2019 Feb 09 Proverbs 9, Psalms, Romans 9
2019 Feb 09 Proverbs 9, Psalms, Romans 9
Hello, wishing you a pleasant day! Let's continue in Proverbs 9, verses 13, 15-18:
"13 A stupid woman is loud. She is ignorant and knows absolutely nothing...15 Calling out to those passing by, To those walking straight ahead on their way: 16 “Whoever is inexperienced, let him come in here.” She says to those lacking good sense: 17 “Stolen waters are sweet, And food eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that those powerless in death are there, That her guests are in the depths of the Grave."
Prove 9:13 In contrast to true wisdom that keeps calling out to inexperienced ones to learn shrewdness and understanding, this woman, while also calling out to such ones, is said to be stupid and ignorant, "stupid" referring to one who may know the right way but often chooses to ignore it. She appears to be mimicking the call of true wisdom, believing her way somehow has value, but what a deception!
Prove 9:15-18 The persuasion of this woman is focused primarily on fleshly desire, rather than anything of lasting value. She claims that "stolen waters are sweet, and food eaten in secret is pleasant."She thus causes ones to believe that stealing and behaving secretly or deceptively leads to real satisfaction in life. Her motives are made clear in verse 18, showing her persuasions lead to such things as sexual immorality or other serious sins that result in spiritual and often physical demise, turning ones away from the path leading to eternal life and true happiness. May we be alert to such persuasions in our personal associations, including the entertainment we allow ourselves to be exposed to. Let's be careful in what we choose to consider, that, avoiding the cunning way Satan deceived Eve, our minds are not "corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are due the Christ." (2Cori 11:3). Proverbs 13:20 thus cautions: "The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly." Let's be alert to notice if inexperienced loved ones are somehow gravitating toward personalities inclined in such ways, that they may be alerted to helpful cautions, to gain more foresighted shrewdness, or prudence, to realize the potentially disastrous consequences of falling into bad company (1Cori 15:33). While we love all people, wanting as many as possible to gain a foothold on eternal life, many are still inclined otherwise, and need loving guidance to understand how to correct their steps. We might pray about the matter regarding our loved ones or companions needing help, that the human family may largely escape the corruption and disobedient or disloyal spirit that may cause many to lose out on everlasting happiness!
Psalm 98 (Book 4, 9th psalm) recognizes God's wondrous activity, bringing about salvation to right-hearted mankind. Verse 2 says "Jehovah has made known his salvation; He has revealed his righteousness before the nations." Verse 3 says "He has remembered his loyal love and faithfulness to the house of Israel." Israel, of course, was God's chosen people, whom he loved and favored at one time. But with determined disobedience and rejection of his own son, God's favor shifted toward those having the spiritual faith of Israel's forefather Abraham, rather than simply those born in his lineage. Thus those, including fleshly Jews, walking in line with true Christianity have become the "Israel of God", as God's word explains in Galatians 6:16: "As for all those who walk orderly by this rule of conduct, peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God." Verses 3,4,9 of Psalm 98 continue: "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Shout in triumph to Jehovah, all the earth. Be cheerful and shout joyfully and sing praises...He will judge the inhabited earth with righteousness and the peoples with fairness." Jehovah's favor is now upon those looking to Him and his son for direction and guidance in life, leading to their genuine peace and happiness.
Romans 9:1-6 The apostle Paul explains that salvation did originate with the Jews. He has "great grief and unceasing pain in his heart," that more Israelites did or would not accept Christ and fulfill their intended role in the salvation of mankind. In verse 4 Paul says "To them belong the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the sacred service and the promises. To them the forefathers belong, and from them the Christ descended according to the flesh." But notice Paul's next words: "However, it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who descend from Israel are really "Israel." Yes, God gave fleshly Israel the opportunity of being the ones from whom the kings of God's kingdom, co-rulers with Christ, would descend. At Exodus 19:5,6 God said this to Moses, to tell Israel: "Now if you will strictly obey my voice and keep my covenant, you will certainly become my special property out of all peoples, for the whole earth belongs to me. 6 You will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”" Did Israel live up to God's requirement? They did not strictly obey God's voice, but time and again turned to false gods and false worship, resulting in their captivity to Assyria and Babylon, and their ultimate rejection of God's son. Notice Jesus' sentiments, at Matthew 23:37-39: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her—how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. 38 Look! Your house is abandoned to you. 39 For I say to you, you will by no means see me from now until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name!’” Still, there were many faithful individuals, and thus many of them did accept Christ and received the privilege of being with Christ in the heavenly kingdom. But God turned to the nations, to allow some of them also to receive this same privilege. God's will is still being accomplished worldwide, toward a united, peaceful Earth. All praise to Jehovah for the outworking of His loving purpose toward mankind!
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
