Trust GOD alone

18 But the old prophet answered, “I am a prophet, too, just as you are. And an angel gave me this command from the Lord: ‘Bring him home with you so he can have something to eat and drink.’” But the old man was lying to him. 19 So they went back together, and the man of God ate and drank at the prophet’s home.

20 Then while they were sitting at the table, a command from the Lord came to the old prophet. 21 He cried out to the man of God from Judah, “This is what the Lord says: You have defied the word of the Lord and have disobeyed the command the Lord your God gave you. 22 You came back to this place and ate and drank where he told you not to eat or drink. Because of this, your body will not be buried in the grave of your ancestors.”

24 and the man of God started off again. But as he was traveling along, a lion came out and killed him. His body lay there on the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it.

- 1 Kings 13

Notice how the man of GOD was deceived by the older prophet. Why did the old prophet lie to the man of GOD? What was his purpose his intent? So that he would put his fellow prophet in danger? Let's give him a benefit of a doubt, perhaps he wants to learn about this prophet whom GOD has just used mightily in the land of Israel to speak to the King about the destruction that is going to happen. Perhaps the old prophet just wanted to have fellowship with this man not intending to cause him harm. But GOD's word was so clear to the man of GOD not to go bak and eat anything, why did he defy God's orders? Perhaps it was not his intention to defy God's orders, but he trusted the old prophet more than he trusted what he first heard from GOD and this is where we should all learn from: Trust in GOD alone. Never put your trust in any human being because they are merely humans.

When GOD says something to you, do not change your mind about it until the LORD says it is canceled. Do not let other people talk you into doing something you are doubtful about. People can be older than us, have more experience than us, have more wisdom than us but it doesn't mean that they have every right to your life when they tell you to do something which you have not heard directly from GOD. It is especially important to know and hear from GOD yourself before making any decisions which you know are imposed or advised by others. It is good to get godly counsel, but the most important counsel you should get is the guidance of GOD in your life because GOD alone has every right to your life than anybody in this world has. Let GOD be your final authority.

Listen, Wisdom is Calling

5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.

- Proverbs 1

The wise will never be wise enough not to receive any more learning. The discerning can still be guided to a better way, for both the wise and the discerning can still be even more and have more when they understand the proverbs and parable of the Book the wisest King on Earth had written in Proverbs. King Solomon therefore writes the first proverb: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. It is not enough to read this and already understand the depth of this sentence. But when a man fears GOD because he respects and understands the reality of who He is, then a man will not do things that will anger GOD, to keep himself from harm. When a man learns to do this, this is where knowledge and wisdom begins. For fearing GOD will make man learn and understand more the ways of GOD. To fear GOD is to fear the punishments of GOD, but it is not to be afraid of GOD Himself. To fear GOD means to have the highest regard and respect of Him.

But fools despise wisdom and knowledge. Fools don't care about anything. Simple minded people do not seek understanding for all they want to think is that they are right in the little things that they know. They want it simple and easy, they just want to have everything done their way. Waywardness is being uncontrollable and unpredictable, they do what they feel like doing. Fools don't like to learn, they are too lazy for that and they are comfortable in their complacency. But the thing that they do not know is that the wayward ways of the simple and the complacency of fools will bring destroy to themselves. But those who listen to wisdom, who do a little more to seek the right thing will live in safety and be at ease without any fear. Wisdom is always calling forth, it is in the air everywhere wanting to be heard, desperate to be known, GOD's spirit is wisdom. Listen, Wisdom is calling.

What Should I Do?

8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” 14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
- Luke 3:8



The words that John the Baptist spoke during this time was very straight forward, direct and harsh. There was no hypocrisy or sugar coated words to lighten the gravity of what he wanted to do. Rebuking everyone especially those that are being dependent on their national standing - being jewish does not get you to Heaven. Going to church will not get you to Heaven, being good is not enough to bring you salvation. There are only two kinds of people that may react to the hurtful rebuke of John. The first ones are those with humble hearts. Those who are humble are the ones who asked John "What should we do?" People who think are righteous, who think they are doing good enough to deserve the goodness of GOD are the ones who are not likely to take the words of John lightly. 

The second group of people would react violently to this, being offended and plotting to kill John the moment He said these words. Why? The proud don't like to be corrected. They feel they are right, they are good enough when in fact they are self-righteous meaning, righteous only in their own thinking, actually proud in themselves because they would not accept correction in fact they will think they are so right they will kill the ones that think they are otherwise. Asking the question "what should I do?" is the right response to such rebuke. If you are truly humble, you will not be offended by any kind of rebuke but will be grateful to be corrected. Proverbs 12:15 says "Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others." Are you unteachable? Then you are a fool. It is better to ask the question "What should I do?" for you are wise and humble.

Huble thinking

1 But the men of Efrayim complained to Gid‘on, “Why didn’t you call on us when you went to fight Midyan? Why did you treat us this way?” They were sharp in their criticism. 2 He answered by saying to them, “How can what I have done be compared with what you have done? Aren’t the grapes Efrayim leaves on the vines better than the ones Avi‘ezer harvests? 3 God handed over to you Midyan’s chiefs, ‘Orev and Ze’ev. What could I do that matches what you did?” By saying that, he appeased their anger at him.
- Judges 8:1-3


Pride and Honor don't come together. The men of Efrayim were proud, they wanted to be part of the battle so that they will be honored along with them. But Gideon knew that this was in their hearts and he was wise enough to respond to what they needed instead of fighting against them, after all they were his brothers. Even though they criticized Gideon sharply even after Gideon fought for Israel and risked his life for this battle, the hearts of the men of Efrayim were full of pride. Pride truly will get in the way of being grateful. Pride will make you say things unreasonably, even when it makes no sense, pride will make you become senseless.

But Gideon, was humble and wise and knew exactly what the men of Efrayim wanted to have. They wanted to have honor along with him who fought so greatly for the people of Israel. Gideon humbled himself to lift the men of Efrayim up saying I'm nothing compared to you! Now this leader has truly become a humble servant. His achievement in winning the battle did not cause him to get puffed up but it enabled him to keep the peace of Israel and his brothers. If Gideon was also proud, he would have fought his brothers for criticizing him right then and there because he didn't deserve those critisicm. But his humble attitude and wise thinking made him an even better leader.