Psalms Book V

Psalms Book V

Summary: The Fifth book of Psalms is the ending to the opus that is, this book. The high point is over and the rest of the journey is downhill as the sunsets and dusk is upon us. God's character is revisited and his promises highlighted as the sunsets. The Psalms over arching song has settle to the low hums of the strings and double reed wood winds underline God with a sense crossing breezes. In this the fifth and final book of the Psalm covering psalm one hundred seven through one hundred fifty.

Things I Noticed:

1. For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (What do you crave?)
2. I give myself to prayer.
3. Let them know that this your hand; you, O Lord, have done it. Let them curse, but you will bless!
4. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.
5. The Lord says to my Lord (David is seeing God speak to Jesus)
6. You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
7. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
8. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom; all those who practice it have good understanding
9. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
10. I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
11. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
12. I was pushed hard, so that I was feeling but the Lord helped me.
13. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
14. I am a sojourner on the earth; and hide not your commandments from me!
15. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
16. I am a companion of all who fear you, of this who keep your precepts.
17. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
18. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Sounds like the American work ethic. An anxious toil.)
19. He it is who makes that clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
20. For though the Lord is high he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
21. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.
22. O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
23. You discern my thoughts from afar.
24. You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. (The security he offers to those he loves is endless.)
25. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
26. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up on my hands as the evening sacrifice!
27. In company with men who work iniquity and let me not eat of their delicacies!
28. With my voice I cry out to the Lord
29. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
30. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. (Great worship image.)
31. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
32. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
33. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
34. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
35. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. (All the stars are already named.)
36. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
37. Sing to the Lord a new song.
38. Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing.
39. Let them sing for joy on their beds.
40. This is honor for all his godly one.

Wisdom is someone you court. Build wisdom a place to stay and convince her to stay for your life. As Dr. Luke and I continue after Jesus' footsteps, his teaching and his finger prints Solomon will tell us his proverbs. This experience brings images of tents on open plains, stories and tales, food and hot tea. I will find ways to bring those into this time in the word. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book IV

Psalms Book IV

Summary: The Forth book of Psalms is filled longer songs and sonnets. As the journey seems to take a different turn into a recounting of history and then to God's character. The Psalms over arching song whose notes are hidden through each entry seem to reach a crescendo of who God is and what he has done. In this the fourth of five books of Psalm covering psalm ninety through one hundred six.

Things I Noticed:

1. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2. O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!
3. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth.
4. for He has done marvelous things!
5. I will ponder the way that is blameless.
6. You are remembered throughout all generations. (From Adam to now the Lord name has carried across the ages. Think about that versus Buddha or Scientology.)
7. Covering yourself with light as with a garment. (The Lords threads are light. Which in scientific terms are waves of energy that gives off sound waves. Thus even God's close praise him in song.)
8. Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.

Dr. Luke and I will continue our quest to preserve Jesus' footsteps and his teaching. I think it bears repeating on this adventure with Dr. Luke I will dance and weep, pray and contemplate to the rhythm of the Psalms. It will be a wondrous experience that I will as always share with you. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Mark

Mark

Summary: Mark is know by many as companion to Paul, John Mark, the Evangelist but my favorite is that kid who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested. The book of Mark is a concise revelation of Jesus from Birth to Death to Resurrection. In the early church it was highly popular and was re-enacted many times. Biblical scholars think it was used as a base for the books of Matthew and Luke. Though similarities can be seen through out the three books the difference in tellings and teachings that help to continue to bind the canonical Gospels as truthful evidence.

Things I Noticed:

1. The Spirit immediately drove him into the wild. (The Spirit takes you to so many unexpected places)
2. He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Get some alone time with the creator.)
3. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
4. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.
5. Boanerges = Sons of Thunder
6. And his mother and his brothers came, standing outside they sent to him and called him. (We speak out for the as the Lord leads. Sometimes this makes people want to stop or disagree with us. Even our family. It happened to Jesus and it can happen to us.)
7. Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
8. Then came the rulers of the synagogue, Jarius by name.
9. Shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. (Careful of what your actions.)
10. Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while. For many were coming and going, and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Jesus was very popular.)
11. You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition to men.
12. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
13. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (Remember salt slows down the degenerate process, it makes things taste better and it purifies. But salt must be used, if salt is only kept in a jar it is useless.)
14. The Jesus was indignant when they tried to stop the kids from hanging out with him.
15. Have faith in God.
16. Do not doubt in your heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.   Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying forgive. (Mark 11:23-25)
17. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
18. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
19. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.
20. After that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
21. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
22. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
23. There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. (The people who followed and watched. Never notice this list till now.)
24. In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Continuing on my journey to catch up I brought you Mark. Dr. Luke walked a long path and its time for me to follow in his footsteps to see what he uncover in his quest. While on that path I will dance and weep, pray and contemplate to the rhythm of the Psalms. It will be a wondrous experience that I will as always share with you. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book III

Psalms Book III

Summary: The third book of Psalms is filled with more struggles of the heart. The journey seems to through it see to be a lull in the melody of the book. Reading through Psalms there seems to be a over arching song whose notes are hidden through each entry; this the third of five books. This Covers from Psalm seventy-three through eighty-nine.

Things I Noticed:

1. Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2. Your is the day, yours also the night
3. When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep tremble.
4. I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. (If we forget our past we are doom to repeat the future)
5. A company of destroying angels (There are those who job is destruction.)
6. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of the wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
7. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne

Been awhile again I know the rhythm of life changes with marriage, but we will find a new pace together. The complexity of the book is a symphony all itself. While I continue to listen through its crescendos and lulls I will call upon our dear Dr. Luke to show me his collection of Jesus' life. So be on the look out for my next post. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book II

Psalms Book II

Summary: The second book of Psalms has a eclectic mix of authors from King David, to a Psalmist, to King Salomon in there words. Songs, poetry and sonnets the mind of many men kings and artist seeking king of kings. Filled with more struggles of the heart this entry is the second of five books. This Covers from Psalm forty-two through seventy-two.

Things I Noticed:

1. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls.
2. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me.
3. Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
4. You are the most handsome of the sons of men (good description of Jesus)
5. There is a river whose stream make glad the city of God.
6. Be still, and know that I am God.
7. Our God comes; he does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
8. For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills and all that moves in the field is mine.
9. You thought that I was one like yourself (yeah people mistakes about God like that a lot.)
10. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
11. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
12. You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
13. My God in his steadfast love will meet me
14. We went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance
15. O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you
16. Let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel
17. Answer me, O Lord, fro your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy turn to me.
18. But I am afflicted and in pain let your salvation, O God, set me on high!
19. But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, Oh God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!
20. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!
21. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.

Been awhile I know but I been getting married so excuse the delay. This book is like a complexed drink filled with many flavors strong and rich. While I dev deep into its embrace I and also walking with Mark and Jesus in his Gospel. So be on the look out for my next post. Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Hebrews

Hebrews

Summary: I love the study of Jewish thought but I even I get lost a bit in trying to fully comprehend this book. Hebrews is most likely written by a student of Paul's whom was a companion of Timothy. It is filled with Jewish thought on Christian life, heresy and Christology this Epistle comes with a mandatory need to go through it with the Holy Spirit. That being said I found a few highlights I thought interesting. 

Things I Noticed:

1. Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent then theirs. (It is an interesting verse when Jesus is compared to angels.)

2. Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
3. While God also bore witness by signs and and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
4. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted
5. unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by deceitful sin.
6. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (This is a concept perpetuated in the book of Ephesians in reference to the Word of God being a sword. In studying spiritual warfare this is way it is always emphasized to memorize the bible. Jesus was easily able to quote scripture when being tempted in the desert that being said jewish boys had the first five books of the Bible memorize by thirteen.) 
7. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
8. For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come. (The verse really hits us hard when we thing of people we know who fall away. Though this can be true we know prayer has an effect and God can change even the hardest of hearts.)
9. We who shave fled for refuge might have strong encouragement  to hold fast to the hope set before us.
10. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession fro them.
11. I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts and I will be their God.
12. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
13. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
14. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 
15. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death.
16. And without faith it is impossible to please him.
17. Through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.  (Faith is a powerful thing full of life and power to change the world around. Most of all it pleases the creator of all.)
18.  Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.
19. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (Before being lashed or crucified Jesus resisted sin in the garden to the point of sorrow and sweating of blood.)
20. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving the kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
21. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers
22. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated.
23. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed undefiled for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
24. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
25. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teaching

I am moving onto book two of the Psalms things tend to find a rhythm and flow in song and poetry and Psalms is no exceptions. Then again King David like all of us had his ups and downs. In the road through the new testament I going to visit Mark and see Jesus through his eyes so be expecting that.   Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Psalms Book One

Psalms Book I

Summary: The book of Psalms is King David in his own words. Filled with songs, poetry and sonnets this book gives us insight into the mind of the shepherd king and his choir masters. Filled with triumphs highs an lows. One can follow the struggle of a man who lead a nation, went to war and even was caught in sin. This entry is the first of five since the Psalms are broken into five books. This Covers from Psalm one through forty-one.

Things I Noticed:

1. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous.
2. But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Truly a majestic image if you think of a king and knight.)
3. Be angry and do not sin.
4. Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
5. What is man that you are mindful of him. (He created the universe and holds it together. Still he is mindful of our hearts, souls and prayers.)
6. Under the tongue are mischief and iniquity.
7. Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart "You will not call account."
8. My Lord cut off all flattering lips. (Kind of wonder what kind of mood David was in.)
9. The fool says in his heart "There is not God." (So David knew some atheists.)
10. Oh Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill. (The answer) He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.
11. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.
12. As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (This is a very interesting rote since talks about seeing God and then being in his likeness.)
13. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

14. God rode on cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.
15. By my God I can leap over walls. (Not like retaining walls but like two or three story walls.)
16. The word of the Lord proves true:
17. Your gentleness made me great.
18. The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
19. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to your sight.
20. Some trust cars and some in Harley, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (I took liberties)
21. Yet you are Holy enthroned on the praises of Israel.
22. Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in the holy place? (The answer) He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and sue not swear deceitfully.
23. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness form the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. (This is a strong promise)
24. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me.
25. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
26. The Lord is the strength of his people,
27. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes with the morning.
28. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord faithful God.
29. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
30. Praise befits the upright.
31. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him.
32. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
33. Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
34. Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness. (David is smart he is wise enough to know his own righteousness is not enough)
35. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God
36. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
37. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
38. The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.
39. Wait for the Lord and keep his way; and he will exalt you to inherit the land
40. All mankind stands as a mere breath.
41. I waited patiently on the Lord he inclined and heard my cry.

Take it up and drink it in. The words throughout Psalms are like a cold drink in hot summer weather. Take your fill and as you do wait as I bring the book of Hebrews  to you. To be honest Hebrews to my wise like a cup of coffee. Great smelling but weird and bitter in taste.  Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

II Timothy

II Timothy

Summary: Nero had become the Emperor of Rome. His gardens were lit with the faith tarred and on set ablaze. The coliseums where filled with lions, fires and gladiator events fueled by Christians. And it was under this tremendous persecution that Paul was arrested again and sentenced to be executed. As Paul prepared for his final days with his last words to the next generation. II Timothy is just that a passing of the torch and final wisdom; filled with encouragement and teaching. 

Things I Noticed:

1. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2. By the Holy spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted in you.

3.You then, my child be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

4. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 

5. Charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 

6. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

7. Having nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 

8. The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,  correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by hime to do his will.

9.  Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 

10. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 

11. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.
12. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproofing, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
13. Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.
14. Fro the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
15.As for you, always be sober-minded, enduring suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  

The book of Hebrews is where I and headed next to as I travel through the times after Jesus. Right now I am pondering through David's Psalms finishing the first book of them which is up next on the blog spot.  Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Summary: Summary: When Solomon was granted wisdom and the throne by God he success shot him to the top of the world. Being King he saw the worst as judge, the best as dignitary and life through the eyes of a wise man. After a life time of experience one can only image the dark day Solomon was in when he put ink to scroll to pen Ecclesiastes. Filled with wisdom masked in the highs and lows of a kings emotional journey the reader is brought to a summation of fear God and keep his commandments.

Things I Noticed:

1. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 

2. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 

3. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increase knowledge increases sorrow. 

4. Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness.

5. sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

6. There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. 

7. For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. 

8. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it so people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; God seeks what has been driven away. 

9. All are from the dust , and to dust all return. 

10. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving wind.

11. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for there toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up... a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

12. Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. 

13. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are in earth. Therefore let your words be few. 

14. Let not your mouth lead you into sin. (The tongue is a mischievous thing)

15. Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little to much, but the full stomach if the rich will not let him sleep.

16. As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his band. (Job made reference to such wisdom)

17. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil--this is the gift of God. 

18. A good name is better than precious ointment. 

19. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. (I think this is forgotten and now a days people ignore rebuke and dance to a fools tune.)

20. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preservers the life of him who has it. 

21. In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. 

22. Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

23. Do not take to heart all the things that people say. 

24. See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.

25. For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, "What are you doing?"

26. The wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. ( This can be applied to love and a relationship.)

27. For the living dog is better then a dead lion.

28. The words of the wise heart in quite are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

29. Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. 

30. Much study is a weariness of the flesh.

31. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing whether good or evil. 

We will be seeing Timothy's second letter up next on the blog. While I will pen my next entry I will be visiting the Psalms of David which is as large of a roller coaster emotionally as Ecclesiastes.  Till then, Read up, Post up, and Shalom.