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
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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