2020 Jan 08-Jan 09 Proverbs 1, Psalm 119 Stanza 3A
J. Mark A. Campbell-Elanemy • January 8, 2020
2020 Jan 08-Jan 09 Proverbs 1, Psalm 119 Stanza 3A
Welcome! Let's conclude Proverbs 1, then look further into Psalm 119 Stanza 3A, verses 17-20.
Proverbs 1:30-33
"30 They refused my advice; They disrespected all my reproof."
Prove 1:30 Verse 22 identifies vulnerable ones as “inexperienced,” “ridiculers,” and “foolish ones” who would refuse to listen to God’s appeals of advice and reproof. The inexperienced ones are “loving inexperience,” perhaps mistakenly believing that if they don’t know the truth, they are less responsible for their actions. But refusing to listen hardens them into a stubborn course of disobedience. Such ones need shrewdness, or foresighted prudence, to see ahead at the consequences of their actions and decisions, so as to hate the bad course in the respectful fear of Jehovah. Ridiculers are loving ridicule, finding fault with others which gives them a feeling of pride, that they are somehow better than them. In some cases, these ones may have low self-esteem, having been ridiculed by others themselves, and see their practice as the only way they can “feel better” about themselves. But this is mistaken as well. Self-exaltation is something God has hated. (Prove 8:13). To promote peace and unity, we shouldn’t make such comparisons with others. Rather, we should do our own best, and seek to improve ourselves over time. (Galat 6:4). We should maintain compassion, and “Rejoice with those who rejoice; Weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Thus, rather than finding fault with others, love will move us to encourage and help them to succeed as well, trusting in God’s blessing on our own efforts to improve. Finally, “foolish ones” hate at least some knowledge, and therefore need to learn to appreciate and respectfully fear Jehovah, which "fear" is the beginning of divine knowledge and wisdom, and "means the hating of bad." (Prove 1:7; 9:10; 8:13; 2:1-6).
"31 So they will bear the consequences of their way, And they will be glutted with their own counsel."
Prove 1:31 Without making such adjustments in their thinking, they will bear the consequences of their way, and be overly satisfied with their own brand of “counsel.” The dire consequences of not contemplating the results of wayward choices, and of hating divine knowledge, follow, along with real benefits of listening to Jehovah:
"32 For the waywardness of the inexperienced will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them."
Prove 1:32 Inexperienced ones lack the shrewdness, or prudence, to see “the danger and” conceal oneself. Thus they “keep right on going and suffer the consequences.” (Prove 22:3). Without a change, this will catch up to them. The fool’s “complacency” is a self-satisfaction accompanied by an unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. This, too, will catch up to foolish ones without a change in their attitude or behavior. Thus, the need to obtain divine knowledge, learning to understand the spiritual side of humankind, as persons made in the "image of God," learning to comprehend things that can cause harm to our spirit, and our relationships with God and other humans, cannot be overstated--it means our life! God has provided an incredible "instruction manual," complete with evidence of it's divine authorship, for instance, in the wisdom and foreknowledge contained therein. And the rewards are many for contemplating the benefits of godly obedience, and the sad results of ignoring divine warnings against wrongdoing. By giving consideration to such matters, we can truly find the happiness God originally purposed for the human family!
"33 But the one listening to me will dwell in security And be undisturbed by the dread of calamity.”
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PSALM 119
Stanza 3 Theme: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS
As mentioned in the preview, a key idea for this stanza is that Fondness for God's word is important for faithfulness. Notice verses 17-20: "17 Deal kindly with your servant, So that I may live and observe your word. 18 Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your law. 19 I am but a foreigner in the land. Do not hide your commandments from me. 20 I am consumed with longing For your judgments at all times."
17 Deal kindly with your servant, So that I may live and observe your word.
WHAT A PRIVILEGE!
Psalm 119:17 Clearly, the psalmist found keen delight in obeying God's word--experiencing the deep joy and inner satisfaction that comes with obedience to God's commands. As Psalm 19:7-8 states: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength...The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." Also, the psalmist humbly considered it a privilege to obey God and find such happiness, asking God that He "kindly" deal with him, and allow him to do so.
18 Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your law.
THE VALUE AND BEAUTY OF GOD'S LAW!
Psalm 119:18 The psalmist recognizes that a person can be blind to the beautiful truths of God's word and law. This psalmist may have been a king, and accepting a bribe, God's law stated, at Exodus 23:8 "blinds clear-sighted men and can distort the words of righteous men." Also, any form of idolatry, exalting anyone or anything above the place only God should occupy in our hearts, causes those having eyes not to see, a reference to hampered spiritual vision. (Psalm 115). And Paul eludes to this, in referring to those influenced by Satan's godship, at 2Corinthians 4:4, "among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through." Therefore, may we not be fooled into underestimating the value or beauty of God's law, nor the rewards of adhering thereto. Eternal life in true peace and happiness is surely worth every effort to attain!
19 I am but a foreigner in the land. Do not hide your commandments from me.
TREASURE THE PRIVILEGE!
The psalm may not declare it's author openly, but verses such as this may assist us in recognizing his identity. Not many with such a grasp of God's laws and wisdom would be considered "a foreigner in the land." The kings were required to read in God's law daily, with the goal of observing all that was written in it (Deute 17:19; Joshua 1:8). They would thus tend to develop similar appreciation for God's word like this psalmist. But who among the kings could be considered "a foreigner"? Evidence suggests a knowledgable writer, but one also experiencing many hardships. However, perhaps he did still wish to remain anonymous, giving the honor for such good and wise counsel to our all-wise and loving Father, Jehovah. Let's leave it at that, for now. His point here, perhaps is how sad if he were to be considered unworthy by God of knowing His commandments, as if a worshipper of false gods. May we treasure the true worship of Jehovah God, and appreciate the privilege of keeping His law as a clean devoted servant of Him.
20 I am consumed with longing For your judgments at all times.
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!
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