Friends and Friendship

Introduction
How many people do you know by face or name? Most of us likely cannot count the faces we have known over the years. Faces come and go. When you are a child, it is easy to think that everyone is your friend. It is fun to talk about the things you are going to do together right up until the last day. Time often reveals that we do not have as many friends as we would have hoped. When you pass on, you will have been very fortunate to have had a group of true friends.

friendship

Do you strengthen a friendship?

There have been many guesses about how many folks we will meet in our life. The fact is, it is really hard to nail down such a number because there are a lot of variables. What is your profession? Where do you live? How often do you get out of the house? Where do you go when you leave the house? How long will you live? Some folks have said they will meet millions, others a few thousand. How many of these interactions will result in true friendships?

A New Age for Friendships
Today, folks have begun to measure their friendships electronically. They count how many “friends” they have on Facebook, how many twitter followers they have, how many email addresses are in their contacts, how many likes’ they have gotten on their blogs, or how many contacts they have on their cell-phones. This phenomenon has grown quite a bit over the last few years, but it is not new. In 1992, I remember folks sending messages back and forth on the computer. I thought it was neat they even had a friend on the other end who could do that. Now nearly everyone does that and more.

There was a period time in the late 90’s that I ran a computer game site. Back then the message program everyone was using was ICQ. I had hundreds of contacts. We spent a few hours a day together, having conversations about everyday things, and playing games. The internet has really enabled a wide number of people to spend time interacting on a more frequent basis with each other than one typically would with non-internet friends. Today, you can simultaneously listen to or watch a sporting event, movie, or lectureship with someone thousands of miles away, as well as, have a conversation with them and others during these activities.

Would you rather have someone drop by your house unannounced or pop onto your computer and say ”Hi”? Most would prefer the computer interaction. You don’t have to clean your house, dress up, put on makeup, or share your food. You can ignore the person trying to talk to you on the computer or hold 10 conversations all at once if you want to do so. Now with phone apps, internet conversations can be had nearly everywhere on earth. They can be in the living room, garage, rooftop, bathroom, supermarket, car, mall, or woods. No longer do you even need to have ever been in the same room as your “friends”. The dynamic of friendships being a face to face interaction has greatly changed. However, do such activities qualify someone as a true friend though? I would suggest a great number of these “friends” are merely shallow relationships built to satisfy personal need.

Christian Friendships and Worldly Friendships
If you are a Christian consider your relationship with the members of the body of Christ:

• 1Jn 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
• I Cor. 12:20-21 – ‘But now there are many members, but one body. “And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you”’
• 1 John 4:4 – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
• Galatians 4:4-6 – But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

These verses establish Christians are part of a fellowship, members of the same body, children of God, sons of God, and heirs of God. Consider also that marriage is a temporary earthly bond, but the Christian relationship is eternal. How have you structured your interaction with others? With all the talk of electronic interactions, who surrounds your daily activities? Is it a predominantly Christian or worldly network of friends which fills your non-work time?

These next two verses seem to suggest Christians put the world (sinful activities) behind them.

• 1 John 5:4 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

But does this mean the people of the world too (those engaged in sinful activities)? Yes.

• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Not only are we to separate ourselves from the world, but this is a condition of being Children of God. Our lives should be filled most of all with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We live in the world and must interact with the world to accomplish our daily business. However, our social life is not to be filled with folks who would engage in sinful activities. As a rule, our duty to our brothers and sisters is a priority above those of the world.

• Galatians 6:10 – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Do we have an obligation to glorify God through kindness and a proper example to the world? Yes! Do we have a duty to share the gospel with the world? Yes!

• Mark 16:15 – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

However, Paul makes it clear what happens when our priorities are askew:

• I Corinthians 15:33 – “Be not deceived, Bad company corrupts good morals”.

Unfriending
Technologically speaking, when someone is added to your electronic circle of friends, this is called “friending”. “Unfriending” is a modern term used to describe ending communication with someone. It is the equivalent of turning out the lights on your home so no one will think you are there. It is like ignoring your phone, permanently. You basically stop your interaction with someone electronically. There are many reasons this can occur. Most reasons directly relate to the other individual not meeting your personal expectations or needs. Perhaps, they don’t talk enough to you. They don’t respond fast enough. They don’t approve of certain things you do. They won’t engage in various activities you are involved in. Other times, it is because there has been a conflict of some sort. Your feelings were hurt, you got angry, you were insulted, or something of that nature. Sometimes, it is because the person is not a proper influence and is considered “bad company” so you “unfriend” them. In general, these would cover the major areas for “unfriending”.

“Unfriending” is a relatively easy thing to do. You typically don’t ever have to say why you did it. You don’t have to do it face to face. If the “unfriended” person tries to contact you, you can ignore them. Of course, they normally won’t try to contact you because you really weren’t true friends in the first place. You were just another electronic name, most likely without a face. This is the sad reality of the technological era. Friends come and go with the click of a button. True friends do not dismiss one another with the click of a button.

• Job 6:14 – He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Friendships aren’t all about personal needs. Withholding kindness because you didn’t get what you want is pure selfishness. Dismissing a friendship flippantly can cause needless pain to the other party.

• Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
• Proverbs 27:9 – Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

This means communicate if there are issues. Stand by that person’s side. Don’t stop being a friend based on personal fancy. Being there when someone needs to talk can make a big difference in their life. Ask the person who has lost a loved one, has contemplated suicide, or has thought of leaving a spouse, if a friend being there made a difference.

Disfellowshipping
This is a term that is associated with removing association from a Christian brother or sister. On the face of the terms, it appears that “unfriending” and “disfellowshipping” may be the same. Both involve removing association with someone you could call a “friend”. Why disfellowship? Because when a person refuses to repent of sins in their life, God has said fellowship is to be withdrawn from them.

• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

There are similarities and differences to “unfriending”. One difference is that disfellowshipping is normally not a decision made as easily as “unfriending”. While folks find it simple to drop association with “friends” electronically, they often refuse to address the issue of Christians who need to be disfellowshipped. They have to deal with these people in the real world. They have to see them face to face. They may run into them at the supermarket and boy would that be uncomfortable. That is not something normally faced with “unfriending”. A second difference is the failure of most “unfrienders” to realize disfellowshipping has nothing to do with their own personal comfort or needs. Disfellowshipping is an act of love to someone to whom you are a true friend.

While they seem to elicit different responses, “unfriending” and “disfellowshipping” aren’t as different as it might appear. Quite frequently, even though the one being disfellowshipped falls under the relationship of brother, sister, child of God, a member of the body, the relationship wasn’t very deep in the first place. They were just another name. They were just another face. You only saw them across the room on Sunday. Perhaps shook their hand a few times. They were never asked out for lunch. You never invited them to your home. You never had a real commitment to them. It’s true, it isn’t comfortable taking action to formally disfellowship them, but you can just continue acting like you always did toward them. That is really not interacting at all, not like a friend, not like a brother or sister, not like an eternal companion. If you just keep acting like you do, they will go away, and there will be no discomfort on your part. They will just fade away in your memory. Just like “unfriending”.

Closing Thoughts on Friendship
Though we see many faces in our lifetime and shake many hands, friends truly care about one another’s welfare. They do so because they love God and they know he first loved them.

• 1 John 4:19 – We love, because he first loved us.
• 1 John 5:2 – Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments.

Being a loving friend involves encouraging one another.

• Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

It involves spending time together.

• Act 2:46-47 – And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

It involves not thinking about self, but being a servant.

• James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

You need to ask yourself, who are your friends? Are they the right friends? Are you their true friend? Do you love them enough to stand by them? Do you love them enough not to drop fellowship with them with a click of a button based on personal fancy? Do you love them enough to disfellowship them if it will save their souls? Make your Christian friends a priority in your life. Put them above the world. Treat them as if they were your own body. Be a Christian friend and have Christian friends for eternity.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Friends and Friendship

Fools and Their Consequences

Are You a Fool?  (Part 5)

Isaac Newton is known as a great mind of science who has influenced the minds of men in many disciplines. What many do not realize is he was also a great influence in the realm of theology. Mr. Newton while not flawless in the religious realm has created some excellent commentary upon God’s truth from the Bible. Mr. Newton is well noted for his observation and recording of three laws of motion. It is the third of these from which application to this final article regarding fools will be drawn.

consequences

There are Consequences for our Actions.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion: To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction: or the forces of two bodies on each other are always equal and are directed in opposite directions.

Newton’s law has to do with the physical. However, it can be observed in regard to the fool, that his actions of disobedience, unbridled speech, anger, and knowledge without wisdom will result in opposite and equal consequences. Before expanding and explaining this statement, the Bible presents some passages regarding the consequences of fools that must be observed:

Psalms107:17 – Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Proverbs 10:8 – The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

Proverbs 10:14 – Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Proverbs 1:32 – For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Proverbs 13:20 – He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Yes, the Bible establishes there will be affliction, falling, and destruction for the fool; however, these consequences are quite generic. What more specific consequences does the Bible mention in regard to a fool’s actions? Most individuals would not appreciate their obituary to read: “Joe Smith, a man whose life was characterized by punishment, regret, a lack of honor, stressed family, ego, distrust, folly, evil, and loss of life before its time.” However, these more specific consequence are found in Psalms 38:5, Proverbs, 14:8, 19:29, 26:1,3,5,6; and Ecclesiastes 5:1, 7:17. The Bible is full of examples of people engaging in actions which are foolish and the negative physical consequences which follow. These are only partial consequences though. Physical consequences do not fully equal the opposite force of foolishness. Nor are they always consistent. Not every foolish action is going to have physical consequences. There are spiritual considerations which must be taken into account to balance out the equation.

1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Proverbs 18:7 – A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 3:35 – The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Psalms 5:5 – The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

These four verses identify the spiritual plight of the foolish. Because of their choices, fools neglect the wisdom which is eternal salvation, ensnaring themselves in a world of sin. The end result of such behavior is shameful absence from the presence of God for eternity. The spiritual consequences complete the application of the Newtonian equation. The spiritual and physical consequences in total equate to the sum of the fools actions. To have this equation be negative rather than positive would be a man’s greatest failing.

A great number of families worry over their children. They do not desire them to be known as fools. They do not want them to suffer the consequences which will result from foolish behavior. What are they to do? The Bible has a prescription:

Proverbs 22:15 – Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Often youths are not consistently and properly corrected for their foolishness and they develop into foolish adults. There are some even with proper consequences who still refuse to accept the instruction and wisdom of the correction. They choose to rebel as children and as adults. They return to the same behaviors over and over. They do not heed the warnings given them.

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

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

The issue is not a fault in the consequences; it is a fault in the choice of the individual. Fools choose to value that which has no value. They choose to accept corrupt knowledge instead of that which leads to wisdom. Consequently, when wise decisions need to be made, they fail. Meanwhile, the wise man puts at his disposal components which will lead to positive consequences. In terms of being pleasing to God, the wise man grounds himself in the path God directs by knowing and following God’s written word, the Bible. He prepares himself so he will be strong and have control over his actions by a foundation of truth (Ecclesiastes 10:2). A fool does not keep his heart sound in this fashion. He trusts in emotions, feelings, and opinions of man. These are subject to change and lend to instability and weakness. Sand has been chosen over Rock and equal opposing consequence will result whether negative or positive.

God has determined fools, based on their disobedience, speech, anger, and knowledge will be rewarded with consequences equal to their actions. Simultaneously, the spiritual application of Newton’s third law of motion can also be seen in the lives of those considered wise in the eyes of God. The value God puts on man’s reverence and obedience to Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) is equivalent to the positive consequence of eternal life in heaven with Him. The fool and the wise are both rewarded by God in direct value to the deeds they have done in life. The equations of a man’s life can be changed from negative to positive and from positive to negative. An individual can choose to be foolish or wise or back to fool again. Great are the consequences of all selected choices. Are choosing to be wise or a fool?

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

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Fools and Their Consequences

The Foolish and Knowledge

Fools and Their Knowledge

“The wise man built his house upon the Rock. The wise man built his house upon the Rock. The wise…”.

foolish

The knowledge of the Foolish is faulty.

It is quite likely any person reading the above words knows they are from one of the first Sunday school songs a child learns. They are based on the Biblical passage Matthew 7:24-27. In a nutshell, a wise man builds the house of his life on the Rock foundation which is Christ. The foolish man builds his house upon a foundation of sand which is the foundation of man and is not stable. When the storms of life come, the house which the foolish man built will come falling down. There is no doubt that both men had knowledge which built their houses. However, it is very evident the knowledge was not of equal value. In fact, it can be observed the information which the foolish man followed was actually harmful. Great lessons in truth can be gained from but a few Biblical passages that we share early on with our children.

The gathering of knowledge which sees an individual through his earthly life begins at birth and ends at death. Some lives end very early, others span more than 100 years. In a lifetime, fools of all ages will be encountered. There will be those who are exposed as fools by their disobedience to God, their unbridled tongue, their fits of anger, and even those whose unstable knowledge betrays them. The relationship of concern with fools and their knowledge is not age specific, nor is it in the volume of knowledge that they gather. There are some fools who have a vast amount of knowledge gathered in short or long lifetimes. The first concern regarding their knowledge is: Does the fool have the right knowledge?

Jeremiah 4:22 – For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Back and neck pain is something a large number of people have to experience. When this occurs, a chiropractor may be utilized to correct the problem and relieve the pain. The individual does not go to a psychiatrist to relieve the back pain. The psychiatrist certainly has a great deal of knowledge about the mental processes of human beings and how to deal with them, however, in regard to issues regarding the skeletal and muscular system their knowledge will not be of use. Likewise, a computer can accomplish a great number of tasks, yet, it cannot accomplish those tasks until the knowledge to achieve them is programmed into it. Similarly, the fool may have lots of knowledge about the world; however, as pointed out in the passage from Jeremiah, they lack knowledge which would contribute to salvation and doing the good works which God desires of man (Ephesians 2:10). Fools need spiritual knowledge, knowledge gained from God’s Word, the Bible. Knowledge at its basic level is being familiar with ideas, information, and truth. All healthy humans are capable of gathering knowledge, both for good and evil. They choose the types of knowledge with which they will fill their life (Philippians 4:8).

A second concern regarding the knowledge of fools relates to their use of the right knowledge when they encounter it. Fools do not engage the spiritual knowledge they have in their grasp, they lack wisdom. Wisdom is the understanding of knowledge and common sense to apply knowledge. For example, there are times furniture needing assembly is purchased. In the box in which the furniture is packed, there is often a paper with directions printed on it to aid the assembler. Such knowledge is very helpful. However, if the directions are only in Spanish and the assembler cannot read Spanish, there is a lack of understanding, a lack of wisdom.

Proverbs 8:5 – O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Proverbs 10:21 – The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

These passages make it clear that the fool lacks wisdom. However, our example of directions in Spanish doesn’t quite fit the situation of the fool. Why? Though the assembler has the knowledge in his grasp, he cannot understand and therefore cannot wisely apply it. This is not the case with Biblical knowledge. The apostle Paul established that man can understand the words given by God to direct his life (Ephesians 3:1-7). So why is it that fools lack understanding of the knowledge available to them to make them wise (outside of a lack of exposure)?


1 Corinthians 1:20 – Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1 Corinthians 3:19 – For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

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

2 Corinthians 11:19 – For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

1 Corinthians 2:14 – But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

These verses give reasons why the fool lacks wisdom. First, the fool relies on the wisdom of the world which steers man wrong in many ways because it is based on immature and corrupt knowledge (Proverbs 16:22). Man tries to follow his own theories, emotions, experiences, and desires. This was mentioned earlier in this series. Second, fools may see themselves as wise. The apostle Paul told the Corinthians they put up with the foolish, because they saw themselves as wise rather than the fools they were. Third, the fool sees God’s wisdom as foolishness. Still, there is more:

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:22 – How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

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

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

Jeremiah 5:21 – Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

It is obvious from these verses that a fourth item which keeps a fool from wisdom is he does not want to hear it. He doesn’t have the common sense to hear it. He despises it. There are simply a great number of people in the world who get down right hostile when they are exposed to God, His son, or His Word. In some cases, it doesn’t matter if this is direct interaction with the fool (proselytizing, door knockers) or something they view indirectly (public prayer or posting of scripture). They don’t want anything to do with God. To attempt to share spiritual wisdom with them is like throwing pearls to swine (Matthew 7:6, Proverbs 26:9). Thus, from the furniture assembly example, it is as if the man received sound instructions he could read and understand, but he threw them out regardless of their wisdom.

While the Bible presents the shortcomings of fools, it does not leave those who would seek God’s wisdom without direction (Matthew 7:7).

Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:18 – Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Proverbs 9:6 – Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

The first two passages deal with humility, ego. To avoid being deceived by his own “wisdom”, man is to put himself aside. He will become a fool in the eyes of the world (I Corinthians 4:10), but the wisdom of God he follows will see him to the kingdom of heaven. In the last passage, those who would accept true wisdom are told to stay away from the foolish. There can be no good which will come by choosing association with those who would be fools (I Corinthians 15:33). The knowledge of a fool is not Godly knowledge. The wisdom of a fool is not wisdom at all.

Psalms 111:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

The Final article in this series, “Are You a Fool? Part 5”, will examine “Fools and Their Consequences”.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The Foolish and Knowledge

Fools and their Anger

Fools and their Anger

Tom is driving down the road. He has his radio playing light jazz and he is moving along with the speed of the end of the day traffic. His mind is paying attention to the surroundings about him, but he is also thinking about the weekend soon to come. He is really looking forward to getting home to his wife and children. Presently, he hears loud long blasts of a car horn next to him. When he turns his head to look he observes another man all red faced, eyes bulging, apparently screaming at the top of his lungs. The man’s voice cannot be heard through two closed windows, road noise, and the radio, but it is obvious he is not trying to share a prayer. Quite clearly, he does mention God’s name a few times and makes a number of crude gestures. Next, he swiftly accelerates down the road weaving in and out of traffic. “What was that about?” Tom thinks to himself, then he mutters, “What a fool.”

anger

Fools and Their Anger

Situations like Tom’s happen every single day in cities across the world. There are incidents when it is very clear why the anger is being demonstrated and other times when the recipient of the anger has no idea what is going on. “Road Rage” is not the only form of anger that man encounters each day. Whether at work, the shopping center, a sporting event, or at home, sad performances of anger are not infrequent. Unfortunately, many occurrences of anger will escalate into physical confrontations and injury to property or persons. Anger often engages the two characteristics of fools that have been discussed in this series thus far: disobedience to God’s will and uncontrolled speech. These are sinful works of the flesh and anger can certainly be sinful.

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

It may be surprising to some to see anger included in a list such as this. It is and it carries the same penalty as the other sins mentioned. However, a discussion of consequences is to be saved for the final article in this series. The objective here is to understand the relationship between fools and anger. As with both disobedience and the speech of a fool, anger and the behaviors that go with it are a choice. Contemplate the following example and the likely difference between the reactions to a stray, growling tea cup poodle that has stolen a hot dog off a man’s plate, and a stray, growling German Shepherd that has stolen a hot dog. The tea cup poodle is probably hollered at and either stomped into the ground or punted 50 yards away. The German Shepherd is more likely spoken to gently and calmly while the owner of the hot dog backs away. The same event happened, but with different results. What was the difference? The difference was the choice to exert self control instead of exploding in anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

The Bible is once again clear as to the behavior of fools. The term “hasty” used in the verse above means “quickly”. Consider these other verses which mention the same issue in regard to the foolish.

Proverbs 12:16 – A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

Proverbs 14:17 – He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

A “prudent man” or wise man, “covereth shame”. This means he holds his anger in and does not shame himself. He understands that with such anger a poor example is given. The man who has no control over his temper loses influence and respect. Now it is at this point, that critics of the Biblical prescription for behaviors will point out that God is presented as wrathful or angry (I Kings 11:9-10, John 3:36) as well as Jesus when he walked the earth (Mark 3:5, John 2:13-17). There is no need to deny such occurrences, but understanding is in order. Examine the following:

Ephesians 4:26 – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

In this passage anger is commanded, but anger with the absence of sin. Such anger is called righteous indignation. It does not diminish with the falling of the sun, but always burns against sin. The anger is best understood as a form of disappointment. God does not want man to do things which bring harm to himself and others. Christ did not want to see men reject the commands of God or defile the holy things of God. In their anger, no sin was committed. Yet, often with man, we see sinful anger. It is an anger which is chosen and exercised with blasphemy, vanity, and intent to harm. It is anger which is not controlled but a swift and raging storm which brings destruction. Yes, anger is commanded against sin. However, the wise man with self control approaches anger with a patient concern for the recipient as God does.

Proverbs 16:32 – He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

James 1:19 – Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Titus 1:7 – For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Psalms 103:8-9 – The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

That sinful anger exists and is a temptation is certainly a fact. Every young man’s testosterone rages at times. Shamefully, such behavior is often carried through into adulthood. Jobs are lost. Friendships are severed. Marriages are shattered. Lives can be destroyed. All of these because foolish choices resulted in poor behavior. And without a doubt, these behaviors are not only applicable to males. Women too make such mistakes. Words are hurled, violence is engaged, and reputations deeply scarred because of ungodly behavior. The realization of the battle that exists to control such actions is indeed great and at times the anger is aimed even at God.

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

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

The greatest shame for a fool is not in the loss of control, but a refusal to change course. God desires man to change his ways (Luke 13:3, Revelation 3:19). God will forgive (I John 1:9). A number of people when they foolishly rage, come to erroneously believe that God cannot forgive. He will forgive and he will give strength to those who come to him and ask for it (Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:31). The question is: if a man has been a fool with regard to anger, will he make the choice to change?

Colossians 3:8 – But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

The next article in this series, “Are You a Fool? Part 4”, will examine “Fools and Their Knowledge”.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Fools and their Anger

Fools, Speech, & Tongue

Fools and their Speech

“Ihay, I maay a oolfay nday I aysay Oolishfay ingsthay!” It sure would be nice if all people who were engaged in foolish actions or speech would automatically speak in only Pig Latin. Immediately, the choice of whether or not a man wanted to follow the lead of a fool would be obvious. Sometimes man is ignorant or deceived into foolish activities or speech, making himself guilty without informatively choosing foolishness. While still guilty of foolishness through participation, the individual would have most likely wanted to know what he was getting into beforehand. Unfortunately, foolishness is not always immediately identified. Consequently, man must always be on his guard to keep himself from being a fool. The danger of fools exists not only in being aware of others, but ultimately aware of self. The words which proceed from one’s mouth are often the first and closest thing to a sign man will have to identify a fool.

speech

Be Careful of Foolish Speech!

Proverbs 10:18 – He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

Proverbs 14:3 – In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

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

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

Be vigilant to recognize in the above verses from the Bible, characteristics of speech which flash a big red sign that the speaker is a fool: lying, slander, pride, sharing of foolishness, and hungering for foolishness. When words such as these are being spouted, the man who does not desire to be a fool should be on alert. It will be further noted that the scriptures lay out a direct contrast between those who are wise and those who are foolish. Simply through applying Biblical Study (2 Timothy 2:15), man can defend himself from foolishness (I Peter 3:14-16), and engage himself in the behavior of the wise (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Consider further the following verses characterizing the fool:

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

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

Ecclesiastes 10:12 – The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

A failure to share knowledge, dwelling on sinfulness, and uttering words which are personally detrimental, these are identifying attributes of fools. Again, they are opposite of what identifies a wise man. They are not qualities with which any person should be acquainted. In scripture there was a man by the name of Job. He was a man who was tempted and afflicted greatly to see if he would sin against God. That Job was aware of himself and aware of foolishness around him is evident. In Job 2:9-10, Job’s wife having seen horrible events befall Job tells him to “Curse God and die!” His response was to identify her with one who speaks as a fool. Job would not blaspheme God. He would not engage in sin. He would not sin with his lips. He too would not be a fool. Yet, so many other people are willing to engage in attacking God or questioning his existence.

Psalms 14:1, Psalms 53:1 – The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 74:18 – Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

There are many so called learned men, men of “science”, who grab onto any theory that suggests there is no God. They deride the idea of God. They proclaim the belief of an intelligent designer itself is foolish. They base their words upon theories rather than upon the facts of science which lend themselves to the confirmation of God. While these men blaspheme and deny God, there are some who are every bit as destructive, who claim God. These men are often in the midst of Churches, admired, and those to whom others listen. Yet, they are continually generating divisions. They are continually striving for conflict and their irritation is a wearying of the faithful of God.

Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

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

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

2 Timothy 2:23 – But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Titus 3:9 – But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Having been part of an online community of Biblical discussion, it seems there is an unending line of individuals who bring questions or statements before a group specifically to stir up trouble. They ask a question, but they have readymade answers with which to argue. They make statements with the purpose of creating frustration, division, or confusion. Their agendas are based in foolishness. They desire to depart from what God has said and espouse other doctrines which man has no authority to follow. To no surprise, if one issue of theirs is put to rest, they start others endlessly. Titus 3:9 (listed above) makes a very specific point which must be noted for application today. The Law being spoken about is the Law of Moses. The letter written to Titus was after the New Covenant in Christ had been established. There was no reason to discuss aspects of the Mosaic covenant anymore because it had been fulfilled. Yet, today, religions still try to find authority for their actions from that covenant and a great number of arguments are then engaged upon. Paul told Titus, these are things of fools.

Anyone who is aware of self, comes to the realization his lips are a spigot which can and must be turned off at times. This is something a fool rarely does. Yet, keeping one’s tongue is something which characterizes a wise man.

Proverbs 12:23 – A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

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

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

Ecclesiastes 9:17 – The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

The third chapter of the book of James discusses the power of the tongue and the importance of trying to keep it bridled. Wise men speak with purpose and with words that have substance behind them. Their words are built upon truths and items which are concrete. This is why when they speak men should listen. Yet, the preponderance of foolish men fills the ears of more people. There are more fools than there are wise. There are more men who would be led by quickly formed and dispersed emotions, desires, and fancy than who would consider words patiently contemplated in knowledge. The fool will always have his place amongst the world, who for lack of wisdom themselves, will follow in disobedience to God, and will engage foolish speech. Yet the Bible gives inspired direction to the man who does not wish to be associated with the fool or be characterized as one:

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

Proverbs 30:32 – If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

The next article in this series, “Are You a Fool? Part 3”, will examine “Fools and Their Anger”.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Fools, Speech, & Tongue