What Does The Book Of Proverbs Say For Today? Part 2

 

The Word

 

1. logos (I) denotes “the expression of thought”—not the mere name of an object—(a) as embodying a conception or idea; (b) a saying or statement, (1) by GOD, (2) by CHRIST, In connection with (1) and (2) the phrase “the word of the LORD,” i.e., the revealed will of GOD (very frequent in the OT), is used of a direct revelation given by CHRIST, in this respect it is the message from the LORD, delivered with His authority and made effective by His power; sometimes it is used as the sum of GOD’s utterances, discourse, speech, of instruction; doctrine.

(II) “The Personal Word,” a title of the Son of GOD.

2. rhema denotes “that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing”; in the singular, “a word,” in the plural, speech, discourse.

The significance of rhema (as distinct from logos) is exemplified in the injunction to

take “the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the Word of GOD,” Ephesians 6:17; here the reference is

not to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual Scripture which the SPIRIT brings to

our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the

mind with Scripture.¹

 

The Word refers to the Law, the Scripture, the Prophecies, the Commandments, the Statutes, etc., every form of communication from GOD to us.

 

“Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour My SPIRIT on you; I will make My Words known to you. My son, if you receive My Words, and treasure My Commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of GOD. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to My Knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, so that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the Words of Truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you (or send you)? Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the Law. Every Word of GOD is pure (tested, refined, found pure); He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 1:23, 2:1-6, 22:17-21, 29:18, 30:5-6)

 

JESUS is the living Word, John 1:1-18 (study it).

King David has a lot to say about the Word; study Psalm 19:7-11 and Psalm 119 (which is an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew).

The Bible is the Word of GOD and He has a lot to say about His Word, James 1:21, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow (abundance) of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls.”

“That I may make you know the certainty of the Words of Truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you (or send you)?” Proverbs 22:21. In Luke 11:27-28 JESUS says, “And it happened as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!’ But He said. ‘More than that, blessed are those who hear the Word of GOD and keep it!’” In Matthew 5:17-18 He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, one jot (Gr. iota, Heb. Yod, the smallest letter) or one tittle (the smallest stroke in a Heb. letter) will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled.” Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, “and from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS. All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (training, discipline) in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We can only know and speak truth if we know truth, JESUS is the Truth (John 14:6) and the only way we can know Him today is by His Word and His SPIRIT.

“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the Law.” Proverbs 29:18. GOD instructs us in Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night (you shall be constantly in), that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Again we must always be a student of GOD’s Word if we hope to be successful in this life and enter into eternity in His Kingdom.

“Turn at My rebuke; surely I will pour My SPIRIT on you; I will make My Words known to you.” Proverbs 1:23. Psalm 19:7-11 says, “The Law of The LORD is perfect, converting (restoring) the soul; the Testimony of The LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the Statutes of The LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the Commandment of The LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of The LORD is clean, enduring forever; the Judgments of the LORD are True and Righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (honey in the combs). Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is much reward.” The SPIRIT of GOD convicts us and trains us and how do we know it is the SPIRIT of GOD? By The Word of GOD! The SPIRIT and the Word are never in conflict in John 4:23, JESUS said we will worship GOD in SPIRIT and TRUTH and JESUS is the Living WORD and The TRUTH and has sent His SPIRIT to instruct us!

“He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6. JESUS says in Revelation 1:3 and 22:18-19, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the Words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. For (NU. M omit For) I testify to everyone who hears the Words of the Prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, GOD (M may GOD add) will add to him the plagues that are written in this Book; and if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this Prophecy, GOD (M may GOD take away) shall take away his part from the Book of Life (NU. M tree of life), from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this Book.”