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: Saturday, June 18. 2022
Chapters: JUNE 18 – PROVERBS 27-29
Study: Justifying The Wicked
Hello My Friend,
It has been a crazy past week for me, and I do pray that it gets a little easier this week as I do see some light finally at the end of the tunnel. And I tell you what, God, is so good, and in light of the recent events that are taking place throughout our nation, and as I read the chapters for today, this passage came to mind.
[Isaiah 5:20-23,25 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: 23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! 25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.]
As bad as things seem right now, and as much as we who are faithful in our walk with Christ are getting weary of keeping our heads above the water of this sinking ship, we still have hope. I keep saying that while it does appear that Jesus could return any day now, God is not done with this planet just yet. We still have some time before that happens as from what new study suggests that eighty percent of our country still believes in God. However, that number is dropping rather quickly, so, while we may some time, we do not know how much that will be. And as we continue in the reading of Proverbs, we are advised not to boast of tomorrow.
[Proverbs 27:1-7 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.]
[Boast not thyself of to morrow;] I think that this is one of my favorite Proverbs, it is a reminder that we are not guaranteed tomorrow, but we do have right now so, we need to make each day count. Did you ever notice that the more time you give to someone or thing that has no real potential the more time you waste? Well, I do not believe that everything we do that seems like it was a waste of time actually was, God has a purpose for everything. With that in mind, God, also lets us know that we must move forward because time is of essence.
[Proverbs 27:10-14 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.]
[thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not;] The worse time for us to seek new friends is when we are dealing with afflictions or tribulations. Solomon valued his father’s friend Hiram, and kept up friendship with him, but his Rehoboam, forsook the counsel of his father’s friends and counselors, and followed the young mien his new friends, thereby resulting in ten of the twelve tribes revolting, [1 Kings 12:13-16 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him; 14 And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 15 Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.]
[neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity:] Calamities are what is known as great misfortunes, generally applied to events or disasters which produce extensive evils, but is applied also to the misfortunes which bring great distress upon individuals. I am fortunate to have my brother close by, but it is not always feasible for me to come to him with all of my problems because he has his own family. However, there is a friend that we have who sticks closer than a brother, and He will always be there in our time of need, [John 15:13-15 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.]
I began thinking about the many times that God intervened in my life, and just how many people question His ability to intervene with our own freewill. While God does not mess with freewill, that does not mean He will not nudge or influence us to make the choices He wants us to make. We really are like sheep, and when we belong to Jesus, and walk with Him, He will know us, He will speak to us, and we will hear Him calling us. However, to those who are not His, they will continue to fall into their own snare.
[Proverbs 27:19-24 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?]
[As in water face answereth to face,] This is in reference to ones reflection of themselves in the water, are we seeing Jesus through that reflection or someone else? I remember a time in my life when I allowed the man in my life (this was before I dedicated my life to Christ) not influence me, rather push me into his lifestyle. I looked at myself one day and though, “Who are you?” and that was when I knew that it was time to make some changes in my life. I thank God every day for getting me out of that mess, well, to be honest, I have not really thought about it for a while, but God is quick to remind we of where I was before He was a part of my life, especially when I find myself gravitating back into the world. And I tell you what, the world is not your friend.
[Proverbs 28:1-2,4-7 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.]
[The wicked flee when no man pursueth:] Is that not the truth? The wicked do not want to get caught, even if they are not found out yet they a long gone before they are found out. And another thing, [They that forsake the law praise the wicked:]. My goodness, I am so tired of hearing that we are racists, bigots, or supremacists if some thug was killed in pursuit, all because we are merely defending ourselves. Look at all these fools who fight over things like gun control, women’s rights, black rights, gay rights, they are some of the most mean spirited people on the earth, full of so much pride and sin, yet they praise each other all the more for it. It is just like the Bible says, which we seem to be reminded quite often lately.
[Romans 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.]
Did you ever notice that people who envy us are bullies? They think that they can push us around and abuse us into get the things that we have. While some of them do get away with it for a while, in the end they will suffer greatly for what they have done, and we would not want to envy them for anything,
[Proverbs 28:9-14 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. 12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.]
[even his prayer shall be abomination.] My goodness, this hits home for me. Not me personally, but I do know some people who are struggling so badly, they have good hearts, and are saved, but have no desire to learn things God’s way. I believe the issue with most people is that they do not see God as that personal relationship that we would have as friends or family. And this is always the key to God hearing our prayers, [but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.] Even us saved, born again Christians get no where if we do not confess and repent of our sins, and that is also where many do hear from God, [1 John 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.]
The world will forever despise Jesus, and because we choose Him we can expect them to treat us the same way they treated Him. And do not think that there are not Christians who have not lost their lives for their faith, many are dying at record numbers right now, but the media will not tell you that. You see, the reason Jesus is hated so much is that He exposes them for the sinful people they are, and since they refuse to repent, they not only rebel they retaliate by attacking faithful Christians. Let me tell you, we may be in danger of losing our lives for our faith, but every hair on our head is accounted for, and He will save us.
[Proverbs 28:18-22,26-28 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.]
[he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.] Does this ring a bell? All these fools are out there crying to our government, free food, free health care, free housing, free phones, all the while they are very capable of lifting up a finger to go out and work. One time I asked God to forgive me for spending a little extra money on my nephews, and church kids that should have been used to pay a larger amount on a bill, and He rebuked me for that. Why? God takes care of us when we take care of His children, He takes care of us when we work, and He takes care of us when we are faithful to Him. I have learned something greatly this year, it is only when we trust Him that He will begin to answer our prayers, even before we ask them, [Luke 12:32-34 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.]
The wicked may have what they want for a time, but it will not last, and they will not have God to turn to. The world will forever despise Jesus, and because we choose Him we can expect them to treat us the same way. Let me tell you, we may be in danger of losing our lives for our faith, but every hair on our head is accounted for.
[Proverbs 29:1-2,8-13 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. 11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.]
[that being often reproved hardeneth his neck,] The more those who do not desire to hear God’s Word are made known of their sin the worse they get. It is just like the Bible says, [2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.]
[The bloodthirsty hate the upright:] The blood thirsty are what I call people who have no life, even though they have everything, Christian or not, they strive at causing an uproar with others because they are not happy with the life that God has given them. Let me tell you, if we stop worrying about everyone else, and take care of our own affairs, we would be better able to help those in need, instead of tearing them apart, [Galatians 5:14-16 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.]
And there is the key right there, walking in the Spirit that indwells us. Now, I am not saying that everyone who lives in sin after they are saved falls away from God and turns out worse, but I am going to say that those who remain in their sin will suffer quite a bit until they either repent or God brings them home before their time because they are suffering in that sin. We should all desire to know God’s will and until we do, we will only bring shame to ourselves and our faith for that matter. Do you want to know why Christianity is on a decline? It has to do with the fact that many Christians live more sinful lives than they do.
[Proverbs 29:15-18,23-26 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.]
[but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.] Every time I read this it reminds me of one of my church kids from years ago when I talked with his mother about his indiscretions at church and she told me that he is going to do what he wants to do and has to learn right from wrong on his own. And this is why we have thugs killing cops, burning down buildings, and threatening to take out every Christian based pregnancy center. Yes, it all begins in the home of the ones who raise them, [Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.]
Today’s Prayer: God, You knew me before I was even thought of, You knew the things that I would be exposed to, the choices I would make, the failures, the shortcomings, and yet, You love me still the same. Thank You, For loving me and not giving up on me, and for Your promise to never leave nor forsake me through my faith in Your Son. You want us to trust You to provide us with everything we need and desire, and with that trust You give us much more than we can ever dream of. You instruct us to be full with the amazing things that You have blessed us with, but to always be hungry for what we have need of. Lord, I need You, I know I am nothing without You, and that everything I have comes from You. Forgive me where I failed You. Lead me and guide me, show me Your vision for my life, give me Your power, wisdom, mercy, and grace to see it through. Let me be bold, truthful, faithful, always confessing any sin, and always be faithful to Your calling upon my life. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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