…..fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7

…..the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.  Proverbs 1:32

…..shame shall be the promotion of fools.  Proverbs 3:35

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief…..Proverbs 10:23

He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.  Proverbs 11:29

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…..Proverbs 12:15

A fool’s wrath is presently known…..Proverbs 12:16

…..the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.  Proverbs 12:23

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.  Proverbs 13:16

…..it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.  Proverbs 13:19

…..a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  Proverbs 13:20

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.  Proverbs 14:1

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride…..Proverbs 14:3

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.  Proverbs 14:7

…..the folly of fools is deceit.  Proverbs 14:8

Fools make a mock at sin…..Proverbs 14:9

A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.  He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:  Proverbs 14:16-17

The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.  Proverbs 14:24

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.  Proverbs 14:33

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.  Proverbs 15:2

A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.  Proverbs 15:5

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.  Proverbs 15:7

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.  Proverbs 15:14

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.  Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.  Proverbs 15:20-21

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.  Proverbs 16:22

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.  Proverbs 17:7

A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.  Proverbs 17:10

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.  Proverbs 17:12

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.  Proverbs 17:21

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.   Proverbs 17:23

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.  Proverbs 17:24

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.  Proverbs 17:25

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.  Proverbs 17:28

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.  Proverbs 18:2

A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.  Proverbs 18:6-7

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.  Proverbs 19:1

The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.  Proverbs 19:3

Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.  Proverbs 19:10

A foolish son is the calamity of his father…..Proverbs 19:13

Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.  Proverbs 19:29

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.  Proverbs 20:3

Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.  Proverbs 23:9

Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.  Proverbs 24:7

The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.  Proverbs 24:9

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.  Proverbs 26:1

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.  Proverbs 26:3

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.  Proverbs 26:4 

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.  Proverbs 26:5

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.  Proverbs 26:6 

The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. Proverbs 26:7

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.  Proverbs 26:8

As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.  Proverbs 26:9

The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.  Proverbs 26:10

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.  Proverbs 26:11

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?  There is more hope of a fool than of him.  Proverbs 26:12

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.  Proverbs 27:3

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.  Proverbs 27:22

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.  Proverbs 28:26

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.  Proverbs 29:9

 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.  Proverbs 29:11

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

 

Self-discipline is doing what you know you should do, even when you don’t want to.

Author Unknown

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

Some say that Bibles are all the same, but some will argue; that’s what your Bible says!  It’s as if each division of Christianity has written its own Bible.  So,…how do I know which Bible I should be using?

The English versions of the Bible basically fall into three categories.  Those categories are word for word translations, thought for thought (dynamic equivalents), and paraphrases. [1]

The word for word translations are regarded by scholars as the most accurate translations of the Bible.  They are translated directly from the original languages of the Bible.  Those languages are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.  The translations which fall into this category are the King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the New English Translation (NET).  The NASB95 is generally regarded as the most accurate of the word for word translations. [2]

The thought for thought translations are the result of a translator analyzing a group of words in the original language that express a certain thought.  The translator then translates that thought as carefully as possible into whatever language he is targeting.  This method is also known as Dynamic Equivalence.  The weakness of Dynamic Equivalence is that it leads to more interpretation than translation.[3]

For example, in the NIV words have been dropped out that are clearly in the original language, words have been added that are not in the original language, and changes have been made to key words in the original language.  These changes support an alternate interpretation of the original language where they occur and/or dilute the true meaning of the targeted text.[4]  These things are evidence of a mishandling of the original language and further evidence that interpretation rather than translation rules this version of the Scripture.  

The Dynamic Equivalents are easier to read, but are clearly not as reliable as the word for word versions.  Examples of translations which fall into this category are the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), the New International Version (NIV), and the New Living Translation (NLT). [5]

Many call the paraphrase category a translation, but it is more of a restatement or rewording of the original language.  Paraphrases are an attempt to make the Bible clearer.  Paraphrases use a lot more words in order to make that happen which is not always a good thing.  Examples of versions which fall under this category are Good News for Modern Man, the Living Bible, the New International Reader’s Version (NIRV), the Message (MSG), and the Goods News Translation (GNT). [6]

The danger with paraphrases is that they tend to be subjective and can easily present a doctrinal bent away from the true meaning of Scripture.  I have read paraphrased passages on salvation that are infused with a baptismal requirement that is not even mentioned in those particular verses in the original language.  Support for heretical and liberal theological doctrine can be easily woven into paraphrases.  The ease of reading paraphrases can make a liberal, heretical, or denominational slant more appealing and palatable.  For these reasons, I do not recommend the use of paraphrases.

Why is it important to be discerning about translations?  The Bible claims to be inspired of God or God breathed (II Timothy 3:16).  That means that the very words of Scripture were selected by God the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:21).  Since God cannot lie, we should pay attention to what those very words mean and teach in the context of Scripture.

 Jesus said that one jot or one tittle of the Law (Scripture) would not fail till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:17).  The jot and tittle refer to the smallest letter and the smallest part of a letter in the Hebrew language.  If parts of words are important, as the Lord Himself indicated, wouldn’t it be wise for Christians to accept Scripture and study it…..word for word?    

So,…which version do you use?

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

[1, 2, 3, 5, & 6] The Five Most Accurate Bible Translations, Copyright 2019 – 2022, www.faithfoundedonfact.com (The use of this article does not imply the endorsement of said website, any other articles posted there, and/or it’s founder and sustaining organization).

[4] Which Translation?  By Stewart Custer, pgs 12-16.  Copyright 1973, 1974  Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC

Note: There are many other translations, versions, reversions and perversions of Scripture beyond those mentioned above.  The purpose of this article is to show basic differences in approaches to Scripture that yield so many different versions of the Bible.  The challenge of this article is that Christians become more discerning about which translations are the most accurate and reliable to use.

The difference between believers and unbelievers is that believers have accepted God’s provision for their sin.  Unbelievers have not.

But as many as received him (Jesus Christ), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:12&13

And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts (desires) of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace (God’s help or enabling) are ye saved through faith (a firm persuasion or conviction brought about by hearing the Word of God); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works (human activity), lest any man should boast (brag).

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Does being disrespected make you angry?  Is that anger justified?  Certainly if anyone should have been accorded respect, it would be the Lord of Glory.  His anger would certainly have been justified.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Philippians 2:5-8

The tiny word let implies yielding and/or submitting to the truth (thy word is truth).  Only genuine believers can do this.

Can a man by taking thought add to his stature?  Can a leopard change his spots?  Not at all! But with God, nothing is impossible.  Having the mind of Christ is a supernatural enablement which is the result of regeneration (being born again) and sanctification [letting the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly].

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.  I Thessalonians 2:13

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we (born again ones) have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:16

So, do you need to have respect in order to be effective?  If not, why are you angry?

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.       I Corinthians 15:55-57

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.  For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)  

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  II Corinthians 5:1-8

The second best thing that can happen to the believer in Christ is physical death.  The best thing is that can happen to the believer is The Rapture.  This is when Christ returns to remove all believers from this world.  I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Creation science is an oxymoron.  Not because Bible-believing Christians are anti-science, but because the scientific method requires observation.  And as the Lord once asked His servant Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4 )  God is the only One who was there.  Not only was He creation’s only witness, He was its Creator.  Ultimately, His divine revelation is our only trustworthy means for understanding the origin—and the purpose–of the universe.*

*Straight Answers About Creation – Copyright 2020 by John MacArthur

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up it’s life) in you richly…

Things – a word, an account, business matters, matters in general, a work, sayings. [1]

Things – An object or fact, inanimate object, an act, a deed, a work, a thought, notion, utterance, a piece of information, a means, device, recourse. A matter to be dealt with, a characteristic, events, circumstances, a general state of affairs, conditions. [2]

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Phil 1:6

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Phil 1:10

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; Phil 1:12

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Phil 2:14

            For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.                   Phil 2:21

           But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.           Phil 3:7

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  Phil 3:8

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phil 3:13

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly,               and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)              Phil 3:18&19

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  Phil 3:20&21

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.       Phil 4:6

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Phil 4:8

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  Phil 4:9

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  Phil 4:12

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Phil 4:13

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.  Phil 4:18

[1] W.E. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – copyright 1984, 1996  Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN

[2] American Heritage Dictionary – copyright 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1975 by American Heritage Publishing Co., NY, NY

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

o Refrain:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

George A. Young, 1903 – Copyright Status is Public Domain 

Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library

(A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.  Psalm 23