November, 2024 | THE BIBLE VIEW

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The BIBLE VIEW #983 — Your Word

In This Issue:
Your Words
Reneging on Your Promise to God
Three Will Know

Volume: 983 November 25, 2024
Theme: Your Word

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Your Words
Bill Brinkworth

God’s words, as preserved in the Bible, are always honest and can be trusted (Prov. 30:15). Our words, however, are not always truthful and cannot be trusted. All sin with their mouth.

“Word” is used at least 704 times in the King James Bible. Although most of those times refer to God’s Word, we can see from the many references that words are important to God. Some verses show us what God thinks about what comes out of our mouths.

In Romans 1, where at least 30 sins are mentioned, at least fifteen involve what was said. Some of the iniquities mentioned are ungratefulness, debating, deceitfulness, gossiping, backbiting, pride, boasting, disobedience to parents, and covenant-breaking. Although there are hundreds of commandments in the Old Testament, the popularly known “Ten” includes at least three commandments that can involve our tongue. It should be evident to all that our tongue can be used for good, or it can be used to sin.

Here is some of what the Bible says about the words that can come out of our mouths:
• Many sins are with the tongue. Our tongues can be behind some of our iniquities.
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:5-6
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips….“ Isa. 6:5
“And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:32
“For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.” Job 15:5
“Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” Psalms 52:2
“Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:” Psalms 64:3
“They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.” Psalms 73:9
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” Proverbs 21:6
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” Proverbs 26:28
Also: Psalms 15:3, Proverbs 6:17, Pr. 18:21, Pr. 17:4.

• Be careful what the tongue says. It can and should be controlled!
“Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile.” Psalms 34:13
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.” Job 6:24
Also: Job 27:4, Proverbs 10:31, I Peter 3:10.

• We will be accountable for every word we say!
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36
“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:” Psalms 12:3
“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” Psalms 139:4
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26 There were times when Jesus, our example, knew to say nothing. Sometimes, it would be best to take His example and keep silent in certain situations.
“And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” Matthew 27:14

• The tongue can be used for good.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalms 35:28
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.” Proverbs 10:20
Also: I Timothy 4:12, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 14:15.

• There will be times when we can speak what God wants us to say. Use it for His glory now.
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:11

Like the rest of our body, our tongue was part of God’s creation. Its creation was not intended for us to sin against our Creator. A saved person should strive to control what is uttered by his tongue. Some of the best advice for those desiring to please God and wanting to control their tongue comes from the adage, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything.”

“Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance may turn them into enemies.”— Benjamin Franklin

Reneging on Your Promise to God
Bill Brinkworth

“When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.” Deut. 23:21

In desperation, sometimes people plea to the Lord for His help. They beg and promise Him that if He remedies a situation, they will do or stop doing something in return for His intervention. No matter the dire, compelling circumstances, they vowed they would do something.

A frantic mother at the bedside of her deathly ill child may beg God that if He heals her child, she will go to church every Sunday and bring her children. Distressed about losing his job, a man may promise God that he will quit drinking if only God would get him work. Anxious from seeing unpaid bills piling up and visions of being homeless, a parent may promise God all kinds of changes if only He will deliver them from the financial mess they were in.

Often, God does deliver the despairing one from the serious situation. However, the rescued person sometimes goes back on his commitment to the Lord. He reneges on keeping his promise to God.

Such was the situation in Jeremiah’s day. God had the prophet Jeremiah relay a commandment to the Hebrews. The commandment was that they were to release all the Jewish maids and manservants from bondage. They were to be set free (Jer. 34:8-10), and the servants were released from their servitude.

However, as do so many in a similar situation, many changed their minds (Jer. 34:11). They went back on their commitment to the Lord. Those that were freed were again put into bondage.

Their doubled-mindedness, unfortunately, cost those who broke their promise to the Lord quite a lot as He dealt with their disobedience and promise-breaking. Enemies attacked them; pestilences plagued them; famine ravished the people; their reputation was tarnished; many lost their lives (Jer. 34:17-22); and other punishments. They paid an extremely exorbitant wage for breaking their word to God.
Let this hard lesson Israel learned from the judging hands of God be a wake-up call to you for any promises you have made to Him. The Lord takes our words very seriously. Be honest; be true; keep your word as God expects you to!
“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Num. 30:2
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes. 5:45

“A promise made is a debt unpaid until you keep your word1”
— Author Unknown

Three Will Know
Author Unknown

A newly saved man was tempted to cheat. Upon his refusal, his tempter asked why.

“Because three will know that I cheated,” replied the Christian. “You will know. I will know, and Heaven will know.” This applies to all of us.
“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.” Hebrews 4:13

The BIBLE VIEW #982 — The Word of God

In This Issue:
Where Is the Word of God?
Untrue Statements about Modern Translations and Versions
Examples of Changes in Different Bible Versions

Volume: 982 November 18, 2024
Theme: God’s Word

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Where Is the Word of God?
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important yet controversial topics concerning the things of God is whether the English-speaking people still have the inspired (“God-breathed”) and preserved Word of God with them today. Many shrug this topic off as a subject to be discussed only by preachers or Bible scholars. It, however, should be very important to all.

If we do not have all the words of God, how do we know that John 3:16 is accurate? Was something added or removed from the verse? Are we saved, as the words we have been trusting for salvation may have been altered? Do we know how God wants us to live as the verses that give God’s directions to us may also have been changed? If the reliability of God’s Word is questionable, we cannot know anything about God’s will and way for sure.

It is essential that we know what we read in the Bible is what God has commanded. We must be sure we have God’s entire, word-for-word, preserved, God-breathed Word and trust it wholly.

With over 300+ English translations and versions available, and each teaching something different, how can one know where the real Word of God is? A very complex subject cannot be completely answered in this brief article. Still, some facts can be revealed, making it easier to discern where the Word of God is today.

The Jews had preserved the Old Testament in the Masoretic, Hebrew-language text long before Christ. New Testament writings were collected and originally compiled in the Greek Textus Receptus. Godly men precisely translated those two manuscripts through history.

In 1611, a collection of some of the most godly translators took those texts, compared them with other books, and assembled what today is known as the King James Bible. Later, as the English written language became consistent, the KJB (also called the KJV) went through corrections, mostly spelling, and is the King James Bible we have today. The Word of God’s inspiration is preserved in today’s King James Bible.

However, there have always been those who have corrupted and changed God’s Word.
• Eve did. She added that she was not to touch the tree of the knowledge of good and evil when God only said not to eat its fruit (Gen. 2:17, 3:3).
• Satan got Eve to doubt God’s commandments (Gen. 3:4).
• Another Gospel was preached even during the time of the first churches (II Cor. 11:4, Gal. 1:6-7).
• Some added their traditions to the Gospel (Mark 7:13).
• Some corrupted God’s Word (II Cor. 2:17).

Today, the same spirit that has always been around to confuse readers and alter what God wanted all to know is still perverting God’s Word. Although there are many renditions, most have a different origin than the KJV. They have their roots in the Latin translations of the Sinaitic manuscript (331 A.D., rediscovered in 1844 A.D.), the Vaticanus text (around 331 A.D.), the Latin Vulgate, and other writings1.

The influencers and authors of those texts were men such as Origen, whose writings reflect his beliefs that Jesus Christ was a created being and did not have eternal existence as God. Eusebius, who introduced tradition into his works, and others not dedicated to preserving God’s word, had their hand in perverting God’s words. They all interjected their philosophies rather than accurately translating what was already written.

Those texts were the foundation for most of the 300+ perversions of God’s Word. Because the original root texts were corrupt, there is no way their translations can ever be accurate. That is one reason modern versions have changed, added, and deleted words. They convey doctrines the writer or the religious organization re-writing the Scriptures wants to be taught rather than what the preserved Word of God says.

It does not even make sense that:
• Until the influx of modern perversions started around 1881, man had been without a copy of God’s Word.
• Many of the liberal translators, some of them with poor Christian testimonies, unsound beliefs, and some denying major doctrines of the Bible (the deity of Christ, Hell, Christ’s blood atonement, etc.) would be used to give us God’s Word, rather than those spiritual, intellectual giants that helped bring the English world an accurate translation of God’s Word in 1611.
• God would give us a new version that contradicts the preserved manuscripts in many places.
• God, who is not a God of confusion (I Cor. 14:33 ), would allow those honestly seeking Him to be confused without knowing what He wanted them to know.

It does make sense:
• That we still have the perfect copy of God’s Word, just as He promised:
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8
• That no one should add, alter, or remove His Words (Deut. 4:2, Prov. 30:6, Rev. 22:19).

Today, we have the same words as given by Moses, David, kings, prophets, apostles, and other men God used to preserve His Word. We do not have to doubt if we have it all. God’s Word has been preserved and is still available to all who seek it. It is found within the pages of the King James (1611) Bible.
1 Ray, Jasper J. God Wrote Only One Bible, Eugene, Oregon, Eye Opener Publishers, 1983

“The claims of many of the perverters of the Word of God are to make the Bible easier to read and understand. However, few today have read it, and fewer have understood it.”

Untrue Statements about Modern Bible Translations and Versions

• They make the Bible easier to understand. The King James Bible is at a 5.8-grade reading level (Flesh-Kincaid Grade level indicator). However, the New International Version is at 8.4. The New King James is 6.9, and the New American Standard Bible is 8.12. Besides, it is the Holy Spirit that allows anyone to understand God’s Word, not man’s editing (I Cor. 2:14)!
• They come from the originals. The originals were never assembled in one place together!
• They change archaic words. They do, but the words replacing them often change the meaning of the verse in many places. Since less than 20 words in the KJV are not commonly used today (not including verbs with the added “th”), It would make more sense to understand their meaning by using a dictionary rather than to change the whole Bible.
• Modern scholars now know more than they knew then. Many of the authors of the new versions did not even know Hebrew or Greek, nor were they experts in over ten ancient languages, as were many of the 1611 King James translating committee members.
• They come from older manuscripts. The Masoretic and Textus Receptus used in the KJV are older and more reliable manuscripts, not what most modern versions use. Some of what are called the “oldest texts” are not reliable at all. Also, some “most ancient manuscripts” are over 100 years newer than those used in the KJV.
• If the new Bible versions are correcting “errors,” why are all the versions different? Don’t they have it right yet?
• “So you are saying that it is only preserved for the English-speaking people?” There is a text that comes from the Masoretic and Textus Receptus for all the major languages, including English, Greek, Jewish, French, and Spanish.

2 Riplinger, G. A. New Age Bible Versions, Ararat, VA, 1995

The King James Bible has 783,137 words, whereas the New International Bible has only 727,969.
“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, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:19

Examples of Changes in Different Bible Versions

There are thousands of changes in all of the different versions. Here are only a few so you can get an idea of how man has changed what God has said!

King James (KJV): “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:37
New International Version (NIV): Verse removed
New American Standard Version (NASB): Verse removed.
New World Translation (Jehovah Witness Bible): Verse removed.
Revised Standard Version (RSV): Verse removed.
New Century Version (NCV): Verse removed.
These re-writers wanted to do away with the biblical teaching of baptism!

(KJV) “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” Mat. 1:25
American Standard Version (ASV) “and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.”
(RSV) “but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.”
(NIV) “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
(NWT) “But he had no intercourse with her until she gave birth to a son; and he called his name Jesus.”
Other versions remove wording indicating that Jesus was Mary’s first born son. The facts are altered.

(KJV) “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Mat. 18:11
(NASB) This verse is footnoted and implies that it should not be there.
(NIV) Verse removed.
(NWT) Verse removed.
(NCV) Verse removed.
The important reason for Jesus Christ’s coming has been deleted! The way of salvation is removed!

(KJV) “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Eph. 5:18
New King James Version (NKJV) “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation …”
I thought they were supposed to make it easier to understand.

(KJV) “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” Daniel 3:3
(NKJV) “And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” A difficult word was inserted and facts were changed.

“If the modern authors are supposed to make the Bible easier to understand, why did 300+ versions still not make it easy enough? Why do they still feel it was not simplified enough and still requires other versions?”

The BIBLE VIEW #981 — Changes

In This Issue:
Changed!
The Wrong Doctors
What Christ Did
Just As I Am
Need of a New Birth

Volume: 981 November 11, 2024
Theme: Changes

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will also include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Changed!
Bill Brinkworth

When a person is saved, there will be changes in him. He will act, live, and think differently than he did before.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

After the Holy Spirit becomes the controlling conscience of a born-again individual, there will usually be at least one area that His convicting Spirit urges us to deal with. He often “speaks” to our hearts about our flesh’s desires.
“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” I Peter 4:2

Fulfilling the lusts for the things in this world never actually filled us in the past and did nothing to help us. After salvation, the Holy Spirit directs us to eliminate the sinful, damaging baggage we do not need.

In the past, indulgences of animal desires (“lasciviousness”), lusts, drunkenness, partying (“revellings”), and putting other things above the Lord (“idolatries”) ruled our lives (I Peter 4:3). Now, on the side of salvation, they are to be halted.

Another important area the indwelling Spirit of God will most likely address is the company one keeps. Those who were once part of our sinful lifestyles will either get saved or need to be separated from a saved individual. It is not uncommon that those who were “friends” in sin break off the relationship and even speak negatively of the saved person they used to sin with (I Peter 4:4).

The changes in the new believer are often emotionally painful. If they are not made, the person will certainly not lose their salvation. However, their testimony for Christ and their living for Him will not be what God desires for His child.

Many get saved, and immediately the Holy Spirit of God deals with their heart about an area of their lives that needs to be changed. Often, the child of God will try to obey the voice but may fail and fall back into sin. The Holy Spirit does not give up. Repeatedly, He deals with the person’s heart. He is undoubtedly a second, third, fourth, etc., chance God.

However, when the individual hardens his heart and purposely disobeys or ignores the convicting Spirit, God may cease dealing with the child of God until he repents. When he says “No” to God too many times, God’s “voice” stops speaking to him. It is in that place many Christians find themselves. God urged them to forsake a sin they had before their salvation or their association with the ungodly, but they refused to obey.

The key to having a victorious Christian life is to listen to the convicting “voice” of the Holy Spirit and to obey it. When He deals with past involvements, He attempts to remove us from what He knows will harm us.

When saved, we are new creatures in Christ. We have a second chance in life not to make the mistakes we made in the past. Listen and obey the Holy Spirit’s directions!

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

The Wrong Doctors
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

Have you been to Doctor Ceremony? He is, at this time, a fashionable doctor. Has he told you that you must heed him and obey his rules? Has he prescribed you so many prayers and so many church services? Ah! Many go to him, and they persevere in a round of religious observances, but those yield no lasting ease to one’s conscience.

Perhaps you have tried Doctor Morality? He has an extensive practice and is a fine old Jewish physician. He suggests, “Be good in outward character, and it will work inwardly and cleanse your heart!” Many persons are supposed to have been cured by him and his assistant, Doctor Civility, who is nearly as clever as his master. I have it on good evidence that neither of them apart nor the two together could ever deal with inward sin’s disease.

Do what you may, but your doings will not heal the wounds of a bleeding heart. Doctor Mortification also has a select practice, but men are not saved by denying themselves until they first deny their self-righteousness.

Doctor Excitement also has many patients. However, his cures seldom outlive the setting of the sun.

Doctor Feeling is much sought after by tender spirits. These try to feel sorrow and remorse, but the way of cure does not lie in their efforts.

Apart from accepting our blessed Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, everything that is done will not better the sin-sick soul. You may try human remedies for a lifetime, but sin will remain in power, guilt will cling to the conscience, and the heart will be as sinful as ever.

A young woman turned aside a friend’s appeal for salvation immediately by saying, “I only want time enough when I die to say two words to the Lord, ‘Save me’”

Having neglected her soul’s salvation, she was soon called away by death, but the only two words she could utter were the wails of despair, “Too late! Too late!” — Author Unknown

What Christ Did
Edited from an article by Clarence Larkin

Those who are saved, the Bride of the Lamb, are from a disowned and outcast race made so by the disobedience of the head of that race in the Garden of Eden. However, Jesus, the Bridegroom, saw her and loved her.

To redeem her, He came from His own lovely home in Heaven to her sin-cursed home on Earth. It was there He was rejected by members of her family, seized and subjected to a mock trial, and nailed to a cross as a malefactor. He voluntarily laid down His life for her, though, thus demonstrating His love and opening up the way for her redemption from the Law that held her in bondage.

Jesus then left her to return to His Father’s House to prepare a home for her. During her betrothal, He has left her with her own family. He sent the Holy Spirit to teach, protect, and fit her for the day of her marriage. One day, He will descend midair to meet her on her way to the bridal halls of Heaven.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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.” I Thessalonians 4:16-17

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:9

Just As I Am
Edited from an article by Pentecost

A London artist had hired a dirty, wretched beggar to come to his studio so that he might paint the man’s want and woe. The painter was disappointed to have the man appear with his face washed, hair combed, and store clothes put on.

“I don’t want you that way. I want that beggar I saw in filth and squalor.”

Many a sinner falsely feels that, before he comes to Jesus, he must fix up a little, improve his condition, and borrow the second-hand garments of empty righteousness instead of coming just as he is, waiting not to cleanse away a single blot.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Need of a New Birth
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

I was staying at an inn in one of the valleys of Northern Italy, where the floor was dreadfully dirty. I had it in my mind to advise the landlady to scrub it, but when I perceived it was made of mud, I reflected that the more she scrubbed the worse it would be.

The man who knows his own heart soon perceives that his corrupt nature admits to no improvement. Outward “cleaning” will not change its nature. A new nature must be implanted, or the man will be only washed like that mud floor.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:6-7

Ours is not a case for mending but for making new. No outward actions can make you clean. Your sin-leprosy lies deep within, and only accepting the sacrificial death of God’s only Son, Jesus, can change one’s heart and make one born into the family of God.

The BIBLE VIEW #980 — Knowledge

In This Issue:
They Think Themselves Wise, But…
The Blessings of Living Righteously
Knowledge, But Without Experience
Why?

Volume: 980 November 4, 2024
Theme: Knowledge

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will also include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

They Think Themselves Wise, But…
Bill Brinkworth

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2

Every person believes they know what is best for them. They usually decide what they think is right and good. However, their beliefs are often wrong in God’s eyes.

Unfortunately, with that self-centered philosophy and thinking, what is sinful and wrong to God often becomes acceptable and right, especially in godless minds. Many have not realized that if they reject God’s ways, their ideas and actions will frequently fail.

Proverbs 21 reveals some consequences of refusing God’s ways and laws. The ungodly believe:
• Their lies often are justified by what is thought to be achieved. However, God will not bless ill-gotten gains, and they will find what they believe they accomplished will not last and may be a hindrance rather than beneficial.
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” Proverbs 21:6

• Gaining something without earning it or stealing is a faster way to get what they want. Unfortunately, their thievery will cost them more than they thought possible. Many thieves behind prison bars will attest to that fact.
“The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.” Proverbs 21:7

• The one who lives in defiance of the way God commands will not reap consequences for their sin. However, one may face loneliness and social rejection for their rebellion against God. One may find oneself only associated with those in the same sinking “sin-boat” as they are.
“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15
“The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.” Proverbs 21:10
“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16

• They should be committed and determined to have “fun” while they can. However, it may be discovered they have little to show for their lives. What gives them temporary happiness will rob their life of having real meaning.
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.” Proverbs 21:17
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20

• It is not necessary to work in this life. However, those who refuse to labor will be destroyed and robbed of what could have been obtained. Their laziness will cheat them of what they could have made of themselves.
“The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.” Proverbs 21:25

Living a life contrary to God’s desires costs everyone a price that is often regretted. A godless life ungoverned by God’s commandments is not the “easy” way of living. It creates more hurdles, difficulties, and problems than may be realized.

Live your life the way God commands. You will avoid many hardships and will have God’s perfect leadership along the way.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

The Blessings of Living Righteously
Bill Brinkworth

Proverbs 12 continues a style that started in Proverbs 11. In each verse’s wisdom, an excellent moral trait or action is mentioned, as well as the positive result of that behavior. The same verse reveals the consequences and effects when godly wisdom or morality is not exercised.

That chapter would be ideal for putting in a two-column chart. The “good” results of wisdom and positive character behavior found in each verse would be in one column. The other column could contain the consequence when righteous wisdom is not followed in the same verse. It would be a great comparison of biblical morality versus godless behavior.

Examine some of the results of wise, godly thinking and a righteous lifestyle found in this chapter:
• Love of knowledge (Proverbs 12:1, 15).
• Favored by the Lord (Proverbs 12:2, 22).
• Steadfastness (Proverbs 12:3, 7).
• Will be a blessing to their spouse (Proverbs 12:4).
• Righteous thinking (Proverbs 12:5).
• Help to others (Proverbs 12:6).
• Recognition as being wise (Proverbs 12:8).
• Prosperous (Proverbs 12:9, 12).
• Kind to all, even to animals (Proverbs 12:10, 18).
• Hard-working and not lazy (Proverbs 12:11, 27).
• Discerning (Proverbs 12:13).
• Honesty (Proverbs 12:14,17, 19).
• Sensible (Proverbs 12:16, 23).
• Joy (Proverbs 12:20, 25).
• Protected (Proverbs 12:21).
• Responsible and can be trusted (Proverbs 12:24).
• Recognized as a good person (Proverbs 12:26).

To most, reading the above benefits would sell the positiveness of reading the Bible, obeying God’s commandments, and receiving godly wisdom. Sadly, however, much on the list would be seen negatively and not achievable because insight and knowledge are foreign to so many.

No matter what others think, God’s way is best. Follow His commandments, and your life will differ from most. However, it will have benefits and blessings that the unwise will never experience.

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”
Proverbs 4:13

Knowledge, But Without Experience
C. H. Spurgeon

I heard two persons on the Wengern Alp talking by the hour of the names of ferns. Not one word was about their characteristics, uses, or habits. All they spoke about was different fancy names and nothing else. They felt they knew their botany but only had head knowledge and no experience in seeing the plants.

Their “knowledge” was about as reliable as those who speak of the Bible but know nothing by experience of its spirit and power or its Author. Are we, too, like those “botanists” who throw around fancy Latin names of plants but have no real experience? Too many have biblical head knowledge but no spiritual relationship or experience with the God of Heaven.

“To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge.” — Disraeli

Why?
Downname, 1642

• For what purpose do men spend their time and wits in discerning biblical truths, but do not use it to direct them in their ways?
• Why do people read and study to discover the “light” of God’s Word if they prefer spiritual darkness and dwell in it?
• Why do many labor to heap up rich treasures of biblical learning and knowledge if they miserly keep it to themselves and do not use or share it with others?
• Why do people spend their whole lives sowing spiritual seed but never wait or attempt to reap the crop?

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.” Luke 11:33