Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Understanding important truths from the Bible….

Proverbs 1:16 NKJV

A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

There is a simplicity and sensibleness in the Scriptures that makes them worthwhile to the least educated reader. When a Bible reader looks at the Scriptures its simple message is always somewhat plain and that is the intent of the writer, that the reader understand and is able to apply to himself the truth of the text.

Proverbs 21:16 has three simple truths that are plain to the reader.

1. There is a “way of understanding”. Proverbs 1:2 begins the Proverbs by stating they are to “understand the words of understanding”. Proverbs and the Scriptures as a whole are not a mystery that some favored few are able to discern, the rest being at their mercy.

The believer can understand the Scriptures sufficiently to prepare him in holiness and truth. He fails to do this at his peril. The character of a believer is determined by his obedience to the Scriptures and he cannot be obedient to what he does not understand.

2. Some wander from the way of understanding. The Scriptures are replete with this warning. Beginning with Cain and fast forward to our present time and it is one continuum. This has been and is an ever present reality. But it is not separate from Paul’s explanation in II Timothy 2:19-22. Please read this passage carefully.

19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

3. Those who wander face certain judgment. The word “rest” is the same as “abide” in the New Testament. The “assembly of the dead” can be no other that those who are presently and for all eternity separated from God.

The division stated is peculiar in that it is not a matter of debate. It is not my way or your way or some others’ way – it is “the way.” The statement “there is a way that seems right unto man but the end thereof is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) is surely applicable in this instance. This is Paul’s insistence in Galatians 1:6-9.

Let none think there is any other way of salvation or access to a holy saving God other than by faith in the Gospel of a crucified, risen Savior. In the mid seventeenth century the men of the Westminster Assembly stated this with such force and clarity it stands still as the benchmark of Christian faith in the church. Westminster Confession of Faith X,4

The Scriptures are unyielding in their declaration of this truth. John 14:6; Acts 4:12; I John 5:11-12.

How does I John 5:11-12 differ from our Proverbs passage? It does not.

1. Some have the Son – they have life.

2. Some do not have the Son.

3. Those who do not have the Son do not have life. John 3:36 tells the wrath of God “abides” on them

Application:

1. You have a singular task, to be certain you have received Christ as the Scriptures reveal Him.

2. You have the responsibility to the extent of your ability to make yourself into a vessel fit for the master’s use and to persuade sinners to believe the Gospel and receive Jesus as the Christ.