Is the Bible a Book of Human Wisdom?

The Bible, also known as the Holy Scriptures, does contain many wise sayings. However, note the claim that the Bible makes for itself:

"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,  that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.'"

1 Timothy 3:16,17

There is much evidence to back up that claim. Interesting points that are worth-considering can be read  HERE .

Does God Really Exist?

I had this conversation with a young woman, a university student from another country. I asked her viewpoint about God and what she believed about the future of mankind. She said without hesitation that she didn't believe in God, that she was an atheist, and that her god was science. I replied that science proves the existence of God and many scientists believe this to be so. She tried to avoid the conversation by saying that she didn't want to talk about it. Then she added, "Maybe when I'm old, I will believe in God."

Strange and ridiculous. Does one need to be old to believe in the existence of God? Here 's a verse from the wisest King who ever lived on earth, King Solomon,  which is worth pondering over.

"Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: 'I have no delight in them.'"

- Ecclesiastes 12:1

In the link below, we can read some scientists' answer to the question Does God exist?

Does God Exist? Some Scientist Answer

Secrets of Contentment

Some people are not contented with their lot in life. Even though they have enough, they still want more. These people fall to the category mentioned in this ancient adage: "A mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income. This too is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

A person constantly desiring for more always finds himself dissatisfied all the time, thus leaving him no room to enjoy what he has. In connection with this, Benjamin Franklin said, "Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor." When a person is content with what he has, no matter how little it may be, he is rich in the sense that he is always happy with his lot. And happiness is a treasure that truly matters in our pursuit of our basic necessities.

The following are the secrets of contentment  found in God's Word, the Bible.

1) Love people, not money and possessions

1 Timothy 6:10

"The love of money is the root of all injurious things."

Acts 20:35

"There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving."

1 Timothy 6:7-9

"For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out.  So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things. However, those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin."

2) Resist the urge to compare yourself with others

Galatians 6:4

"Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others."

Ecclesiastes 4:4

"And I myself have seen all the hard work and all the proficiency in work, that it means the rivalry of one toward another; this also is vanity and a striving after the wind."

1 Samuel 16:7

"For not the way man sees [is the way God sees], because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is."

Proverbs 11:2

"Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will come; but wisdom is with the modest ones."

3) Maintain an appreciative attitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"In connection with everything give thanks."

Psalm 143:5

"I have remembered days of long ago;

I have meditated on all your activity;

I willingly kept myself concerned with the work of your own hands."

James 1:17

"Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the [celestial] lights, and with him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow." 

Philippians 4:6,7

"Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God;  and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus."

4) Choose you friends wisely

Proverbs 13:20:

"He that is walking with wise persons will become wise."

1 Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits."

Jude 16

"These men are murmurers, complainers about their lot in life, proceeding according to their own desires, and their mouths speak swelling things, while they are admiring personalities for the sake of [their own] benefit."

Proverbs 17:17

"A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress."

Philippians 2:3,4

"Doing nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you, keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others."

5) Satisfy your spiritual need

Matthew 5:3

"Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need."

Romans 1:20 : Examine the evidence that God exists.

"For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable."

Romans 12:1,2

"Consequently I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.  And quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

1 Timothy 6:6

"To be sure, it is a means of great gain, [this] godly devotion along with self-sufficiency." 

(Based on Watchtower magazine, November 1, 2010)

Wisdom for the Tongue

Some of us often find ourselves regretting what we have said and wishing to take back the words that we have uttered. Indeed,  animals and some violent humans can be tamed, but not the tongue. The Bible book of James says, "But the tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed. An unruly injurious thing, it is full of death-dealing poison."

Nevertheless, we can gain more control over this small body member. Here are some Bible principles that can help us.

Proverbs 10:19

"In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly."

The more we talk, the more we make mistakes. So it's wise to always "keep our lips in check" or think before we speak.

James 1:19

"Be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath."

We should listen closely to what others say and show that we are genuinely interested and respectful. If someone hurts or provokes us with thoughtless words, we must try to be "slow about wrath" by not reacting in kind. And if we find it hard to be slow about wrath, it's helpful to pray to God for his holy spirit's fruit of self-control.

Proverbs 25:15

"A mild tongue itself can break a bone."

Mildness has strength. It can break a bone in the sense that if we answer mildly to those who oppose us and speak bad about us, we may be able to overcome their hard and inflexible opposition and may win their heart.

So these are the "wisdom from above" (James 3:17) that can help us speak words that are dignifying, endearing and upbuilding. 

Source:

Awake magazine, November 2010

The Need for Wisdom

To succeed in our endeavors, to decide on things that matter to us, and to solve all our problems require wisdom. Not just the wisdom of imperfect humans who claim to be expert in guidance and counseling, but the wisdom that comes from Someone who is perfect in every way. It is the wisdom of the Almighty God who created humans and thus knows exactly what they need in order to live the best possible life there is amidst this trouble-filled world. Hence, we seek this godly wisdom.

"So, if any one of YOU is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him.  But let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about." - James 1:5,6

Yes, according to this Scripture, we can receive wisdom from above and that the Giver gives generously. One requirement, though, to be able to avail of such wisdom is faith. That means that when we ask something from God, we should never doubt whether He will give us or not, but that we should completely trust that He is really willing to bestow it to us, only that we must learn to wait. Being a God of love (1 John 4:8), He definitely desires to give us what He knows can benefit us.

Just imagine a world where all people possess this godly wisdom. It would altogether be the opposite of this present world that we are living in. It would be a world where everyone enjoys life to the full and at peace with one another. 

So then, let's try to make a difference by personally asking for "wisdom from above" that will guide us in our daily life.

The Bible's Power in our Lives

Can the Bible help us face the problems of modern life? Is it relevant to our modern age? 

See how much better life is for those who open their hearts and minds to the Bible's wisdom by watching a video found in the following link.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/vcpf/article_01.htm

What God's Word Can Do to Us

The wise King Solomon said, "To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) This is true as regards the endless publication of books today, which would sometimes wear us down when we try to read many of them.

However, there is a book that is not only delightful and refreshing to read, but can also help us in every aspect of our lives. This book contains guidance, laws and principles that are not burdensome to follow at all but are a source of pleasure if we truly endeavor to apply them in our lives. 

God's Word is as refreshing as the raindrops

"The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul.
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 
making the inexperienced one wise.
The orders from Jehovah are upright, 
causing the heart to rejoice;
The commandment of Jehovah is clean, 
making the eyes shine.
The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever.
The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true;
they have proved altogether righteous.
They are more to be desired than gold, 
yes, than much refined gold;
And sweeter than honey and the flowing honey 
of the combs."
- Psalm 19:7-10

Yes, God's Word, the Bible, is not wearisome to read, but instead, it is a healing to the soul. Isn't it worth our time and effort to read it daily?

(NOTE: In quoting this Scripture, I employed the original rendition of the Hebrew Scriptures with regards  the use of God's personal name.)

Preparing for the Future

Most people today have their minds set on acquiring much material things and make it big in the world. They spend most of their time and energy in working just to have it all or to be economically better off than their friends and neighbors. 

Sometimes, their being busy with such material endeavors leaves them no time for their spiritual needs, which is of paramount importance for a person to have a really meaningful and satisfying life. It's true that material things can do good for our survival, but these cannot give perfect health, extend our lives, keep us away from sickness and accidents, and the likes. 

On the other hand, spiritual riches can benefit us in so many ways even while we live in this wicked and suffering-infested world. They can make our lives truly worth-living and satisfying. Most of all, they can lead us to a future filled with all the things that our hearts desire; to a new paradisaic world where all people will be righteous and perfect and will live eternally just as our loving Creator has purposed it to be. 

It is therefore more important to work harder on acquiring spiritual riches first, that is, pursuing the will of God and abiding by it, than to acquire material things that cannot save us at all and that will be done away with. That means our future, a future that will last forever.

The Scripture below is worth-meditating on.

"For what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? " - Matthew 16:26

Fighting Evil With the Good

"Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.” But, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.” Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good." 
- Romans 12:17-21

There would be no hatred and contention in the world if everyone would apply this Bible passage. True, it's quite hard to pass over a hurt or offense because of the emotional damage that it has done to us, but it's harder to let it linger in us. It becomes a heavy burden to carry, and that is really uncomfortable. Further, it may lead us to doing something that we would regret later. It's easier to let the offense pass and forgive the offender. It clears our mind and heart of any vexations and leaves us in peace. And it spares us from any trouble that might arise if we do something rashly.

So instead of taking revenge, it's wiser to leave the matter to the authorities, and the vengeance to God, to whom it belongs. Anyway, he is a God of justice who doesn't allow any injustice to go on. For our part, let's just keep on doing good to our fellows, even those who have offended us. By doing so, we will "heap fiery coals upon their heads", that is, we can melt their hardheartedness by continuously lavishing them with good deeds. In that way, we conquer evil with good.

    

A Light To Guide Us

"Your word is a lamp to my foot,

And a light to my roadway."

-Psalm 119:105

This world is in  dismal state where people grope about in  darkness, not knowing whether there are predators that lurk in some hidden corners and suddenly prance at them. Or there may be some boulders along the way that may cause them to stumble and get hurt.

On this account, we need a lamp to light our road way. According to the aforementioned Scripture, "Your word", referring to the Word of God, is the light that guides us. God's written word, the Bible, is filled with divine guidance and principles that  help us to evaluate our situation and offer us the right course to take. In order to have this light, we must spend some time each day to examine God's Word, meditate on what we read and apply the principles in our lives. If we do this, we can protect ourselves from dangers, and we can walk straight on to success. 

A Treasure Worth More Than Gold and Silver

"Happy is the man that has found wisdom, and the man that gets discernment, for having it as gain is better than having silver as gain and having it as produce than gold itself.  It is more precious than corals, and all other delights of yours cannot be made equal to it. Length of days is in its right hand; in its left hand there are riches and glory. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its roadways are peace. It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it are to be called happy."

- Proverbs 3:13-18

A man of wisdom possesses the kind of treasure that preserves his life not only now but throughout eternity. Unlike material treasures that may give a measure of protection but at the same time endangers the life of one who has them, wisdom is for all time a protection. It can direct one to the right path, away from the alluring and deceptive  byways and highways of this world where most people have been misled. A wise man knows that danger lurks in those ways and thus avoid them. He follows the way of wisdom from above, which is the perfect way. In doing so, he procures true riches and glory, peace and happiness. Most of all, he keeps walking in pleasantness as he moves on to his life's journey into the wonderful future that the Giver of such wisdom has prepared for him. And he will enjoy life to time indefinite.

The "Book of Creation" Reveals About God

"For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable." 

- Romans 1:20

One of the greatest evidences that there is God is natural creation. We may not see Him, but everything around us, from the heavens above to the depths of the sea, reveals that there is a Creator who designed all these things. Through them, we can "see" Him, along with His cardinal qualities: love, power, wisdom and justice. 

The book of creation highlights many of His qualities as the Universal Sovereign and Loving Father. Reading this book helps us see vividly his appealing personality, which in turn draws us ever closer to Him to the point that He will become our Best Friend who will never fail us.

For more detailed examination on this subject, please visit this link:

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20070815/article_02.htm

What Makes a Wise Person

True wisdom is clearly described in these short Scriptural passages:

"Who is wise and understanding among YOU? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom." - James 3:13

"But the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical. Moreover, the fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under peaceful conditions for those who are making peace." - James 3:17,18

Such wisdom brings never-ending benefits and blessings to those who possess it.


For related topic, feel free to visit this link:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20070615/article_02.htm

The Book That Makes Us Truly Wise and Successful

"This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely." - Joshua 1:8

 

 

In an attempt to find ways to improve their lives and to become successful in their endeavors, some people turn to self-help books that claim to have the best solution that people in general are seeking for. They may spend much time searching for the right one from all the innumerable books that have been published, and much money to purchase them. 

On the other hand, there is a book that can certainly help people of all ages and background. It may be an old book, but all its counsel and guidance are up-to-date. They were written purposely for all seasons and for all generations. Millions who have examined the contents of this book and followed the guidance found therein have experienced a truly successful life and lasting joy that springs from a bright hope that the book highlights. It is the hope of a future life in perfection which the book's own Author promised. 

This great book is none other than God's Word, the Bible. It is a living book in the sense that many of the words penned there can touch the hearts of humans and change their lives for the better. Further, many of the prophecies written there are still undergoing fulfillment, which a serious and diligent researcher can clearly see from the ongoing world events.  The fulfillment of these prophecies keeps flowing to its climax when all the world's problems will be completely removed and a new wonderful world will take place.

Everyone can avail of this book for free. A visit to the following link can lead one to reading this book and other related publications online. Reading this book regularly and meditatively, and applying the words in our lives can surely help us to be wise and successful.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/publications/index.htm

He Keeps Watching Over Us

"Were I to take the wings of the dawn,
That I might reside in the most remote sea,

There, also, your own hand would lead me

And your right hand would lay hold of me." 

- Psalm 139:9,10

Wherever we go in the world, whether in the brightest of places or in the deepest of shadows, our Heavenly Father has his eyes upon us, taking note of what we do. Whatever we do, be it  pleasant in his eyes, or unpleasant, still he takes note of it. Even if we try to hide from him, we cannot escape from his ever watchful eyes.

 

However, this fact should not make us uncomfortable. On the contrary, we should be happy because he is always there on the lookout for our own safety. He is not out to find fault with us or to make us feel exposed or unworthy because of some mistakes that we make. Rather, he is there, watching over us, in order to find opportunities for him to help and protect us from anything that may put us in danger. He is a loving and caring Father who wants his children to live a happy and successful life.

We Are Precious in His Eyes

When we lose our sense of self-worth, these two Scriptures remind us that each individual is precious in the eyes of our Creator and Father who deeply cares about us.

 

"Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without YOUR Father’s knowledge.  But the very hairs of YOUR head are all numbered.  Therefore have no fear: YOU are worth more than many sparrows."

- Matthew 10:29-31

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt YOU in due time;  while YOU throw all YOUR anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU." 

- 1 Peter 5:6,7

He Will Surely Provide for Our Needs

For those who put God first in their lives,  that is, who make the doing of God's will their priority, there's no cause for worry at all concerning their material needs. The Almighty Father knows all their needs, and He will surely provide for them as long as they keep the Father foremost in their lives. Here is the promise:

“Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU. So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness." 
- Matthew 6:33,34

The message is clear: If we put spiritual things first, then all our material needs will be added to us. Millions worldwide have experienced the fulfillment of this promise. They are the ones who strive to serve God first, trusting in His promises, and they have never found themselves lacking in their material provisions. 

This doesn't mean, however, that they don't work at all, and just wait for these material things to drop from heaven. They do work hard, and God blesses their efforts so that they can have what they need materially. That's how God adds to their material necessities. So they don't need to worry about the following day, knowing that God will keep providing for them.

Guarding Against Unbridled Rage

 "Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with YOU in a provoked state,  neither allow place for the Devil." - Ephesians 4:28,27

 It's only natural to be angry, and our anger may be justifiable. But remaining in an angry or wrathful state will only do us harm. Aside from its ill effects on our physical health, it can also put us in a position where the Devil can easily prey on us and induce us to do something evil against our fellows and against God. 

So if we feel that rage is brewing in us, it's best to pray immediately and ask God to help us be "cool of spirit" and have self control so that we can avoid acting in a harmful way. If our rage is caused by some disputes with our fellows, we must settle them peacefully as soon as possible. We should not allow ourselves to remain in a provoked state and be a victim of the Devil's malicious designs to destroy us.

Keep On Asking, And You Will Receive

Some people don't get what they ask for and  can't find what they're seeking for. This is especially true with regards to their pursuits of material things or emotional needs. However, persistence is one good quality in order to get what one truly needs. In the Scripture below, the Son of God tells his listeners,

“Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened."

- Matthew 7:7,8

This inspirational passage has its more profound application for us as regards our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It is to Him that we ask for whatever we need, but we must ask them in the right way. For instance, in order to have the basic material things that we need, we have to ask him for qualities that enable us to work in order to produce our material necessities. We also need to ask for wisdom and endurance to cope with difficult situations. If we feel that we are too weary or weak to care for our responsibilities, it is urgent that we ask for strength to carry them out.

It's not enough to ask just once though. As the Scripture shows, we must keep on asking. This doesn't mean that the Almighty doesn't hear us the first time we ask. Of course, He knows what we need even before we ask Him. But if we keep on asking Him, we demonstrate that we are sincere in our requests and that we rely on Him and trust that he can give us what we ask for. So we need to keep on asking, not doubting at all that He will provide for us, and we will surely receive.

The Beauty of Our Creator's Law (video version)