The Levirate Law of Proverbs 20:16

There are many sordid story's with many shocking facts shared in the Scriptures about God's people. One such story is the twisted account of Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar? (Genesis 38:7-26) The story of Judah and Tamar is certainly not the most pleasant story in the Bible. In fact, most commentaries on the book of Genesis don’t spend much time on this chapter. After all, the story of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37-38), has a lot more preaching material and great spiritual lessons!

Customs at the time of the Patriarchs were obviously much different than today. In some ways they may seem archaic, yet when it came to caring for women, the custom of the ancients was that that women were to be cared for, not used and discarded at the will of men. Tamar was one such woman. Through no fault of her own, Tamar was left to fend for herself because her father-in-law refused to follow the custom. In the end of this saga, Tamar would end up becoming one of just four women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ. (Matthew 1:2)

At the beginning of this chapter, we learn about the custom that would eventually become known as the “Levirate Law” of marriage. The word “levirate” has nothing to do with Jacob’s son Levi. It comes from the Latin word for “brother-in-law.” This law stated that if a married man died without an heir, his next-in-line eligible brother was to marry the widow in order to produce an heir who would receive his brother’s inheritance and carry on his brother’s name. The widow would have the joy of motherhood, and have a child who could care for her in the future. God approved of this practice, because it was later included in the Mosaic Law.(Deuteronomy 25:5-10)

Now Jacob's 4th eldest son, Judah, had three sons. The first son, Er, married a woman named Tamar. The Lord took Er’s life because he was “wicked in the Lord’s sight.” We don’t know what Er’s sin was, but it must have been very serious. After Er died, Judah gave his next eldest son, Onan, to Tamar to fulfill his duty to his older brother by producing an heir with her.  Onan, however, didn’t want to raise up an heir for his older brother. His thinking was most likely that the child born to his brother's wife would then get the greater share of the inheritance that he would believe goes to him since he is now the oldest, but the son would be the heir of Er's inheritance instead of him.

So Onan deliberately “spilled his seed” on the ground so that Tamar would not become pregnant. The Hebrew language used here makes it clear that this was not a one-time event. He did so each and every time he was with Tamar. Well, God disapproved of Onan’s attitude, and He took his life also. After Onan’s death, Judah promised Tamar that if she waited until he was old enough, that his youngest son, Shelah, would become her husband. However, Judah didn’t keep his promise. He reasoned in his heart that Tamar was the “kiss of death,” since two of his sons had already died while married to her. With only one son left, he didn't want his youngest to be another one of her victims.

 Now since Judah was not faithful to his promise, Tamar decided to take matters into her own hands. Her goal was to rightly preserve the line of Judah so the inheritance and blessings of the covenant could continue, but she went about it the wrong way. After Judah’s wife died and his period of mourning was ended, Judah went to shear sheep with his friends. Sheep-shearing was a happy time, with a party-like atmosphere, and during this time Tamar was able to seduce Judah by pretending to be as prostitute.

“Religious” or shrine prostitution and fornication were part of the worship of the pagan Canaanite fertility gods, so in that time and culture it was not unusual for a prostitute to sit by the roadside. However, just because this type of sin was culturally acceptable does not mean that Tamar was justified in using this method to attain her goal of having a child. And just because prostitution was culturally acceptable does not mean that Judah was justified in using a prostitute for his lustful desires. Although this passage of Scripture does not appear to condemn Judah or Tamar for their sinful behavior, God certainly does not take sexual sin lightly. Throughout Scripture, God condemns adultery and fornication as serious sins.

Now Judah had no money on him, so in return for sex, he promised to send the “prostitute” a young goat as payment for her services, but Tamar insisted that Judah give her his seal and his staff as a pledge that he would fulfill his promise to pay. So Judah gave her his seal (or signet), cord, and staff. The seal was probably what is known as a cylinder seal, which was worn around the neck on a cord in ancient times. This seal was a small stone cylinder that was engraved with the owner’s distinctive design, like a signet ring. When it was rolled over wet clay or wax, it was almost as good as a fingerprint as the identifying mark of its owner. Tamar wanted Judah’s distinctive seal as proof of his identity. Judah’s staff would also have his own identifying markings. So when Tamar was found to be pregnant, there would be no mistake – Judah was the man who was responsible. This is where you can tie the story in with Proverb 20:16. Solomon would obviously know of the story since he is a direct descendant form Tamar and Judah.

Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger

And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. (Proverb 20:16)

Tamar did not wait for Judah to pay her, so he figured it was his benefit. A few Months later he was told that his daughter-in-law became pregnant though harlotry, he demanded she be burned alive for shaming his family name. Then when Tamar sent the seal and staff, as proof that the owner of them is the father, Judah realized it was he who had shamed his family name, not her. He readily admitted publicly that she was more righteous than he. Judah took her in and thus she and her child would be cared for.

We see that Judah was wrong about Tamar being guilty of his son's deaths, and he was wrong not to keep his promise. Through it all, we see the genesis for Solomon's Proverb 20:16, which says that one needs to be honest when giving a promise to pay a debt. In essence, Judah he entered into a contract with Tamar by offering his youngest son when he was old enough to marry, and then later another contract when he gave his seal and staff as a promise to pay for sex. Both of which he was guilty of breaking.

The story of Judah and Tamar is an excellent example of God's grace. Think about it. This story is loaded with broken promises, deception, immorality, incest, and public shaming. Through it all though, we see the grace of God. His grace is magnified in this story, because regardless of their sin, the Messiah, is a descendant of Judah and Tamar sexual encounter. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul tells us;

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

So, you can see how God's grace abounds in this whole story. As I pointed out earlier, Matthew's geneology of Christ, lists Tamar as one of only four women mentioned. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are all Gentiles, and three of the four were certainly not models of perfection! But God's grace is abundantly clear in the lives if each one. Then there is the case that even though Judah is the one who holds the most shame for his actions, God's grace also covers him. God promised Jacob that Judah's descendants would hold the scepter and be the tribe of which the Messiah would come from. It would take place through one of Tamar's twins fathered by Judah, Perez.

Interestingly, you would think that if the Messiah was coming from any of Jacob's sons, it would be Joseph. God doesn't work the way man would though. So while God did not condone their wrongdoing, this story clearly demonstrates God's amazing grace. Remember Judah publicly confessed that he was the primary wrong-doer in his dealings with Tamar, and again when dealing the governor of Egypt. Who at the time he did not know was his younger brother Joseph. When Joseph made the brother leave Benjamin as a promise to return, Judah offered up his own freedom, and and even his own life!

Many wonder how the book of Proverbs can ever be used as a message of our Lords grace. Well this story of Judah and Tamar are tied into today's chosen Proverb, Proverb 20:16. We learn from the history of Solomon's family that God's grace abounds and that we can all be used for the greater glory of God, and His coming Kingdom.

Proverb 20 (NKJV)

Wine Is a Mocker


01 Wine is a mocker,
00 Strong drink is a brawler,
00 And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

02 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion;
00 Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.

03 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
00 Since any fool can start a quarrel.

04 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
00 He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

05 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
00 But a man of understanding will draw it out.

06 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,
00 But who can find a faithful man?

07 The righteous man walks in his integrity;
00 His children are blessed after him.

08 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
00 Scatters all evil with his eyes.

09 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean,
00 I am pure from my sin"?

010 Diverse weights and diverse measures,
00 They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.

11 Even a child is known by his deeds,
00 Whether what he does is pure and right.

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
00 The LORD has made them both.

13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;
00 Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.

14 "It is good for nothing," cries the buyer;
00 But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.

15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies,
00 But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger,
00 And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
00 But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18 Plans are established by counsel;
00 By wise counsel wage war.

19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
00 Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
00 His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning
00 Will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil";
00 Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD,
00 And dishonest scales are not good.

24 A man's steps are of the LORD;
00 How then can a man understand his own way?

25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
00 And afterward to reconsider his vows.

26 A wise king sifts out the wicked,
00 And brings the threshing wheel over them.

27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
00 Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

28 Mercy and truth preserve the king,
00 And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
00 And the splendor of old men is their gray head.

30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,
00 As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

Christ Prays For Us In The Dark [Psalm 86]

We stand on the shoulders of giants, who walked and taught long before the ancestors we can name ever existed.  We must remember that many men throughout history have walked with God through Christ, and even if we never heard of them, we must give them respect for they too read and contemplated the same Scriptures as we do today. In this case I tip my hat to one, Peter Lombard, who wrote the words I added to the image, in 1611. 

Psalm 86
Prayer for Mercy, with Meditation
on the Excellencies of the LORD

Christ Below The Sea (short video)

by Chuck Ness

Ths image above is the restored clay statue, which was the mold for the famous, "Il Cristo degli Abissi" statue. The It can be seen at the Ravenna "National Museum of the Underwater Activities" in Italy. The video below is of a replica of the original statue is in the Mediterranean sea off San Fruttuoso, between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera. The statue made from the mold above was placed in the water on 22 August 1954 at approximately 17 meters depth, and stands 2.5 meters (8.5 feet) tall. Professor Guido Galletti cast the original from the inspiration of the first Italian to use SCUBA gear, swimmer/diver Duilo Merchant. Galletti wanted a symbol to inspire all who explored and loved the sea in 1954.

Who Do You Trust In A Pinch?

At times we all could use a helping hand. It is such relief to know the One who shed His blood for us will be there to draw us to Him regardless of the trouble we have gotten our selves into.

Predictions About Future Technology From 1920

by Chuck Ness

A century has passed since this 1920 film predicted what life would be like over the next century. You must admit that some predictions came true, like the cell phone. Some were downright hilarious. This video shows some of the things those living in the 1920’s hoped would come true, although it seems they were quite ambitious in their planning.

How The Renaissance Led to The Reformation

This is a thesis I wrote while taking a seminary class on Church History in 2005. We were given a wide range of topics to cover for our class thesis. I chose to write about the events which led up to the Protestant Reformation. I present various historical aspects, which I believe worked together to create the atmosphere needed for the Reformation to take place. I believe the six areas I have settled upon, cover most of what is needed to make my point.

What you see is an edited version I have changed a few times since I turned it in for my class thesis. My overall thought process hasn't changed since I originally wrote it, but I added details while rearranging some of the sentences around. I shared this many years ago but I did so in a six part series. After all, at almost 4800 words, it's a very long read.

by Chuck Ness
Part I
An Introduction Overview
of the Renaissance

Never in history has one man’s thesis so rattled the powers that be, than did Martin Luther’s ninety-five grievances he nailed to the Church door at Wittenberg. It was an act of defiance that would eventually topple a church state organization that held sway over kings and paupers alike for a thousand years.

Every history class that covers the reformation will tell you that it was Johann Tetzel’s selling of indulgences that pushed Luther into action that day, Tetzel’s action was only the final straw, not the cause of the revolution. At the time the Reformation began, there were many factors that enabled and emboldened the common man into action but none was more profound in it’s influence then was the Renaissance.

Encyclopedias and history books all seem to point out that the word Renaissance is French for “rebirth”. However, the Italian painter Giorgio Vasari was probably the first person to describe this era as the “Renaissance” when he used the word rinascit. In 1568 he authored a book called, “Le vita de’ pi eccellenti architetti, pittori, ed scultori italiani” (“The Lives of the Most Eminent Italian Architects, Painters, and Sculptors“) the title more commonly used is, “Lives of the Artists”. Vasari applied this concept specifically to a “revival”, or “rebirth”. In the chapter titled “Andrea di Cione, Spinello, Dello, and Paolo Uccello” where he wrote;

“In the year 1350 was formed the Company and Fraternity of the Painters in Florence, for the masters were there in great numbers, and they considered that the arts of design had been born again in Tuscany, and indeed in Florence itself.”

What We Can Expect From The Communist Democrats

by Chuck Ness

This country has fallen into sad times. The Barbarians have breached the gate, and taken control of the most powerful country the world has ever known. In this post I offer 12 things we can be assured of will happen. I asked this same question a week ago. Well this past weekend the persecution, from the Democrat Socialists and their elitists friends, has already begun. So what are we, as freedom loving Americans, planning on doing about it?   

My fighting side wants us to take up arms and fight till the death to stop that which we all fear is inevitable. While my Spiritual side tells me we need a come to Jesus moment, by turning the hearts of all Americans back to God as the Ninevites did over 2850 years ago.

Woe is us. Which way should we turn. Shall we fight for freedom, or pray for God's intervention? Jesus told His Disciples in Luke 22:36,

“But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one."

Financial Advice For The High Inflation Times Ahead

by Chuck Ness

Word to the wise. While being in debt is not normally a good thing, sometimes it can be wise. Take for instance the Communist Democrats being in power means that inflation will rise. With inflation comes higher prices, which means you need to reconsider certain aspects of your finances to deal with the oncoming higher cost of living.

It's inevitable, because of the Democrat's social agenda of higher taxes, increased regulations, higher Federal minimum wage, and their war on the fossil fuels, because of their 100 trillion dollar Green New Deal plans. That is just the things the Democrats are promising to do. We still have no clue of what Joe Biden wants, because no one ever asked him. Trust me, inflation will rise and the dollar will become weaker and weaker.

Just as it did under Obama, gas, groceries, clothing, cars, utilities, etc. etc. etc. will all increase and your worth will begin to decline. In some cases as low as 5%, but expect some costs to rise by 50% depending upon the sector the product belongs to. With their Green New Deal proposals, be ready for gas prices to rise by 200% to 400%. Other items will be meats and produce, which if they go forward with their destructive plans, your steak and salad costs are going to go through the roof.

Walk Circumspectly, As If You Are Already In Heaven

by Chuck Ness

We are all hopeless sinners who live in a corrupted body that is continually under attack by powers under the control of the ruler of this World. (John 14:30) Both Christians and atheists face the same temptations. While aheists could careless about the destination of their souls, they are still tempted to do stupid things that can harm them and those around them. Christians however, can often times worry incessantly about their soul due to the temptations of this World. So if, you as a Christian, are constantly under attacks by the Evil one's minions, then how can you be assured of defeating those temptations so you can live a life worthy of Christ?

Well, we must walk circumspectly. (Ephesians 5:15) Not as a fool who ignores their surroundings, and thus are unaware that the things they follow will bring them harm and possibly lead to the final death, where the worm doesn't die and the fire is never quenched. (Mark 9:48) Rather we should walk completely aware of all the dangers the well worn paths of the World offers. Remembering that as long as we walk as the One whom we put our faith in walked, then no harm can come to us.

Classic Movie Clips of Hope & Stewart Putting Down Democrats

by Chuck Ness

How about a couple of classic Movie clips? One is from 1940, and the other is from 1970. One from the golden age and the other from a time when the political winds were changing in Hollywood.  Today we see what that political change has brought about to both Hollywood and the country.

Hollywood has gone full out Godless Crony Communist, but wait until those useful idiots find out their usefulness has ended. After all, once the Golden Goose of the American Middle class has been obliterated, there will be no one left to pay for the Movies made by these idiots. That's because the Middle class will be reduced to serf status as we were during the Dark Ages of the Feudal years. Back to a time when the Godless Kings and the crooked Catholic Church ruled. A time when your only chance to end the misery you were born into was death.

Old Journal Entry, & A Psalm From 5/16/05

By Chuck Ness

Often times I find myself going through old journals I wrote to learn how my walk with Christ has progressed. I like to read about the good times, and bad times I wrote about. I especially like to look back to see how I fared in moments when everything seemed to be going wrong in my life. You know, those times when I was depressed, or confused. I read the prayers I wrote, and look to see how long it took for me to get passed those moments of despair.

It's a practice I learned many years ago, from other Christians whom I looked up to. I learned they journaled so they can track their progress in their walk with Christ. I especially learned, when you go back and read about your struggles, that you get strength and encouragement from the times you successfully handled a difficult moment in the past. I also see how there are times when I struggled with the same issue time and time again.

It's Just A Mask Comrade (video rant)

by Joker

“In 4 months, the U.S. transformed into an obedient socialist country. Government dictated what events are acceptable to attend. Violent protests that instill fear are OK but church services, family funerals and patriotic celebrations are dangerous. And you bought it without a fight.

Standing in a graduation line is a “safety hazard”. Small businesses were forced to close but crowds to support the corporate money machine at WalMart, Lowes and Home Depot are OK.

Come on. It’s “just a mask” & “safety precautions”.

How about a little hush money. Here’s $2,400 that we stole out of your pay check in the first place. Enjoy. Buy something with it. From a big corporation.

Beatitudes, The Preamble To The Christian Constitution

by Chuck Ness

The reason for Jesus coming into the World, was so that one day He would become the last sacrifice for our sins, and ultimately the forever sacrifice so that we can have eternal life. He came so the blind could see, the deaf could hear, the lame could walk, the lepers could be cleansed, the dead could gain life, and that the poor could hear the Good News from the very source Himself.

While presenting the Gospel to the World, Jesus would spend three years discipling men who would become Priests. These men would be commissioned to raise up others to become Priests, so that the good news would be heard throughout the World.

There were too many moments to write about them all, but in those three years Jesus shared the truths of God's Word with His followers. As John tells us,

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25

The Clarion Call of the Great Commission

At the end of this commentary is a short video of a Pastor named, Ken Graves. It's just a portion of a much longer message, but it fits this commentary on the "Great Commission". It fits because all the men I mention in this commentary lived a hard life that was filled with pain, disappointment, and death. Yet with death they had the ultimate victory. All this for a chance to spread the Gospel. Ken offers something all men need to hear about life being hard. He points out how most of us have yet to truly feel the pain of suffering for Christ. 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."Matthew 28:19-20

by Chuck Ness

These were the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. Yet it would take the stoning of Stephen to force His followers to obey His last commandment. Soon, the early Christians would leave friends, family, and home to answer the clarion call of the "Great Commission" to spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. For the next couple hundred years Christianity would spread throughout the Roman Empire like chickenpox in a child's day care center.

It's no coincidence that the standard bearer which missionaries used as their example throughout the years has been Paul of Tarsus, who was present when Stephen was stoned. By being the example of what it means to follow the "Great Commission", Paul would take the gospel to the Gentiles of the Roman Empire, and eventually share the gospel with Nero himself. For the next couple of centuries men like Polycarp, Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian would continue where Paul and the other disciples left off until 314 BC when Constantine would embrace Christianity and make it the favored religion of the empire.

Rowan The Eyeless Dog Who Uses Echolocation To See

by Chuck Ness
I first shared this about 6 years ago.  I'm sharing it again, so a new audience can read about this interesting dog.

All warm blooded animals were created by God to have five basic senses. However, when we lose our sight, or are born blind, we find it difficult to deal with a world made for those who see. Blind people cope in a world built for eyes by using trained guide dogs. It has been a partnership that both man and dog have learned to appreciate and love.

How Old Were Christ's Disciples?

Which image is more likely to be closer to the truth about who Christ's Disciples were?

What I offer today is a dissertation I stumbled upon while doing research for a book I plan on writing. The subject of my book is the time when Jesus visited the Temple with His parents when He was 12. I was investigating the various rules and regulations concerning Jewish boys. While in my search I stumbled upon a few commentaries discussing what the age Christ's Disciples would have been. As usual, I found my self going on a tangent away from my main topic. However, this was one rabbit hole I enjoyed so much that I felt it worthy of sharing with others.

What I found was a nine page dissertation written by a father and his son on the ages of the Disciples of Jesus. The author's names are Frank and Otis Cary. It was written sometime before 1970. I am guessing, since it does not have a date, and the father (Frank) passed away in the mid 1970's. Now Frank and his father were Missionaries in Japan during the late 1800's and on through the 1900s.

Mary & Joseph Travel To Bethlehem To Have A Child

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.
Luke 2:7

The More You Know, The More You Know You Don't Know

by Chuck Ness

Solomon was blessed with much Wisdom and knowledge which allowed him to discover many things about the world around him. Solomon is credited with writing the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, and 2 Psalms - 72 & 127. Throughout his writings Solomon shared the Wisdom and knowledge God had blessed him with. He was so admired by all the Kings and Queens of other countries that they sought out his Wisdom and paid tribute to him. Like Solomon, we too can better understand the world God created for us if we truly desire to.

It has always been my belief that everyone should try and learn something new everyday. It is something that I learned from an American history professor when I was in college. When asked by a student why he should learn history, she responded with something that stayed with me ever since. She said, "The reason we study anything is because the more we know, the more we know we don't know." Then she added another piece of philosophy all students should understand. "Those who forget the past, will inevitably repeat the same mistakes of those in the past over and over again".

Cabins & Homes Away From People

I decided to take a break today, from posting commentaries. Oh, I'm working on one I'll post tomorrow, but I thought I would share some images I found on an old HD I use for storage. So if you stumble by looking for something different, then check out these immages of secluded homes and cabins. For those who are looking to get away from the cares of the World, you will find these cabins to be very alluring. They all give you the feeling they would be a great place to get away from the crazy cities, and even from some small towns where too many people know too much about everyones business. Some cabins are elaborate, and some are no bigger than a one room cabin.

Pictures can be deceiving however. I'm sure what looks like seclusion to us, could just be the angle the pictures was taken from. Anyway, if your looking to get away, or just want the feeling of getting away, these images should give you a good feeling that someone has gotten away, even if it's just for a weekend.

Christ Is The Wisdom Of God Proverb 21:30

Today I am sharing a comment on Proverb 21:30 from Ray comfort.

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”

If I had a worldly hero, it would be Thomas Edison. Atheists claim that he was one of them, but he wasn't. He said, "I believe in the existence of a Supreme Intelligence pervading the Universe." He was ungodly, but he was no fool.

Not only was he the ultimate inventor, but he wasn't afraid of failure. He said that failure taught him what not to do.

But my greatest admiration for him, was his humility. He had the wisdom to say, "We do not know one millionth of one percent about anything.”

How different that is from the hubris know-it-all generation in which we live. We may think that we are wise, but if we do, we are fools in the eyes of God. The wise know that to be true.

After reading what Comfort wrote, I was reminded of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his first letter, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Isaiah 29:14

Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

It is easy for us to think we are better than we really are. The Jews, to whom God had given the Law, along with the promise of being a great nation and the source of great blessings to others, thought they were better than the Gentiles. Then the Gentiles who accepted Christ as their Lord and savior, began looking down on the Jews who rejected their Messiah and the salvation offered by Their own God. We must always remember that our faith comes from the one who created us all, and the wisdom we gain through our relationship with HIm, is only contingent up us recognizing we are all children of God and we must not ridicule others, but reach out to them with love. When we become arrogant, we stop using the wisdom we gained from God.

Proverb 21 (NKJV) The LORD Considers the Heart 01 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, 00 Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 02 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, 00 But the LORD weighs the hearts. 03 To do righteousness and justice 00 Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 04 A haughty look, a proud heart, 00 And the plowing of the wicked are sin. 05 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, 00 But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 06 Getting treasures by a lying tongue 00 Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. 07 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, 00 Because they refuse to do justice. 08 The way of a guilty man is perverse; 00 But as for the pure, his work is right. 09 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, 00 Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; 00 His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; 00 But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, 00 Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor 00 Will also cry himself and not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, 00 And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, 00 But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding 00 Will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; 00 He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, 00 And the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, 00 Than with a contentious and angry woman. 20 There is desirable treasure, 00 And oil in the dwelling of the wise, 00 But a foolish man squanders it. 00 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy 00 Finds life, righteousness and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, 00 And brings down the trusted stronghold. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue 00 Keeps his soul from troubles. 24 A proud and haughty man--"Scoffer" is his name; 00 He acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, 00 For his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all day long, 00 But the righteous gives and does not spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; 00 How much more when he brings it with wicked intent! 28 A false witness shall perish, 00 But the man who hears him will speak endlessly. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, 00 But as for the upright, he establishes his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding 00Or counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, 00 But deliverance is of the LORD.

Merry Christmas Music.

Click The Pics & Text For Christmas Music

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Do Not Be Led Astray Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverb 20:1 (NKJV)

Allow me to begin my commentary by stating that it is my belief that God does condone drinking alcoholic beverages. However, as with everything in life, moderation is the key. Now for those who claim God is against drinking I would like to refer you to the wedding where Jesus performed His first miracle by changing the water into wine in John 2:1-12. My point of emphasis in the account is the part where the master of the feast tasted the wine Jesus had created from water;

When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" John 2:9-10

Now let's be serious, this guy was not stupid, he drank wine before and understood from man's view what good, full bodied, rich tasting, stronger wine was, and he knew that this was the real stuff. After all, by the end of the feast when everyone is already feeling good, you break out the weaker less quality wine, but the master of the feast was surprised to see the good stuff for last. 

I also want to add that, that many use the account of Noah in Genesis 9:21 getting drunk after the flood as another example strong drink being approved by God. However that would be a mistake, because while Noah knew how to make wine, he did not understand the way the environment changed since he last made wine. How you may wonder, well to begin with it has everything to do with the changing of the environment between the antediluvian period and the post-diluvian period. See the fermentation process was a much much quicker process after the flood than it was before. This would have been something Noah was totally unprepared for. Allow me to explain.

The antediluvian Earth's atmosphere (which is called "firmament" in Genesis 1:7 ) was covered with a vapor canopy equal to a 12 meter layer of liquid water. Consequently the collapse of that vapor canopy, plus the waters being released from the deep, caused the rain to fall upon the earth for forty days and forty nights during the Flood Genesis 7:11-13. Due to the waters which were above the firmament that caused the greenhouse effect, atmospheric pressure was 1.14 atmospheres higher than it is today - more than twice as high! So before the Flood the alcoholic effect of dry wine would not have been any stronger than the effect of common fermented milk products of today.

So the collapse of the vapor canopy surrounding antediluvian Earth's atmosphere caused the reduction of atmospheric pressure (and the partial pressure of oxygen dropped as well) more than twice. That certainly had an effect on alcoholic metabolism. So, alcoholic intoxication would have been at least a great surprise to Noah, if not the first such experience for all mankind. This is also indirect evidence for the credibility of the Genesis record in the Bible.

Thus the account of Noah getting drunk is not a good example strong drink being approved by God. Now, the problem with drinking is what it does to a person. Like over eating has it's problems with one's health, drinking too much causes problems with one's health and the way one acts in society.

One who drinks will inevitably take on the personality of what one drinks. the man or woman becomes silly, turns foolish, and loses all sense of control so that they becomes a brawler. Many drink because alcohol releases natural inhibition. The shy person becomes extroverted, but they also lose control of their common sense. They may feel uninhibited, but in truth the alcohol controls them. they have more difficulty in making decisions.

For many, alcohol gives them a mean personality. They easily take offense when others do not see how wonderful their lack of inhibition makes them. They are surprised to find others taking offense when they mock people. Can't everyone see how witty they are? Can't everyone take in the fun?

The drinker certainly is not wise while intoxicated, but their real lack of wisdom lies in not seeing that they cannot control their drinking. Scripture does not condemn the enjoyment of wine, but it does warn of the danger of intoxication. The immediate danger is turning over control of one's own personality. The long range danger is losing control when one is sober. One who drinks too much, becomes an alcoholic who finds it almost impossible to stop drinking. They even lose the ability to handle reality while sober. In it all, they will not even recognize that they are an alcoholic. Even if they do, they will deny it, to keep from stopping. The strong drink controls them.

All the negative things in life that accompany one who drinks too much are summed up in today's Proverb of emphasis.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Proverb 20 (NKJV)

Wine Is a Mocker

01 Wine is a mocker,
00 Strong drink is a brawler,
00 And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

02 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion;
00 Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.

03 It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
00 Since any fool can start a quarrel.

04 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
00 He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

05 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
00 But a man of understanding will draw it out.

06 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,
00 But who can find a faithful man?

07 The righteous man walks in his integrity;
00 His children are blessed after him.

08 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
00 Scatters all evil with his eyes.

09 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean,
00 I am pure from my sin"?

010 Diverse weights and diverse measures,
00 They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.

11 Even a child is known by his deeds,
00 Whether what he does is pure and right.

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
00 The LORD has made them both.

13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;
00 Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.

14 "It is good for nothing," cries the buyer;
00 But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.

15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies,
00 But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger,
00 And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
00 But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18 Plans are established by counsel;
00 By wise counsel wage war.

19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
00 Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

20 Whoever curses his father or his mother,
00 His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning
00 Will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil";
00 Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD,
00 And dishonest scales are not good.

24 A man's steps are of the LORD;
00 How then can a man understand his own way?

25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
00 And afterward to reconsider his vows.

26 A wise king sifts out the wicked,
00 And brings the threshing wheel over them.

27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
00 Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

28 Mercy and truth preserve the king,
00 And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,
00 And the splendor of old men is their gray head.

30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,
00 As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

Adored by Social Misfits

This MP3 audio is the Christmas message I shared with the women of Windchime Retirement
in Center in Chico Ca, back in 2008. The commentary below is based upon this message.

by Chuck Ness

The Gospel of Jesus can be summed up in three statements He made during His ministry. One statement was directed toward the Pharisees who questioned why He hung out with sinners and tax collectors.

"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)

Another statement was directed towards those who complained when He went into the house of Zaccheus, a chief tax collector in Jericho.

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:9-10)

Finally, the last statement I offer for your consideration is

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

These twenty five words convey the Lord's heart, His plan, and His will for our lives. No Scripture defines Christianity better then John 3:16, and it is this passage that makes the first two statements so profound.

What Will You Fight For?

by Chuck Ness

With every lawsuit before the Supreme Court being rejected, and the constant lies being told by the MSM, it seems like the elections are on the brink of being confirmed for Biden. Like everyone, watching them steal the election right before our eyes, is beyond real. Then we see so-called elected Republicans sit by without even lifting a finger to help President Trump. Like the Democrats, they seem to be rooting for China to succeed. Then as time goes on, I keep hearing a word repeated over and over by millions of Americans across the country. It's the "R" word, "Revolution".

The Incomparable Christ

There are several versions of this poem on the internet. Some say the author is unknown. Some attribute the poem to Samuel Porter Jones, a 19th Century Methodist evangelist. The version I offer is a compilation from several sources. Not knowing for certainty as to whom the human author is, I prefer to credit the Holy Spirit. Praise God

The Incomparable Christ

 “He came from the throne of the Father to the womb of a woman.

  He put on humanity that we might put on divinity.

  He became Son of Man that we might become sons of God.

  He was born in a supernatural way, lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity.

  He had neither wealth nor influence, yet the wisdom of men has never matched His wisdom.

  Never has a man spoken like this man.  

His family was inconspicuous and uninfluential.

  In infancy He startled a king.

  As a boy, He stunned theologians with His knowledge and wisdom for He was taught of God.

Don't Be A Sluggard Proverbs 13:4

Did you know that the Bible has more to say on laziness than drunkenness? Yet, how often are we quick to judge someone when they've had a bit too much to drink, but neglect to chastise another person who sits around all day and does nothing? Laziness is a pervasive, insidious disease in our society, one that seems to be growing in leaps and bounds. No one seems to want to work hard anymore. They want the easy life, the easy job that doesn't require much of them, the cushy couch and big screen TV and fancy vacations, but work?? Don't make me work too hard!! It's not fair! 

I'm reminded of the story out of Florida. Where these excursions took tourists out to the ocean to see the dolphins. It was great to see God's animals frolicking in the water, the tourists would even feed the dolphins tuna and sardines when the friendly mammals came to the boats. However, the government forced the excursions to stop allowing the tourists to feed the dolphins, because the dolphins got lazy and stopped hunting for food. They even began teaching their offspring how to wait for boatloads of tourists bearing buckets of chum instead of how to hunt for wild fish in the ocean. The dolphins were getting lazier and lazier with every generation and forgot how to work for their food. Sound familiar? Interesting how the government noticed that free handouts without any requirements of work can devastate generations of dolphins, but not notice the destruction it does to human societies. 

In the last 60 years our government has leaned towards Socialism in a huge way. In order to keep in power, politicians have used the concept of redistribution to supply everything a citizen needs to survive from cradle to grave. As time went on whole segment of our society has gotten lazier and lazier from generation to generation. I mean, why should you work if you can fill out some paperwork and get government assistance? The number of people receiving food stamps today is well over 50 million people. Do some of these people need food stamps to survive? Absolutely. I'm not against Food stamps. I know they really help some people. 

They succeed where the Christian church has failed in this country, but that's another topic. I guess what I'm trying to say is that humans are inherently lazy and when you offer them free stuff to survive, they become just as lazy as the dolphins off Florida, and the Bears in Yellowstone Park who also became lazy from being fed by tourists. Human's and animals alike will become lazy and count on others to care for them if they are not forced to learn to work for their survival. 

God warns us of the consequences of being lazy, it's right there in the Scriptures. God bless you all, and have a great day. 

Proverb 13 (NKJV)


Wisdom Loves Righteousness

01 A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
00 But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

02 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
00 But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
03 He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
00 But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

04 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
00 But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

05 A righteous man hates lying,
00 But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
06 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
00 But wickedness overthrows the sinner.

07 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;
00 And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

08 The ransom of a man's life is his riches,
00 But the poor does not hear rebuke.

09 The light of the righteous rejoices,
00 But the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 By pride comes nothing but strife,
00 But with the well-advised is wisdom.

11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
00 But he who gathers by labor will increase.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
00 But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

13 He who despises the word will be destroyed,
00 But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
00 To turn one away from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding gains favor,
00 But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
00 But a fool lays open his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
00 But a faithful ambassador brings health.

18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
00 But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,
00 But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise,
00 But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

21 Evil pursues sinners,
00 But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
00 But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor,
00 And for lack of justice there is waste.

24 He who spares his rod hates his son,
00 But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul,
00 But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.

Proverb 11:29 Inheriting the Wind

by Chuck Ness

Troubling your own family is like tossing your money in the air and letting it blow away. A home is a place where we should all feel safe and secure. A place to get way from the troubles of the world. A place where the family can confide in each other and count on each other.

So many homes have become prisons that people only wish to get out of. Everyone knows of friends or maybe even relatives who live in home environments that are not proper to raise children in. In those homes we can point to individuals who have thrown caution to the wind, by their destructive lifestyles.

As the years go on, it is those individuals who become the servants of others. Troubles will follow them all their lives and when it's time to retire they will struggle to make ends meet. Even their children will struggle because of the problems in the home they were raised in. When their parents are in need, the children could be unable, or even refuse to be there for them.

Those who do right in the eyes of God, usually have children who prosper and will in turn raise their children as they were raised. When we follow God's instructions our lives are much smoother. Even with trials and tribulations God's children will usually experience blessings through out our lives. Then when we are old and retired our lives become easier, and our children will be there to help us as we helped them.

Throwing caution to the wind, will only bring pain and misery in the end.

God bless and have a good day.

Proverb 11 (NKJV) The Folly of Wickedness 01 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, 00 But a just weight is His delight. 02 When pride comes, then comes shame; 00 But with the humble is wisdom. 03 The integrity of the upright will guide them, 00 But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. 04 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, 00 But righteousness delivers from death. 05 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, 00 But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. 06 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, 00 But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. 07 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, 00 And the hope of the unjust perishes. 08 The righteous is delivered from trouble, 00 And it comes to the wicked instead. 09 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, 00 But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; 00 And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, 00 But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, 00 But a man of understanding holds his peace. 13 A talebearer reveals secrets, 00 But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. 14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; 00 But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, 00 But one who hates being surety is secure. 16 A gracious woman retains honor, 00 But ruthless men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, 00 But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18 The wicked man does deceptive work, 00 But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. 19 As righteousness leads to life, 00 So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. 20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, 00 But the blameless in their ways are His delight. 21 Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; 00 But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered. 22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, 00 So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good, 00 But the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; 00 And there is one who withholds more than is right, 25 The generous soul will be made rich, 00 And he who waters will also be watered himself. 26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, 00 But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, 00 But trouble will come to him who seeks evil. 28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, 00 But the righteous will flourish like foliage. 29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, 00 And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, 00 And he who wins souls is wise. 31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, 00 How much more the ungodly and the sinner.

Taking A Break To Remodel My Office

I'll be taking a break from posting things for a few days. I need to remodel my office. I am getting ready to write a book, and I need to make my office a bit more streamlined to make things easier on me. So God bless anyone stopping by to see what I posted, and I'll be back posting again by next week.

Proverb 10:1 The Son Effect

Today's message on Proverb 10:1 comes
from Calvary Chapel Jonesboro in AZ
Now then, my sons, listen to me And do not depart from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 5:7

Wisdom is something that should passionately be spoken to our sons. It is something they should hear from us with a sense of urgency and importance that should ring from what we say to them. If we do not speak with this kind of passion we may have our children go the way that the son in laws of Lot went.

We read in Genesis of this sad event in Genesis 19:14, " Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, and said, "Up, get out of this place, for the LORD will destroy the city." But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting." Unfortunately for Lot - a passionate plea to late seems like little more than a bad joke. The lack of passion concerning the immorality and ungodliness of the people was palpable. He rarely spoke out, though his righteous soul was tormented by their behavior. But Lot decided not to speak too stridently about sin in his day. The result of his lack of conviction about the sin that ran rampant in his town was that no one took him seriously when he came with a warning about God's judgment. He never seemed too disturbed about the sin before - so maybe he was overreacting to the situation at hand. In the end the men who would have been his daughter's husbands laughed him off - and were destroyed when the fire and brimstone fell from heaven. This is why we need to speak with the passion of this father. When he says, "listen" he uses the word that speaks of listening to obey. He wants his words regarded, heard, and followed. When he says, "do not depart" he uses languate that is strong. The idea behind this admonition is like a military leader urging his troops to not desert him or quit fighting. Strong words are employed by this father to call his sons away from sexual immorality. Do we use words this strong when speaking with our sons on such issues? Do we use any words? Do we even speak with them about such things? Our sons need us! We live in a day of loose morals and lying promises. The morals of our day are loose because our nation has abandoned the words of the Lord. Schools forbid us from speaking such things to students. In the places where an abstinence message is allowed - a Scriptural one is forbidden. It seems almost insane to keep such a message from our young ones considering that over 40 different incurable sexually transmitted diseases run rampant in our society. But the real danger, according to our lawmakers, is that someone might harm them by speaking a religious message to them. What is allowed more and more is the lying promises of our soceity. Safe sex is promoted - with the thought that they are going to be sexually immoral anyway. The problem is that the so-called safe sex message relies primarily on condoms - which have a 1 in 6 failure rate. Their message of safety is about as effective as playing russian roulette with a six shooter. Come on - there's only one chance in six someone is going to blow their brains out! Keep your morality off of our pistol! We'd consider such talk sheer insanity if it were uttered to our kids about playing russian roulette. But for those who offer the same message with an incurable sexually transmitted disease - well, that's open thinking and progressive education. Honestly . . . sounds like a gathering of idiots to me. Dad's - this was NEVER to be a matter handed over to school and governmental officials. Sex education and far more importantly sexual morality was and still is to be taught by a father to his son. That way we can not only teach them about their sexuality as a gift from God. We can also let them know of the perversion of it by the Fall - and the dangers that come from ignoring the Word of God.

President SELECT, Joe Biden

Allow me to digress from my Christian commentary, to share my opinion
on the ongoing election fiasco we call, "The America Presidential Election."

by Chuck Ness

Many times we read articles filled with words to describe a situation that can be just as easily summed up in a short phrase. That's where we stand today with the lie that Joe Biden is the President Elect. Well even if they are successful in stealing the election through fraud, he will never be the President elect. That's because he was selected by those who desire the United States to be subservient to the rest of the World.

Remember, it was George Herbert Walker Bush who ushered in the New World Order on September 11, 1991. Ten years before 9/11, and almost thirty years before the massive election fraud we are now witnessing before our eyes. Bush and his buddies have tried for many years to make the United States subservient to the World. Now we may find ourselves ruled by a puppet SELECTED by the powers that be who want to take away our sovereignty.

Proverbs 9 Lady Wisdom vs Madame Folly

Two female figures, Lady Wisdom and Madame Folly. An lesson for every human to learn from. You can accept the lesson as one that compares a wise woman of virtue as mentioned in Proverb 31, versus an immoral woman of folly who tears down her home with her actions as in Proverb 14. Or as I will share with you today, it's a lesson of good versus evil. The right way to live versus the wrong way to live your life.

Either way, it's very common for God to teach us different lessons from the same passage throughout the Scriptures. The book of Proverbs is a prime example of this method of teaching. Today's commentary is of contrast between the woman of wisdom, or the good, (Proverb 9:4-6) versus the woman of folly, the evil. (Proverb 9:16-18).

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!"
As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
"Come, eat of my bread
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
Forsake foolishness and live,
And go in the way of understanding. Proverb 9:4-6

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here";
And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
"Stolen water is sweet,
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
But he does not know that the dead are there,
That her guests are in the depths of hell. Proverb 9:16-18

Here we see the, “Lady Wisdom”, serving as the personification of God’s voice inviting us in to learn lessons from Him on how to be a righteous person. Compared to “Madame Folly” mimicking the voice of God to lure us in with anything that might replace God in our life. All throughout our walk in the world, Satan will attempt to lure us into sin by disguising himself as an angel of light. This is what we see him doing in verse. Using the exact same words as God used in verse. This is important to understand, because the essence of foolishness is living a life that apart from God. Check out the contrast;

1.) WISDOM builds her house, but FOLLY just sits there, lazy.
2.) WISDOM offers us meat and wine, but FOLLY offers us bread and water.
3.) WISDOM speaks honestly, but FOLLY makes deceptive offers.
4.) WISDOM offers life/wisdom, but FOLLY deceptively offers life while concealing the death within her doors.

In the ancient near East, to invite someone over for a meal was to invite them into a close personal relationship. Here, both wisdom and folly are inviting us into a relationship. Who will we enter into a relationship with? The choice seems obvious, but in reality we find ourselves going back and forth from having meals with Lady Wisdom and then a meal with Madame Folly. We will treat our walk with Christ in the world like a smorgasbord. We will take a little bit of grace as we praise God, then grab a side of hostility for the idiot who disrupts our day day.

Martin Luther King said that Christians suffer from a form of Schizophrenia. One moment we will be driving down the road praising God, as we loudly sing along to a song on the radio. The very next block, the same mouth that was praising God, will be cussing out a driver who cut our in front of us. Satan is trying His best to lure us away from God, and while we have moments of righteousness, we usually have a lot more moments of foolishness and self righteousness.

God knows the struggles we go through, He knows Satan is crouching at our door, waiting to pounce on us the moment we struggle. This is why He has offered us His Wisdom to help guide and nudge us on our long road to the Celestial City. Like Christian in “Pilgrims Progress”, there are many obstacles that Folly puts in our way to lure us into her kitchen. The pleasures of this world are at our fingertips, and even if we are strong enough to stay away from them, there are the pitfalls in life where Folly bring us to despair. There's the “Hill of Difficulty”, the “Valley of the Shadow of Death”, and the “Road of Betrayal”. All of which we will need the Wisdom of God to help us arrive to our final destination.

So don't allow the traps of this world to cause you to lose the race. Trust in God's Wisdom, and lean on Him for support. Also, remember that in the times when Satan sends Folly your way, you do have the full armor of God to protect you.

The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the "shoes" of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit Ephesians 6:10-18

Remember that Jesus Christ of the Proverbs is Wisdom. He calls on you to forsake your evil way and to follow Him. Will you persist in seeking only momentary pleasure, or will you choose the way of righteousness and peace which leads to eternal salvation? The Disciple Thomas asked Jesus, “How can we know the way?” Jesus responded;

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

I pray that those who have ears will hear the voice of the Lord and call upon His name for salvation and eternal life. May the good Lord bless you all, Amen.

Proverb 9 (NKJV)
The Way of Wisdom

Wisdom's Invitation
01 Wisdom has built her house,
00 She has hewn out her seven pillars;
02 She has slaughtered her meat,
00 She has mixed her wine,
00 She has also furnished her table.
03 She has sent out her maidens,
00 She cries out from the highest places of the city,
04 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!"
00 As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
05 "Come, eat of my bread
00 And drink of the wine I have mixed.
06 Forsake foolishness and live,
00 And go in the way of understanding.

07 "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,
00 And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
08 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
00 Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
09 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
00 Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
00 And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
00 And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
00 And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

The Way of Folly
13 A foolish woman is clamorous;
00 She is simple, and knows nothing.
14 For she sits at the door of her house,
00 On a seat by the highest places of the city,
15 To call to those who pass by,
00 Who go straight on their way:
16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here";
00 And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
17 "Stolen water is sweet,
00 And bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
00 That her guests are in the depths of hell.