Words of the Wise - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 6th of March 2018
Capitol Commission Georgia
W o rd s o f t h e W i s e
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected]
Capitol Commission Bible Study
• TUESDAYS @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Members’ Bible Fellowship • WEDNESDAYS @ 7:15AM in 125 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. Having completed the study of Galatians last week, the next series of Bible studies will be Proverbs 22:17—24:34, which contain various words of the wise. Thereafter, we will resume the Bible study in the book of Acts (which we began during last year’s legislative interim). For the duration of the 2018 session, we will continue having Bible study every week on Tuesdays. Capitol Commission provides an open-to-all Bible study every Tuesday from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). The member’s only Bible Fellowship is held every Wednesday (unless not a legislative day) from 7:158:00am in 125 CAP. I pray that this study will be edifying to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral attention, care, counsel, and prayer. The present study in the Word of God is just one aspect of the desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies
In the passage immediately prior to the account with the two women, the king asked God for “an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil” (1 Kgs 3:9). God was pleased with the request and granted the king “a wise and discerning heart” (v. 12). To determine the identity of the true mother, the king called for a swordsman to “‘divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other’” (v. 25). As the king expected, the first woman compassionately and quickly pleaded, “‘Oh, my Lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him’” (v. 26). The duplicity and jealousy of the second woman was evident by her reply, “‘He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him!’” The vastly different responses of the two women exposed the true mother for she would rather her child be alive and raised by another woman than killed. The king revealed his wisdom in saying, “‘Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother’” (v. 27). Of course, the king who had been granted the ability to discern between good and evil in a just manner would have never truly intended to divide the living child. His response was an extremely wise manner to expose the true mother (based upon her reaction to the perilous conditions for her child). The king who delivered the judgment was Solomon, who is regarded as the wisest man who ever lived. God gave wisdom and discernment to Solomon as a gift because the king did not ask for “riches and honor” (v. 13). Solomon’s request “was pleasing in the sight of the Lord” (v. 10), and his wisdom was unmatched by any other human being, except the Lord Jesus, who is the source of wisdom (Job 12:13; Matt 7:24; 1 Cor 1:30; Eph 1:17; Col 2:3). Solomon was “moved by the Holy Spirit” to write inspired words of truth from God (cf. 2 Pet 1:20-21). Solomon indeed wrote the book of Proverbs and its very words were given to him through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom from God in the book of Proverbs compels us to give careful attention to its revelation.
THE RESULT OF PROVERBS
are
Tuesday, 6 March 2018 Proverbs 22:17-29 – “Words of the Wise” One of the most popular narratives in the Bible is found in 1 Kings 3. Two harlots came before a king with an infant son, and both claimed to be the true mother. The first accused the second of switching babies when she accidently lay on her son while sleeping and killed him. Both women claimed the child as their own, and there were no witnesses to provide any evidence to resolve the dispute. Based upon the claims, it was impossible for the king to determine the identity of the true mother based upon the information readily available. Although not recorded in the Bible, it is likely that the women appeared before judges prior to arriving in the king’s presence for him to resolve the issue.
Proverbs 22:17—24:34 is a collection of various sayings of the wise, and can be subdivided into “words of the wise” (22:17—24:22) and “additional words of the wise” (24:23-34). The subject matter is practically as diverse as those sayings of Proverbs 10—22 and 25— 29. However, there are more groupings in 22:17—24:22 than in the previous section, although the collections are not nearly as immense as in Proverbs 1—9.
(Prov 22:17-21) Verse 17 invites (or commands) the reader to humbly “hear the words of the wise.” Having heard, the reader is to apply his or her mind to the knowledge. The admonition is to consider how to apply the truths herein to your life. The purpose of giving attention to, listening to, and applying the wise words is so that it leads to “pleasant” living (v. 18).
Capitol Commission Bible Study Tuesday (6th of March) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP
Member’s Bible Fellowship
Wednesday (7th of March) @ 7:15am – 8:00am, 125 CAP (ministry “friend” sponsorship by First Baptist Church Douglas)
Tuesday, 6 March 2018
THE RESULT OF DEBT
The idea is to memorize the words of the wise (“keep them within you”) so you are ready to speak them and even converse knowledgeably regarding them (“that they may be ready on your lips”). Sharing wisdom has little value unless we also habitually allow such truths to transform our innermost being.
(Prov 22:26-27) Proverbs warns against becoming surety for others (v. 26) for there are serious consequences when entangled in someone else’s debt (cf. 6:1-5). Striking hands to make a pledge may result in you having to pay the debt. If you lack the resources for doing so, you may lose everything (cf. 6:1-5; 11:15; 20:16), even “your bed from under you” (22:27). The danger of taking everything from someone “as a pledge” may also result in God hearing the cries of the unfortunate (Exod 22:26-27).
The intent of the proverbs is to mature trust in the Lord (v. 19). First Timothy 1:5 declares similarly, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” The Bible is intended to transform lives not simply to fill one’s head with knowledge. Proverbs reveals “excellent things” (v. 20) so that one establishes principles of truth and wisdom in his or her mind and heart, and thereby “know the certainty of the words of truth” so that a person is able to “correctly answer” others (v. 21; cf. 1 Pet 3:15).
THE RESULT OF DEVOTION (Prov 22:28-29) Honesty and skillfulness are two devotions to pursue. Land in Israel was an inalienable gift from God (v. 28; 23:10-11; cf. Deut 19:14; 27:17). Stones designated property boundaries, and thus removing those landmarks was blatant violence against a person and also the rights of the family. Taking what was granted to someone else was not only theft, but also an act of sacrilege.
SHARING WISDOM HAS LITTLE VALUE UNLESS WE ALSO HABITUALLY ALLOW SUCH TRUTHS TO TRANSFORM OUR INNERMOST BEING.
GOD . . . EXPECTS SKILLFULNESS FROM HIS PEOPLE . . . [AND] REWARDS SUCH EXCELLENCE.
To have abiding success in life necessitates that one acquire wisdom; therefore, give attention to the Word that God has revealed, and apply its truth to your heart and mind so you can benefit from it. God intended for his Word (the Holy Bible) to be internalized when its exact meaning is understood; its truths must be reviewed and contemplated regularly so that you do not become negligent toward or forget what has been learned. Internalizing the Word of God allows you to help others with it, and to use the Bible to answer objections (cf. Prov 22:19-21).
Proverbs 22 concludes with a promise designed to motivate the reader to skillfulness. Those with skill will be highly sought (v. 29; cf. 22:11). The “skilled” person (not someone content with merely being “good enough”) will ascend to prominence (“stand before kings”) exerting notable influence (v. 29), and not stand before the unknown. God’s people should purse excellence in their work, and the Lord will commit himself to their preeminence (cf. 1 Pet 5:6). God not only expects skillfulness from his people, but also rewards such excellence.
THE RESULT OF OPPRESSION (Prov 22:22-23) The actual wise words begin with exhortations to social justice: “do not rob the poor because he is poor” or “crush the needy” (v. 22). The powerful and wealthy might exploit the poor by robbing them of their possessions through legal maneuverings, or simply take it with brute force. If someone is an agent of oppression, then God “will plead their case” (v. 23). If someone drags the afflicted before a magistrate, they will find themselves arraigned before a higher court, for God will be the prosecutor. God opposes anyone who takes advantage of the helpless and weak.
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
About Capitol Commission Scripture calls the church to pray for the salvation of our leaders, resulting in them having knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:1-4). As churches are faithful in prayer and proclaiming the gospel of God’s grace, our society and government will be impacted. Capitol Commission, in partnership with the church, is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and promoting the biblical mandate to pray for those in authority in the Capitol communities throughout the United States and the world. Romans 10-14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” Please notice the reverse progression. If we desire anyone, including our government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone. Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching (proclaiming) the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry.
THE RESULT OF POOR ASSOCIATIONS (Prov 22:24-25) A person associating with someone who is “given to anger” or “hot-tempered” will gradually become like them (vv. 24-25). Poor associations will always be problematic (cf. 13:20; 14:7; 1 Cor 15:33). Proverbs warns not to associate with an easily angered person because we are likely to imitate their habits, and then become ensnared, sharing in their troubles (v. 25). Spend time “with” Jesus (cf. Mark 3:14; Luke 6:40), the living Word, by investing time reading and studying the Bible, the written Word (cf. John 1:1; Luke 8:11; Phil 2:16; Heb 4:12). this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
Bible study copies made by:
!
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday, 13th of March @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP
!
http://www.kennickell.com
!
Capitol Commission Georgia
W o rd s o f t h e W i s e
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected]
Capitol Commission Bible Study
• TUESDAYS @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Members’ Bible Fellowship • WEDNESDAYS @ 7:15AM in 125 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. Having completed the study of Galatians last week, the next series of Bible studies will be Proverbs 22:17—24:34, which contain various words of the wise. Thereafter, we will resume the Bible study in the book of Acts (which we began during last year’s legislative interim). For the duration of the 2018 session, we will continue having Bible study every week on Tuesdays. Capitol Commission provides an open-to-all Bible study every Tuesday from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). The member’s only Bible Fellowship is held every Wednesday (unless not a legislative day) from 7:158:00am in 125 CAP. I pray that this study will be edifying to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral attention, care, counsel, and prayer. The present study in the Word of God is just one aspect of the desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies
In the passage immediately prior to the account with the two women, the king asked God for “an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil” (1 Kgs 3:9). God was pleased with the request and granted the king “a wise and discerning heart” (v. 12). To determine the identity of the true mother, the king called for a swordsman to “‘divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other’” (v. 25). As the king expected, the first woman compassionately and quickly pleaded, “‘Oh, my Lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him’” (v. 26). The duplicity and jealousy of the second woman was evident by her reply, “‘He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him!’” The vastly different responses of the two women exposed the true mother for she would rather her child be alive and raised by another woman than killed. The king revealed his wisdom in saying, “‘Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother’” (v. 27). Of course, the king who had been granted the ability to discern between good and evil in a just manner would have never truly intended to divide the living child. His response was an extremely wise manner to expose the true mother (based upon her reaction to the perilous conditions for her child). The king who delivered the judgment was Solomon, who is regarded as the wisest man who ever lived. God gave wisdom and discernment to Solomon as a gift because the king did not ask for “riches and honor” (v. 13). Solomon’s request “was pleasing in the sight of the Lord” (v. 10), and his wisdom was unmatched by any other human being, except the Lord Jesus, who is the source of wisdom (Job 12:13; Matt 7:24; 1 Cor 1:30; Eph 1:17; Col 2:3). Solomon was “moved by the Holy Spirit” to write inspired words of truth from God (cf. 2 Pet 1:20-21). Solomon indeed wrote the book of Proverbs and its very words were given to him through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom from God in the book of Proverbs compels us to give careful attention to its revelation.
THE RESULT OF PROVERBS
are
Tuesday, 6 March 2018 Proverbs 22:17-29 – “Words of the Wise” One of the most popular narratives in the Bible is found in 1 Kings 3. Two harlots came before a king with an infant son, and both claimed to be the true mother. The first accused the second of switching babies when she accidently lay on her son while sleeping and killed him. Both women claimed the child as their own, and there were no witnesses to provide any evidence to resolve the dispute. Based upon the claims, it was impossible for the king to determine the identity of the true mother based upon the information readily available. Although not recorded in the Bible, it is likely that the women appeared before judges prior to arriving in the king’s presence for him to resolve the issue.
Proverbs 22:17—24:34 is a collection of various sayings of the wise, and can be subdivided into “words of the wise” (22:17—24:22) and “additional words of the wise” (24:23-34). The subject matter is practically as diverse as those sayings of Proverbs 10—22 and 25— 29. However, there are more groupings in 22:17—24:22 than in the previous section, although the collections are not nearly as immense as in Proverbs 1—9.
(Prov 22:17-21) Verse 17 invites (or commands) the reader to humbly “hear the words of the wise.” Having heard, the reader is to apply his or her mind to the knowledge. The admonition is to consider how to apply the truths herein to your life. The purpose of giving attention to, listening to, and applying the wise words is so that it leads to “pleasant” living (v. 18).
Capitol Commission Bible Study Tuesday (6th of March) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP
Member’s Bible Fellowship
Wednesday (7th of March) @ 7:15am – 8:00am, 125 CAP (ministry “friend” sponsorship by First Baptist Church Douglas)
Tuesday, 6 March 2018
THE RESULT OF DEBT
The idea is to memorize the words of the wise (“keep them within you”) so you are ready to speak them and even converse knowledgeably regarding them (“that they may be ready on your lips”). Sharing wisdom has little value unless we also habitually allow such truths to transform our innermost being.
(Prov 22:26-27) Proverbs warns against becoming surety for others (v. 26) for there are serious consequences when entangled in someone else’s debt (cf. 6:1-5). Striking hands to make a pledge may result in you having to pay the debt. If you lack the resources for doing so, you may lose everything (cf. 6:1-5; 11:15; 20:16), even “your bed from under you” (22:27). The danger of taking everything from someone “as a pledge” may also result in God hearing the cries of the unfortunate (Exod 22:26-27).
The intent of the proverbs is to mature trust in the Lord (v. 19). First Timothy 1:5 declares similarly, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” The Bible is intended to transform lives not simply to fill one’s head with knowledge. Proverbs reveals “excellent things” (v. 20) so that one establishes principles of truth and wisdom in his or her mind and heart, and thereby “know the certainty of the words of truth” so that a person is able to “correctly answer” others (v. 21; cf. 1 Pet 3:15).
THE RESULT OF DEVOTION (Prov 22:28-29) Honesty and skillfulness are two devotions to pursue. Land in Israel was an inalienable gift from God (v. 28; 23:10-11; cf. Deut 19:14; 27:17). Stones designated property boundaries, and thus removing those landmarks was blatant violence against a person and also the rights of the family. Taking what was granted to someone else was not only theft, but also an act of sacrilege.
SHARING WISDOM HAS LITTLE VALUE UNLESS WE ALSO HABITUALLY ALLOW SUCH TRUTHS TO TRANSFORM OUR INNERMOST BEING.
GOD . . . EXPECTS SKILLFULNESS FROM HIS PEOPLE . . . [AND] REWARDS SUCH EXCELLENCE.
To have abiding success in life necessitates that one acquire wisdom; therefore, give attention to the Word that God has revealed, and apply its truth to your heart and mind so you can benefit from it. God intended for his Word (the Holy Bible) to be internalized when its exact meaning is understood; its truths must be reviewed and contemplated regularly so that you do not become negligent toward or forget what has been learned. Internalizing the Word of God allows you to help others with it, and to use the Bible to answer objections (cf. Prov 22:19-21).
Proverbs 22 concludes with a promise designed to motivate the reader to skillfulness. Those with skill will be highly sought (v. 29; cf. 22:11). The “skilled” person (not someone content with merely being “good enough”) will ascend to prominence (“stand before kings”) exerting notable influence (v. 29), and not stand before the unknown. God’s people should purse excellence in their work, and the Lord will commit himself to their preeminence (cf. 1 Pet 5:6). God not only expects skillfulness from his people, but also rewards such excellence.
THE RESULT OF OPPRESSION (Prov 22:22-23) The actual wise words begin with exhortations to social justice: “do not rob the poor because he is poor” or “crush the needy” (v. 22). The powerful and wealthy might exploit the poor by robbing them of their possessions through legal maneuverings, or simply take it with brute force. If someone is an agent of oppression, then God “will plead their case” (v. 23). If someone drags the afflicted before a magistrate, they will find themselves arraigned before a higher court, for God will be the prosecutor. God opposes anyone who takes advantage of the helpless and weak.
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
About Capitol Commission Scripture calls the church to pray for the salvation of our leaders, resulting in them having knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:1-4). As churches are faithful in prayer and proclaiming the gospel of God’s grace, our society and government will be impacted. Capitol Commission, in partnership with the church, is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and promoting the biblical mandate to pray for those in authority in the Capitol communities throughout the United States and the world. Romans 10-14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” Please notice the reverse progression. If we desire anyone, including our government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone. Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching (proclaiming) the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry.
THE RESULT OF POOR ASSOCIATIONS (Prov 22:24-25) A person associating with someone who is “given to anger” or “hot-tempered” will gradually become like them (vv. 24-25). Poor associations will always be problematic (cf. 13:20; 14:7; 1 Cor 15:33). Proverbs warns not to associate with an easily angered person because we are likely to imitate their habits, and then become ensnared, sharing in their troubles (v. 25). Spend time “with” Jesus (cf. Mark 3:14; Luke 6:40), the living Word, by investing time reading and studying the Bible, the written Word (cf. John 1:1; Luke 8:11; Phil 2:16; Heb 4:12). this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
Bible study copies made by:
!
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday, 13th of March @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP
!
http://www.kennickell.com
!
