Proverbs 3:9-10 may be a favorite verse of prosperity preachers. It states:
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
It is too bad they don't go on to the next verse which says: My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. (verses 11 and 12-so next TWO verses).
This concept of correction also makes Job 21:13 a frightening perspective because it describes them thriving until the moment of death; then the wrath of God afterwards (see rest of chapter and other parts of the book of Job as well).
Malachi 3:10 also discusses putting tithes in the storehouse and God's blessings; as well as pointing out their stinginess earlier in the book where they offer lame and sick animals ( Malachi 1:8). Naturally; if the first appeal doesn't work guilt trips like this are also utilized; any trick in the book to get the coffers filled.
The blessings of God are conditional on obedience to the Lord to His statutes and commandments; and of course that deals with matters of the heart as this verse in Malachi and similar references in Isaiah 1; for example. One can surmise that when one sin (covetousness which breaks the 10th Commandment) there is another; and that often is adulteries and adulterous remarriages that this type of celebrity pastor commonly is involved in. Since the church rarely stands up as they should to these matters with other members they sometimes can seemingly get by; but sometimes this does cost them a significant number of members.
In my next post I am going to explore factors in society that make such con artists thrive that exist today; as well as that form the personality types of individuals that tend to start on these ventures.
Hello Michaelantoni. The Hebrew word given for 'witty inventions', is as you've shown, 'mezzimah'. In your study, you would have also found out how that word is used in the other verses. In Proverbs 8:12 that you shared, this Hebrew word implies 'one's power to devise or show discretion'. Hence, the verse could read, 'I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge through the use of discretion.' Or further with that verse, 'I wisdom enjoy good sense, acquiring knowledge by the use of discretion'. And we see the same word, 'mezzimah', with its specific meaning used in Proverbs 1:4, Proverbs 2:11, Proverbs 3:21 & Proverbs 5:2.
And yes, we can see that word being applied towards 'thoughts' ( Jeremiah 23:20); 'intents' ( Jeremiah 30:24); 'device/plan' ( Jeremiah 51:11). And then we see it in 'evil thoughts' ( Psalm 10:4); 'evil schemes' ( Job 21:27); 'lewd/wicked acts' ( Jeremiah 11:15); wicked speech ( Psalm 139:20).
So to understand 'mezzimah', which meaning can be quite diverse, we need to read it as the verse gives it, in its correct context. So 'discretion or one's power to devise' appears to be the primary meaning of 'mezzimah', but how that word is used will give other associated meanings, i.e. whether one's mind works for that which is good & wholesome, or towards evil thoughts & acts. So, I believe we find an agreement here.
Psalm 1 is only five verses long; but contains several very important themes. Namely; it is avoiding heeding to the council of the wicked in terms of taking to heart; the character; longevity and wisdom of the righteous and their eternal destinies; and the opposing state of the wicked.
There are warnings for those who would esteem men and exalt those who the world does in Luke 16:15. The foolishness of God is greater than any of man's vain knowledge ( 1 Corinthians 1:25). We see this pattern among many of the Pharisees who believed but becuase they did not wish to lose their position in the Synagogue remained silent. (see John 12:42). We must heed warnings such as that of Jesus who stated that "he who confesses me before men I will confess before the Father in heaven in Matthew 10:32 and the denial of those who will deny Him in the very next verse. We see what the wicked counsel of the Jews led to with the crucifixion of Christ. At the very least we must heed to Revelation 3:11 which in my book is a very undervalued admonition about losing our reward and basically handing it over to another. We also must take care not to behave as the world does with gossip and chatter about every controversy.
Verse 2 and 3 discuss the characteristics of the righteous. We are reminded here of Psalm 119 where the longest chapter in all scripture repeats over and over the love of the law of God which is only possible with a regenerated heart; else it ends up being religious self-righteousness. The result of such a character is perseverance of character; and blessings for this life and the one to come.
Verse 4 and 5 discuss the wicked. It shows how they won't even stand at the judgment. That makes it clear why we shouldn't stand with them in the first place. They are compared to chaff (also seen in the N.T. and in Job 21:18; etc).
The last verse shows how God keeps His sheep; and the wicked basically are on a default mode to destruction.
In Job 21:24 Job is poetically showing how little can be discerned by looking at the outward state of a man. Men die in the midst of perfect health and ease, fully satisfied with ample food and good things, as Job once had been, or they can die in the midst of sorrow and want, as Job currently found himself. Outward sight is a poor judge of what God thinks.
A male having breasts filled with milk most likely refers to a man who from the moment of his birth had a mother with breasts full of milk that amply nursed him and cared for him tenderly and ever attentively until he was fully weaned. This may extend to a future wife that he was able to provide for so that his children received the same care. The verse says that the man being described is an individual who lived a life that never knew want and saw the only the best life had to offer that made his bones full of marrow right up to the moment of his sudden death, or in Job's case his sudden downfall in the eyes of his friends.
I take it to believe "yea", may not be him rejoicing but even that, has scripture backing Philippians 4:4-9, James 1:2-4, 1 John 4:18,
even if we walk in/near death we should not fear because GOD promises to be with us (that trust in HIM) Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5-6, John 14:16-21, Psalm 139:1-24, Psalms 37:40,
The rod; Proverbs 13:24, Job 21:9, Proverbs 29:15, Lamentations 3:1, many times references discipline, correction: Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:14, Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:4-8-11, Staff: Hebrews 11:21, Zechariah 8:4, Exodus 21:19, Numbers 22:27, 2 Samuel 3:29, Judges 6:21
Hopefully these scriptures help you with the HOLY Spirit to understand deeper. John 14:26, James 1:5
On this chapter Job 21, the trivia asked "How did the idea that evil people could still succeed in life, make Job feel?" the answer given is he feels afraid but I don't believe that is the correct answer for this chapter. Job speaks more in the tone of feeling sad that the evil get away with wrong doings while God's people suffer til death.
April, Job 21:30 "day of destruction" is the day of the Lord. God reserves the wicked for this day. "They are brought forth to the day of wrath." God brings them forth,it is his wrath. I declare his word, his word is truth. God is Love, kind, Wisdom, but I contend; he teaches us about his judgement and anger.
May I suggest you look at def. of "tyrant"in Mirriam Webster dictionary.
Job 15:2 Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? Job 21:22 Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Psalms 33:9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Verse 15 is interesting to me because I have e mailed to many brothers and sisters and only 2 have responded. However this is my answer to this question We should serve Him because He is our CREATOR and the second question, Nothing, GOD does not owe us not one thing, it is us that owes HIM, for our Life and Salvation,to have GOD in our lives is an Honor and a Pleasure to serve and worship HIM.. I would like to know what others think of this question
My interpretation:
To serve God is to serve Him in goodness, order and discipline, love peace and unity in order to receive from Him, wisdom, knowledge and understanding, protection, good health and prosperity, but above all, for God to leave with us His LOVE. For without love, we are nothing and we will have nothing. For those who have, say thank you, for you are in a period of Grace. God can and will step back if we abuse what He gives us.
Proverbs 3:9-10 may be a favorite verse of prosperity preachers. It states:
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
It is too bad they don't go on to the next verse which says: My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. (verses 11 and 12-so next TWO verses).
This concept of correction also makes Job 21:13 a frightening perspective because it describes them thriving until the moment of death; then the wrath of God afterwards (see rest of chapter and other parts of the book of Job as well).
Malachi 3:10 also discusses putting tithes in the storehouse and God's blessings; as well as pointing out their stinginess earlier in the book where they offer lame and sick animals ( Malachi 1:8). Naturally; if the first appeal doesn't work guilt trips like this are also utilized; any trick in the book to get the coffers filled.
The blessings of God are conditional on obedience to the Lord to His statutes and commandments; and of course that deals with matters of the heart as this verse in Malachi and similar references in Isaiah 1; for example. One can surmise that when one sin (covetousness which breaks the 10th Commandment) there is another; and that often is adulteries and adulterous remarriages that this type of celebrity pastor commonly is involved in. Since the church rarely stands up as they should to these matters with other members they sometimes can seemingly get by; but sometimes this does cost them a significant number of members.
In my next post I am going to explore factors in society that make such con artists thrive that exist today; as well as that form the personality types of individuals that tend to start on these ventures.
And yes, we can see that word being applied towards 'thoughts' ( Jeremiah 23:20); 'intents' ( Jeremiah 30:24); 'device/plan' ( Jeremiah 51:11). And then we see it in 'evil thoughts' ( Psalm 10:4); 'evil schemes' ( Job 21:27); 'lewd/wicked acts' ( Jeremiah 11:15); wicked speech ( Psalm 139:20).
So to understand 'mezzimah', which meaning can be quite diverse, we need to read it as the verse gives it, in its correct context. So 'discretion or one's power to devise' appears to be the primary meaning of 'mezzimah', but how that word is used will give other associated meanings, i.e. whether one's mind works for that which is good & wholesome, or towards evil thoughts & acts. So, I believe we find an agreement here.
There are warnings for those who would esteem men and exalt those who the world does in Luke 16:15. The foolishness of God is greater than any of man's vain knowledge ( 1 Corinthians 1:25). We see this pattern among many of the Pharisees who believed but becuase they did not wish to lose their position in the Synagogue remained silent. (see John 12:42). We must heed warnings such as that of Jesus who stated that "he who confesses me before men I will confess before the Father in heaven in Matthew 10:32 and the denial of those who will deny Him in the very next verse. We see what the wicked counsel of the Jews led to with the crucifixion of Christ. At the very least we must heed to Revelation 3:11 which in my book is a very undervalued admonition about losing our reward and basically handing it over to another. We also must take care not to behave as the world does with gossip and chatter about every controversy.
Verse 2 and 3 discuss the characteristics of the righteous. We are reminded here of Psalm 119 where the longest chapter in all scripture repeats over and over the love of the law of God which is only possible with a regenerated heart; else it ends up being religious self-righteousness. The result of such a character is perseverance of character; and blessings for this life and the one to come.
Verse 4 and 5 discuss the wicked. It shows how they won't even stand at the judgment. That makes it clear why we shouldn't stand with them in the first place. They are compared to chaff (also seen in the N.T. and in Job 21:18; etc).
The last verse shows how God keeps His sheep; and the wicked basically are on a default mode to destruction.
Rod: Exodus 4:17,
Job 9:34, Job 21:9, Psalms 2:9, Psalms 89:32, Psalms 125:3, Proverbs 10:13, Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13,14, Proverbs 26:3,
Proverbs 29:15, Isaiah 9:4, Isaiah 10:5, Isaiah 10:15, Isaiah 10:26, Isaiah 11:1,4, Jeremiah 10:16, Revelation 12:25,
Staff: Genesis 32:10, Genesis 38:18, Exodus 12:17, Exodus 21:19, Leviticus 26:26, Numbers 13:23, Judges 6:21, 2Samuel 3:29, 2Samuel 23:7,21, 2Kings 4:29,31, 2Kings 18:21, Isaiah 3:1, Isaiah 14:5, Isaiah 28:27,
Hopefully these are helpful
Thank you for clarification on the poetic nature of Job 21:24. It was really helpful.
A male having breasts filled with milk most likely refers to a man who from the moment of his birth had a mother with breasts full of milk that amply nursed him and cared for him tenderly and ever attentively until he was fully weaned. This may extend to a future wife that he was able to provide for so that his children received the same care. The verse says that the man being described is an individual who lived a life that never knew want and saw the only the best life had to offer that made his bones full of marrow right up to the moment of his sudden death, or in Job's case his sudden downfall in the eyes of his friends.
even if we walk in/near death we should not fear because GOD promises to be with us (that trust in HIM) Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5-6, John 14:16-21, Psalm 139:1-24, Psalms 37:40,
The rod; Proverbs 13:24, Job 21:9, Proverbs 29:15, Lamentations 3:1, many times references discipline, correction: Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:14, Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:4-8-11, Staff: Hebrews 11:21, Zechariah 8:4, Exodus 21:19, Numbers 22:27, 2 Samuel 3:29, Judges 6:21
Hopefully these scriptures help you with the HOLY Spirit to understand deeper. John 14:26, James 1:5
May I suggest you look at def. of "tyrant"in Mirriam Webster dictionary.
To serve God is to serve Him in goodness, order and discipline, love peace and unity in order to receive from Him, wisdom, knowledge and understanding, protection, good health and prosperity, but above all, for God to leave with us His LOVE. For without love, we are nothing and we will have nothing. For those who have, say thank you, for you are in a period of Grace. God can and will step back if we abuse what He gives us.
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