What Does The Book Of Proverbs Say For Today? Part 10

 

What Does Proverbs Say For Today? Part 10

 

Abomination

 

¹Abomination = n. detestation; that which causes abhorrence; anything vile.

Abominable= adj. hateful; odious; offensive.

Abominate = v.t. to abhor; regard with disgust or hatred.

²Abomination = Noun “abomination; loathsome, detestable thing.” Cognates of

this word appear only in Phoenician and Targumic Aramaic. The word appears 117 times and in all periods. First; something or someone as essentially unique in the sense of being “dangerous,” “sinister,” and “repulsive” to another individual. This meaning

appears in Gen. 43:32 (the first occurrence). People with habits loathsome to GOD are themselves detestable to Him. Second; it is used in some contexts to describe pagan practices and objects. In other contexts it describes the repeated failures to observe divine regulations. It may represent the pagan cultic practices themselves or the people who perpetrate such practices. Third; it is used in the sphere of jurisprudence and of family or tribal relationships. Certain acts or characteristics are destructive of societal and familial harmony; both such things and the people who do them.

Verb “to abhor, treat as abhorrent, cause to be an abomination, act abominably.” This verb occurs 21 times, and the first occurrence is in Deut. 7:26.

 

“For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright. These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him (Lit. His soul): A proud look (Lit. haughty eyes), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Dishonest (Lit. deceptive) scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight (Lit. perfect stone) is His delight. Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces (Lit. hand to hand), none will go unpunished. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord. Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent! The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly (lit. his voice is gracious), do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. One who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 3:32; 6:16-19; 11:1, 20; 12:22; 13:19; 15:8-9, 26; 16:5, 12; 17:15; 20:10, 23; 21:27; 22:14; 24:9; 26:24-26; 28:9; 29:27)

 

Proverbs 13:19b says, “…it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Those who love evil are fools and will not willingly depart from it unless they see they are sinners and receive salvation through CHRIST. We see that evil doers, scoffers, cheaters, sexually immoral, murders, the proud and foolish are all abdominal to GOD and men, even to each other. In Luke 16:1-13 JESUS tells the parable of the unjust steward, “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided (Lit. turned up their nose at) Him. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but GOD knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of GOD.’” Luke 16:14-15 There is an incorrect worldly proverb that ‘there is honor among thieves’. The proud, the foolish, the dishonorable, liars, cheaters, and thieves treat each other the same way they treat their victims. Honest people and those made righteous by CHRIST JESUS abhor their behavior and they abhor ours. “Therefore, since CHRIST suffered for us (NU omits for us) in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of GOD. For, we have spent enough of our past lifetime (NU time) in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to GOD in the SPIRIT.” (1 Peter 4:1-6)

 

In Proverbs 11:1b, 20b; 12:22b; and 15:8b we see that the LORD delights in those that do not practice abominations. “…but a just weight (lit. perfect stone) is His delight…but the blameless in their ways are His delight…but those who deal truthfully are His delight…but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” What is better, to be the delight of the LORD or an abomination to the LORD?

 

King David said in Psalm 14:1, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no GOD.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.” In Psalm 53:1…” they have done abominable iniquity…” I heard Dr. Jack Graham say, “Obeying GOD is wisdom and disobeying GOD is foolishness.” “…but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19b. Paul tells Titus, “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know GOD, but in works they deny Him, being abominable (detestable), disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:15-16 In Matthew chapters 5 thru 7 JESUS compares living the lifestyle of the Light and the lifestyle of darkness, which included the parables that you cannot serve GOD and mammon 6:24, good and bad fruit in 7:15-20 and the narrow way in 7:13-14, but the parable that makes it clear that there are some who will chose the evil way no matter the cost is the parable of building on the Rock or on sand 7:24-29, both groups hear what JESUS says but not all obey. These three chapters are about choosing and the only two choices are being a delight to the LORD or being an abomination to the LORD!

 

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him (Lit. His soul): A proud look (Lit. haughty eyes), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” “But the cowardly, unbelieving (M adds and sinners), abominable, murders, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” “And he carried me away in the SPIRIT to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city (NU, M omit HOLY city), the HOLY Jerusalem (NU, M HOLY city, Jerusalem), descending out of Heaven from GOD.” “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes (NU, M profane, nor one who causes), an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8, 10, 27

 

Study Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 1 through 2, and Revelation 21. Then study John 3:16-18, Romans 3 through 8, and Revelation 22.

 

To avoid the lake of fire and have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life study Romans 10:8-11, “But what does it say? ‘The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the Word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that GOD has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’”

 

No matter what you want to believe there is only one GOD, Jehovah the GOD of the Jewish and CHRISTian faith and there is only one way to avoid eternal damnation in the lake of fire. That is through believing in and confessing JESUS CHRIST is the Son of GOD and that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, willingly went to the cross to die for our sins, took our punishment and went to hell where He defeated death and hell, taking the keys of their kingdoms. That He by the Power of His Own SPIRIT (The HOLY SPIRIT) rose from the grave and ascended to Heaven to be seated at the right hand of GOD.

 

Repentance

Repentance

 

John The Baptist came out of the wilderness and proclaimed, “Repent – for The Kingdom of GOD (Heaven) is at hand!” Matthew 3:1-2

 

Jesus said to the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, “Go and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” He said to the woman caught in adultery, “Go and sin no more.” John 5:14, 8:11

 

So what is repentance in relation to The Kingdom of GOD (Heaven)? Repent means to “think differently” or to “reconsider”. Repentance means a “reversal of decision”. So to repent is to change how we think about GOD, sin and eternity; and repentance means that we have changed our mind about GOD, sin and eternity. Strong’s Greek Dictionary 3340, 3341

 

So when we repent we change how we think about GOD, sin and eternity.

Repentance is the actual change in our life style to reflect how we now think (believe) about GOD, sin and eternity.

 

Paul said to the Ephesians, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another. ‘Be angry and do not sin’; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of GOD, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:25-32

 

Paul said to the Galatians, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of GOD. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:16-26

 

Paul said to the Corinthians, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in GOD for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

 

Paul said to the Philippians, “Therefore my beloved as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is GOD who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of GOD without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:12-16

 

Peter said to the Elect; “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind (procreative power), be sober and rest your hope fully on the Grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of JESUS CHRIST; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He Who Called you is Holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I Am Holy.’…Since you have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through The SPIRIT in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible,  through The Word of GOD which Lives and Abides forever,…Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babies, desire the Pure Milk of The Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that The LORD is Gracious.” 1 Peter 1:13-16, 1:22-23, 2:1-3

 

James said to the 12 tribes (Jewish believers); “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing…Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the Crown of Life which The LORD has promised to those who Love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by GOD’; for GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor des He Himself tempt anyone.…So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of GOD. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and abundance of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to Save your souls. But be doers of The Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before GOD and The Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:2-4, 12-16, 19-22, 26-27

 

John said to all believers; “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him.’ and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the Truth is not in him. But whoever keeps Is Word, truly the Love of GOD is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

 

JESUS said we would know people by the fruit of their life (Matthew 7:20), so no matter what people claim about themselves pay attention to how they live and how they treat people and you will know their true nature. This is true about ourselves, people will observe us and know if we are truly a Christian or not by how we live and treat others.

 

 

Spiritual Warfare!

 

Spiritual Warfare!

 

Most Christians understand that we are in a spiritual war against the enemy of GOD. The devil rebelled against GOD and he hates us because we are made in GOD’s image. When the devil was a servant of GOD he was beautiful because he reflected the Glory of GOD. When through his rebellion he lost his position he no longer was beautiful because he no longer reflected GOD’s Glory. So he has been at war with humanity ever since our creation because we are made in GOD’s image and he is not. Genesis 1:26-28; Revelation 12:7-12, 17.

 

For those who do not believe we are in a spiritual war with the devil – read the words of JESUS and the Apostles. To those who believe Jesus defeated the devil and all we have to do is claim the victory – read the words of JESUS and the Apostles. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear! He who has eyes to see, let him see!” Mark 1:12-13.

 

We know that we have the victory in JESUS and that we are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. (1 Corinthians 15:57; Galatians 2:19-21, 5:1; Philippians 2:12-18; 1 John 5:1-5) We know that we have spiritual armor for our warfare and there is lots of teaching on the warfare and our armor. My understanding of why many of us do not have the victory is that we do not properly use our armor therefore we have less than good results in our warfare.

 

What is our spiritual armor? In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul describes our armor and why we have it. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD and in the Power of His Might. Put on the whole armor of GOD that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having girded your waist with Truth, having put on the breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all, taking the shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the Word of GOD; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” NKJV

Study 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

 

The Whole Armor of GOD:

 

Belt (girdle) of Truth – Jesus is The Truth. How do we put on Jesus? In baptism we crucify our old nature and rise a new person in Christ, in the power of His resurrection we are conformed to His death, in the fellowship of His suffering we learn to be true to the Father’s will. We must live in GOD’s Truth for our belt to be effective. Study Luke 22:39-45; John 4:34; Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 3:7-11.

 

Breastplate of Righteousness – We are the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST or the rightness, the justice of GOD in CHRIST. We must live rightly and justly this has to do with the Law, the 10 commandments and the commandments of JESUS (read the gospels). While we are set free from the obligation of the law by JESUS’ life, death and resurrection we are still required to keep them for our breastplate to be effective. Study Romans 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 3:11-17; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 5:21; 1 Peter 1:13-17.

 

Shoding our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace – “How lovely are the feet of them that being good news?” We must know the good news of the Gospel and have the peace that passes all understanding to be ready to share the hope that is in us. Knowing the Gospel is the preparation so that our sharing will be effective and the Peace of GOD is the shoding so that we can go wherever He sends us. Study Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:14-17; Ephesians 2:14-18; Philippians 4:6-7.

 

Shield of Faith – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” “By faith…” JESUS said “if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed…” He also said “Have faith!” If we want to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one then we must just believe and do, that is what faith is, in fear, in doubt and our shield will be effective. One of the problems with faith is that it has become some mystical force that we are trying to call on or muster up. In many Bible translations faith is translated as trust in both the Old and New Testaments. Trust is easier for us to understand and practice; we trust GOD, JESUS and HOLY SPIRIT because of our experience and GOD’s Word. Trust becomes habit by experience and does not have to be conjured up to work, that is what Faith is! Study Mark 9:23-24, 11:20-24; Luke 8:22-25, 17:6; Hebrews 11.

 

Helmet of Salvation – Salvation is the gift that GOD gives to all who believe in and confess JESUS, who repent of their sins and are filled with His SPIRIT. When we allow HOLY SPIRIT to renew our mind and we meditate on the Word of GOD our helmet will be effective in keeping our mind on CHRIST and His Kingdom so that we understand the Will of GOD for us. Study Isaiah 26:3-4; Romans 12:1-2, 16; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:17-24; Philippians 2:5-7.

 

Sword of the SPIRIT – “For the Word of GOD is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” NKJV The Word of GOD read it, study it, live it and speak it! As Jesus demonstrated that is the only way to resist the devil effectively. Study Isaiah 34:5-6; Matthew 4:1-11 (4,7,10), 10:34-39; Luke 4:1-13 (4,8,12); John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 12:11, 19:11-16.

 

Praying always in the SPIRIT – Paul said he was glad that he spoke in the SPIRIT (tongues) more than anybody in Corinth; and “Likewise the SPIRIT also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” He also said to pray without ceasing. We must pray in the SPIRIT as much as we can for our praying to be effective. Study Matthew 6:5-13; James 5:13-18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22.

 

So the armor is not something we say and act out each morning as we start our day (as I did for many years). Putting on the armor is not done by repeating the above scripture passage in Ephesians, it is the result of knowing, living and speaking the Word of GOD and doing the Will of GOD. The warfare we are in is the devil trying to prevent GOD’s Will from being done so that people will not be redeemed from eternal damnation into eternal life. So to fight the good fight we must know and do the Will of GOD which is found in His Word the Bible Philippians 2:13.

 

Not that we never have to do warfare face to face with evil in the natural and spiritual realms. JESUS said that we would cast out demons and that some would only come out through prayer and fasting . But, this should not be our daily activity; that should be worship and praise, reading and studying, and doing what GOD has called us to do. Study Matthew 5:11-12, 10:16-31, 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29, 16:14-18.

 

We find the Truth of GOD, the Rightness and Justice of GOD, the Peace of GOD, the Faith of GOD and the Salvation of GOD in the Bible which is the Sword of GOD.

 

The advantage is ours because when we are born again we are filled with the SPIRIT of GOD Who leads us into all truth, reminds us of what JESUS said, instructs us in the Will of GOD and gifts us so we can serve GOD resulting in natural and spiritual fruit.

What Does The Book OF Proverbs Say Today? Part 9

 Evil

 

¹ Evil = n. anything that causes harm or injury, misfortune, or wickedness.

adj. morally bad; wicked, as evil ways.  

² Evil = adj. 1 bad, evil; a. bad, disagreeable, malignant; b. bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery); c. evil, displeasing; d. bad (of its kind - land, water, etc); e. bad (of value); f. worse than, worst (comparison); g. sad, unhappy; h. evil (hurtful); i. bad, unkind (vicious in disposition); j. bad, evil, wicked (ethically); 1. in general, of persons, of thoughts; 2. deeds, actions n m. 2 evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity; a. evil, distress, adversity; b. evil, injury, wrong; c. evil (ethical) n f. 3 evil, misery, distress, injury; a. evil, misery, distress; b. evil, injury, wrong; c. evil (ethical)

 

“When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths; Do not devise evil against your neighbor,

for he dwells by you for safety’s sake. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away (lit. robbed) unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles (gives signals, lit. scrapes) his feet, he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. He who earnestly seeks good finds (lit. seeks) favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil. He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble. No grave trouble (harm) will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. An unGODly man (lit. A man of Belial) digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses (lit. compresses) his lips and brings about evil. An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful (lit. destructive) tongue. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. He who has a deceitful (crooked) heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil. The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. He does not open his mouth in the gate. He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer (lit. master of evil plots). The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men. Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good. A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him. By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices. The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being (lit. soul or life). Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears (lit. hears the adjuration or oath) to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.” (Proverbs 2:10-15; 3:29; 4:14-17; 6:12-15; 10:10, 23; 11:27, 29; 12:12-13, 21; 13:21, 14:22; 15:15; 16:27-30; 17:4-5, 11, 13, 20; 19:23; 21:10; 24: 1-2, 8-9, 19-20; 28:5-6, 10, 22; 29:6, 10, 24; 30:32-33)

 

“He who earnestly seeks good finds (lit. seeks) favor… Evil pursues sinners…” Proverbs 11:27a, 13:21a. Evil, like a rabid dog will chase us down but we have to pursue being good. “A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.” Proverbs 12:2

 

“To do evil is like sport to a fool. But a man of understanding has wisdom.” Proverbs 10:23.

The Bible teaches that evil is disobedience or rebellion to GOD, Deuteronomy 30:15-16, “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your GOD, to walk in His ways, and to keep His Commandments, His Statutes, and His Judgments, that you may live and multiply; and that the LORD your GOD will bless you in the land which you go to possess.” Evil or wickedness comes easy to mankind. Genesis 6:5, “Then the LORD (so with MT, Tg.; Vg. GOD; LXX LORD GOD) saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent (thought) of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (all the day).” Genesis 8:21b “… I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination (intent or thought) of man’s heart is evil from his youth…”. Paul says in Romans 7:19 and 21, “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.” Solomon tells us that there are people who will entice us to do evil, making it sound good, study 1 Timothy 6:10, Micah 2:1-3, 2 Kings 5:20-27. He shows us the personality of the wicked and tells us their calamity is without remedy.  That is both now and in eternity if they do not repent.  Study Romans 6:15-23. Study Proverbs 10 in which each verse contrasts evil and good and the results of both.

 

“A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles (gives signals, lit. scrapes) his feet, he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.” Proverbs 6:12-15 the key thought in this passage is the suddenness of judgment or destruction of the wicked. JESUS taught this through several parables, like, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his mater made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season (the right time)? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find him so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming (NU omits his coming)’, and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:45-51, study Psalm 112; Matthew 25:1-13; Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Peter 3.

 

But, what about those who are deceived into evil? “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses (lit. compresses) his lips and brings about evil.” Proverbs 16:28-30 Not only does Solomon in Proverbs warn us not to be deceived but so does JESUS, David and the writers of the New Testament; study Psalm 43:1; Matthew 6:13, 13:22, 24:11-14; John 17:15; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Ephesians 5:1-7; 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (verses 16-17 are the key to not being deceived); 1 John 1:5-10, 5:18-21; 2 John :7-11.

³ Deceive (di-sev’) v. -ceived, -ceiving. To mislead or delude. Syns: DELUDE, DUPE,FOOL, HOODWINK, MISLEAD –de-ceiv’a-ble adj. –de-ceiv’er n.

But, “Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.” Proverbs 28:10

 

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

This is a critical point, turning away from righteousness or complacency towards the Word of GOD has the same result as open rebellion or evil behavior.

 

Overview of Revelation

 

Overview of Revelation

Chapter 1 is the introduction of and reason for the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST that is given to John. Verse 3, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the Words of this prophesy and keep those things that are written in it; for the time is near.” John sees JESUS and receives understanding of the Seven Golden Lampstands and the seven stars: the seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches in Asia; The Seven Golden Lampstands are the seven Churches in Asia.

 

Chapters 2 and 3 are the letters from CHRIST to the seven Churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

 

Chapter 4 John is called into Heaven to receive CHRIST’s revelation of “things that must take place after this.” He sees CHRIST enthroned the twenty-four Elders enthroned around Him and the four living creatures, all who worship CHRIST.

 

Chapter 5 is the Revelation of the scroll with seven seals that only The LAMB that was slain and is alive is worthy to open. So the four living creatures and the twenty-four Elders worshiped Him with harps and bowls of incense which are the prayers of the Saints, along with tens of thousands of angels.

 

Chapter 6 is the opening of the first six seals: seal 1 is the rider of the white horse with a crown and a bow who conquers; seal 2 is the rider of the red horse with a sword who takes peace from the earth and causes people to kill each other; seal 3 is the rider of the black horse with a pair of scales who causes inflation; seal 4 is the rider of the pallid horse named death who is followed by hell, they kill one-fourth of humanity by plagues, famine, war and by wild animals; seal 5 is the martyrs put to death for their witness and proclaiming The Word; seal 6 is a great earthquake, the sun turned black and the moon blood red, stars fall from heaven to the earth and the sky recedes like a scroll rolled up, mountains and islands are moved and all peoples call out to be hidden from The LAMB’s wrath.

 

Chapter 7 is about the one hundred and forty four thousand (See 14:1-5) virgin Jewish men; twelve thousand each from the tribes of Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin; who are sealed with the Mark of GOD on their foreheads. (See Addendum 2)

 

Chapters 8-9 is the seventh seal opened and the first six trumpet judgments are sounded and three woes are announced: seal 7 is silence in Heaven, seven angels given seven trumpets, the smoke of incense and the prayers of the Saints goes up before GOD, fire from the Altar is thrown to the earth, there is an earthquake, peals of thunder and lightning; trumpet 1 is hail, fire and blood thrown to the earth and a third of the earth, a third of the trees and all the green grass are burned up; trumpet 2 is a blazing mountain is thrown into the sea and a third of the sea is turned into blood, a third of the sea creatures die and a third of the ships are destroyed; trumpet 3 is a blazing star falls from the sky onto a third of the rivers and onto the springs of water, they become bitter and many people die; trumpet 4 is a third of the sun, moon and stars are darkened, an eagle cries out a warning of three woes to come; trumpet 5 is a star fallen from heaven to the earth is given the key to the abyss, when it is opened smoke and locusts with power like a scorpion are loosed on the earth, they are told not to harm any plants only people, they cause pain but not death, that is the first woe; trumpet 6 is four angels that have been bound at the river Euphrates are loosed with a large cavalry to kill one third of humanity; those still alive do not turn from their sins.

 

Chapter 10 is about a mighty angel who had a small book open in his hand, he stood on the land and on the sea and cried with a loud voice; he swore by GOD that there should be no more delay but that in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel the Mystery of GOD would be finished as GOD had declared to His servants the prophets. When the mighty angel cried out with a loud voice as when a lion roars, John heard the voices of seven thunders but also heard a voice from Heaven telling him to seal up the Words of the seven thunders and not to write them (Will these be revealed only when the seventh trumpet sounds?). Then John was told to take the small book and eat it; that it would be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. Then he was told he “must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings.” What was the book?

 

Chapter 11:1-14 is about the Two Witnesses who prophesy for the second three and a half years of the Great Tribulation? “Then I was given a measuring rod and the angel stood saying, ‘Rise and measure the Temple of GOD, The Altar and those who worship there. But, leave out the Court which is outside the Temple, do not measure it, for it is given to the Gentiles. They will tread The Holy City underfoot for forty two months (first 3 ½ years).  I will give power to My two witnesses and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days (second 3 ½ years) clothed in sackcloth’” this is the second woe. Verses 15-19 is the sounding of trumpet 7: there was worship of GOD in Heaven, The Temple in Heaven is opened and The Ark is seen, there is peals of thunder and lightning, violent hail and an earthquake.

 

Chapter 12 is a review of Israel and CHRIST, the devil’s defeat in his war against GOD in Heaven; and his war against GOD’s servants on the earth; with the promise that we can overcome the devil by The Blood of The LAMB, the word of our testimony and not loving our life over death.

 

Chapter 13 reveals the anti-christ (beast), the false prophet, the image of the anti-christ and the mark of the anti-christ that condemns all who accept it. The false prophet gives life to the image of the anti-christ and cause all rich and poor, small and great to receive a mark of the name of the anti-christ or his number on their forehead or right hand. Without the mark no one can buy or sell anything. “Here is wisdom, let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: his number is 666.”

 

Chapter 14:1-5 has more information about the one hundred forty four thousand who have the Name of The Father written on their foreheads. Verses 6-13 are about three angels making proclamations: first is the everlasting Gospel being preached to everyone living on the earth; second is the fall of Babylon; third is a warning against taking the mark of the beast. Verses 14-20 are the reaping of the earth of the servants of GOD by CHRIST and of the wicked by an angel. “Then I looked and saw a white cloud and on the cloud sat One like The Son of Man, He had on a Golden Crown and in His hand a sharp sickle. Another angel came out of The Temple, crying with a loud voice to The One sitting on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ Then He who sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle and reaped the earth (the rapture). Then another angel came out of the Temple in Heaven and having a sharp sickle; another angel who had power over fire came out from the altar and cried with a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, ‘Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth for her grapes are fully ripe.’ So the angel thrust in his sickle and gathered the vine of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of GOD; and the winepress was trampled outside the city and blood came out of the winepress up to the horse’s bridles, for one hundred and eighty four miles. (Battle of Armageddon)”

 

Chapter 15 is the prelude to the bowl judgments; “…the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of GOD is complete.” The Sea of glass and fire where those who have overcome the beast, his image, his name and the number of his name; having harps worship GOD. The Temple of The Tabernacle of The Testimony in Heaven is opened and the seven angels of the seven last plagues come out and are given the plagues of the wrath of GOD. “The Temple was filled with the smoke of GOD’s Glory and Power and no one could enter the Temple until the plagues were completed.”

 

Chapter 16 is the seven bowl judgments poured out. “Then I heard a loud voice from The Temple say to the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of GOD on the earth.’”

Bowl 1 is disgusting painful sores on all who worship the anti-christ and have his mark; bowl 2 is the sea becomes like the blood of a dead person and every living thing in it dies; bowl 3 is all the rivers and springs are turned to blood, the angel of the waters declares, “They deserve it.”; bowl 4 is the sun is permitted to burn people with fire and the people do not repent; bowl 5 is the kingdom of the anti-christ grows dark and people gnaw their tongues because of the pain but they do not repent; bowl 6 is the river Euphrates is dried up allowing the armies of the earth to gather at Armageddon driven by evil spirits that come out of the mouth of satan, the anti-christ and the false prophet; bowl 7 is a voice from Heaven declaring, “It is done!”, flashes of lightning, peals of thunder and a massive earthquake, the Great City is divided into thirds, the cities of the nations fall, Babylon is remembered by GOD’s raging fury, the islands and mountains flee, seventy pound hail fall on people and the people curse GOD.

 

Chapter 17:1-19:4 is about the Great Harlot Babylon, and the scarlet beast. Her judgment and those of the world who serve and worship her. Babylon is hated, burned and judged by GOD, all the people of the world mourn her destruction but the Saints and The Heavenly Host rejoice over her judgment.

 

Chapter 19:5-21 is the announcement of the Marriage of the LAMB, the revelation to the world of JESUS CHRIST as The LORD of Lords and KING of Kings with the armies of Heaven; and the battle of Armageddon. “Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword with which He strikes the nations, for He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron (see 20:4-6). He Himself treads the winepress with the fierceness of GOD Almighty’s wrath (see 14:17-20). He has His Name written on His robe and on His thigh, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (See 16:12-16).

 

Chapter 20 is when the devil is chained in the bottomless pit for one thousand years while CHRIST Reigns over the earth from Jerusalem with those who were “beheaded for their witness to JESUS and to The Word of GOD, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.” Then after the thousand years satan is loosed and drums up a vast army; of those who still do not want to serve GOD or CHIRST; for one final battle by attacking Jerusalem.  The Scriptures are clear that CHRIST will reign over the nations of the world for one thousand years with a rod of iron. Why a rod of iron? Not everyone who remains alive after the battle of Armageddon is a Believer. After they are destroyed there is the Great White Throne Judgment where all the dead were judged by the books and those not found in The LAMB’s Book of Life are cast into eternal torment in the lake of fire with death and hell; where the anti-christ, the false prophet and the devil already are.

 

Chapter 21:1-22:5 is about the New Heaven (there is no sun or moon), the New Earth (there are no seas), the New Jerusalem, the River of Life and the Tree of Life, The Father and The Son are the Light.

 

Chapter 22:6-21 is a reminder to obey GOD, watch and be ready for CHRIST’s return by obeying GOD’s Word “For I testify to everyone who hears the Words of the Prophesy of This Book: If anyone adds to these things GOD will add to him the plagues that are written in This Book. If anyone takes away from the Words of This Book of Prophesy, GOD will take his name from the Book of Life, from The Holy City and from the things that are written in This Book.” JESUS says, “Truly, I Am coming quickly.”