WORLD LITERATUREREPORT: HEBREW SELECTION

THE BIBLE

How the Bible came into being.God used three wonderful methods as he carefully carved out that most blessed of all books, the Bible. These three tools of the Trinity are referred to as revelation, inspiration, and illumination.

How then did we received our Bible?

Around 1400 B.C. God began to quietly call some forty men and women into his presence. He didnt call them in all at once. In fact, it took him nearly fifteen centuries to complete the job. He spoke the burden of his great heart in simple but sublime language to those chosen forty. With a holy hush they heard him tell of creation and corruption, of condemnation, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

We see how the Almighty Author quickly and carefully guides each chosen human vessel in his assigned writing task. Each of the forty is dealt with individually. Job, a rich farmer, will write differently than will Amos, a poor farmer. The words of the educated Paul will be more complicated on occasion than those of the uneducated John or Peter. But all will carry with them the divine approval of heaven itself.

The Bible is shaped of the three tools:1. Revelation: From God to man (man hears that which God wants written)

God spoke to the fathers and prophets in eight (8) ways:a. God often spoke to men through angels. Angels reassured Abraham of the birth of Isaac and informed him of Gods decision to destroy Sodom (Gen 18) Angel Gabriel informed Mary that God had chosen her as his vessel for Christs birth (Lk 2) An angel announced the resurrection of Christ to some women (Mt. 28)b. God spoke to men through a loud voice. God directly to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah, Jeremiahc. God spoke to men through a still, small voice. Ps. 32:8d. God spoke to men through nature. Ps. 19:1-3e. God spoke to one man through the mouth of an ass. Num. 22:28f. God spoke to men through dreams. Jacob received the confirmation of the Abrahamic Covenant in a dream Solomon received both wisdom and warning in a dream Joseph received messages assuring him of Marys purity, commanding him to flee to Egypt and ordering him to return to Palestine. The wise men were warned of Herod evil intentions in a dreamg. God spoke to men through visionsVISION is a supernatural presentation of certain scenery or circumstances to the mind of a person while awakeh. God spoke to men through Christophanies.CHRISTOPHANIES is a pre-Bethlehem appearance of Christ. Angel of the Lord is actually another name of Christ.

2. Inspiration: From man to paper (man writes that which God wants written)Theopneustos = God-breathedAll (plenary) the very words (verbal) of the Bible are inspired by God.Mat. 4:4. man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Jn. 6:63. the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life

Implications of inspiration

1. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not teach that all parts of the bible are equally important, but only that they are equally inspired.2. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not guarantee the inspiration of any modern or ancient translation of the Bible, but deals only with the original Hebrew and Greek languages.3. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not allow for any false teaching, but it does on occasion record the lie of someone.4. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not permit any historical, scientific, or prophetical error whatsoever.

Every scientific statement in the Scriptures is absolutely true.

5. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not prohibits personal research.6. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not deny the use of extra-biblical sources.7. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not overwhelm the personality of the human authors.8. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not exclude the usage of pictorial and symbolic language.9. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not mean uniformity in all details given in describing the same event.10. Plenary-verbal inspiration ensures us that God included all the necessary things he wanted us to know, and excluded everything else.

Importance of Inspiration:1. One may have inspiration without revelationLuke carefully checked out certain facts concerning the life of Christ and was then led to write them on paper.2. One may have inspiration without illumination.Peter tells us the Old Testament prophets did not always understand everything they wrote about. But without inspiration, the Bible falls.

Completion of inspiration. Is inspiration still going on today? Bible believing Christians believe that when John the apostle wrote Revelation 22:21 and wiped his pen, inspiration stopped. His warning in Rev. 22:18, 19 not to add to or subtract from his book included not only the book of Revelation,, but the entire Bible.

3. Illumination: From paper to heart (man receives the light of that which God had written)

Without illumination, no sinner ever would have been saved! Illumination is that method used by the Holy Spirit to shed divine light upon all seeking men as they look into the Word of God. Illumination is from the written word to the human heart.

Illumination is necessary because of natural, satanic, carnal blindness

Result of Illumination.a. Sinners are saved. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind; the entrance of thy word giveth lightb. Christians are strengthened.Implications of illuminationa. The Holy Spirit looks for a certain amount of sincerity before he illuminates any human heart. It is impossible for an insincere person to be saved. b. The Holy spirit often seeks out the aid of a believer in performing his task of illuminating the hearts of others.The writing materials of the Bible.The Spirit of God moved upon the authors of the Bible to record their precious messages upon whatever object was in current use at the time of the writing. Thus once again we see the marvelous condescension of God. This writing materials would include:1. Clay2. Stone3. Papyrus, made by pressing and gluing two layers of split papyrus reeds together in order to form a sheet4. Vellum (calfskin), parchment (lamb skin), leather (cowhide)5. Metal

The preservation of the Bible

Ps. 12:6,7 The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in afurnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Preservation is as full and complete as inspiration. God has kept his Word!

The marvelous unity of the Bible can be explainable on no other ground than that of divine authorship. It is confessedly one book yet it is made up of sixty-six books, composed by not less than forty writers, spread over a period of sixteen hundred years. The writers moved in widely separated spheres of life. Some were kings and scholars with the best education that their day afforded; others were herdsmen and fishermen with no formal education. It is impossible that there should have been a collusion (conspiracy, a secret agreement) between the writers. Yet there is but one type of doctrine and morality unfoldedthe marvelous system of truth that is begun by Moses in the book of Genesis is brought to completion by John in the Book of Revelation. In the development of no other book in the history of the world has there ever been anything that even remotely approaches this phenomenon that we find in the Bible.

The preservation of the Bible as a Book. We have the bible 3,500 to 1,900 years after it was written down. Many other writings have been lost forever and are known only through the references made to them by other works.

Symbols for the Bible1. Mirror, reflects the mind of God and the true condition of man.2. Seed, once properly planted, it brings forth life, growth, and fruit3. Water, because of its cleansing, quenching and refreshing qualities4. Lamp, because it shows us where we are now, it guides us in the next step, and it keeps us from failing.5. Sword, because of its piercing ability, operating with equal effectiveness upon sinners, saints, and Satan. The only offensive piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.6. Precious metals: (gold and silver). It is referred to as precious metals because of its desirability, its preciousness, its beauty, and its value.7. Nourishing food; (Milk, Meat, bread, honey), it is referred to as nourishing food because of the strength it imparts.8. Hammer, it is referred to as a hammer because of its ability to both tear down and build up.9. Fire, it is called a fire because of its judging, purifying, and consuming abilities.

The Supreme authority of the Bible

The bible is profitable for:1. Learning- that is, it must be used as the perfect textbook to present the systematic teachings of the great truths relating to God himself.2. Reproof- that is, the Bible is to be used to convict us of the wrong in our lives.3. Instruction in righteousness- that is, Gods Word provides all the necessary details which will allow a Christian to become fully equipped for every good work. Because of all this, the Bible rightly demands absolute and sole authority over any other source in the life of the child of God. This authority would exceed that of the following:a. Authority over human reason. God gave us our minds and desires that we should use them. However, there are times when God desires us to submit our human reasoning to him. Often our reasoning is as the thinking of Naaman, who when asked to take a sevenfold bath in Jordans muddy waters, angrily replied.Isa. 55:8,9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.b.

The Original language of the Bible1. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, with the following exceptions appearing in Aramaic. Why did God choose Hebrew?

Hebrew is a pictorial language, with vivid, bold metaphors which challenge and dramatize the story. The Hebrew language possesses a facility to present pictures of the events narrated. The Hebrew thought in pictures, and consequently his nouns are concrete and vivid. There is no such thing as neuter gender, for the Semite everything is alive. Compound words are lackingthere is no wealth of adjectiveThe language shows vast powers of association and, therefore, of imagination. Some of this is lost in the English translation, but even so, much of the vivid, concrete, and forthright character of our English Old Testament is really a carrying over into English of something of the genius of the Hebrew tongue. As a pictorial language, Hebrew presents a vivid picture of the acts of God among a people who became examples or illustrations for future generations. The Old Testament was intended to be graphically presented in a picture language.

Hebrew is a personal language. It addresses itself to the heart and emotions rather than merely to the mind or reason. Sometimes even nations are given personalities.

Hebrew is a language through which the message is felt rather than thought. As such, the language was highly qualified to convey to the individual believers as well as to the worshipping community the personal relation of the living God in the events of the Jewish nation.

2. The entire New Testament was written in Greek.Greek was an intellectual language. It was more a language of the mind than of the heat, a fact to which the great Greek philosophers gave abundant evidence. Greek was more suited to codifying a communication or reflection on a revelation of God in order to put it into simple communicable form. It was a language that could more easily render the credible into the intelligible than could Hebrew. It was for this reason that New Testament Greek was a most useful medium for expressing the propositional truth of the New Testament, as Hebrew was for expressing the biographical truth of the Old Testament. Since Greek possesses a technical precision not found in Hebrew, the theological truths which were more generally expressed in the Hebrew of the Old Testament were more precisely formulated in the Greek of the New Testament.

Greek was nearly universal language. The truth of God in the Old Testament, which was initially revealed to one nation (Israel), was appropriately recorded in the language of the nation (Hebrew). But the fuller revelation given by God in the New Testament was not restricted in that way. In the words of Lukes gospel, the message of Christ was to be preached in his name to all nations. The language most appropriate for the propagation of this message was naturally the one that was most widely spoken throughout the world. Such was the common Greek, a thoroughly international language of the first century Mediterrean world.

God chose the very languages to communicate His truth which had, in His providence, been prepared to express most effectively the kind of truth He desired at that particular time, in the unfolding of His overall plan, Hebrew, with its pictorial and personal vividness, expressed well the biographical truth of the Old Testament. Greek with its intellectual and universal potentialities, served well for the doctrinal and evangelical demands of the New Testament.

Reason for the Writing of the Bible The best way to communicate with all men of all ages is through the written record. Advantages of the written method are the following:i. Precision, ones thoughts must be somewhat precise to be written.j. Propagation, the most accurate way to communicate a message is usually through writing.k. Preservation, men die, and memories fail, but the written record remains. It may be said that the New testament especially was written for the following reasonsa. Demand of the early churchb. To counteract false doctrinesc. Because of persecution and politicsOrder of the books of the Hebrew Old Testament are arranged in a three fold division:1. The law (Torah): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers Deuteronomy2. The Prophets (Nebhiim)a. Former prophets-four books: (Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings)b. Latter prophets (Major): (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel)c. Latter prophets (Minor): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachid. The writings. The poetical books: Psalms, Proverbs, Job The Scrolls: Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther Prophetic-historical: Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, ChroniclesThe location of the Old Testament books:1. Before the Babylonian captivity (606 B.C.). The Old Testament were laid beside the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple. 2. During the Babylonian Captivity. The books were probably carried to Babylon and later collected by Daniel.3. After the Babylonian captivity. These books have been taken back to jerusalem by Ezra the prophet and kept in the newly completed temple.

The New Testament

The New Testament was written over a period of about fifty years (approximately A.D. 50-100), by eight separate human authors. 1. Chronological order and dating of the New Testament booksa. James AD 49 written from Jerusalemb. 1 & 2 Thessalonians AD 52 written from Corinthc. 1 & 2 Corinthians AD 56 written from Macedoniad. Galatians AD 57 written from Corinthe. Luke AD 58 written from Caesareaf. Acts AD 60 written from Romeg. Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, AD 61, 62 written from Romeh. Matthew AD 63 written from Romei. Mark AD 63 written from Romej. Hebrews AD 64 written from Jerusalemk. 1 & 2 Timothy AD 65 written from Macedonial. 1& 2 Peter AD 66 written from Babylonm. Titus AD 66 written from Greecen. Jude AD 67 unknowno. 1, 2 & 3 John AD 90-95 written from Ephesusp. Revelation AD 90-95 written from the Isle of Patmos

The human writers of the New Testamenta. Matthew writer of Matthewb. Mark writer of Markc. Luke writer of Luke and Actsd. John writer of John, 123 John and Revelatione. James writer of Jamesf. Jude writer of Judeg. Peter writer of 1 and 2 Peterh. Paul writer of the fourteen remaining New Testament epistles

THE OLD TESTAMENTTHE NEW TESTAMENT

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE New Testament lies open before us- the Gospel according to Matthew. Those who know it best will praise it most. Even at a first reading, esecially if read right through at one sitting, it will yield much; but if we read it 3 or 4 or a down of times, it becomes more revealing and rewarding each time.

A. What Jesus taught the tenfold message1. Beatitudes, morals, motives, mammons, cares, discernment, encouragement, summary, alternatives, warningsB. What Jesus Wrought the Ten Mighty Works1. Leper cleansed, palsied healed, fever calmed, demoniacs, palsy cured, hemorrhage, girl raised, sight given, demoniacC. What people thought the ten reactions1. John Baptist - undecided, this generations - unresponsive, galilean cities - unrepentant, pharisees - unreasonable, multitudes - undiscerning, nazarethites- unbelieving, herod - unintelligent, scribes - unconciliatory, sadducees - unrelenting, the twelve apostles glad recognition

The sermon on the Mount:Beautiful Attitudes (beatitude)Rewards

1. Those poor in spiritThe kingdom of heaven

2. Those that mournTo be comforted

3. The meekTo inherit the earth

4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sakeTo be filled

5. The mercifulTo obtain mercy

6. The pure in heartTo see God

7. The peacemakersTo be called the sons of God

8. Those persecuted for righteousness sakeThe kingdom of heaven

Rules for the Redeemed:1. The money rule: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust that corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal.2. The golden rule: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.3. The judgment rule: Judge not, that ye be not judge4. The worry rule: Therefore take no thought, saying What shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all thesse things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.5. The prayer rule: Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knoketh it shall be opened.

The Duets

Two Metaphors Ye are the salt of the earthYe are the light of the world

Two gatesThe wide gate: leads to destruction many take this wayThe narrow gat: lead to salvation, few take this way

Two treeThe good tree: bears much fruit: the type of a true teacher professing and possessingThe bad tree: bears no fruit- a type of the false teacher professing only

Two buildersThe wise builder: built his house upon a rock survived the stormThe foolish builder: built his house upon the sand was destroyed by the storm

Development in the Gospel of Matthew:1. The presentation: the Lords public presentation of himself at Jerusalem as Israels messiah-Kinga. The journey to the city: the Lord foreknew the outcome of His timed appearance at Jerusalem before he ever entered its gates.JOHNThe Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament, tell the story of the life of Jesus. Yet only onethe Gospel of Johnclaims to be an eyewitness account, the testimony of the unnamed disciple whom Jesus loved. (This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true [John 21:24]). Who wrote the Gospel of John is a question that remains unanswered, though noted theologians throughout the ages maintain that it was indeed the disciple John who penned the famous Biblical book.

CORINTHIANS 1 & II

THE PSALMSWe will undetake a study of the literature that was written during the years of the kingdom of Israel was still united. These are the Poetic books of the Bible, and include Psalms (mostly written by David), Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (written by Solomon and Job).The PsalmsThere are three basic ways to study the Psalms1. By book division2. By authorship3. By subject matterA. By book division, each end with doxologya. Chapters 1-41, key word is manPsalms 1:1 blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.b. Chapter 42-72, key word is deliverancePsalms 50:51 I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me.c. 73-89, key word is sanctuaryPsalms 77:31 Thy way, O God, is in the santuary: who is so great a God as our Godd. 90-106, key words are unrest, wanderingse. 107-150, key phrase is Word of godB. By authorship1. David as the shepherd, sinner, sufferer, the sanctifiedC. Subject matter of Psalms1. Devotional: contain precious and personal promises which all believers can feed upon. In dealing with these, sometimes only the promise itself will be quoted with no comment. On other occasions, a word or so may be added. These Pslams includes sobbing and singing. The author will at times pout, doubt, and shout. They review the past and preview the future. Here the naked sould of man is manifested.a. Ps. 4:3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto him.Reflection: Here Davids praying brought him peace and sleep. One of the sweetest fringe benefits of the Christian life is peace. Ps. 29:11 The Lord will bless his people peaceb. Ps. 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget GodReflection: This will someday become a horrible reality.c. Ps. 14:1 The foll hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.Reflection: Fool is a person with heart trouble, not head trouble.d. Ps. 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wingsHere, David uses two tender terms depicting Gods affection for the beleiver: apple of the eye and shadow of thy wings.e. Ps. 18:16 he took me, he drew me out of many waters.Reflection: David speaks of being drawn out of many waters. Waters is often employed in the Psalms as a symbol fro trouble and anguish.f. Ps. 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.Reflection: The most famous prayer of all times, with the possible exception of Lords Prayer. David says the Lord is his Shepherd, thus:a. When his soul needed spiritual refreshment, the Shepherd jprovided green pastures.b. When his soul was weary, the Shephered provided still waters.c. When his soul needed revival, the Shepherd restored him.d. When his soul was confronted with death, the Shephered went with him.e. When his soul was confronted with enemies, the Shepherd provided his victory table.f. When his soul was wounded, the Shepherd anointed his head with oil.g. When his soul needed companionship, the Shepherd appointed goodness and mercy to accompany him.h. When David leave this temporary earthly dwelling place, the Shepherd would provide a permanent heavenly dwelling place.

2. The penitential Psalmsa. Ps. 32 Describes Davids emotions as he confesses his sins of adultery and murder, while this Psalms depicts his feelings before such confession was made whn the awful burden of guilt still bore heavy upon him. b. Ps. 51. David begins this great confessional by doing what God expects every sinning saint to do freely acknowledging his sin. The Father will accept our tears, but not our excuses. David refuses to blame his failure on society, heredity, poverty, or environment. David had sinned against himself, against Bathseba, against Uriah, and against all Israel who looked up to their beloved king. But his sin against God was so serious and stupendous that all other parties involved faded away. The confession Psalms brings out many precious truths, but. The reason is that, there existed no sacrifice for the sin of adultery was to be taken out and stoned to death, So then, David by passes the Levitical offerings and throws himself completely pon the mercy ad grace of God.c. Ps. 38. Surely this must rank among the most remarkable passages in the entire Bible, if for no other reason, because of it, absolute frankness. This pitiful prayer ought to demonstrate that the Bible is not only a Book that man could not write if he would, but would not write if he could!. Here is David, the sweet singer of Israel, the anointed of the Lord, the man after Goda own heart. Yet as one carefulyy studies the language of this prayer, it becomes impossible to escape the shocking possibility that d. David was plagued with that kind of disease which oftenccompanies immoral living and activites.

3. The imprecatory Psalms. To imprecate is to pray against, or to invoke evil upon someone or something. David calls down judgement upon his enemies, asking God to:a. Fight against them, bring them unto confusion, scatter then as chaff, allow the Lords angel to chase and persecute them, cause their way to be dark and slippery, allow death to seize upon them, pull them down into hell, break their teeth, cut up their defense withhold all mercy to them, consume them in wrath, set a trap for them, darken their eyes, make their lions to shake, let their habitation be sesolate, blot them out of the book of the living, make them as the dung of the earth, persecute them, give them over to Satan, let their days be few, let their chidlren be beggars, let burning coals fall upon them, cast them into a deep pitb. The Psalms are inspired and the Holy spirit has a right to denounce sin and sinners. The Bible pronounce maledictions against the Israelites also for falling into sin and idolatry. David in the Psalms, he makes Gods cause his cause. Psalms are prayers for success on the battlefield. Psalms look forward to the final earthly judgements against the wicked.4. Historical Psalms. a. The sins of Israel: They refused to walk in Gods law, they spoke against God, they didnt trust his salvation, they lied to him, they grieved him, they limited him, they worshipped graven images, they envied his leader Moses, they promised land, they murmured in their tents, they ate the sacrifices of the dead, they mingled among the heathens, they sacrificed their sons and daughters to devils, they shed innocent blood.b. The grace of God: God remembered the covenant they creid for help, He divided the sea, they led them with a cloud by dat, he led them with a fire by night, he provide water for them out of rocks, he rained down manna for them, he was full of compassion and forgave their iniquity, he wrought signs for them in Egypt, he brought them to the border of the promised land, he cast out the heathen before them, he chose David to led them, he allowed no man to hurt them, He fed them, he reprove kings for their sake, He gave them the riches of Egypt, He kept them all strong, He continually forgave them, He continually heard their cry.

THE BOOK OF PROVERBSA proverb is a short sentences drawn from long experience.Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs, and composed over one thousand songs.The books tells a story. It is a picture of a young man starting out in lifeTwo (2) schools:1. School of wisdom2. School of foolsThe key word of Proverbs is WISDOM:Wisdom will protect her students, wisdom will direct her students, wisdom will perfect her studentsClassics passages of Proverbs1. The warning of wisdom2. The energy of wisdom3. The godless whore4. The godly wife5. The sovereign Savior6. Fifteen famous facts7. The riotous rebel

Main subjects of Proverbs:1. A good name: Prov.22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; Prov. 10:7 but the name of the wicked shall rot.2. Youth and discipline: Prov. 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.; Prov. 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a hild, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him,; Prov. 23:13 Withhold not correction form the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die3. Business matters:a. God hates a dishonest scale and delights in honesty.b. Dont withhold repayment of your debts.c. God will not let a good man starve to death.d. Lazy men are soon poor, hard workers have an abundant supply.e. A lazy fellow is a pain to his employer-like smoke in his eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.f. He that trust in his riches shall fall g. It is wrong to accept a bribe to twist justiceh. Develop your business first before building your house.i. Riches can disappear fast. And the kings crown doesnt stay in his family foreverso watch your business interests closely. Know the state of you flocks and your herds; then there will be lambs wool enough for clothing, and goats milk enough for food for all your household after the hay is harvested, and the new crop appears, and the mountain grasses are gathered in.j. Marriage: Rejoice of the wife of your youth, a virtous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashemed is as rotten in his bones.k. Every wise woman builds her house; but the foolish one plucks it down with her hands, whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord, it is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman, who can find a virtuous woman?l. Evil companions: refuse them for they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence, refuse them, for their kindness is a trick, they want to use you as their pawn, refuse them, for a mans true character is reflected by the friends he chooses.m. Wisdom: the fear of the Lord is the root of wisdom, it will gain many honors, it will give one renewal, health and vitality, it will fill ones barns with wheata nd barley and overflow the wine vats with the finest wines, it is better than silver, gold and precious rubies, it gives long life, riches, honor, pleasure and peace, it is the principal thing, it brings the favor of God.n. Self-control: an uncontrolled man often begins something he cant finish, a man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls.o. Strong drink: it fills the heart with anguish and sorrow, it causes bloodshot eyes and many wounds, it bites like a poisonous serpent and strings like an adder, it leads to hallucinations and delirium tremens, it make one say silly and stuped things, it cause one to stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, It allows one to be beat up without even being aware of it, and it cause leaders to forget their duties and thus pervert justice.p. Friendship: a truefrined is always loyal and is born to help in time of need, woulds from a friend are better than kisses form an enemy, never abandon a friendeither yours or your fathers,friendly suggestions are a s pleasant as perfume, a friendly discussion is as stimulating as the sparks that fly when iron strikes iron, a man who would have friends must himself be friendly, and a true friend sticks closer than a brother.q. Words and the tongue: the tongue of the just is as choice silver, he that refrain from speaking is wise, the lips of the righteous feed many, a hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, a talebearer reveals secrets; but one of a faithful spirit conceals the matter, some speak like a piercings of a sword; but the tongue of ht wise is health, he who keeps his mouth keeps his life; but he who open wide his lops shall have destruction; a true witness delivers sould, a soft answer turns away wrath; but a grievous words stir up anger, a wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness is a breach in the spirit, word spoken in due season is good, the heart of the righteous studies to answer, pleasant words are like a honeycomb; sweet to the soul, and health to the bones, a froward man sows strife; and a whisper separates chief friends. The beginning of strife is like letting out water. Therefore, leave off contention, before it is meddled with, he who has knowledge spares his words, the words of a talebearer are wounds, he who anasers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him, death and life are in the power of the tongue, he that speaks lies shall not escape, a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver, by long forebearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the hard bone, he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him, is like one who takes a dog by the ears, where no wood is, there the fire goes out; so where thre is no talebearer, strife ceses, and let another man praiseyou, and not your own mouth.

Grouping in the Book of Proverbs:a. Seven things that God hates: A proud look, a lying tongue, hand that shed innocent blood, a wicked, plotting heart, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, and sowing discord among brothers.b. Four things which are never satisfied: the grave, the barren womb, a barren desert and firec. Four wonderful and mysterious things: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a serpent crawls upon a rock, how a ship finds its way across the ocean, the growth of love between a man and womand. Four things which the earth finds unbearable: a slave who becomes a king, a fool when he is filled with meat, a bitter woman when she finally marries, a servant girl who marries her mistress husbande. Four small but wise thingsi. Ants they arent strong, but store up food for the winterii. Cliff badgers- conies- delicate little animals who protect themselves by living among the rocksiii. The locust- though they have no leader, they stay together in swarmsiv. Spiders they are casy to catch and kill, yet are found even in kings palaces.