to hell! It will take you down to death! There is nothing casual about dying early and going to hell! Someone is lying to you about a fatal danger.

Why do they call it casual sex? Because they do it like hyenas without the love, morality, and commitment of marriage. Inferior to prostitution, it even lacks money compensation!

Why do they call it playing, partying, or having an affair? They feel euphemisms make their sins more acceptable. They hate real words with defined meanings like adultery, fornication, sodomy, or whoremonger, Bible words found in laws of civilized nations.

How casual are death and hell? They are man’s worst nightmares! Reader, the whole world is lying to you about the consequences of sex outside of marriage. Hate their lies! Hate their lifestyles! Hate their movies and music! God and Solomon have warned you.

The feminine pronoun “her” is the strange woman, the adulteress and whore of the parable here (Pr 7:6-23). After introducing the subject of sexual sins to his son (Pr 7:1-5), Solomon described at length a young man seduced into adultery by a cunning woman. He then concluded by begging his children to consider the terrible danger (Pr 7:24-27).

He warned his children that whorish women have wounded many men and destroyed many strong men (Pr 7:26). Think Samson and his horrible end. Think David and the painful consequences for adultery with Bathsheba. Think Solomon! Only the strongest men, like Joseph, can resist the powerful seduction of the adulteress (Pr 23:27-28).

What is the cure? Do not think about her (Pr 7:25)! Do not go near her (Pr 7:25)! Sexual sins begin with the eyes (Pr 6:25; Matt 5:28), form a plan in the mind (Job 31:1; II Sam 13:1-2), and then pursue the action (Pr 5:8; 7:8). All sin works this way (Jas 1:13-16). The adulteress cannot entice or hurt you, if you never think about her or get near her.

Can adultery kill you? Yes! Think capital punishment (in a moral nation), her jealous spouse, your jealous spouse, sexual diseases, blinded judgment, suicide from guilt, etc.

Can adultery kill you? Yes! There are other ways to die. Think of a destroyed soul, ruined reputation, lost job, wasted money, violated marriage, offended children, illegitimate children, painful guilt, sexual bondage, hated memories, and other living deaths! Even the world knows to blame the wasted and worn-out look of sinners on their hard living!

Can adultery take you to hell? Yes! If hell is the grave, the place where the dead are buried, it can take you there, as you just read (Ps 16:10; 18:5; 55:15; 86:13; 116:3).

Can adultery take you to hell? Yes! If hell is the lake of fire, the place of eternal torment, adultery can take you there as well (I Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3-7; Rev 21:8).

If casual sex is this dangerous, why no public warning about the death and hell behind the eyes, smiles, kisses, and embrace of a seductive woman? Because the devil and the world have conspired together to lie to you, and your sin nature loves to believe their lies.

Why no warning in the news? In the schools? In the military? Because it is not popular in a sin-obsessed and sex-addicted generation, and the guiding principles that now reign are popular approval, political correctness, serving pleasure, and rejecting God and the Bible.

But why no strong warnings in the large popular churches? For the same reasons above, for these worldly churches operate by the same principles – popular approval to keep the crowd coming, political correctness, serving pleasure, and rejecting the God of the Bible.

There is a warning! You are reading it. God and Solomon warned four times in Proverbs about death and hell for casual sex (Pr 2:18-19; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18). Get away from any whorish woman, and stay away from her. And the same applies to male whoremongers.

Does casual sex have pleasure? Sin has pleasure, and the Bible admits it – short pleasure for only a season (Heb 11:24-26; Job 20:5). The pleasure of casual sex lasts seconds, minutes, or hours; but the consequences last years, the rest of your life, or all eternity. There is no comparison. Samson’s minutes with a conniving and gold digging Delilah were not worth his years blind and grinding for the Philistines before committing suicide.

The best sexual pleasure is for a Christian husband and wife following the wisdom of Proverbs and the rest of the Bible. Their God created the male and female bodies, invented sex, and wrote the manual for its ultimate pleasure. If you doubt this, read Solomon’s love song in the Bible. If you have not experienced it yourself, read it again!

Parent, do you warn your children about sexual sins as boldly and plainly as Solomon did his children? Or are you too spiritually minded, puritanical, fearful, or naïve to line up with God and His word, missing the fact that the world hits them harder than any previous generation? If you are a mother, get real like godly women (Pr 6:20-26; 31:1-3).

There is another kind of whore. False churches are called whores in the Bible, and joining their worship is spiritual adultery and fornication (Ex 34:15-16; II Cor 11:1-4; Jas 4:4; Rev 2:20-22; 17:1-6). Get away from them, and stay away, for those that join them end up in the congregation of the dead and then hellfire forever (Pr 21:16; Rev 3:1; 14:9-11).

If your church and pastor do not preach hard against sexual sins, then you need a new church or pastor (Is 58:1; Jer 23:28-29; II Tim 4:3-4; Heb 13:4). It is a sign of the perilous times of the last days that Christians live and sound like the world (II Tim 3:1-5). If your pastor does preach like he should, then encourage him and pray for him.

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 6:17: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

God hates seven things, and here are three (Pr 6:16-19). Solomon had just written, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:” (Pr 6:16). For success and wisdom in your life, you must get any aspect of these sins out of your life.

Pride, lying, and murder are accepted today (keep on reading), but they are an abomination to the LORD. He has not changed; He will never change. If you want the God of the Bible against you, allow one or more of these sins in your life (Ps 47:2; 66:3-5; 68:35; 99:3). If you want Him for you with blessing and favor, then hate these sins.

Corrupt societies try to outlaw hatred, but God still hates sin and sinners (Ps 5:5; 11:5; Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8). Do not deceive yourself. The God of heaven is not the senile old man painted by Michelangelo for popes and cardinals. He is angry at the wicked every day (Ps 7:11). And He will soon cast His enemies into hell (Ps 9:17; Matt 7:23; Rev 20:11-15).

Before excusing yourself from this proverb, remember three things. First, God hates more than seven sins – He hates all sins and sinners (Ps 5:4-6; 11:4-6). Second, the application is very broad and includes much more than you may think (Ps 119:96; Matt 5:21-22). And third, you will soon give a full account to God about these sins (Eccl 12:13-14).

The right meaning is important, or the self-righteous try to escape (Neh 8:8). When the Bible condemns a proud look, a lying tongue, and murdering hands, it intends more than a sinful face, speech, or actions. It includes every associated sin that would fall under that general category. For example, a lying email without spoken words is also condemned.

The LORD hates a proud look! He cannot stand any kind of pride in angels or men. He cast Satan and his angels out of heaven for pride (Is 14:12-15; I Tim 3:6; Jude 1:6). He hates self-esteem, strife, haughty thoughts, self-promotion, proud anger, an irreligious life, selfishness, boasting, conceited eyes, and stubbornness among other sins (Pr 13:10; 14:3; 21:24; 25:27; 26:16; 30:17; Ps 10:2-6; Is 2:11-12; Rom 12:3; Gal 6:3; II Tim 3:1-5).

The LORD hates a lying tongue! He loves truth, and He hates all deception. The devil is the father of lies, and his children are just like him (John 8:44; Eph 2:1-3). Liars are going to hell (Rev 21:8; 22:15). God hates exaggeration, fraud, misrepresentation, false witnessing, slander, haggling, flattery, silence under oath, and jesting among other sins of lying (Pr 10:18; 12:22; 19:5; 20:14,23; 26:18-19,28; Ex 23:1; Deut 19:16-21; Job 17:5).

The LORD hates murderous hands! He loves life, for He is the living God, and He gives life and breath to all (Gen 2:7; Is 42:5; Acts 17:25). Life is sacred, not because man is special, but because God created it and defends it. He demands capital punishment for murder (Gen 9:6), and anyone disagreeing is a fool. The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and so are his children, who are all going to hell (John 8:44; Rev 21:8; 22:15).

God hates abortion, backbiting, bitterness, debate, envy, grudges, malice, manslaughter, negligent homicide, strife, foolish anger, neglecting child discipline, railing, foolish killing of animals, ignoring cries for help, lack of mercy, wrath, withholding capital punishment, and talebearing as other sins of murder (Pr 12:20; 13:24; 22:6-7; 23:13-14; 31:8-9; Ex 21:22-25,28-29; Deut 22:6-8; Matt 5:21-26; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 4:31-32).

God’s word is to be interpreted and applied broadly (Matt 5:27-32; Luke 10:29-37). Its demands go far beyond the limitations your heart wishes were on them. These are things God hates, and yet they are hardly preached against today. Seeker sensitive types want you to think all is well. But you can see there might be one or two sins that condemn you! You need to get them out of your life and then teach these things to your children.

Is it fair to say pride is accepted today? Definitely! Psychologists, educators, and pastors exalt self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence as cures for most relational problems, which are nothing more than psycho-babble terms for a naïve, selfish adoration of self. This is just one example of pride being accepted today. True Christianity is the opposite – the love of others over self (Matt 22:39; Rom 12:10; Eph 5:21; Phil 2:3-4; II Tim 3:1-2)!

Is it fair to say lying is accepted today? Definitely! Politicians make promises they have not calculated or never intend to keep. If caught in a moral or political error, they will spin words to avoid guilt. Legalese is a term sometimes used to describe lawyers playing with words (Luke 10:29). Have you ever haggled with a seller by pointing out flaws in the merchandise and then later boasted about getting the item at a low price (Pr 20:14)?

Is it fair to say murder is accepted today? Definitely! Anger or name-calling without a righteous cause is murder (Matt 5:21-22). Any abortion for any cause is murder (Ex 21:22-25). If strict child discipline can save them from an untimely death, then its neglect is a form of murder (Pr 23:13-14). Backbiting, talebearing, and whispering are means of destroying another’s reputation, which is a form of taking a life (Pr 18:8; 26:22; 12:18).

Reader! You are condemned! David put it this way, “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (Ps 130:3.) Even David, God’s favorite, knew He was in trouble if God held his sins against him. If God marked and recorded all sins, then every man is doomed to eternal judgment. And He does just that. He will show you every violation of this proverb in a day fast approaching (Eccl 12:13-14; Rev 20:11-15).

But that is not the end of the story, for David wrote next, “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (Ps 130:4). Without forgiveness, God would be unapproachable; but there is mercy for those that call upon Him, which only the elect will ever do (John 3:19; 5:40; 6:44; 8:45). Faith is the result of predestination (Acts 13:48), for man by nature has only disgust and rebellion for the gospel (I Cor 1:18-24; 2:14).

God chose to forgive His elect before the world began by ordaining Jesus Christ to die as a substitute for them (Jn 6:38-39; 10:26-29; 17:2; Rom 5:6-21; 8:29-39; Eph 1:3-11; I Pet 1:20). God owes mercy and love to none; He gives it only to those He chooses (Ex 33:19; Rom 9:15). If you love Him, He loved you first (I John 4:19). By hating these three sins for His sake, your virtuous life by faith proves your election (II Pet 1:5-11; Ps 15:1-5).

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 5:14 – I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”    

Are you a hypocrite? God and King Solomon send you a warning to keep you back from this great sin you will have to explain in the Day of Judgment (Eccl 12:13-14). They want you to take good advantage of attending church rather than it becoming an additional sin.

Are you a sexual hypocrite? Do you attend public worship of God while guilty of sexual sins or while allowing sexual fantasies against God’s laws for love, marriage, and sex? Sexual sinners will cry in this life and the next for having committed such a crime.

Hypocrite! Holding sins while pretending to worship. Hypocrite! Privately loving sin and publicly honoring religion. Hypocrite! Singing and praying with lips, while savoring lusts in the heart. Hypocrite! Visiting a holy God with an unholy soul. Hypocrite! Knowing God yet allowing the very sins He hates. The soul pain of a religious fornicator is great!

Scorner! Do you come into the house of God, where He is exalted and praised, and where His laws are read and explained, and then go your way to continue in sexual sins, either of the mind or body? You are a fool and scorner! You mock your Creator and teachers to keep your favorite sexual fantasies or activities. This error will come back to haunt you.

God burned up Nadab and Abihu, though His chosen priests, for using new incense in His worship (Lev 10:1-2). God killed Uzzah for touching the Ark when it shook in transit (II Sam 6:6-7). God gave King Uzziah leprosy in his face for thinking he could perform a priestly function (II Chr 26:16-21). Yet you go into God’s church with secret sexual sins!

Solomon in this chapter warned his son and children of the sin of adultery (Pr 5:1-2,7). By the desirable, and seemingly innocent, enticement of a strange woman (Pr 5:3), a foolish man is brought down to destruction and misery (Pr 5:4-10). When the sin has worked its course, he cannot believe his folly at rejecting the warnings (Pr 5:11-13). In the words before you, he admitted one of the greatest agonies of all – religious hypocrisy!

In the place where men go for comfort and peace – the church, he was tortured with fear, guilt, and shame. Knowing God and His hatred for sin pounding his conscience, he tried to worship, while addicted to his enslaving sin (Pr 5:22). The internal conflict was great – his new man crying against the old – the Spirit convicting against the lustful thoughts of the devil. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

At times, a sinning saint might wish he had not known the way of truth. Worldlings have no such pains. They sin with abandon. Their conscience is so seared as to be quite silent. The sinning saint knows such deadness is that of an atheist, which he cannot be, no matter how hard he might try. The praise of the righteous, the joy of the faithful, and the reading of Scripture are goading pains. This is the agony of a religious hypocrite!

How did it begin? Playing with a small attractive sin! He allowed exposure to the most alluring temptation for a man – another woman. Her flattery enticed him (Pr 5:3). Then his lusts had the idea that taking her offer of intimacy would bring great pleasure (Jas 1:14-15). But as quickly as the thought of pleasure came, it disappeared just as quickly, after he had damned his soul with the hated act. His conscience was now condemned!

How will he excuse his sin to God? How! He had been privileged in life to have a church where the truth was taught and godly virtue exalted, including sexual purity and integrity. But in spite of the blessed privilege, he had allowed and indulged his pet sexual sins. Now his conscience chases and tortures him – reminding him of countless warnings that he ignored and squandered. Soon he must explain his folly to the dread Judge of all.

Reader, keep your heart with all diligence (Pr 4:23). God hates hypocrisy. He wants your heart, all of it. He does not care about your lips, if your heart is not all His first. He does not care about your attendance, if you think approvingly about sin. Men who pray in public with eyes full of adultery are marked for the darker regions of hell (II Pet 2:13-19). God seeks the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Forsake your sins!

Any lukewarm approach to religion, in public or private, is repulsive to God. He would rather have you cold than lukewarm (Rev 3:14-15). Jesus Christ will spew you out of His mouth for being lukewarm (Rev 3:16). He rebuked Ephesus for having lost their first love (Rev 2:1-5). Hate your lukewarm heart. Hate your self-righteousness, just because you may not be guilty of any sexual sins. Do not despise others while you are a sinner.

Use God’s assemblies to humbly hear His word to condemn the sins in your life (Jas 1:21-25). Go into the house of God to be corrected (Ps 63:1-2; 73:16-22). If your pastor does not condemn sin plainly and powerfully from scripture, you need a new pastor or church (Is 58:1; Jer 23:28-29; Matt 5:19-20; II Tim 4:3-4). Do not drag in. Prepare. Pray. Participate. You will answer to God for every assembly you were privileged to attend.

Self-righteous woman! Have you read this warning with disdain for such foolish men and with joy at the tormenting consequences of their sin? Your wickedness is worse, for you have no conscience, nor is there much hope of your recovery. You have already drowned in the self-flattering deceit and pride of your wicked heart and simple mind. If you can find even a twinge of conscience, confess your arrogant presumption before it is gone.

Monogamous man and loyal woman! Do not think you escape the warning. Hypocrisy can occur with any sin – and all are equal to God. Neglecting or defrauding a spouse is like adultery. You owe your spouse great sex, whenever, however, and wherever they like it (I Cor 7:1-5; Pr 5:19). Backbiting and whispering are variations on murder. James warned that one sin is guilt of all before God (Jas 2:10). Any hypocrisy is a horrible sin.

This proverb has warned young men. You will face this horrible agony and misery of conscience, if you play at all with whorish women, whether by pictures, words, activities, or thoughts. Get away from them! There is no greater temptation than the strange woman, and she will take you all the way down to death and hell (Pr 2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18).

However, God is merciful to the repentant (II Sam 12:13; Matt 21:31-32). At His right hand sits the Lord Jesus Christ, the great and only High Priest of the Christian religion (Heb 3:1; 8:1). He was tempted to sin, including sexual sins, just like other men (Heb 2:17-28; 4:15-16; 5:1-6), but He never sinned. He can and will intercede for you to God.

Hypocrite, have you learned it is hard to repent? Have you learned you cannot break the bondage of sexual addiction (Pr 5:22-23)? Only if God possibly gives you repentance can you be delivered from the devil (II Tim 2:25-26). What can you do? Run from your lusts (Pr 5:8; II Tim 2:22)! Run to Christ (Luke 7:36-50)! Beg God for mercy (Luke 18:9-14)!

Under Gods Command

Malachi 1:11-13 My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun.  In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my will be great among the nations, “says the LORD Almighty.  “But you profane it by saying of the Lord’s table, ‘It is defiled, ‘ and of its food, ‘It is contemptible, And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the LORD Almighty. 

Worship was a “burden” to these priests.  Too many think that following God is supposed to make life easy and more comfortable.  They are looking for a God of convenience.  The truth is that it often takes hard work to live by God’s high standards.

Lets Bring it Home: He may call us to face poverty or suffering. But if serving God is more important to us than anything else, what we must give up is of little importance compared to what we gain- eternal life with God

Under Gods Command 

Proverbs 2:03  and if you call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding,      

Do you pray for wisdom? It is the ability of good judgment, so you can know what to do in any situation. The true and living God has all wisdom, and He gives it to those who ask. Greatness and success before God and men was never so easy. What hinders you?

When did you last pray for wisdom? If you do not ask, He will not give it. You will live ignorantly and foolishly, reaping the painful and negative consequences of such living, all because you were too lazy or too proud to ask. Get over it. Beg for wisdom today.

Do you passionately pray for it? Study may make a scholar, but only prayer will make a great saint. Much reading may increase learning, but only the Spirit’s revelation gives wisdom. If you need wisdom, crave it from your knees; and from your knees beg the God of Solomon. He blessed Solomon above all men, and He can bless you above your peers.

The Preacher, King Solomon, was in the middle of exhorting his son to several duties necessary to gaining wisdom (Pr 2:1-9). This verse exhorted him, and exhorts you, to pray fervently for it. Here is no bland request for wisdom, but rather a desperate, passionate, and zealous cry for it. Cry out for it! Lift up your voice for it! Get intense!

God chose to operate in certain areas by request only, so James wrote, “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (Jas 4:2). Unless you ask and beg for certain things, God will let you live without them. He has made it easy for you to ask Him, as your Father (Luke 11:9-13).  Could it be that your deficiency in wisdom is due to having seldom prayed for it?

Wisdom is something you should ask for (Jas 1:5). If you want more wisdom, God will hear and answer your request liberally. Glory! What a precious promise! Especially in the light of wisdom’s importance taught in Proverbs.  He will give it liberally and not criticize you for your insistent and frequent requests. You may covet wisdom freely.

But you must ask in faith, fully confident of God’s ability and willingness to help you, or you will receive nothing from Him (Jas 1:6-8). Reject and forget any thoughts to the contrary, just as Abraham ignored all the problems with having a son by Sarah in old age. Without faith it is impossible to please God, the great Giver of wisdom (Heb 11:6).

God offered Solomon any request and greatly blessed his desire for wisdom. He also gave him things he did not request (II Chr 1:7-12). But you have the same heavenly offer! Why do you not request it as he did (Matt 7:7-11; 11:24; 18:19; John 14:13-14)? Daniel also prayed for wisdom and received it liberally (Dan 2:16-19; 5:11; 9:20-23; 10:10-21).

Be bold! Pray for extra wisdom. You will not offend the Giver, Who offered liberally. Elijah was a great prophet. John the Baptist, the greatest man born of a woman, came in his spirit and power (Luke 1:17). Before Elijah was carried into heaven, he offered Elisha any petition. What did he ask? Twice the spirit of Elijah! And he got it (II Kgs 2:9-15)!

This is the simplest way to be great in the sight of God and men – ask God for wisdom! Remember, it is wisdom that crowns a man and brings him honor (Pr 4:5-9). There is nothing in the world to be compared to wisdom (Pr 3:13-18; 8:11; 16:16). It will distinguish you from others and bring rich blessings from God and men in many ways.

Noble men will have holy reasons for seeking wisdom. Consider the psalmist’s prayer for God to give him understanding in the word of God and truth (Ps 119:11,18,26-27,34,73,125). Paul prayed for saints to get wisdom by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:15-20; Col 1:9-11), and the Holy Spirit is something for which you ought also to pray (Luke 11:13).

If you will not rightly value wisdom and ask God for it, you should tremble before Him, for He may judge you with blindness, as He has most men (Matt 11:25-27; 13:10-17; II Thess 2:9-12; John 9:39-41). There is no shame admitting you are a child in wisdom, like Solomon did and the Lord described, for God will richly bless this spirit of humility.

Jesus grew in wisdom and stature before God and men (Luke 2:52; Matt 13:54). It is certain He prayed for it, for His human nature required God’s blessing of wisdom like yours (Luke 6:12; 9:28; 22:39-45). But His prayers exceeded yours, and God’s blessing exceeded all, so that Jesus could truly say, “A greater than Solomon is here” (Mat 12:42).

When you ask God for wisdom for yourself, remember to ask for other sincere believers that also desire and need wisdom. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed this way for the apostles (John 14:15-17). And Paul repeated the favor for the churches (Eph 1:15-19; Col 1:9-11). If you pray for your family and friends, and they for you, what an increase there will be!

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 31:26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

Great women have wise and kind speech. A virtuous woman is gracious in word and deed, and she is always admired and honored (Pr 11:16; 31:28). Her family and others praise her, and she benefits all those around her by the gentle and helpful things she says.

An odious woman, the kind of woman the earth cannot stand (Pr 30:21-23), is known by foolish and critical speech (Pr 9:13; 21:19). Her husband cannot get away from her (Pr 25:24), and he cannot hide his marital shame in public due to her mouth (Pr 27:15-16).

This proverb reminds women how they can enhance their reputations and contributions to those around them. But God gave it for another reason. It is an excellent prerequisite for young men to look for in finding a great woman for marriage. Young man, pay attention.

Here is one of the defining marks of good and bad women – how do they talk? What is their speech like? A virtuous woman is always careful, discreet, and helpful with what she says. And she seldom says anything harsh, negative, or sarcastic; she is gracious. This is not rocket science, and it usually only takes a few minutes to make a correct judgment.

King Lemuel’s mother taught him how to find a great wife (Pr 31:1,10). The rule taught by this proverb is of great value for all men. Instead of looking at women, listen to them! Looking will deceive you by the temptation of their bodies and eyes (Pr 6:25; 31:30), but listening more accurately reveals character (Pr 14:7; Eccl 10:3,12-14; Matt 12:34-37).

What precious wisdom! Many men have been seduced into marital hell and years of frustration and pain by marrying a body and forgetting what noise it could make every day for the rest of its life. You have seen these women and their husbands, and it should cause grief for him and anger at her. When God inspired a king’s mother to give wise advice like this for finding a queen, you should give it deep and long consideration.

A great woman worth marrying speaks wisely. She does not argue or give her opinion until it is asked for. She does not respond emotionally. She does not cackle or laugh. She does not jest or poke. She does not complain or pout. She uses her mouth to spread wisdom (Pr 1:8; 6:20; 15:7; 20:15). She does talk: she feeds many by sober answers with certain words of truth (Pr 11:30; 22:17-21). She only makes a noise when it helps others.

She knows the right words for any occasion (Pr 10:32; 24:26). She would never sing songs to a heavy heart (Pr 25:20). She has warnings for the unruly, comfort for the feebleminded, support for the weak, and patience toward all (I Thess 5:14). Criticism is only when necessary, and then only a pinch, and then only with grace (Col 4:6). Her words instruct others in the pure faith of the gospel and direct them upward toward God.

She is cautious and only speaks after studying her answer to a question or situation (Pr 15:28; 18:13). She says only what is needed and holds the rest in reserve (Pr 29:11). Her words are appreciated, esteemed, and sought for, because there is always value. Like Abigail, she knows how to defuse even an angry and great man with wise counsel (I Sam 25:20-35). Like Priscilla, she can help convert a theologian to the truth (Ac 18:24-26).

When a man marries such a woman, he has engaged the assistance of a wise counselor for himself, his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, his friends, their wives, and others. What a blessing! His children will get sound, practical, godly, and scriptural advice when needed. He knows she will hold the company line at all times! He knows that with women or others where he may be limited, she will give them the plain truth.

An odious woman – the hated, obnoxious, repugnant woman – should never be married (Pr 30:21-23). She is a curse to the earth! She should be forced to live in isolated misery. Parents of young men should blacklist her from courting. Her constant contentions, nagging, and questions drive men crazy. So they run to the rooftop or wilderness to get away from her criticizing and irritating mouth (Pr 12:4; 19:13; 21:9,19; 25:24; 27:15-16).

How do you spot this curse before it is too late? Listen, rather than look! She may fix her hair and buy nice clothes to get you down the aisle. But she cannot control her mouth! Solomon said hiding her was as likely as hiding the wind or perfume (Pr 27:15-16). If she has an opinion without you asking for it, run! Remember the rule of 10! If she must give you her opinion before marriage, it will be 10 times worse later (Pr 30:21-23).

How do you spot this curse before it is too late? Count her words. A woman of good understanding says little (Pr 17:27-28). She knows God commanded and exalted a meek and quiet spirit for women, and she does not argue about what quiet means (I Pet 3:3-4). If you even smell the loud and proud type, run! Life with an overbearing woman is worse than death! Why not volunteer to be a naked beekeeper, or a first-year band instructor?

A great woman worth marrying is always gracious (Pr 11:16). Instead of a rude, froward, harsh, or sarcastic tongue (Pr 12:18), she has kind speech from a pure heart (Pr 22:11). Her graciousness cannot be hid – she is highly esteemed and loved by all. A gracious woman is not haughty, distant, or irritating; she is condescendingly courteous (Rom 12:16). She always has a good and gentle word that puts the whole world in a good light.

There is a law in her tongue – one she never violates. She is always gentle, kind, patient, sweet, thoughtful, and respectful. In spite of her own abilities and accomplishments (Pr 31:10-25,27-29), she is still wise and kind in her speech. She does not know how to be critical, harsh, or impatient. Her delightful speech is wonderful (Pr 15:23; 16:24; 24:26; 25:11). It is the sweetest music to a man’s ears and the warmest embrace of his heart!

She will lift you up when you are discouraged, praise you when others criticize, and remind you of things you want to hear when you need them. She will lovingly flatter you to greater confidence and pleasure in life. When you have children, she will comfort them with verbal security, encourage them to greatness by prudent praise, and teach them how to love and serve by always speaking well of others. You have greatly enhanced your life.

Listen, young man, listen! God and a queen mother have put life-saving advice before you. Follow your ears to the feminine sound of prudent words spoken in gentle kindness. You are about to meet one of God’s greatest gifts (Pr 18:22; 19:14; Gen 2:18-25). You will find a woman worth loving the rest of your life. The bigger question now becomes, will you be worthy of her? Such a woman deserves a loving and noble prince. Are you?

Her mouth is worth more than kisses, though kiss you it will! Her words will provide daily gentleness to enliven and warm your home, enhance every meal, encourage you in distress, comfort you in sorrow, reward you for labor, seduce you in lovemaking, ennoble you with sincere praise, and fulfill your life with grateful appreciation. Are you worthy?

Christian woman, is your speech loud, loose, or long? Is your personality overbearing or business-like? If overbearing, loud, and strong, you need more help than other women. You may not even grasp this lesson, because of your desire to speak, question, debate, correct, nag, criticize, complain, suggest, or jab. You measure your worth by how much you say, but you do not know the frustration and pain you cause those around you.

If you are business-like or aloof with few words, you also have a problem, for even your kind speech has an edge that makes people cringe. Loosen your face, smile, and warm up your speech to be less efficient and more affectionate. No one cares for your directness, because they crave your graciousness. If your words are wise, you are half a virtuous woman; a complete woman also has a kind tongue, and it is hearers’ opinions that count.

Take stock of yourself. Do noble friends crave your presence? Are you well liked by good people? If not, you likely have a sharp tongue and hurtful mouth. What can you do about this problem? Stop talking: let others ask for you to speak (Pr 17:27-28; Jas 1:19). Learn submission: let your husband give you your opinion (Gen 3:16). Esteem reverence: treat him like a lord (Eph 5:33; I Pet 3:6). Only say nice things, period (Col 4:6)!

Christian woman, it is your duty and privilege to rule your tongue for the glory of God and the praise of your feminine nature. If you are older, you are to avoid false accusing and pursue teaching godly virtues (Titus 2:3). If you are younger, you are to avoid tattling and other indiscreet talking (I Tim 5:13). A wonderful reputation and the loving favor of others is a choice – an easy choice (Pr 22:1,11; 4:23). Speak only wisely and kindly!

Parent, teach your daughters the importance of wise and gracious speech. It is more important than her academic education, physical attractiveness, or earning power. It will bring the attention and honor of God and good men. If you do not, she should live with you for the rest of your life. A henpecked husband proves derelict parents of a daughter.

Parent, teach your sons to date and marry only a woman fulfilling this proverb. He will be blessed his entire life, and you will have this charming woman for your daughter-in-law. Every family event will be enhanced because you guided your son according to God’s inspired and infallible word. A henpecked husband proves derelict parents of a son.

The church of Christ, which is often compared to a virgin bride in Scripture, should be known for its wise and kind speech (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6). Do you open your mouth with wisdom and have a law of kindness in your tongue? Whether you are a man or a woman in the church of Christ, your speech should be worthy of your glorious Husband!

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 25:18- Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. 

Lying (false testimony) about someone is as vicious as an act of physical violence.  Its effects can be as permanent as those of a stab wound.   The next time you are tempted to pass on a bit of gossip, imagine yourself stabbing the victim of your remarks with a sword.  This image may shock you into silence.

Do you smash, slash, or pierce others? Do you crush them? Cut and wound them? Pierce them deeply? If you ever exaggerate, lie, or remain silent to put a person in a bad light, you are guilty. You are like a maul – a large and heavy hammer. You are like a sword. You are like a sharp arrow. You hurt others painfully. Destroy these weapons today!

Noble and righteous men always tell the truth, especially when a reputation or life is at stake. When they are witnesses in any matter, they are careful to say all they should, as accurately as they can recall it. They do not remain silent, when their word would shed light on a situation. This matter is important enough to God that the ninth commandment reads, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Ex 20:16).

This is no light matter. When God writes a nation’s laws, perjury in court will get you the same punishment as the crime being tried, even if it is death (Deut 19:16-21). Such a wise law would help witnesses tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth! Memories would improve and consciences would be much more active. God hates all lying, but especially when another party is at risk (6:16-19; 19:5,9; Ex 23:1-9; Lev 5:1; 19:11-18).

You can smash a person’s hopes, reputation, or life, if you testify falsely against him or do not tell the whole truth. You can cut him deeply, as with a sword, if you fail to deliver him from trouble, when you know the truth about a matter. And you can fatally wound him from a distance, if you were a witness to some event, but you withhold the truth from those adjudicating the crime. A false witness is a hateful and terrible enemy to men.

You would never lie in court? Good. Would you tell the whole truth, nothing but the truth, without exaggeration or bias, about everything you know? Good. Remember that stretching the facts or remaining silent when you know more is also being a false witness.

What is your reputation? Is it always and only to tell the truth about others? Are you known for never backbiting, never slandering, never talebearing, and never whispering? Do you always put the actions of others in the best light possible? If not, start today!

Please remember that these emails are going to over 100 people.  I used BCC to keep your email address private.  I just want to share my own personal walk with you, and yes, please hold me accountable for my actions.   I love you all and there is nothing that you can do about it. 

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 24:17-18 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.    

Here is a hard test of character. Here is strong evidence if you are a child of God. Here is a real measure of godliness and wisdom. Here is a challenge for your faith, whether you want one or not. Think now. Are you happy when bad things happen to your enemies?

God commands you to love your personal enemies, and it is one of the chief measures of a true Christian. Such love includes being grieved when your enemy falls or stumbles in life.  To gloat over other’s misfortune is to make you the avenger and to put yourself in the place of God, who alone is the real judge of all the earth.  If you are glad or rejoice when he is hit by adversity, you have sinned.This proverb, the Lord God offers a simple rule for spiritual victory in your life. Read on.

The proverb is not complete by itself, for the next verse explains the consequences of rejoicing at his troubles, “Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him” (Pr 24:18). God may switch from your side to your enemy’s side, if He detects you gloating about pain or trouble in your enemy’s life.

If you are happy when bad things happen to your enemy, the Lord will see your selfish and vengeful glee; He will be angry at your wicked attitude; and He will lift His punishment of your enemy (Pr 24:18). You will have stooped lower than your enemy, all the way to murderous thoughts of the heart! A holy and righteous God cannot stand by.

Revenge is sin; vengeance is God’s (Rom 12:17-21). But the proverb is not that simple! The Preacher will not let you escape just because you have not actively sought to injure an enemy.

Do you rejoice – in your thoughts – when your enemy falls? Are you glad – in your secret heart – when your enemy stumbles? Do you feel a sense of vindication and pleasure at hearing of his or her misfortune? Ah, dear reader, the glorious light of God’s word shines deep – all the way to your inner feelings.

There is a right way to exact holy revenge or retribution on your enemy. Are you ready for the secret of inspired wisdom? Treat your enemy with love and kindness,

What if your Father had not loved you through Jesus Christ, even while you were His enemy (Rom 5:6-10)? What if He had restrained His love only to those that loved Him? You would be lost. Can you follow His example a little? A lot? Lord, help.

Jesus Christ showed kindness to His personal enemies and had human compassion on them regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and its children (Luke 19:41-44). He also displayed a merciful spirit by praying for His Father to forgive the soldiers gambling for his garments at the foot of the cross (Luke 23:34).

The noble deacon Stephen, with stones thudding off his body, and the Lord Jesus in His sight, prayed God to forgive the Jews for stoning him to death (Acts 7:55-60). Here was a deacon full of the Holy Ghost and living like it under the most severe test possible. These are your holy examples: think, pray, speak, and act like them today.