Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Chris

2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

It is God who leads us to victory. The thanks and glory go to God, and that is something that should not be forgotten. There may even be a danger that after a great spiritual battle, after the victory, we are tired and want to celebrate the victory, then it is not difficult to forget who the orchestrator of that victory is. Hence after the victory, there is a danger of falling quickly. Giving thanks to God to whom the victory is due is only the proper response.

You will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ

2 Peter 1:8
For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse continues from talking about fruits (faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) that are developed once we are in the Lord. So when we have developed each of the virtues, we become aware of them. Of course the virtues itself does not always mean we are productive in the Kingdom. However they do indicate we become more and more equipped to serve in the Kingdom.

Add to your godliness, brotherly kindness

2 Peter 1:5-7
...add to your faith ...., to godliness brotherly kindness ...

As part of our spiritual development that starts from faith, it should lead to virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. The brotherly kindness is the last stage just before love, and it is already very similar to it. We all know the theory that love is not an emotion but something we need to will it and committed to. There are people who are difficult to love by human standard. However it is still possible to be kind and eventually love in the way God loved us. Also keep in mind that God loves us though many of us seem like unlovable people. One commentator said "love is spontaneous, but must be maintained through discipline".

No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation

Peter teaches about growing in faith, from faith to virtue, to knowledge, to self-control, to perseverance, to godliness, to brotherly kindness and finally to love. We should check that these are present because if they are, then we can be useful in spreading the gospel of Christ. If we don't have these, we may forget that we have been cleansed from sin. If we have these virtues, then we will be less likely to stumble.

Peter reminds us that he was an eyewitness to the glory of Yshua, such as during the Transfiguration where God spoke in an audible voice and commended Yshua. This exaltation of Christ had been prophetic and became reality. Other prophecies will also be true and can be assessed by various sources. The reason is that prophecies are from God, the Holy Spirit, and can be confirmed by interpretation from others.

righteousness, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love, Jesus Christ, blindness, Lord, Majesty, Excellent Glory, Scripture, prophecy, Holy Spirit,



2 Peter 1
Greeting the Faithful

1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter’s Approaching Death

12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

The Trustworthy Prophetic Word

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,[a] which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,[b] 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God[c] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it

Paul addresses the issue of spiritual gifts, which include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues and others. It is God's will in distributing different gifts to different people. Paul uses the body to illustrate the fact that there are many body parts. Each part has vital functions but their functions are different to other parts. No part can be said to be more important the another.

So the people in the church can have different gifts, but they should not be using these differences to place more importance on some people than others. Paul encourage us to develop our spiritual gifts and even ask for it. But the gifts should be used to compliment other gifts and serve the church.






1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[b] Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Unity and Diversity in One Body

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[c] one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d] gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble

In Paul's time and society, as it still is now, there are various idols or spirits being worshipped as gods. The practice of worship to these idols may have involved food being offered or presented to idols, and later for human consumption. Paul points out that the Lord God who created the heavens and earth is the one true God. The other false gods do not matter at all and hence it does not matter if a believer eats the food that has been offered to idols.

Since this topic has been a great debate, Paul understands that there are believers who are unwilling to eat such food. The approach would be one of love, such that believers should not use this as a contentious issue of faith. It should be left to the individual believer to eat or not eat in peace. He urges those who feel it is free to eat, not to cause other believers to stumble by eating those food.





1 Corinthians 8
Be Sensitive to Conscience

1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

O Virgin Daughter of Babylon

God declares that Babylon will be put to shame and reveals that God Himself will see to this. The main reason was that although God used Babylon as an instrument of judgement on His people, Babylon showed to mercy but instead became arrogant of its power. Babylon had abused her wisdom and knowledge and her arrogance reached the level of declaring themselves as God. They were steeped in wickedness, enchantments and sorceries. They trusted in their own knowledge and their renowed stargazers and astrologers. But none of these will be able to save them from the wrath of God.


Isaiah 47
The Humiliation of Babylon

1 “Come down and sit in the dust,
O virgin daughter of Babylon;
Sit on the ground without a throne,
O daughter of the Chaldeans!
For you shall no more be called
Tender and delicate.
2 Take the millstones and grind meal.
Remove your veil,
Take off the skirt,
Uncover the thigh,
Pass through the rivers.
3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered,
Yes, your shame will be seen;
I will take vengeance,
And I will not arbitrate with a man.”
4 As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name,
The Holy One of Israel.
5 “Sit in silence, and go into darkness,
O daughter of the Chaldeans;
For you shall no longer be called
The Lady of Kingdoms.
6 I was angry with My people;
I have profaned My inheritance,
And given them into your hand.
You showed them no mercy;
On the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily.
7 And you said, ‘I shall be a lady forever,’
So that you did not take these things to heart,
Nor remember the latter end of them.
8 “Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures,
Who dwell securely,
Who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me;
I shall not sit as a widow,
Nor shall I know the loss of children’;
9 But these two things shall come to you
In a moment, in one day:
The loss of children, and widowhood.
They shall come upon you in their fullness
Because of the multitude of your sorceries,
For the great abundance of your enchantments.
10 “For you have trusted in your wickedness;
You have said, ‘No one sees me’;
Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you;
And you have said in your heart,
‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’
11 Therefore evil shall come upon you;
You shall not know from where it arises.
And trouble shall fall upon you;
You will not be able to put it off.
And desolation shall come upon you suddenly,
Which you shall not know.
12 “Stand now with your enchantments
And the multitude of your sorceries,
In which you have labored from your youth—
Perhaps you will be able to profit,
Perhaps you will prevail.
13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels;
Let now the astrologers, the stargazers,
And the monthly prognosticators
Stand up and save you
From what shall come upon you.
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble,
The fire shall burn them;
They shall not deliver themselves
From the power of the flame;
It shall not be a coal to be warmed by,
Nor a fire to sit before!
15 Thus shall they be to you
With whom you have labored,
Your merchants from your youth;
They shall wander each one to his quarter.
No one shall save you.

All Was Vanity And Grasping For The Wind

Solomon describes the extent of his wealth. He knew he had wisdom already and with the peace in his kingdom, he searched for things that he could do. So he accumulated wealth and treasures, and also build many things for his palace or kingdom such as vineyards, gardens, orchards and so on. The wisdom, peace and wealth were a blessing God gave to Solomon. But when Solomon looked back, it seemed like he failed to see what he had accomplished through all his works. Instead he called his works vanity and declared there was no profit (or benefit) from them.

So Solomon did some soul searching and compared wisdom with folly and madness. He concluded that although wisdom is better than foolishness, but in the end both the wise and the fool will both die. Solomon felt that he had worked hard in building his kingdom, but feared what might happen to all the good that he had build when his kingdom is passed over to the next king who may be wise or a fool. Perhaps this reveals that Solomon had already envisaged that his son is not that wise - later we know that his son's actions resulted in the splitting of the kingdom of Israel.

So Solomon calls all his hard work vanity in the end, because there was no guarantee whether the next generation would waste it or preserve it. Finally he sees it is good to work and enjoy. He also realises that God would give wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who follow him and make the sinners work hard to supply to those righteous in God's eyes. Perhaps Solomon may be reflecting on his own blessings from God in his early life, as well as his sinful nature in later life which would result God taking away from his future generation.


Ecclesiastes 2
The Vanity of Pleasure

1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure”; but surely, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter—“Madness!”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?” 3 I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.

4 I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. 5 I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. 7 I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments[a] of all kinds.

9 So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.
10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.
I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure,
For my heart rejoiced in all my labor;
And this was my reward from all my labor.
11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.

The End of the Wise and the Fool
12 Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly;
For what can the man do who succeeds the king?—
Only what he has already done.
13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly
As light excels darkness.
14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head,
But the fool walks in darkness.
Yet I myself perceived
That the same event happens to them all.
15 So I said in my heart,
“As it happens to the fool,
It also happens to me,
And why was I then more wise?”
Then I said in my heart,
“This also is vanity.”
16 For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever,
Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come.
And how does a wise man die?
As the fool!

17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

18 Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. 21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? 23 For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?[b] 26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Vanity of Vanities, All is Vanity

The author of this chapter and most of the Book is attributed to King Solomon, son of King David. The chapter opens with the multiple words "vanities" - which could be an expression of Absurdity, Frustration, Futility, Nonsense. It expresses the futility of man's labor in the grand scheme of the universe. It prompts the reader to think that none of the work we put so much effort on, has any worthwhile effects.  Nature goes on day by day, unaffected by our contribution from work. The phrase "nothing new under the sun" is well recognized even today, in context far removed from this book.

The second part of this chapter is somewhat more revealing of where these seemingly pessimistic words come from. Solomon reveals his own condition which helps us understand the negative views in the first part of this chapter. He reveals that he has asked God for wisdom and God had given him more wisdom and knowledge than any man. Without revealing much else, he concludes that the wisdom and knowledge has brought him grief and sorrow.

As we continue to read this book, we should see these writings as Solomon's view points, but not necessarily the right view that God intended us to have. As we read, we hope to learn what led Solomon to such a state and pray benefit from what God is revealing to us here.



Ecclesiastes 1
The Vanity of Life

1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 “Vanity[a] of vanities,” says the Preacher;
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

3 What profit has a man from all his labor
In which he toils under the sun?

4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
But the earth abides forever.

5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down,
And hastens to the place where it arose.

6 The wind goes toward the south,
And turns around to the north;
The wind whirls about continually,
And comes again on its circuit.

7 All the rivers run into the sea,
Yet the sea is not full;
To the place from which the rivers come,
There they return again.

8 All things are full of labor;
Man cannot express it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor the ear filled with hearing.

9 That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.

10 Is there anything of which it may be said,
“See, this is new”?
It has already been in ancient times before us.

11 There is no remembrance of former things,
Nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come
By those who will come after.

The Grief of Wisdom
12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

15 What is crooked cannot be made straight,
And what is lacking cannot be numbered.
16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

18 For in much wisdom is much grief,
And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

The Fear of the Lord Leads to Life

Various sayings ranging from various topics in this chapter like before. Themes range from understanding and knowledge, to being kind to the poor, not being lazy, keeping the commandments. But the two themes picked up here are restated below.

Two verses speak of the characteristics and qualities of a wife that is from God and is a blessing to the family. Another set of verses warns against false witnesses.

Wife:
13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.
14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

False Witness:
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.
28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.




Proverbs 19

1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,
And he sins who hastens with his feet.

3 The foolishness of a man twists his way,
And his heart frets against the Lord.

4 Wealth makes many friends,
But the poor is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies will not escape.

6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility,
And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

7 All the brothers of the poor hate him;
How much more do his friends go far from him!
He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies shall perish.

10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool,
Much less for a servant to rule over princes.

11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father,
And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.

14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless[a] of his ways will die.

17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.

18 Chasten your son while there is hope,
And do not set your heart on his destruction.[b]

19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment;
For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is kindness,
And a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil.

24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,[c]
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary;
Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother
Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 Cease listening to instruction, my son,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A disreputable witness scorns justice,
And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And beatings for the backs of fools.

A Brother Offended is Harder to Win than a Strong City

As with other chapters there is a collection of saying for a wide ranging topics, but two in particular is picked up and listed below. There is quite a number of verses dealing with the power of the tongue or mouth which can be used for good or evil. The other topics noted here is pride and offence.

For the offence verse, it uses the subject of a brother, not an enemy. This highlights that although the person is considered so close to us, but offence is such a stronghold that even a brother does not forgive his brother.

The pride verse is simple, and a severe warning. It is at the peak of self-confidence and pride that a person may feel at the ultimate point of his self-security that destruction comes suddenly with devasting effects. This can be applied to so many instances in historical events and personalities.


Offence
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Pride
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

Mouth, Gossip
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,[a] And they go down into the inmost body.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.



Proverbs 18

1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,[a]
And they go down into the inmost body.

9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.

19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,[b]
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

A Merry Heart Does Good, Like Medicine

A strong warning from the verse :
5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

This is related to the one where Jesus taught the way we treat the children, poor or disadvantaged, is taken as the way we treat Him. It embodies God's care for the people who cannot defend or speak for themselves. It shows God's sense of justice and righteousness.

A few of the other verses can be divided into:

Conflict:
1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting[a] with strife.
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
19 He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.


Foolish Son
21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him


Healthy Life
22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,[b] But a broken spirit dries the bones.




Proverbs 17

1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting[a] with strife.

2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,
And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the Lord tests the hearts.

4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.

7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.

8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.

13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

17 A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes surety for his friend.

19 He who loves transgression loves strife,
And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.

22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,[b]
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back[c]
To pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her who bore him.

26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

27 He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

The Fear of the Lord is the Instruction of Wisdom

A contrast between wise and foolish is also related to the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It is not the amount of knowledge that make a person wise or foolish but rather how it is used. There is also emphasis here on the tongue and the lips and how the foolish can use it for evil, while the righteous can control it for good.

The topic of control of our lips and mouth lead naturally to our control of anger. As the first verse says,
"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." A few other sayings in this chapter continues with this theme of the mouth or tongue being an evil instrument. The mouth is often the instrument of foolishness as wrong things are said but from the heart, comes the desire to understand.


Proverbs 15

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father’s instruction,
But he who receives correction is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,
But the heart of the fool does not do so.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But He loves him who follows righteousness.

10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,
And he who hates correction will die.

11 Hell[a] and Destruction[b] are before the Lord;
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.

12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him,
Nor will he go to the wise.

13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,
But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord,
Than great treasure with trouble.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs[c] where love is,
Than a fatted calf with hatred.

18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns,
But the way of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment,
But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

22 Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

24 The way of life winds upward for the wise,
That he may turn away from hell[d] below.

25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud,
But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
But the words of the pure are pleasant.

27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
But he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
And a good report makes the bones healthy.[e]

31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life
Will abide among the wise.

32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.

The Fear of the Lord is a Fountain of Life

The sayings continue about the actions and consequences of the wise over those who are foolish. Again the foolish does things which displeases God and have a twisted view of things, leading to wickedness. The wise are prudent and understands things, and ultimately submits to God.

A few favourite quotes are:
- The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
- There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
- The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
- He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,



Proverbs 14
1 The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,
But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
But the lips of the wise will preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie,
But a false witness will utter lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
But the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow,
And the end of mirth may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.[a]

15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.

16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of wicked intentions is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil will bow before the good,
And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor,
But the rich has many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter[b] leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.

26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor,
But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,
But he who is impulsive[c] exalts folly.

30 A sound heart is life to the body,
But envy is rottenness to the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker,
But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness,
But the righteous has a refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding,
But what is in the heart of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant,
But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

But He Who Hates Correction Is Stupid

The widely accepted understanding is that proverbs is a book of wisdom or encouraging wisdom. However, in this chapter, as with some others, the more common occurrence is the contrast between righteousness and wickedness. As we read, we see the consistency in this because it is wisdom that leads to righteousness (from faith). On the other hand it is foolishness that prompts a man to continue in his wicked ways.

As with other chapters, it is good to meditate on these verses of how to be righteous as oppose to wicked.



Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3 A man is not established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4 An excellent[a] wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.[b]

12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

The Fear of the Lord Prolongs Days....But Love Covers All Sins

This proverb describes in detail the actions of a wise and therefore righteous person. It also contrast this with the results of a foolish person. The various places in the Word, we understand that this righteousness is not resulting from a person's own actions but righteousness being seen by God as a faith in God.

In general, the wise (ie righteous, ie faithful) will be a well of life, have blessings from God, will be protected and makes a father glad. The foolish (i.e wicked), will fall, perish, removed and end in destruction.



Proverbs 10
Wise Sayings of Solomon
10 The proverbs of Solomon:

1. A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,
But righteousness delivers from death.

3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish,
But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son;
He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commands,
But a prating fool will fall.

9 He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.

10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble,
But a prating fool will fall.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life,
But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all sins.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding,
But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

14 Wise people store up knowledge,
But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labor of the righteous leads to life,
The wages of the wicked to sin.

17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction goes astray.

18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips,
And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of wisdom.[a]

22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.

23 To do evil is like sport to a fool,
But a man of understanding has wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him,
And the desire of the righteous will be granted.

25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy man to those who send him.

27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous will never be removed,
But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

The Fear of the Lord is to Hate Evil

Wisdom is first described as the voice of warning. Wisdom is something that should be desired above gold and silver. Wisdom is righteous and not wicked and can be found by those with knowledge and understanding.

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil"

After describing all the benefits and rewards of wisdom, it reveals that, not surprisingly, God had wisdom even before He created the Universe. So wisdom was with God before the beginning and it is not a man-made philosophy.

The final instruction is to hear wisdom, act on it and constantly seek it out. This will result in a life of blessings and favor from the LORD. In contrast, those who act against wisdom "wrongs his own soul" and those who hate it loves death.




Proverbs 8
The Excellence of Wisdom

1 Does not wisdom cry out,
And understanding lift up her voice?

2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,
Beside the way, where the paths meet.

3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,
At the entrance of the doors:

4 “To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.

5 O you simple ones, understand prudence,
And you fools, be of an understanding heart.

6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things,
And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

7 For my mouth will speak truth;
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness;
Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

9 They are all plain to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;

11 For wisdom is better than rubies,
And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And find out knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, I have strength.

15 By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles,
All the judges of the earth.[a]

17 I love those who love me,
And those who seek me diligently will find me.

18 Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,
And my revenue than choice silver.

20 I traverse the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,

21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.

22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.

23 I have been established from everlasting,
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.

24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
When there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills, I was brought forth;

26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields,
Or the primal dust of the world.

27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there,
When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,

28 When He established the clouds above,
When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,

29 When He assigned to the sea its limit,
So that the waters would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth,

30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;[b]
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,

31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
And my delight was with the sons of men.

32 “Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction and be wise,
And do not disdain it.

34 Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoever finds me finds life,
And obtains favor from the Lord;

36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;
All those who hate me love death.”

The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge

The first chapter of proverbs here begins by summarising what it is for. Wisdom is the main theme of Proverbs. Here it prepares and challenges the reader to want to increase knowledge and wisdom. But perhaps the main achievement out of wisdom and knowledge is to begin to develop the "fear of the LORD".

An illustration is given about sound advice given by the father and mother to a son. It encourages the son to heed his parents advice. In addition, it warns the son against listening to sinners who will entice him to sin and wickedness. The consequence of following the sinners who plot evil against others is that they will reap destruction on themselves.

Wisdom is often pictured as describing itself as a female, as in the last section of this chapter. Wisdom describes herself but as we read, it appears that wisdom mentioned here could also be the Holy Spirit. One clue which indicates this is verse 23 "Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;". In fact this last section sounded like the Holy Spirit describing what will happen to those who turn from following her.

In verse 29, the "fear of the Lord" is again related to knowledge where those who hated knowledge do not have the "fear of the Lord". The following warnings were very similar to people who rejected God and God let them live their own ways which leads them to destruction. On the other hand, those who listen will live safely and securely.



Proverbs 1
The Beginning of Knowledge

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Shun Evil Counsel

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,[a]
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.

The Call of Wisdom

20 Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.
21 She cries out in the chief concourses,[b]
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:
22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
23 Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25 Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,
27 When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Knowledge, not Faith

The title of this is almost one of the last points of the argument of this article. I started off thinking after hearing a debate on radio between an atheist evangelist and a prominent Christian. Irrespective of that debate, I was reminded that various Christians refer to their believe and discipleship in the Lord Jesus as their Christian Faith. On top of that I remember phrases like "you got to have faith" or "believe based on faith".

So thinking about my own walk, is it faith? Yes, it took faith for me to START believing. Before I believed, how can I know God? I don't want to get to technical and logical - but as many would agree it took faith to cross over from unbelieve into a state of believing in God and His Son Jesus. The key point that I found is that Faith was required for me to take that "Leap of Faith" and open to God and seek Him.

What I found after that initial step, not sure if most Christians agree, is that God began to reveal Himself to me through various means in life, such as through the Word, through the promptings of the Holy Spirit and other events. As we walk with God, and He continues not only to reveal Himself but lead us into His ways, (Paul calls this sanctification), our focus change to be more in tune with him. The question about whether he exists or not usually does not come into play. To summarize, faith is needed at the first step to jump into the hands of God, but when we give ourselves to Him, it becomes a matter of knowledge in the sense that we would come to know  God more and more, faith is not the main issue anymore.

So for Christians to be telling non-Christians that it is all about faith may be misleading. Because if it is just about faith, then anyone can believe in their own mind what they want to believe and God is not real. But for the Christian who walks daily with the Lord Jesus, he or she knows him like they know their fathers. It is reality, it is knowledge, it is true relationship with an unseen Heavenly Father - this is among the many promises of accepting Jesus as our Lord. It is faith that the unbeliever needs to make that leap into the knowledge of God.

As a side remark, it takes more faith in God's part to entrust the saving of souls to us humans, than for us to trust in Him.