Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Wisdom calls out.

July 9, 2021

Does wisdom call out to us as Solomon asks in Proverbs chapter 8? Wisdom and understanding are speaking to us in this chapter. They cry to mankind and womankind. Shrewdness can be learned. The inexperienced can learn when they listen to wisdom and understanding. Wisdom is always correct.

Good advice, competence and strength are three attributes of wisdom. Kings rule and enact fair laws through her. Those who search for her will find wisdom. Riches, honor, and righteousness are her companions.

Jehovah created wisdom. Before the universe or the earth came to be, wise words existed. When it came about is not important. The fact that it was made by Yahweh is.

Wisdom is your sister

July 8, 2021

Would you want to protect the pupil of your eye? Proverbs 7 says that you would. Following these words are as important. Keep them with you all the time as if you tie them to your fingers or engrave them on your heart. Wisdom is like a sister that will protect you.

Why is he hung up on sex again in chapter seven of Proverbs? Because the misuse of it can ruin your life. Solomon sees a foolish young man out his window. The woman is out after dark. Her dress is provocative. She has a plan, is loud and defiant and, does not stay at home.

Her aggressiveness should tip him off. All the preparations for sex have been made. What she wants is not love. She wants sex. She wants someone other than her husband and does not hesitate to seduce an unsuspecting young man. He is completely in her clutches. An ox going to slaughter is an example of how he reacts to her.

This is a life-or-death situation. Plan to avoid the type of person that wants to trap you into an illicit relationship. Ladies just reverse the sex of the tempter, and you could be caught in the trap as well.

Seven things the Lord hates.

July 6, 2021

Finances are a problem for many of us and in Proverbs 6 Solomon advises us to remove ourselves from obligations to others. Working to release ourselves from debt is what is advocated. Laziness is mentioned a lot in the book of Proverbs. The example given here is the ant. They work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labors only after the job is complete. The movie Ants depicts this concept through animation.

Next, we turn to the wicked. Are you a troublemaker? Do you plot evil? Do you stir up conflict? If so, you are in for disaster. Seven things to avoid, a smart mouth, lying tongue, hurting others, thinking up evil acts, running to commit those evil deeds, being a false witness, and stirring up conflict.

How bad is sexual sin, especially adultery? According to our culture, it isn’t a big deal. Share sex with anyone you want. One of the comparisons given is a man walking on hot coals. Hindu wise men pride themselves in this practice. If you can train your body to do this, then you can commit adultery, right? Wrong. Your feet aren’t what her husband will destroy.

Free or costly love?

July 6, 2021

The free love movement has been around for over a century. You may think it began in the 1960’s. There were proponents of sex without marriage since man was created. In Proverbs 5 young men are taught to listen to the instructions of a wise man to avoid adulterous relationships. Remember that this is the man that had 700 wives and 300 concubines. U.S. law only allows one sexual partner, husband, or wife, at a time. Even these laws have been modified to the point that sexual promiscuity is no longer illegal.

Note the description of the adulteress having honey dripping from her lips. Her words are smoother than oil. The results of a relationship with multiple women or men are a direct path to death. The promiscuous partners do not consider how they will affect those they are with.

How will this way of life lead to death and cause your finances and body to be depleted? We know more about sexually transmitted diseases than was known in the Old Testament. Of course, the financial problem comes from the use of prostitute to satisfy our lust.

Drinking water from your own cistern refers to staying faithful to your spouse. The description of your own wife may sound pornographic to some of us. In Hebrew poetry these terms are quite common. Read Song of Solomon for further enlightenment.

As parents we must teach our young men and women to remain faithful until they are married. Read the reasons that are given here. If you do not believe Solomon and I, ask those who have lived this lifestyle of lust and now regret it.

Wisdom will honor you.

July 5, 2021

As fathers, we want our children to learn from our mistakes. In Proverbs 4, King Solomon encourages his sons to follow his advice. He learned from his father and the process continues. He recounts the advantages of wisdom and understanding.

Wisdom is described as a woman. She will watch over you, guard you, exalt you, and honor you. She will give you a garland of grace and a crown of glory. She is supreme. Oh, by the way, get understanding also.

Years can be added to your life by avoiding folly. It will lead you into evil and wickedness. The path of righteousness is as bright as the dawn. The way of the wicked is darkness and they stumble in it.

There is a way that is correct and one that is evil. Most of us want to be the type of man or woman who does right. We err without intending to. Some intentionally cause problems for others for their own gain of pleasure. Our actions grow from what is inside of us. We can ask Jehovah for wisdom to become the servants we should be or follow selfish desires that make us useless to others.

Wisdom and understanding.

July 3, 2021

We continue to listen as Solomon speaks to his sons. Wisdom and understanding are two separate things that he is attempting to give to them. What is the difference? Understanding is knowledge that can be gained by studying. Wisdom comes from the Lord. We need to understand the fear and respect for our creator

What is the fear of the Lord? Proverbs chapter 2 says that wisdom will enable us to understand that it is not fearing what He will do, but respecting His abilities, power, and judgment. What is correct, just, and fair? Some call this common sense, others believe they act with fairness, while friends and family view them as cruel.

He is our shield and guards our righteousness for us. As our shield he also protects us. You need a God who instructs you in what to do and not do. A father that warns his son to avoid promiscuous women should be common. Despite this candid advice many fall into the sexual trap.

Have you made decisions in your life that you regret today? Have relationships gone bad, jobs turned out to be the wrong position for you, or have you alienated family or friends by incorrect choices? Wisdom from Jehovah can prevent these troubles. Sexual decisions are also an area where we all need advice.

Don’t forget my teaching.

July 3, 2021

When we are young, we often ignore the advice of parents and older friends and family. Proverbs 3 begins with King Solomon advising his son to listen to these words of wisdom that he wishes to pass along. Love and faithfulness should be our practice all our lives. Verses five and six are ones to commit to memory if you do not already know them.

In this format every group of two verses completes a central idea. Look at a few of these. Pride, wealth, and discipline are these ideas. The chapter continues with a description of what can be gained with wisdom and understanding.

We also look at how we can be profitable. This wealth is not limited to money. Competence and discretion must be considered along with grace and honor.

It concludes with another series of paired comments that illustrate how a wise individual will treat others. A fool is the opposite of a wise person and his lot is described as dishonor.

Listen to instruction.

July 2, 2021

Today we begin with a study of the book of Proverbs. Chapter one begins with the introduction. Solomon is the recorder of these words of wisdom. The style is poetry. Hebrew poetry did not rhyme, and it would not continue in the same style without a lot of work from the translators. Use the version you prefer. Understand that some do a better job with verse than others.

Wisdom comes from the Lord and the fear or respect of Him is the beginning of knowledge. Instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity are included. Shrewdness and discretion for the young is also discussed here. Verse eight begins the instruction with every parent’s hope. Father’s instruction and Mother’s teaching are compared to a garland for the head and a chain for your neck.

Much of what we will read is what was once called common sense. It is now uncommon in many circles in this country. Start with the ninth verse and understand how simple it is to avoid those who want to involve us in their thefts and murders. As young men and women we might view these as pranks or practical jokes. The proof of what you’re being enticed to do is “how will it affect others?” The 19^th verse looks ahead to the end of the life of the criminals.

Those who want the quick and easy way stay in the shadows and want to avoid the public eye. Wisdom calls us from the center of town or the top of a wall. She cries for us to listen and avoid those mistakes that the simple or foolish make. That is the point of this book. We all eat the fruit of what we sow. Waywardness and complacency will kill. Listening to Jehovah and respecting His words provide a defense against the outcomes predicted at the end of this chapter.

Ezekiel and the exiles

December 12, 2020

12 Jun 22 Ezekiel Prophesied to the Exiles from Hickory Grove Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Ezekiel is with the Exiles in Babylon at the start of chapter one. Five years into the exile of King Jehoiachin, the Priest received the word of the Lord. This is the first of his visions from Jehovah. The two creatures that he sees will recur often throughout the book. The four faces are unique, human, lion, ox, and eagle. They could travel straight ahead in any direction. They had wings and a wheel that they rode on. Another figure appears above the vault over them. This figure was like God.

Have you ever wanted to speak directly to Jehovah? In Ezekiel 2 he has that opportunity. He is being sent to the Israelites. They may not accept him and his message. Here he is called Son of Man for the first time. The advice given here is for all of us. Do not be afraid of those who refuse to listen. You are to listen to the Lord. He will give us His word as He did Elijah.

We do not eat our Bibles as Ezekiel did in chapter three. God’s word is always sweet to our taste. He is going to people that should be easy to communicate with. They will not be. The wings of the living creatures begin to flap, and the noise is loud. He returned to Israel near Tel Aviv.

His job is to be a watchman. He is warned about what will happen if he fails to warn the people whether they listen to him or not. The Spirit comes into him again and lifts him. His road will not be easy, but he can never say he did not know what to expect.

Injustice and violence in Judah

December 12, 2020

Injustice, strife, and violence are some of the complaints in Habakkuk chapter one. Babylon will conquer Judah is the answer to the question of when will Yahweh stop this? Violence and injustice will be met with the same. Why is a question every parent of a former two-year-old knows? That is what the Prophet asks next. The dichotomy of this situation is disturbing. Why is one nation that is so evil allowed to vanquish the wicked King of Judah? That does not seem fair. What do you think?

Habakkuk stands his watch and gives the Lord’s answer in chapter two. We are shown the difference between the righteous and the evil. Greed, theft, extortion, murder, and arrogance are traits of the wicked. Drunkenness, sexual sin, and idol worship are other acts that are condemned.

Habakkuk’s prayer in chapter three of his book. Jehovah’s deeds and fame are remembered. His praise and splendor are recalled. None of His enemies will subdue Him. They fall before His might. Those who do His will today will face His wrath, tomorrow. Our strength comes from Him.

Walk With a Servant