King James Bible Study – [Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.]
Date: Friday, June 17, 2022
Chapters: PROVERBS 25-26
Study: Integrity Over Pride
Hello My Friend,
[Integrity; Moral soundness or Purity; genuine, unadulterated, unimpaired state. Moral; Relating to the practice, manners or conduct of mankind as social beings in relation to each other with reference to divine law, such as being good, virtuous, and just in the eyes of God.] In other words, integrity is the moral character of a person, it is living our lives in a way that respects our body as how we present our body often reflects upon how others perceive us to be. In this day and age, it is hard to find people with integrity, the world paints the picture that it is beautiful to defile our bodies with words and deeds that are, in fact, immoral, but it is quite deceptive and only leads to a life of regret instead of purpose, [1 Corinthians 6:12-14 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.]
[Pride; Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.] We must not confuse integrity with pride, it is one thing to feel confident about yourself, abilities, and accomplishments, it is another to be so arrogant that you think the world evolves around you. We may not realize it, but we are in front of a camera every day, people watching, observing, some encouraged, some influenced, or even some who disgusted by what we are doing. As Christians, it is important that we take pride in how we conduct ourselves, but not in a way that we become conceded, and arrogant, we are to become a reflection of Christ in us. As we return to the reading of Proverbs, God wants us to live in a way that gives glory to Him, and the most effective way is by concealing ourselves.
[Proverbs 25:1-7 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.]
[Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king,] I tell you what, my peers think that I am this push over because I do not talk out loud and stay to myself, but they really have no idea what I am capable of. My leads on the other hand, are finding out what I am capable of, and are coming to me for things, even though I have not even been with the company three months. As Christians, we are not meant to stand out in front of the crowd, rather be the powerful force in the background who shines Christ through us. And that is exactly what brings recognition from our leaders who call on us when it matters most, [1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.]
If we are saved, born again Christians, then we represent Jesus Christ, everything we do ought to give glory to Him. While we might fall down from time to time, God’s grace is what picks us back up and gets us going and moving forward. God wants us to have an amazing and prosperous life here, but He also wants us to be the best that we can be for no other reason than it being the right thing to do. And because of that we are going to make some enemies. However, those whom have wronged us will fall much further, and will have no one to pick them up.
[Proverbs 25:18-22,25-26 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. 21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. 25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. 27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. 28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.]
[so is good news from a far country.] Is not the best news that we as Christian will ever receive is that this is not really our home? After all the hard work is done and after we have endured our worst enemies, we wi;; spend eternity with Jesus, [2 Timothy 1:8-9,12 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.]
[Fool; A wicked or depraved person; one who acts contrary to sound wisdom in his moral character.] How often are we qualified to do something because we do become the best at what we do, but are held back only due to the fact that they do not want to lose us? In this world, it is much too common for glory to be given to the fools, those who are unworthy and unfit to even be in the positions they are in, but somehow are preferred over the qualified.
[Proverbs 26:4-12 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.]
[great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool,] The fool has no shame, it will sell its soul for the right price. The fool is compared to the untamed horse that needs a whip for correction and the unruly ass that needs a restraint for guidance. The fool will often get corrected for their actions, and yet remain unruly, often becoming a burden rather than an asset to those who put their trust in them, but those who put their faith in Christ will have their reward, [Hebrews 10:35-37 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.]
Have you heard the way some people talk when they try to justify their reason for doing the horrible things they do? They sound down right foolish. That is why we are to choose our words wisely, and not listen to everything that has been said about someone, [Proverbs 26:23-28 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. 24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. 27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.]
[it will return upon him.] We have all been fools about something, but you learn, you move on, and you grow, but the real fool never learns and keeps doing the same thing over and over again. Never let a fool have rule over you, and never let them knock you down. And if they do, never let them keep you down, get back up, you are better than that, you have a lot going for yourself, you belong to Jesus, and He knows the truth about you, He will take care of you, but you cannot let fools define who you are, [Galatians 6:1-7 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.]
Today’s Prayer: God, You do not keep us in the world to be a part of it, but to be a reflection of Your Son as we learn and grow into His likeness. With the world full of deception, we are challenged every day to hold on to our integrity, but You are our strength and guide to remain honorable and just. Lord, lead us and guide us, give us Your power, strength, mercy, and grace to be present in the world and not be a part of it. Help us to be cordial and friendly to all, even our enemies, while sometimes we must stand up and fight other times we must humble ourselves as You did and not say anything to them. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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