In Psalms 139 we are told that there is nowhere that we can go to get away from God. And that no matter where we go to hide from him, his eyes are always on us. We were created for the purpose of having fellowship with him. But the sin of Adam and Eve created a division between us and him. It is through Christ however that this wall was brought down. However, there are so many in this world that continue to run from him.

Psalm 139:7-16New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

So! Why is it then, that if God has gone to such great lengths to bring us back into fellowship with him is it the we go to such great lengths to remain separated from him? The simple answer is that we enjoy living in sin. For such a small word, a lot is packed into the meaning of sin. The Bible defines sin as the breaking, or transgression, of God’s law.

1 John 3:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

 

 It is also described as disobedience or rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7), as well as independence from God.

Deuteronomy 9:7New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ “Remember! Do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you departed from the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.

The original translation means “to miss the mark” of God’s holy standard of righteousness. But it also means to fall short. Another meaning for sin is to twist. And that is exactly what so many people do to justify their bad behavior. The book of Proverbs has been called the Book of Wisdom as well as the Book of Knowledge. But it can also be called the Book of Honesty. And sometimes it can be brutally honest.  It is a book that can and will cause extreme changes in your life. But the key to these changes must be honesty. In order for anyone to make changes in their life they must be honest with themselves. In Proverbs 4 we are commanded to heed to the instructions of a father. God used Solomon to instruct not only his own children but the rest of us. There is no one that knows us better than the one who created us. And it is through these commandment to obtain wisdom and knowledge of God that we can grow and make the changes in our lives that help us to draw close to God. But change is hard. And mankind has built up a resistance to Gods word. That is why Proverbs is so insistent on obtaining the wisdom and knowledge that directs us back to our creator. It has been a battle from the beginning. Satan has placed every obstacle he can in our path to tempt us away from God.

What is happening in America today has created so many different attractions that attempt to draw our eyes away from what God has done for us.  And we are so enamored with keeping ourselves entertained that we are more than willing participates in sin. But we are not unaware of looking good to our fellow man. We do things to make ourselves look good in the eyes of our fellow man and are not worried about what God is seeing in us. Facebook is a prime example of this. We can hide behind our laptops and put on a facade that make us look better in other peoples eyes. But we forget that all the while, God is able to see through that façade. And he knows our hearts.

1 Samuel 16:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

16:7  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Jeremiah 17:10New King James Version (NKJV)

17:10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

His word also tells us that where our treasures are that is where our heart is.

Matthew 6:20-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ²⁴ “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

As we get into the study of Proverbs 4 think about what your treasures are and where your treasures are stored. Your treasure chest should be filled to overflowing with Gods word. The wisdom that Proverbs talks about is not of this world. And the doctrine of Jesus Christ is something that is obtained from the knowledge and understanding that is not of this world. So take hold of that instruction for in it is eternal life. God knows you better than you know yourself.

Proverbs Chapter 4 Explained

Proverbs 4 NKJV – Security in Wisdom – Hear, my children, – Bible Gateway

Proverbs 4:1 “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” Proverbs 4:2 “For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” Proverbs 4:3 “For I was my father’s son, tender and only [beloved] in the sight of my mother.”

This message that Solomon penned undoubtedly is not only written by him to all young men for instruction, but is also what David had taught Solomon, as well.

“Good doctrine”: There is no wisdom but that which is linked to good doctrine, which should be the focal point of all instruction.

Sometimes in the Proverbs, it seems as if we are covering the same ground all over again. Whether this is to drive home a lesson, or whether we are picking up extra fragments of truth and that is the reason for repetition is not clear. As we said in previous lessons, wisdom is the subject. We see here, also, that a doctrine (belief) has been established.

Instructions in God’s law came from father to son in these times. It was very important not to leave out even minor details in that law. We are told again here to remember in detail the law of God and to live by it (do not forsake it).  In fact, we should make it our doctrine or way of life as well.

Verse 3 is speaking of David and Bathsheba.

Proverbs 4:4 “He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.”

There is much written in Chronicles and Kings about Solomon. David even gives Solomon detailed information about the temple to be built in Jerusalem. You may read more about all of this in those respective books. The point I am trying to make here, about this, is that Solomon was instructed of David; and Solomon is now conveying to us how important it is to keep the commandments. The promise is life and life everlasting, at that.

Proverbs 4:5 “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 4:6 “Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.” Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Solomon, as you can see here, thought that wisdom and understanding was the most important things to have. Worldly wisdom is not what Solomon had in mind, here either.

Solomon, being taught of David and being gifted with the gift of wisdom which God had given him, realized that wisdom and knowledge of the things of God should bring a person even closer to God; and therefore, keep him from failure. He speaks of wisdom as if it is a person. Wisdom is spirit.

Proverbs 4:8 “Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.”

Wisdom does bring honor instead of shame. A foolish son or daughter brings shame to their parents, but children filled with godly wisdom bring honor to their parents.

The more highly one esteems wisdom, the more highly wisdom lifts that person.

Proverbs 4:9 “She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.”

This has to do with the association of wisdom with the inner spiritual life. As we stated in the previous lesson, 3:22, the wisdom of God will adorn one’s life for all to see its beauty. And in chapter 1:9 we are told “For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.

Proverbs 4:10 “Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.”

For those who hear and listen to wisdom, there days may be long upon the earth.

 

Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

 

Proverbs 4:11 “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.” Proverbs 4:12 “When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.”

We see, again, that some of this has come to Solomon from David. David walked uprightly before the Lord. Even the name “David” means beloved of God. God directed David’s walk.

David taught his son; and now Solomon is saying to all who read this book of Proverbs, hear and understand. Pray for wisdom of God and walk in that wisdom, and you shall not stumble and fall. You can run the race well and not stumble along the way as long as the wisdom of God directs you.

Proverbs 4:13 “Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.”

The father commanded his son in v.5 to get wisdom, now here he commands him to hold on to it.

When we stop learning, we are dead.  There is always something else to learn.  We read in II Timothy 3:16 the type of instruction that is the most profitable to man.

II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” II Timothy 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Proverbs 4:14  “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men].”

Sin is best dealt with at its beginning by the application of necessary wisdom to suit the initial temptation.

Proverbs 4:15 “Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”

Four verbs identify aspects necessary in urgently dealing with sin at its start.

1. Avoid the sinful situation
2. Pass as far from it as possible
3. Turn away from the sin
4. Pass beyond or escape the sin

The plan here fits exactly with the pattern of sin’s enticement outlined in James 1:13-15.

James 1:13-15 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 

Proverbs 4:16 “For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.” Proverbs 4:17 “For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.”

We see in these 2 verses a person who has chosen a sinful way of life. They are not satisfied to ruin their own lives but are trying to drag others into their sin. Misery loves company.

They have to sin before they can sleep, and they view their sin as food for their hungry, wicked souls.

Isn’t it strange that many violent crimes seem to be committed by gangs. These people, in the verses above, do not hold down a regular job and eat from that. They commit crimes against others and live by that. They eventually wind up in jail or worse, and then do not have anything to look forward to for all of eternity.

Proverbs 4:18 “But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

This is in total contrast. Those who are justified because they have made a decision to walk in the path of righteousness are walking in the Light as He is in the Light. That perfect day is the day when all these struggles of this life are over, and we can be in the presence of the Light for that eternal day.

The path of the believer is one of increasing light, just as a sunrise begins with the first faith glow of dawn and proceeds to the splendor of noonday.

Proverbs 4:19 “The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”

The wicked in darkness cannot and will not repent and come to the light. We see, as we read in John, the Light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.

Proverbs 4:20  “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.” Proverbs 4:21 “Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.” Proverbs 4:22 “For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

How many times have we told our children over and over, please listen and heed the message. Don’t get out in the world and forget what I have been saying. Don’t stop looking at the messages in front of your eyes. Hide the things I have said down deep in your heart, and don’t let the cares of the world make you forget. They are life and health to you. Every parent has said things similar to these to their children, and we have all heard them say: “You have told me over and over, now I won’t forget.” It isn’t necessary to say it anymore”.

Proverbs 4:23  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:24 “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”

The heart is the very center of our being. It commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reason, but also includes the emotions, the will, and thus the whole inner being. The heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects speech, sight, and conduct.

We can either have a pure heart or it can be desperately wicked. It will be one or the other. God will judge our heart. The heart controls the moral structure of our lives. A pure heart brings pure words.

Froward mouths and perverse (evil) words come from an evil heart. Out of the abundance of our heart our mouth speaketh. It speaks life or death.

Proverbs 4:25 “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.”

I have always said that our eyes reveal what is inside of us.

They are little windows that you may look into the soul. Shifty eyes that cannot look at you, ordinarily indicate the person has something they are covering up.  Eyes that look straight at you say, “I am telling the truth”.  Wandering eyes of any kind can bring heartache.

Proverbs 4:26 “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” Proverbs 4:27 “Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

In verse 26, the word “ponder” means think about the path you are launching out on. Make sure that the path you are heading out on leads to righteousness. Don’t despair of the path you have chosen. Make your path straight. Things of the world must not attract you off of this path. Stay on the straight path that will lead you to heaven.

Proverbs Chapter 4 Questions

1. In verse 2, we read to forsake not the law for it is good ______ ______.
2. Solomon describes himself as what to his mother?
3. Besides Solomon giving us these instructions, what can we assume they are?
4. What is the subject of the Proverbs?
5. What is a doctrine?
6. How did the law of commandments not get lost?
7. Who was Solomon ‘s mother?
8. In verse 4, we read keep my commandments and __________.
9. What are 2 more Old Testament books that speak much about Solomon?
10. What did Solomon say was the principal thing?
11. Wisdom and knowledge of God can do what for a person?
12. If sin brings shame, what brings honor?
13. What do crowns of glory have to do with?
14. David means what?
15. What good could be said of David?
16. If the wisdom of God directs your path, you will not ________ and ________.
17. What kind of instruction is most important to man?
18. Where does Scripture come from?
19. What path must we avoid at all cost?
20. What is the difference in the path of the world and the path of the believer?
21. The evil eat of the bread of ________.
22. What is the path of the just compared to?
23. Out of what are the issues of life?
24. In verse 24, what is to be put away?
25. How are we to keep our eyes?
26. Shifting eyes usually indicate what?
27. What does the author think reveals what is inside of us?
28. Eyes that look straight at you, usually are saying what?
29. Ponder means what?

 

Throughout history there have been men and women that have done evil for the sake of gaining control. They have shown that no matter who it hurts or who’s life it brings to an end they will use the power they have been given to destroy those that they deem disposable to attain their goal. Their biggest asset is that they have found many who have been willing to go along with them simply with the promise of shearing in there ill-gotten gain. From the time Adam and Eve fell into sin mankind has been playing the devil made me do it card. They expect that by drawing others into their folly they can use it as an excuse to justify their actions. But Genesis 3 and Proverbs 1 have made it very clear that every one of us are responsible for our own actions. No matter who we try to place the blame on.

 

Even today this argument is applied on a daily basis and by no one more than politicians. In her argument before congress Nancy Pelosi said that the Obama care bill needed to be passed before anyone could read it. In other words she expected both Democrats and Republicans to join her in the folly that she was about to embark upon. This attempt to get others to join in the folly did not work in the garden and it will not work on judgment day when everyone must stand before God to answer in the same way that Adam and Eve did. Nothing makes that more clear than Proverbs 1.

Proverbs 1 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Beginning of Knowledge

Shun Evil Counsel

The Call of Wisdom

 

Most, if not all Americans, believe that they have the freedom to choose how they live their lives. There are many however who think that those that do not believe the same way they do should not have that same right. This is exactly how Nazism in Germany came into power.

Since before the dawn of creation there has been a battle for something that someone desired to have but did not belong to them. Lucifer, better known as Satan, desired the praise and worship that was not his. He was the first elitist and the first to try and take what was not his. His fall from heaven did not stop him from trying to take anything and everything from someone he hated. His fall started him on his quest to destroy anyone who would worship anyone but him. In the Garden of Eden the first recorded event of finger pointing began. But one thing happened that Satan did not count on. Not only was he held personally responsible for his actions but so where Adam and Eve. Thus began the fall of man. That did not stop Satan from continuing on with his quest. He rolled with the punches and decided he would take advantage of what had happened. It took a while for his elitist attitude to take hold but along the way he also used something other than a gun to cause the first recorded murder to happen. The weapon used is not the issue because it was and it still is a matter of the heart of man.

The bible tells us that man’s heart is deceptively wicked, Jeremiah 17:9. All it took was for the seed of desire to be planted. Satan planted that seed into Eve’s heart but was able to cultivate it and harvest it from the heart of Cain. Over time he nurtured that seed by offering to those who would seek to gain whatever their heart desired by any means they would. Throughout history elitism grew with the help of governments who where controlled by these elitist. This is what those who came to America where fleeing from when they left Europe. America was the hope of many who where crushed under the tyranny of elitist who sought to form kingdoms where they would tax their subjects so that they could live a life if luxury at the expense of those whom they where oppressing. In the movie Shooter  Mark Wahlberg played the role of Bob Lee Swagger in which he went after corrupt officials which included a United States senator played by Ned Beaty. Two of Beaty’s lines in the movie where ,“ There are no Republican and Democrats. There only the haves and the have not’s“. And, “You cannot do this to me, I am a US Senator.” Those two lines sum up the attitude of elitist. The movie itself is a good example of the length that elitist will go to maintain the power they think they have.

As I said in the above statement, most if not all Americans believe in freedom of choice. Those in leadership positions in this country have learned how to manipulate people into a false sense of believe that by just letting them handle their freedoms that things will be alright. They use fear as a motivation for gaining control over our lives. Much like what Hitler did to gain control. Hitler was a master manipulator and our own government has spent years learning from his tactics. Once he gained the confidence of the populace, he seized power as many just stood by and watched the atrocities that he committed. He was not the first to commit these atrocities nor was he the last. But he is the clearest example of how a populace can be convinced into giving a mad man full control without being conquered. He had control and power with the backing of a willing nation. Much like what is happening before our eye’s in America today. People in America have given power to a group of people whom they trust have their best interest at heart.

 

But it is only a perceived trust. Those that they have put this trust in have used that power to destroy the lives of millions of people. And to crush anyone who stands in the way of their quest for full control. Proverbs 1 brings to light the fact that there are only three kinds of people in the world. Those that strive to do good, those that strive to do evil, and those that stand by while evil is being done. So looking back at what Adam did that really narrows it done to only two kinds of people. By standing by and allowing evil to happen those who do nothing are placed in the same category as those who do evil.

Romans 2:1-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Righteous Judgment

2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. ² But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. ³ And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? ⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, ⁶ who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: ⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; ¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹¹ For there is no partiality with God. ¹² For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law ¹³ (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; ¹⁴ for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, ¹⁵ who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) ¹⁶ in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

 

However much people do not want to hear this, this is the reason that Christianity is so violently attacked. It reminds the world that it will be held accountable for its sins. The world has attempted to pass many laws to make what the bible tells us null and void. However, no matter how many laws America or any other country passes, it does not void God’s word. There is no law that can take anyone’s right to choose between right and wrong. Governments will attempt to outlaw God’s word by outlawing Christianity. But they do so at their own peril. Those that choose to follow those that choose not to follow the path that God has set forth, choose to follow Satan and he becomes their master. No government can take away the right to choose the path that God has put before each and every one of us. You can choose to follow Christ or reject him. That is something that no one can keep you from doing. They can make all the threats they want. They can pass all the laws they want. It is still an individual choice.

Matthew 25:31-46 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Son of Man Will Judge the Nations

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. ³² All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ³³ And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ ⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ ⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Mankind has had many warnings. History tells us of the tyranny that has taken place by elitist who have had corrupt governments at their disposal to do their bidding. Today we live in a world where we have turned our backs on history and have once again allowed tyranny to raise its ugly head again. The warnings have come from people who have lived through the tyranny.

In her own words Kitty Werthmann who survived Hitler.

“What I am about to tell you is something you’ve probably never heard or read in history books,” she likes to tell audiences. “I am a witness to history. “I cannot tell you that Hitler took Austria by tanks and guns; it would distort history. “We voted him in.”

She survived Hitler and wants to warn America – On the Front Lines of the Culture Wars

Other sites of interest:

THE INHERENT RACISM OF – Inherentracism.pdf

Killer Angel

You may be wondering what the title of this article has to do with our study of the Book of Proverbs. Just bear with me as you read on and hopefully the light will come on. Donald Trump was right when he said the time for political correctness has come to an end. And not just in America. We are at a point in history where it is looking more and more like what the Book of Revelations has described. But it is not just the Book of Revelations that talks about the end times.

 2 Timothy 3:2-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! ⁶ For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, ⁷ always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; ⁹ but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

Throughout the entire world there are leaders that fall under the description of 2 Timothy. But in many cases these countries are ran by some sort of dictatorship. The problem in America is that we have elected the kind of people that 2 Timothy talks about. America is no longer that city on a hill or that beacon that people look for to lead. That is because we have leaders that are just as corrupt as these same dictators that have enslaved their own people because of their lust for power. But the answer to why this has happened will be denied by many. But however they spin it, I believe it to be so.

Romans 1New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷ Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; ³² who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

America has elected ungodly leaders who have their own agenda. It is a worldly agenda that they have taken hold of and money and power has become their god. By making promises to voters that they have no intentions of keeping they have positioned themselves to completely destroy America as we know it. They have passed laws that are completely ungodly and are attempting to remove any reference to God from the history books. While Americans set in front of their television sets and allow themselves to be entertained by all of the crap that they are watching and doing. Americans have become some of the most disrespectful people in the world. The way we treat each other is nothing short of an abomination. America has now grown up a generation of people who have lost all concept of what law and order is. America has grown up a generation of people that has lost all since of responsibility and who refuse to hold themselves accountable to a higher standard. They are quick to blame everyone else but themselves for what is happening to them.

The first part of Proverbs 3 talks about that standard and the rewards for living up to that standard.

Proverbs 3New King James Version (NKJV)

3 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
² For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
⁴ And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

This exaltation continues down through most of chapter 3 but as with all of the chapters in Proverbs there are also the warnings.

 

Proverbs 3New King James Version (NKJV)

³² For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
³³ The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
³⁴ Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

Here verse 32 says that the perverse is an abomination to God. Verse 33 says that the curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked. It is interesting to see to what lengths people will go to hide their sins. But they are only fooling themselves.

Proverbs 15:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Americans have allowed themselves to become enslaved by their own actions. It has become very clear that America is being lead away from the rule of law by those who have their own agenda. Americans are more interested in what is going on with the Jerry Springer show that they are in doing what is right in God’s eyes. America is being divided by the elitist with the help of a news media that is more interested in satire than they are in reporting the truth. And the American people have become more interested in being entertained by garbage than placing word into their hearts and living by his word. Wisdom is no longer something that they seek but rather a life style that is completely opposite from that standard with the word of God is calling them to live by. The news media in America has become a puppet to which the elitist have used to gain control. Instead of being on our knees praying for this nation Americans are tuning into whatever crap they think will give them the most pleasure in watching. They enjoy watching the misery of others because it seems to tell them that there is someone worse off than they are. Look once again at what 2 Timothy and then look at what the news media as well as Hollywood is trying to ram down the throats of the American people.

2 Timothy 3:2-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! ⁶ For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, ⁷ always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; ⁹ but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

. Then compare that to what Gods word is telling us. It is up to you what you want to put into your heart. Gods word or the crap that the elitist and their puppets are trying spoon feed you. It is up to you what you put into you heart.

Proverbs Chapter 3 Explained

Proverbs 3 NKJV – Guidance for the Young – My son, do not – Bible Gateway

In this lesson of chapter 3, the study of truth leading to wisdom is commended to all. This is enforced by a contrast to the destinies of the wise and wicked.

Verses 1-20 is where Solomon instructs that wisdom is (1) rooted in sound teaching, v. 1-4; (2) rests in trust in God, v. 5-6; (3) rewards those who obey v. 7-10.

While wisdom demands chastening, it brings profound benefits, v. 13-18 and its importance is clear since it undergirded God’s creation in verses 19 and 20.

Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:”

“My law”, Hebrew “Torah” from the verb “to throw, distribute, or teach, hence “teachings”.

It is used of God’s law but here, as in 2:1, it is used of the commands and principles that God gave through Solomon.

Proverbs 3:2 “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

“My son” tell us who this message is to. It is not to the world in general, but to the followers of God. God reminds us to not forget His teachings, but hide them away in our hearts. God also reminds us to walk in His ways.

His “commandments” here are talking about all of His ways. Just as the commandment to honor father and mother promises that our days may be long upon the earth, we see the promises of length of days here if we follow in His ways.

When you know that you have done the right things, it does bring peace. Sin brings fear of punishment, but obedience brings peace.

Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

“Neck … heart.” The virtues of mercy (the Hebrew word for loving kindness and loyal love) and truth that come from God are to become part of us, outwardly in our behavior for all to see as an adornment of spiritual beauty, and inwardly as the subject of our meditation. Such inward and outward mercy and truth is evidence of New Covenant salvation.

The Bible says the “merciful shall obtain mercy”. Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” “Mercy” shows love to the utmost, for God and for man.

“Truth” cannot be underestimated. It is beyond compromise. A truthful person is a person whose character cannot and will not be questioned by anyone. One of the highest compliments that can be paid a man is to say that he is a man of truth.

If a person could have the two most important strengths of character, it would be mercy and truth. This “binding them about the neck”, I believe, just means to treasure them highly and don’t lose them somewhere along the way. “Write them upon the tables of thine heart” has to do with the heart dictating a person’s actions.

God will write His laws upon the heart of His people, if we will allow Him to. I believe that is the message here. God says if you have these two, mercy and truth, you have His laws on your heart. In V-4 we find if we practice these two, we will be able to get along with not only the men around us, but God as well.

Proverbs 3:5  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

This V-5 here applies to all believers, but even more to those who are in the service to God. God never chose any man or woman to work for Him because of their training and ability within themselves. God chooses people like Jeremiah who was just a lad with no formal training; and God put the words in Jeremiah’s mouth to give to the people. You may read all about it in chapter 1 of Jeremiah. When we depend upon our own ability, we fall very short. For a minister of God to be effective, it must be God speaking through him.

Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Three commands are given in verses 5 and 6: Trust, meaning “rely on, depend on”; Lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts, and Acknowledge him, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.

Here, again, we get into the will of man. Man has to be willing to accept God’s help and to give God the credit for the job well done. A Christian must first of all not start anything that the Lord is not in, and then we must praise Him in everything.

Hebrews 13:15 tells us when we should praise the Lord.  Hebrews 13:15, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”  If He directs our path, we shall walk in the light and not stumble and fall.

Proverbs 3:7  “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

The most dangerous thing, if you are trying to succeed in the world, is to get satisfied with yourself.  A person cannot grow when he gets this attitude. When we rely upon our self, we are always disappointed. No one likes a know-it-all or a conceited person.  We must remain humble. What little knowledge that we do have is because of God’s generosity towards us.

Fear of the Lord will take away all arrogance and pride. In the first few verses of Proverbs, we learned that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom. Fear here could be looked at again as reverence or high praise.  Give God the glory for it all.

Proverbs 3:8 “It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”

The strength here is in the marrow, the inner parts. God is promising physical well being for those who live wisely according to His will. Such physical well being is what David forfeited before he confessed that he had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah.

Many illnesses are brought on by sins as we said before, not all illness, but some. Good clean living seems to assist in good health. For sure, good clean living brings a clear conscience and no regrets. When the spirit of man is healthy, it helps with the physical health, as well.

Exodus 15:26, “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statues, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

A biblical view of possessions demands using them for honoring God. This is accomplished by trusting God, by giving the first and best to God, by being fair, by giving generously and by expressing gratitude for all He gives. The result of such faithfulness to honor Him is prosperity and satisfaction.

Honoring the Lord goes much further than just attending church and stating that we are a believer. Our heart is where our pocket book and time is.

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

We can see from Jesus’ own words here, that if we plan to prosper, we must give both of ourselves and of our possessions.

Malachi 3:10 tells it all. Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].”

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:” “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.”

“Not despise … chastening”: Since even the wisest of God’s children are subject to sin, there is necessity of God’s fatherly discipline to increase wisdom and blessing. Such correction should not be resisted.

In Romans chapter 5, we read why chastening and trials must come. Romans 5:3-5 “And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” “And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

You see, the only way a baby learns right from wrong is correction of parents.  Sometimes a little paddling makes the lesson easier to remember. This is sometimes true with baby Christians, as well.  When we do not obey God, He has to give us a spanking so that we will remember to obey next time. Just as an earthly parent corrects a child to help him grow in the knowledge of the truth, so does a heavenly Father.

If He cared not what becomes of us, He wouldn’t bother to correct us. Read chapter 3 of Ephesians beginning with the 13th verse. It will thrill you that you have been tried. I will give one more Scripture here to show that God loves us in our tribulations and then go on.

II Thessalonians 1:4-5 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:” “[Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:”

If God loves us, He corrects us; and we take on His worthiness.

Proverbs 3:13-14  “Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.” “For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.”

One of the most wonderful gifts that God can give to man is wisdom and understanding. Solomon was no fool when he asked God for wisdom. Wisdom will bring prosperity of body, soul, and spirit. A wise man chooses God’s ways and therefore cannot fail. If you have silver and gold, you can spend all of it and have nothing, but wisdom cannot be taken away; and with wisdom you can acquire silver and gold and any other thing that you might ever have need of.

Divine wisdom yields the richest treasures, described in verses 14-18 as “profits,” (merchandise) “length of days,” “riches,” “honor,” “pleasantness,” “peace,” “life”, and happiness.

Proverbs 3:15 “She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”

We will have to look back at the last lesson to see what the “she” is here. Wisdom is the she. In fact, this whole third chapter of Proverbs is all about wisdom. Material things of this world, regardless of how valuable they are, are not anything to compare with wisdom.

Proverbs 3:16 “Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.”

The right hand blessing is always the best blessing.  Length of days is spoken of here as being more wonderful to possess than riches and honour. If a man has no time left to spend his riches and fame, most would trade all of that to extend life a little longer.  Even this blessing of extended days is still far short of the blessing of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:17 “Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.”

Again here the “her” is wisdom.  Wisdom is pleasant and brings peace.

Proverbs 3:18 “She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.” Wisdom is an extender of life. Not only length of life, but quality of life, as well.

This expression is a metaphor referring to temporal and spiritual renewal and refreshment.

Proverbs 3:19 “The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.” Proverbs 3:20 “By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.”

The wisdom of God so far surpasses anything we might know of. God actually, through His great wisdom and knowledge, placed the stars, sun, and moon in the open sky. The earth was hung in open air, as well. Not only did God hang them in the atmosphere in perfect orbit, but He also made all of this, as well. Not only did God make all of this, but it is all subject to His will. God causes the sunshine and the rain.  He controls the whole universe.

John chapter 1 describes it all.  John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “The same was in the beginning with God.” “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

Solomon is indicating that wisdom is basic to all of life, for by it God created everything. Since God used it to create the universe, how eager must we be to use it to live in this universe?

Proverbs 3:21 “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:” Proverbs 3:22 “So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.”

True wisdom belongs to God. God will give us wisdom if we seek it prayerfully. The grace that Jesus has provided for us has to be held in high esteem, even to the saving of our soul. We must remain in that wisdom.

Proverbs 3:23 “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.”

If we remain in the wisdom that God hath provided for us in His Son, Jesus Christ, we shall be able to walk in His way and not stumble.

Proverbs 3:24 “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

Here, again, if we remain in the wisdom that the Lord has given us, there is no fear of death. Death of the body would just transform us into that heavenly place with Jesus. There is no fear for the Christian with faith. So many times in these lessons we have made the statement that fear is the opposite of faith. Sleep is sweet for those wise unto salvation. No regrets haunt us. We have gotten forgiveness and are living just as if we had never sinned: justified by Jesus. Sleep is sweet when everything is alright with you and God.

Proverbs 3:25 “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” Proverbs 3:26 “For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”

We see many instances in the New Testament when the demon spirits are afraid of Jesus, because they know that He is the Judge of the world and that they have a terrible fate awaiting them.

In Matthew 8:29, “And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?”  You see, sudden fear gripped them, because of the terrible fate they know they have awaiting them. If you know that you are saved and safe with the Lord, you have no sudden fear. The only fear permitted to those who trust in the Lord is Godly fear.  You see, trust in the Lord brings confidence, a knowing that all is well.

Proverbs 3:27 “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].”

As opportunity arises, we must help anyone and everyone that is within our power to help. It seems those full of wisdom seem to be better off financially.

We see in I Timothy 6:17-18, that having a little more than those around you carries responsibility with it.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”

Proverbs 3:28 “Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”

This is saying, do not put your neighbour off until to-morrow if you have the ability to help them today. Their need is now. We should be eager to help those less fortunate. Only God has seen fit for us to be the better off.

Proverbs 3:29 “Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.”

One of the two most important things God wants us to do is love thy neighbor as thyself. We would not figure up evil against ourselves, so we must not against the neighbor, either.

Proverbs 3:30  “Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.”

We should not live in strife and fussing, but should learn to live peaceably with all men. If we live for the Lord, we are promised that even our enemies will be at peace with us. This does not say that there is never a time for strife. If your enemy attacks you, you may defend yourself; but you must not start strife nor keep it going.

Proverbs 3:31  “Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”

We must never choose the way of the oppressor. Bullies as children are not to be looked up to. We must not even fellowship with those who choose to oppress others. The worldly wealth that some acquire with their oppression of others should never be envied or desired. Evil and good are like oil and water. They cannot mix.

Proverbs 3:32 “For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous.”

“Froward” means perverted or wicked. The wicked will not know the  secret, because they will not see; and hearing, they will not hear.  They (the wicked) will not understand the things of God. The secret  that the righteous know is that Jesus Christ is their Savior. God  reveals Himself to those who love Him.

Proverbs 3:33  “The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.”

From Genesis throughout the Bible, God promises blessings to those who follow in God’s commandments and curses to those who do not follow in the ways of God.

Proverbs 3:34 “Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.”

Those who reject the teachings of the Lord are rejected themselves by Him.  The scribes and Pharisees are a typical example of this. They thought too highly of themselves and turned the Lord of glory down. The lowly of the world were willing to receive and were granted grace of the Lord.

Psalms 138:6, “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.”

Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”

The wise seek God. Those who seek God inherit glory. The glory of the only begotten Son is shared with those who live for God. This is a shared inheritance. Fools live worldly lives for the here and now. Worldly, selfish liveshame.

Proverbs Chapter 3 Questions

1. Material things of this world cannot compare with what?
2. In verse 16, what is in wisdom’s right hand?
3. Which hand has always been the best blessing?
4. The Lord by _________ hath founded the earth.
5. Who does John 1:3 say created all things?
6. By His _________ the depths are broken up.
7. True wisdom belongs to whom?
8. How must we seek wisdom to receive it?
9. What description is given of the sleep of the wise?
10. If we remain in the wisdom that the Lord has given us, there is no fear of _________
11. Who shall be thy confidence?
12. Why were the demon spirits afraid of Jesus?
13. What is the only fear permitted to believers in the Lord?
14. In 1 Timothy chapter 6, we see what about those who are wealthy?
15. When someone asks your help and you have the ability to help, when should you help him?
16. In verse 29, we are warned not to do what to our neighbor?
17. Strive not with a man _________ _________ _________.
18. What are we told about the oppressor?
19. Evil and good are like _________ and _________. They cannot mix.
20. The froward is an _________ to the Lord.
21. What does froward mean?
22. What is in the house of the wicked?
23. Who does God give grace to?
24. Psalms 138:6 says God has respect for the _________.

 

Proverbs 3New King James Version (NKJV)

3 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
² For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
⁴ And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
⁸ It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

¹¹ My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
¹² For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

¹³ Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
¹⁴ For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

¹⁹ The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
²⁰ By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.

²¹ My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
²² So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
²³ Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
²⁵ Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
²⁶ For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
²⁷ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
²⁹ Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
³⁰ Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.

³¹ Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
³² For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
³³ The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
³⁴ Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

This is a continuation of the study of the book of Proverbs. We will continue by getting into the second chapter but before we do let’s recap chapter 1. Two Books | Darwin Is Right   In chapter 1 we saw that there are those in this world who seek to justify their bad behavior by drawing others into their folly. And by doing so they think that they can use it as an excuse. But they are wrong. The bible tells us that God is holy.

1 Peter 1:16New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

God is very specific about dealing with sin. Sin in any form is an abomination to him. Satan was kicked out of heaven for his rebellion against God and knows that he will not be allowed back in. But he has convinced a multitude of people otherwise. These people believe that they can use the excuse that if someone else is doing it then there is nothing wrong with them doing it. As you read through chapters 1 and 2 of Proverbs you will see that that is simply not the case. God prevented a whole generation of Israelites from entering into the promise land for their open rebellion. See Numbers 13-25

The title of this article is, Your Name Is In The Book of Proverbs. As you read through the book you need to be honest with yourself and seriously take it to heart. The characteristic’s that each chapter talks about deals with each and every one of us. If you are honest with yourself you will understand. But if you want to continue to deny your sins and make excuses or have others make excuses for you then Proverbs is very much talking about you.

But the question that I want you to consider while going through this is this. Is your name written in the Book of Life. If so that is a very good thing. But if it is not, that is a very bad thing. Only by reading through the Book of Proverbs and being very honest with yourself will you find out. That is step 1.

Revelation 20:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Luke 10:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Hebrews 12:22-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Daniel 12:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.

Philippians 4:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Revelation 3:5  New King James Version (NKJV)

5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Revelation 21:27 New King James Version (NKJV)

27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Exodus 32:31-33 New King James Version (NKJV)

31 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! 32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” 33 And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.

Psalm 69:27-28 New King James Version (NKJV)

27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, And let them not come into Your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous.

Revelation 13:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 17:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

Psalm 56:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?

Psalm 139:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Malachi 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.

As I said, being honest with yourself is step 1. There are many who simply refuse to do so. And by doing so are condemning themselves to an eternity without God. So on with our study.

Proverbs Chapter 2 Explained

Proverbs 2 NKJV – The Value of Wisdom – Bible Gateway

Proverbs Chapter 2

Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;”

Solomon has taken God’s law and made it his own by faith and obedience, as well as teaching. The wisdom of these words is available to those who, first of all, understand the rich value (treasure) that wisdom possesses. Appropriating wisdom begins when one values it above all else.

Proverbs 2:2 “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;”

Once wisdom is properly valued, both the ear and mind are captivated by it.

“Apply thine heart”: The “heart” commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reason, but also includes the emotions, the will and thus, thee whole inner being. The heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever effects speech, sight and conduct.

Proverbs 2:3 “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;”

“Criest after knowledge” shows the passionate pleading on one who is desperate to know and apply the truth of God. The least bit of indifference will leave one bereft of the fullness of wisdom.

Proverbs 2:4 “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;”

“Seekest …  Searchest”: A desiring search, the most intensive of a lifetime.

Proverbs 2:5 “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”

These first 5 scriptures is like a prayer. In fact, it is what we should all pray. For a person to really be able to live a Godly life, you must first know what God expects. This first sentence says “receive my words”. The heart is the place for the commandments and the Word of God to be hidden. If we receive into our being the wisdom of God and apply it to our heart we will do the things that are right in God’s sight.

Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

 If we would spend even half the time learning the Word of God as we spend searching for worldly wealth, we would find the treasures of God.  Knowledge has to be accumulated by learning. Wisdom is a gift from God. As we uncover the secrets of the Bible, We will have reverent fear of God and be filled with His knowledge.

Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.”

“Wisdom” is a gift from God, as we said.

We read in James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Not out of our mouth cometh knowledge, but out of His. The knowledge is in His Word.

The words of His mouth are contained in Scripture. It is there that God speaks. Wisdom comes only by revelation.

 Verses 7 & 8 identifies those who are true believers who seek to know, love and obey God and to live righteously. These covenant keepers alone can know wisdom and experience God’s protection.

Proverbs 2:7 “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”

God is the source of all wisdom. His kind of wisdom brings peace. You see, we are to be wise unto salvation. If we are righteous it is because we have taken on the righteousness of Christ and that is the greatest wisdom we can acquire. The Christian actually takes on the mind of Christ.

I Corinthians 2:16 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

The Lord is our Protector (buckler) if we walk uprightly in our salvation day by day.

Proverbs 2:8 “He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.”

This, to me, is speaking of those who walk in the way of the Lord.

The saints are those who are justified by the Lord and walk justly. For the justified who follow in his “judgments” (law), He “preserves” (saves) their way.  The “saints” (we Christians) are eager to follow in the teachings of the Lord.  Jesus is the way.

Proverbs 2:9 “Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.”

This, in V-9, is connected with V-8. This is speaking of the saints. The saints shall “understand righteousness, and judgments, and equity (straightness) and every good path”, Narrow is the path to righteousness. Jesus is that path. In fact, He is our righteousness. He is the righteous Judge.

“Righteousness, Judgment, Equity are the same as the ethical triad we studied in 1:3.

Proverbs engages in a process of schooling a son in the disciplines of (1) Wisdom (a different Hebrew word from that in v.2) which means discreet counsel or the ability to govern oneself by choice; (2) Justice, the ability to conform to the will and standard of God; a practical righteousness that matches one’s positional righteousness; (3) Judgment, the application of true righteousness in dealing with others; and (4) Equity, the living of life in a fair, pleasing way.

Proverbs 2:10-11 “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;” “Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

Wisdom is an advantage to the one who possesses it. Wisdom with Knowledge gives a person tremendous advantage. This understanding and discretion is not of the worldly, but of the Lord and His Word. A really good working knowledge of God’s Word can keep you from making mistakes. The answers to all of life’s problems can be found in the Word of God. The heart controls the conscious and subconscious actions of man. If the heart of man is stayed on the Lord, there is no way that man can be defeated.

Thus truth is the protector from all evil

Proverbs 2:12 “To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;” Proverbs 2:13 “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;”

Knowledge of the Word of God will keep you away from the ways of the evil man. Twisted speech is typical of those who reject wisdom. You see, the righteous (believers in Christ) walk in the light and have no fellowship with darkness.

In First John chapter 1 we read who walk in darkness and who walk in light.

I John 1:5-7 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Proverbs 2:14-15 “Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;” “Whose ways [are] crooked, and [they] froward in their paths:”.

Fools love most the things which are the worst.

It seems in our society today television, movies, and radio try to make it appear that to live in sin is fun. Truly this is a terrible lie. It brings heartache and troubles in this life and an eternity in hell. The ways of the world will lead to destruction, not life. Drunkenness, drugs, immorality, lying, cheating, and stealing are part of the “froward wicked life”. Not one of these things makes for a happy ending.

Proverbs 2:16 “To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;”

“Strange woman”: She is the harlot repeatedly condemned in Proverbs (compare 5:1-23; 6:20-29; 7:1-27; 22:14; 23:27), as in the rest of Scripture (Exodus 20:14; Lev. 20:10). She is “foreign” or “strange” because such women were at first from outside Israel, but came to include any prostitute or adulteress. Her words are the flattering or smooth words of (Prov. 7:14-20).

The strange or immoral woman is the harlot repeatedly condemned in Proverbs, as in the rest of Scripture.

Today those who are involved with strange women (women of the world) can look forward to diseases that cannot be cured by medicine now available. In V-17 and V-18 you see the fate of those who live unholy lives. The terrible disease AIDS is just one of the many modern incurable diseases that are associated with sex outside of marriage.

Literally she is foreign or strange because such women were at first from outside Israel, but came to include any prostitute or adulteress. Her words are the flattering or smooth words of Proverbs 17: 14-20.

Proverbs 2:17 “Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.”

“Forsaketh the Guide (or companion)” of her youth. She leaves the guidance and friendship of her husband (see 16:28 and 17:9).

“Forgetteth the covenant”: In a wide sense this could be the covenant of Sinai, but specifically looks to the marriage covenant of Gen. 2:24 with its commitment to fidelity.

Proverbs 2:18 “For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.”

“Inclineth unto death”: The destructive nature of this blinding sin leads one to walk alongside death (see verses 8-9, 12, 15). Death in Proverbs is presented as both a gradual descent (5:23) and a sudden end (29:1).

God’s covenant with mankind (men and women) is two fold. We must keep His laws to receive His blessing. God punishes sin. When we deliberately break God’s laws, we can expect death, not life. God says in His law that men and women are to save themselves for the marriage bed. Notice in V-19, that those who follow this sinful way of life find death.

Death in Proverbs is presented as both a gradual descent and a sudden end.

Proverbs 2:19 “None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.”

There are only two paths to take. The path of sin leads to death and destruction. The path of righteousness leads to life everlasting.

The irreversible nature of continuing in this sin points to its devastating consequences. It leads to physical death, as expressed in the Hebrew euphemisms of v.22 (“cut off”) and (“uprooted”). After that comes the reality of eternal death.

Proverbs 2:20 “That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous.”

The word “mayest” in this verse lets us know that it is our choice. It is our decision to live the way of the world or to live for the Lord Jesus. Our free will determines which. This is a decision no one else can make for you. You must decide: life or death.

Proverbs 2:21 “For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.”

“Dwell in the land … remain”: Exactly opposite to those who live in sexual sin and are headed for death, those who belong to the Lord will live.

Proverbs 2:22 “But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.”

In Psalms 37:29 we read, “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” We have seen over and over how the wicked will be driven off the land. Canaan became the land of Israel because the wicked were driven out.

The Christians shall reign 1000 years with Jesus.

Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Proverbs Chapter 2 Questions

1. V-1 through V-5 is like a_________.
2. What is necessary for us to live a godly life?
3. Where is the place to hide God’s Word?
4. What does Romans 10:10 tell us about the heart?
5. What should we be seeking more than worldly wealth?
6. How do we get Knowledge?
7. Wisdom is a _______ of  ________.
8. As we uncover the secret of God we will have ______  _______of God?
9. Who gives us wisdom?
10. Out of whose mouth comes knowledge and understanding?
11. How can we find Scriptures that tell us how to find wisdom?
12. Where can we find the Scriptures to tell where to get wisdom?
13. Who does God lay up sound wisdom for?
14. What does “buckler” mean?
15. God’s kind of wisdom brings what?
16. We are to be wise unto _________.
17. How can we be righteous?
18. In Cor. 2:16, what do we learn about the mind of Christ?
19. Who preserves the way of the saints?
20. _____________ is the way.
21. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, what shall keep thee?
22. What can keep you from making mistakes?
23. Who are the children of light?
24. If we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness we ___________.
25. What do television and movies appear to tell us about sin?
26. What can those who get involved with strange women have to look forward to?
27. God’s covenant with man is__________ ___________.
28. God will bless us if we do what?
29. When we deliberately breaks God’s law we can expect what?
30. The path of righteousness leads where?
31. What has God given us that determine our destiny?
32. In Psalms 37:27, we read that the righteous will inherit what?
33. In Revelation 20:6 how long does it say the Christians will reign with Jesus?

 

Proverbs 2 (NKJV)

2 My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
² So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
³ Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
⁴ If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
⁵ Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
⁷ He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
⁸ He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
⁹ Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

¹⁰ When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
¹¹ Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
¹² To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
¹³ From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
¹⁴ Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
¹⁵ Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;
¹⁶ To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
¹⁷ Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
¹⁸ For her house leads down to death,
And her paths to the dead;
¹⁹ None who go to her return,
Nor do they regain the paths of life—
²⁰ So you may walk in the way of goodness,
And keep to the paths of righteousness.

 

 

Who’s Army Are You Marching In

In looking at the events that have unfolded over the last few weeks and months with all the hateful rhetoric that has spewed out of terrorist groups like ISIS as well as home grown terrorist groups like Black Lives Matters it is time to ask America and the world one very important question. That question is! Who’s army are you marching in? Before you answer that question take a look at these scripture verses from 2 Kings.

2 Kings 6 (NKJV)

6:8 Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” 9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” 10 Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. 11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.” And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.” 14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 19 Now Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” But he led them to Samaria. 20 So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria! 21 Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” 22 But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.

Let me direct your attention to verse 17. And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

In the world today there are forces of evil that are marching to create a new world order that seeks to instill a reign of terror on the populace that is unprecedented. Groups of people who have seized on opportunities to exploit events that they think will propel them into power. I have stated many times that we all serve a master. There is the master and the creator of the universe and all creation, which is God. And there is there is the master of this world, which is Satan. The war that is taking place is for the souls of man. As I ask the question again think about it carefully. Who’s army are you marching in. As you ponder this think about what Jesus said when asked the question about what the greatest of commandments are.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NKJV)

22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

These verses tell us what kind of army Jesus has called us to march in. Are you marching in an army that is worshiping God with all your heart, soul, and mind. There are many religions in the world and many of them claim that this is what they are doing. But Jesus has told us that there is more. Is this army that you are marching in? One that is loving its neighbors as it loves itself! How about not just its neighbor but its fellow human being! In 1776 a group of men came together and wrote a document that is known as the Declaration of Independence. These men knew that they were putting their lives on the line with this document. But the bells of freedom where ringing and not just for some but for all men. Many of these men sacrificed more than their lives. Five signers were captured by the British and brutally tortured as traitors. Nine fought in the War for Independence and died from wounds or from hardships they suffered. Two lost their sons in the Continental Army. Another two had sons captured. At least a dozen of the fifty-six had their homes pillaged and burned. But they knew that freedom from tyranny was something that all men must have access to. As you read on I ask you again. Who’s army are you marching in.

The Declaration of Independence:

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

    He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

    He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

    He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

    He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

    He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

    He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

    He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

    He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

    He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

    He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

    He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

    He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

    He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

    For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

    For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

    For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

    For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

    For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

    For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

    For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

    For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

    For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

    He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

    He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

    He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

    He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

    He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. The Constitution of the United States was written to guarantee 

 

America was founded on the principles of this document but it has gone through many growing pains. Since its beginning there have been people who have tried to subvert this document by trying to deny those rights that it speaks of for various reasons. America is a nation of laws but there are ten laws that are the bases for all other ones. From these ten Jesus simplified them and entrusted us to keep them. America has made mistakes in those growing pains but America has kept growing into one of the greatest nations ever formed. America has been a nation that has stood for freedom and one in which people from all around the world has sought to become part of. America has been a nation that has stood in the gap against the tyrants of this world. We as a nation are now at a crossroad. The tyrants have come to this nation with the desire to take those freedoms away. Men and women have died fighting to preserve the freedoms that the people of this great nation have come to expect. Many have also taken for granted that these freedoms will always be there.

Evil has crept in and exploited some of America’s growing pains in an attempt to destroy this nation and enslave those who disagree with their actions. Freedom though is something that is never free. There is always a price that will be called for and paid for in order to maintain that freedom. That price must be paid because as long as history continues on its march there will be those who will seek the power to dominate others. They will seek to destroy those who would stand in the way of their quest for power and domination. Dictators, as Adolph Hitler did, will thirst for that power and will stop at nothing to gain it. These people have made their choice as to whom they are willing to serve and with who’s army they are marching with. Countless lives have been lost throughout history because of this thirst for power. Power does corrupt those who throw off any restraints that would otherwise hold them back from loving their neighbor as themselves.

From the beginning of this nation many chose to be in an army that believed that not only them, but all had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That not only them but all had the right to worship God and that all had the responsibility to stand up for those who could not stand. On August 28, 1963, nearly 200 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed Martin Luther King stood before a crowd in Washington and declared his dream to the American people. That dream of every child of every color and race being able to live together as neighbors and loving each other as Christ has commanded is still far from being realized. It is still something that Americans are still fighting and dying for. From the beaches of Normandy to the sands of Uyogema, American soldiers have died for the freedoms that we have and for the dreams of men like Martin Luther King. They have died and continue to sacrifice for a nation full of a people who all have dreams. But dreams full of untethered desires breeds corruption. A nation that is lead by those who have given themselves over to this corruption is always doomed to fail. Our Pledge of Allegiance has a phrase in it that states that we are one nation under God. By casting off that phrase America has become a divided nation. Those that seek to divide us also seek to separate us from God. There is only one way that America will heal and continue as a nation and that is to cast off those who are seeking to divide us from God.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

2:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

It is time to choose that army with which you will march with. It is time to pray that God will open our eyes so that we can see his army standing there on the mountain tops.

2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

 There number is greater than those of the enemy. More powerful than any army that the enemy can bring against us. But we must stand once again as one nation under God.

2 Kings 6:16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

There are many things that are evident about standing up for the truth. One is that there will be feathers ruffles when you do so. And history bears this out. In fact, it has done more than just ruffle feathers. Multitudes of people have been slaughtered because leaders of nations have taken extreme measures to rid themselves of any evidence of truth. The truth has been twisted and manipulated by them to fit their own version of the truth. But God knows the truth and He knows those who have twisted it for their own evil purposes. And He has promised that He will deal will all the evil that man can and does conjure up.

Romans 1(NKJV)
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Another thing about the truth is that often times it hurts. Sometimes it hurts so much that people do not want to face it again. But God has allowed this truth to come out because He wants the healing process to begin. Often times, there is some form of discipline that comes with this truth. As Adam and Eve found out in the garden, this discipline can last for generations. And often times the hurt is inflicted on those who are simply doing what they were commanded to do by Christ.

Mark 16 (NKJV)
The Great Commission
14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Below are a few quotes from famous author Edmond Burke.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.”

“But what is liberty without wisdom and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint. Those who know what virtuous liberty is, cannot bear to see it disgraced by incapable heads, on account of their having high-sounding words in their mouths.”

The first quote is one that we have heard many times. But what is needed here is for us to take a look at the three other quotes mentioned. Because we must come to understand just why we set on the sidelines and do very little, if nothing at all, about the evil that comes into our lives. The biggest reason for doing nothing is fear. Sometimes it is fear that we are going to be exposed in our own sins. This is the biggest wall that we have built up that has separated us from God. This is why so many people struggle through life. This is why we often times become enablers to others who are seeking to find justification for the sins they are committing. (See article, Enablers) There are many emotions that Satan plays on but fear is one of his favorite. Because it gives him a since of power over anyone who is afraid of being exposed for their sins. This is because sin places people in bondage. And at the core of the issue is the heart. The bible tell us that the heart is deceitful and wicked.

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)
9 “The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?

Jeremiah also ask “Who can know it”! The answer to that is simple. Because in the next verse he tells us!

Jeremiah 17:10 (NKJV)
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

I bring these points up because I want to draw a distinction between man’s laws and Gods laws. We’ve talked before about Gods standards. In Old Testament law God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. These where a set of standards He knew that we would never be able to live by. Yet, they are His standards and more than anything, they are placed before us to show us that we are indeed the sinners that He says that we are. They are there also to direct us to the only one who can save us from our sins. That is what His love for us has done. It caused Him to send His Son to earth to die on the cross for our sins. He never wavered in His Standards. Someone had to pay the price that was demanded for sin. And it was a very steep price.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Here in America our forefathers also set up a group of standards that they expected the leaders of this country to live by. It is called the Constitution. But it is also a standard that is governed by one thing. By the heart! Jesus made this statement about the heart.

Matthew 6 (NKJV)
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

He also made it clear that your heart cannot serve two masters. And the Constitution will only stand as long as those who are charged with upholding it are serving the right master. The Constitution tells us that our leaders are the servants of the people. This principle is one that was intended to keep our government in check. But we are dealing with man here. When we have leaders who have Gods standards written on their hearts then they know of whom it is that they really serve.

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV)
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Today however, we have leaders who have decided that they do not wish to serve but instead want to be served. This has come about because we have become a nation that seeks pleasure instead of God. We will go to great lengths to find that pleasure. We seek to be entertained instead of seeking to serve. Just like Hitler did, the United States government knows all too well how to exploit that into taking away more and more freedoms. When you have self-seeking leaders who have been put in office by self-seeking people then the Constitution means absolutely nothing. They will use it as a tool to obtain what they want and to protect themselves. But they will not defend it when it comes to serving those that it has charged them to do so. What has happened in America is that crime has become big business and the lawyers and judges have become rich off of this business. Crime has become their life blood and has propelled them to prosperity. Lawyers have become leaches that prey off of the misery of others. And if you ever find yourself in trouble with the American judicial system you had never walk into a court room without one of their brethren to represent you. Judges do not like that. They have become the caretakers of this system and do not like it when one of their own is not being paid to represent you. This is because they have become servants of the system instead of servants of God. They have chosen their master and it is not God.

Matthew 6 (NKJV)
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

As for the Constitution, it is absolutely meaningless without a standard that is greater than man’s backing it up.

Mankind is right in the middle of the battle that is going on for their souls. There are those who have stood up for the truth. History has shown us that there have been many. But history has also shown us that these same people have been persecuted for doing so. As I stated earlier, many have been slaughtered for doing so. Satan will go to great lengths to destroy anyone he perceives as a threat to his agenda. And that agenda is world domination. He has obtained many followers who believe that they will be rewarded well for their service to him. But in the end their reward will be the same as his.

Revelation 19 (NKJV)
Heaven Exults over Babylon
19 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! 2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” 3 Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Christ on a White Horse
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.
The Beast and His Armies Defeated
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 20 (NKJV)
Satan Bound 1,000 Years
20 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
The Saints Reign with Christ 1,000 Years
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Satanic Rebellion Crushed
7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
The Great White Throne Judgment
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

It is well to note here that, through mankind Satan has made many attempts to nullify what is coming for those who have shaken their fist at God and told Him, We do not believe you! From passing laws in congress to creating a united one world government.

Psalm 94 (NKJV)
20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
Have fellowship with You?

But, as I have stated many times since becoming a Christian! You have to take the whole word of God and not just pick and choose the parts that you like or that tickle your ears. Because that does not get you into heaven! It is what Christ did on the cross than does. Nothing else!

Psalm 94 (NKJV)
God the Refuge of the Righteous
94 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs—
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Render punishment to the proud.
3 LORD, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph?
4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
5 They break in pieces Your people, O LORD,
And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, “The LORD does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.
12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,
And teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
18 If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
Have fellowship with You?
21 They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
22 But the LORD has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
23 He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The LORD our God shall cut them off.

Throughout the bible there are exhortations and warnings. From the beginning scriptures exhort us to follow Gods laws. There are also warnings for those who simply refuse to do so. In the beginning God created everything and then He called it good.

Genesis 1(NKJV)
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day. 14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day. 20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. 24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

We see that God was pleased with the work of His hands. He created something wonderful. He created a home for man and then he created man. He also gave man a part in the process by letting him name all the creatures that He had created. Everything was great. But then something happened. Satan slithered in. And in doing so he managed to corrupt the hearts of man. There was no way that he was getting back into the Kingdom of Heaven because of what he did but he thought that he could do so by destroying the relationship between God and man. But his plan was turned back on him when God not only held him accountable for his actions but also held man accountable.

Genesis 3 (NKJV)
The Temptation and Fall of Man
3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” 16 To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” 17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” 20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. 22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Satan had managed to cause pain not only to man but to God. But even though it pained God to do what he did He had no choice. This had to be done. Sin would not, under any circumstance be allowed into heaven. Satan thought he could change that by going after Gods most wonderful creation. But without realizing what he was doing in his temptation of Eve he set in motion God’s greatest plan. The restoration plan that would bring God and man back together again! The pain and suffering that was brought about by Satan’s conniving was the same action that brought about God’s ultimate plan for redemption.

It has been a long journey for mankind to come back from that day in the garden. There has been so much heartache along the way. So many lives have been destroyed by the choices that mankind has made along this journey. There have been choices made by men to slaughter millions of people. There have been choices made by corrupt leaders, by corrupt judges, and in general, by all men who seek what Satan had promised that they would have. The promise that they would be like God! But in their quest to do so, they have become more like Satan. They have lost all since of right and wrong.

Isaiah 5:10-25 (NKJV)
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Mankind has since that day sought to justify their actions by trying to place the blame for their actions upon anyone they could in their attempt to cause God to stop His discipline against sin. But God is holy and He is also true to His word. People like taking part of His word and twisting it into their own reasoning for continuing down that path to destruction. But we must take His word as a whole and not just what we want to hear out of it.

Isaiah 5:10-25 (NKJV)
10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, And a homer of seed shall yield one ephah.” 11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink; Who continue until night, till wine inflames them! 12 The harp and the strings, The tambourine and flute, And wine are in their feasts; But they do not regard the work of the LORD, Nor consider the operation of His hands. 13 Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Their honorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst.
14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself And opened its mouth beyond measure; Their glory and their multitude and their pomp, And he who is jubilant, shall descend into it. 15 People shall be brought down, Each man shall be humbled, And the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled. 16 But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, And God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness. 17 Then the lambs shall feed in their pasture, And in the waste places of the fat ones strangers shall eat. 18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, And sin as if with a cart rope; 19 That say, “Let Him make speed and hasten His work, That we may see it;
And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, That we may know it.” 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man! 24 Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; Because they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. 25 Therefore the anger of the LORD is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them And stricken them, And the hills trembled. Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

The pain that we bring upon ourselves is something that God allows to happen in an attempt to get us to turn from our wicked ways. But mankind has come to enjoy living in its wicked ways. And the more it struggles to hold on to its wicked ways the more pain. Throughout history man has built up a tolerance for this pain. The human body is an amazing thing. It can adapt too many situations. And it has. We have learned to substitute many things in our lives to take the place of a relationship with God. And even when there is something that comes into our lives that causes pain we seek after other pleasures that we think will mask that pain. We seek to keep ourselves entertained in order to ignore all of the pain and suffering that is going on around us. We align ourselves with people that we have come to believe have the same reasoning and thought process that we have. And we crucify those who disagree with our way of life. We will destroy anyone and anything that gets in the way of what we want.

Proverbs 1 (NKJV)
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion— 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood;Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. 20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.
23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, 30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Why do I keep bringing up Proverbs 1 so much? It is because it is one of the clearest examples of what the behavior of man is. It clearly shows just what man does when they join together in mutual behavior. The like minded will always flock together. Whether it is to do good or to do evil. The reasoning behind this is two fold. First, it is so that we can justify our own actions. And second, it is to provide cover for us so that we have someone else to blame when we are caught in our bad behavior. It was like that in the garden and it is like that now. But have you ever turned on a light switch in a room full of cockroaches. Or a room where there are rats or mice. When the light is turned on they go scurrying for the darkness. They have been exposed because of the light and are seeking to get back to the darkness because they think it provides cover to them. Mankind is no different. They seek to find cover to hide their actions. And they have plenty of company in the darkness with them. That is why they as so comfortable in the darkness. And as long as that light is not shining on them that is the way that they want to remain. And unfortunately,that is the way many will remain for eternity. But for those who seek after God the bible tells us that He is light.

1 John 1(NKJV)
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 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.

We have talked about what a cognitive bias is. It is a belief system that causes us to make errors in judgement. It is this belief system that we have developed that causes us to think that we can get away with our sin. Joining together with like minded believers helps to reinforce this belief. And no matter how much pain we are suffering many will never change their beliefs. Many have and will go to their graves holding on to these beliefs. They will go to the grave believing that they have done nothing wrong. But as I said in an earlier article, they have applied the wrong standard to their belief system. They have applied man’s system instead of Gods. And this system is one that continually brings pain into their lives. God allows this to happen in an attempt to get our attention. But those who are determined to live the way they want to instead of the way that God wants them to are doomed to go to the grave holding onto their sin. They will follow those who did the same thing into the same judgement.

1 Corinthians 6 (NKJV)
6 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! 7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Make of this what you want but is any of this offends you then your argument is with God because this is what His word says. And any attempt to pass laws that you think will justify your actions does not make them Gods laws. All you have to do is go back to the beginning and read for your selves that joining together with the ungodly to cover your actions does not justify your actions to God. My question to you is, “How much does it hurt”? Does life hurt enough yet to let God make the changes in your life that He wants to make. Or have you built up such a tolerance to pain that you are still rejecting His attempt to get your attention. The bibles tell us that you have until you take your very last breath to except what Christ has done for you on the cross. But it also says that we do not know when that day will come. And if you are bent on resisting what He is trying to do then you are in for a lot of pain. Both physically and mentally. And God knows exactly what it takes to get you to the point where you will finally say, I can’t take it anymore and I will repent. Or I will never repent no matter what You do to me. If you are one who chooses to repent then this is what Jesus has said that He will say.

Matthew 25 (NKJV)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

If you however decide to refuse then this is what Jesus has said He will say.

Matthew 25 (NKJV)
41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The choice will be yours and you will have no argument that will change that.

Revelation 22 (NKJV)
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

We are now living in a world where people get offended real easy when you tell them that they are living in sin. They will try and turn the table on anyone for pointing this out to them by calling them judgmental. The fact is, they enjoy living the way they are and would just as soon make you out to be the bad person for telling them this than change the way they are. This is one of the reasons that they join together with one another as I stated in my last article titled Enablers.

A classic example of this is the latest movement called, Black Lives Matter. These people have it partially right. Black lives do matter. They matter very much to God. But so do white lives. So do Latino lives. So do Asian lives. All human life matters to God. But there are those who believe that they have every right to live as if their life is the only one that matters. They are applying the wrong standard to their lives. There are also those who believe that a child is not a child until it is born. But once again they are applying the wrong standard to this matter. They are using man’s standards rather than God’s.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Isaiah 49:1 (NKJV)

49:1 “Listen, O coastlands, to Me,
And take heed, you peoples from afar!
The LORD has called Me from the womb;
From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name.

Job 12:10 (NKJV)

10 In whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?

Psalm 71:5-6 (NKJV)

5 For You are my hope, O Lord GOD;
You are my trust from my youth.
6 By You I have been upheld from birth;
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You.

Isaiah 49:5 (NKJV)

5 “And now the LORD says,
Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,
To bring Jacob back to Him,
So that Israel is gathered to Him[a]
(For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the LORD,
And My God shall be My strength),

Luke 1:15 (NKJV)

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

Isaiah 44:2 (NKJV)

2 Thus says the LORD who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant;
And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

These verses and many others point to the fact that not only did God know us before we where born but He created each and every one of us. There is one other verse that is very important in dealing with Gods little children.

Luke 17:1-2 (NKJV)

Jesus Warns of Offenses
17 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

This is a warning to those who would harm God’s children. Even those who use children as a tool to harm others.

These are the standards that God has intended that we live by. Yet man has rejected these standards. Why, because it is easier to take the path of least resistance. Man has a habit of finding allies to join in their bad behavior. They also have a habit of making hero’s out of people who behave badly. Liberals have made people like Margaret Sanger a hero. Yet her life story is one in which she was a racist and a harlot. Because of her millions of black babies have been murdered. But why is it that those who tout the movement, Black Lives Matter, turn such a blind eye to what Planned Parenthood has done. After all, she is their founder. And her ties to a man like Adolph Hitler are very evident. He was very intrigued with her teachings on eugenics and patterned his own extermination plans after her teachings. You can read more about her and her life by reading the book Killer Angel by George Grant. As well as The Inherent Racism Of Population Control which not only tells the story of Margaret Sanger but those who help foster her belief system.

But the point of all of this is, bad behavior seeks to align itself with bad behavior. People like this find justification by flocking together with others who seek the same things. Why? All of their reasons are personnel to them. But it just makes it easier for them to behave badly. Which is what they want to do in the first place. This also helps them build a shield around themselves so that they can avoid being told that they are living in sin. And it makes it easier for them to attack those who they deem as a threat to their life’s choices. These attacks will continue because we have politicians and judges who behave the same way. People are seeking special protection for their life styles and actions. And corrupt politicians, judges and lawyers are more than willing to give this protection to them. But once again. This is happening because their standards are lower than God’s. They, like Satan, believe that if they can corrupt everyone and get them to join them in their folly then God will simply have to apologize and let them do what they seek to do. These people are like the ones who scoff at the notion that Sodom and Gomora ever happened. But it did. And the results will be the same.

There is a saying that there is no honor among thieves. This saying basically is the same for anyone caught in bad behavior. One of the things that happens with people who have been caught in their sins, and they believe there is no other way out, is that they try to shift the blame for their actions onto someone else who participated in their folly. Genesis 3 however makes it plain that God does not buy into this tactic. He holds everyone accountable for their actions. Whether it is a leader of nations, a corrupt politician, a corrupt judge, on down to all individuals who have sinned. And we have all sinned.

Genesis 3 (NKJV)

3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” 16 To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” 17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” 20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. 22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

And Psalms makes it clear that it is God that we have sinned against.

Psalm 51:4 (NKJV)

4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.

So if any of this offends you then just wait. Because we will all stand before Him on judgment day to answer for our sins. If you have not repented and prefer to continue in your folly, whether with those you have aligned yourself with or by yourself. Then you will hear these words.

Matthew 25:41-46 (NKJV)

41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

But for those who heed His warnings and repent and turn away from their sins you will hear these words.

Matthew 25:34-40 (NKJV)

34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

In light of what is taking place in the world today bad behavior has become all to common place. But the most disturbing thing about this is that people have joined forces with one another to justify their bad behavior by justifying the bad behavior of others. The biggest excuse that is being used is that other people are doing it so that makes it ok if I do it. The problem with that is that they are using the wrong standards. They are using a standard that is man’s standard and not Gods. In order to understand this let’s look at what the definition of an enabler is.

Merriam-Webster definition of ENABLER
: one that enables another to achieve an end; especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior

Wikipedia describes enabling in this way.

Positive use
As a positive term, “enabling” is similar to empowerment, and describes patterns of interaction which allow individuals to develop and grow. These patterns may be on any scale, for example within the family, or in wider society as “enabling acts” designed to empower some group, or create a new authority for a (usually governmental) body.

Negative use
In a negative sense, “enabling” can describe dysfunctional behavior approaches that are intended to help resolve a specific problem but in fact may perpetuate or exacerbate the problem. A common theme of enabling in this latter sense is that third parties take responsibility or blame, or make accommodations for a person’s harmful conduct (often with the best of intentions, or from fear or insecurity which inhibits action). The practical effect is that the person himself or herself does not have to do so, and is shielded from awareness of the harm it may do, and the need or pressure to change. Enabling in this sense is a major environmental cause of addiction.

In addiction
Common examples of enabling can be observed in the relationship between the alcoholic/addict and a codependent spouse or a parent. The spouse may attempt to shield the addict from the negative consequences of their behavior by calling in sick to work for them when they are hungover or binging on substances, making excuses that prevent others from holding them accountable, and generally cleaning up the mess that occurs in the wake of their impaired judgment. In reality, what the spouse is doing may be hurting, not helping. Enabling can tend to prevent psychological growth in the person being enabled, and can contribute to negative symptoms in the enabler. Therapist Darline Lancer writes, “Stopping enabling isn’t easy. Nor is it for the faint of heart. Aside from likely pushback and possible retaliation, you may also fear the consequences of doing nothing. For instance, you may fear your [addict] husband will lose his job…You may be afraid the addict may have an auto accident, or worse, die or commit suicide.” The parent may allow the addicted adult child to live at home without paying rent or helping with chores, constantly give the child money, and be manipulated by the child’s excuses, emotional attacks, and threats of self-harm.

Darlene Albury, an LMSW who has a Bachelors Degree specializing in Human Services and counseling, and Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work has this to say about enablers.
______________________________________________________________________________
Who and What is an Enabler
An enabler is a person who by their actions make it easier for anyone to continue their self-destructive behavior by criticizing or rescuing. The term codependency refers to a relationship where one or both parties enable the other to act in certain maladaptive ways. Many times, the act of the enabler satisfies a need for the codependent person because his or her actions foster a need from the other person or persons in the relationship.
To enable the individual with the addiction, the mutually dependent person makes excuses and lies for the addict, which enables the addiction to continue. Codependency is reinforced by a person’s need to be needed. The enabler thinks unreasonably by believing he can maintain healthy relationships through manipulation and control. He believes he can do this by avoiding conflict and nurturing dependency. Is it normal for someone to think that he can maintain a healthy relationship when he does not address problems and he lies to protect others from their responsibilities? The way a codependent person can continue to foster this dependency from others is by controlling situations and the people around them. The ongoing manner of a codependent home is to avoid conflicts and problems and to make excuses for destructive or hurtful behavior.
Why does enabling cause so much hurt in a relationship? The power afforded to the mutually dependent person in a relationship support his need for control, even if he uses inappropriate means to fulfill his need to be in control. A second and overlooked reason centers on the contradictory messages and unclear expectations presented by someone who is codependent. These characteristics give to a relationship filled with irrational thoughts and behavior. This kind of relationship has no clear rules to right and wrong behavior. The person(s) unhealthy patterns you enable may be doing one or more of these behaviors:
• Drinking too much
• Spending too much
• Overdrawing their bank account/bouncing checks
• Gambling too much
• In trouble with loan sharks/check cashing agencies
• Working too much/not enough
• Maxing out the credit cards
• Abusing drugs (prescription or street drugs)
• Getting arrested (you are bailing him/her out)
• Any of a number of other unhealthy behaviors/patterns of addiction.
Any time you assist/allow another person to continue in their unproductive/unhealthy/addictive behavior, whether actively or passively, you are enabling. Even when you say nothing you are enabling the behavior to continue. Sometimes you say nothing out of fear, fear of reprisal, fear of the other person hurting, hating, not liking you; or fear of butting in where you don’t think you belong. Perhaps even fear of being hit or worse.
Sometimes enabling takes the form of doing something for another that they should do for themselves. It also takes the form of making excuses for someone else’s behavior. Example: There are situations where the spouse of an alcoholic will call in to the boss to say that person is “sick,” when they are really too hung over they can’t make it to work.
You more than likely enable out of your own low self-esteem. You haven’t gained the ability to say no, without fear of losing the love or caring of that other person. People who learn tough love have to learn that their former behaviors have been enabling and that to continue in them would represent allowing the other person’s pattern of behavior to continue and to worsen.
It is difficult to stop enabling if you’re trying to do it with all authority. And it’s not easy until you know you deserve to stop. Until you know that you are endearing regardless of what the person you’ve previously enabled says to the contrary and until you raise your own self-esteem enough to be that strong. You may think it’s the other person who needs all of the help, in truth, you both do.
______________________________________________________________________________

Before examining this any further it is very important to understand what God has to say about enabling. Not just for those who justify their own bad behavior but those who also justify the bad behavior of others. This is because this is the standard that He holds us to.

1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV)

16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.

This is something that man has constantly tried to use as an excuse to continue in their actions. They don’t believe that they can or don’t have any desire to live up to this standard so they simply continue in their folly. The book of Proverbs describes man’s behavior very clearly. Starting with the very first chapter.

Proverbs 1 (NKJV)

The Beginning of Knowledge
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion— 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Shun Evil Counsel
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”— 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

As is the theme of Proverbs it starts off with exhorting mankind to seek wisdom and understanding. Not man’s understanding but God’s understanding. There are both positive exhortations and negative warnings throughout not only the Book of Proverbs but also throughout the bible. But Proverbs is very explicit in its dealing with the foolishness of man.

God knows all too well about man’s foolishness. Romans 1 also makes that clear.

Romans 1:18-32 (NKJV)

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

There is another definition that we must look at. That is the definition of what cognitive bias is.

Definition of Cognitive Bias
A cognitive bias is a mistake in reasoning, evaluating, remembering, or other cognitive process, often occurring as a result of holding onto one’s preferences and beliefs regardless of contrary information. Psychologists study cognitive biases as they relate to memory, reasoning, and decision-making. Many kinds of cognitive biases exist. For example, a confirmation bias is the tendency to seek only information that matches what one already believes. Memory biases influence what and how easily one remembers. For example, people are more likely to recall events they find humorous and better remember information they produce themselves. People are also more likely to regard as accurate memories associated with significant events or emotions (such as the memory of what one was doing when a catastrophe occurred).

This is a reasoning by which people seek out others who will help them justify their behavior. There is a saying that water will take the path of least resistance. This is the same with people who behave badly. With all of the temptations that the world has to offer this is the easiest path for people to take. It is easy to behave badly. People just want to have fun and be entertained. That is why It is so easy for the American government to take away more and more freedom from us with every law they place on the books. Mistakenly people believe that if it does not effect them then it does not matter. In his article titled “The Fall of the Republic” Lawrence Reed talks about how everything that the government does effect’s us all. This is not only bad behavior by individuals but by government as well. People joining together, as it say’s in Proverbs 1, to justify their bad behavior.
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The Fall of the Republic
JANUARY 08, 2014 by LAWRENCE W. REED

For nearly five centuries, Res Publica Romana—the Roman Republic—bestowed upon the world a previously unseen degree of respect for individual rights and the rule of law. When the republic expired, the world would not see those wondrous achievements again on a comparable scale for a thousand years.
In print and from the podium, I have addressed the calamitous economic policies that ate away the vitals of Roman society. I’ve emphasized that no people who lost their character kept their liberties. But what about the republic as a form of governance—the structure of representation, the Senate and popularly elected assemblies, laws for the limitation of power and protection of property, and the Roman Constitution itself? Did those ancient institutions abruptly disappear or were they eroded through “salami tactics,” one slice at a time?
It behooves us to know the reasons the republic died. Philosopher George Santayana’s general dictum famously tells us why we should know them: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” But there is a more specific and immediate urgency to learning the facts of Roman misfortune: In eerie and haunting ways, Americans at this very moment are living through a repetition of Rome’s republican decay.
No single person, domestic law or foreign intervention ended the Republic in a single stroke. Indeed, the Romans never formally abolished the republic. Historians differ as to when the actual practice of republicanism ended. Was it when the Senate declared Julius Caesar dictator for life in 44 B.C.? Was it in 27 B.C., when Octavian assumed the audacious title of “Caesar Augustus”? In any event, the Senate lived on until the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in A.D. 476, though after Augustus it never amounted to much more than an imperial rubber stamp.
Boiling the Frog
The Roman Republic died a death of a thousand cuts. Or, to borrow from another, well-known parable: The heat below the pot in which the proverbial frog was boiled started out as a mere flicker of a flame, then rose gradually until it was too late for the frog to escape. Indeed, for a brief time, he enjoyed a nice warm bath.
Like the American Republic, the Roman one was born in violent revolt against monarchy. “That’s enough of arbitrary and capricious one-man rule!” Romans seemed to declare in unison in 509 B.C. Rejecting kings is a supremely rare thing in human history. The Romans dispersed political power by authorizing two coequal consuls, limited to one-year terms and each with a veto over the acts of the other. They created a Senate in which former magistrates and members of patrician families with long civil or military service would sit. They set up popularly elected assemblies that gained increasing authority and influence over the centuries.
Due process and habeas corpus saw their first widespread practice in the Roman Republic. Freedoms of speech, assembly, and commerce were pillars of the system. All of this was embodied in the Roman Constitution, which—like that of the British in our day—was unwritten but deeply rooted in custom, precedent, and consensus for half a millennium.
Roman freedom and republican governance, to be sure, were undercut by limitations on the franchise and on the always detestable institution of slavery. The Roman Republic was certainly not perfect, but still it represented a remarkable advance for humanity, as could be said of the Magna Carta or the Declaration of Independence.
Writers from the first centuries B.C. and A.D. offered useful insights to the decline. Polybius predicted that politicians would pander to the masses, leading to the mob rule of an unrestrained democracy. The constitution, he surmised, could not survive when that happened. Sallust bemoaned the erosion of morals and character and the rise of personal power lust. Livy, Plutarch, and Cato expressed similar sentiments. To the moment of his assassination, Cicero defended the Republic against the assaults of the early dictators because he knew they would transform Rome into a tyrannical despotism.
Ultimately, the collapse of the political order of republican Rome has its origins in three developments that took root in the second century B.C., then blossomed by the end of the first. One was foreign adventure. The second was the welfare state. The third was a sacrifice of constitutional norms and the rule of law to the demands of the other two.
Foreign Adventure
In his excellent 2008 book, Empires of Trust, historian Thomas F. Madden argues that much of the expansionism of the Roman Republic was defensive in nature—that is, the Romans gradually accumulated an empire without any real design to have one. But there is no doubt that after the wars with Carthage (ending in the middle of the second century B.C), the burdens of policing vast territory from one end of the Mediterranean to the other were costly.
Wars also gave excuses to political leaders to spy and conspire, to suspend constitutional provisions in the name of national emergencies. As power concentrated in the hands of military figures, men in service increasingly placed loyalty to their generals ahead of loyalty to the general welfare. Taxes were raised even as the booty (and slaves) from overseas conquests poured in. If Rome had stayed home, its military-industrial complex might have been better tamed.
As both the power and the purse of the central government grew, a long series of civil conflicts arose. Factions fought against each other to gain control over the state machinery. Office holders chipped away at the restraints on power. More and more, they ignored or secured exemptions from term limits. They issued decrees, tantamount to today’s “executive orders” from the president or new regulations from the bureaucracy, without consideration by representative assemblies. War, as Randolph Bourne would note centuries later, is indeed “the health of the State.”
Foreign conflicts produced another ill effect at home. Many peasants saw their lands ravaged while they were off at war for long periods. And if they still possessed them upon return, they found they had to compete with the cheap labor of the slaves captured in war and put to work by wealthy landowners with political connections.
If Romans by the first century B.C. still cared about the institution of limited, representative government, increasing numbers of them could simply be bribed into compliance using subsidies.
The Welfare State
To fix the economic injustices that war and other interventions created, reformers in the second century B.C. proposed redistribution of land by law. The Gracchus brothers rose to power on just such promises, and though their efforts ended in their assassinations, the principle of robbing Peter to pay Paul caught hold. In 59 B.C., a man named Clodius ran for the important office of tribune on a platform of free wheat for the masses, and won. He was among the first in a long line of demagogues bearing gifts from the public treasury.
At this point, “Kershner’s First Law” (named for the late economist Howard E. Kershner) kicked in: “When a self-governing people confer upon their government the power to take from some and give to others, the process will not stop until the last bone of the last taxpayer is picked bare.” Eventually the central government bailed out profligate cities and provinces, spent huge sums to keep the people entertained, and even issued zero-interest credit to thousands of private businesses in a misguided effort to “stimulate” a sputtering economy.
Historian H. J. Haskell describes how quickly the largesse corrupted republican values: “Less than a century after the Republic had faded into the autocracy of the Empire, the people had lost all taste for democratic (read: ‘representative’) institutions. On the death of an emperor, the Senate debated the question of restoring the Republic. But the commons preferred the rule of an extravagant despot who would continue the dole and furnish them free shows. The mob outside clamored for ‘one ruler’ of the world.”
Warfare plus welfare equals massive revenue needs. Taxes went up but with an interesting twist: The Roman government turned to the private sector to perform much of its tax collecting, legalizing almost any tactic to get the money and giving a large cut to those who got it. The ruthlessness of government was combined with the efficiency of the private sector to produce a crushing and inescapable burden. Even so, by the middle of the first century A.D., deficits and debt led the government to commence a systematic, long-term depreciation of its currency. The silver and gold content of Roman coins eventually evaporated.
Long after the republic expired and the empire was entering its twilight, public welfare was enshrined as a right, not a mere privilege or temporary assist. People were even frozen by law in their professions so that no one could escape the government’s taxes or wage and price controls by changing occupations.
Constitutional Erosion
For several hundred years, the unwritten Roman Constitution boasted features we would recognize today: checks and balances, the separation of powers, guarantee of due process, vetoes, term limits, filibusters, habeus corpus, quorum requirements, impeachments, regular elections. They were buttressed by the traits of strong character (virtus) that were widely taught in Roman homes: gravitas (dignity), continentia (self-discipline), industria (diligence), benevolentia (goodwill), pietas (loyalty and a sense of duty), and simplicitas (candor). Romans knew well that the rules of their constitution were there for good reason and until they were bribed with public money to cast them aside, they frowned on anyone who sought to violate them.
Lesser offices such as magistrate, praetor, censor, aedile, quaestor, and tribune were eventually abandoned in favor of the very one-man rule the republic was founded to replace. Popular assemblies became irrelevant. The Senate evolved into a worthless advisory body of corrupt cronies who cared more for their privileges than for their purpose. By the time the Romans lost it all to foreign barbarians in A.D. 476, the constitution that had once enshrined their liberties was a distant dead letter.
Does any of this story ring familiar? You’d have to be asleep if it doesn’t.
Our own Constitution, barely two centuries old, is in shambles. When Iraq was writing a new one a few years ago, the late night comedian Jay Leno quipped, “Why don’t we just give them ours? We’re not using it.” It was a remark more tragic than funny.
The “commerce clause” of our Constitution has been twisted and bent until it now justifies almost any intervention from the central government. A Supreme Court chief justice performed the most amazing intellectual gymnastics to sanctify a health care monstrosity as constitutional. Our President rewrites the law as he pleases. He makes “recess appointments” when the Senate is not in recess. He issues executive orders by the hundreds. He presides over agencies that spy on millions of Americans and target political enemies for retribution. But I don’t mean to single out Barack Obama. He’s simply extending a legacy that goes back many years now.
What raises the ire of Americans enough to bring them out into the streets is not an arbitrary breach of constitutional norms but simply the hint that some benefit might be cut back. Tells you something about our priorities these days, doesn’t it?
The catalog of constitutional erosions is fat and getting fatter. My limited intention here is to shake a few people awake and get them to start thinking. I urge the reader to take another look at the Constitution and compile a list of instances of our leaders’ careless and shameless abdication of its prescriptions. Decide for yourself if history is truly repeating itself.
We know the path the Romans took, so we have no excuse for not learning from their experience. Do we really want to keep heading in the same direction?
Not me.
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One of the things that eventually happens with this behavior is that there is always a fall guy for this kind of behavior. Hitler used the Jews to blame Germany’s problems on. Thus he believed he was was given the power by those who followed him to justify the killing of millions of people. Today we are seeing this same kind of behavior unfolding right before us. It is the same throughout history. Nations have fallen time and time again to tyrants because they have decided that is ok to behave this way. Lives have been destroyed time and time again by people who believe that it is ok to behave this way. People have used religion, love, hate, and a host of other excuses to condone their and others bad behavior. They do not seek to live up to God’s standards but prefer to take the low road because it is the path of least resistance. But in the end this kind of behavior has one reward.

Proverbs 1:20-32(NKJV)

20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

But the promise for holding on to God’s word is this.

Proverbs 1:33(NKJV)

33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

One last word about looking at things through God’s standards. Human beings are emotional beings. When we take our eyes off of God and start looking at things our way, we have a natural tendency to cause all kinds of damage to others. We want what we want and we do not care about the effect it has on others. And if you don’t stop looking at things through your own eyes and get them back on God and His standards then that damage very well could lead to something that last an eternity.

Isaiah 55:6-9 (NKJV)

6 Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Thank you for visiting my site. Just a quick note for those that have come to this site thinking that they are going to hear some justification of Charles Darwin’s gibberish. My name is Darwin Anthony and I am a Christian Conservative, hence the name Darwin is Right. We are living in a time where progressives have rammed their agenda down the throats of the American people by whatever means that they can. The bible tells us that in the end times that right and wrong will be twisted around and those who try to do good will be called evil. While at the same time evil will be touted as right. The world has taken truth and given us its own version in order to distort history and shield itself so that people cannot see the evil it is doing. Here in America the politicians have sold their souls to the highest bidder. America was once a great nation that stood in the gap to stop some of the evils of the world. Our so called leaders have sold us out to the elitist of the world. But no matter how many laws Washington passes or how many executive laws Obama or any other president may pass they will never outlaw Gods law. In the end every one of us will give account for his or her actions. We will all find out who was right and who was wrong. On Judgement Day when we are standing before the Judgement Seat there will be no deals made by crocked judges and lawyers. There will be no bribes or payoffs made that will keep anyone from whatever reward they may receive. Proverbs 1 makes that very clear.

Proverbs 1:20-33 (NKJV)

1:20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Romans 1 also makes it clear that God is very aware of the sins of man and that judgement will take place.

Romans 1 (NKJV)

Greeting

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Desire to Visit Rome

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

The Just Live by Faith

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Gods patience with America and the world is running out. There will be an appointed time when His mercy will be withheld and the punishment for sins will begin. It is at that time that the world will find out that mans laws do not nullify Gods laws.

Let me leave you with this!

There Once Was A Great Nation
There once was a great nation. A nation called to stand in the gap. A nation called to stand for the weak. There once was a great nation. A nation called to stand and honor its Creator. This nation was built on the sacrifice and blood of many. Built with the sweat of its hard work. A nation built on determination. There was much strife along the way. There were many who tried to deter with their own agendas. Many who tried to deter with their own hate. Battles fought that sought to divide. Through every battle help was sought. Sought by those who knew the Creator. A Creator who helped them stand. Thought many fell they now stand in glory. In the presence of their Creator. But many still remain. Who have their own agenda, who still seek to divide. This once great nation has been brought to its knees. But on its knees it belongs. For on its knee’s it has only one place to look. And that is up, to its Creator. For the promise made by its Creator is but one.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

7:14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

On this promise this once great nation can again rise. But the battles will still be many. Because there are still many with their own agenda’s. Their own agenda’s to divide. Their own agenda’s of hate. They seek to justify their actions by making laws that require others to join in their folly. But that promise will stand to the end. And in the end will be kept. The reward will be swift and not slow in coming.

Matthew 25:31-40 (NKJV)

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

The reward will not surprise. For all have known that the promise was there. But have instead, chosen to reject. But as many chose to believe, the rejection does not mean the promise is not there. For until the last breath taken it will be. A choice to make by all. Those who have chosen poorly will forever kneel before their master. But those who have chosen well will stand in glory. A New Great Nation. A nation that will forever stand and stand eternal in glory.