THE DANGERS OF FOLLY

KJV and NKJV Scripture

– He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. – Proverbs 5:23

– But they shall proceed no further for their folly shall be manifest unto all – as theirs also was. – 2 Timothy 3:9

Folly means a lack of good sense or judgement.  Even if folly is only in thought or idea, it births foolish and irresponsible words and behavior.  It’s not a very wise way to live as Christians.  God is the way of life to those who keep His instructions.  Folly is refusing to in err (lead verse, Proverbs 10:17, James 1:16).

Since we were children we have all known the Holy Scriptures given by God’s inspiration.  The Bible is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and righteous instruction (2 Timothy 3:15-16).  Ignoring or forgetting any part of it is folly.

God’s Word is full of stories about folly and no one is ever immune from it.  Israel often found themselves wound up in folly, and so can Christians who aren’t diligent and sober at all times.  Our Father tells us to take constant heed as to what is filling up our souls (Deuteronomy 4:9, Luke 6:45, Philippians 4:6-7).

The world produces folly – but the Word prevents it. However, common sense can be lacking in believers just as much as it is in unbelievers.  Folly is not fully acknowledging God in all our ways, but leaning on our own understanding of how life in the world and Word is supposed to “work out” for us (Proverbs 3:5-6).

If things seem to be going pretty much the way we want in life or with the Lord, it is easy to become wise and prudent in our own eyes.  God warns of woe to those who become like this (Isaiah 5:21).  If we ever profess to be wise with mouth or in mind, we become fools, vain in our own imagination (Romans 1:21-22)

This is when problems can suddenly arise without warning.  Causing major headaches and rough rides never imagined because folly blinded our minds from seeing God’s wisdom.  Our craftiness initiated the situation, not Him (1 Corinthians 3:19).  Our Father’s foolishness is wiser than man (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Folly is present in a Christian when they are still filled with their own will and ways.  This is why believers backslide (Proverbs 14:14).  It’s not repenting as God commands, but repeating old worldly behavior.  It is not faith, but a dangerous drawing back from it, and He has no pleasure in such people (Hebrews 10:38).

Folly breeds ungodliness.  It is spiritual indiscretion instead of discipline.  It’s impatience and imprudence, instead of tolerance and truth.  Blessing and cursing spring forth from the same mouths (James 3:9-12). Hasty spirits are a folly hallmark, and anger rests in foolish bosoms (Proverbs 14:29, Ecclesiastes 7:9).

When folly exists, it is not walking circumspectly with God.  It is not understanding what His will is, nor is it redeeming the evil days wisely (Ephesians 5:15-17). Instead, folly is a readiness and willingness within a Christian to sin without care, even though there will never be another sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:26).

When folly persists, it is a forerunner to falling away from repentance, from which it impossible for God to renew a person to.  Each unconfessed, uncleansed, and uncorrected act of folly hangs Jesus Christ back on the Cross.  It puts Him to open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6), and leads to a bad ending (2 Peter 2:20-22).

When folly resists God it fosters apostasy, a total abandonment of belief in the soul, despite any lip service claims to the contrary (Mark 7:6).  Apostasy will be part of man’s last days (2 Timothy 3:1).  Folly will fill pulpits and pews as people learn a lot about God, but not knowledge of His truth (2 Timothy 3:7).

Christians have enough to stand fast in the faith, and withstand in the evil day, without wading into polluted pools of foolishness.  Doing so is making a decision to remove any section of God’s armor – giving plenty of place to Satan, and lots of space for his fiery darts of folly to land (Ephesians 4:27, Ephesians 6:13-17).

Once they ignite and start burning brightly inside a Christian, they become a fool if they still profess to be following the steps of Jesus.  Instead, they’ve turned aside after the devil (1 Timothy 5:15), and departed the living God with an evil heart of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-19).  Foolishness rules in the soul once again.

Apostates have strayed too far from Jesus in the greatness of their folly.  They have refused to heed heavenly instruction (lead verse).  Even though they were once returned to the Shepherd of their souls (1 Peter 2:25), they’ve fallen from their steadfastness to wander off in err with the wicked one (2 Peter 3:17).

Regardless of what godly or spiritual words they may speak, apostates hold God’s truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).  They serve and worship the creature more than the Creator.  It is evidenced by such traits as pride, boasting, backbiting, and loving pleasure more than God (Romans 1:25-32, 2 Timothy 3:2-4).

God is long-suffering towards all, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  However, continuing in any folly is not repenting according to His Word and command.  It is not obeying Christ’s voice (Luke 6:46, John 10:27). It’s climbing to heaven the wrong way (John 10:1).

Christian folly does not do anything to light the path of the lost, except lead them into foolishness of their own.  This is not the message of the Cross.  All folly keeps believers following this world, loving its things, and falling for Satan’s lies.  It keeps one lustful and prideful, with no godly love inside (1 John 1:15-16).

As Matthew Henry once alluded to, “People who practice or prefer folly as Christians are still those of corrupt minds.  Prejudiced against the Word’s truth, and found to be without faith, just so they can keep on doing what they want in life.  Perverting Scripture – even if in their mind – to do so (Galatians 1:6-7).

Henry continues, “They follow every new notion, get swayed with every wind of doctrine, and become deceived into thinking they’re acquiring knowledge of God – when they’re not.  Because they are too easy of belief, ignorant, or fanciful, they never seek the truth of Jesus within them (2 Timothy 3:7).” (end).

Knowing he would be between flesh and Spirit, folly and faith daily (Philippians 1:23), the apostle Paul knew he had not been saved yet (Philippians 3:11-13, Romans 8:24-25).  Therefore, he walked along with prudence as he pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

Once folly begets apostates, our Father tells us such people will proceed no further (second lead verse). Just as the two Egyptian wizards Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses in their folly (2 Timothy 3:8), folly in a Christian is withstanding His wisdom.  A God who’ll give it to all who ask, without upbraiding (James 1:5).

Failing to request it from God is disobedience because folly is still not knowing Him.  It remains as a way of thinking about, and walking with God.  It has fiery consequences (2 Thessalonians 1:8).  Believers can’t endure all He commands until the end to be saved, by continuing in folly (Matthew 24:13, Hebrews 12:20).

Tragically, it seems many have been deceived into thinking they have succeeded in getting to heaven while still living.  Propelled safely beyond the Pearly Gates forever by the foolish pride that cast Satan out like lightning long ago (Luke 10:18).  Who fell forever from eternity with God by his folly (Isaiah 14:12-15).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CIRCUMSPECT

(KJV and NKJV Scripture)

– See then that you walk circumspectly – not as fools, but as wise.  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:15-17

– Things never go wrong at the moment you expect them to.  When you are completely relaxed – totally oblivious to any potential danger – that’s when things go wrong. – C.K. Martin

Did you ever have a chore, job, or task – either where you worked or while at home – requiring your utmost concentration and focus throughout?  Maybe it was a major project necessitating continual communication between two or more people … perhaps pertaining to the construction of something.  Regardless of what it was, you knew that a steady hand, keen eye, and an attentive mind were called for at all times.

Whatever the nature, you knew one false move, any failure to follow a single step in a set of instructions – such as forgetting to turn something on or off at a precise time – could have catastrophic results.  One little slip – one bit of sloppiness could spell disaster. You knew you had to be alert and aware, carefully operating without haste – to keep something from falling down or apart – now or in the future.

All of this wariness described above fits the definition of being circumspect.  It is a word derived from both the Latin “circumspectus” – meaning to be cautious – and “circumspicere” – meaning to look around.  It is how all believers are to walk and follow Jesus – so we are not seen as fools in God’s eyes.  Our days on this earth are evil, and we must do everything we can to evade it (Matthew 6:34, lead passage).

In the classic country tune “I Walk the Line” sung by Johnny Cash, we hear these words: “I keep a close watch on this heart of mine – I keep my eyes wide open all the time.”  Lyrics like these could fit quite nicely into Proverbs.  Why?  God tells us to keep our heart with all diligence (constant care); for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).  The substance of a diligent man is precious (Proverbs 12:27).

God also tell us to keep our eyes wide open – always watching what’s going on around us.  Staying sober and vigilant as the devil roars around like a starving lion daily trying to devour even the most steadfast Christians (1 Peter 5:8-9).  We’re also to watch as we don’t know what hour Jesus is returning – and we don’t want to be found doing something other than His will (Matthew 24:42, Luke 12:43, Revelation 3:3).

Therefore, Christian circumspection is the quality of always being alert, wary, and on guard against things going wrong.  Unwilling to take any risks without thinking prudently beforehand about all possible consequences, prior to doing or saying anything.  It requires daily submission and humble obedience to God, persisting in prayer, and resisting Satan (1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:11-18).

It is a daily walk of weighing all possible outcomes against each other.  It is asking ourselves questions such as “Is this going to give an appearance of evil to another (1 Thessalonians 5:22)?”  Or, “Is this going to cause a brother or sister to stumble in their walk with God (Romans 14:21)?”  Just like Uzza, people we don’t even know can die if we fail to circumspectly seek His counsel first (1 Chronicles 13:3-11).

Circumspection means taking heed unto ourselves – diligently keeping our soul and God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 4:9, Joshua 22:5).  Continuing in His sound doctrine and speaking words becoming such – so we do not start doing things to the contrary (1 Timothy 1:10, 1 Timothy 4:16, Titus 2:1).  So we don’t get tossed to and fro – or get moved away to another gospel (Ephesians 4:14, Galatians 1:6)

Therefore, we are well-advised to take fast hold of God’s instructions, for such is our life (Proverbs 4:13, Proverbs 13:10).  If we do not, we will die, going astray in our greatness of our folly (Proverbs 5:23). Folly means lacking normal prudence or foresight.  If we are hasty in our spirit, we exalt this folly.  If we are circumspect, we are slow to wrath and of great understanding (Proverbs 14:29).

In today’s Christianity, any church presenting an image to their members of having fun, entertainment, and excitement with their faith, will likely find few circumspect Christians in their pews.  Circumspect believers are ready to hear God’s Word – not have a good time with it (Ecclesiastes 5:1).  A rocking, rowdy service is not their idea of church; much preferring a house of mourning – not mirth (Ecclesiastes 7:4).

Words such as fun, entertainment, and excitement don’t appear anywhere in the KJV.  Sober, vigilant, diligence, and watch are found several times.  Our Father warns us all against being spiritually asleep throughout Scripture.  For there is a sinister spirit by the name of Satan who must delight in sneaking up on snoozing or unrepentant saints to take captive at will (2 Timothy 2:25-26, Revelation 3:2-3).

Christians are to be children of the light – and of the day; not of the nighttime or darkness.  We are not to slumber spiritually – but to stay sober and watchful. Putting on our breastplate of faith and love, and salvation’s hope as a helmet (Ephesians 6:13-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8).  Girding up the loins of our mind and staying sober to the very end in hopes of receiving His grace (Ephesians 2:8, 1 Peter 1:13).

The more we learn circumspection in our Christian life, the more it should reflect in what comes out of our mouths.  We have had our conversation in this world (2 Corinthians 1:12).  If our talk remains centered on worldly things, full of idle or idol words, we’re still minding earthly matters (Matthew 12:36, Philippians 3:19).  We’re still entangled with affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4).  Our walk will follow.

We cannot do this and be circumspect in all things as God commands according to His Word – for we are still talking about worldly gods such as favorite movie stars or pro athletes (Exodus 23:13).  We are still freely and foolishly following idolatry – not keeping ourselves from it by fleeing (1 John 5:21).  Far from circumspection, for we haven’t separated from such yet (1 Corinthians 10:14-15, 2 Corinthians 6:16-17).

Although God does not respect any person (Romans 2:11), it seems quite certain He is well-pleased when we have learned how to be circumspect.  Carefully walking around soberly and wide-awake daily (Titus 2:12) as we grow in His grace (2 Peter 3:18).  Not giving any place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27), and thoroughly thinking through all we say and do in keeping with His truth – ready to redeem our time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED

(KJV and NKJV Scripture):

–  But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book – even to the time of the end.  Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. – Daniel 12:4 

– Information is not knowledge. – Albert Einstein

We now have more information readily available at our fingertips than at any time before in human history.  If we are not careful – we will call this information knowledge.  If we are not careful in regards to God’s Word, we will call it knowing Him. Our Father warns us through Daniel this increase of knowledge is a sign of the end.  Many will run to and fro, to acquire more – and it won’t be enough.  

However, possessing knowledge does not mean a thing if we don’t know what to do with it.  Much wisdom is grief, and we that increase knowledge – increase sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:18).  It just puffs us up in pride if we haven’t yet learned to edify others in true Christian love (1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Peter 1:22). All this information – even about God – just fills our hearts until something spills out (Luke 6:45).

Knowing about Jesus to ourselves is a lot different from showing Jesus to others.  We have been given the mind of Christ as born again Christians (John 3:3-7, 1 Corinthians 2:16).  Are we learning to love, walk and talk more like Jesus daily by obeying the Spirit of truth (Ephesians 4:20-32, 1 Peter 1:22)?  Or, are we just increasing knowledge by learning more verses about Jesus – without living them?

We are probably doing the latter if we say Jesus is Lord of our life –  but we are still not doing what he says (Luke 6:46).  Such as not having learned yet to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) – or, still not esteeming others better than ourselves like Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).  Sharing Bible knowledge of Christ with the lost, must fall on disbelieving ears if we are not showing them Christ.

Knowledge is an idol otherwise.  We can increase our intelligence in leaps and bounds – and still find we are insensitive to others.  We can honor God with our lips (Mark 7:6) – loving how much we’ve learned about Him – without having learned how to love others.  In addition to an increase of knowledge, another end time signal will be the love of many growing cold as iniquity abounds (Matthew 24:12).

In general regards to this, author Daniel Keyes wrote the following: “I have learned alone that intelligence doesn’t mean a thing.  Here in your universities, intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge have all become great idols.  But I know one thing you’ve overlooked – intelligence and education that hasn’t been tempered by human affection, is not worth a thing.  Intelligence is one of the greatest human gifts.

Keyes ends with this: “But all too often a search for knowledge – drives out a search for love.”  It is true. Any quest for more Bible knowledge can quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).  We have been given amazing minds.  However, if they are not being transformed daily from the inside-out (Romans 12:2), learning His truth about love – we don’t know a thing as we should (1 Corinthians 8:1-2)

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WE SHALL ALL KNOW HIM

(NKJV and KJV Scripture)

– For all shall know Me – from the least to the greatest. – Hebrews 8:11

– And He is the propitiation for our sins – and not for ours only – but also for the sins of the whole world.  And hereby we do know that we know Him – if we keep His commandments.  He that says, “I know Him” – and does not keep His command-ments, is a liar – and the truth is not in him. – 1 John 2:2-4

“Don’t you know who I am?”  How many times have we heard someone say this  – or at least implied it by their actions or demeanor?  Perhaps it was a person who seemed to be expecting preferential treatment because of their position in life.  Maybe it was a politician or professor who behaved as if everyone should put everything aside because of their presence.  Even as believers – perhaps we have done the same?

Pontius Pilate pretty much acted this way when Christ was brought before him. He said to Jesus in John 19:10, “Are you not speaking to me?  Don’t you know I have the power to crucify you – and the power to release you?”.  It was as if Pilate was proclaiming, “Don’t you know who I am?  I’m the judge in Judea – not you.”  Jesus simply responded, “You could have no power at all against me – except it were given to you from above (John 19:11).”

God is the great “I Am” (Exodus 3:14).  We have no power to do or have anything except that which is given to us from above (John 3:27, Acts 17:28).  Part of being prideful is desiring favored treatment, perhaps because of our so-called standing in life – often based on things like education,  bank accounts – even one’s position in a church.  It is a puffed up and demanding desire for other people to “know” who we are.  Getting glory for ourselves first – before giving it to God, if we do at all (Jeremiah 13:16, John 7:18, 1 Corinthians 4:6).

Pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, or merit – as thought in mind or displayed publicly. God “knows” the proud from afar (Psalm 138:6).  We can say we “know” Him with our lips – but if our hearts are high with pride and haughtiness  – we are but hypocrites.  Our hearts are still far from heaven (Mark 7:6).  Pride comes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

From our times as children, we have known the Holy Scriptures – which are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:15).  The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11).  We shall not teach every man his neighbor – and every man his brother, saying, “Know the Lord.”  For we shall all know Him – from the least to the greatest (lead verse).

Before it’s too late.  If we say we love God – but hate our brother – we are liars.  For if we can’t love brothers whom we have seen – how can we love God, who we have not seen (1 John 4:20)?  If we shut up our bowels of compassion when we see a brother in need, how can we say His love dwells in us (1 John 3:17)?  How can we say we know His just ways – if we should ever want some others to just stay out of our way?

The invisible things of Him from this world’s creation are clearly seen by us – being understood by things that are made; even His eternal power and Godhead – so we’re without excuse as to knowing who He is (Romans 1:19-20, 2 Corinthians 4:18).  If we say we “know” God as Christians – but fail to give Him glory, remain unthankful, and become vain in our imaginations – our hearts get dark again (Romans 1:21).

Others may still know and see us as wise Christians – but we’re fools who still worship and serve the creature more than the Creator (Job 32:9, Romans 1:22-25).  God knows what He can do to us if we get like this.  For not retaining Him in our knowledge – despite saying we “know” Him.  Despite knowing His judgment – we are still committing things worthy of death (Proverbs 14:12, Acts 17:30, Romans 1:26-32).

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WE SHALL ALL KNOW HIM

(NKJV and KJV Scripture)

– And they shall teach no more, every man to his neighbor – and every man to his brother, saying “Know the Lord.” “For they shall all know Me – from the least of them unto the greatest of them,” says the Lord. – Jeremiah 31:34

“Would you like to know the Lord, Mark?”  This was how many believers approached me during the first 49 years of this life – when I was not a believer.  Each time, I would listen patiently while the other person told me everything they knew about the Lord.  After they left, I would think just that – I had only heard what they knew.  Their personal comprehension did little to enlighten my darkness.  Often, they tried to draw me to a church before God finally drew me to the Cross (John 6:44).

They didn’t help me know the Lord any better.  Were they unwise in what they were doing?  God only knows for sure.  However, any human relationship has to be founded and established between two people first – not through a third-party.  So does a heavenly one.  We can’t build on another man’s foundation when it comes to being a Christian – especially if they are constructing God’s building on one that still seems to be worldly (Romans 15:20, 1 Corinthians 3:10-12).

Imagine basing and building any earthly relationship – solely on trying to know things about a person from third-party sources? How healthy would the union be?  How long before elements of confusion, dissatisfaction, or trouble started arising?  We don’t get to truly know people simply by soliciting what other people know about them.  If we do it this way – isn’t it like saying we want to know someone like the back of our hand – but only by the back of a hand belonging to someone else?

Likewise, we don’t get to know God – by knowing what other believers know about Him.  Trying to teach others about how to know the Lord – and dispensing our own personal relationship advice on how to establish a more intimate walk with Him – is not how He desires it to be done (lead verse). Our Father will magnify Himself, sanctify Himself – and make Himself known to all of us in our lives.  God will reveal His righteousness to all – so we are without excuse (Ezekiel 38:23, Romans 1:17-21).

We don’t become or stay Christians by any association with other believers – but by the Holy Ghost (Romans 8:9-11).  Jesus comes to dwell in hearts by faith – through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16-17).  We have access to God 24/7 through Christ our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Why would we want to find out how to establish a better relationship with the Lord – from other believers who are not with us all day, every day – like He is?

We run the daily risk of being lied to as believers – and deceived by man’s words – even those from so-called great preachers and teachers of God (Job 32:9, Ephesians 5:6).  We shall be taught by God as believers – without lie – and learn how to have a better relationship with Him through Christ alone (John 6:45, 1 John 2:27).  Not by any of the many enticing words man’s wisdom may teach – but in demonstration of the Spirit and power (1 Corinthians 2:4-13).

Other believers can’t save us – nor can we save the lost by how we know the Lord.  Only God’s grace can save (Ephesians 2:8). This grace which brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11).  It was through such grace that Christ tasted death for all men – so we would not have to (Hebrews 2:9).  From our youth – we have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ (2 Timothy 3:15).

Just because we may know the Bible, though – does not mean we necessarily know the Lord and His truth as He desires – we could just be ever learning (2 Timothy 3:7).  However, God has assured us we will all come to know Him – from the least to the greatest – and His gospel while we are on earth (lead verse). Once the world knows – then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).  This way, when we meet our Maker – we can’t say to Him we didn’t know who He was while we lived.

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