Psalms

A Foolish Man

“Fools hate knowledge” Proverbs 1:22

Knowledge exposes error and a person who does not want to have his understanding corrected by reality and truth is foolish and that makes him a fool. The Psalmist tells us that what makes one a fool is, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God'” (Psalm 14:1). All that the book of Proverbs reveals regarding a fool comes out of this one self-deception; the lie that Satan has been deceiving men with throughout time but arguably more successfully in these days. Please look up the verses in Proverbs as you read this article.

The evidence that reveals that a person is a fool or foolish is seen in their actions and heard from their mouth. The tongue of a fool is unbridled (10:10; 29:11, 20) slanderous (10:18), quarrelsome (18:6-7; 20:3), unthinking (18:13), deceitful (14:8), boasting great things (15:2) which are contrary to truth and reality (12:23; 15:7, 14). His error is so great that he would appear wiser if he kept his mouth shut and said nothing (17:28).

Not only is the mouth of a fool out of control but there is no restraint in behaviour. The fool is easily seduced (7:22), disobedient to authority (10:8), uncontrolled (12:16), undisciplined (26:3), lazy (1:32), destructive (14:1) and wasteful (21:20).

Foolishness is innate in a child so he needs to be corrected (22:15). Unless correction is effective he will be a grievous burden on society (27:3) and bring great sorrow to his:her parents (15:20; 17:21, 25; 19:13). Sadly we are now seeing the effects of a couple of generations where children have not been taught self-discipline. They neither obey parents nor authorities in our society.

A fool is also revealed as such by pride (14:3), arrogance (12:15; 14:16; 15:21; 18:2; 26:12) and ignorance of truth (10:14, 21; 13:16; 14:7; 15:14; 28:26). He believes he knows all there is to know on the subject in hand and that his own reasoning is the only logical one. Hence he exalts himself (30:32) and bullies others (30:33).

This makes him unteachable to parents (10:1; 15:5), to correction by others (16:22; 17:10; 27:22) and to the Lord (19:3). The fool has no heart for wisdom and truth because it is contrary to his own understanding and he is “wise in his own eyes (17:16; 23:9; 24:7; 26:7, 11; 29:9).

Though he does not think what he does is evil, he loves to do evil things (10:23; 13:19; 14:9). He will go on in false confidence believing he has it all (26:12) when in fact he will lose everything he thought he had in the most horrendous disappointment when he realises he has staked all on a lie (3:35). The earthly judgments (19:29) will appear as nothing compared to eternal damnation (Hebrews 9:27) that awaits the fool.

Correction in Love

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

It isn’t long in the life of a Christian before they hear and commit to memory these verses. They are well worth the effort because the application of them in every aspect and every moment of life is beneficial. This directive is in the Bible because we are inclined to do the exact opposite. The fallen corrupt nature that we inherited compels us to trust in our own abilities.

Solomon gives us four applications relating to faith and trust in the Lord.

The first application is as stated above: will I trust my wisdom or the Lord’s? What we do with all four applications is based on who we think we are and who we think the Lord is. Solomon tells us that the Lord is the One who created and sustains all that exists (vv 19, 20). He is the Potter and we are the clay so who has the greater wisdom?

As stewards of the life the Lord has given us we should take care of our bodies and not abuse them. God has graciously allowed people to understand the human body so as to bring healing to many problems but people are fallible and knowledge incomplete. Ultimately we will do well to trust the Lord for our health and healing (vv 7, 8).

The next application of our trust in the Lord is with regard to material possessions and money (vv 9, 10). When we are doing well we think that the Lord is blessing us for our faithfulness and when material wealth is withdrawn we think we must have gone astray or been disobedient. This notion does not conform to biblical revelation. Even Jesus had no more than His clothing and there are many examples of other godly men being like this in the Bible. Whether we trust the Lord or material wealth is revealed not when we have plenty but when material wealth is withdrawn. If we can’t trust the Lord in lean times then we certainly do not trust Him in the plentiful times.

The last of the applications of trusting the Lord that Solomon gives us here is that of chastening and correction (vv 11, 12). A father who loves his children will chasten and correct his children. Such activity is an act of love when done correctly. Only a humble and teachable person will accept chastening and correction, one who knows he is bent on wrong ways. Out of love the Lord chastens and corrects our wayward ways as a shepherd does his sheep.

The much loved Psalm 23 is written by Solomon’s father, King David, in a similar vein when he wrote, “Your rod and your staff they comfort me” (v4). The rod of correction and chastisement and the staff to shepherd and direct bring comfort to the one who knows his own sinful disposition.

Knowing the Creator

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14)

A few years ago in an RE class a 10-year-old girl asked how she could know that God existed. This was in the context of an exercise showing how we could determine that a person existed long ago.

This was the first really encouraging sign we had seen in the few weeks we had been taking RE. God had provoked this girl’s curiosity to the point that she asked the question. It was not unlike the question I posed when I was about that age, “If God exists then it must be possible to know Him in a person way.” The day before the RE class, in my personal devotion, I had been meditating on Psalm 19 which covers the three main ingredients of the answer to her question.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (v 1). Whether we gaze into the night skies or the deepest depths of the sea, into the forests or in the deserts, on the mountain peaks or in the river valleys, or even under the plants and mulch in our gardens, there we see His handiwork. The greater part of God’s creation is never seen by mankind and yet it sings His praises and glorifies Him. The small part we do observe does reveal to us the beauty and wisdom of the Creator and gives us reason to believe there is a Creator.

However, this is insufficient to save us from sin and death and bring us into a personal relationship with Him.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure. The statutes of the Lord are right.“ (vv 7, 8). The second revelation of God is through His Word which by His great grace we have available to us in our own language. The Law reveals our sinfulness and God’s holiness and mercy and grace lead us to the Saviour by and through whom we may be saved.

“Cleanse me …” (v 12) God’s mercy to mankind is that He is able to cleanse and forgive all our sin. This is of course only possible in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ and this is the third aspect of knowing God (Hebrews 1:1-3). Without the cross and Christ’s shed blood we cannot know Him.

As for everyone this young girl had the witness of the world around her that declared the existence of a Creator. The Word of God delivered to her by God’s people is also a witness in order that she discover that she can have, but does not yet have, an intimate relationship with that Creator. The Word of God reveals how that is possible through Jesus Christ.

In Our Time

“Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme, Less they be exalted” (Psalm 140:8)

This Psalm is written by King David and is a prayer that the Lord would: Deliver him from the plans of evil men and preserve him from violent men (v 1); Keep him from the power of evil men and again to preserve him from violent men (v 4); Shelter him from harm in battle which must also include violence (v 7); and bring down the wicked to their end (vv 9-11).

This Psalm is written for David’s own situation; but as a type of Israel’s Messiah, it will also have its fulfilment when Messiah Jesus rules the world from Jerusalem – in fulfilment of His covenant with David.

For these requests to be made it is evident that evil men were plotting against the king and his life and rule were under threat. In the Psalms written by David we find a confidence in the Lord to fulfil His covenant with him.

We live in a world full of troubles; not least of these are violent men who oppose anything godly. Their motives are many but they are all under the power of the evil one and of the spirit of antichrist.

On this anniversary of one of the many very violent acts in our time we would do well to lift up our eyes to the Lord with a prayer and for an answer.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills –
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1, 2).

We may look to the “hills” (UN, USA, NATO, EU, etc.) for help but no help will come from among men, quite the contrary.

“The heart of man is deceitful above all, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart; I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

In answer to the question the writer declares that it is the Creator alone who can give that help.

We live in a world where people have a greater ability to express wickedness and on a much larger scale than in times past. Is this cause for us to be discouraged in the Lord? By no means: Jeremiah and David both declare that the Lord will administer justice to all according to their life and actions.

When the Holy Spirit convicts the heart of a person that they are of the same wickedness as those who perpetrate such evil deeds, they are then well placed to call on the name of the Lord. In Him alone are forgiveness of sin and the gift of new life. It is in Him alone because He alone is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

The Most Absurd Thing

“Revive me according to Your Word” (Psalm 119:107, 154, 156).

It has been said, perhaps too many times, that a person may be a Christian and not read God’s Word or pray. There may be a small theological window of debate for such a statement but it is contrary to the heart of the Bible. Anyone who thinks that way would do well to reflect on Psalm 119 for a while.

Consider the following in the light of one who claims to be a Christian but has no heart for God’s Word:

“Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (v 18)

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (v 9)

“Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you” (v 11)

You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently” (v 4)

“Your word has given me life” (v 50)

“You through Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies” (v 98)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v 105)

“The entrance of Your words gives light” (v 130)

The psalmist had nothing in common with a person who did not delight in God’s word. Consider, “My eyes are awake through the night watches that I may meditate on your word” (v 148) “I love Your commandments more than gold” (v 127) and, “Your commandments are my delights” (v 143).

Let no one be deceived. One who is born of God, created new in Jesus Christ, the Living Word, will have a love for the written Word of God and delight in it. It is the most absurd thing for a person to claim to be in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ and not want to be in communion with Him.

In human terms, that would be like a bride and groom going their separate ways after the marriage ceremony and having no further contact. If we observed that happen we would know something was drastically wrong with the relationship.

Beware and be warned, if you believe you are a true child of God but have no desire to commune with God through His Word and in prayer, then the wise thing would be to do both lest you discover your error too late.

Surprise Appointment

“That they may know that this is your hand – that You, Lord have done it!” (Psalm 109:27)

Having been away from work for nearly four weeks there were the inevitable changes made to bus routes and shifts. I was called in for a shift this morning and given some extra running to fill in for another driver who was doing some extra training. Unknown to me God had arranged an appointment…

In explaining one small error on my part to a passenger I mentioned to her, the only passenger on the bus, that I had been in South Africa. As is usually the case when I mention this to other drivers or passengers they ask if I had a good holiday. “Yes,” I say, “I spent much of it in prison.” As you might imagine that always gets a response.

This opened up further conversation as I explained that I taught the Bible in the prison. The lady told me that she was doing a thesis for her Religious Studies course and wanted to know what “religion” I was. I explained that I was a Christian who believed the Bible and understood it in the usual literary sense.

Through her son, who had spoken with Mormons at the door, she and he were invited to one of their meetings. Being very independent (her word) and not wishing to come under the dictatorial authority of another (the reason for her divorce, she said) she objected to their objection about her manner of dress. She told me that she had no dresses to wear, only slacks but they insisted on a dress.

In the course of our journey (I was in no hurry now) I was able to share with her the difference between religion and a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I shared a testimony of a prisoner in Johannesburg awaiting trial who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and had such a change of heart that he would speak the truth at his trial. He was facing three life sentences: two for murder and one for kidnapping. That is not religion; that is a man forgiven by God and in a relationship with Him.

As she alighted from the bus, very slowly and still in conversation, I was able to briefly explain the meaning of, “The wages of sin is death, but the Gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). She had no problem with all the essential tenets of the Gospel: she was a sinner and Christ alone through His sacrifice could atone for her sin. May she discover the truth of God’s Word very soon and enter into that relationship.

Where Are You?

“Oh, that My people would listen to Me” Psalm 81:13

When Adam and Eve had disobeyed God by eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they did not want to hear Him. As they tried to hide He pursued them calling “Where are you?” This is what people have continued to do and God has continued to do ever since. It is like the game of hide-and-seek but it is no game, it has temporal and eternal consequences.

Adam and Eve initially refused to accept responsibility and blamed someone else. Nothing has changed. That is still the first inclination of people when sin is revealed.

The remedy for Adam and Eve’s predicament could only come from God. They were helpless to reverse the effects of their action or remove the consequences. It was necessary that they listen to God if they were to be saved.

As any parent knows, to listen means to conform or obey. When a child does not conform or obey we would probably call out with some measure of exasperation, “Didn’t you hear me?” Quite often the child may not have realised that he/she had not obeyed. He/she just didn’t process the information, misunderstood it or was distracted by something of more interest. The same is true in our relationship with God.

In Psalm 81:13 we see the same love and desire of God toward His people as He had toward Adam and Eve which is His desire that they listen to and heed Him. The problem was not that God has not spoken, He has. His people refused to heed His voice (v 11).

If we really are “His people” we will want to listen to and heed God. This means that we will read, study and meditate on His Word, pray for correct understanding and application, conform to the way He describes and obey His commandments. If we do not want to do these we must question whether we are “His people” or not.

The psalmist asks God’s people to reflect on the kindness and grace that God showed them when they were in rebellion and on the great strength by which He delivered them from their hiding place.

For those of us who trusted Jesus Christ later in life a few minutes reflecting on what we were before Christ became our life and on where we might have been had He not intervened might help our spiritual ears and lift our hearts with praise, worship and thankfulness.

Surely when we see the tender but powerful love God has for us we will respond by lovingly listening to Him to the point of obedience.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

Awakening to the Nightmare

“Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes”  (Psalm 73:19, 20).

Very likely we have all experienced a terrifying nightmare and awakened to the peace of home and family in the real world. The psalmist here describes what appears to be the reverse for people who have enjoyed the pleasures of sin in this world.

In his observation of those who had gained material wealth through evil motive and means it appeared that they had a life of ease with riches, position and health obtained without God (v 12). They have no conscience about their ungodly and wicked ways because they deny they will be held accountable. They have gotten away with their schemes among men so they reason that they have also kept their evil ways from God (v 11) if they consider Him at all.

The psalmist stood on the slippery edge when he began to wonder if it was worth while walking with the Lord, living the life of repentance and faith and being chastened by the Lord.

The godly were mocked and put down while the wicked boasted in his achievements and ill-gotten gain. He is full of pride in his achievements and wants all to know he did it his way.

Like the psalmist we may be tempted to wonder if it pays to live a godly life when the ungodly live well and at ease. We will find help to put to death that temptation in the same way he did. He went into the presence of the most holy God. Then he “understood their end” (v 17).

The ungodly live in a dream world that is not real. It is pleasant and they enjoy it but just as one awakes from a nightmare they will awaken from their dream. Then the nightmare without end will begin. The justified outpouring of God’s wrath on the unrepentant sinner will be worse than the worst nightmare and it will be without end.

The psalmist realises afresh that “those who are far from You shall perish” and that “it is good for me to draw near to God” and to “put my trust in God” (vv 27, 28). Let us ensure we live the reality and not the dream.

Obedience Out of Love

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”  1 John 5:3

For most people the idea of obeying God’s Word is a burden that they have no interest in considering. They love and find pleasure in sin and do not even consider it to be sin. After all, sin does give a pleasure or else no one would indulge.

It is the consequences of sin that is distinctly unpleasant but they always come after the pleasure. Sometimes the consequences are so long after the pleasure that the link is not seen and made.

There are many statements in the Bible concerning obedience to the Lord and His Word. What we would do well to consider is our motive and manner of obedience. The sin nature can never obey God’s Word out of a correct motive and doesn’t even want to do so. It loves the pleasures of sin too much for that.

It is only the new creation – Christ in us – that can obey, and desires to obey the Lord. It does not do so out of duty, seeking favour or even thankfulness. The new creation that we are in Jesus Christ desires to obey and can obey because it is of the same nature as the One commanding. Only then is it not a burden.

If we say that we are trying to obey God it is because we are trying to do what cannot be done. The sin nature or ‘flesh’ cannot obey Him. Only Christ in us is able to obey Him with a true motive.

To the Psalmist, the Word of the Lord was a pleasure in which he delighted day and night (Psalm 1:2). The sin nature will never delight in God’s commands in this way. Thank God that in Christ Jesus we are created new and an evidence of this is that we do find pleasure in God and His Word. We find it so because we are of the same nature.

John says that the love of God is manifested in our lives by the fact that we delight in and keep God’s commandments, not out of duty (a burden) but out of a heart of the same nature as the One giving the commandments.

Chewing Gum

“So the King will greatly desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, worship Him.” (Psalm 45:11)

For one who indulges regularly in the habit of chewing gum there is the sweet sense of anticipation before the gum is placed in the mouth. The first bite releases the sweet sugars and freshness of the mint that provoke the taste buds to dance to exciting tunes. Although this initial burst wanes with chewing the memory of the initial gratification lingers so that the jaw continues its motion reminding the mind of the initial pleasure.

Eventually, long after the gum has lost its flavour and freshness the tastebuds manage to get a message through to the brain that it’s all over. There is no flavour and there is no freshness. Then the gum is thrown away and another sought to reproduce the initial sensation.

Unfortunately this seems to be an analogy of many marriages. They start out with freshness and ‘flavour’ but a long time after they are lost the couple concludes that they are no longer ‘in love’.

Satan is working hard at destroying the marriage relationship because he does not want people to see the beautiful imagery of the relationship that has been purchased by Jesus Christ for Himself and those who have been created new in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Those created new in Christ are His bride (Revelation 21:2, 9) and have entered into the most intimate of relationships.

There are some wonderful examples of intimacy in marriage about us but these all fall well short of that which Adam and Eve had before sin entered the world. However, even their perfect intimacy at a human level falls well short of that which those “born of God” may experience now. Yet again, that level of intimacy falls infinitely short of the intimacy that all in the New Creation will experience with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers are a new creation being prepared for and eventually fitted with bodies well suited to the New Jerusalem, new heavens and new earth that our Lord and Saviour will bring into being at a word. The new creation that we are in Christ and our resurrected bodies will be perfect for intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ..

The image that God gave as a visible and tangible experience is being attacked by the enemy of souls but we who love the lover of souls and His Word will taste the reality of that which is to come. No wonder Paul writes, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” That is not just speaking of heaven but of our lives now. This he makes clear as he continues, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).