REACTION TO EVIL

“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished!" (Prov. 27:12 NKJV).

This verse shows up twice in the book of Proverbs – once in Prov. 22:3, and here in Prov. 27:12. It is an important verse which contrasts people’s reaction to evil. Our verse speaks of wise people (prudent) and foolish (simple) people.

Wise people - “A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself.” To “foresee” evil requires a knowledge of right and wrong. This knowledge especially comes from the Word of God. The Scriptures will give a person a keen sense of discernment regarding right and wrong. The ability to discern right and wrong is invaluable. Further, the “prudent” protect themselves from evil. Wise people take appropriate action to stay away from evil so as not to be corrupted by evil. Interestingly enough, the word translated “hides” also carries the idea of covering of the eyes. To protect themselves from evil, wise people keep their eyes from beholding evil.

Foolish people - “The simple pass on and are punished.” “Simple” here does not refer to the mentally retarded but those who are careless, thoughtless, and foolish regarding important matters of life. “Simple” people are heedless of any warning of evil. They stick their head in the sands of self-will and mock any opposition to their evil pursuits. Because they pay no attention to the warnings of evil, they are punished for evil. Unrepentant evil results in judgment and the worst punishment from judgment is eternity in hell. Those who have been heedless of the warnings about sin will end up in hell and will be “punished” there for eternity

(Adapted from Butler Daily Bible Reading)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“A right attitude toward others will help keep God’s truth in our head and his love in our heart!”

Anonymous

Word Study

Devoured

In Luke 8:5 we read, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it” (NKJV).

Devoured is the Greek word katesthiō (κατεσθίω = kat-es-thee'-o). It is made up of two words: “kata” which means down, and “esthiō” which means to eat. Thus, the word means consume, devour, and eat up. It is used both literally and figuratively to mean consume, swallow, to devour. In a purely figurative sense it means to destroy.

In classical Greek, katesthiō means to eat, to partake, to take nourishment. In the Septuagint, katesthiō also carries the idea of consume, devour, and destroy. In the New Testament, katesthiō is used much in the same ways as in the Septuagint and classical Greek literature. Thus the prodigal son is denounced by the older brother for “spending” or “squandering” the father’s property. Hence the term means to devour, to consume, to destroy, to spend or to waste.

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Old Testament Prophecy – Messiah will judge with the sword of His mouth (Isa. 11:4)

New Testament Fulfillment – Rev. 2:16; 19:15

Did You Know…

In Luke 1:27, we learn that Mary is betrothed to Joseph. In 1 Cor. 7:36-38, Paul says that it is better to stay betrothed and not get married

Bible Quiz

According to 2 Thessalonians, how will the Lord Jesus be revealed from heaven?

**Answer to last week’s trivia: What does God calls someone who says, “I love God and hates his brother?” A liar (1 John 4:20)

Everyday Expressions Alluded to in the Bible

“He’s asking for it”

“A fool' lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” (Prov. 18:6 NKJV).

“He’s asking for it” - The expression “he asking for it” carries the idea of looking for trouble. A foolish person bring on most of their problems because he cannot or will not control his speech. His words are thoughtless, unwise, and insulting. The foolish person’s words are so out of place that it provoke others to react against them; it invites rebuke, correction and punishment. The foolish person’s words are therefore a source of his own ruin, since what comes out of his own mouth traps and condemns him.

Did You Know – Christian History

Thomas Goodwin was born October 5, 1600 in Rollesby, Norfolk, England. Known as “the Elder,” Goodwin was an English Puritan theologian and preacher, and an important leader of religious Independents. He served as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, and was imposed by Parliament as President of Magdalen College, Oxford in 1650.

Goodwin studied at Cambridge, as well as Christ’s College, graduating with a B.A. in 1616. He seemed destined to become another professional clergyman of the type that is scholastically brilliant but spiritually arid.

For some time Goodwin avoided serious sermons. They made him uneasy. A frivolous companion, hearing a bell toll for a funeral, suggested they attend the service. Goodwin was reluctant, but went. The preacher, Dr. Thomas Bainbridge spoke of Christ weeping over unrepentant Jerusalem. Bainbridge reminded his listeners that “today is the day of salvation.” If we put off repentance, we never know that we will have another opportunity.

Goodwin was so affected by what he had heard that he wrote, “I hope to be the better for this sermon as long as I live.” He fell under deep conviction of sin and confessed his wickedness to Christ, but was unable to find assurance of salvation until he realized that he must not trust his salvation to improvements in himself, but rather fix his eyes on Jesus.

Goodwin became a notable Puritan pastor. Favoring a congregational approach to church organization, he resigned a high position at Cambridge. He was a man who influenced his own generation through his preaching; and future generations through his printed works. In 1658, Goodwin helped draft the Savoy Declaration, a confession of faith for Congregationalism. The declaration consisted of three parts: a preface, a confession of faith, and a platform of discipline.

For some years, he lived in exile in Holland to escape persecution by William Laud. When Charles I was driven from the throne, Goodwin preached to Parliament. After the restoration, he was expelled from the presidency of Magdalen College, Oxford by a hostile monarchy. Goodwin devoted his last years to study and writing; he was the author of five volumes of Works, collected and published posthumously (1681–1704).

Goodwin died February 22, 1680. His last words were: “Ah, is this dying? How I have dreaded as an enemy this smiling friend.

A Little Humor

A young lady visited a computer dating service and requested, “I’m looking for a spouse. Can you please help me to find a suitable one?” The matchmaker said, “What exactly are you looking for?” “Well, let me see - Need to be good looking, polite, humorous, sporty, knowledgeable, and good at singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour if I don’t go out. Be able to tell me interesting stories when I need a companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest.” The matchmaker entered the information into the computer and, in a matter of moments, handed the results to the woman. The results read, “Buy a television.”

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“It is never too early to decide for Christ, but the time will come when it will be too late!”