October 19, 2021

The book of Proverbs, in the Bible, is often referred to as the “Book of Wisdom.” Chapter 9 seems to warn us, that to rebuke a fool [scoffer] is a potential hazard, likely splashing dirt on the one rebuking the fool. Prov 9:7-9 nkjv Consider the contrasting outcome of rebuking a wise man…

“...Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” prov 9:8-9 nkjv

Think about what you just read, and study the instruction in these next scriptures:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me [wisdom] your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.” prov 9:10-12 nkjv

The message of the Bible is to “Fear God, worship Him, and obey [keep] His Commandments.” All this, of course, through faith in Yeshua [Jesus]. I have often thought about why this is easy for some to grasp, at least as to what it is meant to convey. Although, many who understand it, struggle with their inner discipline to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in a proper walk with God… albeit that ends better for them, rather than for the scoffer or a fool’s response in outright disdain for Yahweh… seems the Bible comments on that, as to why they are apart from rebuke or instruction:

”The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” ps 58:3 nkjv

As our world slides off further into foolishness and rebellion against the truth, righteousness and justice, we must decide who’s instruction we will follow and how we will respond to righteous rebuke when we are [thankfully] admonished by one who loves us as a fellow believer, or by the Word directly, or by the inner voice of God’s Holy Spirit… I think you can relate to what I am saying here.

It is important to study the Torah (the spoken word of God from the mountain) recorded by Moses, in the first five books of the Bible, and given to us for all eternity:

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” ps 119:89 nkjv

Our study of these sacred instructions sometimes rebukes us, as needed; and sometimes comforts us, and often stabilizes our footing when the path is difficult. The greatest benefit is that it returns the seeker to Yahweh’s “Pure Words,” to instruct us to understand mercy, justice, and righteousness, which leads to our reclaiming the vocabulary of truth. In our helter-skelter society, with lies and contradictions bombarding us, nothing is more important than to pursue truth and getting our relationship right with our Creator.

We often hear some babbler, guilty of malfeasance, say, “those were unintended consequences…” which is nothing less than a cop-out for those who refuse to accept responsibility for damage caused by their bad decisions and outright purposeful abuse of others. To add insult to injury, they suggest we must find happiness by simply acclimating to our miseries… usually while they indulge in their selfish excesses.

Several years ago, Derek Prince wrote, “I believe we are living in a [that] time when God is determined to show mercy to His people, to restore His people. So let’s look away from our problems, our distresses, our anxieties. Let’s look, like the Psalmist [Ps 102:11-13] up to the throne of God, see God there on His throne and realize He’s ready to show mercy.” I think we need it, how about you.

Shalom... John