The conscience, if properly trained and used, will help one to be faithful to the Lord. Once one knows the truth, his conscience helps motivate him to practice it. If he does not, his conscience strikes him with guilt, motivating him to repentance. Unfortunately, there are many who know the truth, but choose not to [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About Neighbors
May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We have already studied what the book of Proverbs teaches about our relationships with family and friends. But there are many people we interact with on a regular basis that are outside of these relationships. So let us consider the words of wisdom about our dealings with neighbors. Do Good to Others “Do not withhold [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About Friendship
May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Beyond the family, the next closest relationship that one has is with his friends. The companions with whom one chooses to associate have a great influence upon his thinking and behavior. Therefore, it is important that one chooses his friends wisely. The book of Proverbs contains instructions that will help us see the reason why [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About the Family
May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The first and primary human relationship was that of the man and woman in marriage (Genesis 2:18-24). From this relationship came the first children (Genesis 4:1-2) and all mankind descended from there (Acts 17:26). The book of Proverbs contains several instructions about family relationships, emphasizing the importance of harmony in the home, as well as [...]
Robert Milligan: “By the Force of the Bible Alone”
May 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Robert Milligan (1814-1875), like other early figures in the Restoration Movement, was raised in denominationalism and eventually learned the truth and abandoned the churches of men. In the case of Milligan, he was raised in the Presbyterian church. His commentary on Hebrews, which was published after his death, contains a biographical sketch at the end [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About Women (Part 2)
May 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
After considering the warnings about the adulteress, we turn our attention to the excellent wife who is commended to us in the book of Proverbs. There are two basic points that are addressed: the blessings and the character of the excellent wife. The Blessings of a Good Wife Though the adulteress promises the temporary fulfillment [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About Women (Part 1)
May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Since much of the book of Proverbs is directed toward the wise man’s son, Solomon spends a lot of time discussing women. He warns his son about certain women that are to be avoided. He also gives instruction about the blessings of a good wife and discusses her character so that she might be identified. [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Plans for the Future
April 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Some Christians spend little time thinking about and planning for the future because, in their minds, God is in control so the future is of no concern to them. Certainly, God is in control. Yet this does not mean that we have no responsibility to plan for the future. The book of Proverbs contains instructions [...]
“Raccoon” John Smith: Hard Preaching
April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
During the time when “Raccoon” John Smith (1784-1868) was preaching, the erroneous tenets of Calvinism were widely believed by those around him in the religious world. Smith himself had believed Calvinism early in his life before learning the truth. After learning the truth, he ardently opposed it in his preaching. His wife Nancy, however, thought [...]
The Application of Wisdom: Alcohol
April 22, 2013 By 1 Comment
Despite the warnings in the book of Proverbs and the rest of the Scriptures against both the destructive and casual uses of alcohol, many claim that a Christian is free to drink alcohol, just so long as he does not become drunk. In light of this, it is especially important to note what the book [...]
