Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s suffering

1 Peter 4:13
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

Yshua will show us various kinds of struggles in life and let us experience them sometimes. This may be for training us to deal with situations and to help people who encounter similar situations in future. This may be the opposite to the blessings that some believers are hoping for, but God has not promised us a trouble free life. In times of blessings, which there will be, thank the Lord, so that in times of trouble, we can also thank the Lord.

My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full

John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Most of us associate joy with happiness, so it may be surprising to learn that this is not necessarily the case, nor is there even a strong correlation sometimes. The joy of Yshua is to do His Father's will. This did not always result in pleasant outcomes, especially towards the end when He was crucified. Yet He counted this as joy. So our joy need to be similar and the source of our joy is Yshua. Circumstances may cause trouble for us, but our walk and oneness with God shall produce a joy in us that non-believers would not understand.

The friend of the bridegroom

John 3:29
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 

The subject of this verse is the bridegroom - who no doubt represents Jesus. The verse starts by saying others who has a bride are bridegrooms too. On the other hand the verse also describes the friends of the bridegroom. As followers of Jesus, we are depicted as the friends of the bridegroom. The other bridegrooms take the attention or glory upon themselves. On the other hand, the friends of the bridegroom, glorifies and rejoices with the Lord. The friends point to the glorious bridegroom.

The challenge for the believers may be to deflect attention on ourselves towards the Lord. Following Yshua should result in good works and compassion for others. When others praise these good works, then the honour and glory should be deflected towards the Lord.

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.

John writes to the "elect lady", perhaps a prominent Christian leader in those early days. John emphasizes the commandment of love, that we should continue to walk in it. Secondly he warns of many false teachers who do not believe in Jesus and who are deceiving others.

The main way to tell if people are on God's side, is if they believe and follow Yshua's Way. John even advises not to be hospitable to those who do not share the same doctrine so that we don't participate in their evil of denying God.



2 John 1
Greeting the Elect Lady

1 The Elder,

To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you[a] from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walk in Christ’s Commandments

4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.

Beware of Antichrist Deceivers

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we[b] do not lose those things we worked for, but that we[c] may receive a full reward.

9 Whoever transgresses[d] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

John’s Farewell Greeting

12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth

This first chapter is a greeting in the letter to the Thessalonians. Paul was writing in the company of Silvanus and Timothy it seems. Paul commends the Thessalonians on their hard work and their patience. The Thessalonians appear to be living in the faith and experiencing the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

The Thessalonians received the word but probably not without struggle and hardship. However they overcame any difficulty and became an example in the region. They also help spread the Word to Macedonia and Achaia.




1 Thessalonians 1
Greeting

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.[a]

Their Good Example

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ

Paul seems to be in a sorrowful part of life when he wrote this letter to the Corinthians. He does not want his sorrow to be transferred to them and urged them to be joyful. He also reminds them the need for forgiving others who have offended them. The offenders would have faced punishment from others already, so we should not be increasing their sorrows but rather comfort them by first forgiving them and then reaffirming them. Otherwise unforgiveness is also a weapon which the enemy can use.




2 Corinthians 2

1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

Forgive the Offender

3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one[a] for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Triumph in Christ

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

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. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many,[b] peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit

This is the account of the evangelical and missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They were both at their home church at Antioch when the received word from the Holy Spirit to go elsewhere. Their home church fasted, prayed and laid hands on them before sending them away - this is a model for us when sending out missionaries and other purposes of God's work. John Mark went with them to Cyprus where they encountered resistance from the local sorcerer called Bar-Jesus or Elymas. Saul is also started to be referred to as Paul. Paul confronted Elymas, and cursed him to be blind immediately. The proconsul who was curious, now believed.

When they arrived at Antioch of Pisidia, they went into the local synagogue to teach. This was the pattern of Paul because he has a heart for his own people even though he was called to preach to the Gentiles. He started by recounting the history of Israel from their deliverance from Egypt until King David whom God promised to bring Messiah as David's seed. Then he proceeded to describe Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection. He emphasised the numerous eye witness of His resurrection. Then Paul used various Scriptural prophecies to point to Jesus and explains that it is only through Him we can have forgiveness of sins and be justified to God.

Their words reached the Gentiles outside the synagogue who were very excited to here more. So they scheduled the next week to open up the preaching to everyone and the whole city of people listened and many believed. Some of the religious people were envious that the Gentiles were receiving this message and they managed to expel Paul and Barnabas from the region. Before this Paul and Barnabas rebuked the religious people saying that since they did not believe, the word of God should now be spread to the Gentiles. Many of the people who believed were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit and glorified God.


The Journey is as follows:
Antioch - Seleucia - Cyprus - Salamis - Paphos - Perga (Pamphylia) - Antioch (Pisidia) - Iconium


Acts 13

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Preaching in Cyprus

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

6 Now when they had gone through the island[a] to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

At Antioch in Pisidia

13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people Israel[b] chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David[c] the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’[d] 23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—[e] 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.’[f]
34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus:

‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’[g]
35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm:

‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’[h]
36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.’”[i]


Blessing and Conflict at Antioch

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue,[j] the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”[k]
48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents

The Pharisees complained that Jesus hang out with unholy people or sinners. Jesus responded with a parable that shepherd will do everything he can to find even one lost sheep and will have great joy when that sheep is found. In fact this matter of accepting everyone, especially those who are least deserving is so important to Jesus that He told two additional parables, the parable of the Lost Coin and the parable of the Lost Son. Jesus said that every one sinner who repents will cause great joy in heaven among the angels and God.

The parable of the Lost Son is told in much detail by Jesus, and there are many lessons within that single parable. Here are several points of this parable:
- A son does something extraordinary in asking for his share of inheritance from his father, even though the father is still alive.
- An even more extraordinary event is that the father agreed rather than rebuking and disciplining his son.
- The son wasted his inheritance and sees himself as unworthy, helpless, hopeless, about to die. Or at least that was the perception he planned to convey when he returned to his father.
- The father ran out to meet his son as he returned. According to some commentary, the father abandoned any kind of societal dignity and embarrassment, and was guided by his joy.
- The son confessed and repented and seek for help.
- His father's view is only that his lost son has returned, not holding onto any wrongdoing by his son.
- His self-righteous eldest son felt betrayed in his father's love.
- His father was not apologetic nor comforted his eldest son's sense of betrayal. Instead the father stated two facts which he expected his eldest son to understand: i) the inheritance to his eldest son is already guaranteed, there is nothing better than that ii) the joy of a lost or dead brother who has now been found and alive.






Luke 15
The Parable of the Lost Sheep

1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring[b] out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”

And the Ransomed of the Lord Shall Return

In contrast to most of the previous prophetic chapters on judgment, this chapter tells of a time when the wilderness and desert of Zion will blossom again. Through this, people will recognize the glory of God. There will be a great restoration: the blind, deaf, lame and dumb shall be healed.

There is a description of the "Highway to Holiness" a road taken by the redeemed people, those ransomed by the Lord. Nothing will stop them taking this path, the unclean ones will not be able to use it. The redeemed ones will take this highway to Zion with singing, joy and gladness.



Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion

1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,
Even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
The excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands,
And make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing.
For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,
And streams in the desert.
7 The parched ground shall become a pool,
And the thirsty land springs of water;
In the habitation of jackals, where each lay,
There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there, and a road,
And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass over it,
But it shall be for others.
Whoever walks the road, although a fool,
Shall not go astray.
9 No lion shall be there,
Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it;
It shall not be found there.
But the redeemed shall walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Praise the Lord, Call Upon His Name

In the midst of the prophetic judgement on Israel and Judah, this short passage is a relieve for the readers. It is pure praise to God by the author who recognized that God alone is his salvation. The author knows that God is angry but that anger can be turned away. Moreover he recognizes God as his strength and trusts Him. This praise hymn leads the people to shout for the Lord and praise Him, recognizing all the excellent things that God has done."



Isaiah 12
A Hymn of Praise

1 And in that day you will say:
“O Lord, I will praise You;
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
2 Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.’”[a]
3 Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
4 And in that day you will say:

“Praise the Lord, call upon His name;
Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is exalted.
5 Sing to the Lord,
For He has done excellent things;
This is known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

A Good Name is Better than Precious Ointment

The first part seem to come from the believe that mourning and sorrow is better than feasting and laughter. It sees wisdom in sorrow than in the songs of fools, perhaps thinking that joy is vanity. Not sure whether the author here is expressing God's thoughts or his own. But later on it becomes more consistent with other biblical teaching about not being proud in spirit or angry. However, it does mention be joyful in the day of prosperity and also to be careful in the day of adversity. The author understands that we cannot know the future and admits that there was vanity in his days. Not an easy passage to comprehend.

In the second part, the author observes that the wicked live longer than the righteous. He advises not to be too righteous or wise. He declares that those who fear God, may avoid destroying themselves. He understands that wisdom is better, also that no man is sinless. He advises not to hear things people say about us, also we would have said things about others sometimes. He ends by declaring God made man right but man plans his own schemes.

Ecclesiastes 7
The Value of Practical Wisdom

1 A good name is better than precious ointment,
And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
2 Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise
Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6 For like the crackling of thorns under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool.
This also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason,
And a bribe debases the heart.
8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say,
“Why were the former days better than these?”
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance,
And profitable to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
13 Consider the work of God;
For who can make straight what He has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful,
But in the day of adversity consider:
Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other,
So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overly wicked,
Nor be foolish:
Why should you die before your time?
18 It is good that you grasp this,
And also not remove your hand from the other;
For he who fears God will escape them all.
19 Wisdom strengthens the wise
More than ten rulers of the city.
20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good
And does not sin.
21 Also do not take to heart everything people say,
Lest you hear your servant cursing you.
22 For many times, also, your own heart has known
That even you have cursed others.
23 All this I have proved by wisdom.
I said, “I will be wise”;
But it was far from me.
24 As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep,
Who can find it out?
25 I applied my heart to know,
To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things,
To know the wickedness of folly,
Even of foolishness and madness.
26 And I find more bitter than death
The woman whose heart is snares and nets,
Whose hands are fetters.
He who pleases God shall escape from her,
But the sinner shall be trapped by her.
27 Here is what I have found,” says the Preacher,
“Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason,
28 Which my soul still seeks but I cannot find:
One man among a thousand I have found,
But a woman among all these I have not found.
29 Truly, this only I have found:
That God made man upright,
But they have sought out many schemes.”

The Abundance of the Rich Will Not Permit Him to Sleep

The first part of this chapter sounds more like proverbs than the rest of the Ecclesiastes, pointing to the fact that the Solomon wrote both. It advices us to be prudent in the sight of God and watch what we say. In particular it discourages against making any vows, so that we are not bound to pay if we made an error and cannot fulfill it.
The second part warns against the accumulation of wealth or placing our trust in them. Those who are rich will still be dissatisfied and want to strife to get more wealth. This stronghold can even cause people to lose sleep. But a man is born naked and will also return naked. So the author advise even the rich to eat and drink and enjoy the rewards of his work. He is not suggesting drunkenness and debauchery. Instead the author recognizes that the work and rewards are given by God as a heritage and it is right to rejoice and joy of work.

Ecclesiastes 5
Fear God, Keep Your Vows

1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.
2 Do not be rash with your mouth,
And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.
For God is in heaven, and you on earth;
Therefore let your words be few.
3 For a dream comes through much activity,
And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;
For He has no pleasure in fools.
Pay what you have vowed—
5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse[a] and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.


The Vanity of Gain and Honor

8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.
9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.
10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
This also is vanity.
11 When goods increase,
They increase who eat them;
So what profit have the owners
Except to see them with their eyes?
12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,
Whether he eats little or much;
But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.
13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun:
Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.
14 But those riches perish through misfortune;
When he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.
15 As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return,
To go as he came;
And he shall take nothing from his labor
Which he may carry away in his hand.
16 And this also is a severe evil—
Just exactly as he came, so shall he go.
And what profit has he who has labored for the wind?
17 All his days he also eats in darkness,
And he has much sorrow and sickness and anger.
18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

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.

Blessed is he Whose Transgression is Forgiven

It is good to know that one is forgiven to the degree that the sins are covered. But the first step is the confession of sins to God. Then the favour of God extends beyond salvation including hiding His children when they are in trouble, and teaching the people in His ways. The wicked will have sorrows but the one who trusts in the LORD will experience mercy.

Psalm 32

A Psalm of David. A Contemplation

 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
         Whose sin is covered.
 2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
         And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
       
 3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old
         Through my groaning all the day long.
 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
         My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.  Selah
 5 I acknowledged my sin to You,
         And my iniquity I have not hidden.
         I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
         And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.  Selah
       
 6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
         In a time when You may be found;
         Surely in a flood of great waters
         They shall not come near him.
 7 You are my hiding place;
         You shall preserve me from trouble;
         You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah
       
 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
         I will guide you with My eye.
 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,
         Which have no understanding,
         Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,
         Else they will not come near you.
       
 10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
         But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.
 11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous;
         And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Turning to God in Trouble; Gratefulness to God

David encourages his readers or hearers to turn to God when they are in trouble. God will not only save us but will rejoice in our salvation. God is dependable when we call on him in need.

David describes the thankfulness and gratefulness of one who has been blessed so much by the LORD. Gratefulness for the strength and salvation given by God. The king whom David describes is most likely himself but the expression of gratefulness can be applied to anyone.


Psalm 21

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD;
         And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
 2 You have given him his heart’s desire,
         And have not withheld the request of his lips.  Selah
       
 3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness;
         You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
 4 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
         Length of days forever and ever.
 5 His glory is great in Your salvation;
         Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
 6 For You have made him most blessed forever;
         You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
 7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
         And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
       
 8 Your hand will find all Your enemies;
         Your right hand will find those who hate You.
 9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
         The LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath,
         And the fire shall devour them.
 10 Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth,
         And their descendants from among the sons of men.
 11 For they intended evil against You;
         They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.
 12 Therefore You will make them turn their back;
         You will make ready Your arrows on Your string toward their faces.
       
 13 Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!
         We will sing and praise Your power.


Psalm 20

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
         May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
         And strengthen you out of Zion;
 3 May He remember all your offerings,
         And accept your burnt sacrifice.  Selah
       
 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
         And fulfill all your purpose.
 5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
         And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
         May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
       
 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
         He will answer him from His holy heaven
         With the saving strength of His right hand.
       
 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
         But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
 8 They have bowed down and fallen;
         But we have risen and stand upright.
       
 9 Save, LORD!
         May the King answer us when we call.

Who Dwells in the LORD; Trust in the LORD

In the first Psalm, David sings about who would be acceptable to the LORD. He gives the answer as: those who are upright and truthful, those who control their tongues and do not plot against their friends, those who fear the LORD, among other things will not be moved.

In the second Psalm, David expresses his knowledge of who he is, in the LORD. He knows that his "goodness is nothing apart from" the LORD. David understands the seriousness of idolatry and would not have it in his kingdom. David knows and is secure of his inheritance from God. David is confident of his position in God and would not be moved by others. These are the sources of David's gladness, joy, hope and pleasure.

Psalm 16

A Michtam of David.

 1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
       
 2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD,
         “You are my Lord,
         My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
 3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
         “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
       
 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
         Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
         Nor take up their names on my lips.
       
 5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
         You maintain my lot.
 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
         Yes, I have a good inheritance.
       
 7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
         My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
 8 I have set the LORD always before me;
         Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
       
 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
         My flesh also will rest in hope.
 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
         Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
 11 You will show me the path of life;
         In Your presence is fullness of joy;
         At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.



Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

 1 LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
         Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
       
 2 He who walks uprightly,
         And works righteousness,
         And speaks the truth in his heart;
 3 He who does not backbite with his tongue,
         Nor does evil to his neighbor,
         Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
 4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
         But he honors those who fear the LORD;
         He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
 5 He who does not put out his money at usury,
         Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
       
         He who does these things shall never be moved.