Daily Bible Nugget #968, Ecclesiastes 3:8

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Ecc 3:8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. (KJV)

My Comment:

It would be a wonderful day should it ever come to pass that the pastors, teachers, and religious leaders up to and including the Pope himself would have a more accurate understanding of the written word of God found only in the Bible.

A careful reading and deeper study of the Bible would surely lead to the conclusion that the Bible does not teach pacifism. Note that Ecclesiastes 3:8 speaks of “a time of war, and a time of peace.” I am addressing Ecclesiastes 3:8 first because in my experience of Real Bible Study, I learned a significant lesson about how to study the Bible.

Many years ago, I was trying to find a Bible passage that showed that kings in Old Testament times fought their wars at a certain time of year. I could not remember any of the words of the verse or passage where the Bible mentions this. Therefore, I could not use Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible to find what I was looking for.

I tried reading Bible dictionaries on the subject of war. They did not bring me to the passage I knew was somewhere there in the Old Testament. I tried two or three more major Bible encyclopedias and still did not find it.

Exasperated, I finally turned to the cross references in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. I recalled that “war” was mentioned in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, so I started there, at Ecclesiastes 3:8. Now, the exact reference I was looking for is not listed there in the original Treasury. But I knew if I read each passage it references, and the immediate context–what comes before and what comes after each passage–I would likely find what I was looking for. And I did.

What motivates this post is a comment by the Pope I read about on the Internet yesterday and which I heard about on the radio news perhaps a few days before that. The Pope objected to a prayer meeting where those in attendance prayed with and for President Trump, asking that he would receive God’s guidance in the conduct of the current Middle East conflict with Iran. The Pope did not believe that prayer for such a purpose was proper. I am quite certain, in the light of what the Bible itself teaches, that the Pope is very mistaken.

In response to what a missionary friend shared about the Pope’s reaction, I submitted the following comment:

Accurate understanding of Bible doctrine as derived from the Bible itself is greatly enhanced by improved reading comprehension and inference skills. I have developed a proven resource available on Amazon titled the Language Enrichment Program that does this for anyone who will use it and follow its directions carefully.

Accurate Bible study is made possible by letting Scripture interpret Scripture. I have developed extensive resources which enable any Bible reader to compare Scripture with Scripture more completely: The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is also available on Amazon.

The Pope and everyone else would do well to study the cross references for Ecclesiastes 3:8 as well as for Matthew 5:9 as well as Psalm 122:6 and Luke 22:36.

Ecc 3:8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Psa 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Luk 22:36  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Here are the cross references for Ecclesiastes 3:8 as found in:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Ecclesiastes 3:8
time to love: Ezk 16:8; Psa 139:21; Eph 3:19, Eph 5:25, Eph 5:28, 29; Tit 2:4

a time to hate: 2Ch 19:2; Luk 14:26; Rev 2:2

a time of war: Gen 14:14, 15, 16, 17; Jos 8:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, Jos 11:23; 2Sa 10:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; 1Ki 5:4; 2Ch 20:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2Ch 20:30

I have separated long groups of verses to individual verses so that these texts can be read by hovering a computer mouse over each verse. The text box which pops up is often not large enough to contain multiple verses.

2 Chronicles 20 requires separate notice. I have provided the following overview of this passage in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury. This passage alone fully sustains my case, in contrast to what the Pope has affirmed, regarding the propriety of prayers with and for President Trump (see also 1 Timothy 2:1, 2, 3):

2 Chronicles 20
Overview
2Ch 20:1, Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast; 2Ch 20:5, His prayer; 2Ch 20:14, The prophecy of Jahaziel; 2Ch 20:20, Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord; 2Ch 20:22, The great overthrow of his enemies; 2Ch 20:26, The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph; 2Ch 20:31, Jehoshaphat’s reign; 2Ch 20:35, His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perish.

B.  The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Ecclesiastes 3:8
time to love. Jer 2:2, *Ezk 16:8, Dan 1:9, Gal 5:13, Eph 3:19; *Eph 5:25; *Eph 5:28; *Eph 5:29, 2Th 1:3, *Tit 2:4.

a time to hate. 2Sa 13:15, +*2Ch 19:2, Psa 97:10; Psa 105:25; +**Psa 119:104; *Psa 139:21, Pro 8:13; Pro 11:15; Pro 15:27; Pro 25:17; Pro 28:16, Amos 5:15, *Luk 14:26, Jhn 12:25, Jud 1:23, Rev 2:2.

a time of war. *Gen 14:14, 15, 16, 17, Exo 17:16, Num 1:3; Num 1:20; Num 1:22; Num 26:2, Deut 3:18, Jos 11:5; Jos 8:1; Jos 8:14; *Jos 11:23, Jdg 3:2, 2Sa 3:1; 2Sa 10:6, etc. +**2Sa 11:1 note. 1Ki 5:4; +*1Ki 20:22, +1Ch 5:22; +*1Ch 20:1, 2Ch 20:1, etc., 2Ch 20:30, Job 7:1 mg. Job 38:23, Jer 6:4, *Luk 14:31, Rev 12:7; Rev 19:11; Rev 19:19.

of peace. +*Lev 26:6, Jos 11:23; Jos 14:15, Jdg 4:17, 1Sa 7:14, Psa 72:3; Psa 85:8, +*Pro 16:7, Isa 9:7, Zec 9:10, *Rom 5:1, Eph 4:3, +**Heb 12:14.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #967, Matthew 5:44

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Mat 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV)

My Comment:

Friday, March 13, 2026, is the 40th anniversary of the day I was shot in the back of my head at point-blank range while entering Southeastern High School on Thursday morning at 7:15 am from the teacher parking lot. My assailant was never identified and never caught.

I continue to pray for my unknown assailant that he would hear the Gospel, repent, and turn to our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

There is about 5% of the black population that commit most of the crimes attributed to this minority group of our population. From what I have read in the past, I understand that they comprise an out-sized proportion of our prison population. I recently read that in Michigan there is a 68% ninth-grade dropout rate. I would attribute that to a failure to learn to read well enough to succeed in high school. I encountered many students who were reading at only a fourth or fifth grade reading comprehension level in my high school classes. The very best of my students read at an eighth-grade level, which means they were two to four years behind grade level in reading when I initially tested them.

To solve the problem for my students, I developed my Language Enrichment Program. It is self-instructional. I designed it that way so students would not constantly require my assistance to successfully use and learn from it.

I heard Governor Whitmer on WJR touting a new emphasis upon reading for Michigan students. She said Michigan ranks 44th in student reading comprehension, very close to the bottom state. Michigan was once in the top ten states for reading achievement. If I recall correctly, she said Michigan intends to invest millions of dollars to solve this problem.

I’ve got good news for parents, teachers, students and anyone else concerned about improving student reading comprehension. I already have solved that problem and have placed my Language Enrichment Program on Amazon in book form ($20) and Kindle format ($10). On Amazon, simply search under “books” for my name, Jerome Smith, and/or the program name, The Language Enrichment Program. Anyone who follows the directions in my program will reap the benefits it provides.

Why have you not heard of this proven successful program? I sometimes wonder if those who claim to desire to solve the problem actually do not want to solve the problem. If they solved the problem, the funding would stop. I cannot afford to advertise my program, so I must depend on word-of-mouth advertising by those who have been helped by using it.

What has all this to do with my being shot on March 13, 1986? While off from teaching, I had the opportunity to assist a local third grade student who was having difficulty learning to read well. I wrote a new beginning chapter to my program that is easier to read, and this chapter has made it possible ever since to use my program with much younger students as well as with high school students who are far behind grade level in reading.

My students who used the program did not drop out of school. Most of them ended up on the honor roll. Many of them went straight to college after high school and successfully graduated college. I used my program to tutor athletes after school. Many of them got high enough scores on the SAT and ACT tests to qualify for full athletic scholarships.

I’ve shared my story. I addressed the problem. I explained how I solved the problem. Now you can help others by letting them know about my inexpensive solution so they can benefit. My program changes lives for the better!

Mat 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Cross references from:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Matthew 5:44
Exo 23:4, 5; 2Ki 6:22; 2Ch 28:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; Psa 7:4, Psa 35:13, 14; Pro 25:21, 22; Luk 6:27, 28, Luk 6:34, 35, Luk 23:34; Act 7:60; Rom 12:14, Rom 12:20, 21; 1Co 4:12, 13; 1Co 13:4, 5, 6, 7, 8; 1Pe 2:23, 1Pe 3:9

B. The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Matthew 5:44
But I say. Mat 5:22, Mat 7:29, Rom 7:14.

Love your enemies. Exo 23:4, 5, Lev 19:18, 2Ki 6:22, 2Ch 28:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, *Job 31:29; *Job 31:30, *Psa 7:4; Psa 35:12, 13, 14, +*Pro 16:7; Pro 25:21, 22, Luk 6:27, 28; Luk 6:34, 35; *Luk 23:34, *Act 7:60, Rom 5:8, 9, 10; **Rom 12:14; **+Rom 12:20; **Rom 12:21, *1Co 4:12; *1Co 4:13; 1Co 13:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1Th 3:12; 1Th 5:15, *1Pe 2:23; **1Pe 3:9.

bless. [Gr. eulogeō (S# G2127), to speak well of, that is, (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper (Strong): Rendered (1) bless: Mat 5:44; Mat 14:19; Mat 21:9; Mat 23:39; Mat 25:34; Mat 26:26, Mrk 6:41; Mrk 8:7; Mrk 10:16; Mrk 11:9, 10; Mrk 14:22, Luk 1:28; Luk 1:42 (twice). Luk 2:28; Luk 2:34; Luk 6:28; Luk 9:16; Luk 13:35; Luk 19:38; Luk 24:30; Luk 24:50, 51; Luk 24:53, Jhn 12:13, Act 3:26, Rom 12:14 (twice). 1Co 4:12; 1Co 10:16; 1Co 14:16, Gal 3:9, Eph 1:3, Heb 6:14 (twice). Heb 7:1; Heb 7:6, 7; Heb 11:20, 21, Jas 3:9, 1Pe 3:9, (2) praise: Luk 1:64]. %+Mat 5:3, *Mat 18:33, Gen 42:25; Gen 50:21, 2Sa 2:6; 2Sa 9:3, Job 31:30, Pro 19:11; Pro 24:17, Oba 1:12, Luk 6:28; Luk 17:4, +*Rom 12:14; +*Rom 12:20, 1Co 4:12; +*1Co 13:6, Col 3:13, 1Th 5:15.

them that curse. Jer 15:10, Jas 3:9.

do good. Gr. kalōs [S# G2573: Rendered (1) well: Mat 12:12; Mat 15:7, Mrk 7:6; Mrk 7:37; Mrk 12:28; Mrk 12:32, Luk 6:26; Luk 20:39, Jhn 4:17; Jhn 8:48; Jhn 13:13; Jhn 18:23, Act 10:33; Act 28:25, Rom 11:20, 1Co 7:37, 38; 1Co 14:17, 2Co 11:4, Gal 4:17; Gal 5:7, Php 4:14, 1Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:12, 13; 1Ti 5:17, Jas 2:8; Jas 2:19, 2Pe 1:19, 3Jn 1:6, (2) good: Mat 5:44, Luk 6:27, (3) full well: Mrk 7:9, (4) very well: Act 25:10, (5) recover (with S# G2192): Mrk 16:18, (6) honestly: Heb 13:18, (7) in a good place: Jas 2:3]. Gen 25:6, Deut 22:4, *1Sa 24:6; *1Sa 24:7; *1Sa 24:17; *1Sa 24:18; 1Sa 30:11, 1Ki 2:9 note. +Psa 14:3, Pro 25:21, Jhn 15:8, Act 16:28, *Gal 6:10, 1Pe 3:11.

pray for. T1473: Exo 8:12; Exo 10:18, Num 12:13; Num 16:47, *1Sa 12:23; 1Sa 15:11, 2Sa 1:12, 1Ki 13:6, Psa 35:13, 14; Psa 141:5, Jer 29:7, *Mrk 11:25, *Luk 6:27; *Luk 6:28; *Luk 18:1; Luk 23:33, 34, Jhn 17:9, Act 7:59, 60; Act 16:25, Rom 10:1, 1Co 4:12, 13, 1Ti 2:8, %+*2Ti 4:14; %+*2Ti 4:16, 1Pe 3:9.

which despitefully use you. Rather, are cursing, are hating, are despitefully using and persecuting you, i.e. even while in the act, and continuing this treatment of you (De Burgh). Act 14:5.

persecute. T1639, Jer 29:7, *1Co 4:12.

 

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Everyone is Wrong About Something–Including Me Part 8

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Jerry

 

There are many Christians who believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is a created being, and therefore the idea that God in His essence is One Being who eternally exists as three divine Persons, the doctrine of the Trinity, is not correct according to Scripture.

I was amazed to learn in some of my recent reading that the great hymn writer Isaac Watts was convinced in his final years that the doctrine of the Trinity was mistaken. That is strange, because among the books he wrote is a work on the subject of logic! He was unable to find anyone in his day that could answer his doubts or his questions about the doctrine of the Trinity.

The problem Isaac Watts experienced in his day is very much still with us today. He was unable to find a pastor or another well-studied Christian who knew the Bible well enough to answer his questions about Bible doctrine. I have personal friends who have experienced this problem. Their pastor was not able to answer the questions they had to their satisfaction, so they left their church to attend a religious group that is very mistaken in their understanding of Scripture. I have ‘met’ former pastors and other Christians on the Internet who left Christianity because when they had questions and doubts, they could not find any Christians who could answer those questions. They became atheists and agnostics instead. More Bible-believing Christians need to learn Bible doctrine and apologetics to become prepared to meet the needs of these hurting people.

There are a number of groups that claim to be Christian today that also deny the doctrine of the Trinity. I experienced the opportunity to have a member of the local Kingdom Hall visit me every Monday evening from 7 to 8, sometimes to 9 or later, to teach me more about the Bible. He came to my apartment in Detroit for about four years. I learned a lot about the doctrines taught by the Jehovah Witnesses during that time. I was not convinced by their reasoning.

Some mistaken religions:

(8) Deny the full, eternal deity of Jesus Christ as the Second Person of the triune Godhead, or Trinity, Pr 8:22 note.

Pro 8:22  The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Pro 8:23  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (KJV)

Proverbs 8:22
The Lord. *Pro 3:19, Gen 4:1; Gen 25:10, *Jhn 1:1; *Jhn 1:2, *Col 1:17.

possessed. Heb. acquired. S# H7069. Rendered “possessed” at Psa 139:13; Pro 8:22; Jer 32:15. This verb occurs elsewhere in Proverbs in the following passages: Pro 1:5; *Pro 4:5; *Pro 4:7; Pro 15:32; Pro 16:16; Pro 17:16; Pro 18:15; Pro 19:8; Pro 20:14; Pro 22:23. It is frequently rendered by “get” or “buy” (Pro 4:5; Pro 4:7; Gen 4:1, Pro 23:23; Gen 47:19; Ruth 4:4; Ruth 4:8; Jer 32:7, 8; Jer 32:8; Jer 32:25).

The Syriac (compare Lamsa’s rendering: “The Lord created me as the first of his creations”) and LXX. (compare Charles Thomson’s rendering: “The Lord created me, the beginning of His ways, for His works” or the rendering in Bagster’s LXX.: “The Lord made me the beginning of his ways for his works”) render it “created.” This rendering is significant to the Arian controversy of the fourth century and since: is Wisdom a personification of Christ? and if so, is Christ then a created being? If Christ is a created being, then he could not be eternal, or God, as the second member of the Trinity. Since the Hebrew verb does not mean “create,” as an examination of its occurrences and renderings will show, this text does not furnish evidence to support the notion that Jesus Christ is, in his pre-incarnate nature, a created being.

me. Pro 8:30, +Mic 5:2, Luk 11:49, **Jhn 17:5, 1Co 1:24, *Heb 13:8, %*Rev 3:14.

beginning. Pro 1:7; Pro 3:9; Pro 4:7; Pro 17:14, Jhn 1:1; Jhn 17:5, Col 1:15, 16, 17; Col 2:9, Rev 3:14.

his way. %Psa 103:7.

before. +Mic 5:2 (+S# H6924). +Mat 13:35, Jhn 17:24, Eph 1:4, Col 1:17, 1Pe 1:20.

The doctrine of the deity of Christ is rather plainly taught in the New Testament. Consider the opening verses of the Gospel of Mark:

Mar 1:1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Mar 1:2  As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Mar 1:3  The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Mark is quoting directly from Isaiah 40:3-5.

Isa 40:3  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isa 40:4  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Isa 40:5  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Notice that Isaiah 40:3 speaks of preparing “the way of the LORD.” That is, preparing the way of Jehovah. Note the synonymous parallelism that follows: “make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

The New Testament Gospel writers apply this prophecy to our Lord Jesus Christ, thus asserting the deity of Christ.

Chapter Two of the Gospel of Mark also asserts the deity of Christ in the words of Jesus Himself:

Mar 2:4  And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Mar 2:5  When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Mar 2:6  But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
Mar 2:7  Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Mar 2:8  And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
Mar 2:9  Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
Mar 2:10  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
Mar 2:11  I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Mar 2:12  And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Notice that the scribes sitting there who observed what Jesus claimed to do, namely, forgive sins, responded in their thinking (Mark 2:7), “who can forgive sins but God only?”

Jesus responded (Mark 2:9) by asking which is easier, to say “Thy sins be forgiven thee?” or to say, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?”

Then Jesus demonstrated that He, the Son of Man, has power on earth to forgive sins (Mark 2:10) by directing the man sick of the palsy (paralytic) to “take up thy bed, and walk” (Mark 2:11). He did so before their very eyes (Mark 2:12).

There are many more evidences in the New Testament that demonstrate the deity of Christ.

Years ago I heard of some who were called “Jesus Only.” Apparently, they did not believe in the deity of Christ in the Bible sense that Jesus is and always has been a member of the Trinity.

I have also encountered some that are called “Oneness Only.” They base their view on a whole string of Bible texts that they think support their view:

Deut 4:35, Deut 6:4; Deut 32:39, 2Sa 7:22, 1Ch 17:20, Psa 83:18; Psa 86:10, Isa 9:6; Isa 37:16; Isa 41:4; Isa 42:8; Isa 43:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; *Isa 44:6; Isa 45:5, 6; Isa 45:18, 19, 20, 21, 22; Isa 46:5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Isa 48:11, 12; Isa 57:15, Mic 5:2, Zec 14:9, *Mal 2:10, Mat 1:23, *Mrk 12:29, Jhn 1:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; **Jhn 8:56, 57, 58, 59; Jhn 12:44, 45, 46; Jhn 14:6, 7; Jhn 17:11; Jhn 17:21; **Jhn 20:28, Act 2:36; Act 4:10, 11, 12; Act 10:34, 35, 36, *1Co 8:4, 5, 6, 2Co 5:18, 19, Eph 3:9; Eph 4:4, 5, 6, **Php 2:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, **Col 1:15, 16, 17, 18, 19; *Col 2:9; *Col 2:10, 1Ti 2:5; 1Ti 3:16, **Tit 2:13; **Tit 2:14, **Heb 1:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14, **Jas 2:19, 1Jn 3:16; 1Jn 5:7, Rev 1:7, 8; Rev 4:2; Rev 13:8; Rev 20:11, 12; Rev 22:13.

The problem with this approach is that presenting an extensive list of Scripture to support a view or doctrine is unsatisfactory when the list does not include the evidence which supports a contrary view. Correct doctrine must be supported by all the evidence in the Bible which bears upon the doctrine.

Lastly, I have read where some affirm that there is just one God who is Jesus. Jesus manifests Himself sometimes as the Father, sometimes as Himself, and sometimes as the Holy Spirit. Such a view is flatly contradicted when all three Persons of the Trinity appear on the same scene at the same time simultaneously, as at the baptism of Jesus. Not to mention other scenes where Jesus and the Father are speaking to one another.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #966 Numbers 33:55-56

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Num 33:55  But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
Num 33:56  Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them. (KJV)

Num 33:55  But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, then those whom you allow to remain will be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your side, and will cause you trouble in the land where you will be living.
Num 33:56  And what I intended to do to them I will do to you.” (NET Bible)

Num 33:55  “You must force these other people to leave the country. If you let them stay in your country, they will bring many troubles to you. They will be like a needle in your eye and a thorn in your side. They will bring many troubles to the country where you will be living.
Num 33:56  I showed you what I would do—and I will do that to you!” (ERV, Easy-to-Read Version)

My Comment:

This text of Scripture will have an obvious connection to what is happening today for some Bible readers. Others may see no connection at all.

I think this warning to Israel from long ago does have lessons and applications for us today.

It would not be wise on our part today to welcome with open arms the presence of those who have crossed our borders and are now living among us without having first been carefully vetted or investigated as to their suitability to be here. Every nation has the right to determine who will be welcomed to become a part of its people.

We need to give priority to those who will be an asset to our nation and reject those who will not be. Those who would come here with the attitude “Death to America” have no business in our country!

There do not seem to be very many Bible cross references given for this passage in the scholarly sources I used when I first collected references for The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. I will share what I have found so far in my effort to expand the references to the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

A. References from the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Numbers 33:55
shall be pricks: Exo 23:33; Deut 7:4, Deut 7:16; Jos 23:12, 13; Jdg 1:21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, Jdg 2:3; Psa 106:34, 35, 36; Ezk 28:24

Numbers 33:56
Lev 18:28, Lev 20:23; Deut 28:63, Deut 29:28; Jos 23:15, 16; 2Ch 36:17, 18, 19, 20; Ezk 33:24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29; Luk 21:23, 24

B. References from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Numbers 33:55
drive out. Jos 9:24; *Jos 13:13, Psa 106:34, *Rom 6:12.

shall be pricks. +Exo 23:33, Deut 7:4; Deut 7:16, *Jos 23:12, 13, Jdg 1:21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36; Jdg 2:3, Psa 106:34, 35, 36, Ezk 28:24.

Numbers 33:56
do unto you. Lev 18:28; Lev 20:23, Deut 28:63; Deut 29:28, Jos 23:15, 16, 2Ch 36:17, 18, 19, 20, Ezk 12:11; Ezk 33:24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, Zec 1:6, Luk 21:23, 24.

 

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The Missing Commandment Part 5

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Text:

Mark 10:19  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. (KJV, emphasis added)

My Comment:

The last few days (February 25, 2026, until today, March 1, 2026) I have been engaged in an Internet discussion that I think illustrates how we have all been misled, and so defrauded of an accurate knowledge of the truth by the media and other sources we ought to be able to depend on for accurate information. Just yesterday I was thoroughly shocked by some assertions made by Steve Quayle on the Hagmann program when he expressed support for several American politicians. He also expressed disdain for Mark Levin and Levin’s strong disapproval of those politicians. I believe that in this instance Mark Levin is correct and Steve Quayle is mistaken.

Returning to my online discussion, I will share my responses to the question and challenges raised by a participant I greatly respect:

My Comment:

Biden did horrific damage to our country with his executive orders and illicit use of the autopen. (Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 5:35 pm)

Biden did horrific damage to this country by allowing millions of illegal aliens into this country in an effort to beef up the number of potential democrat votes by permanently changing the demographics of this country.

His actions have made many communities unsafe by the presence of violent criminals from other countries.

 

The response to my assertion:

Could you be more specific about the horrific damage you feel Biden caused?

 

  • Trump so far has disobeyed 4,400 court orders, has kidnapped and detained children, deported American citizens….

From what I have read at length, I have learned that President Trump has been most careful to obey legitimate court orders. We must remember that the judicial system is filled with activist judges who suppose they can block Trump as if their jurisdiction is nationwide.

  • Has deprived untold 1000s of people of Constitutional due process.

Individuals who entered this country during Biden’s open border policy and thus illegally have no legal claim to due process. They broke the law by crossing the border. Students and others who entered based on a visa who have overstayed their visa are now here illegally and need to return to the country from which they came. It is my understanding that the President has the right to set immigration policy.

  • His Supreme Court now allows him to racially profile people and snatch them up in masks and unmarked cars with zero identification or accountability.

If you have paid attention to the fiasco taking place in Minneapolis, you know that there has been an organized group working against ICE, “doxing” officers, blocking their efforts to find and arrest known criminals and terrorists who do not belong in this country. ICE officers found it necessary to wear masks to reduce the danger to themselves and their families.

Sanctuary cities, counties, and states are illegal.

If the governor of Minnesota and the mayor of Minneapolis and the state attorney general would properly cooperate with federal law enforcement most of this unfortunate mess would not have taken place.

Furthermore, “Learing Centers” are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to misuse of federal funds. At least in Minnesota, this fraud scheme has involved a very specific ethnic group. Since they are involved in the gross misuse of federal funds, going after them is hardly racial profiling.

  • More than 32 people have died in ICE custody since he took office, the deadliest year in 20 years, since George Bush.

I have no direct information that I have seen to confirm these figures. From what I have seen and read, ICE officers have taken great care to treat those in their custody as humanely as possible.

  • …and tried to overthrow the US government when he lost the last election.

It is most evident that the 2020 election was a most fraudulent affair. Trump did not try to overthrow the US government. Which political party covered the windows of the facility where votes were being counted? Which party made it difficult or impossible for the other party to observe the tallying process? Which party refused the help President Trump offered to guard the capitol on January 6th?

 

  • And kill his vice president.

Now this is a new one on me!

 

Could you please help me understand what damage Biden did that was more horrific than the above?

CONCLUSION:

We may each be living in a different world, depending upon the media we consume!

To guard against propaganda and falsehood, we need to be anchored and grounded in the Bible (Colossians 1:23. 2:7)). We need to put on the whole armor of God  (Ephesians 6:11). We need to have our minds renewed (Romans 12:2). We need to be open to correction (Proverbs 29:1). We need to be caring and sensitive to the views and concerns of others by taking time to listen carefully to what they have to say (John 7:51. 2 Corinthians 11:28). I have written here frequently that “Everyone is wrong about something–including me!”

 

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The Missing Commandment Part 4

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Jerry

 

Key Text:

Mar 10:19  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. (KJV)

Mar 10:19  You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and your mother. (MKJV, Modern King James Version)

MY COMMENT:

Media Bias

One of the major ways the general public has been defrauded in the USA is by biased, unbalanced, media reporting of the news. Most major news outlets have been and continue to be negatively biased against President Trump. Presenting opinion as though it were news is an abuse of the First Amendment protection of the public press. The founders of this country wanted a free press that would keep an eye on the government to ensure it remained within the limits imposed by the provisions of the Constitution.

Agenda-driven Propaganda Presented as News

Now the press spews a constant stream of propaganda. Unfortunately, most readers, hearers, and viewers are unable to tell the difference between truth and propaganda, between fact and opinion. I think the best way to learn how to discern the difference is to read more widely by reading actual books on the issues of the day as well as our past history. Even public libraries are largely biased in the books they acquire for their collections. The Bible is a proven must-read resource to learn the truth required to protect yourself from brainwashing and propaganda.  Years ago, I had the benefit of receiving a liberal arts education which introduced me to a wide variety of subjects to learn about. That is in contrast to education today where students must (or ought to) concentrate on majoring in fields of study that will prepare them to earn a living upon graduation.

Failure to address and solve low reading achievement

From what I read and what I hear on the news, students at all levels of education are being defrauded of a good and proper education. It would appear that many students are just passed on to the next grade in elementary school even when they have not reached the standards of achievement, such as grade level reading comprehension. Today (2-22-26) I listened to a program on WJR in Detroit where it was claimed that over one third of students drop out of school during the ninth grade. These students read on a third to fourth grade level. That is very upsetting to me because I have solved that problem by carefully devising and testing my Language Enrichment Program for over 40 years on hundreds of students who successfully raised their reading achievement by two or more years in less than one school semester. In terms of the actual time it takes to complete the program, that represents 24 to 75 clock hours to work all the way through.

My program is available on Amazon for $20 in book form or $10 in the Kindle book digital format. I would think that parents of younger children and older students themselves would be eager to benefit from this program. Teachers who want to help their students be more successful in school would want this program. Pastors and youth leaders concerned that children, youth, and adults in their congregation learn to read better so they can read the Bible with greater understanding ought to take advantage of this proven resource. That would be a wonderful church ministry. I did just that for the children who lived in the neighborhood of Military Avenue Presbyterian Church in southwest Detroit.

Not helping students and parents and other adults develop improved reading comprehension and inference skills is to defraud them of the ability to lead much better lives.

Failure to faithfully exercise our right to vote

Christians, especially Bible-believing Christians, often fail to vote in such large numbers that this has actually determined election outcomes in very bad ways.

Failure to vote means that you have actually supported those who are voting against what you as a Christian ought to support. Not voting is to vote for the devil.

Your vote counts! Be sure to always exercise that right, especially including mid-term elections.

Making the mistake of supporting the wrong values

The “hot button” issue for many Christians is the abortion issue. For the most part, Democrats support abortion while most Republicans are against it.

Border security–Democrats currently against it, Republicans for it.

Illegal immigration–Democrats for it, Republicans against it.

Removing illegal immigrants–Democrats against, Republicans favor. Illegal immigrants have already violated this nation’s laws by crossing our borders. Many illegal immigrants have violent criminal histories and should be sent back to the nation from which they came.

Military–Democrats favor a weak military; Republicans favor a strong military.

Election security–Democrats against it, Republicans for it.

Who can vote–Democrats want everyone here to vote, Republicans citizens only.

Voter ID–Democrats against, Republicans for. The real reason to be against voter ID is to make it possible to cheat.

Voting period–Democrats favor long period; Republicans favor single day to vote.

Voting deadline–Democrats favor flexible deadline; Republicans favor strict deadline.

Voter rolls–Democrats allow more votes than registered voters, Republicans demand strict pruning of voter rolls so dead people can’t vote.

Ballot format–Democrats favor electronic votes, Republicans favor paper ballots with confirmed signature.

Counting ballots–Democrats favor extended period, Republicans favor hand counting completed on the same day.

DEI–Democrats favor, Republicans disfavor.

Be careful not to support the flawed thinking that supports DEI because it allegedly benefits the poor and needy or supports tutoring programs to assist students who have fallen behind in academic progress. DEI–Diversity, Equity, Inclusion is a hard left coverup designed to make everyone part of a group rather than seeing each person as an individual. DEI aims to eliminate qualifying for college entrance based on individual competence and merit by granting special privilege to favored groups. DEI is against qualification based upon proven merit.

Defunding Police–Democrats favor, Republicans against.

Socialism–Democrats favor, Republicans against.

Marxism–Democrats favor, Republicans against.

Israel–Democrats against, Republican for.

Hyde Amendment–Democrats for, Republicans against. The Hyde Amendment forbids Pastors from taking sides politically from the pulpit. This represents an unconstitutional restriction upon free speech. Historically, the pulpits were the source of support for the founding of this country and later for its preservation. No government has the right to place a gag order on pastors! The Bible has much to say that relates to what we would call political issues today. As an aside, private schools and churches must learn to be free from federal government control by not accepting even one penny of assistance in any form, even indirectly.

Jim Crow Laws and Policies–Democrats always for, Republicans always against. Learn your history! The KKK was comprised of Democrats. It was a Democrat Governor who tried to block a young black child from entering an all-white school.

Riots, violence, property destruction–Democrats support, Republicans against.

Green Energy and Climate Change: Democrats believe in, Republicans who understand science do not.

CONCLUSION

Anyone who has managed to read all of the above ought to get the point! Do not contribute to the increasing lawlessness in this country by failing to vote for the only side that even remotely supports values taught in the Bible, values consistent with the values supported by the Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution. To do otherwise is to defraud everyone here now and those who will follow us of the blessings of liberty and freedom.

 

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The Missing Commandment Part 3

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Primary Text:

Mar 10:19  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  (KJV, emphasis added)

I call “Defraud not” the “missing commandment” because this is a largely ignored text of Scripture.

The principle stated by the command to “defraud not” has broad and continuing application to all parts of society everywhere. If this command were to be obeyed in all its possible applications things would be much better.

In no particular order, here are some of the areas of application I would suggest:

  1. Tax on unrealized gain in property value, assessed as property tax, is flagrantly a matter of fraud. Just because a house in my locality sold for a higher price does not mean my house should have its value raised and tax increased. A property is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. A home should be taxed only on the amount it last sold for. Property tax ought to be eliminated altogether.
  2. Pouring money into the economy by the Federal Reserve causes terrible inflation because there is more money chasing after the same goods and services causing prices to increase. Notice wages do not increase as fast as inflation does.
  3. Inflation reduces the value of the dollar. A given sum of money, fiat money at that, cannot buy what it once could. This disrupts the well-being of wage earners for they must reduce their standard of living to make ends meet. Their reduced spending affects the survival of the businesses who have depended on their spending.
  4. For individuals and families who have wisely learned to “live beneath their means” and have managed to accumulate savings, inflation has robbed them of their hard-earned wealth because the dollars saved have vastly lost their purchasing power.

The Bible contains much information about money! See the subject index entry for “Money” in the New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury.

The Bible commands just weights and measures:

Pro 20:10  Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. (KJV)

Pro 20:10  The LORD hates people who use dishonest weights and measures. (GNB, Good News Bible)

Pro 20:10  The LORD hates for people to use the wrong weights and measures to cheat others. (ERV, Easy-to-Read Version)

The NET Bible has a note which explains that “Behind this proverb is the image of the dishonest merchant who has different sets of weights and measures which are used to cheat customers. The Lord hates dishonesty in business transactions.”

My wife and I have experienced the injustice of inaccurate weights and measures when buying apples by the bushel from apple orchards and bulk food stores. Often the “bushel” as sold is wrong by volume as well as weight. Some employees are careful to fill the bushel basket carefully–it should be heaping full. We try to go to the orchard when we know we will be serviced by that employee. We have purchased our own accurate scales to check the weight! As I recall, the per bushel weight varied from 16 to 22 pounds. A bushel should be 25 pounds, we think. We don’t expect to need to can any more apple sauce or apple pie filling in the future, but this was a concern in the past.

The Bible has a solution to the problem of ever-expanding national debt

In the news today (Friday, February 20, 2026) I heard that the United States Supreme Court has ruled AGAINST President Trump’s efforts to use tariffs to correct trade imbalances and bring in funds to support what needs to be done in our country.

Many years ago when I was on the debate team at Cass Technical High School the topic for debate was free trade.

When I was on a debate team at Bob Jones University the debate topic one year was about tariffs.

I believe that today the Supreme Court made a dreadful decision. I suspect the members of the Supreme Court have not studied at length and in detail enough and long enough to get an accurate understanding of the wisdom of President Trump’s tariff policy and the economic benefits it would bring.

In the nineteenth century, during our Industrial Revolution, tariffs were effectively used to protect the development and growth of American industry against competition from cheap or subsidized imports from other countries. I have in my personal print library here several recent books about this very topic and I have read and studied them repeatedly.

We are in a similar position today: we need to bring back manufacturing to the United States of America. To do that, we must be able to protect the redevelopment of American Industry by tariffs like we did during our original Industrial Revolution.

Properly done, in the manner President Trump envisions, tariffs could and should replace our present income tax. I just heard Dan Bongino this evening on this very topic. We would have to eliminate wasteful spending by bringing back “DOGE,” the Department of Government Efficiency. There would be a short time of some dislocation, but eventually the economy would come roaring back. Many families would see a $30,000 increase in their income.

Ancient cultures before the time of Moses figured out that all debts must be cancelled periodically to squelch the ever-growing debt spirals economies experience. Moses included in what we sometimes call the Mosaic Law just such a provision called the Jubilee Year.

From the Subject Index of the New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Jubilee
(1) definition, Lev 25:11 note. (2) institutional purpose, typical meaning, prophetic significance, Lev 25:52 note.

Lev 25:11  A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. (KJV)

Leviticus 25:11
A jubile. Note: Respecting the literal meaning of the word יובל, yobel, or yovel, critics are not agreed. Some derive it from Jubal, who was the inventor of musical instruments (Gen 4:21), because this year was one of mirth and joy, on which music is a common attendant, or else because it was ushered in by the musical sound of the trumpet. Others, particularly R. David Kimchi, tell us that yovel signifies a ram in Arabic; and that this year was so called because it was proclaimed with trumpets made of ram’s horns. With him the Rabbins in general agree; and the Chaldee Targum sometimes renders it by dichra, a ram. The most natural derivation of the word, however, seems to be from הוביל, hovil, the Hiphil form of יבל, yaval, to recall, restore, or bring back, because this year restored all slaves to their liberty, and brought back all alienated estates to their primitive owners. Accordingly, the LXX. render it here αφεσις, aphesis, a remission; and Josephus (Ant. l. iii. c. 12 § 3) says it signifies ελευθεριαν, eleutherian, liberty. Lev 27:17.

ye shall not sow. Lev 25:5, 6, 7.

neither reap. Exo 23:11.

Lev 25:52  And if there remain but few years unto the year of jubile, then he shall count with him, and according unto his years shall he give him again the price of his redemption. (KJV)

Leviticus 25:52
jubile. Note: The Jubilee was a wonderful institution, and of great service to the religion, freedom, and independence of the Hebrews. It was calculated to prevent the rich from oppressing the poor, and reducing them to perpetual slavery; and to hinder their obtaining possession of all the lands by purchase, mortgage, or usurpation. It was further intended, that debts should not be multiplied too much, lest the poor should be entirely ruined; that slaves should not always continue in servitude; that personal liberty, equality of property, and the regular order of families might, as much as possible, be preserved; and that the people might thus be strongly attached to their country, lands, and inheritances. The Concise Bible Dictionary notes (p. 456) that “There is no record of the Sabbatical year and the year of Jubilee ever being kept. Lev 26:34, 35 predicts what would happen if the Israelites did not let the land keep the sabbaths. It reads almost like a prophecy: the land should lie desolate “because it did not rest in your sabbaths.” In Jer 25:11, 12; Jer 29:10; Dan 9:2 the actual desolation is said to be seventy years. And as the land was to have rested one year in every seven, it follows that the 70 answer to 70 X 7 = 490 years. Now the kingdom began B.C. 1095, and Jerusalem was taken in 606, which is just 490 years, and seems to confirm the silence in the history of Israel as to their giving the land the prescribed sabbaths. Apparently in this, as in everything else, they failed to obey; but the Jubilee will be made good to them in grace when they own their Messiah.” The jubilee is a type of the millennium. It speaks of a time, never yet celebrated, when Israel shall be restored to God’s favor, and shall return to the undisturbed possession (Isa 11:11; *Amos 9:15; Mic 4:6, 7) of her land, when the great jubilee trumpet will recall them to worship in Jerusalem (*Isa 27:12; *Isa 27:13). See Lev 25:9 note.

The year 1913 was a very bad year for the United States, for in that year the Income Tax was imposed. The Sixteenth Amendment to the US Constitution was never properly ratified by the States but was fraudulently allowed to become law anyway. Thus, Income Tax is an example of the “Missing Commandment” stated by Jesus in Mark 10:19, “Defraud not.”

 

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The Missing Commandment, Part 2

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Missing Commandment is found at Mark 10:19. I call it the “missing commandment” because it has largely been missed by most Bible readers. The command is “Defraud Not.” In Part 1 I covered the verses in the New Testament which contain the same underlying Greek word. In this Part 2 I plan to share some of the other texts in the Bible that are on the same subject.

Defraud not. +*>Lev 19:13, +**Deut 24:14; +**Deut 24:15, +**Psa 15:4, Pro 12:22, Isa 33:15, Jer 22:3, +**Jer 22:13, Ezk 18:7, Hos 12:7 mg. Amos 8:5, 6, Mic 2:2, +**Mal 3:5, Luk 18:11, 1Co 6:7, 8, 9, 2Co 7:2, +*1Th 4:6, *Jas 5:4.

The command “defraud not” is quoted from Leviticus 19:13.

Leviticus 19:13
13  Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
King James Version

It is a fraudulent practice to arbitrarily withhold wages from an employee. When I was the school DFT (Detroit Federation of Teachers) Union Representative, I found it necessary to file a grievance on behalf of all the teachers at my high school because the Administration was withholding our paychecks, causing us to have to wait in line after school to receive them. In the process the Administration actually lost one teacher’s paycheck, so I filed another grievance to correct that. But I know of other cases where an employee in private business had to put up with the same nonsense of not being paid on time and even of not being paid the agreed upon wage.

Here are my newly expanded cross references for Leviticus 19:13

Leviticus 19:13
not defraud. Lev 25:14, Psa 119:22, Pro 20:10; Pro 22:22, Ecc 5:8, Isa 58:3, Jer 22:3, Ezk 18:7; Ezk 22:29, Hos 12:7, Amos 3:9; Amos 4:1, Mic 2:2, >Mrk 10:19, Luk 3:13; 1Co 6:8; 2Co 7:2, Eph 6:9, Col 4:1, *1Th 4:6.

the wages. lit. work. [FS121C1F. Metonymy of the Cause F/S 551, Work is put for the wages paid for it. For other instances of this figure see Jer 22:13, Rom 11:6, Rev 14:13.] T1853 (Pay wages on time): Gen 29:15; Gen 31:7, 12, **Deut 24:14; **Deut 24:15, Job 7:2; Job 31:39, Psa 37:21, Isa 62:11, +*Jer 22:13, +*Mal 3:5, Mat 10:10, +**Luk 10:7, +**1Ti 5:18; +**1Ti 5:19 note. +*Jas 5:4.

shall not abide. Psa 104:23, Pro 3:27, 28, Mat 20:8, Rom 13:8.

Deuteronomy 24:14
14  Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:
King James Version
Deuteronomy 24:15
15  At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.
King James Version

God is very serious about the requirement to pay the agreed upon wages on time. God warns that if an employee cries against the employer to the Lord, this becomes sin to the employer.

A casual reading of this passage will miss the significance of what it means “and it be sin unto thee.” Following the cross references will demonstrate the severity of the threatened punishment to the employer. Just one example ought to make it very clear:

Exodus 22:23
23  If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
King James Version
Exodus 22:24
24  And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
King James Version

I typed up some of these Bible references and set them on the desks of three administrators at Southeastern High School. All three claimed to be active in their churches. It may be that God carried out the threatened punishment upon one of those administrators. She tried to write me up for leaving my classroom unattended when I accompanied the teacher at his request whose paycheck had been lost at the first step local grievance hearing. I had taken the required precaution of alerting the teachers in the classrooms next to mine to keep watch on my class. My students behaved perfectly and were quietly busy doing their assignments when I returned before the class period was over. I subsequently wrote up the assistant principal who unfairly wrote me up.

Psalms 15:4
4  In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
King James Version

Psalms 15:4
4  He despises a reprobate, but honors the LORD’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise.
New English Translation

Psalm 15 begins with the question: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1). The Psalm concludes with “He that doeth these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:5). Therefore, I conclude that this Psalm tells us that anyone who violates any of these principles is guilty of moral apostacy and is not genuinely saved unless they repent.

In my experience, school administrations and administrators who renege on the provisions of the teacher contract, who force changes in violation of said contract, are violating what God commands in His written word and will suffer the consequences God has threatened.

Jer 22:13. Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; (KJV)

Jer 22:13  “‘Sure to be judged is the king who builds his palace using injustice and treats people unfairly while adding its upper rooms. He makes his countrymen work for him for nothing. He does not pay them for their labor.
Jer 22:14  He says, “I will build myself a large palace with spacious upper rooms.” He cuts windows in its walls, panels it with cedar, and paints its rooms red.
Jer 22:15  Does it make you any more of a king that you outstrip everyone else in building with cedar? Just think about your father. He was content that he had food and drink. He did what was just and right. So things went well with him.
Jer 22:16  He upheld the cause of the poor and needy. So things went well for Judah.’ The LORD says, ‘That is a good example of what it means to know me.’
Jer 22:17  But you are always thinking and looking for ways to increase your wealth by dishonest means. Your eyes and your heart are set on killing some innocent person and committing fraud and oppression. (NET Bible)

Notice Jeremiah 22:16, “He upheld the cause of the poor and needy. … The LORD says, ‘That is a good example of what it means to know me.’ ”

This is a theme that is mentioned in the next passage from Malachi 3:5.

Malachi 3:5
5  And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
King James Version

Malachi 3:5
5  “I will come to you in judgment. I will be quick to testify against those who practice divination, those who commit adultery, those who break promises, and those who exploit workers, widows, and orphans, who refuse to help the resident foreigner and in this way show they do not fear me,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
New English Translation

Note the clause, “those who break promises” (NET Bible). That includes those of either of the parties who violate provisions of an agreed upon contract. Note “I will be a swift witness against … those that oppress the hireling in his wages” (KJV). Only eternity will tell whether or not the assistant principal (who wrongfully wrote me up for leaving my classroom unattended) died unexpectedly not long afterwards was a fulfillment of the warning given in Scripture (Exodus 22:24).

Does the clause “that turn aside the stranger from his right” (KJV), “who refuse to help the resident foreigner” relate to the contemporary concern about removing so-called “undocumented immigrants” or “illegal aliens” from the United States? I have placed a large number of cross references to the underlying Hebrew terms at Genesis 23:4. From the subject index, see:

Stranger
(1) S# H1616, +Gen 23:4. (2) S# H5236, +Exo 12:43. (3) S# H8453, +Gen 23:4.

For a thorough study of “stranger” as used in the Old Testament see the article under that term in the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, a resource available in the e-Sword Bible software under “Dictionaries.” In my judgment the violent criminals and others who violated our nation’s laws by not following the proper legal process to gain entry during the “open border” policy of the previous administration have no biblical basis for special protection or consideration but must leave the country and return to where they came from. To suppose otherwise is to support lawlessness, something definitely condemned by Scripture. For a starting point to study the New Testament teaching about lawlessness see the references for “the transgressors” given at Mark 15:28 in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Mar 15:28  And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

Mark 15:28
fulfilled. $>Isa 53:12, *Luk 22:37, *2Co 5:21, *Heb 12:2, Jas 2:23.

numbered with. Luk 23:41, Jhn 9:24, Rom 8:3, 2Co 5:21.

the transgressors. Gr. anomos [(S# G459): Rendered (1) without law: 1Co 9:21 (four times). (2) transgressor: Mrk 15:28, Luk 22:37, (3) wicked: Act 2:23, 2Th 2:8, (4) lawless: 1Ti 1:9, (5) unlawful: 2Pe 2:8].

 

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The Missing Commandment Part 1

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Jerry

 

There is a missing commandment, a commandment scarcely if ever noticed, absent from the “radar” of most Bible readers. Have you missed it too?

One time when I visited the Tree of Life Bookstore in East Detroit or Eastpoint, Michigan, another visitor to the bookstore struck up a conversation with me. He emphasized the importance of fighting for the unborn. I shared with him that I had placed an extensive note in my book, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, at Luke 1:44, giving the evidence from Scripture that God is very much against abortion and is very concerned about protecting innocent life.

Luk 1:44  For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

Since Elizabeth’s unborn child “leaped for joy,” it is clear that an unborn child is a person who can experience emotion.

I commented to the bookstore visitor that though the issue of abortion is an important issue, it is just one small part of the broader issue of justice, a subject which is far more stressed in the Bible. When the person indicated thorough disagreement with what I said, I referred him to what Jesus said as recorded in Mark 10:19. As Jesus spoke to the rich young man, He cited several of the Ten Commandments, including yet another Commandment which is of crucial importance, namely, “Defraud not.”

“Defraud Not” is what I think can justly be called “The Missing Commandment,” for it seems to be little noticed.

One of the Rules of Bible Interpretation is that we must maintain the same balance of emphasis that the Bible does when we seek to understand and apply what the Bible teaches. Churches and Christians at large hamper the power of the Gospel when they fail to maintain the proper balance in the teaching and application of the Word of God.

Take a Closer Look at Mark 10:19

Mar 10:19  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  (KJV, emphasis added)

How can we study the commandment “Defraud not”? The best way I know of is to (1) search the Scriptures doing a word study for the term “defraud” and (2) make use of the most extensive collection of cross references you can access.

(1) Word Study using the search feature in the free e-Sword Bible software:

Basic definition and how this word is translated in the KJV:

G650
αποστερησης
apostereo¯
ap-os-ter-eh’-o
From G575 and ste?e´? stereo– (to deprive); to despoil: – defraud, destitute, kept back by fraud.
Total KJV occurrences: 6
Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries

Where this word is used in the Greek New Testament:

Mrk 10:19  Thou knowestG1492 theG3588 commandments,G1785 Do notG3361 commit adultery,G3431 Do notG3361 kill,G5407 Do notG3361 steal,G2813 Do notG3361 bear false witness,G5576 DefraudG650 not,G3361 HonourG5091 thyG4675 fatherG3962 andG2532 mother.G3384

1Co 6:7  NowG2235 therefore thereG3767 (G3303) isG2076 utterlyG3654 a faultG2275 amongG1722 you,G5213 becauseG3754 ye go to lawG2192 G2917 one with another.G3326 G1438 WhyG1302 do ye notG3780 ratherG3123 take wrong?G91 whyG1302 do ye notG3780 ratherG3123 suffer yourselves to be defrauded?G650

1Co 6:8  Nay,G235 yeG5210 do wrong,G91 andG2532 defraud,G650 andG2532 thatG5023 your brethren.G80

1Co 7:5  DefraudG650 ye notG3361 one the other,G240 exceptG1509 G302 it be withG1537 consentG4859 forG4314 a time,G2540 thatG2443 ye may give yourselvesG4980 to fastingG3521 andG2532 prayer;G4335 andG2532 come togetherG4905 again,G3825 thatG2443 SatanG4567 temptG3985 youG5209 notG3361 forG1223 yourG5216 incontinency.G192

1Ti 6:5  Perverse disputingsG3859 of menG444 of corruptG1311 minds,G3563 andG2532 destituteG650 of theG3588 truth,G225 supposingG3543 that gainG4200 isG1511 godliness:G2150 fromG575 suchG5108 withdraw thyself.G868

Jas 5:4  Behold,G2400 theG3588 hireG3408 of theG3588 labourersG2040 who have reaped downG270 yourG5216 fields,G5561 which is ofG575 youG5216 kept back by fraud,G650 crieth:G2896 andG2532 theG3588 criesG995 of them which have reapedG2325 are enteredG1525 intoG1519 theG3588 earsG3775 of the LordG2962 of sabaoth.G4519

(2) MAKE USE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF CROSS REFERENCES YOU CAN ACCESS:

I often present cross references from the two sources available in the e-Sword Bible software. I give the references from the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge first because they are usually fewer in number and easier for beginners to explore. Then I share the much more extensive cross references from my Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, sometimes as this time further expanded by more references for the enjoyment and benefit of more advanced or adventurous readers to enjoy.

Dig deeper by reading the cross references for Mark 10:19, “defraud not,” from:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Mark 10:19
knowest: Mrk 12:28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34; Isa 8:20; Mat 5:17, 18, 19, 20, Mat 19:17, 18, 19; Luk 10:26, 27, 28, Luk 18:20; Rom 3:20; Gal 4:21

commit: Exo 20:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17; Deut 5:16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:11

Defraud: 1Co 6:7, 8, 9; 1Th 4:6

B. The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Mark 10:19
knowest. Mrk 12:28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, +*Isa 8:20, Mat 5:17, 18, 19, 20; Mat 19:17, 18, 19, Luk 10:26, 27, 28; Luk 18:20, Rom 3:20, Gal 4:21.

the commandments. If it is a matter of doing, ALL must be done (Jas 2:10, 11). The Lord cites only some, and these not in order, to convict the questioner more readily: the seventh, sixth, eighth, ninth, and fifth (CB). Note also that neither here nor anywhere else in the NT is the fourth commandment ever cited as a command.

commit. Exo 20:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, Deut 5:16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Luk 10:26, 28, Rom 3:20; *Rom 13:9, Gal 5:14, *Jas 2:11.

adultery. >Exo 20:14, Lev 18:20, >Deut 5:18; Deut 22:22, Pro 6:32, Mat 5:27, Rom 13:9, +**1Co 6:9, +*Heb 13:4.

kill. Gen 9:5, 6, >Exo 20:13, >Deut 5:17, Mat 5:21; Mat 19:18, Rom 13:9, 1Jn 3:15.

steal. +**>Exo 20:15, Lev 19:11, >Deut 5:19, Rom 13:9, Eph 4:28.

bear false witness. >Exo 20:16; Exo 23:1, >Deut 5:20; **Deut 19:16, 17, 18, 19, 20, Pro 19:5; Pro 19:9; Pro 21:28; Pro 24:28; Pro 25:18, Eph 4:25.

Defraud not. Gr. apostereō [S# G650: 1Co 6:7, 8; 1Co 7:5, 1Ti 6:5 (destitute). Jas 5:4]. This is a summary of what precedes. Compare Rom 13:7, 8, 9, 10 (CB). +*>Lev 19:13, +**Deut 24:14; +**Deut 24:15, +**Psa 15:4, Pro 12:22, Isa 33:15, Jer 22:3, +**Jer 22:13, Ezk 18:7, Hos 12:7 mg. Amos 8:5, 6, Mic 2:2, +**Mal 3:5, Luk 18:11, 1Co 6:7, 8, 9, 2Co 7:2, +*1Th 4:6, *Jas 5:4.

honour thy father. Mrk 7:10, >Exo 20:12, Lev 19:3, >Deut 5:16, Jer 35:18, 19, Mal 1:6, Mat 15:4; Mat 19:19, *Eph 6:2.

MY COMMENTARY, EXPLANATION, AND APPLICATION OF SELECT CROSS REFERENCES FOR “DEFRAUD NOT”

A. Passages that use the same underlying Greek word:

1 Corinthians 6:7-8
7  Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
8  Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
King James Version

By going to law against fellow Christians, Paul argues that this is an instance of defrauding fellow believers and should not be done. In the preceding verses Paul explains that we are destined to judge angels. We ought to settle disputes between believers, using the judgment of those least esteemed in the church, which in our terms would be ordinary believers. Even our current President would benefit from Paul’s direction. I have suspected that our President is getting advice from very unwise advisors.

1 Corinthians 7:5
5  Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
King James Version

In a marriage, to abstain from intimate relations Paul calls defrauding one another, unless it be for a short time of greater spiritual commitment to fasting and prayer, lest Satan use this as a source of temptation.

1 Timothy 6:5
5  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
King James Version

“Destitute” of the truth is the translation of the Greek word more often rendered “defraud.” An alternate rendering I furnished is “Deprived” of the truth. Paul instructs Timothy and us to withdraw ourselves from such individuals, a topic worth further study by means of the cross references given at 1 Timothy 6:5.

James 5:4
4  Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
King James Version

James 5:4
4  Behold, the wages of the workers who harvested your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
Text-Critical English New Testament

Wages kept back by fraud is still a major problem today. Sometimes this involves failure to pay wages on time. Almost universally this involves failure to pay a living wage and to add insult to injury, shifting manufacturing to other countries to take advantage of workers there who are forced to work long hours in sometimes unsafe conditions. It also involves bringing workers into our country ostensibly to do work American workers are not willing to do.

Sometimes workers from other countries are brought in because there are not enough American workers who possess the knowledge and skills required for the work. Sometimes these workers are trained by our skilled workers and then are hired to replace our workers at a lower wage.

This involves massive fraud on the part of our own government for its utter failure to enforce the law we already have [ 8 USC 1324 (Employers)]. “Black letter law” has been “on the books” for many decades and some applicable law for over a century [ 15 USC Ch 1 (Med/Pharm)]. Laws against aiding, housing, or hiring illegal immigrants have stiff penalties, both fines and stiff prison sentences for any convicted of this crime. Were it enforced properly, illegal immigrants would not come here, and those who are here would promptly leave since no jobs would be available for them.

Another “black letter law” forbids monopolies or monopolistic practices. Enforced properly, it requires ten-year prison sentences for each individual involved. Were this law to be properly enforced, we would have a short time of economic dislocation, but would bring the cost of medical care, insurance, and medicine down to where it used to be not that many years ago. Instead of costing the federal government 30 to 40% of its income, it would return to 4% of its income. We would no longer be saddled with an ever-increasing national debt, a debt that if it continues, will become impossible to pay.

All the above things constitute current examples of failure to obey the command of our Lord Jesus Christ to “Defraud Not.”

Where there is no penalty, there is no law.

In our country, no political party has yet taken the smallest step to actually enforce the law, turning this nation into a lawless nation. This MUST change.

It may seem counter to good sense to urge everyone to vote in the mid-term election and not vote for any democrat candidate. Some object to the idea of voting for the lesser of two evils.

I have seen many ordinary individuals who I think “get it” say that no Christian can in good conscience vote for a democrat, but we must all vote for the Republican party candidates or utterly lose this country. I have written here before that the Republicans are NOT our friends. But I will add that democrats have now become our enemies, for they have drifted so far to the left, politically, that they are now Marxist Islamists to an unacceptable degree and if they regain power will further destroy our Constitutional Republic that was founded on Christian principles suited only for a Christian nation as the Founding Fathers said themselves.

 

Posted in How to Study the Bible, Justice and the Bible, Politics and the Bible, Practical Application Bible Studies | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Daily Bible Nugget #965, 1 Corinthians 13:3-6

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

1Co 13:4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1Co 13:6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1Co 13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (KJV)

1Co 13:4  Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is not puffed up
1Co 13:5  or rude. It does not seek its own way, it is not irritable, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
1Co 13:6  It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
1Co 13:7  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. (TCENT, Text Critical English New Testament)

MY COMMENT:

Happy Valentine’s Day!

It was on Valentine’s Day in 1992 that I received my copies of my book, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. It may have been on Valentine’s Day that I received my copies of Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible. If I remember correctly, it was on or about Valentine’s Day when I received my first copies of the newly updated and corrected printed edition of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge in 2023. I look forward to receiving the Logos Bible software edition on February 25, 2026, in Valentine’s Month!

To get the most out of my Bible study, I make use of the cross reference Bible study method. I usually turn to my e-Sword Bible software program first because for me it is the easiest to use software resource to use.

I have been especially concerned about the issue of forgiveness. Are we required to forgive someone who has wronged us if that person has never admitted the wrong or asked us for forgiveness?

In the light of what Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:14, 15 it certainly would seem so:

Mat 6:14  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Mat 6:15  But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (TCENT)

What Jesus states as recorded in Matthew 6:14, 15 is His own commentary on this largely misunderstood part of the Lord’s Prayer (called by some the Disciple’s Prayer) found in Matthew 6:12.

Mat 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (TCENT)

I find the best way to study what the Bible teaches is to first compare Scripture with Scripture by studying the cross references for the passage:

as we. Mat 6:14, 15, Mat 5:44, 45; *Mat 18:21; *Mat 18:22; *Mat 18:28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, **Deut 15:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, Neh 5:12, 13, Mrk 11:25, 26, *Luk 6:37; *Luk 17:3, 4, 5, **Eph 4:32, *Col 3:13.

forgive our. T539, Mrk 11:25, 26, Luk 23:34, +**Eph 4:32 (T203). *Col 3:13, 1Ti 2:8.

Notice the texts I have marked with the double asterisk, “**.” Those passages are critically important to consult! The Deuteronomy passage is what Jesus makes reference to. It teaches unconditional and immediate forgiveness. There is no wiggle-room for refusal to forgive for any reason. I first learned of this when I read a book by James W. Thirtle on The Lord’s Prayer to the Wednesday night prayer meeting group at Military Avenue United Presbyterian Church. They had all been taught by a previous pastor that the Lord’s Prayer was not for Christians today. I had been taught the same thing under the ministry of Dr. Lehman Strauss at Highland Park Baptist. One of the most faithful prayer meeting attendees, Mrs. Nichols, said at the start of the study series that she did not think it possible that I would be able to change her mind. At the end of the series, she thanked me for changing her mind!

All that to get to this: focus on 1 Corinthians 13:5, the last clause: “thinketh no evil” (KJV) or “and it keeps no record of wrongs” (Text Critical English New Testament).

1Co 13:4  Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is not puffed up
1Co 13:5  or rude. It does not seek its own way, it is not irritable, and it keeps no record of wrongs. (TCENT)

Here are the cross references I have for this clause:

no evil. Gen 31:32, Deut 22:27, 1Sa 1:13, 2Sa 10:3, 1Ch 19:3, Job 21:27, Psa 15:3, Ecc 7:21, Jer 11:19; Jer 18:18, 19, 20; Jer 40:13, 15, 16, Zec 8:17, *Mat 9:4, *Luk 7:39, 2Co 5:19, 2Ti 2:24, Tit 3:2.

On this text, the commentary by Jamison-Fawcett-Brown states:

thinketh no evil — imputeth not evil [Alford]; literally, “the evil” which actually is there (Pro 10:12; 1Pe 4:8). Love makes allowances for the falls of others, and is ready to put on them a charitable construction. Love, so far from devising evil against another, excuses “the evil” which another inflicts on her [Estius]; doth not meditate upon evil inflicted by another [Bengel]; and in doubtful cases, takes the more charitable view [Grotius].

David Guzik on this verse comments:

g. Love… thinks no evil: Literally this means “love does not store up the memory of any wrong it has received.” Love will put away the hurts of the past instead of clinging to them.

Yet, as David Guzik cites Clarke:

ii. Real love “never supposes that a good action may have a bad motive… The original implies that he does not invent or devise any evil.” (Clarke)

So in my judgment, 1 Corinthians 13:5 may not itself have a bearing upon forgiveness of wrongs done to us by others (Jesus dealt with forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer), but it does instruct us not to harbor thoughts of past wrongs in our memory so as to repeatedly dwell upon them.

 

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