PROVERBS 22:6

 

PROVERBS 22:6

          Proverbs 22:6 has been used as a proof text to put false guilt on many parents. What those who quote that passage do not realize is that Proverbs are not unconditional promises to Christians. Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature. Therefore, a bible scholar should understand what the wisdom literature is. Wisdom literature is a different genre unlike other genres. Furthermore, parents should realize that every child has his/her own bent. Therefore, you cannot shape the life of your children to be the same. So the first thing every parent should do is to pray for the spirit of discernment as the children are growing.

          Many quote this passage because they do not put everything into context. Many Christians think that they can claim every promise in the Bible for themselves. However, they do not realize that some promises were for the Hebrew people. Also, some do not take into account that some promises are conditional.

                                                    MARK 16:17-20

          You have cited a very controversial passage. This text has given ammunition to higher criticism of the Bible. It is not included in some of the manuscripts. Therefore, even it is excluded in some of the English translations. We believe (I am included) that a scribe added verses 17-20 to the text. The chapter from Mark 16 should end in verse 16. This passage is in harmony with the Great Commission passages in the Gospels and the Book of Acts. Some Bible scholars and preachers do not want to admit that these verses are not in the best manuscripts but they were added by a scribe that should have been emendated.

          Matthew 18:20 continues to be used out of context until preachers and Bible teachers preach and teach the people of God the context and background of that passage. In the Nehemiah's prayer, include the purpose or significance of the broken walls of Jerusalem. Why was Nehemiah concerned about this situation? When you have dealt with this then you can go ahead and deal with the prayer and fasting.

 “Like Fire Shut Up in My Bone

          Many use this verse out of context to teach the necessity of sharing one's faith in Christ. However, Jeremiah did not mean that when he penned the statement or phrase under the inspiration of God. Jeremiah did not have any illusion about his calling by God (Jer. 1). He had a divine compulsion to preach unpopular message to a rebellious and disobedient people. God told him what the reaction of the people would be. Jeremiah loved his people but he hated their sin and rebellion against God. Nevertheless, he knew the consequences of their rejection of his message from God. A time came that he wanted to resign his position as a prophet of God. However, he knew that he could not give up on God and His calling upon his life. In the face of rejection, persecution, and suffering Jeremiah remained faithful to the Lord by proclaiming His word to the people. The people did not obey the Lord and Babylon invaded the land and took them to captivity in Babylon. God vindicated his servant. How many Christians today would have remained faithful like Jeremiah in the face of persecution and suffering?

 

          Jeremiah was under divine compulsion to preach a message of God to a rebellious people who were not willing to repent walk in obedience with God. Any preacher who wants to use this passage should understand the context and the cultural and historical setting of the book in general.