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6th of the 4th month 2021/2022
Shalom family,
We continue to give all praise unto our Mighty Elohim, Saviour and Redeemer – unto Him in whom we boast – יהושע Messiah!
Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus said יהוה, “Let not the wise boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty boast in his might, nor let the rich boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am יהוה, doing loving-commitment, right-ruling, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” declares יהוה.”
Don’t let those who “think they know it all”, boast in their own accumulated and self-assumed knowledge!
Do not boast because you think you are strong!
Do not boast in your possessions or position!
If we boast at all, we are to boast that we understand and know יהוה – the One doing loving-commitment, right-ruling and righteousness!
To understand and know Him is the key!!!:
Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3-4 “And by this we know that we know Him, if we guard His commands. 4 The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
So many people claim, and even boast, that they understand and know Elohim, yet they have no regard for His commands, revealing to us that their boasting is false as they most certainly do not know Him!
The Wisdom of Elohim has been made known to us, because יהושע Messiah became for us the wisdom of Elohim:
Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 1:30-31 “And of Him you are in Messiah יהושע, who became for us wisdom from Elohim, righteousness also, and set-apartness and redemption, 31 that, as it has been written, “He who boasts, let him boast in יהוה.”
The Living Torah, or rather, the living embodiment of the Torah – יהושע Messiah – The Word made flesh, is the incarnation of the wisdom and the will of יהוה.
Wisdom, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs, is used as a metaphor for the commands/instructions of יהוה, which those who will give the proper attention to hearing His Words, must actually obey them, for in it there is great provision, protection and promises that, in Messiah, are yes and aměn!
To be wise and the true concept of wisdom can, in effect, carry different meanings for us, as we can clearly see today how there are so many who have much earthly knowledge and are ‘wise in their own eyes’, yet they simply do not have the wisdom of Elohim.
It is very clear that if you have the Wisdom of Elohim, you will obey Him!
That is why He tells us to ‘get Wisdom’.
As one goes through Mishlĕ/Proverbs, it becomes vitally clear the need we have for the Wisdom of Elohim to keep us secure in Him, and wherever the Wisdom of Elohim is to be found, there is more often than not another voice that calls out, in doing its best to distract you from entering the house of wisdom and delighting in the true riches of True Wisdom; and that ‘other’ voice is of another house – that of folly!
How many times have you found yourself, after having spent a great time in the presence of יהוה, find that almost immediately after you have ‘feasted’ upon His Word, the ‘voice’ of compromise and temptation arises, beckoning you to do something stupid?
Folly is always waiting to lure, even the sincerest, ‘straight walkers’ off of the path of righteousness.
In a message called, “WISDOM VS. FOLLY – WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?” I will be expanding on Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9, with the clear encouragement and reminder to be on guard against the voice of folly and that we are to be steadfast in cling to or holding fast to Wisdom.
Please read Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9
This chapter 9 is such a great collection of parables, that pictures for us two contrasting invitations to a feast, and in verses 1-6 we see how ‘Wisdom’ is calling out to the ignorant, to come to Her banquet that has been prepared; while in verses 13-18 ‘Folly’ is inviting them to her counterfeit banquet.
And between the 2 invitations, we see in verses 7-12 the comparison between the scoffer and the wise.
It has reached the point of invitation, that we can be sure of! In terms of the parable of wedding banquet, that our Master gave us, we are able to identify, very clearly, that the tables have been set and the invitations are being cried out and it is a clear matter of choice:
Wisdom vs. Folly – who are you listening to?
In order to get a better understanding of the clear contrast, between the two invitations that we have, Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1 through 8 gives us great insight, and warning, against the counterfeit invitations that can, and so often does, sound very similar to the real, yet they are very different from the True lifesaving call of wisdom, as witnessed and confirmed through our Messiah.
Before we look a little deeper into the two very different invitations that may, on the surface, have a similar looking appearance, I thought it best to quickly give a brief overview of Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1 through 8 and highlight the underlying messages that lead up to the point of discerning the difference between the two invitations or rather, choices that we face every single day – and that is: Life and Death, which has been clearly set before us – and it is by the Wisdom of יהוה, that He implores us to choose Him – to choose Life – that which we find in our Saviour and King, יהושע Messiah!
For the purposes of time, I will simply highlight for you some of the key themes, or messages, that run through these first 8 Chapters of Mishlĕ/Proverbs, right from the first Proverb of Shelomoh and show you how it wonderfully leads us to this critical lesson of being properly equipped in hearing and recognising the voice of Wisdom.
While some themes repeat, showing us a clear emphasis being made, there is a continual flow of great insight being set before us!
Let’s begin: for some of you who like to make physical notes in your Scriptures, it may help mark these, to take note of these sections that flow wonderfully, in giving us a great encouragement, warning, and training in righteousness to hear, guard and do the will of יהוה.
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:
Verse 1 – the Title – The proverbs of Shelomoh!
This may be considered the title for the whole book, yet chapters 10 & 25 have their own titles being given, which are also titles as the proverbs of Shelomoh, while Mishlĕ/Proverbs 30 is by another and Mishlĕ/Proverbs 31 is unknown, as King Lemu’ĕl which means ‘belonging to El’ may be seen as a symbolic name that is being used for Shelomoh.
What we do see, is that Mishlĕ/Proverb 1:1 give us a title that carries for us the collective message for Chapters 1-9.
The Hebrew word for ‘proverbs’ is מִשְׁלֵי Mishlĕ, which comes from the noun מָשָׁל mashal – Strong’s H4912 which means, ‘a proverb, parable, a byword’ which, in its primitive root form, means, ‘to compare, to represent, be like’, and comes from the root verb מָשַׁל mashal – Strong’s H4911 which means, ‘to use a proverb, speak in parables or sentences of poetry’.
The Greek root word that is used in the LXX (Septuagint – Greek translation of the Tanak) for ‘parables’ is παροιμία paroimia – Strong’s G3942 which means, ‘a byword, a parable, an allegory, figure of speech, figurative language’ and can be described as being, ‘a speech or discourse in which a thing is illustrated by the use of similes and comparisons’.
And this word παροιμία paroimia – Strong’s G3942 is used in the Renewed Writings 4 times, with 3 of those being translated as ‘figures of speech’, as seen in Yoḥanan/John 1:6, 16:25, 16:29 and once as ‘parable’, as seen in Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 2:22.
This word παροιμία paroimia – Strong’s G3942 comes from two words:
1) παρά para – Strong’s G3844 which is used as a primitive participle meaning, ‘from besides, by the side of, by, besides, near’, and
2) οἴομαι oiomai – Strong’s G3633 which means, ‘to suppose, expect, thinking’
Another Greek root word that is also translated as ‘parable, parables’ is παραβολή parabolē – Strong’s G3850 which means, ‘a placing beside, comparison, parable, proverb, symbol, type’, and is used 50 times in 48 verses in the Renewed Writings and comes from the two root words:
1) παρά para – Strong’s G3844 which is used as a primitive participle meaning, ‘from besides, by the side of, by, besides, near’, and
2) βάλλω ballō – Strong’s G906 which means, ‘to throw or cast’.
The reason for me highlighting these root words that are translated as ‘parable, parables, figures of speech’, is to simply show how we are able to begin understanding, more clearly, the words of our Master, יהושע Messiah, when He spoke in parables, by using terms such as:
“The reign of the heavens is like…”, or,
“The reign of the heavens shall be compared to…”.
A ‘parable’ actually presents the truth very clearly by putting a fresh light on the matter, as it is often presented in a ‘story’ format that represents the message being given, using imagery known to the hearer, in order to illustrate and shed light on the result of past, current and even future events as determined by choices that are made.
When we look at the pictograph of the Hebrew word for ‘proverbs’ – מִשְׁלֵי Mishlĕ, we are able to clearly see the powerful work of redemption that our Master has brought us, through His Blood, as we see this word being depicted in the ancient script as follows:
Mem – מִ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
and is pictured as ‘water’, and also carries the meaning of ‘chaos’ (from the storms of the sea) and can also picture that which is mighty or massive as well as the unknown.
We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture. Knowing then, that this letter also represents ‘water’, we are able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.
Shin – שְׁ:
This is the letter ‘shin’ which in the ancient script is pictured as, 
, which is ‘two front teeth’ and carries the meaning of ‘sharp or press, chew or devour’; which is what the teeth do, and also speaks of the sharpened word that comes forth from the mouth as the teeth ‘chew’ or ‘meditate’ on the Truth, making what comes forth pure and sharp! It also carries the understanding of consuming or destroying – as teeth do to food.
Lamed – לֵ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
, and is pictured as a ‘shepherd’s staff’, can give the meaning of ‘to or toward’ and can represent that which pushes or pulls a flock in a direction, and can speak of authority or a yoke that is used to lead and guide, as well as the ability to bring back by Authority.
Yod – י:
The ancient script has this letter as 
which is ‘an arm and hand’, and carries the meaning of ‘work, make, throw’, from the primary functions of the arm and hand, and it also represents worship or giving thanks in the extending of hands as a gesture of this.
The work of one’s hands is the basic meaning of this letter!
And this letter also pictures for us the outstretched Arm and working Hand of Elohim, that is not too short to save!
When we consider this pictograph for the word that means ‘parables’, we are able to recognise the following, being declared:
CLEANSED BY THE WASHING OF THE WORD
OF THE SHEPHERD’S WORK OF REDEMPTION
Our Master and Good Shepherd, came to cleanse us, through the washing of His Word, coming in the flesh, revealing to us the arm of יהוה, which is given to us in order to know the secrets of the reign of Elohim, for the light is for those that are in The House!
The name שְׁלֹמֹה Shelomoh – Strong’s H8010 means, ‘peace, his peace’ and comes from the word שָׁלֵם shalem – Strong’s H7999 which means, ‘to be complete or sound, to finish, fulfil’.
He was the 10th son of Dawiḏ, and the 4th son that was born to him in Yerushalayim.
The name of דָּוִד Dawiḏ – Strong’s H1732 means, ‘beloved, beloved one’, which comes from the root word דּוֹד dod – Strong’s H1730 which means, ‘beloved’.
Yisra’ĕl’ – יִשְׂרָאֵל Yisra’ĕl – Strong’s H3478 means, ‘he who prevails, overcomes with El’ and comes from the primitive root words:
1) אֵל el – Strong’s H410 which means, ‘Mighty, power, shortened form of Elohim – Mighty One’ and
2) שָׂרָה sarah – Strong’s H8280 which means, ‘to persist, exert oneself, persevere, wrestle, contend’, which is spelt the same as the name of Aḇraham’s wife.
The name of יִשְׂרָאֵל Yisra’ĕl – Strong’s H3478 could also be understood as those who ‘rule with El’, as princes!
We are a royal priesthood and in a manner of speaking with Aḇraham as our father in the faith we are also children of Sarah the ‘princess’ and so are also ‘princes’ in the Kingdom of our King, and we who overcome shall rule with Him!
Verses 2-6 – The Purpose of the Book!
What are the primary purposes of the Proverbs?
From here, in these verses, we see 5 clear purposes being mentioned, and they are:
1 – Knowing wisdom and discipline
To know wisdom, is the literal translation from the Hebrew text, with the sense of ‘getting, acquiring or obtaining’ wisdom and with that, the need for the much-required discipline, which is the strict practice that required to reach a goal.
Messiah is the goal of the ‘Torah unto righteousness’ to everyone who believes and it is through strict discipline that we press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah יהושע.
We could also translate the concept of ‘knowing wisdom and discipline’ as
“These proverbs will teach you wisdom by obeying what they say,”
or
“These proverbs will make you wise if you command your heart to learn them.”
2 – Understanding the words of understanding
Understanding comes in the doing – and it is through the strict discipline of walking in obedience to the Word, that we grasp the insight of these proverbs, making us able to rightly divide the truth and discern the right from wrong, which is critical in identifying the false voice of folly!
3 – Receiving discipline of wisdom, righteousness, right ruling and straightness
It is one thing to know and understand – yet so many people often struggle, or refuse, to receive the necessary discipline that is required – which clearly reveals that they do not actually know and understand!
How many of you, at times, find it difficult to receive discipline of wisdom and righteousness?
This only reveals some immaturity and shows that you may not know and understand wisdom, and the Word, as much as you thought!
Receiving instruction means that you allow yourself to be taught;
“These proverbs will teach you – if you will allow yourself to be taught by them!”
One of the dangers that plague so many people who are unwilling to become disciplined, in training themselves to be set-apart, is that they harbour an un-teachable spirit that is unable to receive the right-ruling of the Word of Truth.
We are to “know” – which is to get, and to “understand” – which comes in the doing of what one is getting and therefore, allowing us to be enabled to receive correction and training, when needed, which in turn will equip to help others too!
4 – Giving insight to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young
Being trained in righteousness comes in knowing the King of Righteousness, through obediently walking in His commands, obeying Him through our love for Him and being able to receive the necessary correction and discipline, that will naturally result in us being able to give others greater insight, as we become a light to the nations – a light to those who do not know, as we shall be well equipped to teach the young in faith, the knowledge and discernment required to grow in set-apartness.
5 – Understanding a proverb and a picture, wise words and riddles
One thing that continues to grow, in our doing of righteousness, is our understanding – for the parables and riddles are made plain, as יהושע told His disciples that He spoke to the crowds in parables, but to them He spoke plainly and clearly.
The closer you walk to Him, the clearer and plain do His Words become, equipping us further to remain standing secure in Him!
Knowing – Understanding – Receiving – Giving – Understanding deeper: these are the clear purposes of these proverbs!
Verse 7 – The Motto of the Book!
The fear of יהוה is the beginning of knowledge!
If you despise His wisdom and discipline, you are simply nothing more than a fool that will sadly follow after the voice of folly and be found sitting in a house that is destined for ruin and destruction!
Do not despise wisdom and reject her call – the results of which are death!
In setting the scene for the purpose of the book, we see the greater speeches and instructions of wisdom that are to be heeded… or else!
And this is how it is, in one, way summarised, as we jet through the first 8 Chapters of Mishlĕ/Proverbs, bringing us to the clear invitations that have been called out:
I have broken this summary down into clear sections, in order for us to gain a good understanding of the flow that we see – a flow that has been wonderfully constructed by the wisest man ever to live:
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:10-19 – Beware of sinners
Straight up, we are able to see the warning that we are given, to watch out for the lawless/sinners! Do not be enticed by them or walk with them – stay far from their path!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:20-33 – Wisdom’s speech
She calls out aloud, calling many to repentance, giving the warning to those who do not hear, while giving a comforting reassurance to those who listen
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:1-8 – Seek wisdom
The voice of Wisdom has spoken – seek wisdom while wisdom may be found!
Lift up your voice – cry out – seek and search as you would for silver or treasure – then you will understand the fear of יהוה and find knowledge of Him.
So many people do not understand the fear of יהוה, as they are very clearly unwilling to truly seek Him, as shown through their compromised lifestyles!
We need more reverence in the body today!
I often wonder if we have even half the reverence that the men of old, that we read of in Scripture, had.
It is time for us to wake up, grow in reverence through our diligently seeking יהוה with our all and stop excusing away our need to seek, with mundane excuses that are simply worldly and fleshly lusts calling for our attention and luring us away!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:9-11 – Discernment will increase
You will know what is right and understanding would guard your way, as you seek for Wisdom and grow in Wisdom!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:12-15 – Avoid wicked people
Discernment will help you stay clear of that which is not of Elohim – for we know that bad company corrupts good character! So, watch who you become friends with!
Are you influencing them with the truth or are they influencing you in wickedness and unrighteousness?
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:16-19 – Avoid the immoral woman
Avoid the harlot whore who has forgotten the covenant of Elohim!
What does the ‘strange woman’ teach today?
She teaches that the Covenant is done away with!
Avoid this immoral teaching of the immoral woman!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:20-22 – Rewards and Punishments
Verse 22 is clear: the wicked will be cut off from the earth and plucked out!
Verses 20-21 tells us that those who guard the path of righteousness, and walk in the Truth, will dwell in, and inherit, the earth!
The righteous are not going anywhere – they are staying here!
If there is to be any form of so-called rapture or taking away – it is the wicked that are going to be taking out! Just think about the foolishness of the words of the woman of folly, who falsely proclaim a rapture that many should look forward to!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:1-12 – 6 encouragements to walk right and refrain from what is wrong – each with a promise –
1 – Don’t forget the Torah: hear, guard and do – for the reward of obedience to the Torah is long life and peace (verses 1-2)
2 – Don’t let loving-commitment and faithfulness leave you: bind it on your heart!
The reward is the favour and insight before Elohim and man. The Torah is to be upon our hearts and in our mouth – to do it – not to ignore it! (Verses 3-4)
3 – Trust in יהוה with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding!
In everything you do – know Him – that is everything you do – whether in word or deed – do it in the Name of יהושע Messiah!
If His Name cannot be attached to that which you may want to do or say, then do not do it! There is far much today being done, and spoken, that in no way can be associated with having the Name of Messiah attached to it! There are too many coarse jokes and vulgar language, too much slander and criticism, too much worldly ‘fun’ that is nothing but crude and evil – and this is being done within so-called ‘torah-keeping’ communities!
We need to ensure that we acknowledge Him in our all and this will clearly show in our daily lives, if we do or not, and when we do acknowledge, then we can deepen our trust in Him.
The reward for complete Trust and acknowledgement of Him, in ALL your ways, is a straight path that is equipped to keep one’s eyes focused straight ahead, on our Prince and perfecter of our belief!
When you lean on your own understanding, it reveals that you are simply doing your own thing and following your own ways – for understanding comes in the doing – and when you follow your own understanding, as you stubbornly follow your own ways, you will find that you are unable to trust יהוה and will only trust in your own ‘instincts or insights’, derived from your own understanding, which, when you ‘lean’ upon, will cause you to fall! Understanding יהוה and His Wisdom, will equip and enable you to fully Trust in Him and acknowledge Him in all you do! (:5-6)
4 – Don’t be wise in your own eyes
Do not always think that you know it all and try and sound extremely intellectual, as this is simply a means of belittling others instead of encouraging and building others!
Seek His wisdom! Fear יהוה and turn form evil!
Evil is anything that is not of Him.
If you do not leave evil (dysfunctional) ways, then you do not have the fear of יהוה!
If you cannot leave those simple ‘compromises’, then your fear of יהוה is clearly lacking. The reward for fearing Him and not being wise in your own eyes, thinking you know it all, is this: healing to your wounds and an easing of pains! (Verses 7-8)
5 – Esteem יהוה with your goods
Give your tithes, gifts and offerings! It begins with tithes – and it does not end with tithes!!! So many people today think that they are doing themselves, and others, a huge favour, when they give a little, while neglecting to actually give their tithes as commanded!
Do not withhold from יהוה that which He has entrusted to you – it is all His anyway!
Be a good steward and see the reward of plenty and overflow – an equation that may not always add up in the world’s ways of doing business, but it adds up in His ways and brings His promises that are sure!
How many times have we seen the world’s so-called latest business scheme, that will make one so rich only to find, in time to come, that it crashes and burns, as maybe only a handful managed to suck some temporal reward that fades out of it?
This is not so with יהוה’s way of doing business!
His system always works, even though it may make no sense in the world’s eyes!
Well, that is why He tells us that His ways are higher than ours – let us not forget that!
Do not neglect giving, for if you do, it will cripple you. Give and He will bring the increase – esteem Him with all you have! (Verses 9-10)
6 – Do not despise discipline or reproof
He loves you and delights in you and that is why He disciplines you!
The reward for accepting His instruction and discipline, is His intense love and delight over you!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:13-18 – In praise of Wisdom
To find something, you must be seeking it! To get something, you must be working for it! Wisdom rewards and all who retain her are blessed.
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:19-20 – Wisdom and creation
The earth was founded by wisdom! In the beginning was the Word and all came to be through the Word, as the Word was with Elohim and the Word was Elohim.
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:21-26 – Wisdom gives you a happy and blessed life
Walking in wisdom will keep you from fear and dread – because Elohim is with you!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:27-31 – How to behave
These verses express ‘negative’ commands that encourage us how to love your neighbour!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:32-35 – How יהוה deals with good and evil
His curse is on the wrong and His blessing on the righteous!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 4:1-9 – Listen to your father
Do not forsake the Torah! Get wisdom and get understanding, as you heed the words of instruction!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 4:10-19 – Wisdom gives you long life and protection
Walking in righteousness, is like a bringing forth of the dawn light, that will shine brighter and brighter to The Perfect Day that is coming!
The wrong walk in darkness and do not even know what they are stumbling in, due to blindness and no light.
Walk in Wisdom and you will not stumble!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 4:20-27 – Remember wisdom and enjoy life
Walk in the straight way! Do not turn to the right or left and live the abundant life that יהושע has come to give you, in Him, as you watch over your heart with great diligence, as you recognise that His Torah – that is now written upon your heart – contains the sources of life!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 5:1-14 – Avoid adultery
Do not forsake the covenant with our Bridegroom!
Guard knowledge with your lips as you speak the Truth, having not the words of the ‘strange woman’ on your lips – even though they may drip like honey, yet in the end it is bitter as wormwood!
The strange woman is as sharp as a double-edged sword! Listen, the whores’ words are sharp, so sharp that so many people are cut by her sword and are easily led astray, due to ignorance.
We have the assurance that יהוה’s sword is ‘sharper’ than a double-edged sword (Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 4:12).
Avoid the whore, with her total disregard for the path of life and keep far from her and do not turn from the spoken Word of יהוה!
The whore will speak smooth words! Stay away from her, as you guard the Truth!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 5:15-20 – Be faithful to your wife!
Drink from your own cistern!
We have come to the well of Salvation/Deliverance! May we continue to draw, with great joy, from the True well of life, in which there is living waters that will always quench our thirst and cause us to be satisfied!
Do not drink that which is often very tempting, yet very deadly – stay True to your beloved!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 5:21-23 – Describes the fate of the wicked!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:1-5 – Avoid being ensnared by the words of your mouth
Do not get caught in making promises that will end you up in trouble!
Don’t become a guarantor for a friend or strike hands in a pledge with a stranger or foreigner!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:6-11 – Do not be lazy!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:12-15 – Once again – the fate of the wicked!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:16-19 – 7 things יהוה hates
1 – Proud look;
2 – lying tongue;
3 – shedding of innocent blood;
4 – wicked schemer;
5 – those who are quick to do evil;
6 – false witness who lies;
7 – one who causes strife among brothers! Strife among brothers is hated as much by Him as innocent blood shed!
Have you ever given a proud look, when arrogantly looking down at someone that you didn’t like or one that you did not like what they said?
יהוה hates that!!!
Have you ever found yourself scheming, only to find that you are only doing it for self, with no regard of the outcome on others – יהוה hates that!
Be careful to not do the things He hates.
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:20-23 – Rewards for accepting teaching of the Torah and commands of Elohim
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:24-29 – Once again – call to avoid adultery
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:30-35 – The results of adultery
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 7:1-5 – Wisdom will protect you from adultery!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 7:6-20 – A report of how a foolish young man becomes the victim of a seductive woman!
A clear example of how easy it can be, to fall prey to deception, if one walks in foolishness!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 7:21-23 – Youths have fallen into the trap of the seductive whore!
They fall prey and do not even know it will kill them!
The whore of woman of folly targets the youth – we clearly see it today!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 7:24-27 – Avoid the seductive woman OR DIE!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 8:1-11 – Wisdom speaks out and calls with a loud voice
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 8:12-21 – The qualities of wisdom
These verses describe the attributes and virtues of wisdom and how she hates arrogance and lies, and loves those who love her and gives wealth and esteem to all who find her!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 8:22-31 – Origin of wisdom
Wisdom is from the beginning, as wisdom is with Elohim and it is with wisdom that the earth was founded.
Before all was there was Wisdom – another picture of the clear metaphor of Wisdom picturing for us The Word, in that Messiah became for us wisdom from Elohim!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 8:32-36 – Choose life or death
If you love Him, you will obey Him and choose life!
If you disobey Him, you hate Him and choose death!
Ok – so that was a brief overview and summary of the first 8 Proverbs of Shelomoh and, in a nutshell, this is what we have seen from Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1-8, summarised as follows:
The purpose of this book is to make you wise and it begins with the fear of יהוה! Beware of sinners and hear the words of wisdom, as she speaks aloud! Seek after her with your all, in order to know what is right and, in the process, avoid wicked people and the immoral woman, for there are rewards for the righteous and punishments for the wicked. Esteem the Wisdom of Elohim which is from the beginning and is forever; for wisdom will give you an abundant life, teaching you how to behave and shows how יהוה deals with both the good and the evil. So, listen to Him, for His Wisdom will protect you, as you enjoy life in Him, avoiding adultery at all costs, remaining faithful, as a spotless bride, for we know the fate of the wicked, therefore, do not be lazy! Know what He hates, so as to avoid doing that which He hates; for in obeying him there is great reward – and remember to avoid adultery, for the results of such have been decreed! Wisdom will keep you from adultery, so as to not be a foolish youth enticed by a seductive woman, who has already led many astray! Therefore, avoid her or die – for wisdom speaks aloud and is from the beginning. What is set before you is this: life and death – so now choose wisely and be careful who you are listening to!
That finally brings us to Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9 – where we see the invitations that have been sounded:
Wisdom vs. Folly – who are you listening to?
Wisdom has prepared a meal:
Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 10:5 “Therefore, coming into the world, He says, “Slaughtering and meal offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.”
Yoḥanan/John 6:53 “יהושע therefore said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Aḏam and drink His blood, you possess no life in yourselves.”
Folly has stolen her meal that she is so arrogantly offering!
Wisdom has mixed her wine – symbolising for us that all is now ready!
Our Master has offered the cup of His Blood and it is done!
The invitation to enter has gone out!
Folly has ‘stolen’ water – that is: she has muddied the waters of Truth, through lies and hypocrisy and has counterfeited the offer, with that which she has stolen and mixed with the wormwood poison of lies and the deceit of lawlessness.
Wisdom sends out her servants. We read many times, in the prophets, “I sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising early and sending them…”
Folly, on the other hand, has simply been loud and noisy – she simple and without knowledge! Yet, because of her loudness, she lures many people in!
She is loud, profane and … stupid! Yet, so many people listen to her and believe what she says – why? Because what she offers ‘looks good’ to the fleshly eye, yet she does not tell you that it will kill you, as we have clearly been shown in the preceding proverbs that we have just overviewed!
So many organisations today, are causing the masses to flock to the house of Folly, through that which tickles the senses of the people, making them ‘feel good’ while they do not realise that they are being made drunk on the maddening adulteries, through her cup of whorings!
What is interesting to note, between that which is drunk at Pěsaḥ and that which the whore offers, is this: The Cup of Messiah is the ‘Fruit of the Vine’, which is pure and without yeast, for the Feast of Matzot/Unleavened Bread does not allow any yeast to be in the House. Yeast, as we know, is a representation of sin or lawlessness.
The whore, on the other hand, who is Folly, has mixed her cup with much yeast, which is a picture of mixing with much lawlessness, by declaring that the Torah is null and void and the masses are drinking it up by the gallon and are severely intoxicated and are headed for the destructive death of drunkards!
Wisdom appeals to the mind – the intellect – as we renew our minds daily, taking captive every thought and bringing it into obedience to Messiah, as we earnestly and diligently seek and learn and meditate day and night on The Torah and the satisfaction that wisdom brings is eternal.
Folly simply appeals to the senses, where it is easier to excite the senses of the flesh – and the truth is this: the pleasures of folly are only temporal.
Wisdom calls to those on the wrong path, to walk in wisdom, to repent and get washed and walk in Truth!
Folly calls to anyone: be it those who are walking on the straight path or those who are already ignorant, calling all to come in to her and she has a ‘we accept all’ theology, where sin is not dealt with and the moral standards of righteousness are covered over with lies and a muddied mixture of deadly wine that gives people the assumption that they can do whatever is right in their own eyes.
She is undisciplined and allows for an undisciplined ‘feel good’ approach to worship, so as to be able to be filling her house of whorings!
We must avoid her and her secret bread at all costs, which is the tainted and corrupt theologies and doctrines of man, that are designed to control the masses through the perceived inability of all being able to have a clear understanding, unless they have been taught by those who have weaved their deadly webs in darkness and secret:
Qolasim/Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one makes a prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary matters of the world, and not according to Messiah.”
Wisdom has built her house and has hewn out 7 columns!
The number 7, as we know, is a very significant number, representing wholeness and completion and although we can relate many well-founded pictures that could represent for us what these 7 columns are, I believe that it simply represents the completed House that stands firm forever.
While I could go on to give you various “7 pillar” presentations that would all be uplifting and beneficial, after meditating upon this a great deal, in seeking out 7 pillars of wisdom, with such things like: Fear, Trust, Integrity, Generosity, Diligence, Community and Set-Apartness, which are certainly great pillars of walking in wisdom, as we too remember the Rock from which we have been hewn, and of which we have clearly seen being taught and described in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1-8, what I do see fit as that which can represent the 7 pillars, are in fact the 7 Feasts of יהוה.
Why I say that, is simply because of this:
As we hear, guard and do His commands and keep His Feasts and Appointed Times, our wisdom and understanding increases, allowing us to be built up together in Him, as living stones, as He brings His Body together, knitting us in unity of His Spirit!
His House is being built together according to His Appointed schedule.
Pěsaḥ – Matzot – Bikkurim – Shavuot – Yom Teruah – Yom Kippur – Sukkot!
His 7 Feasts are that which I see as truly being that upon which we can be sure of a secure House that has been built on a firm foundation, while we continue to keep His Shabbat, which is also His Feast, as a weekly reminding us of what is to come: and eternal rest in Him, aměn!
We must remember to keep His Shabbat – to guard it, delight in it and not be found doing our own ways, for it is the sign of our worship and identifies us as being His Set-Apart Dwelling Place!
I found a very interesting verse, in what is called ‘The Book of Thomas’, which I read this week and did various searches, finding various translations that all agree, whether it be a restored names version or from multiple sources on opposite ends of the scales of differing theologies, as all have the same wording with no discrepancies.
Whether or not it is a valid translation of an original letter, there is nothing in there that disagrees with Scripture and what I found very clear, is in verse 27, where it basically says this: If you do not fast the world, you will not see the Father; if you do not keep the Sabbath as the Sabbath, you will not see the Father!
These are very striking words indeed and are words that remind us just how important it is to live set-apart lives, as we ‘fast’ the world, so to speak, by not walking according to the flesh and how critical the Sabbath is and we best be reminded of this fact!
As I fear that today there are many people who are claiming an obedient Torah observant lifestyle, are in fact neglecting the full importance of the Sabbath and the reverence that we are to have, in coming together in Him!
Despite having much more that I could share with you on this chapter, the essence of the message is this: Life and death have been set before us: Wisdom is Life; while Folly is death – and we each must choose which we will listen to and into which House we will enter in and feast at.
Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 10:21 “You are not able to drink the cup of the Master and the cup of demons; you are not able to partake of the table of the Master and of the table of demons.”
Both Wisdom and Folly have made their call and their call continues to resound!
While Folly may be loud, may we be reminded to listen to the still small voice of Elohim and stay far from the door of the house of folly.
Wisdom vs. Folly – who are you listening to?
He who has ears let him hear what the Spirit is saying!
Hoshěa/Hosea 14:9 “Who is wise and understands these words, discerning and knows them? For the ways of יהוה are straight, and the righteous walk in them, but the transgressors stumble in them.”
Who is wise and understands these words?
That is the question that is presented, at the end of this very powerful book of Hoshěa.
Wisdom and understanding are key to being able to properly return to יהוה and be built up as the Set-Apart House that Wisdom builds!
The Hebrew root word for ‘wise’ is חָכָם ḥaḵam – Strong’s H2450 which means, ‘expert, skilled, learned’ and comes from the primitive root verb חָכַם ḥaḵam – Strong’s H2449 meaning, ‘to be wise, skilful, make wise’.
To be wise, means to be one who is skilled or learned and this takes time, determination and discipline!
To be wise, is evident of one who is increasing in their learning, as he gives his ear – that is his full attention – to hearing instruction and living as a taught one of the Master:
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:5 “The wise one hears and increases learning, and the understanding one gets wise counsel”
It is from this root verb חָכַם ḥaḵam – Strong’s H2449 that we get the Hebrew word for ‘wisdom’, which is חָכְמָה ḥoḵmah – Strong’s H2451 meaning, ‘wisdom, skill’.
In the ancient pictographic alphabet, this Hebrew word for ‘wisdom’ – חָכְמָה ḥoḵmah – Strong’s H2451 looks like this:
Ḥet – חָ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
which is a ‘tent wall’, and carries a meaning of ‘SEPARATION’, as a tent wall separates two halves of the tent; or it can also reflect the outside walls that separate the people inside from that which is outside and so can also symbolise protection and security to those inside, while picturing a cutting off of those who are outside. Hence this letter can mean ‘established, secure’ as well as ‘cut off, separated from’.
As a tent wall we are also able to recognise the picture of stones being built up to make a complete wall, having been separated from the world and built up in the master!
Kaph – כְ:
The ancient form of this letter is 
– meaning ‘the open palm of a hand’. The meaning behind this letter is ‘to bend and curve’ from the shape of a palm as well as ‘to tame or subdue’ as one has been bent to another’s will (under their hand), as an open hand symbolises submission.
This also can picture for us a palm or palm branch from the curved palm shape.
The hand also speaks of one’s work, or under whose hand you submit and obey!
Mem – מָ:
The ancient script has this letter as 
and is pictured as ‘water’, and also carries the meaning of ‘chaos’ (from the storms of the sea) and can also picture that which is mighty or massive as well as the unknown. We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture. Knowing this letter represents ‘water’, we are also able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.
Hey – ה:
The ancient script has this letter pictured as 
, which is ‘a man standing with his arms raised out’. The meaning of the letter is “behold, look, breath, sigh and reveal or revelation”; from the idea of revealing a great sight by pointing it out. It also carries for us the meaning of surrender, as we lift up our hands and submit to יהוה as we lift our hands in praise, declaring His authority under which we humbly submit!
As we consider these pictographic letters that render for us the term for ‘wisdom’ we are able to clearly see that wisdom entails a separation, as pictured through the tent wall.
We can therefore render the meaning of the construction of this word, in terms of true wisdom, as meaning:
WE ARE BUILT UP IN THE MASTER AS WE SEPARATE OURSELVES FROM THE WORLD AS WE SUBMIT UNDER THE HAND OF OUR MASTER AND DO WHAT HIS WORD INSTRUCTS AS IT WASHES US, AND ENABLES US TO LIFT OUR HANDS TO HIM IN CONTINUAL PRAISE!
Wisdom, at its core, speaks of one’s ability to clearly separate the good from the bad, the right and wrong, the left and right, and know the difference between up and down, so to speak.
This we are to be able to do as we exercise true discipline – that is – the discipline of separation!
Wisdom is often used in the context of a skilled workman, that has been equipped by the Spirit of Elohim:
Shemoth/Exodus 28:3 “And you, speak to all the wise of heart, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, and they shall make the garments of Aharon, to set him apart, for him to serve as priest to Me.”
Wisdom, in the ancient text, can speak of a clear separation by the washing of one’s hands; and as we consider the design of the Tabernacle, we need to be reminded that the bronze laver was used for the serving priests, to wash their hands and feet; and clearly pictures for us, how we are to be continually washing our work and walk, through being immersed in the Word that transforms us!
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘as understands’ is וְיָ֣בֵֽן veyaḇen which comes from the primitive root verb בִּין biyn – Strong’s H995 which means, ‘to discern, act wisely, clever, diligently consider’, and is used in:
Tehillah/Psalm 119:34 “Make me understand, that I might observe Your Torah, and guard it with all my heart.”
Tehillah/Psalm 119:104 “From Your orders I get understanding; therefore I have hated every false way.”
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:4-5 “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures, 5 then you would understand the fear of יהוה, and find the knowledge of Elohim.”
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of יהוה is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Set-apart One is understanding.”
Understanding comes in the doing of the Word and we recognise, that the one doing the Word is one who earnestly seeks יהוה, for true seeking brings about a proper application of what one hears, so that they hear, guard and do His Word, thus gaining understanding as they do what is clearly commanded!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 28:5 “Evil men do not understand right-ruling, but those who seek יהוה understand all.”
Evil men are those who are not paying attention and observing and are therefore dysfunctional!
Those who are hearing but not understanding are not seeking – in other words they are hearers only!!!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in יהוה with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”.
We are to trust יהוה with all our heart, which entails trusting Him with all of the understanding and wisdom that is contained in His Word and not seek out our own vain and selfish reasonings.
We are to guard the proper understanding of the Word, which comes in the doing of the Word, and in doing so, we must grow in our understanding of the Word and be able to discern the set-apart from the profane, becoming skilled in the Sword of the Spirit, and guard ourselves from becoming hard faced before the Master, as we take note that many people may claim to be wise and even claim to have the Torah, yet because of false and twisted dogmas and theologies of man, that have corrupted the Word, and the wisdom that they think they have is no wisdom at all!
Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 8:8-9 “How do you say, ‘We are wise, and the Torah of יהוה is with us’? But look, the false pen of the scribe has worked falsehood. 9 “The wise shall be put to shame, they shall be broken down and caught. See, they have rejected the Word of יהוה, so what wisdom do they have?”
The Psalmist tells us, in:
Tehillah/Psalm 119:98-100 “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies; for it is ever before me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your witnesses are my study. 100 I understand more than the aged, for I have observed Your orders.”
From this root verb בִּין bin – Strong’s H995, we get the noun בִּינָה biynah – Strong’s H998 which means, ‘an understanding, consideration, discernment’.
When we can understand the meaning of these words, then we can clearly see that without guarding and doing what is required of us, we would not be able, or be equipped, to display any wisdom or understanding, but instead we would be shown up as fools drowning in our own folly!
We are to study carefully and carry out what is required of us, according to the commands we are to guard and do – for then we will become fully functional in Messiah and have the skill and discernment necessary, to stand and fight the good fight of faith!
Iyoḇ/Job 28:28 “And He said to man, ‘See, the fear of יהוה, that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding.’”
The fear of יהוה is often not understood and as a result many sadly stray from walking in the wisdom that His Torah brings, and as a result, they clearly show that they have no understanding whatsoever!
Ya’aqoḇ/James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good behaviour his works in meekness of wisdom.”
Ya’aqoḇ asks this simple question and then says that we are to show the wisdom and understanding that the Torah brings as we guard to do all the clear commands of Elohim, through our ‘good behaviour of good works’.
In the ancient pictographic script, the Hebrew word בִּינָה biynah – Strong’s H998 which means, ‘an understanding, consideration, discernment’, is depicted as follows:
Beyt – בִּ:
In the ancient script this letter is pictured as 
, pictured as a ‘tent floor plan’, and means, ‘house’ or ‘tent’. It represents ‘family’ and the importance of those who are inside the tent as opposed to the tent structure itself. We, as living stones are built up in the Master, and are the Dwelling Place of Elohim.
Yod – י:
The ancient script has this letter as 
which is ‘an arm and hand’ and carries the meaning of ‘work, make, throw’, from the primary functions of the arm and hand, and it also represents worship or giving thanks in the extending of hands as a gesture of this. The work of one’s hands is the basic meaning of this letter!
Nun – נָ:
The ancient pictographic script has this letter pictured as 
, which pictures a ‘sprouting seed’ and gives the idea of continuation or an offspring or an heir, speaking of that which sprouts forth to be the heir of the promise of continuation, and represents one’s life expectancy.
Hey – ה:
The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is a ‘man standing with his arms raised out’.
This word can mean, “behold, look, breath, sigh and reveal or revelation”; from the idea of revealing a great sight by pointing it out. It also carries for us the meaning of surrender, as we lift up our hands and submit to יהוה as we lift our hands in praise, declaring His authority under which we humbly submit!
When we consider this Hebrew root word for ‘understanding’, in its pictographic form, we are able to recognise how important it is for us to be ‘doing’ righteousness and letting our belief be a ‘living belief, with works of obedience to the Master’, as we are His Dwelling Place that is to guard the good deposit of life that He has given us.
These pictographs can render for us the following, in terms of understanding the meaning of ‘understanding’, as:
THE HOUSE WORKS THE LIFE
OF HIM WHO IS TO BE PRAISED
The Torah is not a worthless word, for it is our life! And as we consider the need for us to be living stones being built up in the Master, we can clearly identify that understanding comes in the proper doing of His Word, equipping us to lift up hands that are set-apart, in complete obedience to the One who gives us life, and life abundantly!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 21:30 tells us that there is no wisdom or understanding against יהוה, for it is His!
Who is wise and understands these words?
He who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit says!!!
If one does not seek יהוה and guard to keep His Word, then they can never be wise and understand His Word!
Wisdom’s voice is clear, while we are clearly told that the foolish woman is loud:
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9:13 “A foolish woman is loud, simple, and without knowledge.”
Having presented the clear fact that wisdom has built her house, prepared her table and called out for the simple to hear and come in, with the appeal to not be those who scoff at wisdom, we are now given a clear picture of what the counterfeit looks like.
By this we must be soberly warned, so that we do not find ourselves listening to falsified and twisted voices that, to the one who is not growing in wisdom, may sound true and cause them to be led to the broad path of destruction, to death!
The foolish woman is a clear reference to the counterfeit whore, who seduces her prey with lies that are sugar coated with deception, and might sound sweet and true, yet is nothing more than a poisonous substance that kills those who are seduced by her foolish flattery!
The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘foolish’ is כְּסִילוּת kesiluth – Strong’s H3687 which means, ‘stupidity, folly, foolishness’, and comes from the root verb כָּסַל kasal – Strong’s H3688 which means, ‘to be or become stupid, foolish’.
The Hebrew word translated as ‘loud’ is הָמָה hamah – Strong’s H1993 which means, ‘to murmur, growl, roar, be boisterous, noisy, cry out, make a loud noise’.
Yeshayahu/Isaiah 17:12 “Woe to the uproar of many people who make a noise like the roar of the seas, and to the rushing of nations that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters”
Here, the root word הָמָה hamah – Strong’s H1993 is used twice for emphasis, and here, in Yeshayahu/Isaiah, we see how Baḇelon, the great whore, is linked, not only with Baḇelon the city, but also with all the nations that she has made drunk, with the wine of her adulteries!
This is the whole world system that unifies in opposition to יהוה, when He has declared that His Anointed One is now to reign on the earth.
The whore is noisy and stirs up a great noise against the truth!
So many people are being stirred up against the hearing of the clear and undefiled truth!
The more that the Truth becomes known, and made more available for all to see, the more the whore and all her false systems of lawless worship, raise their voice, in order to drown out the call that is being given to come out of her!
The Hebrew root word translated as ‘simple’ is פְּתִיּוּת pethiyyuth – Strong’s H6615 which means, ‘simplicity, naïve’, and comes from the word פֶּתִי pethi – Strong’s H6612 which means, ‘open minded, foolish, simple, naïve’, and comes from the root verb פָּתָה pathah – Strong’s H6601 which means ‘easily deceived, enticed, to be simple or to be in a state of holding a wrong view about a situation’, and can also mean, ‘to be spacious, wide or open, enlarge, gossip’.
What we see from this, is a clear picture of how loud and wide and naïve, the Christian church is today, as it belts out a very loud and boisterous sound, of falsified worship, that draws many to her wide path of destruction, as she is without knowledge, which causes those who follow her, to be without knowledge, and for this reason, many are perishing!
The foolish woman knows nothing!!!
Yet, she is making a very loud noise and attracting a large crowd of simple ones, who lack proper wisdom and knowledge!
The foolish woman makes a loud noise, so that all can hear, yet this noise is simple and lacks knowledge!
Wherever you go, you hear the terrible sounds of lawlessness and the sickening sound of a mixed and falsified presentation of worship and song. A very loud noise indeed, yet with absolutely no knowledge of the Truth, nor any knowledge being given to the hearers of the origins of the pagan rooted feasts of abominable fertility worship that they are being called to be a part of.
The foolish woman is making her sound heard far and wide, as we can see that it is very rare to hear a True Torah based message of the kingdom reign, yet much will be heard, all over the place, about many falsified systems of worship, disguised as being true, catching all the foolish who lack true knowledge of Elohim!
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 15:14 “The heart of the understanding one seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.”
The Hebrew word for ‘folly’ is the noun אִוֶּלֶת ivveleth – Strong’s H200 which means, ‘folly, foolishness, foolish’, and comes from the adjective אֱוִיל evil – Strong’s H191 which means, ‘fool, foolish’.
The Hebrew root words that are rendered as ‘fool, foolish’, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Tanak, denotes one who is morally deficient.
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 14:8 “The wisdom of the clever is to understand His way, but the folly of fools is deceit.”
What I have been highlighting, through these various passages, is the clear fact that fools feed on folly and deceit and are not feeding in the Truth!
We have been given the Wisdom of the Word of Elohim and we are to be meditating on His Torah, day and night, eating our daily bread, so that we can be as wise maidens that have oil in their lamps, walking according to The Spirit and nor according to the flesh, guarding ourselves against the poisonous folly of wormwood that the whore is feeding the fools that follow her!
In speaking of the characteristics of capable women, Mishlĕ/Proverbs 31 presents a very clear picture and collection of parables that highlight what a set-apart and capable Bride of Messiah looks like and we are told the following, in verse 26:
Mishlĕ/Proverbs 31:26 “She shall open her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the Torah of loving-commitment.”
This parable highlights the clear character of the pure mouth of the capable wife who has truth on her lips as she speaks with the wisdom of the Torah of loving-commitment!
The Torah of loving-commitment is on her tongue!
The Hebrew root word that is translated as ‘tongue’ is לָשׁוֹן lashon – Strong’s H3956 which means, ‘tongue, language, tongue shaped’ and Mishlĕ/Proverbs 15:2 tells us that the tongue of the wise makes knowledge good, which highlights how good the tongue of the capable wife is, as she teaches with great wisdom true loving-commitment.
In other words, the ‘Torah is in her mouth’ – not only to do it but to speak it, do it and teach it!!!
Let us be reminded of a few passages regarding this:
Shemoth 13:9 “And it shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a reminder between your eyes, that the Torah of יהוה is to be in your mouth, for with a strong hand יהוה has brought you out of Mitsrayim.”
This verse is speaking about the proper observance of The Feasts of Pěsaḥ (Passover) and Matzot (Unleavened Bread) that would be a sign on our hand and forehead that the Torah of יהוה is to be in our mouth!
Yehoshua/Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you guard to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and act wisely.”
Mal’aḵi/Malachi 2:6-7 “The Torah of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and straightness, and turned many away from crookedness. 7 “For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and they seek the Torah from his mouth, for he is the messenger ofיהוה of hosts.”
From these words, we are able to take note that the priest should guard knowledge and speak the Torah of Elohim for he is the messenger of יהוה.
Sadly, in this book we see severe rebuke being given, in Mal’aḵi/Malachi chapters 1 and 2, to the priests, as they had not guarded the covenant of the priesthood given to the tribe of Lĕwi and had corrupted the covenant and had caused many to stumble.
In fact, both prophet and priest and scribes had acted in falsehood and defiled the Word and this is where the reality of there being no true fear of יהוה was being exposed and that they were not bringing the proper esteem due to His Name.
The priesthood had become defiled and in the redemptive work of our Master, we are able to see how the order of the priesthood was changed from Lĕwi to that of Malkitseḏeq, where Messiah is our High Priest who lives forever, as He renewed His covenant with Yisra’ĕl and Yehuḏah, in His own blood and established His covenant of a set-apart priesthood, which we now are in Messiah, in order to serve Him in righteousness forever!
There is a twofold lesson that we can take, from these words in Mal’aḵi/Malachi, and that is that we are to be on guard against false ear tickling teachers that twist and corrupt the Word for their own gain, while at the same time, we are not to neglect the need to listen to and obey those that the Master has appointed in the body for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness, so that the Body of Messiah can be equipped for every good work.
Sha’ul warned Timotiyos that there would be a time when people would not bear sound teaching, but according to their own desires, they will heap up for themselves teachers tickling the ear turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths.
That time is certainly upon us and many are being led astray by false teachers, while at the same time we also take note that because of the corruption that has happened, there are those who refuse to submit to and obey the true given ones of the Master.
We are also therefore able to recognise that those that our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, has appointed to teach and equip His body to maturity are His messengers (Eph’siyim/Ephesians 4:11-16); and those who do not listen to the given ones that He has appointed to speak and teach His Word, are in effect not listening to Him, which then reveals that those who are not listening, do not have the fear of Elohim and are not bringing proper esteem to His Name!
Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 13:7 “Remember those leading you, who spoke the Word of Elohim to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their belief.”
Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 13:7 “Obey those leading you, and be subject to them, for they watch for your lives, as having to give account. Let them do so with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
The capable wife speaks with wisdom, as she has the Torah in her mouth and this is a picture of what the true Bride of Messiah should be, as a royal and set-apart priesthood!
We, as pictured by the description of a capable wife, are to open our mouths with wisdom and let the Torah of loving-commitment be on our tongue!!!
Our speech reveals a lot, and as taught ones of the Most High we must guard against having foolish lips that cause strife and ruin, but have mouths that build up and impart what is pleasant and good to others:
Eph’siyim/Ephesians 4:29-31 “Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for the use of building up, so as to impart what is pleasant to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Set-apart Spirit of Elohim, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and displeasure, and uproar, and slander be put away from you, along with all evil.”
Qolasim/Colossians 4:6 “Let your word always be with favour, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you ought to answer each one.”
Your speech, and actions, will reveal who you are listening to! Do not be found being foolish, with the corruption of the compromised mixing of false titles and a foolish speech that refused to be disciplined and refined in the Truth. Do not be found being foolish in your deeds, by allowing the folly of sin and compromise to defile your set-apart garments.
Keep your speech and your actions clean and pure, as you guard the wisdom of Elohim, with attentive ears and ready feet, as you continue to stand firm, in our Saviour, in order to hear, guard and do what the Master commands!
Do not let the Wisdom of the set-apartness that befits the House of Elohim become tarnished by the folly of the compromised deceit of mixing standards that many are being corrupted by.
It comes down to what you are lending your ears to….
Wisdom vs. Folly – who are you listening to?
May you have ears to hear what the Spirit of Elohim says… for in having ears to hear the wisdom of His Torah, comes much responsibility and in doing so, there is much reward!
יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you, and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face upon you, and give you peace.