Daily Bible Nugget #954, Proverbs 4:7

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Proverbs 4:7  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (KJV)

Cross References for Proverbs 4:7

from the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is: Ecc 7:12, Ecc 9:16, 17, 18; Mat 13:44, 45, 46; Luk 10:42; Php 3:8

with: Pro 16:16, Pro 21:6; Psa 49:16, 17, 18, 19, 20; Ecc 2:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Ecc 4:8; Mrk 8:36, 37; Luk 12:20

get understanding: Psa 119:104

from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is. Pro 8:18, 2Ch 1:10, Job 22:2, *Ecc 7:12; Ecc 9:16, 17, 18, Mat 5:6; **Mat 6:33; *Mat 13:44, 45, 46, Luk 10:42, *Php 3:8.

with all thy getting. Note: Do not be contented merely with the lessons of wisdom, or satisfied with having a sound religious creed; but see that thou comprehend, and rightly apply, all that thou hast learned. Wisdom prescribes the best end, and the means best calculated for its attainment; understanding directs to the ways, times, places, and opportunities of practicing the lessons of wisdom. Wisdom sees, but understanding feels. +*Pro 4:23, Pro 14:18; *Pro 16:16; Pro 18:15; Pro 21:6, *Psa 49:16, 17, 18, 19, 20, Ecc 1:13; Ecc 2:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Ecc 4:8, *Mrk 8:36; *Mrk 8:37, *Luk 12:20.

get wisdom. Psa 90:12.

get understanding. +*Psa 119:104.

My Comment:

During my teaching career in the Detroit Public Schools from 1962 until 2001 I posted Proverbs 4:7 as the first  “Proverb and Quotation” for my students to keep in their English Notebook.

The book of Proverbs has long been one of my favorite Bible books to read and study. There is much practical wisdom and guidance suitable for everyone in the book of Proverbs. My high school Sunday school teachers (Dean Sawdon and John Boyko) at Highland Park Baptist Church encouraged us to read a chapter each day from Proverbs. I took their advice seriously and for many years did what they suggested.

There is a major problem prevalent among many Christians today that I find to be inexcusable: they are not avid readers of the Bible. God expects His people to be diligent readers of His written word, the Bible.

Reading the Preface to Charles Bridges’ Commentary on the Book of Proverbs this past week informed me that in his day (the early 1800s) few Christians took any interest in reading the book of Proverbs. They found it hard to understand. Most Bible readers then read what to them were the more interesting and familiar parts of the Bible instead. Such Bible readers surely don’t know what they are missing!

From Charles Bridges’ Preface I found a valuable suggestion about reading Proverbs: read it according to the following several topics:

1. The sovereign on the throne is instructed as from God:  Proverbs 8:15, 16; 16:10, 11, 12, 13; 20:8, 26; 21:1; 25:2, 3, 4, 5; 28:16; 29:14; 31:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

2. The principles of national prosperity or decay are laid open: Proverbs 11:14; 14:34; 24:6; 28:2.

3. The rich are warned of their besetting temptations:  Proverbs 18:11; 23:4, 5; 28:20, 22.

4. The poor are cheered in their worldly humiliation: Proverbs 15:16, 17; 17:1; 19:1, 22; 28:6.

5. Wise rules are given for self-government:  Proverbs 4:23, 24, 25, 26, 27; 16:32; 23:1, 2, 3.

6. ‘It bridles the injurious tongue:  Proverbs 4:24; 10:31; 17:20; 25:23; 26:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.

7. corrects the wanton eye: Proverbs 5:20, 21; 6:25, 26, 27, 28, 29; 23:26, 27.

8. and ties the unjust hand in chains,’ Proverbs 18:5; 28:8.

9. It prevents sloth:  Proverbs 6:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; 12:27; 13:4; 19:24; 20:4; 24:30, 31, 32, 33, 34.

10. Chastises all absurd desires: Proverbs 21:25, 26.

11. Teaches prudence: [**Proverbs 1:10.] Proverbs 6:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 14:8, 15, 18; 22:3; 25:6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

12. Raises man’s courage: Proverbs 4:14, 15; 28:1.

13. And represents temperance and chastity after such a fashion, that we cannot but have them in veneration’: Proverbs 5:15, 16, 17, 18, 19 with Proverbs 23:29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. Basil quoted by Bishop Patrick.

14. To come to important matters so often mismanaged–the blessing or curse of the marriage ordinance is vividly portrayed: Proverbs 18:22; 19:14; 31:10 with Proverbs 12:4; 19:13; 21:9, 19.

15. Sound principles of family order and discipline are inculcated: Proverbs 13:24; 14:1; 19:18; 22:6; 23:14, 15; 29:15, 17, 19, 21.

16. Domestic economy is displayed in its adorning consistency: Proverbs 27:23, 24, 25, 26, 27; 31:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27.

17. Nay–even the minute courtesies of daily life are regulated: Proverbs 23:6, 7, 8; 25:17.

18. Self-denying consideration of others: Proverbs 3:27, 28.

19. And liberal distribution are enforced:  Proverbs 11:24;  22:9.

20. All this diversified instruction is based upon the principles of true godliness: Proverbs 31:10, 30.

Charles Bridges concludes his Preface, writing that (citing Psalm 119:9, 11) the author of Proverbs “expressly states the Book to be written for the heeding of youth” (Proverbs 1:4; 4:1).

It takes them as it were by the hand, sets up way-marks to warn against coming danger and imminent temptations (Proverbs 1:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; 2:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; 5:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 7:1, 2, 3, 4, 5.), and allures them into the bright ways of God by the most engaging motives (Proverbs 3:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18; 8:17).

And never surely was the object so momentous, as at the present day.

Our young are growing up at a period, when “the foundations of the earth are out of course;” and when subtle and restless efforts are making to poison their hearts and pervert their ways.

Nothing therefore can be more important, than to fortify them with sound principles; that, when withdrawn from the parental wing into a world or a Church (alas! that we should be constrained to use the term!) of temptation, they may be manifestly under a Divine cover–the children of a special Providence.

What this invaluable Book impresses upon their minds is–the importance of deep-seated principles in the heart; the responsibility of conduct in every step of life; the danger of trifling deviations for expediency’s sake; the value of self-discipline; the habit of bringing everything to the Word of God; the duty of weighing in just balances a worldly and heavenly portion, and thus deciding the momentous choice of an everlasting good before the toys of earth.

Charles Bridges, Commentary on Proverbs, Preface, pages x and xi.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #953, Proverbs 22:8

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Proverbs 22:8  He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. (KJV)

My Comment:

This Bible proverb states a general truth. The truth of this proverb can be observed almost daily in the news reports of our time.

Proverbs 22:8 provides the basis for what I find to be a fascinating Bible study.

Just today I found it helpful to read this verse in other English translations of the Bible:

Pro 22:8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. (ESV, English Standard Version)

Pro 22:8 He that soweth iniquity, shall reap evils, and with the rod of his anger he shall be consumed. (DRB, Douay-Rheims Bible)

Pro 22:8  He that sows wickedness shall reap troubles; and shall fully receive the punishment of his deeds. God loves a cheerful and liberal man; but a man shall fully prove the folly of his works. (LXX, Brenton translation)

Pro 22:8  Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. (NLT, New Living Translation)

Reading Proverbs 22:8 from modern English translations alerted me to the presence of cause/effect relationships in this verse:

Pro 22:8  Those who spread trouble will harvest trouble. In the end, they will be destroyed for the trouble they caused. (ERV, Easy-to-Read Version)

“Those who spread trouble” = the cause

“will harvest trouble” = the effect

“they will be destroyed” = the effect

“for the trouble they caused” = the cause

I have listed many cause/effect relationship verses at Psalm 9:10 in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as well as in Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible and in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury. I missed listing Proverbs 22:8 because the cause/effect relationship was not evident when I was working from the KJV. I conclude that many more such relationships may be found when studying the Bible using modern English translations.

I also discovered that the notes for Proverbs 22:8 in the NET Bible are excellent for this verse and shed light on even more instances of figures of speech in this verse:

Pro 22:8  The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will end. (NET Bible)

NET Bible Notes for Proverbs 22:8,

Proverbs 22:8
N21 sn The verse is making an implied comparison (a figure of speech known as hypocatastasis) between sowing and sinning. One who sins is like one who sows, for there will be a “harvest” or a return on the sin – trouble.
Proverbs 22:8
N22 tc There is a variant reading in the LXX; instead of “the rod of his wrath” it reads “the punishment of his deeds.” C. H. Toy wishes to emend שֵׁבֶט (shevet) to שֶׁבֶר (shever), “the produce of his work” (Proverbs [ICC], 416). But the Hebrew text is not obscure, and שֶׁבֶר does not exactly mean “produce.” The expression “rod of his wrath” may not follow the imagery of Pro 22:8 very closely, but it is nonetheless understandable. The “rod” is a symbol of power; “wrath” is a metonymy of cause indicating what wrath will do, and an objective genitive. The expression signifies that in reaping trouble for his sins this person will no longer be able to unleash his fury on others. The LXX adds: “A man who is cheerful and a giver God blesses” (e.g., 2Co 9:7).

To dig deeper into the whole of Scripture read the cross references from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury for Proverbs 22:8 as shared below:

Proverbs 22:8
that soweth iniquity. Heb. aval, trickery. Gen 27:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17; Gen 27:41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, +*Job 4:8, Pro 6:14; %Pro 11:18, Hos 8:7; *Hos 10:12; *Hos 10:13, *Gal 6:7; *Gal 6:8.

reap vanity. +**Gen 6:13, Jdg 15:6, *Job 15:31, Psa 9:15, Pro 1:31; Pro 21:6; Pro 30:8, +**1Co 6:9; +**1Co 6:10.

the rod of his anger shall fail. or, with the rod of his anger he shall be consumed. *Pro 14:3; +Pro 21:30, Num 24:10, 1Ki 11:14; 1Ki 11:23; 1Ki 11:31; 1Ki 11:40, 2Ki 1:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 2Ch 32:21, Est 5:11, 12, 13; Est 7:10, Psa 125:3, Isa 9:4; Isa 10:5; Isa 14:29; Isa 30:31.

I trust that those who choose to read and study this article will learn more about how to do Real Bible Study! I have not posted as many articles this month because I have been taking time to carefully study the subject of what I hope will be a new post in the series “Everyone is wrong about something–including me!” In preparation, I have already read several whole books by other Bible scholars on the subject.

 

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Everyone is Wrong About Something–Including Me! Part 6

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Jerry

 

Some individuals, some faith groups are characterized by proselytizing individuals already in the fellowship of genuinely Christian groups rather than winning unevangelized lost souls to faith in Christ, just like the Judaizers both Jesus and Paul roundly condemn (Galatians 5:12; Matthew 23:13, 15; John 10:10; Acts 20:30).

I bring up this characteristic of mistaken faith groups out of the order of discussion I originally planned because this very issue was reflected in a comment I recently read and responded to:

 

“Think about it:

//Many are anti-Catholic, who want to convert Catholics to Protestantism, and that is something the Popes or the Bishops through the centuries fought against.//

Is it not the case, even today, that many Catholics are anti-Protestant, who want to convert Protestants to Catholics?”

 

I have noticed that faith groups that are characterized by a focus upon proselytizing individuals already in the fellowship of genuinely Christian groups are sometimes  characterized as High Control Groups—yet another feature of some mistaken faith groups.

I consider such proselytizing activity “sheep stealing.”

Carefully consider the Scripture texts cited:

Gal 5:12  I would they were even cut off, who trouble you. (DRB, Douay-Rheims Bible)

Gal 5:12  I would rather they should lose their own manhood, these authors of your unrest. (Ronald Knox translation)

Gal 5:12  I would they were even cut off which trouble you. (KJV)

I have included the following comment on Galatians 5:12 in my Bible study resources, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (1992, 2024) and the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury (2016),

cut off. literally, cut themselves off. i.e. mutilate or castrate themselves. D. A. Hayes remarks on this passage, “There is something of ’grim ferocity’ about this language. There is nothing delicate in it. It is offensive to white-fingered and white-cheeked and white-livered people who sit in their easy-chairs and read these burning words today. They blush when they read them (Gal 1:8, 9), and they blush more when they read that passage farther on in the Epistle to the Galatians in which Paul says: ’I wish that those who unsettled you on the subject of circumcision would go off and castrate themselves! Possibly in that way they would lose all further interest in the subject.’ They think that such language ought not to be used in the presence of ladies. Paul was not thinking about the ladies when he dictated those words. He was hot with anger against the Judaizers who were making trouble for him through all the Gentile field. He had to say something which would stop it; and he did. His righteous anger brought about a righteous result” (Paul and His Epistles, p. 51). Gal 5:10, Gal 1:8, 9; Gal 4:17, *+Gen 17:14, *Exo 12:15; Exo 30:33, +Lev 22:3 note. +*Deut 23:1, Jos 7:12; Jos 7:25, Mrk 9:43; Mrk 9:45, Jhn 9:34; Jhn 18:10; Jhn 18:26, Act 5:5; Act 5:9; Act 27:32 g. *1Co 5:2; *1Co 5:13, Php 3:2 g. Tit 3:10, 1Jn 2:19.

trouble. Gr. anastatoō (S# G387, Act 17:6). **Gal 1:7; Gal 6:17, Mat 26:10, **Act 15:1; **Act 15:2; **Act 15:19; **Act 15:24; +Act 17:6 g. Act 21:38 g.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he warns very plainly that to respond to or follow the Judaizers’ false message would lead to the loss of salvation for any of the Galatians who had responded in faith to the Gospel message brought to them by the Apostle Paul (Galatians 5:4).

Mat 23:13  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Mat 23:15  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

From what Jesus taught, some proselyting activity has the potential to be very harmful to those who are convinced to respond positively to the pressure to convert to a mistaken faith group.

Joh 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The context of John 10:10 is very instructive:

Joh 10:1  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Joh 10:2  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Joh 10:3  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Joh 10:4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Jesus gave further explanation about how this parable is meant to be understood when he said:

Joh 10:6  This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Joh 10:7  Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Joh 10:8  All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

Joh 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Therefore, the true sheep who follow Christ are those who know His voice. They do not respond to other false voices of those Jesus called “thieves and robbers.”

Paul, in his final message to the Ephesian elders, warned them:

Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Again, the context is instructive:

Act 20:25  And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Act 20:26  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Act 20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Departures from the true faith began very early in the history of the New Testament Church. The supposed “age” of a doctrine is no sure proof of its truthfulness unless it conforms to what is taught in the 27 primary source First Century historical documents we know as our New Testament today.

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Daily Bible Nugget #952, Luke 10:7

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Luke 10:7  And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

My Comment:

If our nation had properly followed the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ it is likely we would not be in the mess we are in today.

When Jesus said, “for the labourer is worthy of his hire,” I believe Jesus includes the concept that the laborer is worthy of being paid a living wage.

Some very mistaken choices were made during the last century that violated this principle. I remember when it happened. I was involved in debating this subject while I was in college.

My psychology course professor, Dr. Chu, was involved in the process, perhaps unwittingly, that has resulted in moving our industrial base offshore to take advantage of cheaper labor costs in other countries, especially China. Dr. Chu was a very amiable man. He had a good sense of humor. At the time I had him as my professor he was studying the subject of “teacher prestige.” Bottom line: teachers in the USA were not accorded the prestige they actually deserved. Dr. Chu invited a small group of his students to accompany him to do research at the University of South Carolina. There, we had access to English translations of Chinese documents and news. My assignment was to take notes on the subject of Chinese Education during “The Great Leap Forward.” I kept a handwritten copy of the notes I had taken and, years later, wrote an article based on them for my reading selection file for a unit on reading motivation. Dr. Chu was selected by President Nixon to be his representative to China. The ultimate outcome was that China was admitted to the World Trade Organization. The rest is history, and we are all suffering greatly even today as the result of that outcome.

My late brother Mark showed me internal documents from major local industry that demonstrated that the economic claims made by industrial leaders that they were suffering greatly because of high American labor costs was a very false claim. In short, they simply wanted to squeeze every possible penny out of the employees to make the company “bottom line” more attractive to the investors.

The industries were in favor of so-called “free trade” agreements. The theory was that free trade would allow each country to contribute to world trade what it did best, resulting in worldwide improvement in product quality and lower prices for everyone.

There are many factors involved which demonstrate why this would not work, and experience now shows us that it did not work.

Those who do not remember history might well be condemned to repeat it. But you must be very careful about history. Often, history is written by the conquerors who do not always, if ever, tell the truth about the conquered.

My brother was a careful and thorough student of the writings of  Karl Marx. He had a large multi-volume set of the writings of Marx and others, and studied them avidly. My brother was influenced to develop such an interest by one of his professors at Wayne State University in Detroit. His professor was a Methodist, in terms of his own faith background, my brother told me.

Karl Marx wrote some significant material about economics and the rise and impact of the Industrial Revolution in the United States of America in the nineteenth century. It turns out that Marx employed careful, even meticulous, scholarship, citing sources in English about the economic factors that took place during those years. In my own personal library I have many books by an author who made the effort to find those now rare books Marx had cited. That author’s name is Michael Hudson. Together with Marc Van De Mieroop, he is editor of a volume I have titled Debt and Economic Renewal in the Ancient Near East: International Scholars Conference on Ancient Near Eastern Economies Volume 3 (2002, 356 pages). The conference was held at Columbia University, November 1998. The first article in the book, “Reconstructing the Origins of Interest-Bearing Debt and the Logic of Clean Slates,” is authored by Michael Hudson. The principle is found in Leviticus in the “Jubilee Year.”

I have placed notes in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge about the Jubilee Year: (1) definition, Lev 25:11 note. (2) institutional purpose, typical meaning, prophetic significance, Lev 25:52 note.

This subject even has a bearing upon a correct understanding of the Lord’s Prayer (“forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”).

I do not for even a moment believe in Marxism. I agree with Mark Levin’s position on Marxism as reflected on his radio program and in his many books.

Dig deeper into Luke 10:7 and its themes as taught in the Bible by reading the cross references provided in:

(1) The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Luke 10:7  And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Luke 10:7
in: Luk 9:4; Mat 10:11; Mrk 6:10; Act 16:15, Act 16:34, Act 16:40

for: Deut 12:12, Deut 12:18, 19; Mat 10:10; 1Co 9:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 13, 15; Gal 6:6; Php 4:17, 18; 1Ti 5:17, 18; 2Ti 2:6; 3Jn 1:5, 6, 7, 8

Go: 1Ti 5:13

(2) The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Luke 10:7
in the same house remain. Luk 9:4, Mat 10:11, *Mrk 6:10, *Act 16:15; *Act 16:34; *Act 16:40.

eating and drinking. Luk 12:29, Num 18:31, Deut 18:8.

such things as they give. 2Ch 2:10, Ezk 48:13, 1Co 9:14; 1Co 10:27.

for the labourer. +*Gen 29:15, +Lev 7:7, Deut 12:12; Deut 12:18, 19; +*Deut 24:14, Psa 90:17; **Psa 104:23 note. *Psa 128:2, Pro 14:23; Pro 22:29, Ecc 2:24, *Mat 10:10, *1Co 9:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, *Gal 6:6, *Php 4:17; *Php 4:18, 1Th 5:12, *>1Ti 5:17; *>1Ti 5:18, 2Ti 2:6, 3Jn 1:5, 6, 7, 8.

his hire. Gr. misthos (S# G3408, 1Ti 5:18). +*Lev 19:13, Num 18:31, +*Deut 24:15, +*Jer 22:13, +**Mal 3:5, Mat 20:8, *1Co 9:4; *1Co 9:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Go not. *Mat 10:11, *1Ti 5:13.

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Everyone is wrong about something–including me! Part 5

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Jerry

 

Some individuals, some groups, seem to have fallen into the error of claiming for themselves superior experience or superior knowledge.

I encountered possible instances of what I call “experience centered Christianity” among some of the students who attended the Bible Discussion Club I was asked by the school administration to sponsor. These students came from charismatic churches or congregations as well as non-trinitarian Apostolic churches, as I recall. A little later, students from the “Jesus People” movement seemed to me to fit this category.

Instances of individuals and groups, churches and denominations, which seem to fit the second category, claim to possess superior knowledge. They claim to possess exclusive knowledge of the truth which no other group or church or denomination has. Students who attended the Bible Discussion Club included those from the Christian Bible Student’s Association, the forerunners or precursors of the Watchtower Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

I never made the attempt to “convert” any of the students in the Bible Discussion Club to a different church or denomination. One of my eleventh grade Early American Literature (English 6) students attended the Bible Discussion Club for a short while. One day she stopped me in the hall to explain why she stopped attending. She said she was disappointed that I never had an “altar call” at the conclusion of a meeting to invite students to come forward to receive Christ. I explained that I was aware of many students who did accept Christ as a result of the Bible discussions. They told me later in private conversations with me.

I did answer their Bible questions and we had many delightful discussions. Students invited me to visit their church or group and I accepted their invitations.

When preparing my book, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, I was impressed by what is stated in Isaiah 65:5,

Isa 65:5  Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. (KJV)

Isa 65:5  And then they say to others, ‘Keep away from us; we are too holy for you to touch!’ I cannot stand people like that—my anger against them is like a fire that never goes out. (GNB, Good News Bible)

I placed the following note for the key words “I am holier than thou”:

I am holier than thou. Those caught up in false doctrine and false cults often possess a superiority complex because of their supposed superior experience or knowledge. The fundamental error of the first is that of being “experience centered” instead of “Bible centered” or “Christ centered,” and leads to instability, with repeated spiritual “ups and downs.” The fundamental error of the latter is that of Gnosticism—the claim to exclusive or superior spiritual knowledge or authority (+Pro 4:18 note. *Mat 23:13; *Mat 23:15; +Mat 24:45, +*Luk 11:52; +Luk 12:42; 1Co 8:2, Gal 6:3, Eph 4:14, Php 3:15; 1Ti 6:3, 4, *2Ti 3:6; *2Ti 3:7, Tit 1:11, 2Pe 2:14). Such distortions are the mark of the false, not the true, and can have no place in the genuine believer (Psa 138:6, Pro 8:13, *Mrk 12:34, *Php 2:3, *3Jn 1:9, 10, 11). The remedy for the “experienced centered” error is to become Bible and Christ centered (+*Jhn 5:39); the remedy for Gnosticism is to adopt the Bible as the exclusive spiritual authority (+*Isa 8:20 note), and separate entirely from the literature, fellowship and influence of false teachers (+**Psa 119:63; +**Pro 19:27, +**Mrk 4:24; 2Jn 1:9, 10, 11; +*Jud 1:3). Deut 9:4, Job 9:20; Job 35:2, Pro 12:15; Pro 20:6; Pro 30:12, Ezk 16:56, Mat 6:5, Luk 6:22; Luk 6:37; Luk 15:29; Luk 18:9; Luk 18:11, +*Jhn 7:49; Jhn 9:34; Jhn 16:2, Act 10:28; Act 11:2, 3, Rom 3:9; +*Rom 12:3, 2Co 10:12, Gal 2:12, +*Php 2:3, Jas 1:27; Jas 2:3.

 

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Why Everyone is Wrong about Something—Including Me Part 4

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Jerry

 

The first of my promised “fireworks” did not at first bring the response I anticipated! Perhaps eventually it did.

(1) Mistaken religious faiths appeal to the wrong basis of authority.

I asserted that the Bible itself states that it is the ultimate and final authority, and I gave as my answer to the question, “Where in the Bible does it teach we must go by the Bible alone?” the reference to Isaiah 8:20.

Isa 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (KJV, King James Version)

There are some individuals, some churches, some religious organizations which disagree with this Bible truth. I believe they are seriously mistaken.

(2) My second example of where mistaken religions are in error is that they make exclusive claim to the truth.

I suspect that every group is wrong about something. If we are honest seekers after truth the better approach may be to learn from each other. We all can benefit from the insights others have (Proverbs 4:18).  We gain when we are challenged by others who may be more informed than we are through discussion and debate regarding specific issues where we differ in our understanding of the Christian faith (Proverbs 18:17).

Pro 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (KJV)

Pro 18:17  He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. (KJV)

 

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Atonement as Provision and Benefit

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Jerry

In a discussion today I wrote a response but it would not post there. Perhaps my comment was too long. I saved my work so my efforts would not be lost. If you read what I wrote you may learn some things from the Bible that you did not know before.

My Comment:

I wrote my comment in response to the following very good comment that another participant made:

“The fact is, there are two distinct dimensions of Jesus Christ’s Redemption.

First, Jesus Christ, in his life, death, resurrection, and ascension died for ALL mankind for all times (1 John 2:2; 2 Cor 5:15; 1 Tim 2:6;) WITHOUT EXCEPTION. God died for Christians, Muslims, Baha’i, Ananda Marga Prackaracka Samgha, Wiccans, Blavatsky, Richard Dawkins, transgenders, snowflakes—ALL.”

My Response:

I agree with your statement.

In the Bible, this represents God’s PROVISION of Salvation: it is available for all.

You have cited some of the most applicable Scripture passages which assert this truth:

1Jn 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (KJV)

1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. (DRB, Douay-Rheims Bible)

1Jn 2:2  and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world. (NET Bible)

1Jn 2:2 He, in his own person, is the atonement made for our sins, and only not for ours, but for the sins of the whole world. (Ronald Knox translation)

1Jn 2:2 And He, Himself, is Atonement concerning our sins; but not concerning ours only, but also concerning the world as a whole. (Lavender’s New Testament)

The Atonement of Christ is not a propitiation, so the last three translations I have cited are preferred as being correct.

For the PROVISION to be received as a BENEFIT, the individual must actively continue to participate in believing and receiving it. Therefore, synergism, not monergism, is the process involved. This is proved by the use of the middle voice in Greek grammar, where the subject takes part in the action of the verb, as at Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13, as the condition of receiving the benefit stated in the subjunctive mood, as at John 6:44,

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)

Joh 6:44 no one is able to come unto me, if the Father who sent me may not draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day; (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)

Joh 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father–the One having sent Me–may draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. (Lavender’s NT)

Very few English translations properly render the subjunctive mood, “may draw,” a very major error in translation on their part. Note the subjunctive mood in the probable third class condition (as also in John 6:65), “may.” “May” expresses contingency; the “third class condition” expresses probability, but not certainty, because of the contingency. The terms of the contingency are expressed in the near context at John 6:37 and John 6:40 and include continuing belief.

 

 

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Israel not permanently forsaken

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Jerry

 

I suspect that many posters and those who respond to their posts are not fully familiar with either church history or the Bible so they are not as able to respond to questions or challenges to their posts and responses.

I am just a now long-retired high school English teacher. Nevertheless, I have been reading the Bible seriously since 1953. I still am studying the Bible. I learn something new to me almost every day.

Here is some Scripture that I believe directly addresses your challenge to cite “scripture to support that idea what anyone who rejects the Son is still in communion with God?”

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28  As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
Rom 11:29  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (KJV)

Note particularly Romans 11:28,

Rom 11:28  As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

Unbelieving Israel is still beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

I have carefully compiled what are called “cross references” for every verse in the Bible. I present them in my book, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, and I have further expanded those in my digital resource, the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury.

As I compiled these verses, I retained the verses of my sources, whether I agreed with them or not, so some cross references do not agree with what I know that Scripture actually teaches.

For Romans 11:28, here is the most relevant portion of the cross references I have for the key words “they are beloved” and the key words “for the fathers’ sake”:

they are beloved. Rom 9:5; Rom 9:25, Gen 26:4; Gen 28:14, Exo 20:6, Lev 26:40, 41, 42, Deut 4:31; *Deut 7:7; *Deut 7:8; Deut 8:18; Deut 9:5; +*Deut 10:15; Deut 23:5, Psa 105:8, 9, 10, 11, *Isa 44:21; Isa 49:15, *Jer 11:15; Jer 31:3, Hos 11:9, Amos 9:8, *Mic 7:20, Zec 1:17, *Mal 1:2; +*Mal 3:6, Mrk 10:14, Luk 1:54, 55; Luk 1:68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75.

for the fathers’ sake. Rom 3:2; Rom 9:5; *+Rom 15:8, +*Exo 2:24; Exo 33:13, *Deut 7:8, Isa 63:8, *Dan 9:15, 16, 17, 18.

At the moment I see two exceedingly crucial cross references given for the key words “they are beloved”:

Leviticus 26:40-42
40  If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;
41  And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
42  Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.
King James Version

Malachi 3:6
6  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
King James Version

The “sons of Jacob” are “not consumed” because God is not finished with the nation of Israel. God has promises to Abraham in the Abrahamic Covenant which have not yet been fulfilled, but they will be fulfilled to the person (Abraham) and nation (Israel) to whom the promises were originally given (Acts 7:5. Isaiah 55:3).

Act 7:5  And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

My note on a portion of this text:

him. The point is, that the promise was made personally to Abraham that he would himself inherit the promised land, but Abraham himself never personally possessed the land God promised to him. It is for this reason that God, who cannot lie, must resurrect Abraham and bring him personally into the promised land in order for the Abrahamic Covenant to be fulfilled. How many Bible scholars have failed to notice the explicit statement of Scripture here, which declares that Abraham did not receive the inheritance, and have taught the opposite, and worse, have spiritualized and transformed the covenants into something they were never meant to be, taking to themselves or the church the blessings promised to Abraham and the Jews, but very carefully leaving the curses to Israel, literally interpreted at that (see related notes at **Jos 21:43 note. **1Ki 4:21 note. Isa 60:21 note. Jer 33:21 note). +*Mat 8:11; +*Mat 8:12, +*Rom 4:13.

Now for Isaiah 55:3,

Isa 55:3  Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Many Bible readers are not familiar with just what “the sure mercies of David” are or refer to. Many modern Bible translations actually obscure rather than assist the reader’s understanding of this crucially important Bible text.

In brief, the “sure mercies of David” are a reference to the provisions of the Davidic Covenant. Those referenced are unconditional and are not yet fulfilled but God has promised that they will be.

Now, as for scholarly research I have just completed reading about this subject which goes in depth into the history behind this issue, I highly recommend reading this resource:

Pettegrew, Larry. 2020. Forsaking Israel: How It Happened and Why It Matters. The Woodlands, TX: Kress.

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Why Everyone is Wrong about Something–Including Me! Part 3

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Jerry

 

There is an incident recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke where Jesus was asked by the religious authorities in Israel, “By what authority do you do these things?”

Mat 21:23  And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
Mat 21:24  And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mat 21:25  The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
Mat 21:26  But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
Mat 21:27  And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Sometimes in the past, I have been asked this very question: “What gives you the authority to try to teach us?” in discussions on the Internet.

Some religious groups, denominations, churches, and perhaps individuals make the claim that they are the authority when it comes to correctly interpreting the Bible.

The same group of individuals who asked me “What gives you the authority to try to teach us?” also asked the very important question, “Where in the Bible does it teach we must go by the Bible alone?”

I answered, “It is very clear that the Bible teaches we must go by what the Bible alone teaches in Isaiah 8:20 and its immediate and related contexts.”

This verse can be better understood if we read it in more than one Bible translation:

Isa 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (KJV, King James Version)

Isa 8:20 To the law rather, and to the testimony. And if they speak not according to this word, they shall not have the morning light. (DRB, Douay-Rheims Bible)

Isaiah 8:16-20  (Now to guard the prophetic record close, now to seal up these instructions, in the keeping of my disciples! What though the Lord hide his face from the men of Israel? To him I will look, and wait patiently for him; here stand I, and these children the Lord has given me, a portent, a warning sent to Israel by the Lord of hosts, who dwells on mount Sion. Men will bid you consult wizard and diviner, that talk in ghostly voices over their enchantments; Who doubts, they say, God will send his own people answer, an oracle from the dead to the living? By these instructions rather abide, this record of prophecy; who follows other inspiration, shall not see the dawn.) Ronald Knox translation

Isa 8:20  Then you must recall the LORD’s instructions and the prophetic testimony of what would happen. Certainly they say such things because their minds are spiritually darkened. (NET Bible)

The question of what standard we go by to determine the truth is very important.

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Why Everyone is Wrong about Something–Including Me Part 2

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Jerry

 

I want to share with you how I happened to consider this subject. It continues to be a matter of great concern to me because I encounter these issues daily in my own reading and study whether in books or on the Internet.

While I was preparing The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge I encountered two verses that alerted me to the seriousness of this subject:

Ezekiel 14:10  And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him; (KJV, King James Version)

Eze 14:9  “If any prophets are deceived into giving a false answer, it is because I, the LORD, have deceived them. I will remove them from the people of Israel.
Eze 14:10  Both prophets and anyone who consults them will get the same punishment. (GNB, Good News Bible)

Reading this passage and compiling additional cross references convinced me that following the teaching of false prophets and mistaken teachers will result in our being rewarded with the same punishment that God awards the false prophets or teachers.

I came across another passage that relates to this concern, Jeremiah 14:14.

Jeremiah 14:14  Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. (KJV)

Jeremiah 14:14  Then the LORD said to me, “Those prophets are prophesying lies while claiming my authority! I did not send them. I did not commission them. I did not speak to them. They are prophesying to these people false visions, worthless predictions, and the delusions of their own mind. (NET Bible)

I believe God is warning each of us to be very careful about the claims and teachings of those individuals, religious organizations, churches, and denominations that serve to teach us about God and the Bible. Whether knowingly or unknowingly these sources may be teaching a “false vision.”  We must be vigilant and take heed to what we hear and how we hear. There is a standard God has given us by which to judge the correctness of any source of teaching. That standard is found in the Bible.

The Bible is such a vast collection of written divine revelation that no single person can ever hope in a single lifetime to master all there is to know about it. Just the same, the significant truths and doctrines we must believe are quite plainly revealed. Each of us from our own traditions, reading, and experience may know some important facets of truth that many of us have missed.

I look forward your responses to some of the issues that have concerned me because they are often misunderstood. Our combined insights and concerns should prove to be a learning experience for all of us.

 

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