CALVARY CHAPEL OF JONESBORO
  • HOME
  • Basics
    • Announcements
    • Giving
    • Who We Are
    • Just for Fun
  • Proverb a Day
  • Ministries
    • Children
    • Missions
    • Worship >
      • New Song Page
    • Youth
  • Biblical Stuff
    • Services
    • Articles
    • Apologetics Studies
    • A Call to Revival
    • Discipleship >
      • 1 - The Gospel
      • 2 - The Word
    • The Gospel
    • Links
  • Sign Up Area
  • Psalms For Life
  • Prophecy/News



​
Proverb A DAy

Show Me Your Friends - I'll Show You Your Character - Proverbs 13:20

3/19/2018

5 Comments

 
Picture
Proverbs 13:20  He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. 
​

Growing up I remember many times when my parents would be concerned with who my friends were.  One time in particular, they basically forbid me from continuing to hang out with a couple of guys.  I was not too happy with the situation, but knew that disobedience to such a strong prohibition came with very real consequences.  Little did I know but it would only be a couple of months later that they were caught shoplifting.  I’m not sure what would have happened to me if I had been there with them – but that was not an issue because of the wisdom of my father and mother. 
 
My dad never quoted this proverb outright to me – but he must have read it.  More than once my parents would remind me that the company I keep would have direct implications on the character I later would possess.
 
Today’s proverb speaks of these very things.  It speaks of a “walk with wise men” versus a “shepherding by fools.”  First let’s look at the walk with wise men.  The one who walks with wise men will be wise.  The word for “walk” here refers to a journey or a walk from one place to another.  The company during this walk was a wise man, or wise men.  Proverbs 2:20 refers to it as a walk with good men and a pathway of the righteous.  When looking for companions and mentors – we do well to look for people who have walked with God (Who Himself is the wisest companion to have on the roads of life).  These people are characterized by the fact that they know God.  This they have acquired over a lifetime of pursuing a relationship with Him through reading and knowing His Word.  They have learned that obedience to God is the wisest way to walk – and seeing life through His perspective and Word is how to obtain this.  Look for such people and surround yourself with them and their counsel.  They will counsel you to walk closely with God – and learn to apply His Word to every situation in life.  Their lives will have the sweet smell of God’s favor upon them (even if the world deems them less than a success by their standards).  Such people will be humble, gracious, loving, kind – and yet strong and wiling to stand on God’s principles no matter what.  The blessing for being around such people is that you will become one of them.  The one who walks with wise men – will himself become wise.  One thing I would add to this is that a wise man or woman will look for at least one wise man or woman with some age on them.  The Word makes one wise – but wisdom over time is a rare thing to find.  When you do – befriend the one who has it – and – listen to them often!
 
This one who grows wise in the company of wise men is contrasted with the “companion of fools.”  The word companion here is the Hebrew word “ra ah” which means to tend or feed sheep – i.e. a shepherd of another.  Here is one who is being shepherded by fools.  He is fed and tended by them – having them lead him into their ways and their paths.  The fools he considers friends and mentors are mentioned in several ways in Scripture.  The word for fool is “kesiyl” and it means a fool or one lacking in wisdom.  In Ecclesiastes 4:5 the fool is lazy, folding his hands in inactivity as his life wastes away.  In that same chapter verse 13 uses this word to describe a young man who knows everything and will not be instructed by anyone around him.  He even mocks those who offer wisdom – preferring His own foolishness to any advice or instruction.  Psalm 49:10 refers to this fool as one who thinks his stuff will last forever and lives for it rather than any kind of spiritual pursuit of God.  Proverbs 1:32 speaks of the fool as one who loves wayward living and not only ignores the wisdom of God – but in verse 22 we see him hating both the wisdom and the God who gave it.  Psalm 92:6-7 reminds us that he also mocks the whole concept of God’s justice and judgment.  Proverbs 3:35 reminds us that he displays his godless dishonor like a trophy – and finally Ecclesiastes 10:2 says that his heart (that hates wisdom) is always turning the wrong direction in life. 
 
What happens to the one who has such foolish companions and mentors?  The language here is a very pointed.  He will suffer harm as a result of these leaders and friends.  The word used here is quite descriptive.  It is the Hebrew word “rua” – which referred to the deafening shout or blast that took place right before your enemy came upon you in battle.  Such a shout was called a shout of victory – and to those about to be vanquished – it was the most terrifying sound you can imagine.  Often those who heard it were not prepared for the devastating defeat they were about to receive.  But when the shout rang out – their cockiness would be soon replaced by terror and fear.  Too often that is how the foolish awaken to their folly.  They are full of self-confidence and self-congratulation until disaster awakens them to their true state.  The result of their poor choice of companions and commanders is ruin. 
 
Unfortunately some will read this and mock – saying that they are doing fine.  They will even point to a life where everything seemed pretty good for their friends and mentors.  But whether we live in relative comfort, ease, and man-oriented success is not the measure of a man.  The true measure of a man and the way he lived happens in the twinkling of an eye – in the moment after he leaves this world.  We are reminded in Hebrews 9:27 that we have an appointment with death.  This happens only once, “It is appointed for man to die once, then comes the judgment.”  There is no second chance – no reincarnation to have another shot.  When we die – we will either be present with the Lord – or wholly absent from His favor forever.  In that moment it truly will be seen how wise it was to walk with people who are wise.  And ultimately the One Wise Man with whom we should walk is Jesus Christ.  It is by His wisdom we will escape so great a peril – so great a judgment – and forever enjoy so great a salvation. Walk with Him – be wise – and be blessed far beyond your days on this earth!

5 Comments

The Ministry of Neglect 2 - Our Personal Lives

10/13/2012

0 Comments

 
Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. Proverbs 27:23-24 As we look at this passage in Proverbs 27, we are examining the Ministry of neglect. This proverb is encouraging us to know the condition of things in our lives well! The example used is for our flocks - and yet many of us do not have any livestock. The wisdom that is offered is that we know well the things that are important in our lives. Over the next week we'll be looking at six different areas of our lives in which it is wise for us to avoid the "Ministry of Neglect" that just seems to come to naturally to us all. The first area we will look at is our personal lives. In this area we need to know well the condition of our heart. This speaks to our spiritual condition before God. How are you doing spiritually? Are you being more Christlike in your actions and attitudes? Are you showing spiritual growth so that the fruit of the Spirit is evident in how you live? On a different level, are you reading the Word of God daily? What about prayer - are you praying? Are you sharing your faith with others - and being an instrument of God's grace and love in your local fellowship? A good thing to do, if you want to keep up with such things, is to occasionally have a brother or sister in Christ lovingly, yet honestly, answer these questions. Want a real challenge? Ask your wife and your children. Another area of our personal lives is our health. This is one that if often overlooked - and yet according to 1 Corinthians 6:19 - our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. So the question is applicable - how is your health? Are you eating well - or is the sin of gluttony resulting in health issues for you? Are you exercising regularly? Are you getting enough sleep and resting on a regular basis (God suggests 1 out of every 7 days for this). If you do not take care of yourself - you should not be surprised if your body - and even your mental state begins to fall apart. I am not saying that we should turn into health and fitness fanatics - just that we should do a basic job of caring for ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you practicing good mental health? Do you live in reality - or is most of your time spent in a fantasy land - either on television or in an online game. Are you living for online relationships more than those around you in your home? Too many find themselves locked into the online world rather than the real one. Then there are mental habits. How are you doing with your mind? Are you reading and learning anything? This is something people don't grasp in our society. We are becoming a society of morons - because we don't do anything to benefit our minds. There is so much out there besides television (and especially besides reality TV) that can help you become a smarter person. Are your reasoning skills advancing - or are you letting the TV, radio, and others think for you? Oh, how much we lose when we don't practice good mental habits. The potential here is massive - and few if any of us tap into it. One last area that I'll meddle in is our personal finances. How are they going? Are we exercising wisdom in how we are handling the money God gives to us? Do we look like a wise or a foolish steward of what God places into our hands? It is actually wise to occasionally take a step back and see if we are being wise - and are practicing self-control over our spending habits. If not - we can suddenly find that our bank account will not sustain us at a level we are currently living. I can only imagine how much many have been offended by this particular post. We are not exactly an honest people when it comes to stepping back and taking a real look at ourselves. If it helps any - I was pretty convicted in several areas of my own life just writing this. Doing this can help us so much though. Remember - this post is about the Ministry of Neglect. It is too easy for us to forget areas of our lives - until they come back to bite us in the rear. That is why I would encourage you to schedule a quarterly check-up . . . for yourself. You might be shocked at how it helps keep you on track. I know that writing this has made me consider a few ways that the ministry of neglect has been active - and - I can see how if I continue to neglect things - I'll end up paying a lot more than I want to in my future.
0 Comments

The Ministry of Neglect - part 1 of 7  Proverbs 27:23-24

10/12/2012

1 Comment

 
Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.  Proverbs 27:23-24

This verse in Proverbs kicks off a section that deals with diligence, as well as the fact of change in life.  The wisdom offered here is to pay attention to things in your life because the one thing that will never change is that there is going to be change in your life.  Time will march on whether you are paying attention to the parade or not.  The danger posed to us by this is that life will change, either financially, politically, or spiritually and we will be caught off-guard by it. 

One of the most effective ministries anywhere in the world is the ministry of neglect.  This is an unintended ministry where we get busy in our lives - and neglect to watch over our finances, our marriage, our children, our business - even our own spiritual growth.  Over time the ministry of neglect grows.  Most people do not grasp what this ministry is doing until they are jolted as to its presence by a "suddenly-serious" problem.  These are things that have been building up (or breaking down in many circumstances) and then make their appearance suddenly to us. 

One of the best ways to describe this is to make reference to my very patient, very gracious wife.  As a guy, I have a tendency to get over-focused in my life.  As a result, I have had a pretty amazing track record of having the ministry of neglect in a number of areas of my life.  What usually happens is that my precious bride wakes me out of my responbility slumber and alerts me to a way in which my life is in the process of falling apart.  Whether it is in regard to my relationship with her - the rearing of our children - our finances - or any number of other things, I am usually shocked to see that there are problems.  This rude awakening is a reminder that I truly do need to pay attention to things - many things - far better.  The rude awakening is followed by - regret - conviction - repentance - and a flurry of action to put things right.  Oh, and occasionally by being mad.  The anger is experienced two ways - first I'm mad that someone is interrupting my stupidity (because at the time I don't see how stupid I'm being).  Second, I am mad at myself for being so stupid - and letting things fall into disrepair through my ministry of neglect. 

For the next couple of days, I want to look deeper into what is means to avoid having the ministry of neglect in your life.  Before we are done, we'll look at several areas where this is important.  We will examine the ministry of neglect and its affect on our personal lives, on our family, on our jobs or businesses, on our churches, and finally even on our nation and those who rule over us in the political structures under which we live.  The ministry of neglect can be a very dangerous thing - if we continue in it.  It is my hope that over the next several days we can strengthen the ministry of diligence - or said in a more eye-opening way - the ministry of true love.

1 Comment

Sight-Seeing at the Lazy Guy's House - Proverbs 24:30-34

8/22/2012

9 Comments

 
I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,  And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.  When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction.  "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,"  Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man.   Proverbs 24:30-34

There are certain things you can learn by making observations of physical things.  These are not always universally true - but they are true more often than not.  This particular observation was made by someone who knew that a field belonged to someone who was already known as a "sluggard."  Therefore it was known that this man was lazy and undisciplined.  The danger here is not knowing someone's character - and assuming things because of what you see physically. 

What we have here is someone who is making an observation about a sluggard's field or vineyard.  This person is known for two things.  First is that he is a sluggard.  The term refers to someone who is lazy and who shuns any kind of work.  The second observation is that he is also a man who seriously lacks sense.  As usual in the book of Proverbs the word here is actually the Hebrew word, "leb" which means heart.  What is referred to here is not this man's physical heart, but more his spiritual condition.  God is concerned about the state of our hearts - because our actions and our words come out of the overflow of our hearts.  Therefore the fact that this man lacks "heart" speaks more to the truth that he is lacking spiritual wisdom and a heart that turns to God for it. 

We continue to look at the sluggard and his field and we have this report given to us.  It wa a field and vineyard completely overgrown with weeds and nettles, which refers to thorny plants that make for a very unfruitful, unproductive field.  These things are there because of the laziness of the owner.  Not only was this field ignored agriculturally - but it was ignored physically too.  It is noted that the stone wall around it was broken down as well.  This most likely was not due to vandalism, but rather simple neglect over a long period of time.  Therefore there were serious weed problems - and also serious problems with animals getting in and destroying the crops as well.  This was a field ignored completely - and therefore would be a field that was grossly underproducing for its owner. 

Seeing such a field in an agrarian society made the onlooker reflect on things - actually he reflected on the owner of the field.  The word for "reflect" is the Hebrew word "siyt" and it means to focus one's heart and thinking on something.  One might say that this writer was taking this matter to heart.  He had God lay something on his heart as he looked.  The author of these verses was spiritually astute enough to have the Lord speak to him as he looked on this sad scene.  He received instruction as a result of what was before his eyes.  The words here speak not merely of knowledge - but rather of a kind of instructing that disciplines us and uses things to turn us from a destructive path.  That was what was happening here.  Oh that we would open ourselves to such "at-the-moment" instruction like this - that God could take anything and use it to help us walk in His ways.  Jesus spoke like this - using everyday pictures of life to help instruct His disciples (and us) how to walk with Him and honor His Father.

This was the comment he received.  It is said in a way that is placed in quotations.  There are those moments when God is about to speak to our hearts.  We need to be open and receptive to such "wisdom statements" from Him.  As the writer mused on this scene - the Lord spoke to his heart. 

The statement made to his heart had to do with sleeping too much, slumbering too much - and wanting to fold our hands and "take it easy."  God is not against rest - but He is against those who do not work hard.  The sluggard did not want to work - he wanted to rest, slumber, and fold his hands and refuse to work.  The state of his field was proof of these things.  He didn't want to work and do the things that would make for a productive and protected field.  He wanted a life of rest and relaxation. 

This brings me to comment on an oft-said phrase that I hear in our society.  "Don't work too hard," is said to me often - and I understand that people are not urging me to slothfulness.  But - in all honesty - I do need to work hard.  God said that in a fallen world like ours - being a hard working person will have a tendency to protect me . . . from me!  Too much time along - too much time without something productive to do - too much time to myself - and I will get into trouble.  I know - because I've been there - and I know how hard it is to keep me from being stupid when there is too much time on my hands.  Therefore I know that a life of hard work - of labor - and of productiveness (whether at work, or at home, or even in spiritual things) is good for me. 

The end of this proverb is telling.  What hapens when you get lazy and undisciplined.  God says that the end of such things is poverty.  There will be a poverty of finances because the sluggard won't have any crops.  There will be a poverty of character because the sluggard won't do what is necessary to develop it in cooperation with God.  There will be a poverty of spirit because we won't grow spiritually without some kind of discipline in our lives.  Poverty is coming - and is coming like a robber.  This word speaks of a vagabond who comes upon you and takes what you have.  Poverty will come if a man is lazy - and it will come like someone who walks up unannounced and steals your things.  Poverty is also coming like an armed man.  This speaks of those who came with armies - and who plundered after they took a city or town.  Poverty was coming to the sluggard - and was coming to plunder everything he had.  Laziness is costly - and it is a lesson that we too need to learn - even as we see its ravages all around us.
9 Comments

When It is Necessary to Come to Blows - Proverbs 19:29

6/1/2012

0 Comments

 
Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and blows for the back of fools.  Proverbs 19:29

The New Testament reminds us in Romans that if we obey the Law, we will have no fear of judgment or punishment.  Thus, the man who is driving the speed limit does not have his heart jump when he sees the speed trap too late on the highway.  He has no fear of being caught doing anything wrong - because he's not doing anything wrong.  But the scoffer who has no regard for the Law - who actually mocks it and speaks out against it - he has no such peace.  The fool who is ignorant of the law and who loves his folly and sin - he too will know no such peace. 

We are reminded that judgments are prepared for the scoffers.  This refers to the Word of God.  The fact that many miss is that God has already pronounced His judgments on those who scoff at His Word.  He has given His commandments and also offered His warnings to those who ignore them - and who indeed ignore Him.  There is no lack of passages in Scripture to remind us that God will judge the wicked - and that those who reject Jesus Christ face a terrifying specter of God's unreserved wrath.  Therefore, if you are a scoffer, you can know exactly what you will get from God for your scoffing. 

We are also reminded that there are blows for the backs of fools.  The fool is the one who enjoys his folly - and ignores God's Word.  He loves his foolishness and will not turn away from it.  He has no use for anything that restrains what he wants - what His flesh cries out for each moment of each day.  Thus the only way to reach this one and turn him from his way is by blows to the back.  This brings howls of protest from those who think any kind of punitive action that involves physical striking as punishment is evil.  But the facts tend to speak for themselves.  Countries that bring quick judgment to bear on those who disobey the law - are also countries that do not have an abundance of lawless behavior in their country. 

A few years ago a young man was caned in Singapore for breaking their law.  Our nation was horrified as they considered what was about to happen.  But the facts in Singapore stand on their own.  The type of lawlessness this young American man embraced was almost non-existent in their culture. Their culture is this way because people see the cost of their actions - in literal blows that will come to them.  Therefore they stay away from such behaviors.  The cries that such laws and actions increase violence are not founded in fact.  The violent societies are those who refuse to bring blows upon the backs of the fools who violate their laws.  There is actually LESS violence in societies who punish with physical blows.  There is a very real deterrent when you are facing real consequences for your actions. 

Our nation has become obsessed with the rights of criminals.  We are so concerned about possibly infringing upon their rights that we have forgotten the victims of their actions.  In our march toward perfect justice (which does not exist) we have committed the greatest injustice to those injured by scoffers and fools.  What needs to happen is for our nation to return to the principles of true justice and righteousness.  This will also require us to return to judgments that make a fool pay for his actions.  He will no longer be coddled by the justice system, but rather held accountable for choices that have injured and affected others.  Maybe then we can move away from our current insanity - and toward a more just and righteous society.



POSTSCRIPT:  Recently, individuals have quoted articles from this secion and stated that we teach child abuse at Calvary Chapel Jonesboro.  To this I feel the need to respond.  First, biblically, we are told that if we have a problem with our brother to go to our brother - not the internet - and confront our brother.  To date, these individuals have yet to contact me to discuss these things.  That should say volumes in itself.  
     Second, we do not teach child abuse at our fellowship.  This blog is an endeavor to teach what is in the Bible for the edification and upbuilding of God's people.  Anyone who has been to our fellowship knows that in our classrooms we administer NO physical discipline.  We correct with words and with "time outs" and eventually with a report to parents.  From our nursery throughout every age group our people are instructed NEVER to administer physical discipline.  We believe this right alone belongs to a parent.  Even then we teach the following about any application of physical discipline.
     Discipline is about the heart of a child.  Physical or corporal punishment is ONLY to be administered in a spirit of love for the child.  Teaching and loving verbal correction is key - as is prayer for the child's eventual salvation in Jesus Christ.  Any physical punishment administered due to anger or rage is out of line and wrong.  The parent is to discipline the child with appropriate discipline - not abuse.  In the end the child should be taught - and in every circumstance hugged, loved, and prayed with after any physical punishment to assure them of our love.  The idea of a "beating" is completely out of step with what the Scriptures are teaching.  Instead the idea of loving discipline is intended.  
0 Comments

A Call to Moral Sanity, part 2 - Spreading Our Seed Senselessly - Proverbs 5:16-17

7/11/2011

0 Comments

 
Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets?  Let them be yours alone And not for strangers with you. Proverbs 5:16-17

Part of sexually sane living is realizing what is at risk when we begin having sex outside the bounds of our marriage.  Here we have a reference to where our seed as men will go when we decide to begin committing adultery. 

The father tells his son not to have his springs dispersed abroad - like streams of water in the streets.  The picture here is how a man's seed should be kept for his wife - and only his wife.  When a man begins committing adultery and resorting to women who do the same, he is risking pregnancy with a woman who is not his wife.  Unfortunately we have myriad examples of this in our current day.  Men, who do not care with whom they have sex, wind up impregnating women who are not their wives.  Thus their seed is like a spring dispersed abroad - like water in the streets.  The result is a society where there are illegitimate children running around - without fathers.  A man who does such things is a man who will have his name and his reputation damaged over time.  Since he does not care for the children properly they tend to go astray and to cause problems.  When people learn that they are the illegitimate children of a man - that man's name suffers greatly - as do the children whom he has sired - but does not rear for God.

God says to let our seed by ours alone - and not something that is shared with strangers.  God intended for a man and a woman to be married, then to share in sexual intercourse.  It was never His intention or will that men should have multiple children with multiple wives.  This creates very serious problems over time.  It causes problems for the family - for the husband and wife - for their children - and for the child who is uncared for by a father later in life.  There is also the problem of what happens to the woman who is used in this way.  Quite often this woman grows very bitter and angry at the man who has used her for sex - but is unwilling to commit to her . . . or to her child. 

God knows the damage that comes from ignoring His Word and the principles upon which it is based.  This is multiplied many times over when a man fathers illegitimately.  Unfortunately most men do not even consider such things - they are looking only for the pleasure of the moment rather than thinking about the long-term affects of their immorality.  That is why it is left to godly fathers to warn their sons of such things.  May we be wise and do such things with our sons and daughters - to hopefully promote a little more sexual sanity in our world.  

0 Comments

"Almost" in Utter Ruin . . . Proverbs 5:14

7/7/2011

1 Comment

 
"I was almost in utter ruin In the midst of the assembly and congregation."
​Proverbs 5:14

This is the final statement made by the one who is lamenting their sexual sin of adultery.  It is filled with a tremendous amount of regret - and yet even in this cry of horror over sin, there is hope for those who will be instructed by it.

First we have a warning to those who think that adultery and sexual sin only inhabit the world outside the church.  This person - David - said that he was almost to the point of utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.  To think that the devil, the flesh, and the world only are problems for those outside the church is to set yourself up for ruin. 

David experienced these things "IN THE MIDST OF THE ASSEMBLY AND CONGREGATION."  Oh, how we need to take heed from this statement that we are not beyond the reach of sin just because we go to church.  The fact is that we are WELL WITHIN THE REACH OF SIN no matter where we are on earth.  David unfortunately forgot this as he walked upon the roof of his house in Jerusalem.  He forgot that it was the time when kings should be going out to war.  He forgot that even if he was king - he needed to be doing God's bidding rather than his own.  He forgot that being lazy and undisciplined will cost us in the end.  He forgot that being in the wrong place at the wrong time - will lead to wrong actions.

God never promises to us a "place" where we can be safe from all temptation and sin.  There is NO place on earth where this exists.  No matter where you go on earth - there will be temptation and there will be a need to draw near to God and look to Him for protection.  There is only a "person" of safety - and that is the Lord our God.  When we draw near to Him we find deliverance and safety.  When we walk with Him and turn to Him - we are with the Only One Who can deliver us from all our temptations and sins.  If David had remembered this he would have realized that he was in far greater danger at home without the presence of God in his life - than if he were in the midst of a fierce battle with God there within. 

The one thing that grants me hope in reading this verse is the word "almost."  One would think that David would have been utterly ruined by his adultery.  Please do not misunderstand that he was going to have to pay a very heavy price before this was over.  He would lose no less than 4 children in this situation.  He would have 10 concubines raped by his own son in broad daylight in front of all Israel.  His kingdom would be divided and many would lose their lives in battles that would ensue.  The losses would be huge - and yet it was "almost" utter ruin. 

God offers grace and forgiveness even in the most horrible of situations.  David took advantage of this grace and fell upon the mercies of God in the end.  God would forgive him and restore him to the joy of his salvation.  Truly this is one of the most amazing stories of mercy and grace in all the Scriptures.  Yet, David, in offering this glimmer of hope in the midst of his cry of despair still is warning us - pleading with us to remember him.  He is pleading with us to remember the high cost of adultery and unfaithfulness to God's call for purity in our lives.  May we see both the warning and the wonder of this passage.  A warning against adultery and sexual sin - and the wonder of God's grace and forgiveness that can save us even in the worst of sitautions and circumstances.
1 Comment

Adultery is Always Stupid, part 5 - How Much for Your Wife's Purity? - Proverbs 6:35

5/13/2011

0 Comments

 
He will not accept any ransom, Nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts. Proverbs 6:35

Adultery is always stupid.  There is no amount of money or ransom that a man will accept for the love and purity of his wife.  God gave us marriage and is the very essence of love - and bequeathed to us the gift of loving someone else.  One of the most wonderful expressions of His love is seen when a man and woman commit to one another in marriage.  That picture is used in Ephesians 5 to show the love of Christ for His church.  The love that exists in marriage is supposed to be very strong - and thus breaking it is not something that can be paid back by any amount of money.

We read in Song of Solomon 8:6-7 these words that will help us understand why there is no ransom for adultery.  "Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it; If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly despised."  Love is as strong as death - that is why often a divorce is described as being as devastating as a death in a family.  Love is as powerful as death, jealousy is like death, and again is described as like "flashes of fire" and "the very flame of Jehovah."  These are not light, fluffy passing descriptions.  They are powerful and honestly, frightening!  When you choose to love someone and commit to them for life in marriage, this is the power that is released.  That is why no ransom will be accepted for adultery - no gift will seem appropriate.  We read in Song of Solomon that if a man were to give all the riches of his house for love - the one offered the money would utterly despise the offer.  Love is more powerful than ANY amount of money ever offered. 

Unfortunately, a movie I know of but have not seen, illustrates our point.  The move was called, "Indecent Proposal."  I would NOT encourage anyone to see it - so I will describe what I've read about it.  In the movie a young couple are given an indecent proposal by a rich man to pay them $1,000,000 for the wife to commit adultery once with him.  After weighing what they could do with that much money, they unwisely agree to this indecent proposal.  The wife commits adultery and they are paid the money.  But the film examines the carnage that follows as, you guessed it, jealousy begins enraging this man over what has happened.  Just like it says in Song of Solomon - no amount of money is worth love.  Any amount is utterly despised.  The man comes to realize too late that the purity and sanctity of their relationship is not worth any sum of money - not even a million dollars.  Even a ransom of that enormous amount is something despised and abhorred by a husband and wife.  Thus when one partner sins for usually far less, it is a foolish choice indeed that they are making.  They are selling out their vows for nothing more than a fleeting promise of forbidden pleasure.  What they will pay in the end would make them recoil from such actions.  The problem is that "in the moment" they do not think, nor do they reason with any kind of biblical or moral judgment.  They destroy themselves and their marriage in a bid for the illusive promise of a night of passionate pleasure.  What they most likely do not know is that the indulgence will cost them more than they could ever imagine.  This is why, dear saints, Adultery is always stupid.
0 Comments

Adultery is Always Stupid, part 4 - Jealousy - Proverbs 6:34

5/12/2011

2 Comments

 
For jealousy enrages a man, And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
​Proverbs 6:34

Adultery is always stupid.  This is never more clearly seen than in the reality of the reaction of the husband who has learned that his wife has committed adultery with another man.  His reaction toward that man is predictable.  He reacts with jealousy - in fact what is written here is that he reacts with enraged jealousy.

Jealousy, which is referred to in this proverb, is the Hebrew word "qinah."  This word means zeal or jealousy.  It describes an intense passion and fervor.  It describes an emotion that is greater than wrath or anger.  Scripture calls this jealousy a rottenness in a man's bones (Prov. 14:30).  It is used to speak of a spirit of jealousy that comes upon a man in Numbers 25:11.  But the frightening description of this word is that it is used of God's zeal which He has toward his own people - and which He has for accomplishing His own will and purpose.  The word is used six different times to speak of the way God's wrath is expressed in judgment.  This is a strong word - and is made even stronger by the fact that it is used in connection with the word, "enrages."  This word is the Hebrew word "hemah" and it means wrath or heat.  It signifies great fury, anger, indignation, poison , or rage.  When put together these two words create quite a terrifying description of the emotions that come over a man who learns of an adulterer seeking to destroy his relationship with his wife. 

This enraged jealousy moves this man to seek the maximum penalty for adultery.  I've watched this in court battles and divorces.  The injured party, when given over to this enraged jealousy, wants to make the other person pay everything possible.  There is a desire for them to truly pay the highest price possible for their indiscretion.  They want a "day of vengeance."  That is why adultery is always stupid.  It always injures someone - and makes for emotions that rival any in life.  The wise man sees this and realizes that no promise of sexual pleasure will ever match the release of rage, anger, and wrath that will come when their deeds become known.
 


2 Comments

Adultery is Always Stupid, part 3 - Worse Than Stealing - Proverbs 6:30-31

5/11/2011

0 Comments

 
Men do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry; But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold; He must give all the substance of his house. Proverbs 6:30-31

Adultery is always stupid.  In fact adultery here is being called dumber than stealing.  We are offered a comparison between these two sins - and in the end, adultery is considered the worse of the two.

This passage is interesting, because although it does compare stealing and adultery, it does not condone either.  The comparison is to how the theif is viewed vs. the view of the adulterer.  The thief is actually shown compassion, especially if his stealing is due to being hungry.  The passage tells us that a thief is not despised if he steals to satisfy his own hunger.  We all understand hunger and the drive to satisfy our appetite when we have not eaten in a while.  The thing about this proverb though is that after saying this - we are brought back to justice.  If caught though, the thief will have to repay sevenfold for what he has stolen.  This is the case even if the thief has to given everything in his house to pay that debt.  There is mercy toward his situation - but not mercy toward the actions he took to remedy it. 

But the adulterer is by default NOT given the same grace.  We all probably know lust as well - but to actually go out and take another man's wife to satisfy it is wickedness.  The adultery is also guilty of stealing - stealing the sanctity of another man's marriage.  He is stealing another man's wife - taking her affections - and taking from him the vows that were made to him in the sight of God.  This is not viewed with a gracious attitude here.  Whereas a thief is not despised for his actions to alleviate his hunger - the adultery IS despised for taking another man's wife.  If justice falls on the hungry man for his stolen food, how much more will God's justice fall on the adultery for stealing the sacredness of marriage and a home?  There is going to be a cost - and that cost is high. 

Ask David and Bathsheba what that cost involves.  They will tell you that the cost far outweighs the pleasure of the moment.  Ask David's family who also paid a high price for the attitude toward marriage and sexuality that was unfortunately passed in that family?  Ask Samson if it was worthy his two eyes to commit sexual sin and satisfy his lusts in ungodly ways?  Ask the people of Sodom and Gomorrah whether it was worth it to despise God's plan for marriage and go their own way?  These are all examples of those who had to pay - and some pay with the very substance of their house.  Adultery costs - and to think that we can get around that cost is ignorant.  That is why dear saints, "Adultery is always stupid."
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Proverb a Day

    Each day, we'll take a look at a verse from the chapter of Proverbs for the day.  Our hope is to gain wisdom each day - and from that wisdom - to have understanding to make godly decisions in the throes of everyday life.

    Picture
    Thank you for visiting our website!  Everything on this site is offered for free.  If, however, you would like to make a donation to help pay for its continued presence on the internet, you can do that by clicking here.  The only thing we ask is that you give first to the local church you attend.  Thank you!

    Picture

    Archives

    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    June 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009

    Picture
    Categories

    All
    1 Corinthians 9:26-27
    Abomination
    Abortion
    Absolute Truth
    Abundance
    Accessory To A Crime
    Accountability
    Accountable To God
    Acknowledging God
    Adaddon
    Addictions
    Adulterous Woman
    Adultery
    Adversity
    A Father's Teaching
    Afflicted
    Aging
    Agnostics
    A Good Name
    Agriculture
    Ahab
    Alcohol
    Amos 8:4-5
    Anger
    Animals
    Ants
    Anxiety
    Apologetics
    Appetites
    Application
    Appreciation
    Arguments
    Arrogan
    Arrogance
    Assurance Of Salvation
    Atheists
    Atmosphere
    Attentiveness
    Attitude
    Attributes Of God
    Authority
    Awe
    Backbiting
    Backsliding
    Bad Company
    Battle
    Beauty
    Bitterness
    Blameless
    Blessed
    Blessing
    Blessing Favor
    Blessings
    Blindness
    Blood
    Boastful
    Boldness
    Bondage
    Bones
    Books
    Boundaries
    Bribery
    Bribes
    Broken Heart
    Brokenness
    Broken Spirit
    Brutishness
    Burden
    Business
    Calamity
    Captialism
    Casting Lots
    Caution
    Change
    Character
    Cheating
    Cheerfulness
    Child Rearing
    Child-rearing
    Children
    Choices
    Cleansing
    Comfort
    Commandments
    Communism
    Companion
    Comparison
    Compassion
    Complacency
    Complaining
    Compromise
    Confession
    Confession Of Sin
    Confidence
    Conscience
    Consequences
    Contempt
    Contention
    Contentions
    Contentment
    Control
    Controversy
    Cooperation
    Corporal Discipline
    Corporal Punishment
    Correction
    Corruption
    Counsel
    Counselors
    Court
    Courts
    Courts Disagreements
    Creation
    Creation Vs Evolution
    Crime
    Criticism
    Crooked
    Crossroads
    Cruelty
    Culture
    Curses
    Danger
    Darkness
    Daughters
    David
    Death
    Debt
    Deceit
    Deceitfulness
    Deception
    Decisions
    Defenses
    Delight
    Deliverance
    Depression
    Desire
    Desires
    Despise
    Destruction
    Devious
    Difficult Times
    Difficulty
    Dignity
    Diligence
    Direction
    Disagreements
    Disaster
    Discernment
    Discipleship
    Discipline
    Discretion
    Disgrace
    Disgraceful Living
    Dishonesty
    Dishonor
    Disobedience
    Disobedient
    Disputes
    Distractions
    Distress
    Disunity
    Dread
    Drink
    Drinking
    Drunkenness
    Dying To Self
    Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
    Economics
    Education
    Effective Praying
    Emotions
    Employees
    Employer
    Encouragement
    Endurance
    Enemies
    Envy
    Equity
    Established Life
    Esteem
    Eternal Mindset
    Eternity
    Ethics
    Evangelism
    Everlasting
    Evil
    Evil Men
    Evil Philosophies
    Evil Thinking
    Evil Ways
    Evolution
    Evolution Vs Creation
    Excellence
    Excuses
    Expectations
    Eyes
    Facial Expressions
    Fairness
    Faith
    Faithful
    Faithfulness
    Faithlessness
    Falsehood
    False Intimacy
    False Teachers
    False Witness
    Fame
    Family
    Farming
    Fathers And Sons
    Favor
    Favoritism
    Favor Of God
    Fear
    Fearing God
    Feasting
    Feelings
    Fellowship
    Fighting
    Finances
    Fines
    Fire
    Flattery
    Focus
    Following God
    Folly
    Food
    Foolish Counsel
    Foolishness
    Fools
    Forbearance
    Foresight
    Forgiveness
    Foundations
    Fountain Of Life
    Freedom
    Friend
    Friendship
    Frugality
    Fruit
    Frustration
    Fulfillment
    Future
    Future Eternal
    Generations
    Generosity
    Gentleness
    Giving
    Gladness
    Glory Of God
    Gluttony
    God As Creator
    Godless Leaders
    Godlessness
    Godliness
    Godly Appeal
    Godly Business Practices
    Godly Counsel
    Godly Dads
    Godly Leadership
    Godly Legacy
    Godly Men
    Godly Moms
    Godly Sexuality
    Godly Standards
    Godly Wisdom
    God's Blessing
    God's Law
    God's Love
    God's Omniscience
    God's Provision
    God's Strength
    God's Wisdom
    God's Word
    Gods Word
    Good
    Good Company
    Goodness
    Good News
    Gospel
    Gossip
    Government
    Governmental Overthrow
    Grace
    Graciousness
    Grandchildren
    Gratefulness
    Gravity
    Greed
    Grey Hair
    Grey Hair. Old Men
    Grief
    Grieving Sin
    Grotesque Proverbs
    Guarantor
    Guidance
    Guilt
    Happiness
    Hardened Heart
    Hard Work
    Harm
    Harvest
    Hastiness
    Hate
    Hating Evil
    Hating God
    Hatred
    Haughty
    Healing
    Health
    Hearing
    Hearing God
    Heart
    Heart For God
    Hebrews 9:27
    Hell
    Heros
    Hidden Motives
    Hiding
    Hiding Sin
    Hiding The Word In Your Heart
    Hiding Wisdom In Your Heart
    Holding Our Tongue
    Holiness
    Holiness Purity
    Holy Spirit
    Home Life
    Honesty
    Honey
    Honor
    Honoring God
    Hope
    Hospitality
    House
    Humility
    Hunger
    Hunger And Thirst
    Hurried Lifestyle
    Hypocrisy
    Immodesty
    Importance
    Impurity
    Indebted
    Industry
    Influence
    Inheritance
    Iniquity
    Injustice
    Innocent Blood
    Insanity
    Insight
    Insolent
    Insomnia
    Instruction
    Insults
    Integrity
    Intelligence
    Interest
    Intimacy
    Intimacy With God
    Intoxication
    Intuition
    Invitiation
    Inward And Outward Beauty
    Irritating People
    Jealousy
    Jedidiah
    Jesus Christ
    Joy
    Joyfulness
    Judges
    Judgment
    Just Dealings
    Justice
    Kindness
    Kings
    Knowing God
    Knowledge
    Labor
    Lamp Of God
    Land
    Language
    Latter End
    Law Of God
    Laws
    Laziness
    Lazy
    Leaders
    Leadership
    Learning
    Learning From Nature
    Legal Matters
    Lies
    Life
    Lifestyle
    Lips
    Listening
    Loans
    Longevity
    Longsuffering
    Love
    Loved By God
    Lovingkindness
    Loyalty
    Lucifer
    Lying
    Man
    Marketplace
    Marriage
    Matthew 12:36-37
    Maturity
    Meat
    Meddling
    Medication
    Medicine
    Meekness
    Mental Health
    Mentors
    Mercy
    Messengers
    Mind
    Ministry Of Neglect
    Mocking
    Modesty
    Money
    Moral Corruption
    Moral Decline
    Moral Perversion
    Morals
    Moral Sanity
    Mothers
    Motives
    Mouth
    Murder
    Murmuring
    Mystery
    Naive
    Name Of God
    National Character
    Nature Pictures
    Necklace
    Neglect
    Neighbors
    Nose Rings
    Nourishment
    Obedience
    Offence
    Omnipresence Of God
    Omniscience Of God
    Oppressed
    Oppression
    Oprah
    Order
    Ordinary
    Origins
    Ornaments
    Orphans
    Outbursts
    Paid In Full
    Pain
    Pampering
    Parenting
    Parents
    Partiality
    Passion
    Paths
    Patience
    Peace
    Peacefulness
    Peacemakers
    Penalties
    Persuasiveness
    Perverse
    Perversity
    Perverted Mouth
    Philosophy
    Pigs
    Planning
    Plans
    Pleasant Words
    Pleasing God
    Pleasure
    Politic
    Political Speech
    Politics
    Pollution
    Poverty
    Power
    Power Of Words
    Practical Jokes
    Practical Wisdom
    Praise
    Prayer
    Preparation
    Presumption
    Pride
    Problems
    Profit
    Prosperity
    Prostitutes
    Protection
    Prov 1
    Prov 10
    Prov 11
    Prov 12
    Prov 13
    Prov 14
    Prov 15
    Prov 16
    Prov 17
    Prov 18
    Prov 19
    Prov 2
    Prov 20
    Prov 21
    Prov 22
    Prov 23
    Prov 24
    Prov 25
    Prov 26
    Prov 27
    Prov 28
    Prov 29
    Prov 3
    Prov 30
    Prov 31
    Prov 4
    Prov 5
    Prov 6
    Prov 7
    Prov 8
    Prov 9
    Proverbs
    Providence
    Provision
    Provocation
    Prudence
    Prudent
    Psalm 2
    Psalm 23
    Public Opinion
    Publishers
    Punishment
    Purity
    Purpose
    Pursuing God
    Quarreling
    Quick Tempered
    Quiet
    Racism
    Rage
    Ransom
    Rash Decisions
    Reading
    Reasoning
    Rebellion
    Rebelliousness
    Rebuke
    Receptiveness To God
    Recompense
    Refined By God
    Refuge
    Rejection
    Rejoicing
    Relationships
    Relationship With God
    Reliable
    Religion
    Repentance
    Reproach
    Reproof
    Reputation
    Requests
    Resentment
    Respect
    Rest
    Restitution
    Restraint
    Revenge
    Revival
    Reward
    Rewards
    Riches
    Riddles
    Right Choices
    Righteousness
    Rod
    Ruin
    Rulers
    Ruthless Men
    Sacrifice
    Sadness
    Safety
    Salvation
    Sanctification
    Satire
    Satisfaction
    Sayings
    Scales
    Science And God
    Scoffer
    Scorn
    Scripture
    Security
    Seduction
    Seeing
    Seeking God
    Self
    Self Control
    Self-control
    Self Examination
    Self-indulgence
    Selfish
    Selfishness
    Self Love
    Self Reliance
    Sensible
    Sensuality
    Servanthood
    Servants
    Sexual Immorality
    Sexuality
    Sexual Sanity
    Sexual Temptation
    Shame
    Shamefulness
    Shekel
    Sheol
    Shield
    Sickness
    Silence
    Simple Minded
    Sin
    Sinfulness
    Singing
    Single Moms
    Skill
    Slander
    Slaughter
    Slavery
    Sleep
    Slothfulness
    Slow To Anger
    Sluggard
    Snares
    Socialism
    Social Justice
    Social Media
    Social Status
    Solomon
    Sons
    Sorrow
    Soul
    Sovereignty Of God
    Sovereignty Of Self
    Speaking The Truth In Love
    Spirit
    Spiritual Awakening
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Hunger And Thirst
    Spiritual Maturity
    Spiritual Nourishment
    Spiritual Power
    Spiritual Vitality
    Spoiled Brats
    Stability
    Standing Against Evil
    Steadfast
    Stealing
    Stench
    Stewardship
    Stiff-necked
    Stinking
    Storms
    Strange Woman
    Strength
    Stress
    Strife
    Stronghold
    Stumbling
    Stupidity
    Submission
    Success
    Surety
    Survival
    Swearing
    Swine
    Talking
    Taxes
    Teachable
    Teaching
    Teaching Sons
    Television And Movies
    Tempest
    Temptation
    Testimony
    Testing
    Thankfulness
    The Afflicted
    The Beautiful Woman
    The Dead
    The Evil Man
    The Evil Way
    The Excellent Wife
    The Favor Of God
    The Flesh
    The Fool
    The Gate
    The Godly Father
    The Godly Man
    The Godly Woman
    The Good Man
    The Gospel
    The Harlot
    The Heart
    The Holy Spirit
    The King
    The Love Of God
    The Mighty
    The Mind
    The Mouth
    Theology
    The Poor
    The Poor Man
    The Power Of Words
    There Is A Fountain
    The Rich
    The Rich Man
    The Righteous
    The Righteous Man
    The Rod
    The Role Of Father
    The Role Of Mother
    The Tongue
    The Ungodly Man
    The Ungodly Woman
    The Way Of A Fool
    The Way Of A Wise Man
    The Wealthy
    The Wicked
    The Wicked Man
    The Will Of God
    The Wise Man
    The Wise Woman
    The Word Of God
    The Wrath Of God
    Thinking
    Thirst
    Thought Life
    Thoughts
    Timing
    Tithe
    Tongue
    Tornadto
    Tradition
    Tranquility
    Transcribing
    Transgression
    Traps
    Treacherous
    Treachery
    Treasure
    Treasure Trunk
    Tree Of Life
    Trials
    Trouble
    Troubles
    True Beauty
    True Riches
    True Wealth
    Trust
    Trusting God
    Trustworthy
    Truth
    Turning From Sin
    Turning To God
    Understanding
    Unfaithful
    Unforgiveness
    Ungodliness
    Ungodly Business Practices
    Ungodly Counsel
    Ungodly Leadership
    Ungodly Legacy
    Ungodly Men
    Ungodly Speech
    Ungodly Thinking
    Ungodly Women
    Unjust
    Unrestrained
    Unshakable
    Unwise Choices
    Unwise Decisions
    Upright
    Usury
    Vanity
    Vegetarianism
    Victory
    Violence
    Vision
    Vows
    Wages
    Waiting On God
    Walking With God
    Wandering
    War
    Warfare
    Warnings
    Watchfulness
    Way Of Evil
    Wealth
    Wealthy
    Whirlwind
    Wicked
    Wickedness
    Widow
    William Cowper
    Will Of God
    Wine
    Winking
    Wisdom
    Wise
    Wise In Our Own Eyes
    Wise Living
    Wise Sons
    Witness
    Wives
    Women
    Wonder
    Wordiness
    Word Of God
    Words
    Work
    Worker
    Work Ethic
    Work Relationships
    Worldliness
    Worldly Counsel
    Worldview
    Worry
    Worship
    Worthiness
    Wrath
    Wrath Of God
    Wreath
    Youthfulness
    Zeal

    RSS Feed

Join Us
Sundays: 10:45am - Morning Service
Community groups Times Vary

Wednesdays: 6:30pm - Adult Bible Study, Youth Worship and Bible Study, & Children ministry 

411 Calvary Cove
Jonesboro, AR  72401


Connect with Us
Phone: 870-277-0500
Email: [email protected]
Copyright 2024 Calvary Chapel Jonesboro | all rights reserved
Photos from swanksalot, Matias-Garabedian, rust.bucket, IntelFreePress, amiefedora, smjb, tanakawho, Carrie Kellenberger I globetrotterI, steakpinball, f_mafra, raygunb, B4bees
  • HOME
  • Basics
    • Announcements
    • Giving
    • Who We Are
    • Just for Fun
  • Proverb a Day
  • Ministries
    • Children
    • Missions
    • Worship >
      • New Song Page
    • Youth
  • Biblical Stuff
    • Services
    • Articles
    • Apologetics Studies
    • A Call to Revival
    • Discipleship >
      • 1 - The Gospel
      • 2 - The Word
    • The Gospel
    • Links
  • Sign Up Area
  • Psalms For Life
  • Prophecy/News