This article has Proverbs 26-28 in the NKJV (throughout unless otherwise noted) and commentary.
A related sermon is available online: Proverbs 26-28: Giving Answers, Making Right Decisions.
1 As snow in summer and rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.
Yet, in the world, atheists and other people the Bible identifiies as fools and worse, get honor by the media, governments, academic, and various other organizations.
2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight.
Now, this can be difficult to accept. While you may not have directly caused the curse to hit you, you are affected.
Part of the reason is contained in the following by the Apostle Peter:
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now
"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:12-19)
Another reason is provided by the Apostle James:
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:2-13)
We all have lessons to learn. Even Job, though he did not directly cause what happened to him, learned from what affected him.
Furthermore, even though Jesus never sinned, notice:
8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek," (Hebrews 5:8-10)
As our High Priest, Jesus knows what it is like to suffer and need faith to do it.
There is a cause for every effect.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)
Yes, Christians will have problems, but we are not to give up.
3 A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool's back.
While a fool should get the back of a rod, this is rarely done in the 21st century. Fools tend to continue in their folly since they do not believe that God will really do anything about.
This next one is tricky:
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
There are a couple of aspects of this.
One is wisdom. These verses are NOT in contradiction of one another, they are shown together to essentially tell you that you do not always need to respond, nor always ignore the statements of fools.
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
Myself and/or the Continuing Church of God tend to be made fun of pretty much everyday by some on the Internet.
Jesus said this would happen:
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
So, having fools make accusations against God's people was to be expected. Sometimes, but not usually, do we respond considering what Proverbs 26:4-5 teaches (e.g. Banned by HWA and Ambassador Watch).
Consider also the following:
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
So, we do pray for our enemies and the fools that make accusations, etc. against us.
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
So, be careful about the messanger you use. For over a decade, I have seen people in certain COG groups send anti-COG websites information to post messages. This, generally, is not the right way to go.
7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Jesus taught:
6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. (Matthew 7:6)
Fools often ignore truth and helpful advice.
8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling Is he who gives honor to a fool.
There was an 'independent' COG publication that used to do that at times.
9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God who formed everything Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. 11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.
Fools act like the misinformation they promote is good. But it is not.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
This also happens with some associated with the COG. Notice Jesus' words:
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — (Revelation 3:14-17)
See also The Laodicean Church Era.
Consider also:
9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:9)
Anti-COG fools are wise in their own eyes.
13 The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!"
Some have many excuses aboutwhy they will not do what is right. But also expect that as we get closer to the end, various groups will not be willing to teach what they should--they will overly fear censorship and other reprisals.
Yet, we need to do the work when we can:
1 "Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. (Matthew 10:16-17)
4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4)
That is what we in CCOG are striving to do.
14 As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed. 15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly.
This happens frequently with our critics. Most want to dismiss our teachings because they do not care for them. Not because they have valid reasons--they just prefer traditions or their own reasoning. They almost never will go through all of our details to try to rebut them. Yet, they think they know better. Many false criticisms on the Internet about CCOG fall under this.
17 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "I was only joking!"
The Bible is clearly warning against 'practical jokes.'
Practical jokers should consider the following words of Jesus:
31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)
Do you want to be made fun of?
Be careful that the one you are joking with would be happy you have done so.
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
Passing on rumors, 'fake news' causes unnecessary problems. Yet, some do so just to try to stir up problems. Rumors that used to stop seem to take on a much longer life on the Internet.
People seem to like to here 'juicy gossip,' but are inclined to be negatively affected by such things.
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
Just because someone seems to be sincere does not mean that they are genuine. While silver tableware is pretty durable--tableware covered with silver dross will easily break.
We have a sermon, What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?, where I rebut claims from a female preacher that the Bible supports the LGBTQ agenda.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; 25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart; 26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
Liars hate. Be wary of those that hate the true Church of God. Even when they seem to be nice, they are still embroiled in deceit.
As Christians, we are to stand for the truth.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.
Deceit will get the deceiver, even if it looks that will not happen. What one sows, one will reap. They will not get away with it forever.
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
This is essentially repeated, and slightly expanded upon in the New Testament:
13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:13-17)
Speaking of boasting, Proverbs 27 warns about that:
2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
More warnings about fools:
3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool's wrath is heavier than both of them.
Yes, a fool's wrath can be heavy.
4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?
Wrath by fools is cruel. But do not be foolish yourself, but be careful not to provoke someone to jealousy.
5 Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.
Single men, especially, need to pay attention to this. There is a time to ask a single woman out, so if appropriate, do not make excuses--take action. More on that is in our free online book: Dating: A Key to Success in Marriage, a practical dating guide for Christians (two related sermons are also available: The Art of Christian Dating. and No One to Date? Teen Q&A? Engagement? 2nd Marriage? A short animation is also available: First Date: Worldly vs. Christian).
Maybe the words of a friend hurt you, but if they really are your friend they either said them for your good, or will later likely apologise. But be wary of what looks like kindnesses from those who are enemies.6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
People change when they have enough physically or too little physically. Do not feel that way about the truth of God--you can never have enough and should always value gaining more of it.
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place.
Being where you should not be can be dangerous in many ways. But the above may more specifically be referring to sexual immorality.
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.
Take proper counsel.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, Nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
10 Never abandon a friend--either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away. (NLT)
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.
We want our sons to be wise. God wants us to be wise.
12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished.
There is a place to take physical preparations as well as spiritual ones.
Jesus spoke of a time of troubles and tributation (e.g. Matthew 24:4-22; Mark 13:8). Plus, various calamities may strike. While we should first take spiritual steps (Matthew 6:33), physical steps can also be wise (see Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians).
13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
13 Take his garment, when a stranger hath been surety, And for a strange woman pledge it. (YLT)
Essentially, this is teaching to take collateral from unknown or untrustworthy people. Back then, clothes were very valuable.
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.
That may seem like 'common sense, but some think that everyone should be wide awake when they are. Remember the golden rule.
15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike; 16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.
This is a biblical warning against marrying one who nags. For more on dating, see out free online booklet: Dating: A Key to Success in Marriage, a practical dating guide for Christians.
17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Your friends should be people who help build your character, not run it down.
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored.
We are supposed to be good workers and hence be rewarded.
19 As in water face reflects face, So a man's heart reveals the man.
In time, what you are will come out.
20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.
We always want to see more. But we need to be careful what we look on.
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him.
You should strive to have a good reputation, but there are many liars in this age.
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:12-17)
Proverbs 27:
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
Even if you prove fools wrong, unless they really convert, they will remain fools.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; 24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
We are not just to assume everything is fine with our financial condition. This may involve looking over your job, company, government, and/or investments. Also, keep an eye out for your physical and spiritual family:
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
Proverbs 27:
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26 The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; 27 You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.
Notice you are to work. Also, that blessings includes wool for clothing and goat's milk for food. My family used to have sheep and goats. We got wool from the sheep and milked the goats.
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
We who know the truth need to be bold when the time is right:
7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:7-8)
It takes boldness, at times, to overcome.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.
2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. (NLT)
We are seeing more moral rot these days. Consistent with:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)
Proverbs 28:
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
Poor can be oppressors as well as hypocrites. They can be difficult, when they should help.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.
We see this often in the modern news media as they praise various ones who promote wickedness. We in CCOG continue to call out wickedness and promote the law of God (see also The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).
5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all.
Notice:
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. (Psalm 111:10)
Provebs 28:
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Now, society does not tend to view it that way. Many have decided to be perverse and/or to publicly support perversion in their goals of attaning or keeping wealth. We see this in regards to not only criminals, but those that espouse sexual immorality, including the promotion of lust and pornography.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
The good will not happen if children are not taught the law--but they should be:
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
Proverbs 28:
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
People will not get away with what it looks like they do.
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
Peter wrote:
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds) — 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter 2:1-22)
Those who have done such associated with CCOG have not accomplished anything Philadelphian.
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.
We strive to assist the blamelss and this is part of what strive to do with our magazines, booklets, and sermons.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. (NLT)
Proverbs 28:
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
During the Beast and the Antichrist rise up, notice what Jesus said:
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:15-21)
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:7-10)
A time to flee and hide is coming:
13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. (Revelation 12:13-16)
5 "For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" (Psalm 27:5).
3 "Take counsel, execute judgment;
Make your shadow like the night in the middle of the day;
Hide the outcasts,
Do not betray him who escapes.
4 Let My outcasts dwell with you, O Moab;
Be a shelter to them from the face of the spoiler.
For the extortioner is at an end,
Devastation ceases,
The oppressors are consumed out of the land. (Isaiah 16:3-4)
Notice some of what the 13th century Roman Catholic Inquisitor Bernard Guidonis claimed he learned from those he persecuted:
Again, they claim that there is a double Antichrist, one spiritual or mystical and the other the real, greater Antichrist...
Again, they say that both in the time of persecution by Antichrist and in that of the aforesaid war carnal Christians will be so afflicted that, despairing, they will say, “If Christ were God, he would not permit Christians to suffer so much and such intense evil.” Thus despairing, they will apostacize from the faith and die. But God will hide the elect spiritual individuals so that they cannot be found by Antichrist and his ministers. Then the church will be reduced to the same size as the primitive church when it was first founded. (Bernard Gui: Inquisitor’s Manual, Chapter 5. Translated by David Burr, History Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. http://phi.kenyon.edu/Projects/Margin/inquisit.htm 04/09/07 ).
So, the idea that there was a 'place of safety' for the Philadelphians (the more spiritually elect), as opposed to the more carnal (Laodiceans) was a belief that some who opposed the Church of Rome had many centuries ago.
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
The New Testament teaches:
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)
Proverbs 28:
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
The New Testament teaches:
22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 10:22-23)
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,And said, 'They always go astray in their heart,And they have not known My ways.' 11 So I swore in My wrath,'They shall not enter My rest.'"
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
4 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. (Hebrews 3:7-4:1)
Proverbs 28:
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
The New Testament teaches:
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Proverbs 28:
21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression,"The same is companion to a destroyer.
Jesus essentially taught that the Pharisees robbed their parents:
1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread."
3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God" — 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
8 "These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
9 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" (Matthew 15:1-9)
Proverbs 28:
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
Notice:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
Proverbs 28:
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
Notice :
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)
Proverbs 28:
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Be generous. Beware of the wicked. Do not believe lies or false gossip. Endure to the end. Make the right decisions. Trust God.
Thiel B. Proverbs 26-28. COGwriter (c) 2018
WANT TO KNOW MORE FROM PROVERBS? Here are links to sermon covering the words in Proverbs: Proverbs 1-7: Practical advice for those who wish to follow God and Proverbs 7-12: Wisdom, Knowledge, Righteousness, and Diligence and Proverbs 13-15: Following God’s Advice and Proverbs 16-17: Accept God's Instructions and Proverbs 18-19: It is dangerous to trust self and Proverbs 20-21: Modern Christian Living and Proverbs 22-23: Certainty of the Bible and How to Live and Proverbs 24-25: What to do and what not to do and Proverbs 26-28: Giving Answers, Making Right Decisions.