Friday, December 27, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 16:21-24


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

The Intervention of The Lord: Wise Speech: Proverbs 16:21-24
21) The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22) Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.
23) The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24) Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.


EXPOSITION:

In verses 21-24, the Lord teaches us that, as He works in the life of the wise,  it enables him to speak beneficial words for those around him…

21) The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
1.  The person who applies the teachings of God’s Word to his desires and thoughts will be recognized as possessing discernment (the ability to see the true nature of things).
2.  The speech of the wise is pleasant and adds to the hearers knowledge

When we receive wisdom from the Lord, both our actions and our speech will result in respect for us and benefits to others.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”   (James 3:17)

“The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.”   (Isaiah 50:4)



22) Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.
1.  The ability to view all sides of an issue will be a source of strength and benefit for our temporal life and eternal life with the Lord.
2.  For those who lack this ability, their teachings are valueless for our lives.

When we are able to see all sides of an issue, we are able to better understand the proper decision we are to make and the ramifications of those decisions.  The fool, who lacks this ability, fails in dealing with the issues they face.

“The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.”   (Proverbs 18:4)



23) The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
When our desires and thoughts are in alignment with God’s Word it will be reflected in his speech.   Wisdom will reveal what, when and how to speak, as well as giving him the words that should be spoken. 

“The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.  The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”   (Psalms 37:30-31)
   


24) Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
When suitable words are spoken at the proper time, they are pleasant, of great benefit, and give forth strength and healing to those to whom they are given.

“The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.  The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.  More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.   Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.”   (Psalms 19:7-11)



SUMMARY:

Due to the Lord’s intervention in the speech and teaching of the wise:
1.  our speech will result in respect for us and benefits to others.
2.  through wise counsel, we are able to better understand the proper decision we are to make and the ramifications of those decisions. 
3.  wisdom will reveal what, when and how to speak, as well as giving him the words that should be spoken. 
4.  suitable words are spoken at the proper time and are pleasant, of great benefit, strengthening, and healing to those to whom they are given.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org


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Thursday, December 26, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 16:16-20


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

The Intervention of The Lord: Those Who Are Humble: Proverbs 16:16-20
16) How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17) The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18) Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19) Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.

EXPOSITION:
In verses 16-20, the Lord teaches us that His intervention is necessary if we are to possess a genuine spirit of humility…

16) How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Throughout Proverbs we have seen the great value of wisdom and understanding in comparison to the riches that this world has to offer.  However, it is important to understand that one of the reasons why wisdom and understanding are of such value is because they both lead us to lives of humility and Godly living.

“Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,  (Touch not; taste not; handle not;  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?  Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”   (Colossians 2:20-23)


17) The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
1.  The path upon which the righteous walk leads away from evil.  Walking upon this path is dependant upon our willingness to submit to the Lord’s desires for our lives and humbly put Him as first priority of our life.
2.  The person who watchfully guards his lifestyle, is one who continues to walk on the path of the righteous.  By doing this he builds a protective hedge of thorns around his physical and spiritual life.  Sinful living brings many physical ills and spiritual harm to those who forsake the path of righteousness.   Although those who are saved cannot lose their salvation, by living sinful lives, they can lose rewards, face the chastening hand of the Lord and live “shipwrecked” lives of spiritual defeat.  

“Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”   (Titus 2:10-14)

18) Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
1.  The lack of humility brings upon mankind many ills.  The lost person who stubbornly refuses to submit to the Lord’s command to repent and believe will face eternal destruction.  The word for destruction is the word that means “to break in pieces” or “to crush”.  Although prideful during their earthly existence in the last day, as he faces divine judgment, his pride will be broken and he will be cast into eternal torment.

“Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.  The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.  For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:”   (Isaiah 2:10-12)



19) Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
1.  It is more beneficial to be humble before the Lord, joining the poor and afflicted who are willing to do as He desires than…
2.  to share in great worldly gain with those who rebelliously oppose His will.

Once again we can see the great value in possessing a God-given spirit of humility even at the risk of suffering worldly loss.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.   (Luke 18:10-14)


20) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.
1.  A person who deals with the matters of their life wisely, will acquire that which is truly beneficial for them.
2.  A person who trusts the counsel and leadership of the Lord to lead him will be happy due to the blessings that they receive.  

To handle the issues of life wisely we are dependent upon our ability to actively live according to the counsel found in God’s Word.  How can we do this?  It is only by trusting Him to know what is best for us and to always be working on our behalf.

“O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.  O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.  The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].”   (Psalms 34:8-10)


SUMMARY:

The “bottom line” to our study today is that living a life for Christ is ALWAYS more valuable than any material gain that can be found in this world.   But the key to living a life for Christ is  fold:
1.  We must trust Him with our lives knowing He will only lead us to what is beneficial for us.
2.  We must willfully choose to exercise wisdom and understanding when we are faced with the issues of life.
3.  We must carry with us a humble spirit recognizing that His Word, our wisdom, our understanding, our faith in Him, and even our spirit of humility only comes through His gracious intervention in our lives.

“And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;  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:  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.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:  that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”   (Ephesians 2:1-7)


By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org


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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 16:10-15


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

The Intervention of The Lord: Those In Authority: Proverbs 16:10-15
10) A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11) A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.
12) [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13) Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14) The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15) In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.


EXPOSITION:
In verses 10-15, we find Solomon explaining acts of wisdom that proceed from the Lord’s intervenes in the lives of those holding postions of authority…

10) A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
1.  A decision made by Godly discernment is the mark of a wise king.
2.  Kingly wisdom is also displayed by his decrees bringing forth justice not deceitfully departing from justice.

The laws of a wise king are just and fair to those under his authority

11) A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.
1.  Wise, fair, just business practices can only be found proceeding from the hand of God.
2.  The process that brings about these honest business practices are brought about by Him.

When a King propagates just business practices in a nation, it is proof that he is being led by the Lord.

12) [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
1.  It disgusts and abhors God when those in authority abuse their position by sinning against those under their authority
2.  The Lord blesses the kingdoms with strength and stability when they are ruled by those who aligned their decisions and laws according to God’s Word. 

A Kingdom is favored through the lawful leadership and it is rejected through sinful leadership.  

13) Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
1.   A wise king desires to speak truthful, just words and decrees but he desires his subjects to speak truthfully as well.
2.   A king who speaks in alignment with God’s law will be loved and appreciated by his subjects.

Truthful words can only be of benefit to a king.  No wise authority holder will desire to either speak falsely or to have those under his authority speak falsely.

14) The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
1.  The hot anger of a king will result in harmful decrees and actions from him.
2.  A wise subject will desire to keep the King in an amicable attitude for his own good.
Never should those under authority seek to willfully anger those in authority.  To the best of their ability, within God’s will, they are to seek to please those to whom they are in subjection.

15) In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.
1.  When a king delights to be with one of his subjects, it will show in the king’s face and will insure peace and security for the subject.
2.  Living a life that is pleasing to the king will reap his acts of goodwill and blessings much like the rain pouring down just before harvest season when the crops are “filling out” with their harvest.

When we appease our ruler we can be assured of peace, safety and blessings from Him.

“[A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.  He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.  The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.  He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.  They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.  He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.  In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.  He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.  They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.  The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.  Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.  For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.  He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.  He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.  And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; [and] daily shall he be praised.  There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.  His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.”   (Psalms 72:1-17)

SUMMARY:
In this lesson, we have seen that a wise king:
1.  makes decisions using Godly discernment.
2.  issues decrees that bring forth justice and truth.
3.  encourages wise, fair, and just business practices
4.  institutes fair practices that will bring about justice and equity for his people.
5.  will not disgust God by abusing their authority by sinning against those over whom he rules.
6.  will align their decisions and laws according to God’s Word because he knows the Lord will bless him and his nation. 
7.  desires to speak truthful, just words and decrees
8.  desires his subjects to speak truthfully
9.  will be loved and appreciated by his subjects
10.  will avoid hot anger because it will result in harmful decrees and actions.
11. will have subjects that willfully submit to him and desire to keep the King in an amicable attitude
12. when a king delights to be with one of his subjects, it will show in the king’s face and will insure peace and security for the subject.
13. will be a blessing to those that are pleasing to him.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org


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