A Few Thoughts about James 3:13-18

James 3:13-18 NRSV Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

A problem arises. A solution is needed. A question is raised. An answer is needed.

To solve these, one needs knowledge and wisdom.

Knowledge is knowing the facts about the problem and what caused it, then wisdom is needed to apply experience of previous and similar problems, ideas to what caused it and how to solve it, studies to confirm a solution, and apply them to the problem.

We have problems in life.

Wisdom is needed to solve these problems.

According to the Bible, there are two sources of wisdom—God and other.

Often the solution comes from wisdom that has these factors—envy, selfish ambition, ignoring the truth (conceal it, keep a lid on it, etc.), which leads to greater problems. This wisdom is described at earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. Envy combined with selfish ambition leads to disorder and every kind of wickedness.

The solution that is needed must come from above, which is the opposite of the earthly. This wisdom is described as pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, full of good fruits (the effects of good wisdom), no partiality, and no hypocrisy.

Earthly wisdom has another facet: 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 NLT So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.

Earthly wisdom has a warning: Proverbs 28:26 NLT Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

Godly wisdom has this component which no other wisdom has—God knows the future.

B1 Isaiah 42:9 NLT Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens.

B2 Colossians 2:2-3 NIV My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

B3 Psalm 147:5 NIV Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Worldly wisdom is

B1 Earthly—this is worldly. It cares about worldly values and goals. It tends to be selfish and self-promoting.

C1 Worldly and godly are opposites with opposite motives and effects. Titus 2:12 NIV It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

C2 Christians are instructed—Galatians 5:24 NRSV And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

D1 This doesn’t mean that it is evil to sleep, work, eat, have sex with your spouse, etc.

D2 This does mean that this goal and lifestyle of desire is the me first attitude.

C3 Compare Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 2:3, and Romans 8:5-9.

B2 Sensual is finding pleasure in selfish things instead of godly things.

C1 We are to first seek the kingdom of God.

C2 Compare

D1 Ecclesiastes 2:8 AFV I also gathered silver and gold to myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got men singers and women singers for myself, even the sensual delights of the sons of men, and many women.

D2 Isaiah 47:8 GNB Listen to this, you lover of pleasure, you that think you are safe and secure. You claim you are as great as God—that there is no one else like you. You thought that you would never be a widow or suffer the loss of your children.

B3 Devilish, that is, demoniacally.

C1 This is the wisdom that the devil has and uses. He hates God or pretends to be God with God’s wisdom to deceive or presenting wisdom that is the opposite of God’s character and wisdom.

C2 Genesis 3:4 NRSV But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die.

C3 See his wisdom(?) in Job 1:6-12.

C4 Scheming to achieve. James 4:1-2 NLT What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

Wisdom from above, that is, godly

B1 Pure

C1 Without taint of sin in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. It is perfect.

C2 1 John 3:3 GNB Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.

B2 Peaceable

C1 Bringing rest and contentment.

C2 Hebrews 12:11 GNB When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life.

B3 Gentle

C1 Kind, treating people well without abuse.

C2 Titus 3:2 NIV to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

B4 Willing to yield

C1 rather, persuaded; the reverse of obstinacy, the pride of a false consistency, or a set persistence in one’s own way. [Whedon]

C2 It is used one time. Compare Romans 9:20 and Acts 15:39.

B5 Full of mercy

C1 Willing to examine the circumstances, willing to confess evil, humbling oneself, cooperation, etc. the sentence of the law should not be carried out to its fullest.

C2 This is a good passage to also show the contrast between grace and mercy (Ephesians 2:2-9) Ephesians 2:3-5 NIV All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.

B6 Full of good fruits (the effects of good wisdom)

C1 Fruits is usually associated with results.

C2 Galatians 5:22-23 MEV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law.

B7 Without partiality

C1 Apply attitudes, treatment, rules, etc. the same for all people whether people of faith or not, enemies or friends, etc.

C2 Leviticus 19:15 NLT Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.

C3 1 Timothy 5:21 Common New Testament I charge you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism.

B8 Without hypocrisy

C1 We act the same in public and private in what we say, what we do, how we treat people, etc. Our yes is yes, and our no is no.

C2 Romans 12:9 NRSV Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.

C3 Isaiah 29:13 NRSV The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote.

How to obtain God’s wisdom

B1 Ask. James 1:5 NLT If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. An example would be Daniel in Daniel 2:23.

B2 Having others pray with and for us. Paul is our example. Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

B3 Psalms 25:4-5 NIV Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

C1 God gives wisdom by showing us. These are human examples of success and failure in the Bible.

C2 God gives wisdom by teaching us. This is discipline.

D1 Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is teaching us. Punishment is administered for breaking rules.

D2 God teaches us verbally, illustrations, examples, etc. (Jesus’s ministry on earth).

D3 When we err, we learn a lesson. God will remind us if we try again. If we do not respond, He can punish.

D4 He teaches us through others teaching, experience, counsel. (These things must be done in God’s way).

D5 He teaches us with truth, not lies, errors, or deceptions.

C3 God gives wisdom by guidance. This can come from reminding us of something (it must agree with Scripture and not contrary), others, thinking on Scripture, etc.

C4 God’s ways is His lifestyle. God’s “paths” is His way of life and worldview. God’s guidance is in truth.

C5 God gives us hope, that is, an expectation that He will give us wisdom. We do not know when.

Our prayer: Psalms 86:11 NLT Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

How to Answer Questions More Correctly

Found this post on Dr. Wayman's site and written by Marc Cortez


The following is a conversation that recently took place in my daughter’s middle school group. And I think it does a good job highlighting three mistakes that we often make when we talk about the sovereignty of God and how it relates to sin and suffering in the world.

Youth pastor: God is sovereign. That means he controls everything that happens.

Middle-schooler: So God was in control when my dog died? Why would God kill my dog?

Youth pastor: That’s a tough one. But sometimes God lets us go through hard times so that we’re prepared for even more difficult things in the future. I remember how hard it was when my dog died. But going through that helped me deal with an even more difficult time later when my grandma died. Does that make sense?

Middle-schooler: (Long pause.) So God killed my dog to prepare me for when he’s going to kill my grandma?

Youth pastor: (Silence.)

You can read the rest here.

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part L

E7 Omniscience—Knowledge (including foreknowledge and middle knowledge)

F1 Definition

G1 Knowledge

H1 The English word gives this as one definition:

1. a particular or specialized form of understanding or skill.

2. Webster’s Dictionary Unabridged 1828 has

a) A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement and repugnancy of our ideas.

b) We can have no knowledge of that which does not exist. God has a perfect knowledge of all his works. Human knowledge is very limited, and is mostly gained by observation and experience.

H2 An example of some Bible words

I1 One of the Hebrew words is דַּעַת daʻath. It means knowledge, perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom. Referring to God, it would have the meaning of knowing everything.

1. God gives this knowledge when necessary: Exodus 31:3 NET and I have filled him with the Spirit of God in skill, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship.

2. The amount of God’s knowledge is impossible for us to understand: Psalm 139:6 NET Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.

3. Whatever knowledge and skill is needed for creation, God has: Proverbs 3:20 NLT By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

4. He knows everything about us: 1 Samuel 2:3 NRSV Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.

I2 One of the Greek words is γνῶσις gnōsis. It means general intelligence and understanding.

1. God’s knowledge is so vast that we cannot examine it or understand it: Romans 11:33 NET Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! 

2. Note “all:” Colossians 2:2-3 PickNT That their hearts may be encouraged, being united in love and into a great wealth of confident understanding, into a real knowledge of the mystery of the God and Father and of the Christ, 3 in whom all the treasures of the wisdom and the knowledge are hidden.

G2 Foreknowledge= knowledge of the future. The English definition: knowledge or awareness of something before it occurs or exists. This is not a decreed action that is rendered certain. It is truly knowledge of the future. It seems to me that the Calvinist doesn’t believe that God truly knows the future. They believe that God exhaustively decrees the future and renders it certain. They believe the only way God knows the future is to decide what it will be, have a perfect memory, and ensure that it takes place. To me that makes God a superman but not one who truly knows the future without decreeing it. The following article might help to understand the Arminian view: Ed Jarrett, “Arminianism: Foreknowledge, Predestination and Election”

H1 Acts 2:23 NRSV This man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.

H2 1 Peter 1:2 ISV The people chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying action of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with his blood. May grace and peace be yours in abundance!

G3 Natural knowledge= All that can happen. God knows all that can be known whether it will exist or not. The usual example given if God was going to make a universe, He would have to know everything, how they would interact, how they would respond to stimuli (both pleasurable and noxious), and if rebellion occurred, how it would occur and its results. Perfectly and exhaustively know math, chemistry, physics, decisions, etc.

G4 Middle knowledge= All that would happen. God knows exactly how a person will choose or respond in any given circumstances. The usual example is Peter choosing to deny that he knows Jesus. It is the middle between a person’s free will and God’s sovereignty.

G5 Free knowledge= All that will happen. This is not just what science and math know and predict. It is what is the unknown as well. God knows the future perfectly. He knows every response, every decision, every action, every word, and every thought.

F2 Bible verse

G1 Luke 10:13 CSB Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

G2 Matthew 26:24 CSB The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.

G3 Exodus 9:14-15 NLT If you don't, I will send more plagues on you and your officials and your people. Then you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth.

G4 People making choices different from God’s choice.

H1 Matthew 23:37 CSB Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 

H2 2 Peter 3:9 CSB The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

H3 Isaiah 30:1 CSB Woe to the rebellious children! This is the LORD's declaration. They carry out a plan, but not mine; they make an alliance, but against my will, piling sin on top of sin.

E8 Perfect

F1 Definition: without any flaw.

F2 Words

G1 The Hebrew word is תָּמִים tâmîym. It means complete is various applications such as completely well, time as complete, morally complete (sinless), completely meeting the standard of truth and justice.

H1 God’s law is perfect: Psalm 19:7 NIV The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

H2 His lifestyle: Psalm 18:30 NIV As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

H3 All that He does: Psalm 111:7 NIV The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

H Note the contrast with the devil: Ezekiel 28:15 NKJV You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.

G2 The Greek word is τέλειος téleios. It means much the same as the Hebrew word. It is complete, finished, not lacking anything, so morally, intellectually, spiritually, etc. perfect.

H1 God’s standard of life is perfect. It lacks nothing and meets the standard of perfection is every possible way: Matthew 5:48 NIV Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

H2 God’s will is perfect: Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

H3 The Law of Jesus is perfect (in contrast with Mosaic law. If one tried as hard as possible to obey the Mosaic law, it would not save from God’s wrath, but if one follows Messiah’s law, it does): James 1:25 CSB But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

H4 God’s love is perfect, and we should have this same type of love: 1 John 4:18 ESV There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

H5 God’s words are perfect, ours are not, but that is God’s standard: James 3:2 NIV We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part K

E6 Omnisapience

F1 Definition: Literally, this means all wisdom or complete wisdom. God’s wisdom is perfect. He cannot learn, for He knows all. He cannot learn wisdom, for He can apply knowledge perfectly and without any flaws. He knows every possibility.

F2 His communication is perfect. He knows how to word what He does, what He thinks, what He plans perfectly and without flaw. His decisions are perfect. His words and communication are perfect. Yet, so many will not interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense.

F3 Knowledge and wisdom are related, but they are separate. One can have knowledge but not be wise; likewise, someone may be wise but not have much knowledge. Knowing facts is something different then using knowing how to use them wisely. We see that in making decisions.

F4 Some of the difference can be seen from this verse: Proverbs 2:6 NLT For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

G1 Wisdom:

H1 Hebrew word for wisdom is חׇכְמָה chokmâh. It means skillful. This is seen in many ways from creative ability, to making decisions, to living life. It is practical and in many cases life saving.

H2 We see this in

I1 Contrast between pride and humility: Proverbs 11:2 NLT Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

I2 Contrast between bullying and fighting and receiving advice: Proverbs 13:10 NLT Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

I3 Contrast between “following my heart” and truth and God’s insight and advice: Proverbs 28:26 NLT Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

G2 Knowledge:

H1 The Hebrew word is דַּעַת daʻath. It means having facts on any subject or situation.

H2 God knows everything we do and think: Psalm 94:10 NLT He punishes the nations—won't he also punish you? He knows everything—doesn't he also know what you are doing?

H3 God knows everything about creation, how to make it, sustain it, and dissolve it: Proverbs 3:20 NLT By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

H4 We have to know something before we can make a decision: Proverbs 19:2 NLT Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.

H5 Knowing God is more important than human wisdom: Proverbs 30:3 NLT I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

H6 God knows how to do this: Isaiah 44:25 NLT I expose the false prophets as liars and make fools of fortune-tellers. I cause the wise to give bad advice, thus proving them to be fools.

H7 God knows who is true and who is fake: Isaiah 58:2 NLT Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.

G3 Understanding:

H1 The Hebrew word is תָּבוּן tâbûwn. It means knowing the “whys” of how something works, thinks, acts, etc.

H2 Proverbs 14:29 NLT People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

H3 Proverbs 18:2 NLT Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

H4 Speaking of wooden idols: Isaiah 44:19 NIV No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, "Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?"

F5 God gives wisdom to those otherwise impossible to have it: Exodus 31:3 NLT I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.

F6God is the source of great wisdom: 1 Kings 4:29-30 NLT God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt.

F7 God’s creative ability shows His great wisdom: Psalm 104:24 NLT O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.

F8 Wisdom is something that is to be coveted, asked for, and grateful when God grants it: Proverbs 23:23 NLT Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

F9 An example: Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 NLT Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterwards, no one thought to thank him.

F10 Another example: Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 NLT Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterwards, no one thought to thank him.

F11 God has all power and understanding: Psalm 147:5 NLT How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!

F12 He has all wisdom. There is no one who can give wisdom, advice, counsel, what is right or what is just: Isaiah 40:13-14 NLT Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?

F13 Jesus Christ is God, God the Son, and so has the same omniscience and omnisapience as the Father: 1 Corinthians 1:24 NLT But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

F14 God is so wise that we cannot understand: Romans 11:33 NLT Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

A Few Thoughts on the Epistle of James—James 1:2-8

James 1:2-8 WEL My brothers, consider it all joy when you find yourself surrounded by various trials. 3 Know this that the testing of your faith brings about endurance. 4 Let endurance have its full, complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, then ask the God, who gives to all profusely and doesn’t rebuke, and it will be given to him. 6 But one must ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 Do not let that person think that he will receive anything from the Lord. 8 A double minded person [is] unstable in every way.

Brothers=

• Can be a flesh brother (Matthew 4:18)
• Can be a flesh sister (feminine case) (Mark 6:3)
• Can be those of the same nationality (Romans 9:3)
• Can be a fellow believer (John 21:23, Hebrews 2:11, Romans 8:29)
• Brothers in our passage are all those who believe and placed their trust into Jesus Christ.

Joy=

• There is a difference between joy and happiness
• Happiness is the Greek word μακάριος makários.
  • It is usually translated blessed, yet sometimes happy. Compare Matthew 5:3 and 1 Corinthians 7:40.
  • Yet, in English, there is a difference between happiness and blessed: As adjectives the difference between blessed and happy is that blessed is having divine aid, or protection, or other blessing while happy is experiencing the effect of favorable fortune; having the feeling arising from the consciousness of well-being or of enjoyment; enjoying good of any kind, as peace, tranquility, comfort; contented; joyous. (Source)
• Joy is the Greek word χαρά chará.
  • It is translated as joy and gladness.
  • Joy is defined as
  • The difference between joy and happiness. A good article is Difference Between Joy and Happiness, which is the source of the quotes below.
    • Both joy and happiness are positive and desirable emotions where a person has a feeling of being satisfied.
    • Joy comes from the inner-self of a person, and is connecting with the source of life within you.
    • Happiness is an emotion experienced when in a state of well-being.
    • Joy is from the inside of a person, while happiness is from an external source.
    • Christian joy is a fruit, not a work, of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23).
    • What God does is perfect and without error. His joy is much deeper and peaceful than any other.

Trials=

• It is the Greek word πειρασμός peirasmós.
• In various senses
  • A seducing to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13, Luke 4:13)
  • A test of sinners of God’s mercy and patience. (Hebrews 3:18)
  • Trials, troubles, afflictions (Luke 22:28, Acts 20:19)
  • Here it is the troubles of living and being a Christian.
• God has a purpose. God overrides the actions of certain unbelievers. (Romans 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 1:9)

Testing=

• This word is different than the word trials above. It is the Greek word δοκίμιον dokímion.
• It means to test. Did we learn what we were taught? (This passage and 1 Peter 1:7)

The results of testing=

• God is the perfect teacher
• We learn to a greater and greater understanding of knowing God, His beliefs, and His lifestyle in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
• Faith is our commitment and response to what we have been taught.
• Testing of our faith leads to endurance to be steadfast in our faith.
• Endurance leads to maturity and completeness of our faith. Even the Lord Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

Wisdom=

• Is it lacking? Do we not understand or know how to respond?
• We are invited to ask Him, who is the perfection of wisdom, for wisdom. In love and wisdom, He is our helper.
• God does not become angry or rebuke us for seeking His wisdom. Even if we ask many times each day, He will not become angry. He loves us.

Faith=

• Believing God.
• Expecting an answer because He has proclaimed it.
• The warning is given us not to doubt to the extend we abandon the faith.
• God is pleased when we believe Him. He believes us when we ask, so let us believe Him that He will answer. He doesn’t say when, but He says that He will answer.

Questions=

• Why does God allow troubles?
• Why do many people not like Christians?
• What is our response to troubles and testing?
• How does God give us help?
• When does His help (grace) come?

A Few Thoughts on Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

There are 4 things I would like to speak about this evening: Fear, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Discipline.

Fear

B1 The Hebrew word is יִרְאָה yir'ah. It means

C1 Fear and terror as in Jonah 1:10 GW Then the men were terrified. They knew that he was running away from the LORD, because he had told them. They asked Jonah, "Why have you done this?"

C2 Reverential fear as in speaking of Messiah Isaiah 11:2 MEV The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

B2 We who have reverential fear must remember who the Boss is. We all have to give an account to Him one day. 2 Corinthians 5:10 GW All of us must appear in front of Christ's judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies.

Knowledge

B1 The Hebrew word is דַּעַת daʻath. It means

C1 Knowledge, knowing as in

D2 Hosea 4:6 MEV My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from being My priest. And because you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

D2 1 Kings 7:14 NIV Whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

D3 Knowing something as facts, skills, and daily life as a journeyman plumber, surgeon, lawyer, etc.

C2 Knowledge of how to act wisely in society and in situations as Proverbs 17:27 YLT One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding. The NET versions has the sense, the meaning of the passage: Proverbs 17:27 NET The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

C3 As Christians, we know that our God is omniscience—all knowing.

B2 The fear of the Lord is the first step. It is the foundation of this wisdom and knowledge. God’s ways are always best—best for individuals, families, businesses, governments, societies, churches, just everything!

Wisdom

B1 The Hebrew word is חׇכְמָה chokmâh. It means

C1 Skill as in Exodus 31:2-5 WEB “Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: (3) and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, (4) to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, (5) and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of workmanship.

C2 We understand that wisdom is not only the highest intelligence possible (as in IQ) but also in common sense. God is omnisapient—all wise. Example: Jeremiah 10:12 NKJV He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.

Discipline

B1 The Hebrew word is מוּסָר mûwçâr. It means

C1 Correction as an experienced and skilled worker, “You can do that project easier if you…”

D1 It can be physical correction as choices have consequences: Proverbs 22:15 NIV Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

D2 It can involve punishment for crimes: Isaiah 53:5 GNB But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received.

C2 Instruction, warning, giving knowing, and coaching. Proverbs 10:17 GNB People who listen when they are corrected will live, but those who will not admit that they are wrong are in danger.

B2 Despising (H936) means feeling contempt for and detesting something. Destesting wisdom and instruction leads to wrong life attitudes and choices that corrupts and causes misery to society.

We learn

1. Decisions have consequences. Galatians 6:7 NKJV Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
2. Right decisions lead to a good society, family life, married life, church life, etc.
3. Wrong decisions lead to a corrupt society, crime, discord, dysfunctional families, etc.
4. God teaches the right way Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Things as Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law).
5. God is the source, THE educator for our wisdom and learning, so we need to read and study His word the Bible.

Questions to ask ourselves:

1. Why is God’s way best?
2. How can we learn God’s ways?
3. How can I apply God’s ways?
4. How do we help each other, encouraging one another, and teach each other God’s ways?
5. Are we doing God’s ways in public and private?
6. Ask yourself, as I must ask myself, “Am I doing God’s ways in my thoughts, desires, words and deeds?

Luke 6:40 NIV The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

John 13:13 NIV "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.

John 14:23-24 NIV Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

A Few Thoughts on the Book of Proverbs Part 1

Part 1:Introduction

B1 Author: Solomon, Lemuel, and Agar. The Holy Spirit inspired them.

B2 Purpose: to show the contrast between God’s wisdom and human wisdom.

B3 Why read and study? Proverbs 1:2-6 NRSV For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, 3 for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young— 5 let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, 6 to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.

C1 For learning

D1 Wisdom (thinking God’s way)

D2 Instruction (correction and training)

C2 For understanding words of insight (skills and attitudes that wise men and women have learned)

C3 Gaining instruction

D1 In wise dealing (behavior)

D2 In righteousness (doing the right thing, thinking the right way, in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds in public and private)

D3 In justice (in deciding cases, making the right decisions)

D4 In equity (evenhandedness, impartiality, treating poor and rich, powerless and powerful, etc. the same)

C4 Teaching the simple (naive, unskilled, inexperienced)

D1 Shrewdness (discretion, forethought, caution, sensibleness)

D2 Knowledge (knowing facts, having experience)

D3 Prudence (having a reasonable plan, purpose)

C5 Increasing in those who have wisdom

D1 More wisdom than before (on how to speak to impart understanding)

D2 Greater skills in life (giving direction and wise counsel)

C6 Other translations

D1 Proverbs 1:2-6 NLT Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

D2 Proverbs 1:2-6 GNB Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning. 3 They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. 4 They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. 5 These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, 6 so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise.

C7 All these proverbs are to be applied to spiritual life as well as daily life and interaction with people.

B4 The most important is the start

C1 Salvation

C2 Not resisting, not refusing to believe, not suppressing, not rejecting truth, God’s truth, which is perfect truth. Truth is reality, not opinion.

C3 The Fear of the Lord: Proverbs 1:7 NKJV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

D1 G. Campbell Morgan wrote that there are two kinds of fear:

E1 The fear that God will hurt me; but that is a selfish fear.

E2 The fear that I will hurt Him; a fear founded in love and producing holiness of character and righteousness of conduct. (See Ezekiel 6:9+). (Source)

D2 Personally, I believe there are 2 kinds of fear, too:

E1 Fear of God because of sin: Genesis 3:8 NIV Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

E2 Fear of God because of accountability (for Christians this is the Bema Seat judgment, where we must all give account. It has nothing to do with salvation, hell, heaven, etc. It does deal with rewards).

F1 Judgment Seat (Bema Seat)

G1 Romans 14:10 WEB But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

B2 2 Corinthians 5:10 WEB For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

F2 As Christians, all of our deeds will be tested. This includes private and public, known and unknown, thoughts, desires, words, and deeds: 1 Corinthians 3:12-16 WEB But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; 13 each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. 14 If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. 16 Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?

http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/Bible%20Charts/Proverbs.htm

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Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.