2019 Feb 14 Proverbs 14, Psalms, John 14
2019 Feb 14 Proverbs 14, Psalms, John 14
Welcome, warmly wishing you a fine day! Let's continue in Proverbs 14, verses 25-30:
"25 A true witness saves lives, But a deceitful one lies with every breath. 26 There is strong confidence in the fear of Jehovah, And it will be a refuge for his children. 27 The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. 28 A multitude of people are a king’s majesty, But a ruler without subjects is ruined. 29 The one who is slow to anger has great discernment, But the impatient one displays his foolishness. 30 A calm heart gives life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones."
Prove 14:25 "Truthful lips will endure forever, but a lying tongue will last for only a moment." says Proverbs 12:19. The testimony of a true witness may more immediately save a life, but also encourages life by honest, truthful speech, and often sharing important truth with others. A deceitful witness, on the other hand, cannot be trusted to speak the truth.
Prove 14:26 The "strong confidence" that comes with the fear of Jehovah is in Jehovah himself, rather than in oneself. As Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress." Thus, having this healthy fear of displeasing God, and lovingly teaching it to one's children, will help the children to find this refuge as well.
Prove 14:27 As Proverbs 8:13 says, "The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad." By seeing the ill consequences of badness, we may come to hate it, steering clear of "the snares of death," and remaining on the path to endless life. Having such fear moves us to share life-giving truth with others, proving this fear to be a "fountain of life." Regarding God's son, Isaiah 11:1,2 says "A twig will grow out of the stump of Jesʹse, And a sprout from his roots will bear fruit. 2 And the spirit of Jehovah will settle upon him, The spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The spirit of counsel and of mightiness, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah." In this, he sets an example for others, to grow in divine wisdom.
Prove 14:28 Proverbs 29:2 says: "When the righteous are many, the people rejoice, But when the wicked one rules, the people groan." Thus a king does well to pursue true wisdom and righteousness, with the favor and blessing of God, on himself and his people. Turning from righteousness would cause ruin to himself and a poor example to his people, who may thus fall into calamity.
Prove 14:29 To have patience with others, both insight and discernment are shown to prove beneficial. Discernment enables one to judge properly between things, such as right and wrong, true and false, and so on. This makes it possible to have compassionate insight, seeing the real reasons behind someone's speech, actions, and decisions. If someone gets rude to us just after spilling coffee on his new shirt, can we not understand and exercise more patience with the person? Being impatient often results in "foolishness," and does little to help the situation.
Prove 14:30 One who is patient contributes to calmness of heart, as well as one avoiding the ravages of jealousy. What is jealousy? It is a hatred toward another perhaps over something the person has or honor received, that may cause one to desire to cruelly interfere with their enjoying such things in some way. The scripture says it is "rottenness to the bones," or "to the core." We also read, at James 3:16, "For wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing." EVERY "VILE," or EVIL THING! Jealousy does not nothing to benefit humanity in any way. May we reject any such inclination, and rather, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15).
Psalm 103 (Book 4, 14th psalm) is a real gem of Scripture (among many), highlighting God's merciful love toward the human family. It shows that while God is merciful and loving toward us, we should still fear Him, aiming to be careful to keep God's orders and instructions. Let's include verses 9-18: "9 He will not always find fault, Nor will he stay resentful forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve. 11 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So great is his loyal love toward those who fear him. 12 As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, So far off from us he has put our transgressions. 13 As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. 14 For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust. 15 As for mortal man, his days are like those of grass; He blooms like a blossom of the field. 16 But when a wind blows, it is no more, As though it was never there. 17 But the loyal love of Jehovah is for all eternity Toward those who fear him, And his righteousness toward their children’s children, 18 Toward those who keep his covenant And those who are careful to observe his orders."
John 14:1-6 Jesus' faithful apostles were carefully trained by Jesus to be among those anointed with God's spirit to be heavenly co-rulers with Christ in God's kingdom. Thus he concluded the Kingdom covenant with such ones, to share with Christ in the Kingdom. This is shown at Luke 22:28-30, which reads: "“However, you are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials; 29 and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel." Prophetically, Israel would come to represent Christianity, the "Israel of God." (Galat 6:16). Thus, in John, Jesus speaks of his faithful followers residing and ruling with him. This would be in contrast with those who would live under the Kingdom, enjoying its benefits earth-wide. Verses 1-6 read as follows: "1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Exercise faith in God; exercise faith also in me. 2 In the house of my Father are many dwelling places. Otherwise, I would have told you, for I am going my way to prepare a place for you. 3 Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you home to myself, so that where I am you also may be. 4 And where I am going, you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to him: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Regardless of our hope, as part of the Kingdom or living within it's domain, may we rejoice in following the Christ, heeding his instructions and example as a humble servant of the Most High God, Jehovah.
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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!
