Author Archives: BenFaulkner

Proverbs 27:6

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Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

At first glance, the truth contained in this verse runs counter to our typical thinking. Generally, we associate “wounds” with enemies and “kisses” with our friends.  However, there are times when we need to hear something that will turn us away from danger. And, a true friend will be concerned enough about us and faithful enough to our friendship to really tell us something we may not want to hear.

On the other hand, an enemy may see us in a vulnerable place and “kiss” us with what seems to be good words and encouragement to do things we do not need to do.  The enemy will PRETEND to be our friend.  BEWARE!  What we really need is truth, even if it may hurt a bit.

 

Proverbs 22:6

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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Many believing parents have claimed the promise in this verse. Some children seem to flow easily into a godly way of life.  For others, there is struggling.  As children move into maturity, some seem to defy this promise to parents, even though the parents believe they have “trained” the child in the “way he should go.” Parents, do not be discouraged.   Take heart from another Scriptural witness you can surely count on in Galatians.  Continue to sow spiritual blessings through the Spirit of God into the lives of your children.  Do not “faint.” God’s Word says you will reap in due season.

Galatians 6:8-9 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

The “Word” of God Is Permanent!

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Have you noticed how many “different” Bibles are available these days?  There are Bibles “designed” for children, teenagers, women, men, business people and many other groups.  Several years ago, a “Green Bible” was printed for “conservationists” (what their detractors call “tree-huggers”).  And, while this might be an effective way to get more people to read the Bible, true disciples of Jesus Christ and serious students of the Bible need to understand what is also being done under the guise of growing interest in the Book.

Words (and whole passages) are being “spun” and sometimes even being deliberately changed to manipulate the ideas and concepts God wanted preserved in Scripture.

Here’s a Bible news flash for all those who think it’s a good thing to put a “spin” on various passages and manipulate the Word of God for their own agenda: The Word belongs to God.  He inspired it.  He preserved it. The truths contained in it will not disappear.

And, the Bible speaks of its own permanence.  It provides its own warnings for those who truly alter God’s Word and try to take advantage of the new believer or the uninformed reader.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

Proverbs 21:23

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Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

 

Many of us have lived and learned the truth of this verse.  It is truly a great gift to be able to restrain ourselves from speaking before we think … before we realize there is a strong possibility of painful consequences. It seems so easy to blurt out our opinions or spout off about something we think we have the facts about, but it is a foolish thing to do.  The wise man will more often use wisdom, forethought, and restraint before he speaks.