2018 Dec 17 Proverbs 17, Psalms, Colossians 1
2018 Dec 17 Proverbs 17, Psalms, Colossians 1
A warm welcome to all! Let's continue in Proverbs 17, verses 11-14:
"11 A bad man seeks only rebellion, But a cruel messenger will be sent to punish him. 12 Better to meet a bear bereaved of her cubs Than to encounter someone stupid in his foolishness. 13 If anyone repays bad for good, Bad will not depart from his house. 14 Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave."
Prov 17:11 God's new world will be one of "righteousness" and true "peace." There will be no place for those seeking rebellion against what is good at that time. The earth is being cleansed of evildoers who refuse to repent of evil practices, after being given opportunities to understand their evil and mend their ways. May all right-hearted ones rejoice in what God is bringing about. As Psalm 46 proclaims: "Come and witness the activities of Jehovah, How he has done astonishing things on the earth. He is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the military wagons with fire."
Prov 17:12 What a serious statement! The morally stupid one often knows the right thing but is lacking the understanding to see it's value. This one thus practices foolishness instead of righteousness. He has no sense of integrity. May such ones follow the advice of Jehovah at Proverbs 2:1-5 and pray for divine wisdom, understanding, and discernment, thus learning to fear Jehovah properly, giving Him due respect and reverence, viewing Him with awe as our Universal Creator and Life-giver.
Prov 17:13 Another serious statement! Are there men, heads of households, who have the practice of repaying bad for the good others may do? What an insensible practice, with great disregard for the God of justice! May such ones repent, that God may show mercy, and end His judgement against their households.
Prov 17:14 Gentle Christian mildness can defuse a tense situation when applied at the right time. But if two or more have no such mindset, a quarrel may be nearly inevitable. Taking your leave may be the wisest course, not to get involved in such an experience.
The next 8 verses of Psalm 119 each begin with the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet:
"129 Your reminders are wonderful. That is why I observe them. 130 The disclosure of your words brings light, Giving understanding to the inexperienced. 131 I open my mouth wide and sigh, Because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and show me favor, In keeping with your judgment toward those loving your name. 133 Guide my steps safely by your saying; May nothing wicked dominate me. 134 Rescue me from oppressive men, And I will keep your orders. 135 Make your face shine upon your servant, And teach me your regulations. 136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law."
May we appreciate God's "wonderful" reminders, and observe them, like the psalmist. God's words impart understanding to the inexperienced ones. As such ones grow in divine wisdom, they have no need of "experiencing" badness, as they come to shrewdly foresee the sad results of bad decisions and actions. The psalmist at times sheds tears for those not keeping God's law, as they fail to see that His law protects us from much suffering and ill consequences.
Colossians 1:6 acknowledges the power of the truth of God's purpose: "Just as the good news is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world, so it is also doing among you from the day you heard and accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth." May we appreciate and continue growing in the "accurate knowledge" of Bible truth. Colossians 1:9,10 continues: "That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, 10 so as to walk worthily of Jehovah in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."







