INTRODUCTION

Chapter 12 is a continuation of chapters 10 and 11. Again, we have wisdom contrasting righteousness and wickedness, with the exception of verses 9 and 14. Once more, Solomon is giving the reader multiple real practical life choices where the person has a choice that he must make between right and wrong, good and bad, true and false. God finds joy in those who do good, but he condemns those who live a wicked life. (12:1-14) The wise person pauses and considers his words, while the foolish person believes no one can offer him, wise counsel. (12:15-16) Words can sometimes cause more damage than physical abuse, as the wicked one causes much harm with his stabbing words, but wise words can bring healing. (12:17-23) The righteous man is hard working, while the wicked one is lazy and sluggish. (12:24–28) There are two paths in this life, one that leads the righteous one to life and the other that leads the wicked one to ruination and destruction. This applies to us as individuals living within this fallen world and this applies on a larger societal level. If any group of people no matter how large or small tries to be right and just, the result is good for all who are a part of that community. As can be seen from cities around the world that are dominated by gangs, drugs, crime, and corrupt politicians, those living within, they suffer great harm.

Discipline is Absolutely Necessary

Proverbs 12:1 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

12 He who loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.

He who loves discipline loves knowledge: We have a masculine singular verb (ōhēb) translated he who loves, which means whoever loves. The one loving discipline, correction, and reproof loves knowledge, which leads to a successful life.

Discipline (Heb. musar) is repeatedly mentioned throughout the book of Proverbs. In the Scriptures, discipline often carries the sense of correction, admonition, rebuke, or chastisement. It is the practice or methods of teaching and enforcing acceptable patterns of behavior: correction, admonition, or modification, whether it is self-discipline or the discipline of another. According to The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, it “denotes the training of the moral nature, involving the correcting of waywardness toward folly.” (Garland and Longman 2008, 48) Do we need this training? Whether we are disciplining ourselves, or are being disciplined by another, by grasping the counsel within the Scriptures, and then applying it in our lives, it moves us to become a better servant of God. If we are to move over from inherited death to life, we need discipline. Knowledge (Heb. daath) is possession of information learned by personal experience, observation, or study. It includes wisdom, understanding, insight, and the ability to live successfully apply what has been taken into one’s heart and mind. The Bible strongly urges us to seek and treasure accurate knowledge, as it is far superior to gold. – Prov. 8:10; 20:15.

but he who hates reproof is stupid: The Hebrew (sane) rendered hate means to abhor, detest, loathe, to dislike intensely, to feel apathy for or hostility for someone or something. Reproof: (Heb. tokachath) has the sense of an act or expression of criticism or disapproval, even condemnation. It is speaking strong words of disapproval, which may also include punishment. (Prov. 1:23, 25, 30; 3:11; 5:12; 6:23; 10:17; 12:1; 13:18; 15:5, 10, 31, 32; 27:5; 29:1, 15) The Hebrew term (baar) rendered stupid, which is only used in the wisdom literature within the Old Testament. In Psalm 73:22, baar means beastlike or brutish. It is what is used to describe foolish ones, those who have no sense.

In our human imperfection, there is a tendency to hate or resent reproof (correction) and through the source that it is coming through, be it another human or the Word of God. If we give in to this hatred of reproof, it degrades us to be less than human, to being nothing more than a senseless unreasoning beast, who lacks moral discernment. Receptiveness to what is learned is a great form of self-discipline when we apply what is right and just, properly applying the information we receive.

If we are eager to improve our lives, we will crave discipline. He who is righteous is quick to apply the discipline he receives at home, from church leadership, from Christian friends, and especially God’s Word. The words within the Scriptures are like ox goads that prod him to follow an upright path that leads to life. This one does not wait for knowledge to come his way, he seeks it out like hidden treasure, to make his course straight. Yes, one who loves discipline loves knowledge.

If we are going to find favor in the eyes of God, discipline is very much necessary, especially self-discipline. Discipline is correcting what is wrong or missing. Maybe we wish that we had a deeper knowledge of God’s Word. Maybe we wish that we were more effective in sharing the Word of God with others.  (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Ac 1:8) However, if we lack self-discipline, these things will never be a reality. This applies to every facet of our lives. For example, we live in a world that feeds the fallen flesh with immoral desires through every form of entertainment, and even simply going from one place to another, and especially the workplace. Is there not a need for self-discipline, in order to restrain the eye from focusing on improper sights? Moreover, Scripture tells us that all humans are mentally bent toward evil and our hearts are treacherous and unknowable. (Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Jer. 17:9) Therefore, immoral thinking can be cultivated in the recesses of the mind. Self-discipline is needed in order not to entertain, dwell or cultivate such thoughts.

The wicked one who hates reproof, on the other hand, he loves neither discipline or knowledge, so he remains brutish and beastlike in feeding his fallen flesh. Because he has given into his evil leanings, feeding his imperfect human tendencies, he has become less than human, an unreasoning animal, a brute, who lacks moral judgment. We must resolutely resist this leaning, this inclination.

The Good Person Gets God’s Approval

Proverbs 12:2 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

² A good man obtains favor from Jehovah,
but a man of evil devices he condemns.

In the rest of this chapter Lady Wisdom is the speaker. She is dealing with the stupid ones (simple ones), the mockers who want nothing to do with her truths, and will scorn anyone sharing such counsel, and the foolish ones who are worse of than the stupid ones. All of these ones are ignorant of or ignore their spiritual needs, as they happily spend their life a course that leads to ruination or destruction.

A good man obtains favor from Jehovah: Man is not in the Hebrew, it is literally “the good obtains favor.” Man has been added here and others render it “the good person obtains favor” or “One who is good obtains favor.” The Lexham English Bible renders it “the good obtains favor.” Man is supplied because good has a masculine ending and the second line has man. Good (Heb. tob) is the moral opposite of evil. The good servant of God and imitator of him has good values, is virtuous, moral excellence, is generous with both his time and his money, merciful, shows loving-kindness, and is truthful, but he does not condone or participate in any way with badness. Here obtaining favor (Heb. ratson) means that one is found favorable, acceptable in the eyes of Jehovah.

but a man of evil devices he condemns: A man of evil devices (Heb. mezimmah) refers to wicked thoughts, wicked ideas or malicious thinking. This is one who is scheming to do something evil, with the emphasis on the planning or the intent (heart attitude) the person in his efforts to harm another. Jehovah condemns (Heb. rasha) such a man for his wicked thoughts, wicked ideas or malicious thinking. He has been found guilty by God of having an evil disposition, an evil heart attitude that is in opposition to God’s moral standards.

No doubt, God is very much pleased with one who is good, who has good values, is virtuous, has moral excellence, is generous with both his time and his money, merciful, shows loving-kindness, and is truthful, but he does not condone or participate in any way with badness. The virtues of a good man include such qualities as self-discipline, impartiality, humility, empathy, compassion, carefulness, and prudence. His thinking, his heart attitude is righteous, what he says to others is encouraging, hopeful, and his behavior is just and beneficial to himself and others. The first 12 verses of Proverbs 12 show us how goodness needs to be a part of our everyday life and gives the reader insight as to the benefits that result from exhibiting this distinctive attribute or characteristic. Considering these 12 verses and really the entire book of Proverbs will help us to “act wisely and do good.” (Psalm 36:3) By correctly applying what we learn, we will obtain God’s favor, that is gain God’s approval.

Delve Deeply and Expansively into God’s Word

Proverbs 12:3 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³ A man is not established by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

A man is not established by wickedness: The Hebrew noun (adam) is rendered man, which is a general term for a person or collectively as a people. Established (Heb. kun) here means that a man is not proven, secured, stabilized, sustained having no legitimate authority by way of wickedness, with a focus on the lack of durability or lastingness. Wickedness (Heb. resha) is a quality, state or condition that does not conform to God’s standard of moral excellence is wicked, bad, evil, or worthless.

but the root of the righteous will never be moved: Line two begins with a figurative expression, the root of the righteousness, which gives the reader a picture of a tree with very deep roots, meaning that the righteous one cannot be easily removed, he possesses durability or lastingness, secure, stable, and sustained. Will never be moved is literally “will not totter,” meaning the stability and durability of the righteous one with his deep roots in God’s word.

The good man cannot be unrighteous or unjust, of course. So, we need to be deeply rooted in God’s Word, which will bring about righteousness, making us pleasing in the eyes of God. In this life, many times the wicked seem to prosper. (Psalm 73) However, this is temporary and nothing more than slippery ground. Therefore, there is no reason to envy such ones. In contrast, the righteous one is stable, just as the deep roots of a tree. The roots of a tree, like the giant the sequoia of California, are unseen, but they can cover several acres, giving it a solid anchor that can withstand a flood, high winds, and even severe earthquakes. Similar to those roots in the nourishing soil of the earth, the minds, and hearts of the righteous one need to delve deeply and expansively into God’s Word and draw from its life-giving waters. Our faith, like the sequoia of California, will become firmly rooted and strong, with our hope being sure and firm. Despite this, it must be remembered that even the great sequoia of California feels the effects of storms and earthquakes, so too we can feel the effects of a storm like trial and at times, we may even tremble in the face of difficult times, but our deep and expansive roots will enable us to not totter.

The Good Wife

Proverbs 12:4 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁴ A good wife is the crown of her husband,
but like rottenness in his bones is she who brings shame.

A good wife is the crown of her husband: Good (Heb. tob) is the moral opposite of evil. The good servant of God and imitator of Him has good values, is virtuous, and possesses moral excellence, is generous with both her time and her money, merciful, shows loving-kindness, and is truthful, but she does not condone or participate in any way with badness. However, here, in this context, good refers to her strength, respect, and supportiveness. The good wife is a spiritual person, who is industrious, competent, faithful, trustworthy, supportive, and wise. The crown (Heb. atarah) is a symbol of her behavior and demeanor that brings honor to her husband and raises him up so that others can see what a great man he is.

but like rottenness in his bones is she who brings shame: Brings shame is contrasted with the honor shown to the husband in line one. Shame (Heb. bosh) is the dishonor that the foolish, disrespectful, unsupportive wife brings on her husband. She has failed her husband when he needed her most. Bringing shame means bringing dishonor and disgrace. This wife who brings shame on her husband does so by dishonoring him and bringing disgrace upon him. It is like rottenness in his bones, like a disease that weakens the body and so will weaken their relationship until it is no more, dead.

Everyone has heard the saying, “Behind every successful man there is a good woman.” Proverbs 12:4 points to the importance of a supportive wife. The qualities of a good wife, as described in detail in Proverbs chapter 31, include industriousness, faithfulness, competency, trustworthiness, respectfulness, and wisdom. The good wife who possesses these attributes is a crown to her husband because of the manner in which she presents her husband to others. She never pushes ahead of him or tries to draw attention to herself over him. Rather, she is the balance, the harmony, the complement to her husband. It should be noted that the husband should never push ahead of his wife or try to draw attention to himself over her.

How is it that the wife might act shamefully, and with what outcome? This shameful conduct could very well range from quarrelsomeness to flirting with others, to adultery. (Proverbs 7:10-23; 19:13) Any such action from the wife will only destroy the marriage like a fatal disease destroys the body, bringing shame on the husband. She is like rottenness in his bones in the sense that she weakens the marriage to the point of ruination. As a Christian wife, many seek to find favor with God and their husbands by reflecting the attributes of a good wife.

Contrasting the Thoughts, Speech, and Words

Proverbs 12:5 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Verses 5-6 contrast the thoughts, speech, and the words (plans and intentions) of the righteous with that of the wicked. Then, in verse 7 we have the contrast where the wicked are overthrown in defeat while the right stand firm.

The thoughts of the righteous are just: Here we begin the comparison of the thinking and the mindset of the righteous in comparison to that of the wicked. Genesis 6:5 and 8:21 tell us that all imperfect humans are mentally bent toward evil. The thoughts (machashebeth) of the righteous is the content of reasoning and thinking, the good intentions and plans. The righteous (Heb. tsaddiq) refers to one who is in a righteous standing before God, who is characterized by righteous thinking, actions, and morals in accordance with God’s moral standards. These just (Heb. mishpat) thoughts of the righteous are free from favoritism, self-interest, bias, deception, conforming to God’s standards.

the counsels of the wicked are deceitful: Here the Hebrew term (tachbulah) rendered counsels has a similar sense to thoughts in line 1. The counsels are advice or admonition given in order to guide, which, in this case, the counsels are deceitful (Heb. mirmah), in that they are deliberately misleading falsehoods causing a false view through the words or actions of the wicked one.

The very thoughts of the righteous, i.e., good people are morally sound intentions and plans, which are directed toward what is fair and just. The righteous person is driven by his love for God and his neighbor; therefore, his intentions and plans are good. The wicked person, on the other hand, he is driven by selfishness. Consequently, his words and actions reach their objectives, in that they are deceitful. The righteous person makes plans and has intentions that are just, while the wicked person schemes with his deceitful counsel.

The Wicked Lies in Wait for Blood

Proverbs 12:6 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁶ The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood: The words of the wicked is carrying over the thought from line 2 in verse 5 that the counsel of the wicked is deceitful. However, here the image being conveyed here is like a lion lying in tall weeds, in wait of his prey, seeking blood.

but the mouth of the upright delivers them: Words from the mouth of the upright (good, honest, righteous person) refer to words and thoughts, which can deliver them. The upright (Heb. yashar) are God’s true believers, his holy ones, who are diligently seeking and searching to know, love, and obey God and to live righteously as one can within their human imperfection. Uprightness: (Heb. yosher) is the quality of one who conforms to God’s moral standards. He is honest in both his words and his actions to what is real. Delivers translates the Hebrew verb (natsal) meaning to be saved (physically) from ruin, destruction, harm, and even eternal destruction. Who is them of delivers them? It is the upright person who may have been caught by the wicked who had been lying in wait for blood.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood because they seek to do serious harm to the innocent victims. The upright ones having taken in the knowledge of God (2:5), which has given them wisdom and insight into the mind of the wicked, their thinking, their plans, and their plots, which is needed to be cautious so as to not be caught as prey, enabling them to avoid danger. The upright may even be able to use their wisdom and knowledge of God to be delivered from the wicked if they have been caught in their trap. Moreover, they can further use their wisdom and knowledge of God to warn the unwary and help deliver them from the deceitful plots of the wicked.

How Will the Righteous and the Wicked Fare?

Proverbs 12:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁷ The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous will stand.

The wicked are overthrown and are no more: The Hebrew word (haphak) rendered overthrown means that God will destroy or bring to ruin the wicked, that they will be no more (Heb. ayin), that is, nothing, naught, non-existent.

but the house of the righteous will stand: Here house (Heb. bayith) is a general reference to one’s physical home and land (wellbeing), which if it were taken, it would mean poverty and having to sell oneself into servitude in ancient times. Will stand (Heb. ya·amod) means that the home and land (wellbeing) of the righteous will stand firm against any disaster or adversity that this fallen world might throw at it.

 In the end, how will the righteous and the wicked fare? The house here refers to the precious home and the land, as well as the family living in the household, all that are impacted, all that makes it possible for them to live, that is, their wellbeing. Therefore, the wicked will be destroyed by God so that they are no more. The righteous will receive protection from God’s Word so that they can wisely stand firm against any disaster or adversity that may come upon them, affecting their wellbeing.

Good Sense Versus a Perverse Mind

Proverbs 12:8 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁸ A man is praised according to his good sense,
but one of perverse mind is despised.

A man is praised according to his good sense: The man of God is praised or commended (Heb. halal), meaning that he has God’s approval according to his good sense (Heb. sekel), which means that he is one who has understanding, is able to comprehend and understand, who is wise, possessing intelligence and prudence, enabling him to make good decisions.

but one of perverse mind is despised: The wicked one has a perverse or twisted, warped, crooked, or depraved mind (Heb. avah), meaning that they have a mind that is not moral, right, proper or good based on God’s moral standards. Therefore, they are despised (Heb. buz) meaning that God and humans have no respect for them, accompanied by intense feelings of dislike.

A person of God who has discernment, he does not allow himself to utter any words out of his mouth hastily. He gives thought to what he will say, so he has peaceful relations with others because of his good sense, which enables him to choose his words carefully. When a man of good sense is faced with those who are foolish, or some are challenging his beliefs with speculative questioning, he is able to ‘restrain his words because he has knowledge, and he has a cool spirit.’ (Proverbs 17:27) This man is praised by others and is pleasing in the eyes of God.  How different the man of understanding is from the despised man with a perverse, twisted, warped, crooked, or depraved mind.

Living Within Our Means

Proverbs 12:9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁹ Better to be lowly and have a servant
than to play the great man and lack bread.

Better to be lowly and have a servant: This is literally “Better despised and a servant to him.” When translated, we have “Better to be despised and have a servant.” The Hebrew word (qalah) that is rendered lowly means to be lightly esteemed, to be despised, to be a nobody, to be degraded, that is, referring to a person who is considered to be of very low status in life. When we are thinking of one having little means being of a low station in life and at the same time have a servant, we should not impose our Western modern-day thinking on the historical setting of 2,800 years ago. Even today, a working-class person in South America can afford to have a maid because of the extreme poverty of others within their country. For example, in Chile, there are no social services that will care for the poor so the extremely poor will have to look for work in serving others who or of the working class. In Bible times, a nation may be conquered and devastated so those people will sell themselves into servitude of other persons of modest mean only seeking food and shelter.

than to play the great man and lack bread: Here to play the great man literally means “one who makes himself heavy,” which refers to one who honors himself. This is a person who thinks more of himself than he ought to, which moves him to spend all of his financial resources on this false façade, trying to live a high social status. He does this to the point where he cannot even afford bread, the bare necessities of life. He is literally destitute. Lacks bread is a way of saying one is living in poverty, lacking the basics of life’s necessities, penniless.

Yes, a man of good sense is praised. However, here we are being taught that we should value humility and that simplicity is better than having a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions. It seems that Solomon is telling us that it is better to be a humble person of little means, having merely one servant, as opposed to spending all that you have, which would care for your life’s necessities (lacking bread), in your effort to try and maintain some false pretense, trying to maintain a high social status. This is sound advice for us, as we need to live within our means. It is better to be a person who lives a moderately comfortable life, having one servant, than to be one who lives beyond his means, really having nothing.

Genuine Concern for Our Animals

Proverbs 12:10 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁰ A righteous man has regard for the soul^[1] of his animal,
but even the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

A righteous man has regard for the soul of his animal: The righteous (Heb. tsaddiq) man refers to one who is in a righteous standing before God, who is characterized by righteous thinking, actions, and morals in accordance with God’s moral standards. Regard (Heb. yada) here means to have concern for. Soul (Heb. nephesh) basically refer to (1) people, (2) animals, or (3) the life that a person or animal has. (Gen. 1:20; 2:7; Num. 31:28; 1 Pet. 3:20) The Bible author’s use of nephesh in connection with earthly creatures, humans or animals, refer to that which is material, tangible, visible, and mortal. A soul breathes. (Gen. 2:7) A soul is a living creature that sins (Lev. 5:1) works (Lev. 22:30) can be kidnapped (Deut. 24:7), can be annoyed (Judges 16:16), tormented from the troubles of this imperfect life (Job 19:2), weeps because of grief (Ps 119:28), and much more. Thus, the righteous man is concerned for the welfare of his animal’s life.

but even the mercy of the wicked is cruel: This is a contrast with line one. Mercy (Heb. racham) means to have a deep awareness of and sympathy, compassion, and pity for another person’s suffering. The mercy here is selfishly motivated. The Hebrew term (akzari) here rendered cruel is feeling of extreme heartlessness. Initially, this may seem difficult to understand.

Here Solomon is teaching a lesson on goodness by drawing on the agricultural way of life. The righteous man is truly deeply concerned about the life of his animals, treating them with kindness. The wicked man, on the other hand, may appear or seem to have concern for his animals. Yet, this is not because he has sympathy, compassion, and pity for the animals needs. No, his motives are selfish, and any concern shown to his animals is based on what profits the animal can bring him. While on the surface, the outward appearance, it may seem that the wicked man is adequately caring for his animals. However, underneath it is cruel treatment. He may push the animal to its limits, yet house, water, and feed him well. Or, maybe the animal is suffering from injury or disease and the wicked man is keeping it around to get whatever work out of it that he can when the kind thing would be to end its life. Moreover, the animal has the sense of the wicked man’s true feelings.

This can be applied to our pets today. It would be heartless to get a pet and then cause the pet needless suffering because we neglect its needs or mistreating it. Another way to look at it is we may be selfishly letting our pet that we do genuinely love to live in needless pain and suffering from disease or injury when kindness may call for ending its life.

Meaningful Hard Work

Proverbs 12:11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹¹ He who works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless things is in want of heart.

He who works his land will have plenty of bread: Here works (Heb. abad) his land is referring to preparing the land for raising crops by plowing or cultivating. However, here it has a more basic sense of work or labor where one expends considerable energy and intensity in a task or function. Like in 12:9 bread (Heb. lechem) is representative of life’s necessities, so having plenty of bread is saying that one who works hard will have plenty of life’s basic necessities, he will never be penniless.

but he who follows worthless things is in want of heart: One who follows worthless things (reqim) is a reference to one who gives his time, labor and energy to things that are useless. There is no value, no advantage to these worthless pursuits. This person is in want of heart, as Solomon expresses it. The Hebrew (chaser leb) is rendered (interpreted) as “lacks sense” in other translations. (ESV, LEB, CSB, and NASB) This foolish person is lacking good sense and wisdom, lacking good judgment or discernment as to the worthless things that he pursues in his life.

Drawing upon yet another aspect of agricultural life, working the land, Solomon stresses that meaningful hard work will cause us to reap benefits. However, the one who is lacking good judgment or understanding (in want of heart) spends most of his time in pursuit of worthless, idle, speculative things, which have no value or advantage. The lessons in Proverbs 12:10-11 are clear: Be compassionate and hardworking.

Be Grounded in Justice, Discretion and Humility, Compassion and Diligence

Proverbs 12:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹² The wicked man desires the stronghold^[2] of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

On this verse, the Revised Standard Version has a footnote that reads, “The Hebrew of verse 12 is obscure.” The newest semi-literal and literal translations have arrived at basically the same rendering as the essentially literal English Standard Version (ESV), “Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.”

The wicked man desires the stronghold of evildoers: The Hebrew word rendered wicked (rasha) here is an unrighteous man that is evil, with the focus on his guilt of violating moral standards, and here it is coveting or desiring what other evil ones have. Here the wicked man is strongly desiring the protection, shelter (stronghold), or security of the other evildoers. A stronghold (Heb. matsod) is a strongly fortified defense or military structure, which in this sense is referring to protection or shelter or security.

but the root of the righteous bears fruit: The Hebrew word here (shoresh) rendered root is literally the underground part of a plant that anchors and nourishes the plant; thus, figuratively speaking, we are talking about the righteous one being stable, secure, and comfortable, healthy, or happy, enabling them to bear fruit, that is, be productive.

How does the wicked man strongly desire the stronghold of evildoers? Seemingly, by coveting, strongly desiring the protection, shelter or security that the evildoers may be able to provide, which may even come in the way of spoils. The righteous one, on the other hand, is stable, secure, and comfortable, healthy, or happy, being able to bear fruit, that is, be productive. The wicked of this world strongly desire, lust, covet the evil of this world. They have no moral compass and will not hesitate to take advantage of the innocent, the weak, and the naïve. The righteous, on the other hand, are rooted, grounded by their being just, discreet and humble, compassionate and diligent, which allows their prosperity to grow.

The Transgression That Ensnares

Proverbs 12:13 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹³ In the transgression of the lips, there is an evil snare,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.

In the transgression of the lips, there is an evil snare: Transgression (Heb. pesha) is wantonness, crime, wrongdoing. One who violates a law, a duty, or a moral principle. An action or behavior that is contrary to a standard be it a human standard or divine, with emphasis on the rebellious nature of the wrong committed. The transgression of the lips is to say something false, to lie. They are ensnared (Heb. moqesh) by their own desire to avoid an embarrassing moment, getting out of an unpleasant situation, or avoiding a punishment, seeking the easy way out.

but the righteous escapes from trouble: The Righteousness (Heb. tsaddiq) adhere to the moral standard set out in God’s Word. Here they escape (Heb. yatsa), that is, avoid the trouble (Heb. tsarah), namely, a life of distress and pain by not giving into a false tongue, even in the most stressful of moments.

Lying is certainly a transgression of the lips, which is an evil death-dealing snare for those misleading others with their words, that is, not telling the truth. (Rev. 21:8) Being dishonest with others, at first, may seem like the easy way of avoiding an embarrassing moment, getting out of an unpleasant situation, or avoiding punishment. However, as most of us know, one lie simply leads to another lie. It is the same way as gambling. A gambler starts with small amounts at first. Soon, he is drawn into risking bigger and bigger bets in an effort to recover all that he has lost. The same holds true with the liar, who soon finds himself snared in a vicious cycle of lies.

This same transgression of the lips in lying to others applies to our lying to ourselves. If any have spent much time on social media, there are those that have convinced themselves that they are knowledgeable, even brilliant about something, when in reality, they are very misinformed and know very little. These ones literally live a lie.  Indeed, “In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.” (Psalm 36:2) What a snare lying can be. The righteous one, on the other hand, he will not put himself in such difficult situations, he will escape the troubled life of lying. Even in the most stressful moment, he will not give in to a false tongue.

Saying and Doing Good Will Get You Good

Proverbs 12:14 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁴ From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.

Both lines in this verse are saying the same thing, it is not a contrast that we have grown accustomed to by Solomon. The point being made here is that the person who says and does the right thing will have more good things happen to him over time than bad things. It is the old saying, ‘those who do good will get good.’

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good: The fruit (Heb. peri) of the mouth (Heb. peh) means words from the mouth of the righteous (good, honest, upright person), that is, speech, words, and thoughts, which can bring forth good. Being satisfied with good means receiving good things as a result of the good things that one thinks and says.

and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him: The hand (Heb. yad) here is referring to the work (Heb. tob) or activity that one does, as it made clear from the expression the work of a man’s hand. Based on the good work or activity that one does will be a big determiner in what comes back to him, that is, the benefit and rewards that result.

And the work of a man’s hand comes back to him: Work of … hand refers to the work or other activity that a person does. In many languages hand is redundant in this context. Comes back to him means he benefits, receives rewards.

The person who has good things to say will have more good things come his way over time than the one who only has bad things to say. Moreover, the person who does good work and works hard or is involved in good activities, he will gain more good results over time than the one who does shabby work and is involved in bad activities. “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked,” warns the apostle Paul. “for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.” – Galatians 6:7.

The Wise Person Pauses and Considers His Ways

Proverbs 12:15 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but the one listening to counsel is wise.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: The way (Heb. derek) is a course of conduct, a way of life, behavior that is foolish. Fools (Heb. kesîl) hate knowledge as they lack good judgment. Their character is stupidity, rudeness, that is, one who completely lacks understanding, who is rebellious in his ways. (Prov. 1:22) The Foolishness: (Heb. ivveleth) of the foolish one, who has the trait of acting stupidly or rashly because he is devoid of wisdom or understanding, the Hebrew noun focusing on the evil behaviors which occur in this state. In his own eyes means that this fool thinks he is right, namely, his opinions, conduct, and behavior do not need to be corrected or improved.

but the one listening to counsel is wise: The Hebrew term (shama) rendered listening means to listen, to hear, to pay close attention, and respond, heed, or obey on the basis of having heard. (Prov. 5:12) Counsel (Heb. etsah) is God’s advice or counsel that gives one direction in order to make a decision or follow a course of action. (2 Sam. 15:34; Hos. 10:6; Ps 13:3; 106:43) It also refers to a plan, scheme, or purpose where one considers a course of action, which often includes consulting a counselor or advisor. Wise; shrewd: (Heb. chakam) is one who has the capacity for understanding and discernment (Prov. 10:8), who has acquired the teachings of wisdom, whom we can trust to guide us. – Proverbs 3:35.

No one can be wise without accurate knowledge. No human knows everything. At some point, every one of us needs to listen to good counsel and heed it some time in our lives. For any of us to reject the good counsel of one who possesses accurate knowledge and much experience, as did King Rehoboam, is the height of folly. (1 Ki 12:8) If we do not have enough Bible knowledge to make a biblically informed decision, he should seek counsel from a trusted person. However, it is our responsibility to grow in Bible knowledge over time. While it is fine for a while to accept the good counsel and rely on the good judgment of the spiritually mature brothers and sisters in the Christian congregation, it is our obligation to grow spiritually through accurate knowledge of God’s Word. – John 17:3.

The Wise Person Pauses and Considers His Words

Proverbs 12:16 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁶ A fool’s anger is known in a day,^[3]
but the prudent man covers shame.

A fool’s anger is known in a day: Fools (Heb. kesîl) hate knowledge as they lack good judgment. Their character is stupidity, rudeness, that is, one who completely lacks understanding, who is rebellious in his ways. (Prov. 1:22) The Foolishness: (Heb. ivveleth) of the foolish one, who has the trait of acting stupidly or rashly because he is devoid of wisdom or understanding, the Hebrew noun focusing on the evil behaviors which occur in this state. In his own eyes means that this fool thinks he is right, namely, his opinions, conduct, and behavior do not need to be corrected or improved. In a day is a phrase that means a very short period of time. Here it means at once.

but the prudent man covers shame: The prudent (Heb. arum) man is one who shows shrewdness, cleverness, craftiness, sensibility, wisdom, and good judgment in making his decisions. The prudent man has a capacity for understanding the ramification for what he says and does. His covering (Heb. kese) shame means that he ignores, disregards, or pays no attention to the shame (Heb. qalon), dishonor or humiliation. In other words, he is not easily provoked and remains calm in the face of a personal attack, such as an insult, scorn, or slander.

At times we may be slighted or insulted in one way or another. What shall we do? Retaliate? Respond in kind? No, for we are not to repay evil for evil. (Rom. 12:17-21) The foolish man angrily responds to an insult to his honor very quickly. However, the prudent man pauses long enough for a short prayer and to consider the results of responding inappropriately. He takes the time to ponder God’s Word. Jesus’ words: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39) When he responds in such a way, he avoids escalating the tension and causing more contention that could end with more emotion or physical pain to himself or others. His failure to exercise self-control may also lead to the loss of his personal dignity.

When one overreacts to some personal affront and then acts rashly, he makes himself look foolish in the eyes of others. On the other hand, he wisely ignores confrontational remarks and actions by getting control over his tongue and holding back and irrational actions. He realizes that his honor is not worth what could result from a rash response. He lets time pass until the dishonor he felt has died down, as though it had never occurred. In doing this, he actually preserves his dignity and peace of mind. He has not allowed another to move him to resort to using disgraceful words.

The fact that the prudent man is shrewd, clever, and crafty does not mean that he is silently scheming his revenge. Rather, these qualities can apply in a good sense as well as a bad sense. Here, these qualities are used with knowledge and wisdom in the book of Proverbs

In Proverbs it is linked with knowledge and wisdom, with a prudent person who thinks a matter through instead of reacting just from emotion. (Prov. 13:16; 14:8; 22:3) In the face of some unjust criticism or petty insult that seems to bring dishonor, the shrewd person restrains his tongue. He remains in control, instead of letting the other person or the situation control him. And he certainly benefits from such prudence in that he thus avoids the fights that frequently come to the person who rashly responds when his feelings are hurt.

An Honest Person Tells the Truth

Proverbs 12:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁷ He who breathes out^[4] faithfulness[5] reveals justice,[6]
but a false witness deceit.

He who breathes out faithfulness reveals justice: He who breathes out (Heb. puach) faithfulness (Heb. emunah) means speaks the truth. Victor P. Hamilton says of this verb, “Primarily the verb means “to breathe/blow” in the negative sense of “to utter” lies, be utterly deceitful.”^[7] It is only here that puach is used in the positive sense of speaking, uttering, breathing out the truth. Faithfulness that is rendered truth is words that are faithful to the facts. Reveals justice means to gives honest evidence, that is, show what show what is right, honest, and correct.

but a false witness deceit: The false witness is a person that lies as easily as he takes a breath and has no pause in bearing false witness under oath, or in life. The Hebrew (mirmah) rendered deceit means dishonesty, treachery, a person deliberately misleading so as to give another a false view.

The setting here is a judicial hearing, which makes the repercussion for being deceitful even more serious. In the days of Solomon, a false witness in a court of law would receive the death penalty, while being truthful can save the person’s life. So, yeah, the false witness can cause much damage when it comes to a judicial setting. The true witness brings forth faithfulness, he is speaking, uttering, breathing out the truth because his testimony is reliable and trustworthy. The false witness brings forth deceit and has no concern for the miscarriage of justice.

Do Your Words Stab or Heal?

Proverbs 12:18 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁸ There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts: The Hebrew expression here that is rendered there is (yesh) denotes the existence of someone, and in this case, one whose words are rash, which refers to words that are spoken too quickly without careful consideration of the possible consequences; impetuously. Such words can seem like (Heb. chereb madqarah) sword thrusts, which are quick jabs that are piercing motions, stabbing made with a sword, which cause serious wounds and injuries. While the language is figurative, the pain caused by rash words are very real.

but the tongue of the wise brings healing: Once more, as was true in verses 11, 13, 18, 20, 21, and in 31 in chapter 10, we have a part of the body (tongue, mouth, lips) being used figuratively with reference to the speech or words of good people. While the rash words of the thoughtless one can cause serious mental, emotional, spiritual, and even physical pain, the well-chosen, well thought out words of the wise or wise words can heal or restore the damage caused by the thoughtless one. Healing is the mental, emotional, spiritual, and even physical pain that is restored to health or a sound state.

The thoughtless fool with his rash or reckless words hurts others, but the wise person or the person using wise words, which are carefully chosen, well thought out can heal the person who is suffering from such thoughtless ones and their rash words. Even though we may see the one using rash words as thoughtless or a fool, it might not necessarily be intentional, for it is more of one who speaks too quickly without careful consideration of the other person and the possible consequences. While there may be no malice on the thoughtless one the damage to the other is like a sword thrust causing much emotional damage.

The wise person or a person with wise words may undo some of the damage afterward with his well-chosen words, to bring healing to the wounds. This person with his wise words can do more than heal the damage done but can prepare the other with the wisdom of rational thinking. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” In other words, nothing anyone says can cause us emotional damage, it is what we think about what they say that causes the damage. If we can rationally perceive the truth, dismissing the irrational words, there is no emotional; damage being done.

Truth Will Be Established Forever

Proverbs 12:19 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁹ The lip of truth is established forever,
but only for the wink of an eye is a lying tongue.

The lip of truth is established forever: Here lip (Heb. saphah) of truth (Heb. emeth) again represents words spoken and in this case in order to communicate what is true, certain, and sure, so certain not to be false. The truthful lips here, what will be said by this kind of person, are established (Heb. kun) forever in that they will be reliable forever, that is, this person can always be trusted in what he says, his words are dependable. This is in contrast with the person who has a lying tongue, meaning he can only be trusted but for a moment.

but only for the wink of an eye is a lying tongue: Here the figurative expression wink of an eye, that is, but for a moment, is contrasted with forever in line 1. The lying tongue belongs to one who continuously deceives others with his misleading utterly false information, which causes others to arrive at a mistaken belief. This is a person that could care less about the destruction of his lies in the wake of his deception. The distortion of the truth is this one’s means of making the world mold to his perception of things. He could never accept the moral values of right and wrong set out in Scripture because he has distorted the truth so much that his moral compass is unable to point toward truth.

Yes, truthful speech is obvious by reliability and endurance. Any human relationship is more stable and fulfilling when we are determined to speak the truth and acting in harmony with it. Being known as a person of truth will bring us immediate rewards. These include such things as a clean conscience before God, a good reputation with others, and a much stronger relationship in marriage, as well as the family, our friends, and even our co-workers.

A person known to lie cannot even be trusted for a moment, He is doubted the moment the words leave his lips. Those who do not know him may believe his falsehoods for a mere moment, but untruth does not stand the test of time. Moreover, the God of truth has a timeline for those who live a life of lies, and he is not going to tolerate it forever. The Bible promises, “But as for … all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8

Heart Intention

Proverbs 12:20 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.

This proverb is difficult to interpret and, of course, this means that the translators have struggled with it as well. Pay close attention to both lines and we will be able to clarify the problem.

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil: The Hebrew (mirmah) rendered deceit means dishonesty, treachery, a person deliberately misleading so as to give another a false view. This is the same Hebrew word from verse 17 above, where the setting was a judicial hearing. Here it is referring more to heart intent, the purpose or intention of the ones who devise (Heb. charash) evil, that is, wicked plans, plots or schemes with the intention of hurting others.

but those who plan peace have joy: This is not a contrast that might have been expected. In line 1 we had deceit in the heart, so here we were looking for something more like truth in the heart. That way we would have had the good person heart intent, namely, the opposite of the wicked heart intent of bad people from line 1. Well, being that this is actually what God wanted to be said, it does not matter what we expected. The Hebrew (yoets) here rendered plan is referring to one who gives advice or counsel about problems. The UASV has plan peace and the ESV, LEB, NASB, and the CSB read similarly but the RSV reads plan good. The Hebrew word (shalom) has the primary meaning of peace. Thus, what we have here is those who are counselors of peace have joy because they are advising others on how they can live in peace. Have joy (Heb. simchah) means great happiness and pleasure.

The wicked one’s heart intent is filled with a life of devising evil plans with the intention of hurting others. The wicked one schemes as to how he can plant his evil intentions within you thinking, which results in horrible outcomes. While, on the other hand, the good person who is a counselor of peace, he gives advice to others on how they may overcome their problems, which brings them a measure of peace in this fallen world in which they live, and results in the counselor of peace having great happiness and pleasure as well.

Do Good Get Good, Do Bad Get Bad

Proverbs 12:21 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²¹ No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.

No ill befalls the righteous: Here the Hebrew word (aven) translated ill refers to a calamity of great suffering and distress from being harmed, injured, or having a misfortune come upon you. The Hebrew verb (annah) rendered befalls here means to be allowed or permitted to happen. Righteous; upright; just: (Heb. tsedeq) refers to one who is in a righteous standing before God, who is characterized by righteous actions and morals in accordance with God’s moral standards.

but the wicked are filled with trouble: Wicked (Heb. rā·šāʿ) is the unrighteous who are evil, being guilty of willfully and purposely violating the standards of God. In the Old Testament, it refers to the one who refuses to acknowledge or obey God. In the book of Proverbs explicitly, it refers to the foolish one who ignores or refuses to follow the divine teachings of God. It is a state or condition of evil that focuses on the violating of God’s laws or standards. The Hebrew verb (male) rendered filled with trouble means that they will experience nothing but trouble.

These kinds of proverbs have caused some difficulty in many churches because they are treated like absolutes or guarantees; if we do A we will get B. Proverbs are not to be applied in this sense in an imperfect world, with imperfect people. The best phrase that we can put before the proverb is “generally speaking.” Let us look at Proverbs 22:6 as our example, it says, “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (ESV) Let us look at an easy version of this, “direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (NLT) Is this an absolute guarantee that, if I raise my children in the best way, when they get older, they will not leave it? No. Let us place our phrase in front of it. ‘Generally speaking,’ if you direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.’

Again, we ask, is a proverb to be interpreted as a universal law? Is it like the law of the Medes and the Persians, which could never be overruled (Esther 8:8)? Is it to be interpreted absolutely, as the laws of thermodynamics, which describe what must always take place? It is apparent when reading proverbs that many of them seem to be less than absolute in their applicability. Certainly, the wicked person does not experience trouble every second of every day.

We Need to be Guided by Integrity

Proverbs 12:22 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²² Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah: The lying lips (Heb. sheqer saphah) belong to one who deceives another with misleading utterly false information about his true feelings of hatred, which causes the other to arrive at a mistaken belief that all is well. The Hebrew noun abomination (shiqquts) means abhorrence, an object to abhor, horror, monster, filth. The sense of shiqquts is a detestable thing, also implying that it can make a person unclean. – 2 Kings 23:13; Ezra 5:11; 11:21; Daniel 9:27; 11:31; Hosea 9:10.

but those who act faithfully are his delight: Those who act faithfully (Heb. emunah) are those who are steadfast and can be trusted to do what they say, always dependable. Delight (Heb. ratson) here in this verse is God finding those who act faithfully as a source of happiness, pleasure, or joy, meaning they are in an approved condition before him.

These lying lips belong to a person that could care less about the destruction the lies in the wake of his deception. The distortion of the truth is this one’s means of making the world mold to his perception of things. Those who lie are disgusting to God. We need to be guided by integrity. We avoid dishonesty because our honesty, faithfulness, truthfulness tells God of our morality, which delights him.

Cover Over Your Knowledge When Appropriate

Proverbs 12:23 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

A prudent man conceals knowledge: The two Hebrew words that are most commonly used in Proverbs when discussing prudence is (sakal) most often at 18 times and (arum) less often, both being used in a positive sense. Arum appears in Proverbs 12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, 18; 22:3; 27:12, and it always has a good meaning. In Genesis 3:1, we are told that “Now the serpent [Satan using] was more crafty (Heb. arum) than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made.” Here it is the same Hebrew word but instead, it is referring to a prudent, clever, sensible person, who uses sound judgment in showing his knowledge. Conceals his knowledge is literally “is covering knowledge.” His covering (Heb. kese) knowledge means that he ignores, disregards, or pays no attention to the intelligence, he is slow to show all that he knows., humility.

but the heart of fools proclaims folly: Here the heart of fools is a reference to the thinking, the mindset, or nature of fools. Fools (Heb. kesîl) hate knowledge as they lack good judgment. Their character is stupidity, rudeness, that is, one who completely lacks understanding, who is rebellious in his ways. The folly (Heb. ivveleth) of the foolish one, is one who has the trait of acting stupidly or rashly because he is devoid of wisdom or understanding, the Hebrew noun focusing on the evil behaviors which occur in this state. Proclaiming (Heb. qara) is the opposite of the prudent man who does not put his knowledge on display, in that the fool parades his foolishness everywhere he goes.

Covering or concealing one’s knowledge does not mean that we do not ever show or display our knowledge. Rather, it means that we are to be prudent, clever, sensible person, using sound judgment in showing our knowledge. We do not make a showy display of our knowledge, as though we are bragging about it. In addition, maybe we are evangelizing to a person who has very little Bible knowledge, it might overwhelm the person if we over share in explaining the Bible.

The One Working Hard Succeeds

Proverbs 12:24 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

The hand of the diligent will rule: Hand (Heb. yad) is used figuratively and symbolically throughout the Scriptures. The hand here is used to represent the person himself, as a diligent (Heb. charuts) hand is a hardworking person. It is one who has or shows care and conscientiousness, concern in one’s work or duties. The word Hebrew word (mashal) rendered rule means to exercise authority and power over others.

while the slothful will be put to forced labor: Here slothful (Heb. remiyyah) means to be lazy or sluggish. The sense of the Hebrew remiyyah or the Greek nothros is slow and apathetic. Paul (Gr. nothros) warned the Jewish Christians “not to become lazy. (Heb. 6:12.) Forced labor renders a word (mas or mis) that means a group of people, here lazy people, who are forced to work for a government or a wealthy person or business.

The hand of the diligent is a hard-working, industrious person. A diligent person is characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out what needs to be done. This person is persistently industrious in carrying out his tasks. One who cares about his work as though it literally is reflective of him as a person will eventually be in a position of authority with much power, be it by his hand or by the hand of another who sees the wisdom of elevating him.

One who is lazy will find himself and his family in poverty, not having the bare necessities of life. However, with hard work, one can become rich in the bare necessities of life, which are food, clothing, shelter, and health. Diligence leads to wealth just as laziness leads to poverty. One of the main themes in Proverbs is the contrast between the hard worker and the lazy person. (10:4; 12:24; 13:4; 14:23; 15:19; 16:26; 18:9; 20:13; 21:17, 25-26; 28:19) Diligence as the guaranteed way (barring any unforeseen or unexpected occurrences) to gain prosperity and laziness as the quickest way to poverty. The lazy person is the foremost fool who ends up destitute. If the Jewish person became so poor, he could not survive he could sell himself into servitude until he regained enough finances to leave serving another. A lazy person, in time, will have exhausted any means of financially supporting himself, and will be in forced labor of his own volition.

Kind Words Are Healthy to Self and Others

Proverbs 12:25 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁵ Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down: The Hebrew term (deagah) rendered anxiety means an emotion or feeling or restlessness or worry, an emotion of distress, in high anticipation of something in the future. Here the heart (Heb. leb) of the anxious man is a reference to the thinking, the mindset, or nature of one who worries endlessly and needlessly, always anxious over something. This is so much the case that it weighs him down, that is, literally “bows him down,” in the sense that he is always sad, even depressed, feeling that life has turned against him.

but a good word makes him glad: The Hebrew word (tob) translated good in this context has the sense of good words from family, friends, or a coworker, or a healthcare worker that are reassuring, encouraging, or helpful. Makes him glad means that these good words raise his spirits, his mental disposition so that he is happy or finds joy, i.e., cheers him up.

Anxiety in your heart can be damaging to one’s well-being. It can lead to depression, robbing you of strength and the initiative to take care of things that lead to a joyful and happy life. Many are the anxieties of this imperfect life in this fallen world and concerns that can contribute (nothing causes anxiety) to the heart being weighed down with sadness. What we need to have the burden lightened and make the heart rejoice is a good word of support, reassurance, and encouragement from an empathetic person. However, how can others know the intensity of the anxious distress in our heart unless we open up to them and talk about it? Yes, when we experience distress or depression, we need to confide in an understanding person who can help. Moreover, when we put our feelings into words, it relieves some of our heart’s anguish. Therefore, it is good to trust in a marriage mate, a friend, or a compassionate and spiritually qualified friend from the Christian congregation.

The Path That Leads to Life

Proverbs 12:26 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁶ A righteous man will seek out his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

A righteous man will seek out his neighbor: The righteous, upright or just man (Heb. tsedeq) refers to one who is in a righteous standing before God, who is characterized by righteous actions and morals in accordance to God’s moral standards. (Prov. 3:33) Will Seek (tur) has the sense of diligently acquiring information, investigating, searching out, trying to get, greatly desiring information. Neighbor (Heb. rea) does not necessarily refer to someone who lives next door or near to another. The Hebrew noun generally refers to any countryman with a focus on local companions, friends, acquaintances, colleagues. It can be one who is of the same race, or social/geographical or someone who lives within your community. The context here, though, is one who is a close friend.

but the way of the wicked leads them astray: The way of the wicked is referring to one who is in mental darkness in that they cannot see any light whatsoever. Mental darkness is a sort of mental blindness where one sees what others see and even understands the meaning, but their mind is beyond repentance, unreceptive, closed, so they see it as foolish. They are in darkness mentally. Thus, to follow the wicked who is incapable of guiding anyone is to be led astray (taah), be it a belief or a course of action. In friendship, the righteous will always be misled into a wrong view or belief of something or wrong behaviors by the wicked. The righteous one will figuratively wander off the path of righteousness.

King Solomon is contrasting the way of the righteous man with that of the wicked man. The righteous man is cautious about choosing his friends whom he knows can impact his way of thinking, feeling, and believing. He chooses them wisely, endeavoring to avoid the danger of being led off the path that leads to eternal life. Not so with the wicked, who refuse counsel and demand to have their own way. Misled, the wicked one wanders about. Thus, if you choose to associate with a wicked friend, you too will be led astray. Remember, when a dirty glove shakes the hand of a clean white glove, it is the dirty glove that rubs off on the clean glove.

Difference Between the Slack and the Diligent

Proverbs 12:27 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁷ A slothful man does not roast^[8] his prey,
but the diligent man is precious wealth.

A slothful man does not roast his prey: Here slothful (Heb. remiyyah) man means to be lazy or sluggish. This man is lazy and is very reluctant to exert himself, so much so, he will spend more effort avoiding work than had he just worked. The Hebrew word (charak) translated roast here is said to be of uncertain meaning. However, the lexicons define it as cooking with dry heat over an open fire. Another protentional meaning is to catch or capture, that is, as a hunter, to take possession of game or prey. Thus, it would seem to mean that the man is too lazy to put out traps or track down game for food and kill it; therefore, he cannot roast his prey. David Bland offers his readers the following interpretation based on Jewish tradition and similar words in Arabic when he writes, “The indolent [lazy] person cannot finish what he started. He goes all out to hunt and kill the game, but he does not have the strength to cook it.”^[9] How do we interpret a lazy, slothful, sluggish person as ‘going all out to hunt and kill his prey,’ yet at the same time, he is too lazy to cook it. Hardly.

but the diligent man is precious wealth: What we have here is a contrast between the lazy man and one who is diligent, hardworking, productive. There are far more benefits to being diligent, as opposed to being lazy. The diligent (Heb. charuts) man is a hard-working, industrious person. A diligent person is characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out what needs to be done. This person is persistently industrious in carrying out his tasks. Max Anders interprets this to mean that “the diligent man, on the other hand, values his possessions enough to care for them, so he takes full advantage of what he has gained.”[10] Rather, it seems that it is the diligence or being diligent itself that is a precious wealth or a treasure. The interpretive translation GNT “if you work hard, you will get a fortune,” focusing on the results, and the CEV “a hard worker is a valuable treasure” focusing on what led to the results.

The slothful, lazy, sluggish man is unwilling to work (to put out traps or track down game for food and kill it), which is his character, refusing to make any kind of effort; therefore, he cannot roast his prey. On the other hand, the diligent man and his diligence are in and of themselves a precious treasure because he will always be well fed, and he and his family will always have the necessities of life because this is a hard-working man, who is an industrious person. In the most difficult times, he will not let himself give into a pessimistic way of thinking. His fortitude of making an effort is what his family will treasure.

Your Life Course Can Be Straight Ahead of You

Proverbs 12:28 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁸ In the path of righteousness is life,
and in its pathway there is no death.

In the path of righteousness is life: Here the path (Heb. orach) of righteousness (Heb. tsedaqah), that is, the life course of a blameless upright believer is straight ahead of you, meaning the way in which you are to go is very clear so you can be aware of the unseen dangers that lay outside the boundaries of the path of the righteous. Those on the path of righteousness possess moral insight that adds joy to their life, while the way of the wicked possesses ignorance that leads to unhappiness.

and in its pathway there is no death: Here its pathway is literally “the way of path,” which is referring to a particular kind of way. In other words, a safe path that can be trusted. In addition, no death, means without death, namely, where there is no death.

The righteous ones who have walked on the path of righteousness have the assurance that there is no death for them, that is they have the hope of eternal life.

The path of righteousness is very clear as you can see the world of mankind, who are alienated from God outside the boundaries of the path. These boundaries are the standards set out in the Word of God that serve as a protection to the righteous one throughout his journey. Just like in the case of Job, God has given us a shield of protection, that is, his Word the Bible, which is figuratively placed around his people. This keeps his followers from wasting their lives on the foolish pursuits of this fallen world in drunkenness, gluttony, violence, or lecherous living. The wisdom received from the Word of God is like the guard rails on a road, which guide the righteous one through the dangers that are common to the unbelievers. God has not given us life so that we waste it on the pursuits that are common in Satan’s fallen world. The apostle Peter showed how a change occurs in the lives of the believer:

1 Peter 4:3-7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³ For the time that has passed by is sufficient for doing the will of the Gentiles, living in sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this that you do not run with them into the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. ⁷ The end of all things has drawn near; therefore be sound in mind^[11] and be sober-minded^[12] in prayers.

BIBLE DIFFICULTIES Chapter 12

12:23 How does one ‘cover knowledge’? Covering or concealing one’s knowledge does not mean that we do not ever show or display our knowledge. Rather, it means that we are to be prudent, clever, sensible person, using sound judgment in showing our knowledge. We do not make a showy display of our knowledge, as though we are bragging about it. In addition, maybe we are evangelizing to a person who has very little Bible knowledge, it might overwhelm the person if we over share in explaining the Bible.

Review Questions/Assignments

(12:01) Why is loving discipline vital? Discipline (Heb. musar) is …? Knowledge (Heb. daath) is possession of …? The Hebrew (sane) rendered hate means …? Reproof: (Heb. tokachath) has the sense of …? The Hebrew term (baar) rendered stupid is found where in Scripture and what does it mean?

(12:02) Why has the term man been added to line one? Good (Heb. tob) is …? The good servant of God and imitator of him has …? Here obtaining favor (Heb. ratson) means …? A man of evil devices (Heb. mezimmah) refers to …? Jehovah condemns (Heb. rasha) such a man for …? The virtues of a good man include such qualities as …? The first 12 verses of Proverbs 12 show us how goodness needs to be …? Considering these 12 verses and really the entire book of Proverbs will help us to …?

(12:03) Established (Heb. kun) here means …? Wickedness (Heb. resha) is …? The figurative expression, the root of the righteousness, gives the reader a …? Will never be moved is literally “will not totter,” meaning …?

(12:04) What does it mean to be good and a good wife? Shame (Heb. bosh) is …? How does the wife bring shame and how is it like rottenness in his bones?

(12:05) The thoughts (machashebeth) of the righteous is …? The righteous (Heb. tsaddiq) refers to one who is …? These just (Heb. mishpat) thoughts of the righteous are …? Here the Hebrew term (tachbulah) rendered counsels has a similar sense to thoughts in line 1. The counsels are …? The counsels are deceitful (Heb. mirmah), in that they are …?

(12:06) The words of the wicked is …? What is the image being conveyed here? Words from the mouth of the upright are …? The upright (Heb. yashar) are …? Delivers translates the Hebrew verb (natsal) meaning to be …? Who is them of delivers them?

(12:07) The Hebrew word (haphak) rendered overthrown means …? being no more (Heb. ayin) means …? Here house (Heb. bayith) is a general reference to one’s …? Will stand (Heb. ya·amod) means …?

(12:08) The man of God is praised or commended (Heb. halal), meaning …? Having good sense (Heb. sekel) means …? The wicked one has a perverse or twisted, warped, crooked, or depraved mind (Heb. avah), meaning …? The ones with perverse minds are despised (Heb. buz) meaning …?

(12:09) Lowly means to be …? How is it that a lowly person can have a servant? Here to play the great man literally means …? Lacks bread is a way of saying one is …?

(12:10) The righteous (Heb. tsaddiq) man refers to …? Soul (Heb. nephesh) basically refer to …? Mercy (Heb. racham) means to have …? The Hebrew term (akzari) here rendered cruel is feeling of …? Why may this initially seem difficult to understand?

(12:11) Here works (Heb. abad) his land is referring to …? However, here it has a more basic sense of …? One who follows worthless things (reqim) is a reference to one who …? This person is in want of heart, as Solomon expresses it is …?

(12:12) The Hebrew word rendered wicked (rasha) here is …? What is he coveting? A stronghold (Heb. matsod) is …? The Hebrew word here (shoresh) rendered root is literally … but figuratively …? This enables them to …?

(12:13) Transgression (Heb. pesha) is …? The transgression of the lips is …? They are ensnared (Heb. moqesh) by their own desire to …? The Righteousness (Heb. tsaddiq) adhere to …? The righteous escape (Heb. yatsa), that is, avoid the trouble (Heb. tsarah), namely, a life of …?

(12:14) How does what we think and say impact our life? How does good work and working hard or being involved in good activities, cause us to gain more good in life?

(12:15) The way (Heb. derek) is …? How would you describe a foolish person? The Hebrew term (shama) rendered listening means …? Counsel (Heb. etsah) is …? Wise; shrewd: (Heb. chakam) is one who …?

(12:16) How would you describe a foolish person? In a day is a phrase that means …? The prudent (Heb. arum) man is one who …? His covering (Heb. kese) shame means …?

(12:17) He who breathes out (Heb. puach) faithfulness (Heb. emunah) means …? Faithfulness that is rendered truth is …? Reveals justice means to …? The false witness is …? The Hebrew (mirmah) rendered deceit means …?

(12:18) The Hebrew expression here that is rendered there is (yesh) denotes what? What are rash words? How can words seem like (Heb. chereb madqarah) sword thrusts, causing what? While the rash words of the thoughtless one can cause serious mental, emotional, spiritual, and even physical pain, the well-chosen, well thought out words of the wise or wise words can?

(12:19) The lip (Heb. saphah) of truth (Heb. emeth) again represents what? How is truth here more than simply being the opposite of being a lie? Truthful lips are established (Heb. kun) forever in that they will be …? Here the figurative expression wink of an eye means …? The lying tongue belongs to one who …?

(12:20) The Hebrew word (mirmah) here rendered deceit means …? Devise (Heb. charash) evil means to …? How is line 2 not the contrast we might have been expecting? The Hebrew (yoets) here rendered plan is referring to …? What is the primary meaning of the Hebrew word shalom? In the end, we have what when we put it all together?

(12:21) Here the Hebrew word (aven) translated ill refers to …? The Hebrew verb (annah) rendered befalls here means to …? Righteous; upright; just: (Heb. tsedeq) refers to one who is …? Wicked: (Heb. rā·šāʿ) is …? The Hebrew verb (male) rendered filled with trouble means …? Why are these kinds of proverbs difficult to understand?

(12:22) The lying lips (Heb. sheqer saphah) belong to one who …? The Hebrew noun abomination (shiqquts) means …? Those who act faithfully (Heb. emunah) are those who …? Delight (Heb. ratson) here in this verse is God finding those who act faithfully as …?

(12:23) What two words are most commonly used in Proverbs when discussing prudence? Conceals his knowledge is literally “is covering knowledge.” His covering (Heb. kese) knowledge means that he …? Fools (Heb. kesîl) are …? The folly (Heb. ivveleth) of the foolish one, is one who has the trait of …? Proclaiming (Heb. qara) is the opposite of the prudent man who does not put his knowledge on display, in that the fool …?

(12:24) Hand (Heb. yad) is used figuratively and symbolically here …? The hand of the diligent is …? The word Hebrew word (mashal) rendered rule means …? Here slothful (Heb. remiyyah) means …? Forced labor renders a word (mas or mis) that means …?

(12:25) The Hebrew term (deagah) rendered anxiety means …? Here the heart (Heb. leb) of the anxious man is …? Weighs him down literally “bows him down,” in the sense that he is …? The Hebrew word (tob) translated good in this context has the sense of …? Makes him glad means that these good words …?

(12:26) The righteous, upright or just man (Heb. tsedeq) refers to …? Will Seek (tur) has the sense of …? Neighbor (Heb. rea) here is referring to …? The way of the wicked is referring to one who is …? Thus, to follow the wicked who is incapable of guiding anyone, is to be …?

Review Questions (12:27) How would you describe the slothful man? How would you describe the diligent man? What is the contrast here?

(12:28) The path (Heb. orach) of righteousness (Heb. tsedaqah) is …? Those on the path of righteousness possess moral insight that …? Here its pathway is literally “the way of path,” which is referring to …?

THOUSANDS OF FREE BIBLE-BASED CHRISTIAN ARTICLES AND GROWING

CPH BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Christian Living

THE POWER OF GOD: The Word That Will Change Your Life Today

Yes, God will be pleased to give you strength. He even gives “extraordinary power” to those who are serving him. (2 Cor. 4:7) Do you not feel drawn to this powerful Almighty God, who uses his power in such kind and principled ways? God is certainly a “shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30) You understand that he does not use his power to protect you from all tragedy now. He does, however, always use his protective power to ensure the outworking of his will and purpose. In the long run, his doing so is in your best interests. Andrews shares a profound truth of how you too can have a share in the power of God. With THE POWER OF GOD as your guide, you will discover your strengths and abilities that will make you steadfast in your walk with God. You can choose to rise to a new level and invite God’s power by focusing on The Word That Will Change Your Life Today.

Herein Andrews will answer the “why.” He will address whether God is responsible for the suffering we see. He will also delve into whether God’s foreknowledge is compatible with our having free will. He will consider how we can objectively view Bible evidence, as he answers why an almighty, loving and just God would allow bad things to happen to good people. Will there ever be an end to the suffering? He will explain why life is so unfair and does God step in and solve our every problem because we are faithful? He will also discuss how the work of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit should be understood in the light of wickedness. Lastly, Andrews will also offer biblical counsel on how we can cope when any tragedy strikes, …

Let God Use You to Solve Your PROBLEMS: GOD Will Instruct You and Teach You In the Way You Should Go

GOD knows best. Nobody surpasses him in thought, word, or action. As our Creator, he is aware of our needs and supplies them abundantly. He certainly knows how to instruct us. And if we apply divine teaching, we benefit ourselves and enjoy true happiness. Centuries ago, the psalmist David petitioned God: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me” (Psalm 25:4-5) God did this for David, and surely He can answer such a prayer for His present-day servants.

PROMISES OF GOD’S GUIDANCE: God Show Me Your Ways, Teach Me Your Paths, Guide Me In Your Truth and Teach Me

Whom do we lean upon when facing distressing situations, making important decisions, or resisting temptations? With good reason, the Bible admonishes us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways know him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6) Note the expression “do not lean upon your own understanding.” It is followed by “In all your ways know him.” God is the One with a truly sound mind. Thus, it follows that whenever we are faced with a decision, we need to turn to the Bible to see what God’s view is. This is how we acquire the mind of Christ.

THE POWER OF GOD: The Word That Will Change Your Life Today

Yes, God will be pleased to give you strength. He even gives “extraordinary power” to those who are serving him. (2 Cor. 4:7) Do you not feel drawn to this powerful Almighty God, who uses his power in such kind and principled ways? God is certainly a “shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30) You understand that he does not use his power to protect you from all tragedy now. He does, however, always use his protective power to ensure the outworking of his will and purpose. In the long run, his doing so is in your best interests. Andrews shares a profound truth …

BLESSED BY GOD IN SATAN’S WORLD How All Things Are Working for Your Good

All of us will go through difficult times that we may not fully understand. The apostle Paul wrote, “in the last days difficult times will come.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Those difficulties are part of the human imperfection (Rom. 5:12) and living in a fallen world that is ruled by Satan (2 Cor. 4:3-4). But when we find ourselves in such a place, it’s crucial that we realize God has given us a way out. (1 Cor. 10:13) Edward Andrews writes that if we remain steadfast in our faith and apply God’s Word correctly when we go through difficult times, we will not only grow spiritually, but we will …

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN BIBLE PROPHECY: The Kings of the North & South of Daniel and the Seven Kings of Revelation 

Why should you be interested in the prophecy recorded by Daniel in chapter 11 of the book that bears his name? The King of the North and the King of the South of Daniel are locked in an all-out conflict for domination as a world power. As the centuries pass, turning into millenniums, first one, then the other, gains domination over the other. At times, one king rules as a world power while the other suffers destruction, and there are stretches of time where there is no conflict. But then another battle abruptly erupts, and the conflict begins anew. Who is the current King of the North and the King of the South? Who are the seven kings or kingdoms of Bible history in Revelation chapter 17? We are living in the last days that the apostle Paul spoke of, when he said, “difficult times will come.” (2 Tim. 3:1-7) How close we are to the end of these last days, wherein we will enter into the Great Tribulation that Jesus Christ spoke of (Matt. 24:21), no one can know for a certainty. However, Jesus and the New Testament authors have helped to understand the signs of the times and …

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Why and How Your Christian Life Makes a Difference

The theme of Andrews’ new book is “YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” As a Christian, you touch the lives of other people, wherein you can make a positive difference. Men and women of ancient times such as David, Nehemiah, Deborah, Esther, and the apostle Paul had a positive influence on others by caring deeply for them, maintaining courageous faith, and displaying a mild, spiritual attitude. Christians are a special people. They are also very strong and courageous for taking on such an amazingly great responsibility. But if you can make a difference, be it with ten others or just one, you will have done what Jesus asked of you, and there is no more beautiful feeling. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE with joy.

TURN OLD HABITS INTO NEW HABITS: Why and How the Bible Makes a Difference

Many have successfully conquered bad habits and addictions by applying suggestions found in the Bible and by seeking help from God through prayer. You simply cannot develop good habits and kick all your bad ones overnight. See how to establish priorities. Make sure that your new habits work for you instead of your old bad habits against you. It is one thing to strip off the old habits, yet quite another to keep them off. How can we succeed in doing both, no matter how deeply we may have been involved in bad habitual practices?

GOD WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS: Hope and Help for Your Difficult Times

It may seem to almost all of us that we are either entering into a difficult time, living in one, or just getting over one and that we face one problem after another. This difficulty may be the loss of a loved one in death or a severe marriage issue, a grave illness, the lack of a job, or simply the stress of daily life. As Christians, we need to understand that God’s Word will carry us through these times, as we maintain our integrity whether in the face of tremendous trials or the tension of everyday life. We are far better facing these hurdles of life with the help of God, who can make the worst circumstances much better and more bearable.

FEARLESS: Be Courageous and Strong Through Your Faith In These Last Days

The world that you live in today has many real reasons to be fearful. Many are addicted to drugs, alcohol, bringing violence into even the safest communities. Terrorism has plagued the world for more than a decade now. Bullying in schools has caused many teen suicides. The divorce rate even in Christian households is on the rise. Lack of economic opportunity and unemployment is prevalent everywhere. Our safety, security, and well-being are in danger at all times. We now live in a prison of fear to even come outside the protection of our locked doors at home. Imagine living where all these things existed, but you could go about your daily life untouched by fear and anxiety. What if you could be courageous and strong through your faith in these last days? What if you could live by faith not fear? What if insight into God’s Word could remove your fear, anxiety, and dread? Imagine a life of calmness, peace, unconcern, confidence, comfort, hope, and faith. Are you able to picture a life without fear? It is possible.

JOHN 3:16: For God So Loved the World

John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Christian Bible. It has also been called the “Gospel in a nutshell,” because it is considered a summary of the central theme of traditional Christianity. Martin Luther called John 3:16 “The heart of the Bible, the Gospel in miniature.” The Father had sent his Son to earth to be born as a human baby. Doing this meant that for over three decades, his Son was susceptible to the same pains and suffering as the rest of humankind, ending in the most gruesome torture and execution imaginable. The Father watched the divine human child Jesus grow into a perfect man. He watched as John the Baptist baptized the Son, where the Father said from heaven, “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:17) The Father watched on as the Son faithfully carried out his will, fulfilling all of the prophecies, which certainly pleased the Father.–John 5:36; 17:4. …

THE BOOK OF JAMES (CPH New Testament Commentary 17)

This commentary volume is part of a series by Christian Publishing House (CPH) that covers all of the sixty-six books of the Bible. These volumes are a study tool for the pastor, small group biblical studies leader, or the churchgoer. The primary purpose of studying the Bible is to learn about God and his personal revelation, allowing it to change our lives by drawing closer to God. The Book of James volume is written in a style that is easy to understand. The Bible can be difficult and complex at times. Our effort herein is to make it easier to read and understand, while also accurately communicating truth. CPH New Testament Commentary will convey the meaning of the verses in the book of Philippians. In addition, we will also cover the Bible background, the custom and culture of the times, as well as Bible difficulties. …

THE OUTSIDER Coming-of-Age In This Moment

SECTION 1 Surviving Sexual Desires and Love will cover such subjects as What Is Wrong with Flirting, The Pornography Deception, Peer Pressure to Have Sexual Relations, Coping With Constant Sexual Thoughts, Fully Understanding Sexting, Is Oral Sex Really Sex, …SECTION 2 Surviving My Friends will cover such subjects as Dealing with Loneliness, Where Do I Fit In, Why I Struggle with Having Friends, …SECTION 3 Surviving the Family will cover such subjects as Appreciating the House Rules, Getting Along with My Brothers and Sisters, How Do I Find Privacy, … SECTION 4 Surviving School will cover such subjects as How Do I Deal With Bullies, How Can I Cope With School When I Hate It, … SECTION 5 Surviving Who I Am will cover such subjects as Why Do I Procrastinate, … SECTION 6 Surviving Recreation will cover such subjects as … SECTION 7 Surviving My Health will cover such subjects as How Can I Overcome My Depression, …

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP LIVING: When Hope and Love Vanish

Who should read THIRTEEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP LIVING? Anyone who is struggling in their walk as a young person. Anyone who has a friend who is having difficulty handling or coping with their young life, so you can offer them the help they need. Any parent who has young ones. And grade school, junior high or high school that wants to provide an, in touch, anti-suicide message to their students. … Many youths say that they would never dream of killing themselves. Still, they all have the deep feeling that there are no reasons for going on with their lives. Some have even hoped that some sort of accident would take their pain away for them. They view death as a release, a way out, a friend, not their enemy. …

WAGING WAR: A Christian’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workbook

The purpose of Waging War is to guide the youth of this program from start to finish in their therapeutic efforts to gain insight into their patterns of thinking and beliefs that have led to the current outcomes in their life thus far and enable them to change the path which they are on. Waging War is a guide to start the youth with the most basic information and work pages to the culmination of all of the facts, scripture, and their newly gained insight to offer a more clear picture of where they are and how to change their lives for the better. Every chapter will have work pages that Freeman has used and had found to be useful in therapy, but most importantly, this workbook will teach the Word to a population that does not hear it in its’ most correct form. What is the significance of controlling ones’ thoughts and how does that apply to you? Doubts, fears, and insecurities come from somewhere, especially when they are pervasive. Understanding this idea will help one to fight those thoughts and free them from the shackles their mind puts around their hearts, preventing them from achieving their dreams and the plans God had intended for them when they were created.

HUMAN IMPERFECTION: While We Were Sinners Christ Died For Us

There are many reasons the Christian view of humanity is very important. The Christian view of humanity believes that humans were created in the image of God. We will look at the biblical view of humanity. We are going to look at the nature of man, the freedom of man, the personality of man, the fall of man, the nature of sin and death, as well as why God has allowed sin to enter into the world, as well as all of the wickedness and suffering that came with it. Andrews will answer the following questions and far more. How does the Bible explain and describe the creation of man and woman? Why is it imperative that we understand our fallen condition? What does it mean to be made in the image of God? …

FOR AS I THINK IN MY HEART SO I AM: Combining Biblical Counseling with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [Second Edition]

In FOR AS I THINK IN MY HEART – SO I AM, Edward D. Andrews offers practical and biblical insights on a host of Christian spiritual growth struggles, from the challenge of forgiveness to eating disorders, anger, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, pornography, masturbation, same-sex attraction, and many others. Based on Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV): “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he,” Andrews’ text works from the position that if we can change the way that we think, we can alter the way we feel, which will modify the way we behave. FOR AS I THINK IN MY HEART – SO I AM offers far more than self-help to dozens of spiritual struggles, personal difficulties, and mental disorders. It will benefit Christian and non-Christian alike. The Scriptural advice and counsel coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy will be helpful even if every chapter is not one of your struggles. For As I Think in My Heart enables readers to examine the lies and half-truths …

APPLYING GOD’S WORD MORE FULLY: The Secret of a Successful Christian Life [Second Edition]

THERE IS A GENUINE HAPPINESS, contentment, and joy, which come from reading, studying and applying God’s Word. This is true because the Scriptures offer us guidance and direction that aids us in living a life that coincides with our existence as a creation of Almighty God. For example, we have a moral law that was written on our heart. (Rom. 2:14-15) However, at the same time, we have a warring against the law of our mind and taking us captive in the law of sin, which is in our members. (Rom. 7:21-25) When we live by the moral law, it brings us joy, when we live by the law of sin; it brings about distress, anxiety, regrets to both mind and heart, creating a conflict between our two natures. In our study of the Bible, we can interact with a living God who wants a personal relationship with us. And in APPLYING GOD’S WORD MORE FULLY, we will learn how to engage His words like never before. Andrews helps his readers …

PUT OFF THE OLD PERSON: Put On the New Person [Second Edition]

THERE IS ONE MAJOR DIFFERENCE between Christian living books by Andrews and those by others. Generally speaking, his books are filled with Scripture and offer its readers what the Bible authors meant by what they penned. In this publication, it is really God’s Word offering the counsel, which is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) From the moment that Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, humans have been brought forth in sin, having become more and more mentally bent toward evil, having developed a heart (i.e., inner person) that is treacherous, and unknowable to them, with sin’s law dwelling within them. Sadly, many of us within the church have not been fully informed …

WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD: Putting God’s Purpose First in Your Life [Second Edition]

A clean conscience brings us inner peace, calmness, and profound joy that is seldom found in this world under the imperfection of fallen flesh that is catered to by Satan, the god of the world. Many who were formerly living in sin and have now turned their life over to God, they now know this amazing relief and are able today to hold a good and clean conscience as they carry out the will of the Father. WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD, has been written to help its readers to find that same joy, to have and maintain a good, clean conscience in their lives. Of course, it is incapable of covering every detail that one would need to consider and apply in their lives …

WIVES BE SUBJECT TO YOUR HUSBANDS How Should Wives Treat Their Husbands?

This book is primarily for WIVES, but husbands will greatly benefit from it as well. WIVES will learn to use God’s Word to construct a solid and happy marriage. The Creator of the family gives the very best advice. Many have been so eager to read this new publication: WIVES BE SUBJECT TO YOUR HUSBANDS. It offers wives the best insights into a happy marriage, by way of using God’s Word as the foundational guide, along with Andrews’ insights. WIVES learn that marriage is a gift from God. WIVEStake in information that will help them survive the first year of marriage. WIVES will be able to make Christian marriage a success. WIVES will maintain an honorable marriage. WIVES will see how to submit correctly to Christ’s headship. WIVES will learn how to strengthen their marriage through good communication. …

HUSBANDS LOVE YOUR WIVES: How Should Husbands Treat Their Wives?

This book is primarily for HUSBANDS, but wives will greatly benefit from it as well. HUSBANDS will learn to use God’s Word to construct a solid and happy marriage. The Creator of the family gives the very best advice. Many have been so eager to read this new publication: HUSBANDS LOVE YOUR WIVES. It offers husbands the best insights into a happy marriage, by way of using God’s Word as the foundational guide, along with Andrews’ insights. HUSBANDS learn that marriage is a gift from God. HUSBANDS take in information that will help them survive the first year of marriage. HUSBANDS will be able to make Christian marriage a success. HUSBANDS will maintain an honorable marriage. …

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL TRENDS: A Biblical Point of View

Technological and societal change is all around us. What does the future hold? Trying to predict the future is difficult, but we can get a clue from the social and technological trends in our society. The chapters in this book provide a framework as Christians explore the uncharted territory in our world of technology and social change. Some of the questions that Anderson will answer are: What are the technological challenges of the 21st century? How should we think about the new philosophies like transhumanism? Should we be concerned about big data? What about our privacy in a world where government and corporations have some much information about us? How should we think about a world experiencing exponential growth in data and knowledge? What social trends are affecting baby boomers, baby busters, and millennials?

CHRISTIANS AND GOVERNMENT: A Biblical Point of View

Government affects our daily lives, and Christians need to think about how to apply biblical principles to politics and government. This book provides an overview of the biblical principles relating to what the apostle Paul calls “governing authorities” (i.e., government) with specific chapters dealing with the founding principles of the American government. This includes an examination of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers. The thirteen chapters in this book not only look at the broad founding principles but also provide an in-depth look at other important political and governmental issues. One section explains the history and application of church and state issues. Another section describes aspects of political debate and discourse. A final section provides a brief overview of the Christian heritage of this nation that was important in the founding of this country and the framing of our founding documents.

CHRISTIANS AND ECONOMICS A Biblical Point of View

Economics affects our daily lives, and Christians need to think about how to apply biblical principles to money, investment, borrowing, and spending. They also need to understand the free enterprise system and know how to defend capitalism. Chapters in this book not only look at broad economic principles, but a section of the book is devoted to the challenges we face in the 21st century from globalization and tough economic times. A section of the book also provides an in-depth look at other important social and economic issues (gambling, welfare) that we face every day …

A DANGEROUS JOURNEY: Those Who Become Jesus’ Disciples

Do you desire to follow Jesus Christ and transform the culture around you? Are you sure you know what it means to be a disciple and follow a dangerous revolutionary who often comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable? Jesus Christ is not the mild status quo rabbi you may have been taught in your local church. He is dangerous and anyone who follows him is on a dangerous journey. The demands he places upon you and the challenges you will encounter are necessary on the journey. The journey with Jesus Christ is not for the fainthearted. If you are really serious about joining Jesus Christ in the transformation of the culture around you, here is a raw outlook on what to expect on this DANGEROUS JOURNEY.

Prayer Life

POWER THROUGH PRAYER A Healthy Prayer Life

Each of the twenty-five chapters in the POWER THROUGH PRAYER provides helpful methods and suggestions for growing and improving your prayer life with God through the power of prayer.  So, what can we expect if we make prayer a part of our life? Prayer can give you a peace of mind. Prayer can comfort and strength when facing trials. Prayer can help us make better life choices. The Bible says: “If any of you lacks wisdom [especially in dealing with trials], let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5) Prayer can help to avoid temptation. Prayer is the path yo forgiveness of sins. Your prayers can help others. You will receive encouragement when your prayers are answered.

THE POWERFUL WEAPON OF PRAYER: A Healthy Prayer Life

DOZENS OF QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED: Why is prayer necessary? What must we do to be heard by God? How does God answer our prayers? Does God listen to all prayers? Does God hear everyone’s prayers? What may we pray about? Does the Father truly grant everything we ask for? What kind of prayers would the Father reject? How long should our prayers be? How often should we pray? Why should we say “Amen” at the end of a prayer? Must we assume a special position or posture when praying? There are far more than this asked and answered.

HOW TO PRAY: The Importance of Prayer [Updated and Expanded]

What forms of prayer do you personally need to offer more often? Who benefits when you pray for others? Why is it important to pray regularly? Why should true Christians pray continually? To whom should we pray, and how? What are proper subjects for prayer? When should you pray? Does God listen to all prayers? Whose prayers is God willing to hear? What could make a person’s prayers unacceptable to God? When Jesus says, “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith,” an absolute guarantee that we will receive it? HOW TO PRAY by Torrey and Andrews is a spiritual gem that will answer all of these questions and far more. HOW TO PRAY is a practical guidebook covers the how, when, and most importantly, the way of praying. An excellent devotional resource for any Christian library.

Christian Apologetics and Evangelism

HOW RELIABLE ARE THE GOSPELS?

Was the Gospel of Mark Written First? Were the Gospel Writers Plagiarists? What is the Q Document? What about Document Q?  Critical Bible scholars have assumed that Matthew and Luke used the book of Mark to compile their Gospels and that they consulted a supplementary source, a document the scholars call Q from the German Quelle, or source.  From the close of the first century A.D. to the 18th century, the reliability of the Gospels was never really brought into question. However, once we enter the so-called period of enlightenment, especially from the 19th century onward, some critical Bible scholars viewed the Gospels not as the inspired, inerrant Word of God but rather as the word of man, and a jumbled word at that. In addition, they determined that the Gospels were not written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, saying the Gospels were written after the apostles, denying that the writers of the Gospels had any firsthand knowledge of Jesus; therefore, for these Bible critics such men were unable to offer a record of reliable history. Moreover, these critical Bible scholars came to the conclusion that the similarities in structure and content in the synoptic (similar view) Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), suggests that the evangelists copied extensively from one other. Further, the critical Bible scholars have rejected that the miracles of Jesus and his resurrection ever occurred as recorded in the Gospels. Lastly, some have even gone so far as to reject the historicity of Jesus himself.

REASONABLE FAITH: Saving Those Who Doubt

Inside of some Christians unbeknownst to their family, friends or the church, they are screaming, “I doubt, I doubt, I have very grave doubts!” Ours is an age of doubt. Skepticism has become fashionable. We are urged to question everything: especially the existence of God and the truthfulness of his Word, the Bible. A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION of REASONABLE FAITH is on healing for the elements of emotional doubt. However, much attention is given to more evidenced-based chapters in our pursuit of overcoming any fears or doubts that we may have or that may creep up on us in the future.

THE GREAT TEACHER JESUS CHRIST: What Made Jesus Christ’s Teaching, Preaching, Evangelism, and Apologetics Outstanding Effective?

How can you improve your effectiveness as teachers? Essentially, it is by imitating THE GREAT TEACHER: Jesus Christ. You may wonder, ‘But how can we imitate Jesus?’ ‘He was the perfect, divine, Son of God.’ Admittedly, you cannot be a perfect teacher. Nevertheless, regardless of your abilities, you can do your best to imitate the way Jesus taught. THE GREAT TEACHER: Jesus Christ will discuss how you can employ all of his teaching methods.

THE TEACHER THE APOSTLE PAUL: What Made the Apostle Paul’s Teaching, Preaching, Evangelism, and Apologetics Outstanding Effective?

How can you improve your effectiveness as teachers? Essentially, it is by imitating THE TEACHER the Apostle Paul. You may wonder, ‘But how can we imitate Paul?’ ‘He was an inspired author, who served as an apostle, given miraculous powers.’ Admittedly, Paul likely accomplished more than any other imperfect human. Nevertheless, regardless of your abilities, you can do your best to imitate the way Paul taught. THE TEACHER the Apostle Paul will discuss how you can employ all of his teaching methods.

DEFENDING OLD TESTAMENT AUTHORSHIP: The Word of God Is Authentic and True

How true is the Old Testament? For over two centuries Biblical scholars have held to the so-called documentary hypothesis, namely, that Genesis – Deuteronomy was not authored by Moses, but rather by several writers, some of whom lived centuries after Moses’ time. How have many scholars questioned the writership of Isaiah, and are they correct? When did skepticism regarding the writership of Isaiah begin, and how did it spread? What dissecting of the book of Isaiah has taken place? When did criticism of the book of Daniel begin, and what fueled similar criticism in more recent centuries? What charges are sometimes made regarding the history in Daniel? Why is the question of the authenticity of the books of Moses, the Book of Isaiah and the Book of Daniel an important one? What evidence is there to show that the books of Moses, the Book of Isaiah and the Book of Daniel is authentic and true? Do these critics have grounds for challenging these Bible author’s authenticity and historical truthfulness? Why is it important to discuss whether Old Testament Aurhoriship is authentic and true or not?

MOSAIC AUTHORSHIP CONTROVERSY: Who Really Wrote the First Five Books of the Bible?

Who wrote the first five books of the Bible? Was it Moses or was it others centuries later? If Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, then how was his own death and burial written in Deuteronomy Chapter 34? Many mainstream Bible scholars argue that Moses could not have written the Pentateuch since he likely existed many centuries earlier than the development of the Hebrew language. When was the origin of the Hebrew language? Popular scholarship says that if Moses had written the Pentateuch, he would have written in the Egyptian language, not the Hebrew. Moreover, most of the Israelites and other people of the sixteenth century B.C.E. were illiteral, so who could have written the Torah, and for whom would it be written because the people of that period did not read?

Finally, analysis of the first five books demonstrates multiple authors, not just one, which explains the many discrepancies. Multiple authors also explain the many cases of telling of the same story twice, making the same events appear to happen more than once. The modern mainstream scholarship would argue that within the Pentateuch we see such things as preferences for certain words, differences in vocabulary, reoccurring expressions in Deuteronomy that are not found in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, all evidence for their case for multiple authors.

What does the evidence say? What does archaeology, linguistic analysis, historical studies, textual analysis, and insights from Egyptologists tell us? Again, who wrote the first five books of the Bible? Was it Moses or was it others centuries later? Andrews offers his readers an objective view of the evidence.

DEFENDING AGABUS AS A NEW TESTAMENT PROPHET: A Content-Based Study of His Predictions In Acts by Sung Cho

Agabus is a mysterious prophetic figure that appears only twice in the book of Acts. Though his role is minor, he is a significant figure in a great debate between cessationists and continualists. On one side are those who believe that the gift of prophecy is on par with the inspired Scriptures, infallible, and has ceased. On the other side are those who define it as fallible and non-revelatory speech that continues today in the life of the church. Proponents of both camps attempt to claim Agabus as an illustration of their convictions. This study defends the position that Agabus’ prophecies are true in every detail. Beginning with a survey of major figures in the debate, the author conducts an exegetical analysis of passages where Agabus appears in defense of the infallible view.

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM AND TERRORISM: A Biblical Point of View

Islam is making a significant mark on our world. It is perhaps the fastest-growing religion in the world. It has become a major obstacle to Christian missions. And Muslim terrorists threaten the West and modern democracies. What is the history of Islam? What do Muslims believe? Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? Why do we have this clash of civilizations? Is sharia law a threat to modern democratic values? How can we fight terrorists in the 21st century? These are significant questions that deserve thoughtful answers. This book provides practical, biblical answers so Christians can understand Islam, witness to their Muslim friends, and support efforts by the government to protect all of us from terrorism.

IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD?: Is Islam the One True Faith?

IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD? Is Islam the One True Faith? This book covers the worldview, practices, and history of Islam and the Quran. This book is designed as an apologetic evangelistic tool for Christians, as they come across Muslims in their daily lives, as well as to inform them, as a protection again the misleading media. The non-Muslims need to hear these truths about Islam and the Quran so they can have an accurate understanding of the Muslim mindset that leads to their actions. Islam is the second largest religion in the world. Radical Islam has taken the world by storm, and the “fake media” has genuinely misled their audience for the sake of political correctness. This book is not a dogmatic attack on Islam and the Quran but rather an uncovering of the lies and describing of the truths. The reader will be introduced to the most helpful way of viewing the evidence objectively. We will answer the question of whether the Quran is a literary miracle, as well as is there evidence that the Quran is inspired by God, along with is the Quran harmonious and consistent, and is the Quran from God or man? We will also examine Islamic teachings, discuss the need to search for the truth, as well as identify the book of truth. We will look at how Islam views the Bible. Finally, we will take up the subjects of Shariah Law, the rise of radical Islam, Islamic eschatology, and how to effectively witness to Muslims.

THE GUIDE TO ISLAM: What Every Christian Needs to Know About Islam and the Rise of Radical Islam by Daniel Janosik

The average Christian knows somewhat how dangerous radical Islam is because of the regular media coverage of beheadings of Christians, Jews, and even young little children, not to mention Muslims with which they disagree. However, the average Christian does not know their true beliefs, just how many there are, to the extent they will go to carry out these beliefs. Daily we find Islamic commentators on the TV and radio, offering up misleading information, quoting certain portions of the Quran while leaving other parts out. When considering Islamic beliefs, other Islamic writings must be considered, like the Hadith or Sunnah, and the Shariah, or canon law. While Islam, in general, does not support radical Islam, the vast majority do support radical beliefs. For example, beheadings, stoning for adultery or homosexuality, suicide bombings, turning the world into an Islamic state, and far too many other heinous things. THE GUIDE TO ISLAM provides Christians with an overview of Islamic terminology. The reader will learn about Muhammad’s calling, the history of the Quran, how Islam expanded, the death of Muhammad and the splinter groups that followed. In addition, the three sources of their teaching, six pillars of belief, five pillars of Islam, the twelfth Imam, and much more will be discussed. All of this from the mind of radical Islam. While there are several books on Islam and radical Islam, this will be the first that will prepare its readers to communicate effectively with Muslims in an effort toward sharing biblical truths. …

REASONS FOR FAITH: The First Apologetic Guide For Christian Women on Matters of The Heart, Soul, and Mind

If you have the desire to become better equipped to reach others for the lost or to strengthen your faith, Judy Salisbury’s guide—written specifically to meet the needs of Christian women today—offers you a safe, practical, and approachable place to start. In her lively, … If you have the desire to become better equipped to reach others for the lost or to strengthen your faith, Judy Salisbury’s guide—written specifically to meet the needs of Christian women today—offers you a safe, practical, and approachable place to start. In her lively, straightforward style, Salisbury covers such issues as: Does God exist? Can I trust the Bible? Does Christianity oppress women? Can we know truth? Why would God allow evil and suffering? Was Jesus God and did He really rise from the dead? How does or should my faith guide my life?

A TIME TO SPEAK: PRACTICAL TRAINING for the CHRISTIAN PRESENTER Authored by Judy Salisbury, Foreword by Josh McDowell

A Time to Speak: Practical Training for the Christian Presenteris a complete guide for effective communication and presentation skills. Discuss any subject with credibility and confidence, from Christian apologetics to the sensitive moral issues of our day, when sharing a testimony, addressing a school board, a community meeting, or conference. This exceptional training is the perfect resource for Christians with any level of public speaking ability. With its easy, systematic format, A Time to Speak is also an excellent resource for home-schooled and college students. The reader, in addition to specific skills and techniques, will also learn how to construct their presentation content, diffuse hostility, guidance for a successful Q&A, effective ways to turn apathy into action, and tips on gaining their speaking invitation.

BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What are Some Outstanding Weaknesses of Modern Historical Criticism

Historical Criticism of the Bible got started in earnest, known then as Higher Criticism, during the 18th and 19th centuries, it is also known as the Historical-Critical Method of biblical interpretation. Are there any weakness to the Historical-Critical Method of biblical interpretation (Historical Criticism), and why is historical criticism so popular among Bible scholars today? Its popularity is because biblical criticism is subjective, that is, based on or influenced by personal feelings or opinions and is dependent on the Bible scholar’s perception. In other words, biblical criticism allows the Bible scholar, teacher, or pastor the freedom to interpret the Scriptures, so that God’s Word it tells them things that they want to hear. Why is this book so critical for all Christians? Farnell and Andrews will inform the reader about Biblical criticism (historical criticism) and its weaknesses, helping you to defend God’s Word far better.

BIBLICAL CRITICISM: Beyond the Basics

Biblical criticism is an umbrella term covering various techniques for applying literary historical-critical methods in analyzing and studying the Bible and its textual content. Biblical criticism is also known as higher criticism, literary criticism, and historical criticism. Biblical criticism has done nothing more than weaken and demoralize people’s assurance in the Bible as being the inspired and fully inerrant Word of God and is destructive in its very nature. Historical criticism is made up of many forms of biblical criticism that are harmful to the authoritative Word of God: historical criticism, source criticism, form criticism, redaction criticism, social-science criticism, canonical criticism, rhetorical criticism, structural criticism, narrative criticism, reader-response criticism, and feminist criticism. Not just liberal scholarship, but many moderate, even some “conservative” scholars have …

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM: Reaching Hearts with the Art of Persuasion

APOLOGETICS: Reaching Hearts with the Art of Persuasion by Edward D. Andrews, author of over seventy books, covers information that proves that the Bible is accurate, trustworthy, fully inerrant, and inspired by God for the benefit of humankind. The reader will be introduced to Christan apologetics and evangelism. They will learn what Christian apologetics is. They will be given a biblical answer to the most demanding Bible question: Problem of Evil. The reader will learn how to reach hearts with are the art of persuasion. They will use persuasion to help others accept Christ. They will learn to teach with insight and persuasiveness. They will learn to use persuasion to reach the heart of those who listen to them.

REVIEWING 2013 New World Translation of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Examining the History of the Watchtower Translation and the Latest Revision

REVIEWING 2013 New World Translation of Jehovah’s Witnesses is going to challenge your objectivity. Being objective means that personal feelings or opinions do not influence you in considering and representing facts. Being subjective means that your understanding is based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or ideas. If the reader finds these insights offense, it might be a little mind control at work from years of being told the same misinformation repeatedly, so ponder things objectively. We can also have preconceived ideas that have been a part of our thinking for so long; we do not question them. Preconceived is an idea or opinion that is formed before having the evidence for its truth. If we are to be effective, we must season our words, so that they are received well. Then there is the term preconception, which means a preconceived idea or prejudice. Seasoned words, honesty, and accuracy are distinctive features of effective apologetic evangelism.

REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES: Sharing CHRIST as You Help Others to Learn about the Mighty works of God

Use of REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES should help you to cultivate the ability to reason from the Scriptures and to use them effectively in assisting others to learn about “the mighty works of God.” – Acts 2:11. If Christians are going to be capable, powerful, efficient teachers of God’s Word, we must not only pay attention to what we tell those who are interested but also how we tell them. Yes, we must focus our attention on the message of God’s Word that we share but also the method in which we do so. Our message, the Gospel (i.e., the good news of the Kingdom), this does not change, but we do adjust our methods. Why? We are seeking to reach as many receptive people as possible. “You will be my witnesses … to the End of the Earth.” – ACTS 1:8.

REASONING WITH THE WORLD’S VARIOUS RELIGIONS: Examining and Evangelizing Other Faiths

Why should we be interested in the religion of others? The world has become a melting pot of people, cultures, and values, as well as many different religions. Religion has the most significant impact on the lives of mankind today. There are only a few of the major religions that make up billions of people throughout the earth. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions in the world. God’s will is that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) God has assigned all Christians the task of proclaiming the Word of God, teaching, to make disciples. (Matt. 24:15; 28:19-20: Ac 1;8) That includes men and women who profess a non-Christian religion, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam to mention just a few. If there are Hindus, Buddhist or Muslims are in your community, why not initiate a conversation with them? Christians who take the Great Commission seriously cannot afford to ignore these religions. …

CONVERSATIONAL EVANGELISM, [Second Edition]

Evangelism is the work of a Christian evangelist, of which all true Christians are obligated to partake to some extent, which seeks to persuade other people to become Christian, especially by sharing the basics of the Gospel, but also the deeper message of biblical truths. Today the Gospel is almost an unknown, so what does the Christian evangelist do? Preevangelism is laying a foundation for those who have no knowledge of the Gospel, giving them background information, so that they can grasp what they are hearing. The Christian evangelist is preparing their mind and heart so that they will be receptive to the biblical truths. In many ways, this is known as apologetics. Christian apologetics [Greek: apologia, “verbal defense, speech in defense”] is a field of Christian theology which endeavors to offer a reasonable and sensible basis for the Christian faith, defending the faith against objections. It is reasoning from the Scriptures, explaining and proving, as one instructs in sound doctrine, many times having to overturn false reasoning before he can plant the seeds of truth. …

THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST: Always Being Prepared to Make a Defense [Second Edition]

MOST Christian apologetic books help the reader know WHAT to say; THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST is HOW to communicate it effectively. The Christian apologist’s words should always be seasoned with salt as he or she shares the unadulterated truths of Scripture with gentleness and respect. Our example in helping the unbeliever to understand the Bible has been provided by Jesus Christ and his apostles. Whether dealing with Bible critics or answering questions from those genuinely interested, Jesus referred to the Scriptures and at times used appropriate illustrations, helping those with a receptive heart to accept the Word of God. The apostle Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving” what was biblically true. (Ac 17:2-3) The material in THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST can enable us to do the same. Apologist Normal L. Geisler informs us that “evangelism is planting seeds of the Gospel” and “pre-evangelism is tilling the soil of people’s minds and hearts to help them be more willing to listen to the truth (1 Cor. 3: 6).”

THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK: How All Christians Can Effectively Share God’s Word in Their Community, [SECOND EDITION]

THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK is a practical guide (for real-life application) in aiding all Christians in sharing biblical beliefs, the Good News of the Kingdom, how to deal with Bible critics, overturning false beliefs, so as to make disciples, as commanded by Christ. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Ac 1:8) Why do Christians desire to talk about their beliefs? Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed in the whole inhabited earth for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14) This is the assignment, which all Christians are obligated to assist in carrying out. Jesus also said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) Jesus commanded that we “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20) If one failed to be obedient to the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20, he or she could hardly claim that they have genuine faith. All true Christians have a determination to imitate God, which moves us to persist in reflecting his glory through our sharing Bible beliefs with others.

DIVINE APPOINTMENTS: Spontaneous Conversations on Matters of the Heart, Soul, and Mind

“Absorbing, instructional, insightful. Judy Salisbury’s book Divine Appointments embodies examples of truly speaking the truth in love. The stories she weaves together provide perfect examples of how to relate to others through conversational evangelism… Divine Appointments is an apt companion to any apologetics book, showing how to put principles into practice. It’s an apologetics manual wrapped in a warm blanket. Snuggle up with it.”— Julie Loos, Director, Ratio Christi Boosters

YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE: Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy [Third Edition]

The reader will receive eight small introductory books in this one publication. Andrews’ intention is to offer his reader several chapters on eight of the most critical subject areas of understanding and defending the Word of God. This will enable the reader to lay a solid foundation for which he can build throughout his Christian life. These eight sections with multiple chapters in each cover biblical interpretation, Bible translation philosophies, textual criticism, Bible difficulties, the Holy Spirit, Christian Apologetics, Christian Evangelism, and Christian Living.

“‘Deep’ study is no guarantee that mature faith will result, but shallow study guarantees that immaturity continues.”(p. xiii)—Dr. Lee M. Fields.

THE CULTURE WAR: How the West Lost Its Greatness & Was Weakened From Within

The Culture War. How the West lost its greatness and was weakened from within outlines how the West lost its values, causing its current decline. It is a forceful attack on the extreme liberal, anti-religious ideology which since the 1960’s has permeated the Western culture and weakened its very core. The West is now characterized by strict elitist media censorship, hedonism, a culture of drug abuse, abortion, ethnic clashes and racial divide, a destructive feminism and the dramatic breakdown of the family. An ultra-rich elite pushes our nations into a new, authoritarian globalist structure, with no respect for Western historical values. Yet, even in the darkest hour, there is hope. This manifesto outlines the remedy for the current malaise and describes the greatness of our traditional and religious values that once made our civilization prosper. It shows how we can restore these values to bring back justice, mercy, faith, honesty, fidelity, kindness and respect for one another. Virtues that will motivate individuals to love one another, the core of what will make us great again.

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY Jesus’ Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY will give its readers a thrilling account of first-century Christianity. When and how did they come to be called Christians? Who are all obligated to be Christian evangelists? In what way did Jesus set the example for our evangelism? What is the Kingdom of God? What was their worship like and why were they called the Truth and the Way? How did 120 disciples at Pentecost grow to over one million within 70-80-years? What was meant by their witness to the ends of the earth? How did Christianity in its infancy function to accomplish all it did? How was it structured? How were the early Christians, not of the world? How were they affected by persecution? How were they not to love the world, in what sense? What divisions were there in the second and third centuries? Who were the Gnostics? These questions will be answered, as well as a short overview of the division that grew out of the second and third centuries, pre-reformation, the reformation, and a summary of Catholicism and Protestantism. After a lengthy introduction to First-Century Christianity, there is a chapter on the Holy Spirit in the First Century and Today, followed by sixteen chapters that cover the most prominent Christians from the second to fourth centuries, as well as a chapter on Constantine the Great.

CRISIS OF FAITH Saving Those Who Doubt

Inside of some Christians unbeknownst to their family, friends or congregation, they are screaming, “I doubt, I doubt, I have very grave doubts!” OURS is an age of doubt. Skepticism has become fashionable. We are urged to question everything: especially the existence of God and the truthfulness of his Word, the Bible. A half brother of Jesus warned us against doubting: “the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (Jam. 1:6) When insidious doubts begin to creep into the mind and the heart, it is only a matter of time before a CRISIS OF FAITH gives way spiritual shipwreck. Since we have been warned that “some will fall away from the faith,” we should be ready “to save some,” even ourselves. …

INVESTIGATING JEHOVAH?S WITNESSES: Why 1914 Is Important to Jehovah?s Witnesses

The intention of this book is to investigate the biblical chronology behind Jehovah’s Witnesses most controversial doctrinal position that Jesus began to rule invisibly from heaven in October 1914. This biblical chronology of the Witnesses hinges upon their belief that the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, which they say occurred in 607 B.C.E. The Witnesses conclude that Chapter 4 of the book of Daniel prophesied a 2,520 year period that began in 607 B.C.E. and ended in 1914 C.E. They state, “Clearly, the ‘seven times’ and ‘the appointed times of the nations’ refer to the same time period.” (Lu 21:24) It is their position that When the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the Davidic line of kings was interrupted, God’s throne was “trampled on by the nations” until 1914, at which time Jesus began to rule invisibly from heaven. …

THE CHURCH CURE: Overcoming Church Problems

In order to overcome and church problems, we must first talk about the different problems of the church. Many of the church problems today stem from the isms: liberalism, humanism, modernism, Christian progressivism, theological liberalism, feminism, higher criticism, and biblical criticism. Moreover, many are simply not a biblically grounded church regardless of how much they claim to be so. The marks of a true Christian church would be like the different lines that make up a church’s fingerprint, a print that cannot belong to any other church. The true Christian church contains their own unique grouping of marks, forming a positive “fingerprint” that cannot belong to any other church. William Lange Craig wrote, “Remember that our faith is not based on emotions, but on the truth, and therefore you must hold on to it.” What truth? Jesus said to the Father in prayer, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Are you doing the will of the Father? Is your church doing the will of the Father? – Matthew 7:21-23; 1 John 2:15-17.

FLEECING THE FLOCK: Setting the People of God Free From the Lies of Tithing

Evangelist Norman Robertson claims that “Tithing is God’s way of financing His kingdom on the earth.” He asserts that “It is His system of economics which enables the Gospel to be preached.” Not bashful about telling his followers of their duty to give, he flatly states: ‘Tithing isn’t something you do because you can afford it. It is an act of obedience. Not tithing is a clear violation of God’s commandments. It is embezzlement.’ Most likely you accept that giving should be part of Christian worship. However, do you find continuous demanding appeals for money disturbing, perhaps even offensive? FLEECING THE FLOCK by Anthony Wade is an exhaustive examination of all of the popular tithing arguments made from the pulpit today. …

DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH: Does It Matter How You Worship?

DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH by Fred DeRuvo asks Does It Matter How You Worship? There are 41,000 different denominations that call themselves “Christian” and all would claim that they are the truth. Can just any Christian denomination please God? Can all be true or genuine Christianity if they all have different views on the same Bible doctrines? DeRuvo will answer. He will focus on the largest part of Christianity that has many different denominations, the charismatic, ecstatic Signs and Wonders Movements. These ecstatic worshipers claim … DeRuvo will answer all these questions and more according to the truth of God’s Word.—John 8:31-32; 17:17.

LEARN TO DISCERN: Recognizing False Teaching In the Christian church Today

Plunkett exposes the errors corrupting the Christian church through the Word of Faith, New Apostolic Reformation, and extreme charismatic movements. LEARN TO DISCERN, by author Daniel Plunkett highlights how an encounter with a rising star in the Word of Faith / “Signs and Wonders” movement was used by God to open his eyes to the deceptions, false teachings, and spiritual abuses running rampant in the charismatic movement today. These doctrines are thoroughly explored as taught by some of today’s most prominent speakers and evangelists and contrasted with the clear teachings of Scripture. LEARN TO DISCERN is an invaluable resource …

Translation and Textual Criticism

THE KING JAMES BIBLE: Do You Know the King James Version?

The King James Bible was originally published in 1611. Some have estimated that the number of copies of the King James Version that have been produced in print worldwide is over one billion! There is little doubt that the King James Version is a literary masterpiece, which this author has and will appreciate and value for its unparalleled beauty of expression. This book is in no way trying to take away from what the King James Version has accomplished. The King James Version is a book to be commended for all that it has accomplished. For four centuries, when English-speaking people spoke of “the Bible,” they meant the King James Version. The question that begs to be asked of those who favor the King James Bible is, Do You Know the King James Version? What do most users of the King James Bible not know about their translation? Whether you are one who favors the King James Version or one who prefers a modern translation, Andrews will answer the questions that have long been asked for centuries about the King James Bible and far more.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION: Bible Translation Choices and Translation Principles [Second Edition]

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION (CGBT) is for all individuals interested in how the Bible came down to us, as well as having an insight into the Bible translation process. CGBT is also for those who are interested in which translation(s) would be the most beneficial to use. The translation of God’s Word from the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek is a task unlike any other and should never be taken lightly because it carries with it the heaviest responsibility: the translator renders God’s thoughts into a modern language. It is CGBT’s desire to take challenging and complex subjects and make them easy to understand. CGBT will communicate as clearly and powerfully as possible to all of its readers while also accurately communicating information about the Bible. …

DO WE STILL NEED A LITERAL BIBLE?: Discover the Truth about Literal Translations

We have come a long, long way from the time that the KJV was The Bible in English and the many translations available today. Finding the right Bible for the right person can be daunting, with almost too many choices available. However, it is still possible to divide the options into two broad categories: literal translations and dynamic equivalents. What is the difference, and why should you care? Bible publishers used to say that literal translations are good for study purposes, and dynamic equivalents are better for reading. So literal translations were advertised with terms like “accurate,” “reliable,” and, of course, “literal.” For dynamic equivalent translations, terms like “contemporary,” “easy to read,” and “written in today’s English” were used. Naturally, publishers do not advertise the negatives, so they did not point out that the literal translations might be a little harder to read, or that the dynamic equivalents might not be entirely faithful to the original languages of the Bible. However, more recently, some scholars have been taking this analysis in a new direction, assessing literal translations as less desirable than dynamic equivalents even for accuracy and reliability.

CHOOSING YOUR BIBLE: Bible Translation Differences

There are more than 150 different Bible translations in the English language alone. Some are what we call literal translations, which seeks to give the reader the exact English equivalent of what was written in the original language text, thus allowing the reader access to the actual Word of God. Then, there are dynamic equivalents, where the translator determines what the author meant by the original language text, and this is what they give the reader. There is also a paraphrase translation, which is an extremely interpretive translation. Exactly what are these differences? Are some translations better than others? What standards and principles can we use to determine what makes a good translation? Andrews introduces the readers to the central issues in this debate and presents several reasons why literal translations are superior to dynamic equivalent and paraphrase translations. We do not need to be a Bible scholar to understand these issues, as well as the importance of having the most accurate and faithful translation that is reflective of the original text. …

THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: The Science and Art of Textual Criticism

THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT (TTNT) is an introduction, intermediate and advanced level coverage of the text of the New Testament. Andrews introduces the new and relatively new reader to this subject in the first few chapters of the TTNT. Andrews deepens his handling of the material, while still making it easy to understand in the next few chapters of the TTNT, all the while being very informative in both sections. All of this prepares the reader for Wilkins’ advanced chapters. THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT was copied and recopied by hand for 1,500 years. Regardless of those scribes who had worked very hard to be faithful in their copying, errors crept into the text. How can we be confident that what we have today is the Word of God? Wilkins and Andrews offer the reader an account of the copying by hand and transmission of the Greek New Testament. They present a comprehensive survey of the manuscript history from the penning of the 27 New Testament books to the current critical texts. What did the ancient books look like and how were documents written? How were the New Testament books published? Who would use secretaries? Why was it so hard to be a secretary in the first century? How was such work done? What do we know about the early Christian copyists? What were the scribal habits and tendencies? Is it possible to establish the original text of the NewTestament? …

INTRODUCTION TO THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: From The Authors and Scribe to the Modern Critical Text

INTRODUCTION TO THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT is a shortened 321 pages of Andrews and Wilkins 602 page TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT without losing the value of content. The foremost thing the reader is going to learn is that the Greek New Testament that our modern translations are based on is a mirror-like reflection of the original and can be fully trusted. The reader will learn how the New Testament authors made and published their books, the secretaries in antiquity and their materials like Teritus who helped Paul pen the epistle to the Romans, and the book writing process of the New Testament authors and early copyists. The reader will also discover the reading culture of early Christianity and their view of the integrity of the Greek New Testament. The reader will also learn how textual scholars known as paleography determine the age of the manuscripts.

The reader will learn all about the different sources that go into our restoring the Greek New Testament to its original form. Then, Andrews will cover the ancient version, the era of the printed text, and the arrival of the critical text. After that, the reader will be given a lengthy chapter on examples of how the textual scholar determines the correct reading by his looking at the internal and external evidence. Finally, and most importantly, the reader will find out the truth about the supposed 400,000 textual errors within the Greek New Testament manuscripts. The last chapter will be faith-building and enable you to defend the Word of God as inerrant.

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COPYISTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: The Making and Copying of the New Testament

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COPYISTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT intends to examine and evaluate the making of New Testament books, the book writing process of the New Testament authors and early Christian Scribes, the original or earliest text of the New Testament, and the secretaries in antiquity and their materials. We will also assess the early Christian copyists, the reading culture of early Christianity and their view of the integrity of the Greek New Testament, scribal tendencies or habits, as well as the sources of New Testament textual criticism, which would include a lengthy chapter on ancient versions of the New Testament. We will also look into how paleographers date the ancient manuscripts and how did textual variations and manuscript families arise? Just how many textual variants are there and how are they to be counted? All of this to determine what guarantee do we have as to the reliability of the Greek text. What sort of changes did scribes make to the text and can we restore the Greek New Testament to its original state.  NOTE: If you have read THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT by Andrews and Wilkins, you need not read this publication, as it is select chapters from TTNT.

MISREPRESENTING JESUS: Debunking Bart D. Ehrman’s “Misquoting Jesus” [Third Edition]

Edward D. Andrews boldly answers the challenges Bart D. Ehrman alleges against the fully inerrant, Spirit-inspired, authoritative Word of God. By glimpsing into the life of Bart D. Ehrman and following along his course of academic studies, Andrews helps the reader to understand the biases, assumptions, and shortcomings supporting Ehrman’s arguments. Using sound reason, scholarly exegesis, and the Historical-Grammatical method of interpretation, as well as New Testament textual criticism, Andrews helps both churchgoer/Bible students, as well as scholars, overcome the teachings of biblical errancy that Ehrman propagates.—Easy to read and understand. …

Biblical Studies

CALVINISM VS. ARMINIANISM: The Bible Answers

CALVINISM VS. ARMINIANISM goes back to the early seventeenth century with a Christian theological debate between the followers of John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius, and continues today among some Protestants, particularly evangelicals. The debate is centered around soteriology, that is, the study of salvation, and includes disputes about total depravity, predestination, and atonement. While the debate has developed its Calvinist–Arminian form in the 17th century, the issues that are fundamental to the debate have been discussed in Christianity in some fashion since the days of Augustine of Hippo’s disputes with the Pelagians in the fifth century. CALVINISM VS. ARMINIANISM is taking a different approach in that the issues will be discussed as The Bible Answers being that it is the centerpiece.

HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE: Rightly Handling the Word of God

A comprehensive book on HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE by observing, interpreting, and applying, which will focus on the most basic Bible study tools, principles, and processes for moving from an in-depth reading of the Scriptures to application. What, though, if you have long felt that you are not studiously inclined? Realize that the primary difference between a serious Bible student and a less serious Bible student is usually diligence and effort, not being a gifted student. Being a gifted Bible student alone is not enough. Efficient methods of Bible study are worth learning, for those seeking to become serious Bible students. The joy missing from many Bible students is because they do not know how to study their Bible, which means they do not do it well. Perhaps you dislike Bible study because you have not developed your study skills sufficiently to make your Bible study enjoyable. Maybe you have neglected your Bible study simply because you would rather be doing something else you enjoy.

HOW TO STUDY: Study the Bible for the Greatest Profit [Updated and Expanded]

How can we find more enjoyment in studying the Bible? How can we make our study periods more productive? What circumstances contribute to effective personal study? How can we derive real benefit and pleasure from our Bible reading? From what activities can time be bought out for reading and studying the Bible? Why should we watch our spiritual feeding habits? What benefits come from reading and studying the Scriptures? There is a great and constantly growing interest in the study of the English Bible in these days. However, very much of the so-called study of the English Bible is unintelligent and not fitted to produce the most satisfactory results. The authors of this book already have a book entitled “HOW TO STUDY: Study the Bible for the Greatest Profit,” but that book is intended for those who are willing to buy out the time to put into thorough Bible study.

DEEP BIBLE STUDY: The Importance and Value of Proper Bible Study [Updated and Expanded]

Why is personal and family Bible study so important in our life now? How can we apply the Word of God in our lives? How can we use the Bible to help others? How can we effectively use the Scriptures when teaching others? How can we make decisions God’s way? How can Bible principles help us to decide wisely? Why should we have faith in God and his word? The Psalmist tells us, God’s Word “is a lamp to my foot, and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Since the Bible is a gift from God, the time and effort that we put into our personal Bible Study is a reflection of how much we appreciate that gift. What do our personal Bible study habits reveal about the depth of our appreciation of God’s Word? Certainly, the Bible is a deep and complex book, and reading and studying are not easy at times. However, with time and effort, we can develop a spiritual appetite for personal Bible study. (1 Peter 2:2)

THE NEW TESTAMENT: Its Background, Setting & Content

Correctly interpreting the Bible is paramount to understanding the Word of God. As Christians, we do not want to read our 21st-century worldview INTO the Scriptures, but rather to takeOUT OF the Scriptures what the author meant by the words that he used. The guaranteed way of arriving a correct understanding of God’s Words is to have an accurate knowledge of the historical setting, cultural background, and of the people, governments, and religious leaders, as well as the place and time of the New Testament writings. Only with the background, setting, and context can you grasp the author’s intended meaning to his original readers and …

THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST: What Do You Know About Jesus? [Updated and Expanded]

The life of Christ is an exhaustless theme. It reveals a character of greater massiveness than the hills, of a more serene beauty than the stars, of sweeter fragrance than the flowers, higher than the heavens in sublimity and deeper than the seas in mystery. As good Jean Paul has eloquently said, “It concerns Him who, being the holiest among the mighty, and the mightiest among the holy, lifted with His pierced hands empires off their hinges, turned the stream of centuries out of its channels, and still governs the ages.” …

THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL: The Apostle to the Nations [Updated and Expanded]

Stalker’s Life of St. Paul became one of the most widely read and respected biographies of the Apostle to the Gentiles. As an insightful compendium on the life of Paul, this work is of particular interest to pastors and teachers who desire to add realism and vividness to their account of one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. Stalker’s work includes a section at the back entitled “Hints for Teachers and Questions for Pupils.” This supplement contains notes and “further reading” suggestions for those teaching on the life of St. Paul, along with a number of questions over each chapter for students to discuss. In addition, seventeen extra chapters have been added that will help the reader better understand who the Apostle Paul was and what first-century Christianity was like. For example, a chapter on the conversion of Saul/Paul, Gamaliel Taught Saul of Tarsus, the Rights, and Privileges of Citizenship, the “Unknown God,” Areopagus, the Observance of Law as to Vows, and much more.

THE TRIAL AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST: Jesus’ Final Ministry at Jerusalem [Updated and Expanded]

With solid scholarship and exceptional clarity, beginning in Gethsemane, Stalker and Andrews examine Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Their work is relevant, beneficial and enjoyable because they cover this historical period of Jesus’ life in an easy to understand format. Stalker’s expressive and persuasive style provides a great resource to any Bible study of the events leading to the death of Jesus Christ. THE TRIAL AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST is an academicish book written with a novelish style.

INTERPRETING THE BIBLE: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

Delving into the basics of biblical interpretation, Edward D. Andrews has provided a complete hands-on guide to understanding what the author meant by the words that he used from the conservative grammatical-historical perspective. He teaches how to study the Bible on a deep, scholarly level, yet making it understandable to all. He has sought to provide the very best tool for interpreting the Word of God. This includes clarification of technical terms, answers to every facet of biblical interpretation, and defense of the inerrancy and divine inspiration of Scripture. Andrews realizes that the importance of digging deeper in our understanding of the Bible, for defending our faith from modern-day misguided scholarship. Andrews gives the reader easy and memorable principles and methods to follow for producing an accurate explanation that comes out of, not what many read into the biblical text. The principal procedure within is to define, explain, offer many examples, and give illustrations, to help the reader fully grasp the grammatical-historical approach. …

HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE: An Introduction to Hermeneutics

Anybody who wants to study the Bible, either at a personal level or a more scholarly level needs to understand that there are certain principles that guide and govern the process. The technical word used to refer to the principles of biblical interpretation is hermeneutics, which is of immense importance in Biblical Studies and Theology. How to Interpret the Bible takes into consideration the cultural context, historical background and geographical location in which the text was originally set. This enables us to obtain clarity about the original author’s intended meaning. Linguistic and literary factors are analyzed so that the various genres of Scripture are examined for their true meaning. The importance of having sound principles of interpretation cannot be overstated as …

THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IN CONTEMPORARY CULTURE: Evangelism and Engagement with Postmodern People

Once upon a time, Postmodernism was a buzzword. It pronounced Modernism dead or at least in the throes of death. It was a wave that swept over Christendom, promising to wash away sterile, dogmatic and outmoded forms of church. But whatever happened to postmodernism? It was regarded as the start of a major historical transition to something new and promising and hailed as a major paradigm shift. Is it a philosophy that has passed its “sell-by” date? No! The radical fringe has become the dominant view and has been integrated into all aspects of life, including the Christian church. With the emergence of multicultural societies comes interaction with different belief systems and religions. Values like tolerance and a dislike of dogmatism have become key operating concepts, which reflect a change in worldview. …

DEVELOPING HEALTHY CHURCHES: A Case-Study in Revelation

In an age obsessed with physical and psychological health the author emphasizes the importance of spiritual well-being as an essential element of holistic health for the individual Christian and for Christian communities. This work constitutes a template for a spiritual audit of the local church. It offers an appointment with the Great Physician that no Christian can afford to ignore. Developing Healthy Churches: A Case-Study in Revelation begins with a well-researched outline of the origins and development of the church health movement. With that background in mind the author, aware that throughout the history of the church there have been a number of diverse views about how Revelation ought to be interpreted, presents the reader with four distinct interpretive models. These are the idealist, preterist, historicist, and futurist. Beville explains these interpretive approaches simply and critiques them fairly.e …

DYING TO KILL: A Christian Perspective on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

This is a comprehensive study of euthanasia and assisted suicide. It traces the historical debate, examines the legal status of such activity in different countries and explores the political, medical and moral matters surrounding these emotive and controversial subjects in various cultural contexts. The key advocates and pioneers of this agenda-driven movement (such as the late Jack Kevorkian, popularly known as “Dr. Death” and Philip Nitschke, founder of Exit International) are profiled. Not only are the elderly and disabled becoming increasingly vulnerable but children, psychiatric patients, the depressed and those who are simply tired of life are now on a slippery slope into a dystopian nightmare. The spotlight is brought to bear on the Netherlands, in particular, where palliative care and the hospice movement are greatly underdeveloped as a result of legalization. These dubious “services” are now offered as part of “normal” medical care in Holland where it is deemed more cost-effective to be given a lethal injection. The vital role of physicians as healers in society must be preserved and the important but neglected spiritual dimension of death must be explored. Thus a biblical view of human life is presented. …

JOURNEY WITH JESUS THROUGH THE MESSAGE OF MARK

Journey with Jesus through the Message of Mark is an insightful and engaging survey of Mark’s Gospel, exploring each major section of the text along with key themes. It is a work that can be enjoyed by laypersons as well as pastors and teachers. Pastors will find the abundant use of illustrations to be helpful in preparing their own messages and as such, it will find a welcome place in the preacher’s library. Simply, powerfully, with great precision, and exegetical accuracy, Kieran Beville masterfully brings us on a life-transforming journey. Readers will be both inspired and challenged as they hear the words of Jesus speaking afresh from the page of Scripture and experience the ministry of Jesus in a spiritually captivating way. The author has a pastor’s heart, a theologian’s mind, and a writer’s gift. His style is gripping, as he beautifully explains and illustrates Mark’s Gospel. Kieran Beville has done a great service to the church, and especially to true believers, who desire to grow in grace, increase in their knowledge of truth, and experience the intimacy, joy, and underserved and unspeakable privilege of walking, as disciples, with Jesus. This book is ideal as a study companion for Mark’s Gospel. One can read a section from the gospel and then read the corresponding section to receive a fresh viewpoint and a practical application.  …

ANGELS & DEMONS The Bible Answers

What are angels & demons? Can angels help us? What does the Bible say about angels? What is the truth about angels? Can Angels affect your life? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2? Who were the Nephilim in Genesis 6:2? Who is Michael the archangel? Can Satan the Devil control humans? How can we win our struggle against dark spiritual forces? How can you resist the demons? Do evil spirits exercise power over humankind? Is Satan really the god of this world and just what does that mean? What did Jesus mean when he said, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one [i.e., Satan]”? Andrews using the Bible will answer all of these questions and far more. …

AN ENCOURAGING THOUGHT The Christian Worldview

Donald T. Williams learned a lot about the Christian worldview from Francis Schaeffer and C. S. Lewis, but it was actually Tolkien who first showed him that such a thing exists and is an essential component of maturing faith. Not only do explicitly Christian themes underlie the plot structure of The Lord of the Rings, but in essays such as “On Fairie Stories” Tolkien shows us that he not only believed the Gospel on Sunday but treated it as true the rest of the week and used his commitment to that truth as the key to further insights in his work as a student of literature. “You can do that?” Williams thought as a young man not yet exposed to any Christian who was a serious thinker. “I want to do that!” His hope is that his readers will catch that same vision from this book. An Encouraging Thought elucidates the ways in which Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are informed by and communicate a biblical worldview. This book will help readers appreciate the ways in which a biblical worldview informs Tolkien’s work, to the end that their own faith may be confirmed in strength, focused in understanding, deepened in joy, and honed in its ability to communicate the Gospel.

Bible Doctrines

EZEKIEL, DANIEL, & REVELATION: GOG OF THE LAND OF MAGOG, KINGS OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH, & THE EIGHT KINGS OF REVELATION

The Bible describes the events that will occur before and after the destruction of Gog of Magog. Who is Gog of Magog mentioned in the book of Ezekiel? Why should we be interested in the prophecy recorded in Daniel chapter 11? Find out in a verse-by-verse explanation of Daniel Chapter 11, as you discover who the kings of the North and the South are from before Jesus’ day throughout the last days. You will benefit from paying attention to Daniel’s prophecy about the battle between the two kings? Taken together, the Bible books of Daniel and Revelation not only identify eight kings but also show the sequence in which they would appear. We can explain those prophecies.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DIE?: Should You Be Afraid of Death or of People Who Have Died?

People grow old, get sick, and die. Even some children die. Should you be afraid of death or of anybody who has died? Do you know what happens if we die? Will you ever see your dead loved ones again? “If a man dies, shall he live again?” asked the man Job long ago. (Job 14:14) Did God originally intend for humans to die? Why do you grow old and die? What is the Bible’s viewpoint of death? What is the condition of the dead? Are the dead aware of what is happening around them? What hope is there for the dead?

IDENTIFYING THE ANTICHRIST: The Man of Lawlessness and the Mark of the Beast Revealed

Herein Andrews will give the reader exactly what the Bible offers on exposing who the Antichrist and the Man of Lawlessness are. If we look at the texts that refer to the antichrist and the man of lawlessness, we will have lines of evidence that will enable us to identify them. Why is it important that we know who the antichrist and the man of lawlessness are? The antichrist and the man of lawlessness have had a greater impact on humanity and Christianity over the past centuries than many know. Moreover, the influence on the true worshipers of Christianity today has been even more significant and will only go from bad to worse as we come closer to the second coming of Christ. …

UNDERSTANDING THE CREATION ACCOUNT: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Throughout the Scriptures, God is identified as the Creator. He is the One “who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it.” (Isa 45:18) He is the One “who forms mountains and creates the wind” (Am 4:13) and is the One “who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them.” (Ac 4:24; 14:15; 17:24) “God . . . created all things.” (Eph. 3:9) Jesus Christ tells us that it is the Father who “created them [humans] from the beginning made them male and female.” (Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6) Hence, the Father is fittingly and uniquely called “the Creator.” (Isa 40:28) It is because of God’s will that we exist, for He has ‘created all things, and because of his will they existed and were created.’―Revelations 4:11 …

EXPLAINING the DOCTRINE of LAST THINGS Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Eschatology is the teaching of what is commonly called the “Last Things.” That is the subject of Andrews’ book, which will cover, Explaining Prophecy, Explaining Clean and Pure Worship, The New Testament Writers Use of the Old Testament, Explaining the Antichrist, Explaining the Man of Lawlessness, Explaining the Mark of the Beast, Explaining Signs of the End of the Age, Explaining the Rapture, Explaining the Great Tribulation, Explaining Armageddon, Explaining the Resurrection Hope, Explaining the Millennium, Explaining the Final Judgment, Explaining the Unevangelized, Explaining Hell

The SECOND COMING of CHRIST: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

The information herein is based on the disciples coming to Jesus privately, saying, “Tell us, (1) when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming, and (3) of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) What will end? When will the end come? What comes after the end? Who will survive the end? These questions and far more will be answered as Andrews delves into The SECOND COMING of CHRIST. In chapters 1 and 2, we must address why Jesus is saying there would be an end to the Jewish age. In chapter 3, we will take a deep look at the signs that establish the great tribulation is closing in, and when is it time to flee. In chapter 4, we will go over the signs of the end of the Jewish age. In chapter 5, we will walk through the events leading up to the end of the Jewish age from 66 – 70 C.E., and how it applies to our Great Tribulation in these last days. In chapter 6, we will cover the second coming of Jesus where the reader will get the answers as to whether verses 3-28 of Matthew Chapter 24 apply to Christ’s second coming. We will close out with chapter 7, and how we should understand the signs, and how we do not want to be led astray, just as Jesus warned even some of the chosen ones would be misled. We will also address what comes after the end.

WHAT IS HELL? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What Really Is Hell? What Kind of Place is Hell? What Really Happens at Death? What Did Jesus Teach About Hell? How Does Learning the Truth About Hell Affect You? Who Goes to Hell? What Is Hell? Is It a Place of Eternal Torment? Does God Punish People in Hellfire? Do the Wicked Suffer in Hell? What Is the Lake of Fire? Is It the Same as Hell or Gehenna? Where Do We Go When We Die? What Does the Bible Say About Hell? Andrews Shares the Truth on WHAT IS HELL From God’s Word.

MIRACLES – DO THEY STILL HAPPEN TODAY? God Miraculously Saving People’s Lives, Apparitions, Speaking In Tongues, Faith Healing

Miracles were certainly a part of certain periods in Bible times. What about today? Are miracles still taking place? There are some very important subjects that surround this area of discussion that is often misunderstood. Andrews will answer such questions as does God step in and solve every problem if we are faithful? Does the Bible provide absolutes or guarantees in this age of imperfect humanity? Are miracles still happening today? Is faith healing Scriptural? Is speaking in tongues evidence of true Christianity? Is snake handling biblical? How are we to understand the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? The work of the Holy Spirit. Andrews offers his readers very straightforward, biblically accurate explanations for these difficult questions. If any have discussed such questions, without a doubt, they will be very interested in the Bible’s answers in this easy to read publication.

HOMOSEXUALITY – The BIBLE and the CHRISTIAN: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Today there are many questions about homosexuality as it relates to the Bible and Christians. What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Does genetics, environment, or traumatic life experiences justify homosexuality? What is God’s will for people with same-sex attractions? Does the Bible discriminate against people with same-sex attractions? Is it possible to abstain from homosexual acts? Should not Christians respect all people, regardless of their sexual orientation? Did not Jesus preach tolerance? If so, should not Christians take a permissive view of homosexuality? Does God approve of same-sex marriage? Does God disapprove of homosexuality? If so, how could God tell someone who is attracted to people of the same sex to shun homosexuality, is that not cruel? If one has same-sex attraction, is it possible to avoid homosexuality? How can I as a Christian explain the Bible’s view of homosexuality? IT IS CRUCIAL that Christians always be prepared to reason from the Scriptures, explaining and proving what the Bible does and does not say about homosexuality, yet doing it with gentleness and respect. Andrews will answer these questions and far more.

Daily Devotionals

40 DAYS DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS Coming-of-Age In Christ

If you’ve struggled in the world of difficulties that surround you, you’re not alone. Maybe you have looked for help, and you have been given conflicting answers. 40 DAYS DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS: Coming-of-Age In Christ, can help you. Its advice is based on answers that actually work, which are found in the Bible. God’s Word has helped billions over thousands of years to face life’s challenges successfully. Find out how it can help you! 40 DAYS DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS includes seven sections, with several chapters in each. It includes the following sections: Sexual Desires and Love, your friends, your family, school, recreation, your health. You need advice you can trust! 40 DAYS DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS will give you that. This author has worked with thousands of youths from around the world. The Bible-based sound advice helped them. Now you can discover how it can help you.

DEVOTIONAL FOR YOUTHS: Growing Up In Christ

Young ones and teens, you are exposed to complex problems that your parents may not understand. Young Christians, you are bombarded with multiple options for solving everyday problems through social media. Where do you turn to find answers? Where can you look to find guidance from Scripture? In order to provide a Christian perspective to problem-solving, the author of this devotional book decided to take a different approach. Terry Overton was determined to find out what problems middle school children and teens were worried about the most. While visiting her grandchildren one weekend, she asked her granddaughter to send topics to her so that she could write a devotional about the topic. In a matter of weeks, not only did her granddaughter send her topics, but the other grandchildren and their friends sent topics of concern. Once the author wrote a devotional for a topic, it was sent to the teen requesting the devotional. Soon, these requests were happening in real time. Students sent text requests about problems happening in school and asked what the student should do? How should this be handled?

DEVOTIONAL FOR THOSE COPING WITH TRAGEDY: A Journey Back to God

This devotional book follows the author’s own faith journey back to God. Significant life events can shake our world and distort our faith. Following life’s tragedies, a common reaction is to become angry with God or to reject Him altogether. Examples of tragedies or traumas include life-changing events such as physical or sexual assault, destruction of one’s home, the tragic death of a loved one, diagnoses of terminal diseases, divorce, miscarriages, or being a victim of a crime. Tragedies or traumas can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt.

DEVOTIONAL FOR CAREGIVERS: Finding Strength Through Faith

Throughout the book, common themes emerge to support caregivers. The reader will find interesting Bible Scriptures, offering a Christian perspective, for handling issues that may arise. These inspiring passages will assist the caregiver in finding peace and faith as they travel their journey as a caregiver. Although caregivers may not know how long they will play this role, they take on the responsibility without any question. Taking care of others is often mentioned in the Bible and, as noted in this devotional, this self-sacrificing, highly valued, and often challenging service will ultimately be rewarded.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL Daily Musings From the Old Testament

Humans must breathe in the air of our atmosphere to survive. Many cities because of pollution face a dangerous level of contamination in their air. However, an even more deadly air affects both Christians and nonChristians. Ordinary methods or devices cannot detect this poisonous air. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, spoke of the “air,” when he said that Satan was “the ruler of the authority of the air.” (Eph. 2:2) In that, very same verse Paul said the “air” is “the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience.” If we breathe in this “air,” we will begin to adopt their attitude, thoughts, speech, and conduct.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Daily Musing From the New Testament

Humans must breathe in the air of our atmosphere to survive. Many cities because of pollution face a dangerous level of contamination in their air. However, an even more deadly air affects both Christians and nonChristians. Ordinary methods or devices cannot detect this poisonous air. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, spoke of the “air,” when he said that Satan was “the ruler of the authority of the air.” (Eph. 2:2) In that, very same verse Paul said the “air” is “the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience.” If we breathe in this “air,” we will begin to adopt their attitude, thoughts, speech, and conduct.

BREAD OF HEAVEN: Daily Meditations on Scripture

BREAD OF HEAVEN helps the reader to have a greater understanding of the timeless truths of Scripture and a deeper appreciation of the grandeur of God. It offers meditations on selected Scriptures which will draw the reader’s attention upwards to the Savior. Kieran Beville’s daily devotional combines down-to-earth, unstuffy humanity in today’s world with a biblical and God-centered approach, and draws on rich theology in a thoroughly accessible way. He addresses not just the intellect and the will but gets to the heart, our motivational center, through the mind. If your Christian life could benefit from a short, well-written daily blast of Christ’s comfort and challenge, get this book and use it!  These short Bible-based meditations are fresh and contemporary. Beville gives to the twenty-first-century reader what earlier authors have given to theirs. Here is practical wisdom that is a helpful guide to stimulate worship and set you thinking as you begin each day with God.

THE CONVERSATION: An Intimate Journal of the Emmaus Encounter

The Conversation: An Intimate Journal of the Emmaus Encounter is a unique and riveting reconstruction from the unnamed disciple’s account found in Luke 24 regarding his journey with Cleopas on the road to Emmaus after witnessing Jesus’s crucifixion and burial, along with hearing claims of His empty tomb. Suddenly, a Stranger begins walking with them. With their eyes “prevented” from recognizing Him as the risen Lord Jesus Christ—Yeshua the Messiah, their new, wise Traveling Companion correlates the Old Covenant Scriptures, by way of Moses and the prophets, with what they witnessed.
This “journal” is your opportunity to eavesdrop and learn what that conversation might have been like, as pertinent prophecies unfold revealing evidence that the Messiah’s suffering, death, burial, and resurrection were, in fact, specifically foretold.

MORE THAN DEVOTION: Remembering His Word, Apply It to Our Lives

Unique and life-changing, More Than Devotion, through a melding of accounts from both the Old Covenant and New, proves that our trustworthy God truly is the same yesterday, today, and forever. All fifty convicting devotions draw from a rich scriptural context, concluding with a practical, achievable call to action, plus journaling space for personal reflection. New believers and veteran followers of our Lord can grow in the innermost areas of their lives and enjoy a more intimate walk with the Savior.

Christian Fiction

OREN NATAS: Satan Incarnate As the Antichrist

AN APOCALYPTIC NOVEL: As you are no doubt are aware, Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye in 1995 wrote a novel entitled “Left Behind.” Jerry and Tim had some prior success with a major publisher and were able to get their novel published. The Left Behind novel was published by Tyndale House beginning in 1995 within a multiple volumes Left Behind series resulting in sales exceeding 60 million books. In 1992 Don Alexander wrote the storyline embedded in Left Behind. He copyrighted the novel in 1992 under the title “Oren Natas” [who is the Anti-Christ in his storyline]. The entire novel is contained in a single volume. It is a novel written depicting a colorful and witty cast of characters who live through all the “end time” Bible prophecies.

THE SENTIENT a Novel

A routine classified telepathic interrogation of a potential terrorist, followed by an assignment that doesn’t go as planned thrusts Tabatha – the world’s only telepathic human – into the public eye. The exposure leads an evil neuro-scientist requesting a meeting with her in hopes of luring her to his cause as well as unveiling a deadly creative work that has spanned three decades of research and development.

ONLINE REVIEW: “Very fun read. Fast paced and honest. Tons of evolution occurs during the process thru the story. Wonderful girl trying to become an adult Christian in a world that also pits her superpowers against terrorists with the help of her own special forces team. Buy this book and just enjoy!”

THE DIARY OF JUDAS ISCARIOT: How to Keep Jesus at Arm’s Length

In June 1985, an excavation project was undertaken by The British Antiquities Volunteers (BAV) at a plot of rocky land where the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys meet near the eastern side of Old Jerusalem. That year many hundreds of (mostly redundant) ‘small finds’ were recovered in the Judean desert but none of such significance as a handful of scrolls retrieved from a buried Roman satchel (presumed stolen) at this site. The discovery has since come to be known as ‘The Diary of Judas Iscariot.’ In The Diary of Judas Iscariot Owen Batstone relates the observations and feelings of Judas, a disgruntled disciple, as he accompanies Jesus of Nazareth during His ministry, and uses this fable and allegory to explore some of the ways a person might resist becoming a Christian.

THE RAPTURE: God’s Unwelcomed Wrath

Kevin Trill struggles with the notion that he may have missed the Rapture. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a solid gold pocket watch, he sets off towards Garbor, a safe haven for those who haven’t yet taken the mark of the beast. While on his way to Garbor, he meets up with an unlikely trio who befriends him. Together, they set out towards Garbor. Unfortunately, however, they are soon faced with their first major catastrophe, which sparks debate among them as to whether or not they really are in the Great Tribulation. On their journey, the group meets up with many people, some of them good and some of them evil. …

SEEKERS AND DECEIVERS: Which One are You? It Is Time to Join the Fight!

There grew an element in the valley that did not want to be ruled by the Light of the Word. Over time, they convinced the people to reject it. As they started to reject this Light, the valley grew dim and the fog rolled in. The people craved the darkness rather than the Light because they were evil. They did not want to embrace the Light because it exposed their wickedness. They rejected the Light of the Word and ruled themselves. Those few who had embraced the Light and hated the darkness were killed. Since that time anyone who embraced the Light of the Word, pursued or talked about it were arrested. Those arrested were sentenced to death by stoning. The last prophet gave a prophecy before he was martyred. “The whisperer will come and empower three witnesses that will make manifest the works of darkness and destroy it, and deliver my people from the grip of darkness to the freedom found in the light.” All the Children of the Light were killed off or went into hiding living among the Children of Darkness in secret, not mentioning the Light for fear of death. Generations grew up being ignorant of the Light of the Word and never knowing the difference. No one ever mentioned the Light or dared to even talk about the Light. …

[1] Or life; inner self

[2] Lit net

[3] I.e. at once

[4] I.e. speaks

[5] I.e. the truth

[6] I.e. gives honest evidence

^[7] Victor P. Hamilton, “1741 פּוַּח,” ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 719.

[8] Or catch

^[9] Dave Bland, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs, The College Press NIV Commentary (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 2002), 130.

[10] Anders, Max. Holman Old Testament Commentary – Proverbs: 13 (p. 290). B&H Publishing Group.

[11] Sound in Mind: (Gr. sophroneo) This means to be of sound mind or in one’s right mind, i.e., to have understanding about practical matters and thus be able to act sensibly, ‘to have sound judgment, to be sensible, to use good sense, sound judgment.’–Acts 26:25; Romans 12:3; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 2:6; 1 Peter 4:7

[12] Sober Minded: (Gr. nepho) This denotes being sound in mind, to be in control of one’s thought processes and thus not be in danger of irrational thinking, ‘to be sober-minded, to be well composed in mind.’–1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8