Desire is not a bad attribute to have, it is actually quite a good thing according to Scripture unless you are lazy or a man of appetites. There is a difference between desire and coveting. Desire is to wish or long for something. Let’s say you wanted to be married, this is not bad, but if you wish to be married to your neighbor’s wife, this is bad. For this would be coveting your neighbor’s wife and this is breaking the tenth commandment. As you can see throughout this study the righteous will have their desires granted, but the lazy man and the wicked man will not. To desire wisdom is a great attribute and God will grant this to you if you desire it above all else. If a man isolates himself, he obviously seeks his own desire and I am sure you know a few people like this. I know that I do. This one if for the ladies, in Proverbs 19:22 it says, that what is desired in a man is kindness. Now as I have gotten older, I can tell you from a man’s point of view, this is exactly what I look for in a woman also. Not if she is only kind to me, but to everyone else also. This is  very attractive in a spouse, to be kind. Well, I hope that you enjoy this study and I hope that the LORD blesses you and gives you the desires of your heart!!!!!

Desire: to wish or long for; want strongly (to desire fame)

Proverbs 18:1

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

Proverbs 8:11

For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things that one may desire cannot be compared to her.

Proverbs 10:24

The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted.

Proverbs 11:23

The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Proverbs 13:12

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

Proverbs 13:19

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

Proverbs 19:22

What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 21:10

The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:20

There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.

Proverbs 21:25

The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.

Proverbs 23:1-3

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.

Proverbs 23:6-7

Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

Proverbs 24: 1

Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them.

Proverbs 3:13-15

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

Proverbs 13:4

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

 

Flattery is an interesting word in our culture. I use to believe that flattery was a good thing until I read it in Scripture and realized that I was confusing flattery with compliments. You see, flattery is obviously a tool used by the Devil to seduce people into traps in order to take advantage of them. Now a compliment is a sincere way to tell someone that there is something special about them or their character. When I thought back about how I use to use flattery I realized that I was doing the Devil’s work. Now that I know the difference I do not use flattery at all anymore. Thank God!!! The last thing that I want to do is the Devil’s bidding. As you can see he uses it to seduce, to work ruin, and to set a trap for someone. Remember if someone is using flattery on you they do not have any good intention toward you, just some selfish motive or intention in their own heart for their own gain. And I hope that if you are using flattery in your life, that you stop doing it yourself, as you can see, God does not have anything good to say on the subject. May God Bless You and I hope that this study has been an eye opener to you in some way.

Flattery: too much praise, or praise that is not really meant.

Proverbs 2:16

To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.

Proverbs 6:24-25

To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.

Proverbs 7:21

With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him.

Proverbs 20:19

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

Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 28:23

He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

Proverbs 29:5

A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

 

 

 

 

Children are truly a gift from God as it says in Psalm 127:3, but many people do not appreciate the gifts that were given to them and actually view them as a burden. I actually had a woman tell me one time that she hated her children and that they ruined her life. How selfish can you be? I believe this woman told me the truth about how she felt about her children at that time in her life. I have lost contact with her, but I hope to God that she does not still feel that way about her children, and if she does, it is not the children’s fault, this is her problem, not theirs. I see so many people in our society today, that try and be friends with their children instead of being parents. A lot of it is due to guilt for their own bad decisions in life and so instead of doing things right they continue to compound their issues with their children, by trying to be their buddies. This works great for kids at first, but when the children have to suffer the consequences of their bad decision making, it just compounds more issues into the family unit. In the last 60 years we have really been lied to by todays leaders. Politicians, Psychology, Doctors, Pharmacists, Lawyers, etc. We have bought the lies that have been coming at us and we are paying the price in our society today. The family unit is falling apart at alarming rates. There are so many divorced parents, children that are being born out of wedlock, to people who have been directly affected by divorce themselves. So they are afraid of the commitment. The last few generations have really screwed it up and it is in our power to reverse the damage. But in order to do that, we have to as a nation, repent of our sins and get right with God and ask with sincere hearts that He repair the damage. For in order to have Holy Matrimony, there has to be God involved, for He is what makes it HOLY!!!

Well, I hope that you get a better understanding of what He expects of you to do, with the gifts that He has given to you. Throughout this study you will see, that discipline is not a bad thing in a child’s life. But it has to be done in such a way, that is appropriate to the offense. You do not discipline your child for expressing their selves, but you discipline them for rebellion. There is a difference. If you child does not do something that you told them to do, you do not use physical discipline. If you child continues to run out in front of moving cars, well, this might be time to give them a spanking. Remember do not give them all you have just because you are mad. It is about teaching them lessons in life, so that they will grow up to make good decisions. I believe that this study will show you a lot of different things that the LORD wants you to know about how to raise your children, such as tell your children about the LORD. Discipline your child when needed. Teach your children the right path to take in life, a path that leads to the LORD. You will see that the LORD made your child exactly how he or she was supposed to be, according to Psalm 139 God has been involved with your child since the very conception in the womb. I hope that this study blesses you and your children, that God teaches you how to be a better parent and that our children are blessed by the LORD!!! May God Bless You!

Psalm 127:3-5

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior’s hands. How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Psalm 78

O my people, listen to my teaching. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past- stories we have heard and know, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did. For he issued his decree to Jacob; he gave his law to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them- even the children not yet born- that they in turn might teach their children. So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors- stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

The warriors of Ephraim, though fully armed, turned their backs and fled when the day of battle came. They did not keep God’s covenant, and they refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done- the wonderful miracles he had shown them, the miracles he did for their ancestors in Egypt, on the plain of Zoan. For he divided the sea before them and led them through! The water stood up like walls beside them! In the daytime he led them by a cloud, and at night by a pillar of fire. He split open the rocks in the wilderness to give them plenty of water, as from a gushing spring. He made streams pour from the rock, making the waters flow down like a river!

Yet they kept on with their sin, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They willfully tested God in their hearts, demanding the foods they craved. They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the desert. Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out but he can’t give his people bread and meat.” When the LORD heard them, he was angry. The fire of his wrath burned against Jacob. Yes, his anger rose against Israel, for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them. But he commanded the skies to open- he opened the doors of heaven- and rained down manna for them to eat. He gave them bread from heaven. They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold. He released the east wind in the heavens and guided the south wind by his mighty power. He rained down meat as thick as dust- birds as plentiful as the sands along the seashore! He caused the birds to fall within their camp and all around their tents. The people ate their fill. He gave them what they wanted. But before they finished eating this food they had craved, while the meat was yet in their mouths, the anger of God rose against them, and he killed their strongest men; he struck down the finest of Israel’s young men. But in spite of this, the people kept on sinning. They refused to believe in his miracles. So he ended their lives in failure and gave them years of terror.

When God killed some of them, the rest finally sought him. They repented and turned to God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, that their redeemer was the Most High. But they followed him only with their words; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant. Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and didn’t destroy them all. Many a time he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury! For he remembered that they were merely mortal, gone in a moment like a breath of wind, never to return.

Oh, how often they rebelled against him in the desert and grieved his heart in the wilderness. Again and again they tested God’s patience and frustrated the Holy One of Israel. They forgot about his power and how he rescued them from their enemies. They forgot his miraculous signs in Egypt, his wonders on the plain of Zoan. For he turned their rivers into blood, so no one could drink from the streams. He sent vast swarms of flies to consume them and hordes of frogs to ruin them. He gave their crops to caterpillars; their harvest was consumed by locusts. He destroyed their grapevines with hail and shattered their sycamores with sleet. He abandoned their cattle to the hail, their livestock to bolts of lightning. He loosed on them his fierce anger- all his fury, rage, and hostility. He dispatched against them; he did not spare the Egyptians’ lives but handed them over to the plague. He killed the oldest son in each Egyptian family, the flower of youth throughout the land of Egypt. But he led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe so they were not afraid; but the sea closed in upon their enemies. He brought them to the border of his holy land, to this land of hills he had won for them. He drove out the nations before them; he gave them their inheritance by lot. He settled the tribes of Israel into their homes.

Yet though he did all this for them, they continued to test his patience. They rebelled against the Most High and refused to follow his decrees. They turned back and were as faithless as their parents had been. They were as useless as a crooked bow. They made God angry by building altars to other gods; they made him jealous with their idols. When God heard them, he was very angry, and he rejected Israel completely. Then he abandoned his dwelling at Shiloh, the Tabernacle where he had lived among the people. He allowed the Ark of his might to be captured; he surrendered his glory into enemy hands. He gave his people over to be butchered by the sword, because he was so angry with his own people- his special possession. Their young men were killed by fire; their young women died before singing their wedding songs. Their priests were slaughtered, and their widows could not mourn their deaths. Then the Lord rose up as though waking from sleep, like a mighty man aroused from a drunken stupor. He routed his enemies and sent them to eternal shame. But he rejected Joseph’s descendants; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim. He chose instead the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved. There he built his towering sanctuary, as solid and enduring as the earth itself. He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants- God’s own people, Israel. He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, “you will live a long life, full of blessing.” And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.

Proverbs 20:11

Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right.

Proverbs 22:6

Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.

Proverbs 22:15

A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.

Proverbs 23:13-14

Don’t fail to correct your children. They won’t die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death.

Proverbs 23:24-25

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children. So give your parents joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

Proverbs 29:15

To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Proverbs 29:17

Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind.

Proverbs 13:22

Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

Proverbs 17:6

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

Psalm 103:17-18

But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

Galatians 4:1-7

Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves great wealth for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set.

And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So banish grief and pain, but remember that youth, with a whole life before it, still faces the threat of meaninglessness.

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and no longer enjoy living.

Genesis 21:8-21

As time went by and Isaac grew and was weaned, Abraham gave a big party to celebrate the happy occasion. But Sarah saw Ishmael- the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar- making fun of Isaac. So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that servant and her son. He is not going to share the family inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!”

This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant wife. Do just as Sarah says, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he also is your son.”

So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food for the journey, and strapped a container of water to Hagar’s shoulders. He sent her away with their son, and she walked out into the wilderness of Beersheba, wandering aimlessly. When the water was gone, she left the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears.

Then God heard the boy’s cries, and the angel of God called to Hagar from the sky, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy’s cries from the place where you laid him. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”

Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well. She immediately filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness of Paran. He became an expert archer, and his mother arranged a marriage for him with a young woman from Egypt.

1 Samuel 1:9-20

Once when they were at Shiloh, Hannah went over to the Tabernacle after supper to pray to the LORD. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. And she made this vow: “O LORD Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.

As she was praying to the LORD, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!”

“Oh no, sir!” she replied, “I’m not drunk! But I am very sad, and I was pouring out my heart to the LORD. Please don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.”

“In that case,” Eli said, “cheer up!” May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.”

“Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the LORD once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the LORD remembered her request, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the LORD for him.”

Malachi 2:15

Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.

Psalm 139:13-16

You made me all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- and how well I know it. You watched me as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Proverb 27:11

My child, how happy I will be if you turn out to be wise! Then I will be able to answer my critics.

Psalm 37:25-26

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.

Psalm 37:28

For the LORD loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will perish.

Matthew 18:1-6

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Jesus called a small child over to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.

Mark 9:33-37

After they arrived in Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples settled in the house where they would be staying. Jesus asked them, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me.”

Mark 10:13-16

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.” Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

Luke 2:22-24

Then it was time for the purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered a sacrifice according to what was required in the law of the Lord- “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Luke 9:46-48

Then there was an argument among them as to which of them would be the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”

Luke 18:15-17

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 13:11

It’s like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

Ephesians 4:14

Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.

1 Samuel 1:21-2:36

The next year Elkanah, Peninnah, and their children went on their annual trip to offer a sacrifice to the LORD. But Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “Wait until the baby is weaned. Then I will take him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the LORD permanently.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Elkanah agreed. “Stay here for now, and may the LORD help you keep your promise.” So she stayed home and nursed the baby.

When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and half a bushel of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they took the child to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the LORD. I asked the LORD to give me a child, and he has given me my request. Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.” And they worshiped the LORD there.

Then Hannah prayed:

“My heart rejoices in the LORD!

Oh, how the LORD has blessed me!

Now I have an answer for my enemies,

as I delight in your deliverance.

No one is holy like the LORD!

There is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

“Stop acting so proud and haughty!

Don’t speak with such arrogance!

The LORD is a God who knows your deeds;

and he will judge you for what you have done.

Those who were mighty are mighty no more;

and those who were weak are now strong.

Those who were well fed are now starving;

and those who were starving are now full.

The barren woman now has seven children;

but the woman with many children will have no more.

The LORD brings both death and life;

he brings some down to the grave but raises others up.

The LORD makes one poor and another rich;

he brings one down and lifts another up.

He lifts the poor from the dust-

yes, from a pile of ashes!

He treats them like princes,

placing them in seats of honor.

“For all the earth is the LORD’s,

and he has set the world in order.

He will protect his godly ones,

but the wicked will perish in darkness.

No one will succeed by strength alone.

Those who fight against the LORD will be broken.

He thunders against them from heaven;

the LORD judges throughout the earth.

He gives mighty strength to his king;

he increases the might of his anointed one.”

Then Elkanah and Hannah returned home to Ramah without Samuel. And the boy became the LORD’s helper, for he assisted Eli the priest.

Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the LORD or for their duties as priests. Whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, Eli’s sons would send over a servant with a three-pronged fork. While the meat of the sacrificed animal was still boiling, the servant would stick the fork into the pot and demand that whatever it brought up be given to Eli’s sons. All the Israelites who came to worship at Shiloh were treated this way. Sometimes the servant would come even before the animal’s fat had been burned on the altar. He would demand raw meat before it had been boiled so that it could be used for roasting.

The man offering the sacrifice might reply, “Take as much as you want, but the fat must first be burned.” Then the servant would demand, “No, give it to me now, or I’ll take it by force.” So the sin of these young men was very serious in the LORD’s sight, for they treated the LORD’s offerings with contempt.

Now Samuel, though only a boy, was the LORD’s helper. He wore a linen tunic just like that of a priest. Each year his mother made a small coat for him and brought it to him when she came with her husband for the sacrifice. Before they returned home, Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the LORD give you other children to take the place of this one she gave to the LORD. And the LORD gave Hannah three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Eli said to them, “I have been hearing reports from the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the LORD’s people are not good. If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the LORD was already planning to put them to death.

Meanwhile, as young Samuel grew taller, he also continued to gain favor with the LORD and with the people.

One day a prophet came to Eli and gave him this message from the LORD: “Didn’t I reveal myself to your ancestors when the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt? I chose your ancestor Aaron from among all his relatives to be my priest, to offer sacrifices on my altar, to burn incense, and to wear the priestly garments as he served me. And I assigned the sacrificial offerings to you priests. So why do you scorn my sacrifices and offerings? Why do you honor your sons more than me – for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of my people!

“Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, says: The terrible things you are doing cannot continue! I had promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi would always be my priests. But I will honor only those who honor me, and I will despise those who despise me. I will put and end to your family, so it will no longer serve as my priests. All the members of your family will die before their time. None will live to a ripe old age. You will watch with envy as I pour out prosperity on the people of Israel. But no members of your family will ever live out their days. Those who are left alive will live in sadness and grief, and their children will die a violent death. And to prove that what I have said will come true, I will cause your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to die on the same day!

“Then I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I tell him to do. I will bless his descendants, and his family will be priests to my anointed kings forever. Then all of your descendants will bow before his descendants, begging for money and food. ‘Please,’ they will say, ‘give us jobs among the priests so we will have enough to eat.”

Side note: Eli’s sons were killed in 1 Samuel 4:11 on the same day.

Proverbs 10:1

A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

Proverbs 10:5

A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame.

 

I do not think that there is a better definition of faith than Hebrews chapter 11. Not only does it describe what faith is, but it gives you countless examples of people’s lives that lived by faith. Some of the things that you will notice if you look these people up in Scripture and read about what the LORD has recorded for us about their lives, you will see that all of these people were not perfect people. Actually a lot of them had multiple issues in their lives, from being murders, prostitutes, deceivers, and of course there were a few that were pretty righteous people in general. Because God calls people from every nation and tribe and He reaches into every kind of lot in life that can be imagined. He calls the poor, the rich, the proud, the humble, the wicked people, the righteous people, and every other class of citizen there is. God is not a respecter of people and He is the only one who truly knows a persons heart, motives, and intentions. I hope that throughout this study that the LORD opens up your faith, for as the Scriptures teach every man has a measure of faith. Some of the things that I noticed when I was doing a word study on faith was that some people had more faith than others. The centurion in Scripture had an amazing faith according to Christ Himself, Christ said that he had not seen such faith in all of Israel. And there were many times in Scripture that Christ rebuked (Corrected), his own disciples about having a lack of faith. Now according to the Word of God (The Holy Bible), it says, that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. This means that if we are listening to what the Spirit is saying when we read the Word of God, we will increase in our faith. The other thing that you will see throughout this study is the fact that people put into action what they believed. These people moved mountains according to Scripture, because they did not bow down to evil. They broke down evil strongholds throughout history. Because of their faith, their families were blessed. They were not intimidated by the evil in their society even if it was coming from the government that was over them. They stood apart in society, full of faith and confidence that God Almighty Himself was with them. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, praise God!!!!! I pray that the LORD blesses you and keeps you, and that He continues to increase your faith in Him and that you do not lose heart when you go through your trials and tribulations. That God continues to purify you and strengthen your faith. May God Bless You!!!!!!!!

Hebrews 11:1-40

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith.

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel’s offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith.

It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying – “suddenly he disappeared because God took him.” But before he was taken up, he was approved as pleasing to God. So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before. By his faith he condemned the rest of the world and was made right in God’s sight.

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith – for he was like a foreigner, living in a tent. And so did Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise. Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.

It was by faith that Sarah together with Abraham was able to have a child, even though they were too old and Sarah was barren. Abraham believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man, Abraham, who was too old to have any children – a nation with so many people that, like the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.

All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promises of God. They agreed that they were no more than foreigners and nomads here on earth. And obviously people who talk like that are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had meant the country they came from, they would have found a way to go back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them.

It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, though God had promised him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham assumed that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And is a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.

It was by faith that Isaac blessed his sons, Jacob and Esau. He had confidence in what God was going to do in the future.

It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.

And it was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, confidently spoke of God’s bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. He was so sure of it all that he commanded them to carry his bones with them when they left!

It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid of what the king might do.

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of the Messiah than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king. Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.

It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians followed, they were all drowned.

It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down.

It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute did not die with all the others in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death.

But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life. Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

All of these people we have mentioned received God’s approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.

James 2:14-26

Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all – it is dead and useless.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.”

Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did – by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.” He was even called “the friend of God.” So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions – when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.

James 2:1-13

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?

For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” – well, doesn’t this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the kingdom of God promised to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.

And the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as the person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” So if you murder someone, you have broken the entire law, even if you do not commit adultery.

So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God’s mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.

James 1:2-4

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

James 1:19-27

My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself. For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law – the law that set you free – and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

Fear is an interesting word in Scripture. It is actually translated two different ways. The first is the way that you see the definition of the word below. The second way that it is translated, is a reverent fear, which means, you respect God’s authority and you do not want to disrespect Him in any way shape or form. Whenever you are reading Scripture you need to look at how you believe the word fear is being used. In Proverbs 1:7 it says, “Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” This is not that you fear the LORD, but that you totally respect and are in awe of the knowledge that He has given to you. Now I tell people that I fear the LORD, because in the Book of Matthew chapter 10 it tells me that God is the only one who can destroy both your soul and body in hell. So believe me I fear him, but in a healthy way. I also fear Him as in, I revere His authority and have come to know Him as my Father in Heaven, I call him daddy and I do not have to fear being punished if I am in His will. He is gracious and merciful and gives me plenty of time to repent of my sins, but if I do not and choose to continue in my sin, He will have to punish me. And believe me, I would rather be punished by God than by man. Because men are not merciful. In this study you will see that the LORD is constantly telling us not to be afraid and only to fear Him.

One thing that I know that the enemy uses constantly in the life of the believer is the tool of fear. He constantly tries to sow doubt into your life so that he can bind you and keep you from doing the LORD’s work. People that run the streets know about this kind of intimidation and the only ones that they typically run from is the authorities. Fear and intimidation is how the enemy continues to bind people into the sex trade (Prostitution, human trafficking, porn, etc.). I can tell you right now that the LORD tells us not to be afraid and to get involved in breaking down these strongholds of evil that continue to break down our society. I hope that the LORD gives you peace and courage, strength when you need it and wisdom to step out in faith when you need too. May God Bless You and I suggest that you read the courage study also.

Fear: n. 1. the feeling one has when danger, pain, or trouble is near; feeling of being worried or excited or of wanting to run and hide.

Matthew 10:16-42    Side note: This was Jesus speaking to his disciples.

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues. And you must stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me – yes, to witness to the world. When you are arrested, don’t worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won’t be you doing the talking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

“Brother will betray brother to death, fathers will betray their own children, and children will rise against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I assure you that I, the Son of Man, will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.

“A student is not greater than the teacher. A servant is not greater than the master.

The student shares the teacher’s fate. The servant shares the master’s fate. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, how much more will it happen to you, the members of the household! But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household! If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.

“Anyone who welcomes you is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me. If you welcome a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will receive the same reward a prophet gets. And if you welcome good and godly people because of their godliness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Matthew 14:25-33

About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.”

“All right, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. “You don’t have much faith.” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

Then the disciples, worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Matthew 28:1-10

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.”

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to find the disciples to give them the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them. “Greetings!” he said. And they ran to him, held his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.

Proverbs 1:7

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls out to the crowds along the main street, and to those in front of city hall. “You simpletons!” she cries. “How long will you go on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools fight the facts? Come here and listen to me! I’ll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.

“I called you so often, but you didn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you – when calamity overcomes you like a storm, when you are engulfed by trouble, and when anguish and distress overwhelm you.

“I will not answer when they cry for help. Even though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen. For they are simpletons who turn away from me – to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them. But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm.”

Proverbs 2:1-8

My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him.

Proverbs 3:7-8

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.

Proverbs 3:21-26

My child, don’t lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Proverbs 8:12-16

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech. Good advice and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just laws. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.

Proverbs 9:10-12

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Proverbs 10:24

The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly.

Proverbs 10:27

Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 14:26

Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.

Proverbs 14:27

Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

Proverbs 15:16

It is better to have little with fear of the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil.

Proverbs 15:33

Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 16:6

Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 19:23

Fear of the LORD gives life, security, and protection from harm.

Proverbs 20:2

The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

Proverbs 22:4

True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Proverbs 23:17-18

Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed.

Proverbs 24:21-22

My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don’t associate with rebels. For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?

Proverbs 29:25

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety.

Romans 3:9-26

Well then, are we Jews better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say,

“No one is good-

not even one.

No one has real understanding;

no one is seeking God.

All have turned away from God;

all have gone wrong.

No one does good.

not even one.”

“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.

Their speech is filled with lies.”

“The poison of a deadly snake drips from their lips.”

“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

“They are quick to commit murder.

Wherever they go, destruction and misery follow them.

They do not know what true peace is.”

“They have no fear of God to restrain them.”

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses and to bring the entire world into judgment before God. For no one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God’s law, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying it.

But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight – not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.

For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus.

Romans 8:12-17

So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family – calling him “Father, dear Father.”

For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we will share his treasures – for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God.

Philippians 2:12-18    Side note: This was Paul speaking to the Philippian church.

Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in our lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you.

And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.

 

I understand that this subject is something that people get throughout their lifetime. The more a person faces their fears, the more courageous they become. Throughout Scripture you see people who do not have any courage, God does not call them cowards, but He also does not call them to the tasks that He calls others too. I believe that these people are fearful and intimidated by the enemy of our souls. The one thing that you will see repeated over and over in Scripture is that we have dominion (Control) over the enemy. Only because of what Jesus did on the cross, and only if you are a child of God. If you are not a child of God, you can still be courageous, but you do not have any say so over the enemy (Satan). I want to share an acronym that the LORD gave me for courage, it is, Count On Understanding Revealed At God’s Event. I hope that the LORD will give you courage and that you will learn to face your fears, so that you can live victoriously in Christ. Joshua 1:9 says “I command you- be strong and courageous!!!” May God Bless You with courage and remember perfect love casts out fear!!! God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)

Courage: n. the quality of being able to control one’s fear and so to face danger, pain, or trouble willingly; bravery.

Numbers 13:17-20

Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the land: “Go northward through the Negev into the hill country. See what the land is like and find out whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? Do their towns have walls or are they unprotected? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there many trees? Enter the land boldly, and bring back samples of the crops you see.” (It happened to be the season for harvesting the first ripe grapes.)

Deuteronomy 31:1-6

When Moses had finished saying these things to all the people of Israel, he said, “I am now 120 years old and am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has told me that I will not cross the Jordan River. But the LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua is your new leader, and he will go with you, just as the LORD promised. The LORD will destroy the nations living in the land, just as he destroyed Sihon and Og, the king of the Amorites. The LORD will hand over to you the people who live there, and you will deal with them as I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all of Israel watched he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the LORD swore to give their ancestors. You are the one who will deliver it to them as their inheritance. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:23

Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun with these words: “Be strong and courageous! You must bring the people of Israel into the land I swore to give them. I will be with you.”

Joshua 1:1-10

After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Now that my servant Moses is dead, you must lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you – from the Negev Desert in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River on the east to the Mediterranean Sea on the west, and all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

            “Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors. Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Satan is the enemy of our souls. His whole intention is to destroy mankind. He is the tempter, the deceiver, the accuser of the brethren. First he tempts you, then he deceives you, then after you fall to the temptation, he accuses you and you get the punishment that he alone deserves. According to Scripture it says that he is here to kill, steal, and destroy. And let’s face it he is good at it. He has the whole world thinking he is some red guy with horns and a pointy tail. Well, as you will see he is nothing like that at all. The one thing that you will notice is that he is not an equal with God. He cannot be in two places at once like God can. And in the Book of Job Satan can do nothing without Gods’ permission. Well, I hope that you learn about your enemy and how he works, so that you will recognize the wiles of the Devil. I tell people when they first come to Christ to read the Book of John so that they know who they are following (Jesus), then study their enemy (Satan) so that they recognize his tactics. The two ways that we see Satan in Scripture attacking his victims is either subtly or a blatant attack, going after them with all he has. The subtle one is the one that most people either never see coming or by the time they see it, it is too late. They usually suffer the circumstances of the attack. As Scripture says, be gentle as a dove, but wise as a serpent. What this means, is that, you need to be gentle and godly, but be wise as the serpent your enemy. He is after your soul, and since he cannot get that, after you become a child of God. He tries everything he can to shut your mouth for Christ, this is where the subtle attacks come. The guy at church that makes you mad and then you quit going to church. Remember, Jesus said follow me, not any man. Just because you are at church, does not make it a safe place from the enemy. This is the best place for him to attack you when you new in the faith. He is going to do everything he can to separate you from God and make your life difficult here on earth, if he cannot steal your soul. But if you really want victory here and store your treasures in heaven then don’t give up the fight. May God Bless You and don’t lose heart, if God is with you, who can be against you!!!

The Fall of Satan from heaven and his fate

Isaiah 14:12-17

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘ I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” But instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. Everyone there will stare at you and ask, ‘Can this be the one who shook the earth and the kingdoms of the world? Is this the one who destroyed the world and made it into a wilderness? Is this the king who demolished the world’s greatest cities and had no mercy on his prisoners?”

Ezekiel 28:12-19

“ Son of man, weep for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: You were the perfection of wisdom and beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone- red carnelian, chrysolite, white moonstone, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emeral- all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire. “ You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. Your great wealth filled you with violence, and you sinned. So I banished you from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire from within you, and it consumed you. I let it burn you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you are no more.”

Luke 10:17-20

When the seventy- two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “ Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “ I saw Satan falling from heaven as a flash of lighting! And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice just because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven.

2 Peter 3:3-10

First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument: “ Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created.”

They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth up from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the world with a mighty flood. And God has also commanded that the heavens and the earth will be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, when ungodly people will perish. But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectantly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and everything in them will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment.

Revelation 20:10-15

Then the Devil, who betrayed them, was thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done. The sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the grave gave up the dead in them. They were all judged according to their deeds. And death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death- the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Commentary: Now that we have seen the fate of Satan and his dominion, let’s analyze who he is and how he works here on this earth. We have seen his eternal fate from the beginning to the end. But let’s look at how the Bible describes this individual that has deceived the world into believing he is not real or is a little red guy with horns and a tail. As you can see from the verses above that this is a lie. He is described as being perfect in beauty and wisdom. So beautiful, that it filled his heart full of pride. He corrupted his wisdom for the sake of his splendor. He was perfect until evil was found in him. That tells me that he is nothing like what he has the world believing he is. That is the reason why in the next section of this study you will see how the Bible describes this individual. For if we know our enemy and how he works, then with the power of God we can have spiritual success in the defeat of this individual in our lives here on earth. For we know that he has already been defeated when Jesus was crucified on the Cross ( Colossians 2:14-15 ). These are the verses: (He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ.)

One thing that I want to make perfectly clear to all that read this study, is that, Satan is real and he is absolutely no match for us. He has been given certain powers by God and could completely annihilate us with a wink of his eye. We are no match for him, but if you are a child of God, he is no match for our Father which is in Heaven. For the Bible says in 1 John 4:4 that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. This is describing God and Satan. God being the greater of the two. For in 2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is described as the god of this world. What this means, is that he is the god of this world system that is established through his wickedness, such as greed, lust, pride, sexual immorality, hate, and etc.

The names and titles of Satan

1. Devil (Mt. 4:1-11; Eph. 6:11)
2. Adversary (1 Tim. 5:14)
3. Satan (Rev. 12:9; Lk. 10:18; 11:18)
4. Belial (2 Cor. 6:15; Dt. 13:13)
5. Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14)
6. Dragon (Rev. 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 20:2)
7. Serpent (Rev. 12:9; 2 Cor. 11:3; Gen. 3:1-14)
8. Enemy (Mt. 13:39; Lk. 10:19)
9. Tempter (Mt. 4:3; 1 Th. 3:5)
10. Wicked one (Mt. 13:19; 1 Jn. 5:18)
11. Beelzebub (Mt. 10:25; 12:24)
12. The god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4)
13. Prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3; 5:12)
14. Accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10)
15. Prince of this world (Jn.12:31)
16. The anointed cherub (Ez. 28:11-17)
17. Angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)
18. Prince of devils (Mt. 12:24)
19. King over all the children of pride (Job 41:34)
20. The thief (Jn. 10:10)
21. Leviathan (Job 41:1; Isa. 27:1)

As you can see He has many names and titles in Scripture and the Bible describes him perfectly. I am only going to use a few of these verses to show you how he works and his mission here on earth towards mankind. I am also going to use other verses where he is described to us by Jesus and his disciples.

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led out of the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the Devil. For forty nights he ate nothing and became very hungry. Then the Devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him. “No! The Scriptures say, People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.” Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He orders his angels to protect you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, Do not test the Lord your God.” Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “If you will only kneel down and worship me.” Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him.” Then the Devil went away, and angels came and cared for Jesus.

Commentary: In these verses you can clearly see that the Devil is the tempter, that he works on our fleshly senses, such as the hunger that Jesus felt. He also knew that Jesus was here to destroy him, so he tempted him with the opportunity to gain control of the world by bowing down and worshiping him, but we all know that Satan is the Father of lies, so that was obviously a set up, but he did bring a point up that we shouldn’t ignore. He said that he had control to give whatever he wanted to whoever he chose to. That is the things of this world which have no eternal value whatsoever. He always tries to get people to look at the short and easy ways to accomplish their goals, no matter what the consequences. For his whole purpose is to kill, steal and destroy. He is the Father of lies and the deceiver, the tempter and the accuser of the brethren. So don’t fall for his traps, continue to study your enemy and the way he works and then you will recognize his ways when they are in front of you. Remember he is a god of confusion, and that everything he does has evil intentions behind it. This next section that you are about to read is a little insight into who the evil one is and how he works.

Ephesians 6:11

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.

1Timothy 5:14-15

Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some have already turned aside after Satan.

Revelation 12:9

This great dragon– the ancient serpent called the Devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world– was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

Luke 10:17-19      Side note: This was Jesus speaking to his disciples.

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan falling from heaven as a flash of lightning! And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”

Luke 11:14-26

One day Jesus cast a demon out of a man who couldn’t speak, and the man’s voice returned to him. The crowd was amazed, but some said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons!” Trying to test Jesus, others asked for a miraculous sign from heaven to see if he was from God.

He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed. A divided home is also doomed. You say I am empowered by the prince of demons. But if Satan is fighting against himself by empowering me to cast out his demons, how can his kingdom survive? And if I am empowered by the prince of demons, what about your own followers? They cast out demons, too, so they will judge you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For when Satan, who is completely armed, guards his palace, it is safe- until someone who is stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.

“Anyone who isn’t helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, “I will return to the person I came from.” So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and clean. Then the spirit finds seven other more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

Deuteronomy 3:13

Sons of Belial have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods”- which you have not known

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said; “I will dwell in them, And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore, “Come out from among them, And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”

Revelation 12:3-17

Suddenly, I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail dragged down one-third of the stars, which he threw to the earth. He stood before the woman as she was about to give birth to a boy who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And the child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to give her care for 1,260 days.

Then there was war in heaven. Michael and the angels under his command fought the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle and was forced out of heaven. This great dragon- the ancient serpent called the Devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world- was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,

“It has happened at last- the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ! For the Accuser has been thrown down to earth- the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night. And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die. Rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea. For the Devil has come down to you in great anger, and he knows that he has little time.”

And when the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the child. But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle. This allowed her to fly to a place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.

Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from its mouth. But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon. Then the dragon became angry at the woman, and he declared war against the rest of her children- all who keep God’s commandments and confess that they belong to Jesus.

This study is pretty plain and I imagine that if you are reading this one you have either committed adultery, thought about it, or been a victim of it. This subject is huge in our society today. It is the leading cause of divorce and just recently we see that there was a hacker that went onto a website and exposed over 37 million people who signed up on a website to commit adultery. This is a real shame to our society and people are doing it without even thinking about the consequences of their sin. People today honestly think that they are not going to get caught and if they do, it is not that big of a deal. They do not think about how their sin affects a least 4 to 5 people in the least. If it is two married people committing adultery with each other and each of them has 3 children, then we have two spouses that it hurts and six children. Plus all the other relatives and friends that get affected. I hope that the LORD gives you wisdom and understanding about this subject and convicts your heart if you are committing this sin right now. And if you are a victim of adultery, remember God blesses right decision making. You are not accountable for your spouses bad decisions and do not believe the lies that they try and condemn you with! They are guilty of making the wrong decisions and now they are trying to justify their sins. May God Bless You and give you a heart to be loyal and faithful in this perverted society that we live in!!!

Matthew 5:27-30          Side Note: This was Jesus speaking.

“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye – even if it your good eye – causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand – even if it is your stronger hand – causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Commentary: Jesus was speaking about the act of adultery. That it is a matter of the heart, more than just the sexual physical act. Jesus was explaining that you need to do whatever it takes to keep your body into subjection with your heart. He does not actually expect you to literally cut off body parts, but is explaining that if you have an issue with lets say pornography and you use a computer to watch it, then maybe you should get rid of your computer or cut off the internet, for example.

Matthew 5:31-32          Side Note: This was Jesus speaking.

“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a letter of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Commentary: Jesus was addressing His view on adultery. He was basically saying, that if a man divorces his wife, without the wife being unfaithful, that the man causes his wife to commit adultery. This also teaches that if the spouse has been unfaithful that the other spouse has the right for divorce, they also have the right for reconciliation unless the other person gets married again. And anyone who marries that woman is committing adultery. Once the act of adultery has been committed, the marriage covenant has been broken. The LORD can repair this relationship, but it takes a real commitment from the married couple. Forgiveness and repentance is crucial in order to repair the relationship.

Job 24:15

The adulterer waits for the twilight, for he says, ‘No one will see me then.’ He masks his face so no one will know him.

Commentary: Men try to hide their sins from the LORD, but the LORD sees all that a man does or even thinks, God knows his motives and his intentions. God sees all that a man does and the man who tempts the LORD is an utter fool, for God might give grace at first, then maybe even mercy, but then comes judgment.

Proverbs 2:14-16

To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words, Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. For her house leads down to death, And her paths to the dead; None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life. (NKJV)

Commentary: The seductress or seducter flatters with their words, they forsake their companion of their youth and forget about their marriage covenant that they did before God Himself. These people are flighty and have a hard time committing to anyone, for they are always looking to their future and are only loyal to themselves. In Scripture it is taught that they have the Spirit of Whoredom, which means they continuously chase their lovers, and use their other lovers provisions to do the chasing. I would suggest to read the book of Hosea in the Bible and learn how Hosea had to deal with Gomer his adulteress wife. This book is a good look at the heartache that adultery causes in the family unit and shows us how loyal God is to us who have committed this sin, to help through our issues in life. That we can repent and God can change us.

Proverbs 6:24-26

To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. (NKJV)

Commentary: This verse proves that the adulterer is a hunter searching for its prey, the victim of its lusts. They are cold and calculated, their motives and intentions are hidden from its prey until its very life is taken.

Proverbs 7:4-27

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words. For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding, Passing along the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house In the twilight, in the evening, In the black and dark night. And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him: “I have peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you, Diligently to seek your face, And I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day.” With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life. Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death. (NKJV)

Commentary: In this illustration we see that the seductress is looking for a victim, someone who is simple minded lacking understanding. She flatters and entices with her speech, causing him to yield to the temptation. But as we can tell it costs him his life. The warning is not to even go near her paths!!!

Proverbs 30:20

This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wickedness.” (NKJV)

Commentary: The adulterous is callous and tries to justify their sin in their own mind as if they have done nothing wrong. Scripture teaches us that sin causes the conscience to become more and more damaged the more that we sin. In the King James Version it actually says that the conscience becomes seared shut. Which means that it is burned and scarred.

Proverbs 22:14

The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there. (NKJV)

Commentary: This verse really explains what every man needs to know. That if you are not pleasing the LORD that you can fall into this pit. For the verse states that whoever is not pleasing to the LORD, will fall into this pit. Let me repeat this again, if you are not pleasing the LORD you have the potential to fall into this pit, to fall for the seductress. But also remember if you are pleasing the LORD, that He protects you from falling into this pit. This is real assuring to me, for I myself have fallen into this pit prior to becoming a Christian and it did cost me everything that I had, just as the Scriptures teach.

Proverbs 6:32-35

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, And his reproach will not be wiped away. For jealousy is a husband’s fury; Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will accept no recompense, Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. (NKJV)

Commentary: These verses speak for themselves, there are prices to pay for our sin!!!

Understanding is something that we all desire. According to Scripture, it says, that there is two different kinds of understanding. Things of this earth and spiritual understanding. Now someone who is not born again and does not have the Holy Spirit giving them understanding will not understand spiritual things. We see that understanding comes when we tune our ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. This could be applied in either worldly wisdom or spiritual understanding. Remember there are two different subjects being spoken of here. We are going to focus on the spiritual understanding. In spiritual understanding you are going to grow with the knowledge of God. In Isaiah chapter 6 it says that we will not understand if we harden our hearts against God. It says that you will see with your own eyes but not understand. Now the book of Proverbs was written to help people understand how this world works and to testify of the truths of God. If you study the book of Proverbs it will help you relate to people and identify who the wicked, the fool, the wise and every other type of people that are out there among us. It will specifically tell you how to deal with them and this is the reason that a lot of Bible scholars call it the Book of Wisdom. If you cry out for insight and understanding then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD and He will give you understanding. It says that understanding will keep you safe. In Proverbs 3:5 it says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” If we do this we will truly be understanding things in the spiritual realm.

We have taken paths that do not benefit us and usually are very devastating to us in one way or another. Whenever I do not understand something nowadays I cry out to the LORD for understanding. He is the one that grants the understanding and peace through the circumstance. Even if I do not completely understand it at the time, I trust in the LORD and try my hardest not to lean on my own understanding. Usually what happens is in God’s timing something else happens that gives me understanding. According to Scripture is says that we can gain understanding and some people lack understanding, it also says that understanding is given by wisdom and I hope that you will notice the difference between the two. Wisdom is applying the knowledge to do the right thing and understanding is seeing the benefit of it. May God Bless You and I hope that the LORD blesses you with His understanding!!!

Understand: v. 1. to get the meaning of; know what is meant by something or someone [ Do you understand my question?] 2. to get an idea or notion from what is heard, known, etc. [I understand that you like to fish.] 6. to know the feelings of and have sympathy toward [She felt like no one understood her.]

Understanding: n. 1. the fact of knowing what is meant; knowledge [ A full understanding of the subject.] 2. the ability to think, learn, judge, etc.; intelligence [a person of keen understanding].

Ephesians 1:8

He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:16-17

I have never stopped thanking God for you, I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

Ephesians 1:18

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.

Ephesians 1:19-20

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and who seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

John 3:31-36     Side Note: This was John the Baptist speaking about Jesus.

“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of the earth, but he has come from heaven. He tells what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Those who believe him discover that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God’s Spirit is upon him without measure or limit. And all who believe in God’s Son have eternal life. Those who don’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them.”

Ecclesiastes 7:13

Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?

Isaiah 6:9-10   Side Note: Isaiah was sent to the nation of Israel, which had hardened their hearts against God, and God made it clear that they wouldn’t repent as a nation, but God obviously knew that some would repent. (Isaiah 6:13)

And he said, “Yes, go. But tell my people this: ‘You will hear my words, but you will not understand. You will see what I do, but you will not perceive its meaning.’ Harden the hearts of these people. Close their ears, and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn to me for healing.”

Proverbs 1:2-7

The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.

Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 2:1-11

My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him.

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 3:1-8

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.

Proverbs 3:13-15

Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 3:19-20

By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain.

Proverbs 4:1-9

My child, listen to me. Listen to your father’s instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my teaching. For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child.

My father told me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don’t forget or turn away from my words. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.

Proverbs 6:32

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul

Proverbs 7:4-27

Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. Let them hold you back from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of an adulterous woman.

I was looking out the window of my house one day and saw a simpleminded young man who lacked common sense. He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman. He was strolling down the path by her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. The woman approached him, dressed seductively and sly of heart. She was the brash, rebellious type who never stays at home. She is often seen in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.

She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, “I’ve offered my sacrifices and just finished my vows. It’s you I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! My bed is spread with colored sheets of finest linen imported from Egypt. I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses, for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him, and he won’t return until later in the month.”

So she seduced him with her pretty speech. With her flattery she enticed him. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

Listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; numerous men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.

Proverbs 8:1-21

Listen as wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! She stands on the hilltop and at the crossroads. At the entrance to the city, at the city gates, she cries aloud, “I call to you, to all of you! I am raising my voice to all people. How naïve you are! Let me give you common sense. O foolish ones, let me give you understanding. Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.

            “Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it.

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech. Good advice and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just laws. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.

“I love all who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me. Unending riches, honor, wealth, and justice are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries.

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her spacious house with seven pillars. She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. “Come home with me,” she urges the simple. To those without good judgment, she says, “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your foolish ways behind, and begin to live; learn how to be wise.” Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Proverbs 10:13

Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but fools will be punished with a rod.

Proverbs 10:23

To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Proverbs 11:12

It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.

Proverbs 13:15

Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.

Proverbs 14:6

A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

Proverbs 14:29

Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.

Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

Proverbs 15:14

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

Proverbs 15:21

Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

Proverbs 15:32

If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Proverbs 16:16

How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!

Proverbs 16:21

The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it’s well presented.

Proverbs 17:10

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

Proverbs 17:18

A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.

Proverbs 17:27

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 17:28

Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 18:2

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

Proverbs 19:8

To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 19:25

Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

Proverbs 20:5

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

Proverbs 20:24

How can we understand the road we travel? It is the LORD who directs our steps.

Proverbs 21:30

There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Proverbs 24:3

Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established.

Proverbs 24:30-34

I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well. I looked on it and received instruction; A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

Proverbs 28:11

The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

Proverbs 28:16

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

Isaiah 1:2-3

Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! This is what the LORD says: “The children I raised and cared for have turned against me. Even the animals – the donkey and the ox – know their owner and appreciate his care, but not my people Israel. No matter what I do for them, they still do not understand.

Exodus 31:1-5

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

Deuteronomy 4:1-14

“AND NOW, O Israel, give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, gives you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it; that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor; for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all the men who followed the Baal or Peor; but you who held fast to the LORD your God are all alive this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land which you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day?

“Only take heed, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children – how on the day that you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, sot that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’ And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and gloom. Then the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but saw no form; there was only a voice. And he declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, that is, the ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that you might do them in the land which you are going over to possess.

1 Samuel 25:1-38

Now Samuel died, and all Israel gathered for his funeral. They buried him near his home at Ramah. Then David moved down to the wilderness of Maon. There was a wealthy man from Maon who owned property near the village of Carmel. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats, and it was sheep-shearing time. This man’s name was Nabal, and his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beautiful woman. But Nabal, a descendant of Caleb, was mean and dishonest in all his dealings.

When David heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep, he sent ten of his young men to Carmel. He told them to deliver this message: “Peace and prosperity to you, your family, and everything you own! I am told that you are shearing your sheep and goats. While your shepherds stayed among us near Carmel, we never harmed them, and nothing was ever stolen from them. Ask your own servants, and they will tell you this is true. So would you please be kind to us, since we have come at a time of celebration? Please give us any provisions you might have on hand.” David’s young men gave this message to Nabal and waited for his reply.

“Who is this fellow David?” Nabal sneered. “Who does this son of Jesse think he is? There are lots of servants these days who run away from their masters. Should I take my bread and water and the meat I’ve slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?” So David’s messengers returned and told him what Nabal had said.

“Get your swords!” was David’s reply as he strapped on his own. Four hundred men started off with David, and two hundred remained behind to guard their equipment.

Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and told her, “David sent men from the wilderness to talk to our master, and he insulted them. But David’s men were very good to us, and we never suffered any harm from them. Nothing was stolen from us the whole time they were with us. In fact, day night they were like a wall of protection to us and the sheep. You’d better think fast, for there is going to be trouble for our master and his whole family. He’s so ill-tempered that no one can even talk to him!”

Abigail lost no time. She quickly gathered two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, nearly a bushel of roasted grain, one hundred raisin cakes, and two hundred fig cakes. She packed them on donkeys and said to her servants, “Go on ahead. I will follow you shortly.” But she didn’t tell her husband what she was doing.

As she was riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming toward her. David had just been saying, “A lot of good it did to help this fellow. We protected his flocks in the wilderness, and nothing he owned was lost or stolen. But he has repaid me evil for good. May God deal with me severely if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning!”

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the messengers you sent.

“Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies be as cursed as Nabal is. And here is a present I have brought to you and your young men. Please forgive me if I have offended in any way. The LORD will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the LORD’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.

“Even when you are chased by those who seek your life, you are safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! When the LORD has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel, don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then you won’t have to carry on your conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the LORD has done these great things for you, please remember me!”

David replied to Abigail, “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murdering the man and carrying out vengeance with my own hands. For I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, who has kept me from hurting you, that if you had not hurried out to meet me, not one of Nabal’s men would be alive tomorrow morning.” Then David accepted her gifts and told her, “Return home in peace. We will not kill your husband.”

When Abigail arrived home, she found that Nabal had thrown a big party and was celebrating like a king. He was very drunk, so she didn’t tell him anything about her meeting with David until the next morning. The next morning when he was sober, she told him what had happened. As a result he had a stroke, and he lay on his bed paralyzed. About ten days later, the LORD struck him and he died.

1 Kings 3:1-28

Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and married one of his daughters. He brought her to live in the City of David until he could finish building his palace and the Temple of the LORD and the wall around the city. At that time the people of Israel sacrificed their offerings at local altars, for a temple honoring the name of the LORD had not yet been built.

Solomon loved the LORD and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local altars. The most important of these altars was at Gibeon, so the king went there and sacrificed one thousand burnt offerings. That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Solomon replied, “You were wonderfully kind to my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued this great kindness to him today by giving him a son to succeed him. O LORD my God, now you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am among your own chosen people, a nation so great they are too numerous to count! Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great nation of yours?”

The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s reply and was glad that he had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people and have not asked for a long life or riches for yourself or the death of your enemies – I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding mind such as no one else has ever had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for – riches and honor! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the Lord’s covenant, where he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet.

Some time later, two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. “Please, my lord,” one of them began, “this woman and I live in the same house, I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house. Three days later, she also had a baby. We were alone; there were only two of us in the house. But her baby died during the night when she rolled over on it. Then she got up in the night and took my son from beside me while I was asleep. She laid her dead child in my arms and took mine to sleep beside her. And in the morning when I tried to nurse my son, he was dead! But when I looked more closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t my son at all.”

Then the other woman interrupted, “It certainly was your son, and the living child is mine.”

“No,” the first woman said, “the dead one is yours, and the living one is mine.” And so they argued back and forth before the king.

Then the king said, “Let’s get the facts straight. Both of you claim the living child is yours, and each says that the dead child belongs to the other. All right, bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought to the king. Then he said, “Cut the living child in two and give half to each of these women!”

Then the woman who really was the mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, “Oh no, my lord! Give her the child – please do not kill him!

But the other woman said, “All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us!”

Then the king said, “Do not kill him, but give the baby to the woman who wants him to live, for she is the mother!”

Word of the king’s decision spread quickly throughout all Israel, and the people were awed as they realized the great wisdom God had given him to render decisions with justice.

1 Kings 4:29-34

God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge too vast to be measured. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman, Calcol, and Darda – the sons of Mahol. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.

1 Chronicles 12:32

Of Issachar, two hundred of their leaders who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel should do, and under whose command were all their fellow tribesmen;

1 Chronicles 22:11-13

“Now, my son, may the LORD be with you and give you success as you follow his instructions in building the Temple of the LORD your God. And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel. For if you carefully obey the laws and regulations that the LORD gave to Israel through Moses, you will be successful. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!

2 Chronicles 26:3-5

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

 Job 12:13-25

“But true wisdom and power are with God; counsel and understanding are his. What he destroys cannot be rebuilt. When he closes in on someone, there is no escape. If he holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert. If he releases the waters, they flood the earth.

“Yes, strength and wisdom are with him; deceivers and deceived are both in his power. He leads counselors away stripped of good judgment; he drive judges to madness. He removes the royal robes of kings. With ropes around their waist, they are led away. He leads priests away stripped of status; he overthrows the mighty. He silences the trusted adviser, and he removes the insight of the elders. He pours disgrace upon princes and confiscates weapons from the strong.

“He floods the darkness with light; he brings light to the deepest gloom. He raises up nations, and he destroys them. He makes nations expand, and he abandons them. He takes away the understanding of kings, and he leaves them wandering in a waste-land without a path. They grope in the darkness without a light. He makes them stagger like drunkards.

Job 17:4       Side note: This was Job speaking to God.

You have closed their minds to understanding, but do not let them triumph.

Job 28:1-28

“People know how to mine silver and refine gold. They know how to dig iron from the earth and smelt copper from stone. They know how to put light into darkness and explore the farthest, darkest regions of the earth as they search for ore. They sink a mine shaft into the earth far from where anyone lives. They descend on ropes, swinging back and forth. Bread comes from the earth, but below the surface the earth is melted as by fire.

“People know how to find sapphires and gold dust – treasures that no bird of prey can see, no falcon’s eye observe – for they are deep within the mines. No wild animal has ever walked upon those treasures; no lion has set his paw there. People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures.

“But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. ‘It is not here,’ says the ocean. ‘Nor is it here,’ says the sea.

“It cannot be bought for gold or silver. Its value is greater than all the gold of Ophir, greater than precious onyx stone or sapphires. Wisdom is far more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Coral and valuable rock crystal are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above pearls. Topaz from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it. Its value is greater than the purest gold.

“But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? For it is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. But Destruction and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of where wisdom can be found.’

“God surely knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth, under all the heavens. He made the winds blow and determined how much rain should fall. He made the laws of the rain and prepared a path for the lightning. Then, when he had done all this, he saw wisdom and measured it. He established it and examined it thoroughly. And this is what he says to all humanity: “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”

Job 32:6-22

Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back and did not dare to tell you what I think. I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ Surely it is God’s Spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. But sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. So listen to me and let me express my opinion.

“I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words. I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments. And don’t tell me, ‘He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.’ If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with that kind of logic! You sit there baffled, with no further response. Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind. I surely will. For I am pent up and full of words, and the spirit within me urges me on. I am like a wine cask without a vent. My words are ready to burst out! I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers. I won’t play favorites or try to flatter anyone. And if I tried, my Creator would soon do away with me.

Job 34:16-30

“Listen now and try to understand. Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty judge? For he says to kings and nobles, ‘You are wicked and unjust.’ He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he doesn’t pay any more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all. In a moment they die. At midnight they all pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

“For God carefully watches the way people live; he sees everything they do. No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes. For it is not up to mortals to decide when to come before God in judgment. He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone, and he sets up others in their places. He watches what they do, and in the night he overturns them, destroying them. He openly strikes them down for their wickedness. For they turned aside from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways. So they cause the poor to cry out, catching God’s attention. Yes, he hears the cries of the needy. When he is quiet, who can make trouble? But when he hides his face, who can find him? He prevents the godless from ruling so they cannot be a snare to the people.

Job 38:34-38

“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, That an abundance of water may cover you? Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, And say to you, ‘Here we are!’? Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart? Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven, When the dust hardens in clumps, And the clods cling together?

Job 39:13-18

“The ostrich flaps her wings grandly, but they are no match for the feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on top of the earth, letting them be warmed in the dust. She doesn’t worry that a foot might crush them or that wild animals might destroy them. She is harsh toward her young, as if they were not her own. She is unconcerned though they die, for God has deprived her of wisdom. He has give her no understanding. But whenever she jumps up to run, she passes the swiftest horse with its rider.

Psalms 32:9

Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you.

Psalm 49:1-20

HEAR THIS, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together! My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, men who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom himself, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of his life is costly, and can never suffice, that he should continue to live on for ever, and never see the Pit.

Yea, he shall see that even the wise die, the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes for ever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own. Man cannot abide in his pomp, he is like the beasts that perish.

This is the fate of those who have foolish confidence, the of those who are pleased with their portion. Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; straight to the grave they descend, and their form shall waste away; Sheol shall be their home. But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.

Be not afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. Though, while he lives, he counts himself happy, and though a man gets praise when he does well for himself, he will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never more see the light. Man cannot abide in his pomp, he is like the beasts that perish.

Psalms 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Psalms 119:33-39

Teach me, O LORD, to follow every one of your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, which is for those who honor you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; your laws are all I want in life.

Psalms 119:73

Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

Psalms 119:99-100

I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.

Psalms 119:104

Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.

Psalms 119:125

I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies

Psalms 119:130

The entrance of Your words gives light: It gives understanding to the simple.

Psalms 119:144

The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live.

Psalms 147:5

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

Ecclesiastes 9:10-12

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

I returned and saw under the sun that –

The race is not to the swift,

Nor the battle to the strong,

Nor bread to the wise,

Nor riches to men of understanding,

Nor favor to men of skill;

But time and chance happen to them all.

For man also does not know his time;

Like fish taken in a cruel net,

Like birds caught in a snare,

So the sons of men are snared in an evil time,

When it falls suddenly upon them.

Isaiah 29:9-16

Are you amazed and incredulous? Do you not believe it? Then go ahead and be blind if you must. You are stupid, but not from wine! You stagger, but not from beer! For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has closed the eyes of your prophets and visionaries. All these future events are a sealed book to them. When you give it to those who can read, they will say, “We can’t read it because it is sealed.” When you give it to those who cannot read, they will say, “Sorry, we don’t know how to read.”

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote. Because of this, I will do wonders among these hypocrites. I will show that human wisdom is foolish and even the most brilliant people lack understanding.”

Destruction is certain for those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who try to keep him in the dark concerning what they do! “The LORD can’t see us,” you say to yourselves. “He doesn’t know what is going on!” How stupid can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you. You are only the jars he makes! Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, “He didn’t make us”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”?

Isaiah 40:12-31

Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed out the mountains and the hills? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to be his teacher or counselor? Has the LORD ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good or what is best? No, for all the nations of the world are nothing in comparison with him. They are but a drop in the bucket, dust on the scales. He picks up the islands as though they had no weight at all. All Lebanon’s forests do not contain sufficient fuel to consume a sacrifice large enough to honor him. All Lebanon’s sacrificial animals would not make an offering worthy of our God. The nations of the world are as nothing to him. In his eyes they are less than nothing – mere emptiness and froth.

To whom, then, can we compare God? What image might we find to resemble him? Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains? Or is a poor person’s wooden idol better? Can God be compared to an idol that must be placed on a stand so it won’t fall down?

Have you never heard or understood? Are you deaf to the words of God – the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant? It is God who sits above the circle of the earth. The people below must seem to him like grasshoppers! He is the one who spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them. He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and their work withers. The wind carries them off like straw.

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out one after another, calling each by its name. And he counts them to see that none are lost or have strayed away.

O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 43:9-21

Gather the nations together! Which of all their idols ever has foretold such things? Which can predict a single day ahead? Where are the witnesses of anything they said? If there are no witnesses, then they must confess that only God can prophesy.

But I have witnesses, O Israel, says the Lord! You are my witnesses and my servants, chosen to know and to believe me and to understand that I alone am God. There is no other God; there never was and never will be. I am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. Whenever you have thrown away your idols. I have shown you my power. With one word I have saved you. You have seen me do it; you are my witnesses that it is true. From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do.

The Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says:

For your sakes I will send an invading army against Babylon, that will walk in almost unscathed. The boasts of the Babylonians will turn to cries of fear. I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. I am the Lord, who opens a way through the waters, making a path right through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses, to lie beneath the waves, dead, their lives snuffed out like candlewicks.

But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I’m going to do! For I’m going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert! The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and ostriches too, for giving them water in the wilderness, yes, springs in the desert, so that my people, my chosen ones, can be refreshed. I have made Israel for myself, and these my people will some day honor me before the world.

Isaiah 44:9-19

What fools they are who manufacture idols for their gods. Their hopes remain unanswered. They themselves are witnesses that this is so, for their idols neither see nor know. No wonder those who worship them are so ashamed. Who but a fool would make his own god – an idol that can help him not one whit! All that worship these will stand before the Lord in shame, along with all these carpenters – mere men – who claim that they have made a god. Together they will stand in terror. The metalsmith stands at his forge to make an axe, pounding on it with all his might. He grows hungry and thirsty, weak and faint. Then the woodcarver takes the axe and uses it to make an idol. He measures and marks out a block of wood and carves the figure of a man. Now he has a wonderful idol that can’t so much as move from where it is placed. He cuts down cedars, he selects the cypress and the oak, he plants the ash in the forest to be nourished by the rain. And after his care, he uses part of the wood to make a fire to warm himself and bake his bread, and then – he really does – he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god – a god for men to worship! An idol to fall down before and praise! Part of the tree he burns to roast his meat and to keep him warm and fed and well content, and with what’s left he makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down before it and worships it and prays to it. “Deliver me,” he says. “You are my god!”

Such stupidity and ignorance! God has shut their eyes so that they cannot see, and closed their minds from understanding. The man never stops to think or figure out, “Why, it’s just a block of wood! I’ve burned it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I fall down before a chunk of wood?”

Jeremiah 3:14-18

“Return home, you wayward children,” says the LORD, “for I am your husband. I will bring you again to the land of Israel – one from here and two from there, from wherever you are scattered. And I will give you leaders after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

“And when your land is once more filled with people,” says the LORD, “you will no longer wish for ‘the good old days’ when you possessed the Ark of the LORD’s covenant. Those days will not be missed or even thought about, and there will be no need to rebuild the Ark. In that day Jerusalem will be known as The Throne of the LORD. All nations will come there to honor the LORD. They will no longer stubbornly follow their own evil desires. In those days the people of Judah and Israel will return together from exile in the north. They will return to the land I gave their ancestors as an inheritance forever.

Jeremiah 4:22

“My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the LORD. “They are senseless children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no talent at all for doing right!”

Jeremiah 5:18-31

“Nevertheless in those days,” says the LORD, “I will not make a complete end of you. And it will be when you say, ‘Why does the LORD our God do all these things to us?’ the you shall answer them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve aliens in a land that is not yours.’

“Declare this in the house of Jacob

And proclaim it in Judah, saying,

‘Hear this now, O foolish people,

            Without understanding,

            Who have eyes and see not,

            And who have ears and hear not:

            Do you not fear Me?’ says the LORD.

‘Will you not tremble at My presence,

Who have placed the sand as the

bound of the sea,

By a perpetual decree, that it

cannot pass beyond it?

And though its waves toss to and fro,

Yet they cannot prevail;

Though they roar, yet they cannot

pass over it.

But this people has a defiant and

rebellious heart;

They have revolted and departed;

They do not say in their heart,

“Let us now fear the LORD our God,

Who gives rain, both the former

and the latter, in its season.

He reserves for us the appointed

weeks of the harvest.”

Your iniquities have turned these

things away,

And your sins have withheld good from you.

‘For among My people are found

wicked men;

They lie in wait as one who sets snares;

They set a trap;

They catch men.

As a cage is full of birds,

So their houses are full of deceit,

Therefore they have become great

and grown rich.

They have grown fat, they are sleek;

Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;

They do not plead the cause,

The cause of the fatherless;

Yet they prosper,

And the right of the needy they do not defend.

Shall I not punish them for these

things?’ says the LORD.

‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’

“An astonishing and horrible thing

Has been committed in the land:

The prophets prophesy falsely,

And the priests rule by their own power;

And My people love to have it so.

But what will you do in the end?

Jeremiah 51:15

He has made the earth by His power; He has established the world by His wisdom, And stretched out the heaven by His understanding.

Ezekiel 28:1-10

This message came to me from the LORD: “Son of man, give the prince of Tyre this message from the Sovereign LORD: In your great pride you claim, ‘I am a god! I sit on a divine throne in the heart of the sea.’ But you are only a man and not a god, though you boast that you are like a god. You regard yourself as wiser than Daniel and think no secret is hidden from you. With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth – gold and silver for your treasuries. Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud.

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you think you are as wise as a god, I will bring against you an enemy army, the terror of the nations. They will suddenly draw their swords against your marvelous wisdom and defile your splendor! They will bring you down to the pit, and you will die there on your island home in the heart of the sea, pierced with many wounds. Will you then boast, ‘I am a god!’ to those who kill you? To them you will be no god but merely a man! You will die like an outcast at the hands of foreigners. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!”

Daniel 1:3-21     Side note: In King James Version this verse says understanding in sciences.

Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of the eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”

So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.

And at the end of the ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

Daniel 2:1-49

One night during the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that disturbed him so much that he couldn’t sleep. He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood before the king, he said, “I have had a dream that troubles me. Tell me what I dreamed, for I must know what it means.”

Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “Long live the king! Tell us your dream, and we will tell you what it means.”

But the king said to the astrologers, “I am serious about this. If you don’t tell me what my dream was and what it means, you will be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be demolished into heaps of rubble! But if you tell me what I dreamed and what the dream means, I will give you many wonderful gifts and honors. Just tell me the dream and what it means!”

They said again, “Please, Your Majesty. Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means.”

Then king replied, “I can see through your trick! You are trying to stall for time because you know I am serious about what I said. If you don’t tell me the dream, you will be condemned. You have conspired to tell me lies in hopes that something will change. But tell me the dream, and then I will know that you can tell me what it means.”

The astrologers replied to the king, “There isn’t a man alive who can tell Your Majesty his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! This is an impossible thing the king requires. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live among people.”

The king was furious when he heard this, and he sent out orders to execute all the wise men of Babylon. And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time so he could tell the king what the dream meant.

Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven, saying,

“Praise the name of God forever and ever,

for he alone has all wisdom and power.

He determines the course of world events;

he removes kings and sets others on the

throne.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the scholars.

He reveals deep and mysterious things

and knows what lies hidden in darkness,

though he himself is surrounded by light.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,

for you have given me wisdom and strength.

You have told me what we asked of you

and revealed to us what the king demanded.”

Then Daniel went in to see Arioch, who had been ordered to execute the wise men of Babylon. Daniel said to him, “Don’t kill the wise men. Take me to the king, and I will tell him the meaning of his dream.”

Then Arioch quickly took Daniel to the king and said, “I have found one of the captives from Judah who will tell Your Majesty the meaning of your dream!”

The king said to Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar), “Is this true? Can you tell me what my dream was and what it means?”

Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune tellers who can tell the king such things. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.

“While Your Majesty was sleeping, you dreamed about coming events. The revealer of mysteries has shown you what is going to happen. And it is not because I am wiser than any living person that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wanted you to understand what you were thinking about.

“Your Majesty, in your vision you saw in front of you a huge and powerful statue of a man, shining brilliantly, frightening and awesome. The head of the statue was made of fine gold, its chest and arms were of silver, its belly and thighs were of bronze, its legs were of iron, and its feet were a combination of iron and clay. But as you watched, a rock was cut from a mountain by supernatural means. It struck the feet of iron and clay, smashing them to bits. The whole statue collapsed into a heap of iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold. The pieces were crushed as small as chaff on a threshing floor, and the wind blew them all away without a trace. But the rock that knocked the statue down became a great mountain that covered the whole earth.

“That was the dream; now I will tell Your Majesty what it means. Your Majesty, you are a king over many kings. The God of heaven has given you sovereignty, power, strength, and honor. He has made you the ruler over all the inhabited world and has put even the animals and birds under your control. You are the head of gold.

“But after your kingdom comes to an end, another great kingdom inferior to yours, will rise to take your place. After that kingdom has fallen, yet a third great kingdom, represented by the bronze belly and thighs, will rise to rule the world. Following that kingdom, there will be a fourth great kingdom, as strong as iron. That kingdom will smash and crush all previous empires, just as iron smashes and crushes everything is strikes. The feet and toes you saw that were a combination of iron and clay show that this kingdom will be divided. Some parts of it will be strong as iron, and others as weak as clay. This mixture of iron and clay also shows that these kingdoms will try to strengthen themselves by forming alliances with each other through intermarriage. But this will not succeed, just as iron and clay do not mix.

“During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed; no one will ever conquer it. It will shatter all these kingdoms into nothingness, but it will stand forever. That is the meaning of the rock cut from the mountain by supernatural means, crushing to dust the statue of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold.

“The great God has shown Your Majesty what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its meaning is certain.”

Then King Nebuchadnezzar bowed to the ground before Daniel and worshiped him, and he commanded his people to offer sacrifices and burn sweet incense before him. The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal his secret.”

Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

Now the subject of Jesus is a huge study, that according to Scripture it says that the contents of the entire Bible was written about Him. So I am not going to even try and cover his intentions, thought processes, His plans for the human race, His character, stewardship of what He has given to you. We would be here for years. What I am trying to do in this particular study is give you a few basic Scriptures about who He is and His plan of salvation for your very soul. I hope that the LORD will bless you through this study and I hope that He reveals to you who He is and what His plan was from the very beginning of time. You will see in other studies that have been separated by different categories that speak about Jesus’ birth, His death and resurrection, and even His earthly family. I hope that you enjoy this study and I hope that the LORD blesses you. Study this subject carefully and meditate on what it says to have a better understanding of who Jesus really is!!!!! I would suggest that you check out how to have a relationship with Jesus on this website. May God Bless You and keep you!!!

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 14:6

Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father, but by me.

John 14:7             Side Note: This was Jesus speaking

If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know him- and have seen him.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

John 20:24-29                  Side note: This is after Jesus’ resurrection

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them. Except I shall see in his hands the print of nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the middle of them, and said, Peace be unto you. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger into my hands. Put your hand into my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!!” “My Lord and my God!!” Thomas said. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.”

Isaiah 7:14-15    Side note: Isaiah was a prophet 680 years before the birth of Christ.

All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel- God is with us. By the time this child is old enough to eat curds and honey, he will know enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, being just a man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly. As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins,” All of this happened to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).”

Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!

Jesus’ perfect work on the Cross

Luke 23:32-24:53

“Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. Finally, they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there- Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people, because they know not what they do.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

The crowd watched, and the leaders laughed and scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Chosen One, the Messiah.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A signboard was nailed to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself- and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart. The Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last breath.

When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling the executions saw what had happened, he praised God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw all that had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he had been waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation for the Sabbath.

As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where they placed his body. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to embalm him. But by the time they were finished it was the Sabbath, so they rested all that day as required by the law.

But very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. They were puzzled, trying to think what could of happened to it. Suddenly, two men appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed low before them. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead! Don’t you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?”

Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back to tell his eleven disciples- and everyone else- what had happened. The women who went to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several others. They told the apostles what had happened, but the story sounded like nonsense, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmanus, seven miles out of Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. Suddenly, Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them. But they didn’t know who he was, because God kept them from recognizing him.

“You seem to be in a deep discussion about something,” he said. “What are you so concerned about?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

“What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did wonderful miracles. He was a mighty teacher, highly regarded by both God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders arrested him and handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had thought he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. That all happened three days ago. Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and sure enough, Jesus’ body was gone, just as the women had said.”

Then Jesus said to them, “You are such foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory?”

Then Jesus quoted passages from the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining what all the Scriptures said about himself.

By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus would have gone on, but they begged him to stay the night with them, since it was getting late. So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took a small loaf of bread, asked God’s blessing on it, broke it, then gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem, where the eleven disciples and the other followers of Jesus were gathered. When they arrived, they were greeted with the report, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter!”

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” But the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why do you doubt who I am? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do!” As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see, and he showed them his feet.

Still they stood there doubting, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must all come true.” Then he opened their minds to understand these many Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.” You are witnesses of all these things.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. They worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

On the subject of Jesus in the Bible it is vast, as it is said in Psalm 40:7-11. (Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do your will, O my God: yes, your law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, you know. I have not hid your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your lovingkindness and your truth from the great congregation. Withhold not your tender mercies from me, O Lord: let your lovingkindness and your truth continually preserve me.) So as you can see I could continue to go on and on about his life and teaching, but instead I will sum it up in a couple of verses of salvation.

John 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Romans 10:11-17

For the Scriptures says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If you are one of God’s children, you will have ears to hear, for the Scriptures say, whoever has ears let them hear (Matthew 13:43). The Lord says that he stands at the door of your heart and knocks and whoever lets him in, He will come in and dine with them. This is his way of letting you know that he desires to come into your life and get to know you, but He is a gentlemen and He will not force his way into your life, but he gives us free will to make that choice on our own. If you have made that choice to ask him to be your Lord and Savior, then just say this from the heart: Lord I know that I am a sinner and I recognize that I need a Savior, will you be my Lord, my God, and my friend and forgive me of my sins, wash me clean with your word, and give me a new heart, born of the Spirit of God, that I might be the man or woman of God that you want me to be. And I ask all of this in the name of Jesus, Amen!!!