I ADUlT$ - YOUNG PEOPlE I

Vol. 26, No.2 Faith Pub. House April, May, June Guthrie, Okla. 1994 73044 r Bible Lessons for Adults and Young People t (USPSOS4-680)

Volume26 April, May, June No.2

Table of Contents Page

Apr.3 TheTriumph of Christ's Resurrection ...... 1

10 Man's DireNeed for Wisdom. the Fear of God...... 7

17 TheCall of Wisdom. theFear of God...... 12

24 OurNeed to Apply Our HeartsWisdom unto ...... 17

May 1 WonderfulBenefits Fotmd in Possessing Wisdom ...... 22

8 More Benefits of WisdomWith Some Notes of Caution...... 27 15 FurtherEntreaties to Seek Wisdom and theWay

of Godliness...... 32

22 The Danger and Threat of the StrangeWoman ...... 37

29 Diligence to Keep Free from the Snares of the Wicked ...... 42 Jwte 5 More WarningsAgainst the Allurementof the

StrangeWoman ...... 46

12 A Scene of Sorrowand Destruction ...... 50

19 The UnivezsalAppeal of Wisdom toMan ...... 54

26 Wl.Sdom's Call Contrastedwith Folly's Allurement...... 59

Publishing tbe Bibletrutbs in tbe interest of Jesus Christ and His Church Edited by Bros. Leslie C. Busbee and Wayne Murphey

Subscription Price-�a copy forquarter ofyear, or $2.00 per year, issuedquarterly. Second classpostage paid at Gutbrie,Oklahoma

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FAITH PUBUSIUNG HOUSE 920 W. Mansur Ave. Gutbrie, Oklahoma73044 Postmaster: Please send address corrections to above address. THEME FOR SECOND QUARTER, 1994 Our studies fo r this quarter will be from the book of Proverbs. Our first lessonwill be on theTriumph of Christ's Resurrection In accordWith it fall1ng on EasterSunday. For the remainder of the twelve lessons we will seekto cover the first9 chaptersof the Proverbs. Our specialburden and theme Inthis seriesof lessonsIs the Importanceof the truewisdom, the fearof God. We wlllseek tocover the pointsthat Solomon soughtso earnestly to set forth In the bookof Proverbs:man 's dire need for wisdom and the fear of God, wisdom's calland appealto man,man 's needto apply himselfto seek fo r wisdom. the profitand benefitsof wisdom,the warnings againstthe evil allurements of the sinfulworld, and aboveall the safetyand happiness of all who will fa ithfully seek to obey the voice of wisdom. It is our earnest prayer that these studies w1llhelp to make the message of the book of Proverbs more real and Importantin the eyes of all, especially ouryouth. Inthis world of shattered dreams and disappointments, caused by the fo rces of evilinvad ing unsuspectinghearts andliv es, may we set forth these wholesome warnings and Instructions In a prayerful effort to save precious souls from the snares and traps that Satan has set for them In this world. -BrotherLeslie C. Busbee ------

APRIL3, 1994 THETRIUMPH OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION Acts 13:29 When they hadfulflll ed all that waswritten of him. they took him down from the tree, and laid him In a sepulchre. 30 But God raised him from the dead: 32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfllled the same unto us their children, In that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is alsowritten Inthe second psalm, Thouart my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34 Andas concerningthat he raisedhim up fromthe dead,

(1) now no more to returncorruption, to he saidon this wise, willI giveyou the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also Inanother psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had seiVed his own generationby the willof God, fell on sleep,and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, sawno corruption. I Corinthians 15:20 But now Is Christrisen from thedead, andbecome thefirstfrutts of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so In Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every manin his own order: Christ the ftrstfrults; afterward they that are Chrtst"s at his coming. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; shallWe not allsleep, but we shallall be changed, 52 In a moment. In the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: fo r the trumpet shall sound. and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, andwe shall be changed. 53 For thiscorruptible must put on incorruption. andthis mortal must put on Immortality. 54 Sowhen this corruptibleshall have put on Incorruption. and thismortal shall have put on Immortality, then shall be brought to passthe saying that Iswritten, Death Isswallowed up in victory. 55 0 death. where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory? 56 The stingof death Issin; and the strengthof sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. MEMORY VERSE: ...Jesus Christour Lord.. . wasmade of the seedofDavld according to the flesh: Anddeclared to be the Sonof Godwith power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:3-4. CENTRALTHOUGHT: Jesus Christ, ourLord and Saviour,

(2) overcameand conquered sin, death, and the grave for us when He rose from the deadby the power of His Father. Byobeying andfo llowingJesus we canItve free and triumphantover sin inthis presentItf e andwe w1llshare in the gloryof His eternal resurrection in the world to come. WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 29),

"Tree": The material fromwhich thecross wasmade . ..Sepul­ chre":The grave or the tombwhere Christ's body was burled. (V. 34), •CorruptfDn": The rotting and decay of a dead body. •sure merciesofDa vfd•:The holy blessings of fa ithful David. (V. 20), "Firstfiui.t•:The beginningand first to offer the sacri­ fice; the offeringof Jesus Indeath andbeing resurrected that makes possible our resurrection. (V. 23), •order•: arrange­ ment and position in series or succession. (V. 52), "Twinkling of an eye•: An instant. "'numpet": The loud summons to awaken those unconscious in slumber; used here to describe the power of the call of God to awaken the dead. (V. 53), "Incorruption·: Undecaytng in essence and continuance; unending existence. "Immortality":Deathlessness: the stateof existence that w1ll neverbe discontinued or interrupted by death: everlasting life and being. (V. 54), ·swallowed up": Devoured; destroyed; to be totallyand completely put down, never to be heard from nor seen again. (V. 55), "'Victory•: Conquest; triumph; complete overthrow.

LESSON BACKGROUND Todaywe areespec lallyremembering the gloriousresur­ rectionof our Saviour from death and the grave. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should have a special day of remembrance for this. Andyet every first day of the week can be a memorial of Christ's resurrection as we attend worship services With His children at a designated and consecrated place. We aredraWing the scripturesfo r ourlesson todayfrom the apostle Paul's message to the people in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidla and from his epistle to the Church in Corinth. Inspiredby the Holy Spirit, Paul was able to express andwrite very clearly and reverently on thissub ject. It is ve:cy inspiringand interesting to note the scriptures that he refers

(3) to. In speakingof Christbeing raised, he quotes from Psalms 2:7, "I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; thisday have I begotten thee. • The whole second Psalmis a powerfuland vivid prophecy of the triumph of Christ In His everlasting kingdom. Another prophecy he used concerning the resurrection of Christ Is taken from

Isaiah 55:3, ..Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live: and I wlll make an everlasting covenant withyo u, even the suremercies of David." It wasto Davidthat Godmade a promiseof a resurrection,a resurrectionthat was fulftlledIn Christ and Is eternally pledged to bethe Inheritance of all who follow the Saviour. Paul fo llowed this up with a quotation fromPsalms 16:10, (a Psalm that Peter alsoquoted In his message on the day of Pentecost concerning the resurrection of Christ, Acts 2:25-28), ..For thou wilt not leave my soulin hell: neither wilt thou sufferthine HolyOne to see corruption." Jesus' soulwas not leftto remainIn paradise and the realmof departed spirits, and His bodywas not allowed to remain In the grave and decay. He was brought back to life, praise the Lord, to live fo revermore. And, knowing that there were some Inthe Corinthian church who dented the truth of the resurrection, Paul gave his wise and loving counsel, explaining and describing so beautifully the manner of the resurrectionof God's children which wllltake place at thelast day. He quotes fro m the prophecy In Isaiah 25:8 which says, ..He willswallow up death Invlctoxy ." He alsoquotes the SeptuagintGreek rendering of Hosea 13:14 which says, "I will deliver themout of the powerof Hades, andwill redeemthem fromdeath: where Is thy penalty,0 death?0 Hades, where is thysting?" He tellsus what the sting of death is and what the strengthof thatsting Is, but declaresthat Godhas given us the victoxy over the whole thing through Jesus! -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. How did Godfulfill the promise made unto the fa thers? 2. Why is theresurrection so important to us? 3. How was Jesus raised from the dead?

(4) 4. How can we know that we wlll share In His glorious resurrection? 5. Whowill be raised up Inthe resurrection with Christ? 6. Would we have had a chanceto beIn the resurrection IfChrist had not died and risen again? 7. Is It going to be a hard problem for God to resurrect everybody? 8. Will aworldly and sinful person who has llved fo r the flesh andIts lusts havea share In the resurrection of Christ? 9. How Is sin the sting of death? 10. To whom will God give the final victory?

ADULTS' ANDYOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS Therulers and those whohad condemnedChrist to death had no confidence that their Victim would rise again. They were certain that they had eliminated their enemy forever. Even Hisdisciples did not believethat Christwould come back from the grave to be In their presence again. The Idea of a resurrectionfrom the dead wasnot fea sible to them. Theyhad hoped that by some supernatural power Jesus would free Himselffrom the clutches of those who were bent on His destruction. But when theysaw Himexpire on that cross. the last beamof hopefa ded from their minds. Even Christ'sown prophecy foretellingof His resurrectionhad no bearing upon their minds. It wasjust beyond the scope of theirVision. The women who cameto the tomb on the firstday of the week fully expected to find His body yet there. The same unbelief that enshroudedthose peopleIn that dayis st illupon people today. The scope of carnal minded people today do not grasp the certaintyof the resurrection of the dead. It Is not spokenof In the dallydialogue of the newsand future Insights of people.No certaintyof a resurrection Is expressed at the death of digni­ taries andpeople known and recognized by the masses. In a generalsense the hostsof mankinddo not gauge their mortal days witha resurrection InView. But thankGod fo r theliving hope that those who know the Lord Jesus have! We are persuadedof ourshare In the resurrectionof our Lord.We are not afraid to live Injeopardyof our lives. We are not afraid to

(5) trustin Godunto death. We do not cling to thislife as ifthere is nothing else. We live in constant assurance of the blessed hopeof rising to meet the Lord in the airwhen He comes. We knowthat Christ Is risen from the dead, and that persuasion gives us courage andpower to live victoriouslyevery day over the powersof darknessand evll in this cold dark world around us. Because He lives: we live also.And we know that beyond thevalleyofthe shadow of death that we must allpass through shines the hope of the resurrection. As Christrose from the tomb inImmortality, so we shall arise from our graves. If we areyet livlng when that great day comes, we will be changed in an instant and beclothed withimmortal life and everlasting joy.Praise the Lordand glorybe to Him for this blessed hopei -Leslle C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT In our lesson the apostle Paul termed the general resur­ rectionas amystery. Christ was the firstfrultsof the resurrec­ tion andwe knowwhat a mystery it was. Man is still puzzling over it Several years ago there was much interest in what was called the Shroud of 1\J.rin. This is a death shroud that has been kept in the Vatican at Rome fo r many years, and purported to be the shroud that was wrapped around Christ at his death.The shroud was wrapped length wisearound the body, and through some unknown method, a perfect imprint of a man was impregnated intothe cloth. Thefigure in the cloth shows a man with more than 220 scourge marks, puncture wounds in the scalp, and evidence of a severe beating about the face.The man in the shroud had carried a heavy object, andhad cuts and bruises on both knees, particularly the left knee. His bones were not broken and he was stabbed in the side. Allof modemtechnology has beenbrought to bearupon the cloth in order to determine how the imprint wasput into the cloth, and thereby determine its authenticity. It was determinedthat the Image was not created with paint,dye or powder, or bydirect contact. but by the combination of heat and light which dehydrated and thus discolored the ends of the fibers in the cloth. One scientist simply termed it a great

(6) releaseof power. In this context,it is interestingto ponder the words of Paul when he said, "1hat I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, andthe fellowshipof his sufferings, beingmade conformable unto his death.· Phll. 3:10. Christ'sres urrectionis not just a mystery, but anhistori­ cal fact. The general resurrection of the saints is not only a mystery, but by faith it canbe afa ct dwelling inall the hearts of those who loveGod . -Wayne Murphey

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APRIL 10, 1994 MAN'S DIRE NEED FORWISDOM, THE FEAR OF GOD Proverbs 1:1 Theproverbs of Solomon the son of David,king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and Instruction; to perceivethe words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtility to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wiseman willhear, and will increaselearning; aand man of understanding shall attainunto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the Lordis the beginningof knowledge: but foo ls despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son. hearthe instructionof thy father, and fo rsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be anornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 10 My son, ifsinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay waitfo r blood, let us lurk privllyfo r the innocent without cause: 12 Letus swallow them up aliveas the grave; andwhole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall flU our houses with spoll: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

(7) 15 My son, walknot thou In the way withthem: refrainthy footfrom their path: 16 For their feetrun to evil,and make hasteto shed blood. 17 SurelyIn vain the net Is spreadIn the sightof anybird. 18 Andthey lay waitfor their ownblood: they lurk privily for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of evety one that Is greedy of gain: which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Matthew 10:28 And fe arnot them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:but ratherfe arhim which Is able to destroy both soul and bodyin hell.

MEMORY VERSE: In the fear of the Lord Is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26. CENTRAL THOUGHT: The number one, most important thingin llfefor a person to have, Is the properreveren ce, love, worship, and submissive attitude toward God Almighty, our Creator and heavenly Father. This fear of God Is the true wisdom thatwe need, andlt will help preseiVeus fromthe evil influences and ungodly attractions that surround us in the world. WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 4), "SubtUUy": Cunning knowledge of how to llve and conduct one's self to true profitand gain. "Simple":One who is foolish andeasily seduced. Weare all simple in our own knowledge and abllltles. But God wants to teach andInstruct us of His knowledge so that the evil Influences of the world wlll not ensnare us. ·ntscretfon":Wlse planning and forethought. (V. 6), "Proverb":Theroot word in the Hebrewfor this termmeans •to rule or have superiorityin understanding."This what Is the proverbsof Solomon are for. In observingand following their wisecounsel we will prevaUin life and reign withChrist. ·nark sayings":Puzz les or riddles: sayings that have hidden mean­ ings. not easUy discernedby the shallow andearthly minded. (V. 11), "Lurk prtvUy": To hide, to lte in walt In darkness, watching for advantage to deceive and plunder. (V. 13), '"Precioussubstance": Worldly and ill-gotten wealth. '"SpoU":

(8) Booty, that which Is obtained by deceit and trtckexy and unholy means.

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our lesson today we have clearly set forth the purpose of the wonderful book of Proverbs. It is to infonn and make wise the heartof manwith regardto preparinghim to meet and overcome all the evil influences that will be met in this wicked world. He points us to wisdom which is clearlydefined asthe fear of God. To fear God is to respect and honourHim as God, recognizing His existence, power, authority, righteousness, and His love and concern for us mortals. The real fear of God In the heartwill cause one to seekHim earnestly. It seems the vexy evident purpose and burden of Solomon in writing this book is to make a direct appeal to the young person who is about to go out and face life. Much Instruction and forewarn­ Ing is needed as we go forth in this world. There are dangers out there. There are pitfalls of destruction and damnation. One must be preparedand equippedwith right understanding and keen insights to the right and good.Too many people are over confident of themselves. "I can make it alright" is the feeling many have. Oh, what a mistake so many make in refusing to take the warning and wise counsel of God in His Word! We have the explicit warning of the appeal and invita­ tion that will be given to evetyone from the wicked and evil generation that lies in walt out in the world. Much care and prayerfulsteps must be taken In the fear and love of our Maker ifwe are to succeed in life and escape the dangers and the snares that are lurking out there. Oh, we only have to look around us and see the wrecked lives and lost souls who are drowning in destruction and perdition because they heeded not the warning of wisdom and the fear of God! Oh, may we make this appeal to one and all! Take heed to the fear of God that is calling out for you! Happiness and success willbe yours lf you will heed theWord of God, but sorrow and disappoint­ ment andeternal ruin is your sure doom ifyou refuse and tum away from it. -Leslie C. Busbee

(9) QUESTIONS:

I. What are some of the dangers that lurk out in the world? 2. Is It possible for a person to go through life and escape these dangers? 3. Where can one find counsel and guidance to escape these pitfalls? 4. What is the purpose in God's counsel beingin proverbs anddark sayings? 5. WUl the Word of God and its warnings do us any good ifwe fall to take heed to them? 6. Can you think of anyone who is a good example of a personwho benefitsfrom taking heed to wisdom andthe fear of God? 7. Canyou think of anyone who is anexam ple of folly and the consequences of not taking heed to wisdom? 8. Is it a prevalent and popular thing in the world to be serious and responsive theto warnings of wisdom? 9. Is there a danger in being tooself -confident? I0. How long lasting are the benefits of the fearof God?

ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS You may not beaware of it at thepresent mome nt, but you areabout to enter into one of the most seriousand Important seriesof studies that you have or evercan have broughtto you in your life's journey. To know wisdom and proper under­ standing is sovitally Importantto success and blessings, but so few ever seem to realize the value thereof. While you are studying and taking partin this seriesoflessons, let yourmind bevery attenti ve and thoughtful. Lookaround you carefully, that is, surveythe lives of peopleyou know. Behold thosewho are really sincerely following the will of Godin theirlives. Yes, you may see sorrowsand tribulations of various kinds. But lookdeeper and see if you can see realjoy and specialmarks of worthymention. Thereare bookswrttt enaboutsuch people. We have them on record. Their godly lives are beautiful and fruitful. They left this world with a testimony of God's good­ ness to grace their memory. Then look at those who have

(10) rejected the fearof Godand have taken their owncarn al selftsh· way. What a differencethere lsi Look at thosewho rej ect the holy and modest way of the saints In preference to the lusts anddesires of theworld. I canthink of many of my age bracket who have not followed the Lord.Their liv es, thoughsome have worldlyriches, are emptyand void. Strewn along their path­ way I see frustration, defeat, ungodly habits, divorce, double marriage, unfaithfulness,folly and disgrace. I seedisease and decayof natureand the flesh.I seetragedy and sorrow without end. Sooften I say to myself, "Oh, how glad I am that I have chosen the way of the Lord and the fear of Godl I am so glad that I was saved when I wasyoung!" It was not easy togive up the world and my own desires and to take up my crossand go the strait and narrowway. But it is worth itl Many pitfalls I have avoided and manyblessings received by stayingwith the holiness of the truesaints of God.Someday, and It may not be vecyfar off. the end of the journey of life will come. Therewill be a rewardfor the faithful and true. May we each one purpose to listen and take heedto the voice of wisdom thatis callingso earnestlyto us In life! -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of understandingshall attain unto wisecounsels ." Prov. 1:5. The Christian's life Is made up of seeking, searching, learning and applying. We must never be con�ent with our spiritual life, but everseeking to know betterthe will of God. We areexhorted to, "'Studyto shew thyself approved unto God, a worlananthat needeth not to beasham ed." II Timothy2: 15. Theapostle Paul was accused of being madwith much study. Thosewho have made the most of livingfor Godhave studied the Word of God and His dealings with others, and applied their hearts unto wisdom. With this in mind, we begin our study of Proverbs. The point should be stressed that just reading Proverbs and studying them will not make us wise. It Is one thing to know something and another to do it. It has been said that, "'1.1lereIs no foolso greatas a knowing fool."Many timeswe can bearwith someone through the realization of his ignorance,

(II) but it isprovoking indeed to bearwith someone who knowingly acts foolish. This is what incensed God so much concerning the Israelites. In Isaiah, the firstchapter, God told them that they had gone away backwards. When you walk away from something backwards, you see and know what you are leaving. The children of Israel forsookGod knowing what He requiredand whatHe could do for them. We see many today who have been raised toknow that it is wisdom to gtve their hearts to God, yet they are caught in the net that Satan has spreadfor them. Godis just asdispleased with these as He was with the children of Israel. -Wayne Murphey

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APRIL 17, 1994 THE CALL OF WISDOM, THE FEAR OF GOD Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom criethwithout ; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowl­ edge? 23 Tum you at my reproof:behold, I will pourout my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called,and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have setat nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also willlaugh at your calamity;I willmock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your de­ struction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Thensh allthey call uponme, but I willnot answer; they shall seekme early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:

(12) 30 Theywould none of my counsel: theydespised allmy reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fru it of their own way, and be ftlled with theirown devices. 32 For the turningaway of the simple shallslay them, and the prosperityof fools shall destroy them. 33 But whosohearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fearof evtl. Proverbs 10:21 The ltps of the righteous fe ed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. Proverbs 1 1:2 Whenpride cometh,then cometh shame:but withthe lowly ts wisdom. Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom ts before him that hath under­ standing; but the eyes of a fool are tn the ends of the'earth. Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of"God, I will send them prophets and apostles, andsome of them they shall slay and persecute. MEMORYVERSE: In the ltpsofhtm that hath understand­ Ingwisdom ts found: but a rodts for the backof htm that ts void of understanding. Proverbs! 0:13. CENTRALTHOUGHT: The fearof Godts making herappeal to peopletoday. Wherever men arefound wisdom ts ctytngand making her call, seeking to tum them from the ways of folly and Ignoranceto the path of ltfe. To heed her voice and tum at her reproofwill bring salvation for the soul, but to set at nought her counselwill bring death and destruction. WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 20), "Wisdom crtethwithout": The fear of God issounding out her message to the souls of men abroad. There is no speech nor language whereher voice is not heard. Her sound goes out to alllands and her wordsto the end of the world.Wherever man ts found there are undeniable evidences of God and His graciousness and power. (V. 21), "Chiefplace of concourse": Theloudest and most prominent humand hub ofhumanstrife and activity. Wherever men gather and cany on commerce, war, or labor, the fear of God is speaking and sounding her warntn�. (V. 22), ·simpleones": Let us definethis tenn again.

(13) It refers to the one who Is foolish and easily seduced. We are all this way as we come to years. The fearof God as the true wisdom pleads with us to beware of the dangers that are lurking out there, and to give ear to her counsel. •Love sfmplfcfty•: Have affection or like for their vulnerable and treacherous state. There Isan Inclination In manto shy away from counsel and responsibility, to shrug otT the fear of the threat of danger. •Scorner": One who treats with extreme contempt. derision and ridicule; opposite of taking a matter seriously. •neltghtfnscomtng•:1bere are many scorners today who refuse to umeass the proper attitude of carefulness and sinceritybefore God. Theylove their ease and the quiet (and yet false) securityof scorningand making light of the serious­ ness of life. WisdomIs calllng peopleaway from such attitudes. (V. 27), •Angufsh•:stralt. close and narrowplaces of adverslty. (V. 32), 'Turningaway ofthe stmple•: Instead of turningat the reproof of God there Is the inclination and drawing to tum away from the truth. •Prosperityof fools•:The false security andease ofrefustng to apply one'sself to responslbllltyand the dutyof obeying God . It appears easter to draw back from the challenge and hlde In the pleasing of one's self. (V. 24),· "Wisdomis bef ore hlmthat hath understandtng•:Theduties of wisdom are kept by a wise man always before his face In awareness and keen conviction. He knows what needs to be done and Isnot fearful of earnestand wholehearted endeavor to pursue a courseof righteousness. "Theeyes of afool a refn theends of theearth•: A fool shies awayfrom the the respon­ slbtlityGod has put right before his face, and Is reaching out after needless and unnecessary actlvltles afar.

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our previous lesson we have been exhorted to seek for wisdom and understanding that we be not simple and easlly seduced by the evU forces of this wicked world we live ln.We are warned of the drawing appeal of ungodly Influences that lurk evecywhere, ready to take a person Into their company andshare with them the commoditiesof vanity.Tod ay we take up thecall of wisdomthat Issounding out to one and all. Just

(14) as the Influences of the world areseeking to allure ourhearts and minds, so thegreat Influence of the fearof GodIs seeking to draw men and women, boys and girls Into her worthy association. Let us keep In mind that the woman that is pictured here standing In the plaza of human activity Is the fearof God, the truewisdom. It Is thedivine pressure upon the human mind to attract the soul to things higher, nobler and eternal. Wisdom Is calling for you today. In yourbosom and deepwtthlnyour consciousness she soundsher warning.You have the power of choice. You cantum her off Ifyou will. You canrefuse to listento her Instruction. Or you can lean toward her and Incline your heartto hearwhat she hasto say. If you will Incline your ear toward her and listen you will hear wonderful things. But Ifyou shut her out, you will be getting on dangerous ground. Let us gtveheed to the voice of Wisdom that Is callingfor all of us today. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What Is wisdom llkened unto In our lesson today? 2. Is there much chance of a person turning from his way as long as he Is happy With what he Is? 3. Why would the simple love their simplicity and the scorners deJJght Inscorning rather than to giveheed to the fear of God? 4. Why is It hard for people to be willing to take reproof? 5. Which Is easier: to turn at the reproof of Wisdom or remain as one is? Which is easter In the long run? 6. What Is thewarn ing of what willhappen ifwe refuse to give heed to wisdom? 7. What kindof fruitIs thatwhich comes from taking our own way? 8. Can the voice of wisdom be heard anywhere? 9. Why is the way of the Lord rejected by so many? 10. Whatwill hearkening untoWisdom keep us safe from?

ADULTS'AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS

Recently at the funeral of a yo ung person who had tragicallydied Inthe bloomof youth I waspresent to show love

(15) and sympathy for the sorrowing loved ones.great A host of youngpeople were Inattendance and the chapelwas ftlledto capacity.The ministerIn charge broughta powerful message on the subject of ""'he fear of God. • My soul trembled as the Word went forth with such power and persuasion. I was prayingabout Itlater and the Lordspoke tomy heartlike this: •If all of those youngpeople would take heedto thatmessage It would revolutionize their lives completely." But I was sadly awarethat mostofthosethere that day wentout thatdoorwith verylittle heedtaken. TheLord had beenbearing down upon myheart the verysub ject of the fear of God that the minister had brought out so clearly. But we tremble to view the Indifferentand heedless attitude that the majority of people have today. Wisdom Is stlll ng,calll sounding out her alarm andwarning. Evecywhere one can see manifestations of the powerof God. How cananyone lookon natureand Its wonders andbeauty and really believe that they are the work of chance andnot that of a wonderful and almightyGod? But we live In a blind and heedless world. The things of the flesh and the desiresof the carnal mind are followed aftermuch more than thatof thefe arof God. Satan has robbed our societylittle by littleof godlyfe ar.lt does not have to be thatway. but mankind Is choosing It tobe that way. Oh. how we need to give heed to the voice of wisdomthat Is calling today! How we needto take our stand fo r truth and rightand go rightagainst the tide of this world! Howmuch happier our nation would beIf the fe ar of God befwas ore everycitizen! It canbe thatway withus each one lndMdually. Regardless of what course others may be taking, we can stillch oose the fe arof God for ourselves. May the Lord encourage and help each one to hear the voice of wisdom and choose fo r himself the holy. deep riches of happinessand joy that It willbring. -LeslieC. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Today, wisdom Is traded fo r self-gratification. As we see the masses move towards eternity enjoying the pleasures of sin, we wonder Ifthey realize what they are doing. Many do know that the wages of sin Is death, and they hear wisdom

(16) ceytngto them.Yet theychoose to play the partof the fool and satisfy the desires of the moment. Aesop, whowas considered a verywtse person, oncewrote a parable abouta chickenIn abarnyard. One bright spring day the chicken was scratching up the straw that littered the barnyard, Insearch food. of To his greatsurprise, his Indus­ triousclaws turned up a Jewelthat by some chance had been lost ·Ho, • saidhe, ashis brighteyes examined the Jewel, •1 can seeyou are verya valuable thing, thoughhow you got hereI have notthe leastIdea. I cansee too, that there thoseare who must prizeyou, but as for me, giveone a kernel of com rather thanall thebright Jewels In theworld. • 1blsstory Is the synopsJsof manylives. People come face toface with salvation. Wisdom tells them thatthey need It, that It Js valuable, yetwe find they put much more emphasis on thatwhich willsatisfy the flesh. How horribleIt will whenbe people desperatelyneed God andHe laughs at their ca.la.mlty. One man wrote, "'The wise man does three things: he abandons the world before It abandons him; prepareshis sepulchrebef oreentering It; and does all with the design of pleasingGod before entering Into HJs presence.• -Wayne Murphey

-----­ APRIL 24. 1994 OURNEED TOAPPLY OURHEARTS UNTO WISDOM Proverbs 2:1 My son, lfthouwlltrecelve mywords, andhide my commandments with thee: 2 So thatthou Incline thineear unto wisdom, andapply thine heartto understanding: 3 Yea. Ifthou crtest afterknow ledge, and llftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekesther assilver, and searchestfor her as fo r hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (17) 7 He layeth up sound wisdomfo r the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the pathsof Judgment. and preserveth the way ofhis saints. 9 Thenshalt thou understand righteousness. andJudg­ ment, and equity: yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth blto thbte heart. and knowl­ edge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understandbtg shall keep thee: 12 To deliver theefrom theway of the evil man, fromthe man that speaketh froward thmgs; 13 Who leave the paths ofuprightness,towalk btthe ways of darkness: 16 To deliverthee fro1nthe strangewoman. even from the strangerwhich flattereth with her words: 17 Whichfo rsakeththe guide of her youth,and fo rgetteth the covenant of her God. 20 Thatthou mayest walk b1 the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright shall dwell b1 the land, andthe perfect shallremain in lt. 22 But the wicked shallbe cut offfrom the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of lt. Psahn90 :12 5o teach us tonumber our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. MEMORY VERSE: Letnot thbteheart envy sinners: but be thou ln the fear of the Lord all the day long. Proverbs 23: 17. CENTRALTHOUGHT: To escapethe snares of wickedmen andwomen that lie b1wait along life's journey,we must apply our hearts to seekfor thewisdom from above. We must seek the wisdom, knowledge and understandbtg that comes from God's re\relation to our soulswith all of our hearts, for lt Isthe greatest treasure that we can own. WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 2), "Incline thine ear•:To diligently hearken or attend. "Apply thine heart•:To stretch or extendyour desires toward God's

(18) Word withan eagernessto receive Its message. (V. 3), •.ifthou crtestqfter knowledge•: For the word •crlest• the Hebrewhas a wordthat means to call out or to accost The word •accost• meansto approach or dmw near, tospeak first with desire, to makeup to,and acquaintone's self with. Theseare words that express thedeep purpose and sinceredesire that must be In the heart In order to find the true wisdom of God. These are attendedwith three other activitiesof pursuit, namely, •11ftup thy voice,• •seek.·and •search.• Thewisdom of the fearof God that we need Is a hidden wisdom, hidden by God, and only revealed to those who seek for It with allthe heart. (V. 7). •He layeth up sowu:l wfsdom•: God hides, hoards and reseiVes special wisdom for those who love righteousness and who d111gently seek Him. Buckler: A shield or protector. (V. 8), •Keepeth thepaths ofjudgment•: God guards. protects and maintainsHis pathsand all who go thereon. (V.12 ). •Froward things•:Things peiVerse and crooked, opposite of that which Is good and acceptable with God.

LESSONBACKGROUND

After showtng the appeal of wisdom and the fear of God, we now seethe responsibilityof each Individual seeking and applyinghimself to know andfind the knowledge of Godfor his ownsoul's benefit Truewisdom canonly be found by diligent application of one's heart anddesires. How sad that so many poor, deluded peoplethrough the ages haveapplted theirtime and efforts Inseeking for everything else.God Is VeJ:Ychoosey about who He reveals HJsways to. Many are called. but few are chosen. But Ifwe will seek for the holyways of God fervently. dillgently, and carefully with wholehearted eagerness and earnestness; we will come to understand the fear of the Lord as it Is. and we willfind the knowledge of God.And when we find thiswonderf ultreasure. It will beso sweet and enjoyable, as it preseiVes and shields us from the dangers that are all alongour mortalpath. Fromthe evilman andhis hurtfulways, and fromthe evilwoman and her flatteringdesigns to ensnare and defile, this wisdom will safeguard us. Theseevil agents of Satan throng the earthwe live on. They rejoice to do evil and delight intheir abominations. Their ways are crooked , decltn-

(19) ing downto deathand hell. Veryfew, ifany, (verse 19 of this chapter says ·none") that follow after and decide to go their wayever returnagain to take hold of the path of life. ThatIs why It Is such a seriousthing to deal with. God wants us to walkin the wayof goodmen, in the paths of the righteous.For only the uprightand the perfect shalldwell in God'shouse and favor and remainin It Allthe wicked allsh beconsumed off of the earth, and the transgressorssh all perish forever. Oh, may the truthin this lesson ravish every heart with desire to seek after the fear of God above everythingelse in life! -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the •lfs" In our lesson today? 2. Why does God require people to dtligently seek Him? 3. Why is wise counsel andgodly sotrainlng vitalfor a chtld? 4. What are some of the things out In the world that we need to be fortified against? 5. Are people being begutled by these influences today? 6. By what means canwe safeguard ourselves? 7. Is it possible for a young person to go forth in life and escape all the dangers that they encounter? 8. Is It necessmyor beneficial toexperience the blight of sinful habits andways of life before turningto the fearof God? 9. How old must a personbe before he takes heed to the voice of wisdom? 10. What wlll be the profit of seeking after and finding wisdom?

ADULTS' ANDYOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS If Christopher Columbus had been more interested In finding the true knowledge of God than seeking for a closer route to the riches of the Orient he would not have died a disappointed and bitter man. If HenryHudson had applied himself to seek God's holiness and humllity In his life rather than seekingfor a northern route to the Pacific, he would not have perished with his son adrift on the frigid waters of the

(20) north.Instead of seekingfo r the Wisdomof God manyso have sought for pleasure, money. Inventions, and the fame of the world. They spend the few years of their time of probation reaching out afterthe fleshlythings ofllfe, andthen have to go offand leave them for someone else to squabble after. It has been proven over and over again that true happiness is only found in peoplewho put Godfirst. The fe arof the LordIs truly the basis of Wisdom and success. There are so many disap­ pointed andempty lives, maybe notempty of worldlythings. but empty of real peace and soul blessings. It is so sad to behold theworldly throng who lives solely fo r the flesh. comes to the end of life, and goes out into eternity With no hope. Wisdom is st111calling. We do not haveto belike these sadand disappointed people. We ·can seek the Lord With all of our hearts and apply ourselves to Wisdom. Reckoning that our time on earthshort. is we would do well to reallyget downto business With God and make it oursole aim and purposeto please and gloriJY Him. There is no need of us being In the company of the condemned when we can share the inherit­ ance of the righteous fo rever! -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Wisdom does notreveal itself so much by preceptas by our words and actions in everyday life. To further explain this. a person can apply himself to secular etiquette. read all the bookson what good manners are and in many situations act properly.Howeve r, becausehis Wisdomis learned. Intime he wlllfind himself In a situationthat he has not read about In our lessonwe learn that a person can seek afterand find the knowledgeof God.Such a one willautomatically practice good behaviorfo r he will lookingbe fo r everyopportunity to do to his brother as he would have his brotherdo unto him. Hewill be more equipped for everysituation, fo r the Wisdomof God is in his heart. This is why Solomonwas able to say. ""'ben shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity: yea, every good path.• In the legal realm. righteousness, judgment and equity would beknown as justice. Many effortsare made throughour legal system to bringabout justice for all, andmany a treatise

(21) has been writtenon how law should be administered. Hours of study are spent by students of the law who delve into the structure of the judicial system. Much of this complicated searchfor justice could beellminated if evetyonewould obtain the wisdomGod offers. Thosewith wisdom from above arevety sensitive to the needsof others. People receive fair treatment at their hands. Crtmes are committed by those who are insensitive to the needs, desires and passions of others. In wisdom we practice thewords of the song, ·o thers, Lord. yes others, let this my motto be.· ..Discretion shallpreserve thee, understandingshall keep thee ... How many times people have gotten themselves into trouble by indiscretion and unwise speech. God'swisdom will help one know when to keep silent. Suffice it to say, though one may be lacking in secular education, God'swisdom equips us fo r every phase of life . -Wayne Murphey ------

MAY 1. 1994 WONDERFULBENEFITS FOUND IN POSSESSINGWISDOM Proverbs 3: 1 My son, fo rget not my law; but let thine heart keepmy commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life. and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Letnot mercyand truthfo rsakethee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trustin the Lordwith allthine heart; and leannot unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thyways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wisein thineown ey es: fe arthe Lord, anddepart from evll. 8 It shall behealth to thynave l, and marrow tothy bones. 9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the tlrstfruits of all thine increase: (22) 10 Soshall thy barns be filledWith plenty. and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son. despisenot thechastening of the Lord: neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth: even as a father the son in whom he dellghteth. 13 Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom. and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchan­ dise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubles: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Lengthof daysis in her right hand; and in her lefthand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a, tree of llfe to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is eveJY one that retaineth her. James 3:17 But theWisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits. Without partiality, and Without hypocrl&y. 18 Andthe fruit of righteousness is sownin peace of them that make peace.

MEMORYVERSE: How much better is it to get Wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Proverbs 16: 16.

CENTRALTHOUGHT: The benefits obtainedfrom possess­ ing the fear of Godfar outweigh the fleeting treasures of this time-world. Length of days, long life, favour and success With God and man, guidance, health, increase, plenty, happiness and peace are among the many blessings enjoyed by the God­ fearing. WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 2), "Lengthof days": The Hebrew says "'long days" which refers to our days being filled With good and happy actMties and beneficial service. (V. 7), "Berwt wisetn thine own eyes•: Do not think yourself Wise, but be constantly seeking for better

(23) understandingand knowledge of the will God.of (V. 8), "Health to thy navel": The navel here In the Hebrew means the umbilical cord. the cord whereby the unborn child receives nourishmentand meansof life and growth from the mother. As the only means of life and health for the unborn chlld is through this channel,even sothe life andhealth of ourspirits

Isthrough wisdom and thefear of God. "Mam>w tothy bones": The marrow Is the life and health of the bones. The blood brings nourishment and moisture to the Inner part of the bones, sustaining life and health. Sowisdom and the fear of Godbrtngs splrttualllfeandhealthto the soul. (V.11), "Neither be wearyof hiscorrectton": Do not be displeased and seekto be separate fromthe disciplinary dealingsof God almightyIn His efforts to correct and betteryou. (V. 13), "Happy ts the man":The Hebrew says, ·How happy!"(V. 14). "Merchandise":

Profitor gain. (James3:17), "Firstpure": Purttyandcleanness Is the most Importantaspect of godliness. "Withoutpartiality": Treating everyone with the same love and respect.

LESSON BACKGROUND In our lesson today we will consider some of the benefits of having the fear of God In our hearts. There are several specific things mentioned that willattend ourlives as we live In the fe ar of God. Long days, many years (eternal and unending In number), peace, favor with Godand man, health for the soul especially (and fo r the body, also), and all our needs to be supplied areamong the blessings promised to us fo r seeking first the kingdom of God andHis righteousness. Thewrtterln Hebrews 12:5-Squotes fromverses11 and12 1n our lesson, saying, ..And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son. despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked ofhlm:For whom the Lordloveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he recelveth." The writer Is using the Septuagint translation here. The thought of chastening and discipline is a very Important clue to success with God. This is why It Is so Important fo r children to be properly disciplined and chastened In their early days of life. Being brought Into subjection to one's parents will help In being

(24) subject to God. To despise and tum awayfrom Instruction and correction is to takethe broad way that leads downward to destruction. But to submit and yield to the disciplinary measures that God uses Is to walk the way to eternal life. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Is length of days and long life a thing tobe desired of us? 2. What does It meanto bind mercy and truthour about neck and write them upon the table of our heart? 3. How will it help In finding favor with man as well as God? 4. Are we prone to lean to our own understanding? 5. Why should we not beWise Inour own eyes? 6. Will evlldepart fromus, or will we haveto departfrom evU? 7. Will we betempted to tumaway from the correction of the Lord? 8. What is some of the merchandise of wisdom and understanding that will be gain and profit to us? 9. What kind of richeswlll wisdom besure to bring to us? 10. How willwisdom's tree of life compareto the tree of llfe In the garden of Eden?

ADULTS'AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COIIIIENTS

Oh, how much happier and blessedare thosewho choose the fear of the Lord and w1llpress close to HlmJ It is better to bein the lowliest placeJn the houseof Godthan to dwell In the tentsof wickedness.When we choosethe fearof the Lordand seek to please Hbn with our llves He rewards us with good things. We will have many happy times to remember and cherish in ourhearts. Living the life of a Christian Inits faith and simpllcUywOIhelp tobring health toour bodieswell as as our souls. It willhelp us In ourrelations with our fellow man. also. We willknow how todeal with people In such a way that they will feel thegood w1ll and love in our heartsfor them.And aswe give tothe Lordand honourHim with our means.we will find His great reward coming back to us over and over. Even

(25) when the Lord begins tochasten and discipline us to correct our weaknesses andfa ults,we willexperience great blessings of joy and reward fo r being obedient and submissive to Him. Thinkof the gold and silverand rubles that the world craves and seeks after. We who are holding to wisdom are finding gems of value far beyond the fleeting worth of these earthly vanities. To be beautiful Inwardly and In God's sight Is so much more Important. To be wealthy In spiritual life and vlctoty Ismuch betterthan all the gold In the world. Jesus said InRevelation 3:18, • ...Buyofme gold tried In the fire.•Oh, this Is the gold that wlll endure fo rever, the gold that we gain by standingfas t fo r Him ourIn tests and trials ofllfe. ThatIs the real gold. Andthen think of the treeof life. The treeofllfe In the garden of Eden can be ours In the spirit as we press close to ' the Lord In godly fear . Let us lay hold on this wisdom, and retain her In our hearts always . We will surely rej oice at the end of the way byour steadfastness with wisdom, the fe ar of God. -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Aswe startout Inlif e It IsImportant to ascertain earlywhat real happiness Is.Too manyth fnk that the road to happiness depends on prestige andhigh position. It Isconsidered to be a road that by-passes allself -denial and chastenlngs of God. ThereIs a pointwell made Inthe stoty aboutthe dog who was so wild and mischievous that his master despaired of taming hlm.The last strawwas when he bit someonewho was being playfulwith hlm. His masterwas taking himout to the woods to dispose ofhlmwhen a neighbor suggested: ""'beway to tame that beast Is to fas ten a chain around his neck and attach a heavywooden clog tothe end of It Thatwlll stop him frombiting and worrying others.· Themaster decided to tryIt The nextday the dog, viewing his clog as abadge of distinction,went aboutthe market place, shaking and tllngrat the hobble to attract evecyone"s atten­ tion. An old dog approached hlm and said, •If I were In your place, I would make less noise and not callpeople's attention to my disgrace. Wearing a hobble Is anything but a mark of distinction...

(26) Thereare many today who are actingjust as ridiculously as that dog. People willdo anything togatn notorietyamong othersand atthe same time refuse to recognize the chastening of the Lord.There Is much wisdomIn the verses:. ·aenot wise

Inthine owneyes: fe arthe Lord, anddepart from evil . • •My son despisenot the chastening of the Lord; neither beweary ofhts correction.· HappinessIs fo und In 11v1ng a quiet, peaceful life In all humilitybefo re God. -Wayne Murphey

-----­ MAY 8, 1994 MOREBENEFITS 01'WISDOM WITH SOME NOTES 01' CAUTION

Proverbs 3:19 The Lord bywisdom hathfo undedthe earth: by understandinghath he establtshed the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shaltthou walk In thyway safely, and thy foo t shall not stumble. 24 When thou llest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lle down, and thy sleep shall besweet 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when It cometh. 26 For the Lord shallbe thy confidence. and shall keep thy foot from being taken. 27 Withhold not good fromthem to whom It Is due. when It Is In the power of thine hand to do ft. 28 Say not unto thyneighbour. Go, and come again. and to morrow I willgive : when thou hast It by thee. 29 Devisenot evilagainst thyneighbour, seelng hedwelleth securely by thee. 30 Strive not with a man withoutcause, ifhe have done thee no hann. 31 Envy thou not the oppressor. and choose none of his ways . (27) 32 For the froward Is abomination to the Lord: but his secretIs with the righteous. 33 Thecurse of the LordIs inthe house of the wicked: but he blesseththe habitation of the just. 34 Surelyhe scometh the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wJse shall Inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Proverbs15 : 16 Better Is little with thefe arof theLord than great treasure and trouble therewith. James 1:5 Ifany ofyou lack wisdom,let himask of God,that givethto allmen liberally, andupbraldeth not; and It shallbe glven hlm. 6 But let himask In fai th, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth Is like a wave of the sea driven with the Wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man thinkthat he shall receive any thing of the Lord. MEMORY VERSE: Who Is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongyou? let him shew out of a good conversa­ tion his works with meekness of wisdom. James 3:13. CENTRAL THOUGHT: The fe arof God in our heartswlll cause us to live very careful lives before God and in our relationswith our fe llow man.

WORD DEFINITIONSAND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 20), "By HisknDwledge the depthsare broken up•:The depths refer to the greatocean and Its tributariesand seas.The tenn ..broken up" refers to control that God has with the ocean and Its mighty currents. He broke open the fo untains of the deep In Noah'stime and caused the greatflood. He rebukedthe waters and put them back into their boundaries again. He controls the rtvers and fountains and streams. He causes vapors to ascend to the heavens and then releases them again In rain and snow. All this Is done and carried out by the wise and knowledgeable hand of our God. This same sourceof wisdom andknowlege can be our supply fo r ourlives. He canmake us to know how to live rightly,joyfully and beneficially. (V. 22),

(28) "Graceto thy neck":The neck Is a very vital partour of body. Allthe veins andarteries that bring the blood toand from the brain flow through the neck. There Is the throat and the windpipe, channels fo r theair to flow to thelungs, and the food to the digestive system. There is the upper backbone and vertebrathrough which runsthe spinalcord that connects the brainwith allparts of thebody. Grace, blessingsand favor will be tothis important part of ourbody If we will keep our whole being on the altar fo r God's holy purpose. The neck also has a sp1rltual meaning. It can be the will and the fo rce of determination. If we will fear God we will have a healthy purpose and willingness to always do what is good and best (V. 25), "Suddenfear, thedesolation of thewicked": By keeping ourselves in the love of God we do not have tobe afraid when the sudden calamities are meted out to man because of his wickedness.God will amake wayfor us, and in that lastgreat day when the lastjudgment shall fal l, we shall escape and standin saf eqrbefore the throne ofHis gloty. 'Whenit cometh": The Hebrew renders thisphrase thus: "For it is coming. • (V. 26), "Keepthyfootjrom beingtaken": When we walkin the fear of God with carefulness and dlligence to do the right. we will avoid the traps and snares thatfoo the lish anddisobedient are constantlystumbltng into. (V. 27). "Themto whomit tsdue": The Hebrew word here means a master, husband, or owner. It refers to anyone in authortqr that we owe good respect and gratitude to. (V. 29), "He dwellethsecurelyby thee":We areall members one of another. He who dwells nearyou is a part of your ltfe. You cannot hann or mistreat himwithout affecting and injurtngyourself. (V. 32), "Hts secrettswith the righteous": The Hebrew word fo r •secret• means close communion or intimacy. The proud and scornfulsoul God keeps away from, but with the one who fe ars andrever ences HimGod can and will be very personal and close to. (V. 34), "He scometh the scorners•: The Hebrew word means to make a mouth at or scoff. To have God do that is a temble curse. The Septuagint translation renders this verse thus: "'lbe Lord resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble", as is quoted In James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5.

(29) LESSON BACKGROUND We continue in our lesson concerning the benefits of wisdom and the fe ar of God, but we have a few cautionary measures included. One of the main fe atures of the blessings promised tothe God-feartngIs that of securityand safe ty.The statement of God'swisdom fo unding theearth and establish­ ing the heavensgives evidenceto the truth that the mainte­ nance and protection of the earth and Its inhabitants are under His control, also. Therefore He exhorts us to hold fa st to the precepts of the fea r of God.It Is fo r ourown safety and welfare that we should do so. The ruin of the wicked and the calamitiesthat befall men on account of the wrath ofGod will involve His chddrenwho llve amongthem. But Godwill make a way fo r those who fea r Him and obey His Word.For this causewe arecautioned to be very careful how wewith deal our fe llow man,ke eplngbenevolentandhelpful, and gMnghonour andrespect where It Is due. While the curseof the LordIs upon the house of the ungodly, His blessings are upon the habita­ tion of the righteous. Whde He resists the proud, He gives grace to the humble. The wise and God-fearingHe willdeliver and cause to inherit glory, but everlasting shame and con­ tempt await the foolish who reject the fe arof the Lord. -Leslle C. Busbee

QUESTIONS: 1. Canour lives be just as orderly and in control as the earth and the heavens above? 2. What mustwe do to have it this way? 3. Can anyone reallyhann us lfweare fo llowingfa ithfully that which Is good? 4. What kind of foo t-stumbling Is he speaking of here? 5. Who aresome of the peoplethat respectand honour are due to? 6. Can we do wrong or hann to our neighbor without affecting ourselves? 7. WhyIs the royal law. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" so Important? 8. Why Is the Lord God not close and intimate with the unrighteous? (30) 9. How doesthe Lordtreat the proudand the scornful? 10. What kind of glorywill the wise inherit?

ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS

The benefits of wisdom and fearing God are unfolding more and more. Since by His wisdom the Lord created the heavens and the earth. and since byHis understanding and knowledge It Isall kept In such adecorous order. we who llve upon this globe have need of the essentlal qualities of that samewisdom to governour lives with. We areInviting disaster andfa ilure whenwe fall toapply the principles of godlywisdom andChristian love to ourway s. Thedesolation and ruin of the wicked are partof the taleof the historyof mankind.OVer and over the truth ofGod's Word Is verlfled In the woeful talethe of ruinof fools who take their ownand way disregard the fear of God. And the testimony of the righteous concerning God's providence and blessings add to the sure1¥ of the d1vlne testimonyof theselessons In Proverbs. ServingGod fa ithfully calls for seiVIng our fel low man and relating to him In a righteous way. We are not here alone and no man llves to himself or dies to himself. Each one of us are having an Influence that goes out and touches other llves. We are contributingsomething to earth's condition, whether good or bad. TheCreator has made It possible thatwe canllve a happy andsuccessful lif e while we arehere In this world. If we willbut avallourselves of Hisprovision of graceand lmowledgewe can enjoyour stay here andbe ablessing to all we meet. Or we can refuse His profferedgrace and go our own selfish way like so manyare doing. But we arefoo lingno one. The cursew1ll fall right backupon our heads and hit us where It w1ll hurt the most. The merciful God Is so good to help people, but there comes a place where His mercy cannot wipe away the stains of foolish ways. Let us take heed to the warning and wise counsel of God. -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Ifyou want to feel the presence of Godgo aloneto behold the beauties of nature.Walk on the carpetunder the majestic

(31) trees, lay besidethe bubbling brook, admirethe stmpllcltyof a sunsetor gaze at thefaraway stars.In all these you wUl tlnd the handiwork and wisdom of God manifested. Perhaps the reasonour nation Is not asrellglously lncllned as It waswhen It wasfo unded Is due Inpart to the fact that we do not live as close to nature as before. We are undedsurro by manmade obj ectsthat keepus occupied much of the time. We no longer have time toen joythe beautiesof nature likeour forefathers. Thisdoes not meanthat we should livea hermit's life, but that we must retain In our minds who the Creator Is. Ourlesson tells us thatIf we won't forget these things, It will lifbe e unto our soul. ManIn his wisdomhas done somegreat things. yet he has done nothing to begin to rivalwhat God has done. Manhas beenable toreach the moon, but God made the moon. Man has discovered microscopic life, but God Is the one who designedthe pinpoint llfe. What greatwisdom: and to thinkwe can be partakers of the source of that wisdom. Why would anyone want to continue In their own foollsh conceit? OUr lesson describes the resultof wisdom. "'11leshall wise inherit gloey: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. • -Wayne Murphey

-----­ MAY 16, 1994

FURTHERENTREA TIES TO SEEK WISDOM AND THEWAY OP GODLINESS Proverbs 4:5 Getwisdom. get understanding: forgetIt not; neitherdecllne from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not. andshe shallpreseiVe thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom Is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: andwith all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, andshe shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dostembrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crownof gloryshall shedellver tothee. 12 When thou goest.thy steps shall not bestraitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. (32) 13 Take fa st hold of Instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she Is thy life. 14 Enter not Into the pathof thewicked, andgo not Inthe wayof evtl men. 15 Avoid lt. pass not by lt. tum from It, and pass away. 17 For theyeat thebread of wickedness. and drink the wine ofvtolence. 18 But the path of the just Is as the shining llght. that shlneth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 Theway ofthe wicked Is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. 23 Keep thy heart with all dillgence: for out of It are the Issues of life. 24 Putaway fromthee a frowardmouth, andpetverse lips put far from thee. 25 Letthine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet. and let all thy ways be established. 27 Tum not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foo t from evtl. Proverbs 13:20 He that walkethwith wise men shall bewise: but a companion of foo ls shall be destroyed. Proverbs 19:8 He thatgetteth wisdom loveth his ownsoul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. MEMORY VERSE: Byhu mll1tyand thefe arof theLord are riches, and honour. and life. Proverbs 22:4. CENTRAL THOUGHT: Following wisdom and godly fear will guideus Into the shiningpathway of the just and willsteer us clear of thedark and treacherousways of wicked and sinful men. WORD DEFINITIONSAND CLARIFICATI ONS: (V. 5), "'Get wisdom, get understanding": Procure, obtain, acquire, pur­ chase for yourown.(V. 7), "'Wtsdom tstheprtnclpal thtng":The firstand most Important thing In yourlife. (V. 8), ·she shall promotethee ": She will liftyou up. Instead ofexalting one's self In pride, wisdom should be exalted and given the preeml-

(33) nence. In tum for doing this, wisdom willlift you up. (V. 12), wrhysteps shaHnot be straUened•: They shall not benarro wed. You willhave plentyof room to accomplishyour labors. Many people bring themselves into straits ofdifficulty because of their foolish ways. (V. 18), •shlneth more and more unto the perfec t day•: The Hebrew says, "A bright light going and shiningt1ll the dayIs established. "Th e Septuagintsay s, �ey go on and shine untllthe day be fully come." God wants our life to be a continual increasing in brilllance and gloWing brightness as we live from day to day. (V. 23), "With aU dUtgence": TheHebrew word fo r "dUigence" means a guard like for a man, a post, or a prison. It alsoIs used to mean a deposit: as something to be responsibly kept. The Septuagint says, "With utmost care."I t expresseshow carefully and watchfully we should guardour affectionsand attitudes from the ways of the world. "TheIssues ofl ffe•: TheHebrew says . "the outgoings of life." Jesus said that what comes from the heart defiles a man. Mark 7:21. How we need to take utmost care of the condition of our affections anddesires and becaref ul what we allow to dwell there! (V. 26), "Ponder": to weigh all angles and consider carefully.

LESSON BACKGROUND

Thelo ving counsel and entreatyof our lesson todayIs that of a godlyand concerned fa theradmonishing andwarning his children. He had been taught by his father and mother to go in the way of wisdom and the fe ar of God. As I get farther up thejourney of life and have had occasion to study peopleand theirproblems oflife, I see more and more theimportance and value of the parental role in a child's life of discipline and teaching the fe ar of God. So many times a person's woeful condition stems from the lack of the right kind of parental influence. It is the way that God hasplanned fo r children to be influenced fo r the right. Godlyparents who setan example of righteousness in the home and hold the standard of God's Word before their children have the greatest chance of influ­ encing them for the Lord. When you see a misguided and shameful life, the chances are great that such a person has missed out on somethingin his childhood. This is not true in

(34) evecycase,however, but In most casessomething falled in that childhood. And If one could trace things on back farther ln htstocythere might turn up problems In the next generation back. The entreaties of our lesson are sovaluable fo r the happiness and welfare of young people. Getting wisdom, steering clear of the evil ways of the world and seeking earnestly the path of the righteous needs to be the aim of all of us. To neglectto do this ls to Invite fa llure and disaster. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Can you list the things that we are exhorted to do to wisdom in our lesson? 2. Can we be forced to do these things? 3. Whatwould cause a personto want and purposeto get, love, exalt and embrace wisdom? 4. What will wisdom do fo r us ifwe will love, exalt and embrace her? 5. Whyshould we take fa st hold of instruction and not let her go? 6. Does the path of the wicked and the way of evll men have easy access for us to enter? 7. How are we going to avoid it? 8. What shouldwe obsetveabout the pathof evil thatwill help us to be determined to avoid It? 9. What Is there about the pathof the just that will attract us?

ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS Some ofthe thoughts in our lessonhave been mentioned before,but they arerepeated and stressed again because they areso Importantand worthy of our consideration.As we grow older we aregoing to befa ced withdecisions to bemade . There are so many attractions and solicitations that will be put before us In the world. We need to be fo rewarned and coun­ selled, and thiswhat Is this lesson Isfo r. We surelyhope and trust that evecy young person who reads this will take heed and ponder It well. It Is an undeniable fa ct that many, many

(35) people have gone astray from the path of the just and have gone into ways that seemrtght. but have provento bethe ways of death. Oh. that they had been more properlywarned. and that they had takenheed to what warning they had been given! Our lesson counsels us to get wisdom. do not fo rget it. decline not from her words, do not fo rsakeher. love her. exalther and embrace her. If allof these action words will be put into gear inour lives the blessing will be sure to fo llow. Thequallties of souland spiritual values that will help us to triumph over sin andbe ready for heaven are the riches that will be fo und lfwe willbe the children of wisdom. -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We know verylittle about thekind of home life David had. We generally picture him as a leader and great man ofwar. but accordingto our lesson. he tooktime to sit down with his son. Solomon. and teach him. The great wisdom that Solomon possessed in later years could have resulted from the love fo r it that was instilled in him by his father's direction. This should gtve us an insight into the importance of teaching our children. While they are young and moldable we should instruct them how to conduct themselves in wisdom. The essence of the instruction that David gave Solomon was. '"Keepyourself out of troubleand in time to come you will be glad that you did ... When God created the animals, He endowed them with an instinct fo r survival. It is only wisdom fo r the deer to pause at the edge of the frost. investigate and sniff the air. It is vital fo r continued existence. When God created man. He developed within him an instinct called conscience. If this conscience is not seared, it is a valuable asset. -Wayne Murphey

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(36) MAY 22, 1994 THEDANGER AND THREAT OP THE STRANGEWOMAN Proverbs 5: 1 My son. attend unto my wisdom. and bow thine earto my understanding: 2 That thou mayest regard discretion. andthat thy lips may keep lmowledge. 3 For thelips of a strangewoman drop as anhoneycomb. and her mouth is smoother than oll: 4 But her end Is bitter as wormwood. sharp as a two­ edged ·sword. 5 Her feet go downto death: her steps take hold on hell. 6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life. her ways are moveable. that thou canstnot lmow them. 7 Hear me now therefore.0 ye chlldren, and depart not from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove thy way far from her. and come not nigh the door of her house: 9 Lestthou give thinehonour unto others, andthy years unto the cruel: 10 Leststrangers be fllledwith thywealth: and thy labours be In the house ofa stranger; 11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, 12 And say. How haveI hatedInstruction , and my heart despised reproof: 13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor Inclined mineear to them that Instructed me! 14 I wasalmost In all evil inthe midst of thecongregation and assembly. 15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running watersout of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters In the streets. 17 Letthem be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 18 Letthy fo untain blebe ssed: andrej oice withthe wife of thy youth. 19 Lether be as the lovinghind and pleasantroe: let her

(37) breastssatisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20 And why wUt thou,my son, beravished with astrange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21 For the ways of manare before the eyesof the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. 22 Hisown Iniquities shall take the wicked hbnself, andhe shall beholden with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without Instruction; and In the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. MEMORYVERSE: Thereis a way which seemethright unto a man, but the end thereofare the ways of death. Proverbs 14: 12. CENTRAL THOUGHT: The world and its attractions are l1kean evil andstrange woman who attractsa youngman by her beautyand charmbut will ensnare himand bring him to ruinand destruction. This can happen to a young man by an attractivewoman, or it can happen to any youngperson who allows the sinfulways of life to have place In the heart. WORD DEFINITIONSAND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 4), •Her end ts bitter as wormwood•: AfteJWards she is poison and accursed. (V. 6), •Her ways are moveable, thattlwu cans t not know them•: Her ways are unstable, waveringand constantly changing; she works underhandedso that you cannotdiscern her evil and hann. (V. 9), •Lest thougtve thine honour unto others•: Honour here meansyour strength, vigor, beauty and blessedness. (V. 14), •1 was abnost fn aU eua•: The Hebrew says, •As a little I was allIn evll." lt seems toexpress that by givingIn a little to sin It takes overthe whole of one's life. (V. 16), •Let thy fcxm tatns be dispersed abroad•: The Hebrew expresses this In a question: ·should your springs be dis­ persed outside, like rivers of waters In the streets?" The Septuagintsays , ..Let not watersout of thyfo untainbe spllt by thee."This agrees more with the settingof the otherscriptures, ..Drink waters out of thine ownciste rn,"and '"Let them be only thineown." The fo untainhe is talkingabout here is thebloom and beauty of your manhood and youth; the appetites and

(38) passions, the strengthand vigor, with all the mental fa culties and abilities you have. These are to be given In consecration to the will of God and not poured out In lustful and wicked pursuits of sin and undlsctpllned ways of life . How often this has happenedto young boys andgirls as theycome fo rthIn the strength and beautyof youth!Satan has the rightagent at the right place and the right time to allure the person unawares Into his snare.

LESSON BACKGROUND Our lesson today Introduces the most prominent danger thatfa ces theyouth, and that Is the allurementof anungodly woman. The danger Is two-fold. First there Is the trap that Satansets fo r a boyor a gtrl ln arelationship with someoneof the opposite sex. This begins working early In life. Little boys and girls areattracted to each other, and Satan Is on hand to suggestevil actions andconducts that willlead to grossersins later on. Thenthere Is the spiritualaspect to this matter.There are Influences and attractions In the world that are not Immoral but are destructive to the soul by means of fa lse religiousspirits anddoctrines that are not soundlybacked by the Word of God. There are churches and religious systems that arepictured In the scriptures as a mother harlotand her harlot daughters. The world Is ftlled with deception and churchesthat do not teachthe whole truth.The warning must be takentwo-f old. We live In a worldgiven over to immorality and unrestrained sexual Involvement We live In a world charged with fal se doctrines and deceptive religions. But by the fear of Godand the wisdomfr om abovewe can escapethese snares and find the true Church and the true religion. Our lesson today Introduces this thought of the danger of the strangeand evilwoman, but we willhear more abouther in the lessons to come. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. How doesan eVil woman allure and attract? 2. But what Is her end like? 3. Why does Satan work to keep young people fro m pondering the path of life? (39) 4. Is It possible for a person to literally "throw their life away""? 5. Should a person value their strength and youthful abilities and seek to tum them to worthwhile purposes? 6. Is It possible to grow up In a congregation where the truthIs preached andgodly counsel isgtven, and yetgo to the dogs? 7. Is It wisebring to your appetites and desires Into the Lord's control and let Him work out things so that you can enjoy good blessings In a beneficial way? 8. Is God beholding everything you do? 9. Whatwill thebe means of the wicked being taken and what wlll he be bound with? 10. Whatcan one do to insure that this willnot behis end?

ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS

There are times and places where danger arises and peoples' lives are In jeopardy. Where highway repair and construction Is In progress there are red flags and signs of warning posted fo r travelers to be careful and slow down. Wherever there Isdanger there needs to bewarn ing. Soit is In this life as we are traveling through time to oureternal abode. There are dangers, many dangers. God's Word that He has committed to us is full ofwamtngsand counsel that willhelp us to go through life without being hurt or affected by the dangers.By taking heed to the warningand fo llowingthe plain and simple directions given In the Word of Godwe canmake the journey safely and reach yon distant goal of eternal life. Godhas so created man as a social creaturewith desires fo r love and enjoyment with others. But there Is danger In this world that willdraw uponthat disposition to desire enjoyable relationships. Sin came Into theworld and made treacherous life's journey. There are temptations and pitfallsthat one can fall into thatwill deffie and bring a person to ruin. There are evil men and women who hunt for a precious life to desecrate and bring down. There are ungodly associations and organi­ zations that beckon us to participate and join. There are deceptive spirits and church affiliations that will open wide their doors to us. They look and sound good, but the end

(40) proves to be the waysof death. How we need theSpirit of God to gutdeand guardus fromthese evil traps of the devil!It takes humilityand the fear of Godto guide us throughthe gins and snares of this worldof trouble. Satan wants to takeyoung a person and drag him Inthe dirt. But he does It with cunning anddeception. Throughthe appetites and desires of the body he allures aperson to the evilways oflife. Allaround us we see peoplewho have fa llen preyto the work of the enemy of souls. It Is for everyone to pray and seek God with all the heart. Beware and be on your guard. By fe ar and reverence and

submission to God, and bybeing teachable and receptive to His Word,we canescape the pitfalls of Satan. We have been warned, so maywe take heed and seek God earnestly fo r guidance andsafe ty. -Leslie C. Busbee

POOD FOR 'DIOUGHT

In thislesson there are speclftc Instructions to theyoung. The subject of fellowshtpplng with unsaved companions Is relevant for today'syouth. Too often young people reared Ina pure atmosphere lose their Innocence because they allow themselves toflirt with temptation and date someone who Is not saved. I am sure that the Innocent partydoes not begin such a relationship withthe Ideaof degrading themselves. In fact, youhear them say , ·1 believethat I can help that unsaved one." ThisIs a delusion. "Youcannot walk down the same path of life with an evil person and come out unscathed!• ThereIs a simple storythat portrays thistruth very well. Two pots, one of earthenware and the other of brass, were carrieddownstream by ariver In aflood� The brass pot begged his companion toremain as close by his side aspossible, and he would protect him. "You arevery kind," replied the earthenpot. •but that Is just what I amafraid of. If you willonJ;y keep your distance , I shallbe able to floatdown Insaf ety. But whetherI strikeyou or you strike me, I amsure to bethe one who willget theworst of ft." We must reallze that sin has absolutely nothing to offer. Therewill bearguments tothe contrary, but theyare deceiv­ Ing. We must love the souls of sinners but never theirways .

(4 1) The truth of the scripture, "Be not unequally yokedtogether withunbelievers: fo r what fellowshiphath rig hteousnesswith unrighteousness?and what communion hath lightwith dark­ ness?" should be Impressed upon the minds of our young people. It wlll save them frombeing ultimately holden withthe cords of sin. -Wayne Murphey

------

MAY 29, 1994

DIUGENCE TO KEEP FREE FROM THE SNARES OF THE WICKED

Proverbs 6: 1 My son. if thou besurety fo r thy fri end,if thou hast stricken thy handwith a stranger, 2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. 3 Do this now, my son. and deliver thyseU: when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go. humble thyself. and make sure thy fri end. 4 Give not sleepto thine eyes. norslumber to thineeyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter. and as a bird from the hand of the fow ler. 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard: consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Providethher meatin the summer,and gathereth foodher in the harvest. 9 Howlong wiltthou sleep, 0 sluggard? wiltwhen thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy povertycome as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

12 A naughty person,wicked a man , walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teachethwith his fingers; 14 Frowardnessis in his heart. hedeviseth mischief continu­ ally: he soweth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

(42) 16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea. seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look. a lying tongue, and hands that shed Inno­ cent blood. 18 An heart that deviseth wicked Imaginations. fee t that be swift in running to mischief. 19 A fa lse witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

MEMORY VERSE: The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken In their own naughtiness. Proverbs 11:6.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: There are snares and troublesome situations that we must bewatchful and careful to avoid. Ifwe do get into a difficulty we must take the humble route to deliver ourselves with the help of the Lord. There are wicked and inconsiderate people who arn ever willing to take advantage of their fe llow man. and we must seek God's mercies to deliver us from such, avoiding any yoke or fe llowshipwith them.

WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 1). •Surety fo r thyfriend": To be security for someone else's payment of debt or obligation. that is. to pledge or promise to meet a financial obligation for a friend Ifthey are unable to do so. •Stricken thy handwith a stranger": To strike or shake a hand was the ancient way of sealing an agreement or pledge. Although there are times when this canbe done fo r the sake of someoneyou lovewho is in a difficulty, yet it must be approached cautiously, and with earnest prayer. There are many treacherous things that can develop. It is wise to be very. verycareful about puttingyourself In any obligation whereyou arebound to make payment toor fo r others. We live in a society wherecredit is wide spread and very convenient. But this sort of convenience can so easily be gotten out of control. The warning here is for us to be diligent to watchfulness and care concerning getting into these situations. andIf you arecaught therein. yourdo bestto clearyourself as soon aspossible. (V.6), •Sluggard": Onewho is not inclined to work and is habitually lazy. (V. 11), •As one that travelleth":That is. with slow. but surely approaching steps. (Clarke's Commentary.) (V. 12), •A naughtyperson": The Hebrew says "aworthless man. .. •A froward mouth": A crooked mouth. (V. 16), •Abomination unto Him": Disgustingand hated of His soul.

(43) LESSON BACKGROUND

We now consider the danger ofbecoming surety for someone andalso the dangersthat lurk in canyingon any kindofbusiness or traffickingwith this sin cursed society.The general warningis to be diligent; tobeware. Humbling ourselves before others will help to get us on God's side and He willhelp us. There aremany ways that you can make yourself a surety. most of which is probably beneficial and lawful. But such should be approached with much prayer and caution. You can help your brother get utility service when he is unable to pay the deposit required by signtngyourname that you willpay any bills that your brotherwill not come acrosswith. Be careful what you allow yourself toget into. Steer clear of debts as much as possible. It is not wrong to makea debt, but it is a treacherous habit. The worldis full of evtl and dishonesty. Be diligent to do the right. Along with the comparisonof the ant. the Septuagint adds a little about the bee:

..Or. go to the bee.and learn how diligent she is, andhow earnestly she is engaged Inher work: whose labourskings and private men use fo r health, and she is desired and respected by all: though weak in body. she is advanced by honour.· It is wise to take note of the seven things that areabomination to the Lord as Itsted in our lesson. Letus deny these things anypart ofour life. It seems that the seventhone of sowingdiscord among the brethrenranks as the worst. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS: 1. Whattsthe bestattitude to take whenyou get Into any kind of problem withyour fellow man? 2. Which is easier: staying out of a trap or getting out of a trap? 3. What is the doom of the habitual sluggard? 4. What lesson can be learned from the ant and the bee? 5. Is it possible fo r us to be lazy and carelessin our souls? 6. Is there any threat or danger of wicked men taking advantage of us? 7. Is it wise to weigh your words and steps in dealtng with people? 8. Why does God hate these six things so? 9. What heads the list? 10. Why is sowing discord among the brethren such an abomination to God? (44) ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS

A number of years ago I was at a fa mily gathering where an aged uncle andhis wifewere presentwhommany of the fa mily had not seenfor many years. While sitting therenext to one of theolder membersof the groupwho was well acquaintedwith everyone, he told me about this uncle and his wife. It was a tale that struck horrorto my soul, and especially does it nowbecause both are in etemtwtoday. He told me that this uncle had stolen thiswif e and her two little daughtersyears ago fromher firsthusband. He stole her away with her children and theywere never seen again byher firsthusband. This wasa terrible wrongand heinous sin in God's sight. Her first husband vowed that ifever he fo und them, he would kill them. They had lived many years together. Now they were old. Not very many years after this they were called out into eternityto givean accountof their deeds. Talkabout frowardness and devising mischiefand sowing discord! What are such people going to do when they stand before the judgment barof God? Of course,such peopledo not think about standing atthe judgment to give anaccount of their doings. Thatis because there is no fe ar of Godbefore their eyes. Thefear of God dictates to us that we are going to all appear at the judgment seat of Christ where we will receive fo r the things done in our body.The things that the Lord hates and are an abomination to Him aregoing to comeup before Him some day! We are going to have to answer to Him fo r the way we have acted in this life. Life is too short and eternity is too long to make such a gamble on something as precious as our never­ dying souls. Let us fe ar Godand be careful how we live and how we deal with other people. You cannot do wrong and get by . -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Everything th�t is not done fo r the profit of righteousness Is done in vain. Many are what could be termed as "idly busy." On a job, some people appear to bevery bus y and yet produce little. This is the condition of a sinner. He is always going and doing but he produces nothing of consequence. This is slothfulness. If we know what is rightand what we should do, we must not fold our hands and sleep, but arouse ourselves and be a doer. What are the characteristics of a slothful person? They are veryvividly described in the seventeenth through the nineteenth

(45) versesof our lesson. It seems tobe the tendencyfor theone who is slothful to fault others. Theyare quick to ftnd mischiefand Ue tocover their wa ys. Ingeneral, they are theas drone beein thebee hive; nothing but a parasite to sociei¥. If we willbe dillgent about serving Lordthe and helping our fe llowman, wewill avert the destructionof our ownsouls. This is wisdom. -Wayne Murphey

-----· JUNE 6, 1994

MOREWARNINGS AGAINST THEALLURE MENT OF THE STRANGE WOMAN

Proverbs 6:20 My son. keep thy father's conunandrnent. and forsake riot the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest, It shall lead thee:when thou steepest, It shall keep thee: andwhen thou awakest. It shall talk with thee. 23 Forthe mmanco dmentis a lamp; andthe lawIs Ught:and reproofs of instruction are theway of life : 24 To keep thee thefrom evilwoman, fromthe flatteryof the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust notafter her beauty In thine heart: neither let her take thee with hereyellds . 26 For by means of a whorish woman a man Is brought to a piece ofbread: and the adulteress willhunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man take ftre in hisbosom. andhis clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his fee t notbe burned? 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbor's wife; whosoever · toucheth her shall not be innocent. 30 Men do not despise a thief, Ifhe steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; 31 But lfhe befou nd. he shallrestore sevenf old; he shall gtve all the substance of his house. 32 But whoso commftteth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 Forjealousy is the rageof a man:theref orehe willnot spare in the day of vengeance. (46) 35 He willnot regard any neitherransom: willhe restcontent, though thou gtvest manygifts.

MEMORY VERSE: As a jewel ofgold in aswine's snout, so is a fair womanwhich is without discretion. Proverbs 11:22.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: A constant remembering and holy regard fo r God's holy law will go with us through life and will safeguard us from the allurements of sin and this wickedwor ld.

WORDDEFINTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 22), •When thouslee pest. U:shall keep thee•: When you lie down,it (thelaw of God) willwatch over you. Ifwe willsincerely seek to fo llow their instruction and wisdomwe willbe benefited by theirpromises of peace and safe ty. (V. 25), •Lust rwtaft er her beauty•: Delight not in the fa irness of her face and outward fo rm. God gave a special beauty tothe woman, but this beauty is misused and made as a temptationby the evil spiritQf adultery to attract simplethe and unaware soul. Satan uses outward beauty to deceive souls into pitfalls of fa lse religion and deception, also. (V. 26), •A whorish woman•:A harlot;a womanwho sells her body fo r a pricefo r the graUflcatfon of lust and wicked relations. •Brought to a piece of bread•: Poverty andshame can bethe only outcome of yielding to such ungodlyattraction s. (V. 30), •Men dorwt despise a thiej: Of all the sins that a mancan commit, improperand impure relations with a woman is the most devastating and of the worst conse­ quence. It is one of the deepestpits ofevil that man can fa ll a victim to. A thief can obtain mercy, especially ifhe is willing topay back what he stole in his desperate time of need. But to commit fornication or adultery with an unlawful partner brings a re­ proach that cannot bewiped away.

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our lesson today we are dealing once more with one of our society's greatest sins, and that is, unlawful relations between men and women. Tn e language is explicit and plain and needs very little modlftcation and explanation. The opportunity is al­ ways there and many times is made so convenient and of easy access. Only by loving and holding fas t to the law of the Lord can we hope to successfully bypass this awful tide of lust and immoralitythat is presentingitself today. Many preciousboys and girls havebeen slain by this spirit and swept away from all that

(47) is rightand good. It is something that catchesyou in a trap and affords no way to escape.The history of this worldis stainedwith thisthing. Oh, bewarned, you ngpeoplei.Beon your guard against this tenible evtll Consecrate your life to God and resetveyour desiresand hopes fo r Him to fulfill alone. Thenyou can sparedbe fromthe awful consequenceof sin andits blight. Howtenible that our nationis sunk into thisawful pit! You do not haveto becaught in it. You can live a pure and aholy life and God willyou reward witha sweetcompanion to share your mortaldays in truelove and wedded bliss. Give the Lord a chance and stay away from these unholy attractions. Becareful of your affections and do not tum them loose onjust anyone. Lockyour heartand give God the key. He will directyou in the way that is good. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Why should we keep God's law soclose to our hearts? 2. What dangers await us in this world? 3. How doesan evilwoman attract others? 4. Is it possible for a man to take fire inhis bosom and not be burned? 5. Why is committing adultery such a tenible sin? 6. Whatis the popular trend among youngpeople today? 7. Is it havingits consequences in our world? 8. Is God going to let this go on forever? 9. How canwe escape the judgments of God concerning this thing! 10. What does a person do who gives in and yields to the temptation of adultery?

ADULTS• AND YOUNG PEOPLE•s COMMENTS Once I was looking at an old fami ly picture with my mother one day. She pointed out a little boy in the picture. She said, ..Would you like to know whathappened tothat little boywhen he got grown? He got to runningwith a marriedwoman. One night her husband came in and caughtthis young manin bedwith his wife andhe got hisgun and shot andkilled themboth! .. Our lesson says thatjealousy is the rageof a man.Oh. therehave been many, many likescenes in people'slives down through the years. Unholy desires are powerfula and dominant passion, but they must be brought into controlby the love and Spiritof God. Otherwisethey

(48) will get out of handand cause a persongreat so rrow andtrouble. God is grievedand angrywith the wayour society is doing today. He will not let it go on forev er. He is letting man go after his unbridled lusts today. but the time-clock of His wrath is ticking away . People are going to give an account of their wicked and lustful lives. All this adultery and fo rnication is condemned in God•s sight. The New Testament declares that '"marriage is honourable in all. andthe bed undefiled: but whoremongersand adulterers God will judge.· Hebrews 13:4. One young man was leaving home and his mother warned him about these things. Therewas a certainyoung woman thathe had beeninterested tn. and. thoughshe wasbeautiful outwardly. she was not anexam ple of godliness. This mother warned herson about her. knowing that she was in the area that he was going to. What happened? This young mangot withthis young woman and theygot married.Their maniagelasted only a few years. broughtsome children Into the world. and then they divorced. We could tell you case aftercase of sorrowand soul-destruction in this awfu l curse ofour age. The writer in Proverbs is giving us warning. Let us take heed and escape the awful snare of the wicked. -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

•As ajewel of gold In a swtne•s snout. so Is a fa ir womanwhich is without discretion: Proverbs 11:22. '"Thecomparison of thegold ringin the swtne•s snout sug­ gests the ideaof glaringincongruity. And the like is the incongru­ itybetween beauty and impurity in woman. '"The source of our deltght in physical beauty is that it expresses moralworth. Philosophers have always fo und it impos­ sible to define the beautiful as an object.Analysts at lastresults in this-that in every beautiful object we detect an analogy to some perception in our own minds. It Is a visible presentation of spiritual beauty. ·0ur displeasure in the association of physical beauty with moral worthlessness arises from the presence of a contradiction. And the mind Is made to love hannony. Thuswe have a witness in ourselves that God designed beauty and virtueto beindissolu­ bly united. As the sign and the thingsignified-the body and the soul. Sin ever puts asunder what Godhas joined. and all vice is incongruous with the beauty of His world ... -Ta ken from. ThePulpit Commentary

(49) JlJNE 12, 1994

A SCENE OF SORROW AND DESTRUCTION

Proverbs 7: 1 My son, keep mywords, andlay up my conunand­ ments With thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live: and my law as the apple of thine eye. 3 Bind them upon thy fingers. write them upon the tableof thine heart. 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister: and call under­ standing thy kinswoman: 5 Thatthey may keep theefrom thestrangewoman,from the strangerwhich flattereth with herwords. 6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, 7 And beheldamong the simple ones, I discernedamong the youths, a young manvoid of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her comer: and he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, inthe evening, ln the black and darknight: 10 And, behold, there met him a womanwith the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 13 Soshe caughthim, and kissedhim, and with anImpudent face said unto him, 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. 19 Forthe goodmanls not at home, he is gone a longjoumey. 20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and wUl come home at the day appointed. 21 With her much fairspeech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks: 23 nn a dartstrike through his liver: as a bird hastethto the snare, and knoweth not that It ls for his life. 24 Hearken unto me now therefore, 0 ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Letnot thine heartdecline to herways, go not astray in her paths. 26 Forshe hath castdown many wounded:yea, many strong menhave been slain by her.

(50) 27 Her house Is the way to hell. going down to the chambers of death.

MEMORY VERSE: BlessedIs the man that endureth tempta­ tion: fo r when he Is tried, he shall receive thecrown ofllfe, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Many precious souls have been be­ guiled by the allurementsof sin andthe flesh.But . if wewill make wisdom and understanding our constant companion and guide, we will beable to escapeand overcome this sinful world and make heaven our home some blessedday.

WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 1). •tay up mycommandments with thee •: Treasureup the commandments of Godclose to your heart, and keep them before your mind at all times. (V. 2), "'As theapp leof thineeye•: The pupil oftheeye. How we guard andcherish the preciousgift ofsight! Even sowe should guardthe preciouslif e that Godgives us by strictconf ormityto His preciousWord. (V. 4), •Sister, kinswoman•: Makingwisdom your close kin will help to ftll up and satisfy your life so that the temptation of the ungodly will not be so strong and irresistible. Finding the joy and beauty of the fe llowship of God is very importantin overcoming the world. (V. 5) . •Strange woman•: She who is profaneand fo reign to the willof God.(V. 13). •eaughthim•: Seized or laid hold of him. ·wuh animpudent face •: The Hebrew says, "'She hardened or strengthened her face: Adam Clarke obseJVes: "'Shestrengthened her countenance, assumedthe most confident look she could: endeavored to appear friendly and sincere.· (V. 18). •.solace ourselves with loves·: Delightourselves withcaresses. This is explicitlanguage , but it just shows howthe appeal of thisungodly womandraws on the cordsof the fleshand the natural desires. (V. 19). •Goodman•: The Hebrewword here means a manor male person. and is also translated ·husband· in other places. The Septuagint says. •My husband is not at home, but is goneon a longjoumey.•(V. 20), •At theday appo inted•:The Hebrewsays ... At the day of thefull moo n.• (V. 22). •As afoo l tothe correctionof thestocks•: TheHebrew says, •Asone chained to the chastisement of a foo l.•

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our previous lessons we have the benefits of wisdom and

(51) the curseof fo lly set before us. We have seen the allurements of sin andthis wickedworld andthe Invitationof righteous andholy wisdom portrayed. But todaywe are looking on a scene of horror and destruction. It Is a scene that hasbeen enactedover and over through the years of time. It Is the burden of the Lord. this writer of Proverbs. andthe burden of the godly seJVants of the Lord to warn especially the youth against this terrible pitfall. Exhorting theyoung person tomake wisdomand understanding his or her closekin and companion. writerthe tells about whathe saw with his own eyes. Itshows how weak and vulnerableman canbe when It comesto relatingto the oppositesex. How easyIt Isfor friendship todevelop Into an unholy relationship. In our world today when men and womenwork side by side In the marketplace. office. or factorythere Is the convenientset up everydayfo r unholyassocia­ tions. Our world. our soclet;y Is saturated and stained with this thing. Oh. let us alltake warning! Keep the fear of Godas the apple of your eye. Guard that precious gift of youthful energy and desires. reseJVIng Its fountain fo r the Lord and the one He will arrange for you to have. Avoid and escape the trap that Is set fo r you by profane and evilcourses of life! -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Canwe make the Lord'sco mmandments dear and as the apple of the eye If we do not take timeand attention fo r them? 2. What Is the table ofyour heart? 3. Is It possibleto have thefear of Godclose as to us as a kind and loving sister? 4. What will wisdom. as a sister. do fo r you? 5. What kindof a youngman did he see through hfs window? 6. What was the allurement of this woman that drew him? 7. Instead of yielding. what should this young man have done? 8. Has this happened to anyone that you are acquainted with? 9. Could It happen to you? 10. What should you do tokeep It fromhappening to you?

ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS There Is a natural attraction of a girl to a boy and a boy to a girl. God put that special attraction there. But there Is a great

(52) danger of that attraction becoming a cause for temptation to wrong and ungodly ections.aff This is a trap. a snare that has caughtmany in itsclutch es. Unholy desiresand aff ectionsare the worst enemy to the fear of God. It means so much fo r a young personbring to intosub jectionhis or her desires to the willof God! If not. there is suredisaster and heartache in store.Lasting love and happiness arenot cheap. The bliss of a happy marriageand a homeof peace loveand is onlygained through diligent and strict obedienceto the fear of God. Many SOITOWS arefo und in people's livesbecause of someoneyielding to unholyattractions. I knewof a couple who were seemingly happily man1ed with a young son who loved his parentsso fo ndly. Theman took a trip to California and while there met up with anold girlhood sweetheart.They fe ll into an unholy relationship that caused him to forsake his wife and son. Great sorrow fell upon that woman and her son. It happens all the timein this wicked world. Many preachers and religious leaders have fa llen into this trap. The Word of God is givingus warning. Letus takeheed. Oh. young people, the scene of our lessontoda y neednot berepeated in your life. but tt canbe. If you want to avoid this awful snare. then do as the writer is pressingyou to do. Make wisdomyour close companion. Beon your guardagainst the fo rcesthat areanayed against you todraw you away from God. Consecrate and yieldto God all your life and self. Makenot a moveunless you know that God is guiding you. TheLord is fai thful and willhelp you throughthe temptations and tunnoils youthof ifyou will trust and obey Him. May God bless and guide you. -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FORTHOUGHT

Thereare many good examples in the Bibleofpeoplewhohave withstood the allurement of sin. One of the most outstanding is Joseph. The devilcarefully laida trapfo r him downin Egypt. at his master's house. What-acontrast between endthe of his story andthe one in our lesson. Ratherthan going as anox to slaughter. he walked away with his head held high fn victory. People get into trouble when theylisten to the reasoning of sin. At such a time the conunandments ofare God no longer the apple of their eye.Notice what Josephsaid whenhe wastempted. ·How then can doI this greatwickedn ess. and sin against God?.. Just think of the trouble thisworld mighthave been sparedif Eve would have spoken thesewords to Satan. Imagine the troublethat

(53) people today would be spared if they would reply thus to the temptation of evil. It is only wisdom to do so. TheChristian lif e requiresconstant vigilance but it is not a life of fearing failure. Godhas complete victory fo r us ifwe will keep His law as the apple of our eye. -Wayne Murphey ------dUNE 19, 1994 THEUNIVERSAL APPEAL 01' WISDOM TO MAN Proverbs 8: 1 Doth not wisdom cry?and understanding put forth her voice? 4 Unto you, 0 men, I call; and myvoice Is to the sons of man. 5 0 yesimple, understandwisdom: and, ye foo ls, beye of an understanding heart. 6 Hear; fo r I wUl speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 8 Allthe words of my mouth areIn righteousness; there Is nothingfroward or perverse In them. 9 Theyare allplain to himthat understandeth, and right to themthat flnd knowledge. 12 I wisdom dwell withprudence, and find out knowledge of witty Inventions. 13 Thefe arof the LordIs to hate evll:pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14 Counsel is mine,and sound wisdom: I amunderstand­ Ing: I have strength. 15 Byme kings reign, and princes decreejustice. 17 I love them that love me; and thosethat seek me early shall flnd me. 19 My fruitIs better than gold , yea. thanflne gold ; and my revenue than choice sUver. 22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earthwas. 26 Whlleas yet he had not madethe earth , nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of theworld.

(54) 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the fo undations of the earth: 30 Then I wasby him, as one brought up with him: and I wasdaiJy his delight. rej oicing always . before him; 31 Rej oicing In thehabitable part of hls earth;and my delights were with the sons of men. 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, 0 ye children: fo r blessed are they that keep myways. 33 Hear Instruction, and be wise, and refuse It not. 34 Blessed Is the manthat hearethme, watching dallyat my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso ftndeth me ftndeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. 36 But he that slnnethagainst me wrongeth hisown soul: all they that hate me love death.

MEMORY VERSE: ...Behold, the fe ar of the Lord, that Is wlsdom�and to departfrom evll ls understanding.Job 28:28.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Wisdom, the fear of God,. ls stlll calling out fo r us to listen and give heed to her words of truth andrighteousn ess,to teach us thegood waylif to e eternal, and to 011 our souls with true riches, that we might be happy. successful and right

WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 9), •Ffain tohim thatunderstandeth•: Stralghtfotward and clear cut: easy to distinguish. To the one lacking understanding God's laws are not clear because of wrong attitudes and dispositions that cloud the mind. (V. 12), •Prudence•: Wise craftiness; knowing how to accomplish the best ends with the best methods and most appropriate means. •Knowledge of wittytnventtons•: Knowledge of good and sagacious plans and contrivances. A person endowed with divlne wisdom will be blessed with understanding how to function successfully In the home, church, communlqr and with himself. (V. 13), •Arrogancy•: Loftiness In mind andattitude: too highopinion of one's self. (V. l7),•See kmeearly•: Tobeup earlyatanytask, Implyingearn estness; searchingfo r with painstaking. (V. 23),

(55) •Set.from up everlasting":Planned andorganized, molded and framed. Wisdomdirected God In all of the creation, and the more we learnabout the wondersof the earthand the heavens the more we know it is true. Thiswisdom that is making her otTer to guideus in ourlives is the same wisdom that directed the creationof the world. (V. 30), -nten I was by htm. as one broughtup withhim": The Hebrew says, "AndI wasat His side, anexpert and skllled workman . (V. 31), "Thehabitable of part hisearth": Inthe partof the earththat He designed fo r man to inhabit. Thereare some parts theof earththat Goddid not and does nottoday design for man to dwell in or even to go to. For this reason many foo lhardy people have suffered and died, reachingfor areas lllre the north and south poles, the moon, the mountainheights, and other areas thatare bestfor man toavoid. •My delightswith thesons of men":The souls of men were the most important part of God's creation for the work and effect of wisdom. (V. 34), "Watching, wafting at my doors": Seeking,yearning, intenselydeslrlng the profitable counsel of wisdom. Adam Clarke has a very worthy comment here: "Wisdom is represented ashaving a schoolfor the instruction of men: andseems to pointout some of the most fo rwardof her scholars coming, through their intense desire to learn, even before the gateswere opened, and waiting there fo r admission, thatthey might hearevetywordthat was uttered,and not lose one accentof theheavenly teaching. "Th is thought impresses me to show a constantoutlook and watchf ul observance as the heart of a child of wisdom, ever ready to grasp a lesson or maximof knowledge everymoment should the doorbe opened suddenly, in an instant when inspiration and light breaks fo rth.

LESSON BACKGROUND Once more the writer pictures the beautiful woman por­ trayingthe attractionand callofWisdom who is sounding out her appealto us poorand needy mortals in this short llfe. We had her pictured In Lesson 3 of this series, but the writer enlarges uponit again. Afterillustrating the woesof those who reject the fearof the Lordand the wonderfulblessings of those who receive her astheir near andbeloved companion, we once

(56) morehear her voice and a morevibrant extension of her call. It Isfo r us to willingly ourIncline earto hervoice, fo r she forces no one to go her way. Thosewho reap thebenefits that she is offering do so because they make her their choice. The heedless.stubborn. andproud choose their way. Theydo not have to be stubborn and heedless. It Is just that It takes diligenceand purposeof heartthat they are not will1ngput to out. Their mindsare bUnded bythe vanities of the fleshand the carnalminded world. There Is no fearof Godbefore theireyes. Wisdom Is stlllcalling today. Until the lastbeam of this time world fad es Into eternity shewtll ·stlll be soundingher mes­ sage. makingher appeal tothe sons of men. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUES'nONS: 1. Is wisdom crying out and making her calltoday? 2. Who Is she caiUngto? 3. WhatIs wisdom offering? 4. Whatdoes she sayabout her wordsand teachings? 5. In what way Iswisdom betterthan riches? 6. Just how was wisdom withLord the In thebeginning? 7. In what does wisdomwant to rej oice? 8. What does It mean to watch daily at her gates and doors? 9. Whatwill we obtain Ifwe will ftndwisdom? 10. Whoproves by their actions thatlove they death?

ADULTS' AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S COMMENTS

There is a woman beauUful and in God's sight most fair ; She seeks the hearts of mento ftllwith wealth beyond compare. She standswherever man is fo und and sounds her earnest cry, (rhough many fai l tohear her sound and pass her messageby) : •Hearl I will speak of righteousthings excelltngbeyond far The fleeUng wealthof earthlykings who count this world sofo nd. 'ibey"replain to all who understand. and right to allwho ftnd Theknowledge of God"sgradous hand withopen heart mind.and

·1 wisdomdwell with prudence fair ; wiseplanning I search out: I help kings reignand princes bear their rulewithout a doubt.

(57) -rhe froward mouth and evilway I hatewith all its pride; My words are right and they will pay great dividendsbeside. '"Seek after me, delights shall fillyour heart before unknown: My strength and sound discretion will not let you walk alone. '"For I love them who will loveme, who seek me in theiryouth, I'll help them ftnd the purity that comes by loving truth. ..Oh. let me be your sisternow, your friend in conflicts sore, I'll keepyou from the womanstrange who seeksto rob your store;

..1"11 fill your bloomingyouth with bliss and honor so divine, Thiswicked world youwill not miss, enraptwith all of mine! 'ibe fo untain of your youth I will enrich abundantly; With joys and happy treasures fill like rivers flowing free. ·vour barnswith plenty will be ftlled, yourpresses with newwine, More preciousfar than gold andgems your lifeshall sweetlyshine.

'"Instruction hear, and beyou wise: oh, tum it not away; A blessed home beyond the skieswill beall yours someday . .. Forhe that sinsagainst mycall lovesdeath and wrongs his soul, But he who takes me fo r his all finds Freedom's sweetcontrol . -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Job, In the midst of his tumultous time, fully concurred with Solomon concerning the value of wisdom. '"But where shall wisdombe fo und? andwhere lsthe place of understand­ Ing?It cannotbe gotten for gold, neither shallsUver beweighed for the prtcethereof . It cannotbe valuedwith the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx. or the sapphire.• Job 28: 12.15-16. When evetythlnglooked dark. Joblooking was for wisdomto know how tobehave himselfas he should. We can seeIn his answer to his wife that he still retained wisdom. She said, • ...Dost thou stillretain thine integrity? curse God, and die. • In his wisdom Job replied. • ...Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh.• Job 2:9-10. Through wisdom Job kept hisintegrity with God. The result of thiswas he wasgiven more than he had before.He provedwhat Solomon said, ·Now therefore hearkenunto me, 0 yechlldren: for blessed arethey that keep my ways.•

(58) Thosewho fail to answer the callof wisdom harm them­ selves. "But he that slnnethagain stmewrongethhis ownsoul: all they that hate me love death. • How foolish It Is for people to go righton doing the things that bringharm to their souls. In death theywill realize the value of Wisdombut It wUl betoo late to utilize it. -Wayne Murphey

------

JUNE 26, 1994

WISDOM'S CALL CONTRASTED WITH FOLLY'S ALLUREMENT Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom hath bullded her house. she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 2 She hath killed her beasts: she hathmingled her wine: she hath also furnished her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4 WhosoIs simple, let him turnIn hither: asfo r him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink ofthe wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake the foo lish, and live: and go In the way of understanding. · 7 He that reproveth a scornergetteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked mangetteth himselfa blot. 8 Reprovenot a scorner,lest he hatethee: rebukea wise man, and he wlll love thee. 9 GiveInstruction to a wiseman. and he will yetbe wiser: teach a just man. and he wlll increase In learning. 10 Thefea r of the Lord isthe beginningof wisdom: andthe knowledge of the holyIs understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be Increased. 12 Ifthou bewise,thou shaltbewiseforthyself: but ifthou scornest. thou alone shalt bearit. 13 A foo lish woman Is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

(59) 14 For she sitteth atthe door of her house.on a seat in the highplaces of the city. 15 To call engerspass who go righton their ways: 16 Whoso Issimple. let himtum Inhither: andas fo r him that wantethunderstanding. she saithto him. 17 Stolen waters are sweet. and bread eaten In secretIs pleasant 18 But he knowethnot that the dead are there; and that herguests are In thedepths of hell. Proverbs 24:3 wisdom Through Is an house bullded; and by understanding lt Is established: 4 Andby knowledge shallthe chambersbe filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

MEMORY VERSE: If thou bewise. thou shaltbe wise fo r thyself: but Ifthou scomest. thou alone shalt bearil Proverbs 9: 12.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: There are two ways that are set before us inlif e. Evetyonemust choosefor himselfwhich way he wlll go. To forsake the foo lish and go in the way of understandingwlll bring life and peace. but to go the way of the wicked is to oosech death and an eternal abode in the depths of hell. WORD DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: (V. 1). "'Wfsdom•: Discernmentor soundjudgment concerning what is trueor false. properor improper:choice of the bestends and the best means to accomplish them. •Pillars•: A plllar is a column that standspe nnanentlyand unchanging. tosupport andhold up the roofof a building. (V. 2). •Her beasts,her wine, hertable•: Theserepresent the threecommodities of godliness andour relationshipwith God . Thebeasts represent sacrifice. Jesus Christ Is our Passoversacrlftced for us. We partakeof His flesh and blood by believing and obeying. 1he wine represents that drink that evety Christian must drink into. andthat is the wineof the HolySplrll theAnd table means the food for the soul. the Wordof Godand the doctrines ofChrlsl (V. 4). •ntmthat wanteth understandtng•: The Hebrew says. "'Himthat Jacketh heart.• It denotes emptinessof purposeand

(60) values. bewildered and confused. frustrated and without aim: shiftless and drifting. The Lord wants to flll such a heart with something worthwhile and satisfying. (V. 6), ·understanding•: Apprehendingand grasping the meaningof a thing. It Isinterest­ ing to note that the Hebrew word for understanding means to separate or distinguish. whfle the Greekword fo r understanding means to put together. It means that understanding enables us to separate and distinguish all parts and details of Ufe fo r their value and purpose. and to be able to assemble, organize and employ inan orderly and right manner all thingsfo r rightfunction and use. (V. 8), •Scorner": One who mocks and derides. (V. 10), •Beginningoj wfsdom•:The basis or firstand mostimportant part of being wise is to fear, honour, and respect the Almighty. •Knowledge•: True acquaintance with, or clear perception of facts. (V. 13). •clamorous•: Loud, noisy, seeking to attractatten­ tion. (V. 15), •Passengerswho go right on their ways•: TheHebrew says. "''hose passing fn the way . those going straight on their paths•• Theword straightmeans right. even, good. (V. 17).•&olen waters•: Thingspartaken of that areunla wful andnot permitted: that which is against thedivine ordinance of God. Tothe one not feari ng God there is actually a peculfar delight and thrill in partaking of something that is esteemed tobeforbidden.

LESSON BACKGROUND

We have in our lesson today a finalcomparison between the twowomen that we have studied aboutin this bookof Proverbs. Theone IsWisdom, the fear of God.The other isthe world andthe spirit of disobedience. It is to be noted how much moreWisdom has offerto thanthe foolfsh womanhas. All the foolish womanhas is the sweetness anden joymentof transgressionand sin, and the thrlllthat comes with doing things and gettingby with crossing the lfneof permission.But Wisdomhas those good qualftfes oflife and character that will make for safety and certain hope. They both havea houseand a placefn the midstof peoplefrom which toadvertise andtheir make call. These two spirits areconstantly before us. Evecyday wemust makedecfsions regarding them.God isallowing us todecide for ourselveswhich way wewtllgo. Letus bewise andchoose theway of the fe arand fa vorof Godand avoid that downward way that leads to eternal destruction. -Leslfe C. Busbee

(61) QUESTIONS: 1. Canyou thinkseven of principles that we could labelthe seven pillars of wisdom with? 2. What ldnd of winedoes Wisdom offer? 3. What ldnd of food does Wisdom otTer? 4. Can a personof partake wisdomwithout taking a clean stand againstthe fo lly of thisworld? 5. Why will scornera not takereproof? 6. Wtll we ever get to the place wherewe will not need to be wiserthan whatwe are? 7. What are we to do with knowledge thatwe attain tD? 8. Whowill webenefit the most byhaving wisdom?Who will we hurt themost by not having it? 9. What does the foolish woman haveto otTer? 10. Whatis the endof the soulwho follows Wisdom? What ts theend of the soulwho seeksnot Wisdom?

ADULTS' ANDY01JNG PEOPLE'S COMIIENTS

We are allbuilding a houseIn ourlif e ttme. Whetherwe are serving God or not, we are building a house. Thishouse ts our character,our spiritualself, theman thatwe reallyare. '11lfs ts the house that we will live in fo rever. It Is made up of words, deeds, thoughts,desires , attitudes, fee lings, reactions,and dispositions. It Involves our relationship with God, othersand our ownselves. Howwe treatGod, of course, Is the most important,but the other matters are Important. too. There Is only one true way of really building a house that will beworthwhile and safe. And that is to listen to the voice of Wisdom. the fe ar of God, and follow her counsels.We must go by theWord of GodIn everythingthat we let transpire In our lives. As we seekto know wisdom. we willbegin tounderstand life and itsmysteries and challenges. As we learn lessonsthat the Spiritof Godteaches us, we will begin growto In graceand knowledge of the LordJesus.Our understandingofHim will belike precioustreasures that we cherishand enjoy.We keep them tnour house ofhopeand salvation that we aresheltering our precious souls in. Our house stands because it is on a good fo undation, thesolid Rock, Christ Jesus, ofwhom the Splrlt ofthe Lord has given us light and understanding. The eyes of our understanding being opened, we know what is the hope of His callingand what is theriches of the glory of His inheritancein the

(62) holy saintsof GOd. (Eph. 1:18.)Thfs is treasurea out of which we bringthings new and old and sharewith oth ers.(Matthew 13:52.) We have fledfrom theways ofsin andhave anchoredour soulsin the LordJesus and His rightwa ys. We arehappy and areon our way to eternalglory wherejoys are more sublime. Thewealth and possessionswe have InChrist are eternal and will be our unfailing treasuresthat we can possessfo rever. even whenthis world Is on fire and passing away forever. -Leslie C. Busbee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In our lesson we notice that a feast is spread and wisdom compels us to be a partaker of this banquet. The call has gone fo rth.·eome. eat ofmy bread. anddrink of the wine which I have mingled." Christ. through wisdom. isthe One who has prepared this fea st ...And as theydid eat.Jesus took bread. andblessed and brake ft. andgave to them. and.safd.Take . eat: this Is my body. And he took the cup. andwhen he hadgiven thanks. he gave it to them: and they all drankof ft. And he said unto them. This is my bloodof the newtestament. which Is shedfor many ...Mark 14:22- 24. We notice another place where Jesus produced wine to be partakenof. Thiswas In Canaat a marriage feast. Theruler of the feastwanted to knowwhy the best winewas saved until the last. Thewine that is seiVedat the table Christsets always improves with time. Notice In our lesson the phrase. '"wine which I have mingled.• Sometimeswe may partakeof some sufferingalong with salvation. but theway grows brighter astime passes. At the end. heaven will unmixedbe bliss. It will be anectar that the mortal mind cannot comprehend. There aremany who sit at the banquet table that Satan has spread. Heoffers the very opposite of what Christ serves. Satan serves besthis wine first. There aretemptations sweet In sin. The young person sipsof theseand they tingle his soul. He Indulges in sin and the wine Is not as good as he thought It was. As time goeson and sin ravages his bodyand soul. he realizesthat It Is not at all good. However. heIs drunkon It and cannot help himself. The end oflt Is the bitter dregs ofhell. It Is wisdom to partake of the feast preparedby Christ. ·Forsake the foo lish. and live:and go In the wayof understanding... -Wayne Murphey

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