Searching for What Cannot Be Found

A scoffer seeks wisdom, and finds none,

But knowledge is easy to him who has understanding.

--Proverbs 14:6

Why is this proverb true?

How is it that a person could actually search for the very thing that God wishes for him to have, yet not find it?

Take a look at these proverbs about the scoffer:

"Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names,

Who acts with insolent pride.

--Proverbs 21:24

"How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity?

And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing,

And fools hate knowledge?

--Proverbs 1:22

He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,

And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

--Proverbs 9:7

Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you,

Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

--Proverbs 9:8

A wise son accepts his father's discipline,

But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

--Proverbs 13:1

A scoffer does not love one who reproves him,

He will not go to the wise.

--Proverbs 15:12

Do you see the character of the scoffer? 

Do you see his character flaws?

The scoffer is filled with pride. He is consumed with himself. He looks down on others. 

• His knowledge is superior or, at least, sufficient.
• His experience is superior, or, at least, sufficient.
• His ideas are superior, or, at least, sufficient. 

You cannot tell the scoffer anything; he needs no counsel, no advice. He does not listen to correction. He cannot be corrected. A term used in our day that may describe the scoffer is ‘narcissist.’

Go back and read the first chapter of the book of Proverbs. The purpose of the book is to impart wisdom. Yet, what is one of the keys to gaining wisdom?

Over and over and over, Solomon begs his son to listen! One who listens, truly listens, must exhibit humility. He must acknowledge that he is not sufficient within himself. He must be open to instruction, criticism, and correction.

The scoffer searches for wisdom but the very thing he needs stands in opposition to his character. He needs humility in order to listen but opposes it by his own pride.
Do you need proof?
Just read this to a scoffer.

Be wise.
Be humble.

Listen.

Mark Stinnett

March 29, 2026

Listen, Watch, Walk

Parents make sacrifices for their children. They want to make sure their children have a good life. Of course, parents have different ideas about what makes life good. Ideas range from wealth to a good career to ownership of property; or perhaps, a loving family, good health, comfortable living, a good education, good standing in the community, and so on.

For wise Solomon, the best thing he could give his son was wisdom. And while much of the wisdom of Solomon came from careful observation of life, his God-given gift of wisdom transcended the wisdom of the world. He saw the value of honoring and revering God, living a life of righteousness, and being devoted to integrity and equity toward his fellow man. These were among the things he had in mind when he pleaded:

My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them depart from your sight’

Keep them in the midst of your heart.

For they are life to those who find them

And health to all their body.

—Proverbs 4:20-22

Solomon recognized that wisdom guided the human spirit and provided health to the human body. Someone recently commented to me that even an unbeliever would live a better life by following the wisdom of Solomon.

If only written, you can still sense the stress in Solomon’s voice as he urged his son to listen. Continuing in verse 23:

Watch over your heart with all diligence….

The heart refers to the human spirit where the human will, emotion, and intellect reside. Solomon knew that the spirit can be deceived and can itself affect the perceptions and decisions of the soul. So, the soul must take responsibility and guard the heart (spirit). This is primarily about watching what influences come into the heart and mind. In the verse that follows, Solomon urges care regarding what comes out of the heart:

Put away from you a deceitful mouth

And put devious speech far from you. (24)

How is all this accomplished?

The answer is found in the final three verses:

Let your eyes look directly ahead

And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. (25)

First, your soul makes a resolute decision. The direction of one’s gaze is to be trained toward God, fixed (set) on His written revelation, Scripture.

Watch the path of your feet

And all your ways will be established. (26)

Once your soul is locked in on God and His word, look at your feet, that is, examine yourself, to ensure that you are walking according to God’s way.

Do not turn to the right nor to the left;

Turn your foot from evil. (27)

Verse 26 is the positive instruction that is to be followed while verse 27 is more defensive. It is instruction in what is to be avoided.

This is wisdom from above. Trust it and it will make your life on earth good. It will also help to prepare you for life to come. 

So, be wise.

Mark Stinnett

January 4, 2026

Wise Eyes

Two young boys, brothers, walked up to the banks of a river while on a camping trip. Surveying the wide river they both imagined themselves playing in the water. Just as the younger brother kicked off his shoes and started for the water, the older warned, “You’d better not go in; remember what dad said.”

Hesitating, the younger brother replied: “It looks pretty good to me. I don’t see a problem.”

With another reminder from the older brother, they stopped and spent their time skipping rocks on the water.

What stopped them from going in?

They were the ones at the river. They had firsthand knowledge. They could see no dangers. Yet, they hesitated. They stopped. They listened to the voice of their father echoing in their ears.

We are often like the young boys. We might approach life like a wide inviting river. We want to kick off our shoes and wade in without a care in the world. Our eyes are open. We see no dangers.

We stand at the side of life's river. We can see that everything is safe. But our heavenly Father has warned us.

The boys could not see the dangers their father knew to exist. The same is true of us. We often cannot see the dangers that our heavenly Father knows to exist.

Fear stopped the boys, fear of their father. There was an element of scared fear, but they were not simply afraid. They knew their father and held him in high esteem. There was trust and respect and an understanding of potential consequences for disobedience. Fear. Respect. Honor.

Reverence and awe are not merely worship words. They are descriptive of our view of God every day and in all circumstances. Reverence and awe for God and His word will direct our feet to safety and steer us away from evil.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

--Proverbs 3:7

Do you have wise eyes?

Mark Stinnett

February 23, 2025

Your Object of Faith

Now Faith is...
concerning things expected...reality,
concerning things not seen...confidence.
(Personal rewording of Hebrews 11:1)

We look to the future. Yet even scientific discoveries, statistical analysis, and historical research leave many questions unanswered. There are problems needing resolution. There are deep needs that yearn for fulfillment. We often feel a void of uncertainty.

What is it that offers hope? What is it that offers the possibility, or better yet, a true expectation of filling the void or solving the problem? What is it that provides the confidence that tomorrow’s uncertainties will be manageable?

What is that unseen force, power, or being that gives you strength of confidence and a real expectation that with it, you can face tomorrow; you can overcome life’s uncertainties, your needs will be met?

Do you expect financial success to provide?
A higher paying job, a more lucrative investment, a bigger or better deal?

Do you expect career to provide?
A step up on the career ladder, more authority at work, your own business, career success?

Do you expect physical strength or beauty to provide?
A quest for health and a longer life, pursuit of strength that cannot be overcome, pursuit of beauty to charm and sway the hearts of men?

Do you expect knowledge to provide?
A greater knowledge and a deeper wisdom to outthink and outwit and outlast life’s competitors?

Do you expect the relationship of family, friends, or associates to provide?
The acceptance and tolerance of friends and family; a relationship with someone of importance, someone of wealth, someone of power?

Men have pursued these and other things to provide confidence and hope to meet the challenges of life’s uncertainties.
And yet...
If financial success is that which provides hope and confidence...wealth is your god.
If position or fame is that which provides hope and confidence...success or power is your god.
If physical strength or beauty is that which provides hope and confidence...your body is your god.
If knowledge and wisdom are that which provide hope and confidence...intellect is your god.

To what or to whom do you turn when conflicts arise in your life? When uncertainties and needs arise, who or what first comes to your mind? Who or what stands foremost in your mind as the reality that can bring about needed changes to solve your problems and fill your needs?

Or, do you, perhaps, simply trust in yourself??

The object in which you place your faith, that which, though perhaps unseen, stands as the reality in your life on which you depend for answers… that is your god/God!

I am the Lord your God...

You shall have no other gods before Me.

--Exodus 20:2-3

Mark Stinnett

July 21, 2024

Yours for the Asking...

I remember the day, though I do not remember the date. The preacher quoted a verse from the book of James:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (1:5)

I remember thinking, “Someday I’ll be wise.”

I was only in the sixth grade, and I make no presumptuous evaluation of myself today. But I was not naïve in my thinking. After all, God openly made an offer and He even added that He would give wisdom without reproach, that is, without making fun of you for not having it.

Over the years I’ve heard folks treat this and other passages with the classic, “yeah, but…” logic. It is a lazy man’s way of scoffing at God’s word by explaining why it doesn’t really mean what it says. It is the voice of the doubter.

I really believe that God meant for us to ask for wisdom and I believe that He really meant that He would give it. I also recognize the context in which the statement was written. James was writing about life’s trials.

A trial could be temptation, adversity, or difficulty of any kind. It’s source might be known or unknown. However, God made an offer: ask for wisdom to get through the trial and He will give you wisdom. Just don’t doubt.

Only a fool would not ask God for help.

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:99-100.

I have more insight than all my teachers,

For Your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the aged,

Because I have observed Your precepts.

Imagine knowing more than your teachers.

I remember a couple of college professors that seemed out of touch with reality, but I don’t think that is what the psalmist meant. And he was not saying that he knew more math than his math teacher or more economics than his economics teacher. The context is about life and living before God. And yet it was not just a religious/moral/Bible-knowledge statement.

By focusing on God’s word, the psalmist surpassed his teachers in life knowledge. He did so by reading God’s word. But notice that he also meditated on it. That means that he had to stop!

He stopped and thought. He thought about what he had read. He mulled it over in his mind. He reasoned out how to apply God’s word in his life. And that’s not all.

He gained understanding, the ability to discern. Discernment is the application of knowledge when making decisions. It is making evaluations and then choosing one thing over another. It is being able to choose good over bad, better over good, best over better. It is not just the mental capacity to make those choices, it includes the discipline to follow through by observing God’s precepts.

I am completely dumbfounded by my fellow Christians who insist on sifting through pages of human research and opinion to learn about themselves, family (marriage, parenting, extended-family), getting along with others (work, politics, church), how to be pleasing to God, how church growth works, etc. Why do so many trust their thinking to man and his research??

Jesus once said:

“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

--Luke 18:8

Mark Stinnett

December 31, 2023

Grief in Wisdom??

In much wisdom there is much grief, 

and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.
—Ecclesiastes 1:18

Why would Solomon write such a thing? After all, the book of Proverbs is devoted to wisdom. Numerous sections of Proverbs encourage the reader to acquire wisdom. From the opening verses of Proverbs to the end, wisdom is to be highly valued. Life will be better with wisdom.

To understand Solomon’s statement about wisdom from Ecclesiastes the broader context must first be understood. He had just declared the purpose of the book and given a preliminary report of his findings.

Solomon was searching for meaning, but he was limited in his search. He was restricted to the physical universe. (See last week’s blog.) Within the limitations of the universe, he explained that he set out “to know wisdom and to know madness and folly.” (1:18) This is a broad description of the breadth of his exploration.

Wisdom includes all that is reasonable; things that make sense. In great contrast, madness and folly are those things that are irrational. The two can be distinguished further.

Madness is intentional irrational thinking and behavior. It is descriptive of David when he was being pursued by King Saul. He hid among the Philistines (Israel’s enemy) where Saul would not search, but he intentionally acted insane so the Philistines would leave him alone.

Folly is irrational thinking and behavior because of ignorance or stupidity. It is descriptive of those who go through life aimlessly. They live carefree following their instinctive nature.

All of Solomon’s exploration fits under the banner of either wisdom or madness & folly. After detailing some of his exploration, he said, “I realized that this also is striving after wind.” This is Solomon’s way of concluding that it was futile or empty.

After this conclusion he explained, “Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.” He could write this only if he grew in wisdom and knowledge. That is to say, Solomon knew what he was talking about.

There is no question but that Solomon valued wisdom. He wrote that “wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.” (2:13) Yet, wisdom brought him grief and knowledge brought him (mental/emotional) pain. Why?

His wisdom and knowledge brought him to the realization that life is full of inequities. In other words, life is not fair. There are many injustices.

In man’s search for meaning, he has always been concerned with justice. Yet, there are many things in life that are unjust:

• Children die young.
• Some who are wealthy hoard their wealth.
• Honorable people are treated with dishonor.
• Evil people succeed; good people fail.

So, one reason for the grief and pain from wisdom and knowledge is the brutal reality of life’s injustices. In his search for meaning, Solomon kept finding injustices. We live in a world where those without God in their life live by their own sense of justice. And yet, there can be no justice where there is ethical and moral subjectivity. There is no justice when man is making it up!

So, is there justice? Absolutely! Yes!

But you cannot find it within the limitations of the created universe.

Mark Stinnett

July 23, 2023

The Futility of Wisdom??

Observing that the wise man and the fool both die, Solomon presented his reason for the futility of wisdom: “For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool.” (2:16) In chapter nine Solomon reflected on a poor wise man who delivered a city by his wisdom. Yet, “no one remembered that poor man.”

Solomon noted that wisdom was better than folly, better than strength, better than being the fool. Yet, in the end it really didn’t matter because the wise man dies just like the fool and he is not remembered.

That kind of outlook toward life seems depressing and contrary to the hopeful message of grace in the New Testament. It seems contrary to the numerous passages of Scripture that encourage us to obtain and apply wisdom. How do we make sense of such statements?

It is easy to overlook Solomon’s purpose in writing the book of Ecclesiastes. He stated his purpose in the first chapter:

And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. (v. 13)

Solomon was investigating life. He was exploring the world around him. Based on his early conclusions, it is apparent that Solomon was searching for meaning. So, Ecclesiastes was his final report based on his exploration.

It is important to see that his exploration was “concerning all that has been done under heaven.” In the Hebrew text the statement ends, “under the heavens.” Note the plural. This tells us the breadth of Solomon’s exploration.

“The heavens” refers to the two heavens above the earth. (The Bible only talks about three heavens.) The first heaven is the breathable atmosphere that supports living things. It starts just above the ground and extends into what we call the sky. Beyond the sky is space, the second heaven, where the sun, moon, stars, planets, and comets exist. So, Solomon said that his exploration included everything under the two heavens, so, the created universe.

It is easy to understand why Solomon limited his exploration to the created universe. As a part of the created universe himself, he could not explore anything beyond creation such as, the third heaven, God’s domain.

Come back to Solomon’s observation about the wise man and the fool. He was not writing as a Christian who enjoys the hope of eternal life. He was searching for meaning within the limitations of the created universe and then reporting his findings.

Solomon’s wisdom is invaluable in helping us to understand the world around us. If our frame of reference is merely the physical universe in which we live, then it changes our value system. If there is only the physical universe and we all die, then there is no real benefit to being wise or being a fool. So, what is there is this life that is of valuable?

The best thing that a person can do is to leave behind a legacy in hopes of being remembered. Yet, Solomon said that all will be forgotten.

We live in a world where those without God in their life are accurately described by Solomon. They have nothing more to live for than to be remembered after they are gone. In this, Solomon has explained hopelessness.

Does God offer hope? Absolutely! 

But you can’t find it within the boundaries of the created universe.


Mark Stinnett

July 16, 2023

I Once Stepped on a Teacher

Have you ever stepped on a teacher?

I’ll admit, that is one of the strangest questions I’ve ever asked. I don’t know what kind of image that question brings to your mind, so let me clarify.

I am not thinking about stepping on your teacher’s shoes. Rather, have you ever stepped on an ant?

Again, a strange question, but it was Solomon who gave me the idea:

Go to the ant, O sluggard,

Observe her ways and be wise.

—Proverbs 6:6

In this simple proverb Solomon told the lazy person to observe the ways of the ant and find wisdom.

Some of Solomon’s wisdom came from pure observation.

   He stopped long enough;

      He waited long enough;

         He watched long enough;

            And he learned something.

Solomon learned many practical life lessons by observing nature around him. He even learned from the lowly ant.

Now, let’s not misunderstand. Solomon was not a pantheist, a person who believes that God is in nature and all nature IS God. Rather, we know that God is our Creator. When He created the universe, He set principles in place; we call them the laws of nature. We are able to observe patterns in nature because God set things in motion according to specific, observable patterns.

By observing the laws of nature and the patterns in nature, we can learn practical lessons.

Now, back to the ants. You can read Solomon’s observation, that is, what he learned by taking the time to watch and observe the ants. It is true and does not need your validation. Yet, I wonder if it would be worthwhile to also take the time to watch and observe the ants.

Plants and animals are used in many biblical illustrations. We can learn things by observing nature around us. Yet, there is one teaching that stands out in my mind. It is found in a familiar statement that Jesus made:

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

—Matthew 6:26

Jesus didn’t say, “I looked at that birds and noticed this….” He said to us, “Look.” I think He actually wanted us to get up and go outside and look at the birds. It is not that bird-watching makes you righteous. And yet, He did say, “Look….”

Perhaps the simple exercise of looking would teach us more than imagining or remembering.

Now, no one should think that God’s revealed word, the Bible, can be replaced by observing nature. Yet, it would appear that even God recognized that a lazy person could learn something from a lowly ant; that we all could learn something from birds.

Perhaps we should get out more.
Perhaps we should...

   stop more, 

      observe more, 

         ponder more.

Perhaps we would grow in wisdom.

I am certain that we would stand in awe of our Creator!


Mark Stinnett

April 17, 2022

To Answer or Not to Answer

Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
   Lest you also be like him.
Answer a fool as his folly deserves,
   Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
--Proverbs 26:4-5

Which is it? 

Do you answer a fool? 

Do you not answer a fool? 

How can you know?

Assuming that your answer will be true and perceptive, Solomon gives a reason for both answering and for withholding an response. He wisely offers reasoning for both cases. So, we must recognize that the best response will require wisdom.

How can we discern?

I believe the answer is found by examining the two possible results.

Solomon’s reasoning for withholding an answer from a fool is: Lest you be like him.

Things start with a foolish person making a foolish statement. It is natural to follow your impulse to correct him. Yet, after doing so, he answers back with more foolishness. Then, you answer again. The cycle continues….

Without thinking it through, you find yourself engaged in the same fruitless ranting or babbling just like the fool. You are doing nothing more than providing a platform for endless foolishness.

Stop that!
Avoid that!
Don’t become a fool yourself!

Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man,
But any fool will quarrel.
--Proverbs 20:3

In the second case Solomon advised to answer a fool, but, again, consider his reasoning: Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

In this case you are encouraged to answer, but with a purpose, not a warning. Your answer is to illuminate the truth of the matter so that the foolish one is shown to be foolish.

If the foolish person can listen, then he will benefit when corrected. This advice is especially applicable when other people are involved. It can help those who may be naïve yet are able to listen. They may benefit from the fool’s correction. Consider...

When the scoffer is punished,
the naïve becomes wise;
But when the wise is instructed,
he receives knowledge.
--Proverbs 21:11

Solomon’s wise advice is never more applicable than in our day. It is tempting to splash our personal opinions all over social media in response to all kinds of foolishness...just like everyone else. However, we need to be cautious. We need to be wise. It is fruitless to engage in dialogue with a scoffer whether in person or online, whether in public or in private. However, there may be times in which a wise word will be beneficial to a naïve foolish person or others who can listen.

In the end, it is not about you and your wisdom. Think about the benefit to others. Look away from yourself and your cleverness. Then you will know how to respond.

Be wise.


Mark Stinnett

October 31, 2021

Will You Be Caught Off Guard?

Have you ever had an experience when you were caught off guard?

Reflect on that experience for a moment and think about the phrase caught off guard.

Why were you caught off guard?

There could be an array of reasons. You might have been distracted or tired. You might have had laser focus on something else. Or it might have been that things were going so well that you just weren’t watching.

Do you remember the fall of ancient Babylon? King Belshazzar and his nobles were caught off guard. It was a time of peace and they were partying. On that night the Medes and Persians marched right in and took over without a fight. Read about it in Daniel 5.

There have been attacks on Christianity all over the world going all the way back to the first century. In the U.S., however, we have not felt the same kinds of threats because we have freedom of religion! Yet, as good as that is, Christians must recognize that God never promised us peaceful surroundings and the respect of those around us.

We must not be fair-weather Christians, that is, faithful only when the circumstances are favorable. We must be spiritually alert at all times.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

—1 Peter 5:8–10 (ESV)

More than ever, we who are Christians need discernment. That is the ability to tell the difference between things. You know the humorous expression: “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck….” The idea is that even if the duck is disguised, a person can still discern that it is a duck by the way it walks and talks.

Regarding spiritual matters Jesus said:

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.

—Matthew 7:15-16 (NLT)

He later said to His disciples:

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

—Matthew 10:16 (NKJV)

In the U.S. we have enjoyed many years of peace religiously. What have you done in this time of religious peace and rest? Have you been preparing yourself for the day when things might change? Have you been watchful? Or will you be caught off guard when religious peace and rest are taken away?

Are you able to discern between good and evil? Right and wrong? Can you distinguish between God’s standard of equity and love and all the jargon of our day masked with words like equity and tolerance? Are you equipped to identify the false prophets of our day, those who use smooth and religious-sounding words but do not speak the truth of God’s word?

Will you take the time to read Ezekiel 33:1-6?

After reading God’s word, I am watching the changes in our society. I am sounding an alarm!

Mark Stinnett

July 4, 2021

Who Understands?

Listen to Solomon’s proverb:

Evil men do not understand justice,

But those who seek the LORD understand all things.

--Proverbs 28:5 (NASB95)

Do you think that there might be some evil people who understand something about justice? Maybe Solomon meant that they just didn’t apply justice properly.

And, seriously, do you think that those who seek the Lord truly understand all things??? After all, I once knew a guy who….

The Proverbs were not written for the purpose of our evaluation. They were not written for us to judge whether we think they hold true or not.

• Evaluate bumper stickers.
• Evaluate sayings on posters.
• Evaluate clever maxims on wall hangings.
• Evaluate the wise and witty sayings (memes) posted by all your friends on social media.
• Evaluate emotional verses of poetry set to music with stunning background photographs.

However, when it comes to The Proverbs, don’t spend your time thinking and wondering whether or not it is true. Don’t spend your time trying to come up with examples of exceptions. Even if you can come up with a true exception, it changes nothing.

Assume that you have found an exception. Is that how you want to live your life? Do you want to depend on the exceptional cases, or would it be wiser to listen to wisdom as it is presented?

Judge the value of human sayings but not The Proverbs in the Bible. Rather...

• Learn The Proverbs.
• Spend time in The Proverbs.
• Absorb The Proverbs.
• Live The Proverbs.

Then, you will surely live an exceptional life.

Sometimes you just need to give it a little time to soak in.

Evil men do not understand justice,

But those who seek the LORD understand all things.

Accept the Lord’s wisdom!

Mark Stinnett

June 20, 2021

Grab Hold, For Dear Life!

Have you ever had someone take up for you when you were at a disadvantage?

For example, perhaps you were being bullied by someone bigger and stronger. Then, an older brother or friend stepped in and defended you.

Or, perhaps you were being cast aside by coworkers after having asserted yourself in a meeting. You had spent time and energy putting together a proposal only to have it attacked or casually dismissed. Then, a coworker or someone in a position above you stepped in to suggest that your idea had merit and should be considered.

Children depend upon their parents watch over them at all times; to defend them when wronged; to guard them from dangers of life they have not yet learned.

The Bible teaches that wisdom is a defender and guardian.

It is so easy to think of the wisdom of God as a kind of intellectual pursuit; as if it is all about knowing stuff and thinking and pondering. However, Solomon described wisdom as the older brother, stronger friend, valued coworker, loving parent--Wisdom is one who will guard you and watch over you.

Do not forsake her,
    and she will guard you;
Love her,
    and she will watch over you.
--Proverbs 4:6

The Hebrew terms for ‘guard’ and ‘watch over’ are synonyms, the second having, perhaps, a greater emphasis on an assertive defense.

The wise man instructed: Do not forsake her. That means, do not turn your back on wisdom.

I have been sorely disappointed by many studies and classes on the Book of Proverbs. A proverb would be presented followed by long explanations illustrating the proverb and perceived exceptions. They were nothing other than presumptuous evaluations of God’s word. So many times proverbs have been watered down in meaning so that the perceived ’exception’ won the day as truth and the proverb was virtually cast aside as something that was only sometimes true...maybe.

When we diminish the meaning of the Proverbs, we are forsaking wisdom. When we hurry to find exceptions we contradict what God has revealed; we forsake wisdom.

In contrast, when we embrace the wisdom that God has revealed and live by it, we demonstrate a ’love for wisdom.’

God’s wisdom is not revealed to make you into some sort of wise sage who offers advice. Rather, His wisdom is designed to guard you like an older brother, to watch over you like a loving parent, and defend you like a valued coworker. And to what end is this guarding and watching and defending?

God breathed life into man and, man became a living soul. God’s desire is to save your soul from death. Wisdom is for the purpose of life, now and forever.

Don’t turn away from wisdom, grab hold!!

Wisdom IS Life!

Mark Stinnett

Are You a Treasure Seeker?

Have you ever hunted for treasure?

I’m not talking about fictitious pirate treasure or combing through the grass in the back yard looking for a lost coin or ring. I am talking about real treasure that you know has been hidden in some way, not necessarily buried, just hidden.

Have you ever gone in search for silver?

What would you do? How would you find a silver mine?

Silver does not generally occur in nature as a solid nugget. Rather, it is found in combination with other materials such as copper or lead. The silver be refined, or purified, through a process that removes the impurities.

In all likelihood you would not be searching for a silver mine, but perhaps antique silver at a flea market or garage sale. 

Without any other information, what would you say is the basic reason for the search for silver or a hidden treasure?

Before anyone ever begins a search for treasure or for silver, there is a very elementary fact that exists, but one that is easily overlooked: value. Silver is a precious metal with intrinsic value. A treasure likewise has significant value. They are both worth the effort of making a search because they are valuable.

Solomon writes about the pursuit of the ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’ of God. He encourages us to search for God's wisdom and knowledge like we might search for silver or hidden treasure. The idea is that wisdom and knowledge have intrinsic value. In other words, they possess value in and of themselves.

Is the wisdom and knowledge of God of any value to you?

   If you seek her as silver, 
   And search for her as for hidden treasures...
   --Proverbs 2:4

Obviously, when silver is discovered you possess something of value; likewise, treasure. Yet, silver and treasure do not usually just fall into your lap. In general, there is an intentional search. It takes time; it takes effort; and it may come with intermediate disappointments. When a person searches for something of value he must press forward with courage and steadfastness knowing that the final result will be worth the time and effort and cost.

And what is the result? What do the silver and the treasure represent in Solomon's proverb? (The answer is in verses 5 & 6.)

• Discernment of the fear of the Lord and
• Discovery of the knowledge of God.

Some folks cannot see the tremendous value of wisdom and knowledge. Many will pass by with disinterest. They will never engage in the search. So, they will not find.

Do you see true value in God's wisdom and knowledge?
Do not take the quest lightly. Dig deeply into God’s word with courageous persistence and expectation.

Seek the treasure!
Discovery will come.
The reward is true.
There is great value!


Mark Stinnett

He Has Spoken!

The creation narrative in the Bible gives us answers, but also makes us curious. As with the magician's sleight of hand, we might find ourselves asking, "How did God do that?"

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.
--Genesis 1:3

God made no wild movements to wield a powerful external force; no flourishing movement of a magical wand drawing from other-worldly powers; no electrical discharge erupting from outstretched hands.

Read it again.

Stop...think...

The Creator spoke.

God spoke understandably and rationally: Intelligence and purpose.
God spoke, and it came about by His spoken word: Authority and power.

I may be curious about things that I cannot grasp, but I cannot help but stand in awe of what has been revealed as true.

The 29th Psalm follows below. Give careful attention to the 'voice' of God.

Give unto the Lord,
    O you mighty ones,
    Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
    Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
    The God of glory thunders;
    The LORD is over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
    The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
    Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon*.
He makes them also skip like a calf,
    Lebanon and Sirion** like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
    The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.***
The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,
    And strips the forests bare;
    And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”
The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,
    And the LORD sits as King forever.
The LORD will give strength to His people;
    The LORD will bless His people with peace.

How extensive is the LORD's authority?

How great is His power? 

What does He accomplish with His voice?

It is only in the final verse that attention is directed toward God's people. 

How do you think He will 'give strength' to His people?

How will He 'bless' His people?

God IS, and He has spoken!

By His voice He created.
By His voice...

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

Mark Stinnett

*Lebanon: A region north of Israel, well-known for cedar trees.

** Lebanon and Sirion: Refers to the mountains of Lebanon; and Mount Hermon, another name for Sirion, both north of Israel. The meaning is that God gives life to these mountains.

*** Kadesh: A wilderness region south of Israel toward Egypt.

Not Knowing God

Have you ever had a 'friend' boast about knowing you, but then they said something that was not descriptive of you at all?

How did that make you feel?
Not a true friend...right?

They know you, at least to some degree, but they do not really 'know' you. You might say that they just know about you.

Many people claim to know God. Yet, they say things about God that do not accurately portray God as He is described in Scripture. Or, they do things that stand in contrast of His divine character of love and holiness. It is not that you are being judgmental, you just recognize that they really do not know God.
The ancient Israelites were once in a similar situation...and God became angry, very angry.

They cry out to Me, "My God, we of Israel know You!"
--Hosea 8:2 (NASB95)

The problem with their claim; actions speak louder than words. They knew something 'about' God and His instruction in the Law of Moses. So, they offered sacrifices to God. But, would you believe that they also worshiped other gods!?

The Book of Hosea was a prophetic warning to the people of Israel. God was about to take action against his own people, the chosen nation of Israel. God was ready for them to 'return to Egypt,' that is, become captives again to a foreign power.

So, how is it that they knew 'about' God, but they did not 'know' God?

Hosea answers:

The people love to offer sacrifices to me, feasting on the meat, but I do not accept their sacrifices. I will hold my people accountable for their sins, and I will punish them. They will return to Egypt. Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces....
--Hosea 8:13–14 (NLT)

The core problem: They had forgotten their Maker. It was not that they had forgotten the 'facts' about God. Rather, they no longer regarded God as Creator. They had lost their awe and reverence for God. They were thinking along the lines of "God AND...." In other words, they were happy to offer sacrifices in worship to the God of their forefathers. Yet, they also decided to place others things (gods) on an equal plane as God their Creator; God AND other gods. Yet, the Creator is God alone!

Known, but not known!

"In the beginning God...created...."

With God as the focal point man finds meaning only in the context of God as his Creator. In your life, do you really 'know' God?

To find meaning and understanding in life you must begin with God. However, to truly know God, you must also bow to Him, and Him only, as your Creator.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

Mark Stinnett

You Are Here!

Before the GPS and smart phones we used road maps. (Kids, road maps were large illustrations of land areas printed on paper and neatly folded so they would easily fit in a car's glove box. Refolding a map could be entertaining or quite maddening.) As I drove, my trusty navigator, my wife, would scan the map for highway numbers or street names that I called out. She would announce, "I've got it; we are right here," and she would point to a location on the map that matched our current location.

Nowadays our smart phones have built-in GPS systems that point to a position on an electronic map. (Bonus: You can choose the accent of the navigator's voice.) The result is the same. A marker displays your current position; a kind of "You are here!" pointer.

Walking into a large multi-level, multi-winged mall for the first time you might stop at a large display of the mall posted near the entrance. There is usually a bold marker with an arrow pointing to your current position on the illustrated display: "You are here."

We often need a point of reference in order to find our way. Maps of various kinds allow us to step back and view ourselves in relation to the things around us. They help to provide meaning and navigation in our current surroundings. Without the "You are here" pointers we would be better described as explorers or wanderers (other ways of saying that we might be lost).

Let me show you the bold "You are here" pointer in life. It is found in the very first verse of the Bible:

"In the beginning . . . God . . . ."

The phrase 'in the beginning' gives us a point of reference in time. It is the first point of reference with mankind as the object. The biblical creation narrative goes on to tell of the beginning of mankind, and while mankind is central to the story line, he is not really the focal point. The focal point is God.

We need to be able to find ourselves within 'our surroundings.' We need to be able to step back and view ourselves in the context of God, not the other way around. Only then will we find meaning. Only then will we be able to confidently navigate life.

God himself is the point of reference from which everything in life is to be understood. If you start your thinking in the wrong place, you are bound to end up in...

Oh wait! Look around.

Our society (world) today is largely the product of those who have started their thinking with man. It is as if the 'you are here' pointer points to man!

Start with man and try to understand the universe.
Start with man and try to understand man's presence in the universe.
Start with man and try to understand man's purpose.
Start with man and try to understand God, religion, faith.
Start with man and try to understand...anything!

In the beginning...God.
You are HERE!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

Mark Stinnett

Fear, Fear, Fear of the Lord

Incredible sights and sounds accompanied the giving of the Ten Commandments as the nation of Israel stood at the foot of Mount Sinai:

And all the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, lest we die.”
--Exodus 20:18-19

The people were afraid of God; scared!

That was fear, but not ‘Fear of the Lord.’

People loved Jesus. Yet, the Jewish leaders were often angry with Jesus. He did not fit their definition of Messiah. They wanted to get rid of Jesus. The longer he remained, the more threatening he became. Their anger turned to anxiety.

“And the scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him [Jesus] that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.”
--Luke 20:19

Not long after, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The chief priests and Pharisees convened a meeting:

“What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
--John 11:47-48

The Jewish leaders were afraid of Jesus; anxiety!

That was fear, but not ‘Fear of the Lord.’

Moses had been called by God to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery. He had gone to investigate the bush that burned but did not burn up. He spoke with God and was sent as God's mouthpiece and God’s hand before Pharaoh. He parted the Red Sea, led Israel to Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments.

Then, almost as an impulse Moses made a child-like request of God: “Show me your glory!” God agreed. The next day God descended on Mount Sinai in a cloud. Having instructed Moses where to stand beforehand, God passed by Moses. He covered Moses with his hand but allowed him to see his back as he passed by. Moses saw the glory of God, but that was not all; God proclaimed:

“The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
--Exodus 34:6-7

God did not simply reveal himself to Moses in a way that could be perceived by human sight and sound, he spoke. He revealed his divine character in words that reflected all that he had already shown about himself.

“And Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship.”

That was fear; yes, 'Fear of the Lord.'

The fear of the Lord is not seen in those who cower in fear before God; it is not seen in those who are full of fearful anxiety or anger toward God. Moses stood before God in confidence, but bowed low in humility and worshiped.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

--Mark Stinnett

How Do I Begin Wisdom?

I don’t know how the title question strikes your mind, but I wonder how important a question it is to Christians today. For many, life’s biggest concern is not about making wise decisions, but survival; simply getting from today to tomorrow without making a mess of things. Others are trying to climb the ladder of success, reach for the stars, achieve goals or check something off their bucket list. Still others are mostly focused on self-indulgence; satisfying their urges for food, entertainment, sex, money, etc.

I would like to think that Christians are really interested in wisdom. I hope you are, but where do you start? First, let me ask:

• What is your definition of wisdom?
• What is the meaning of discernment?

Think of someone you would regard as wise. How did he/she become wise? Where did he/she begin? Where do you start to find or obtain or attain discernment?

The answers are not found by joining a secret society. They are not discovered atop a high mountain in a remote foreign country. They will not be found deep within a hidden cavern, in the depths or the sea, beyond the stars, or in your heart. Yet, the answers seem rather elusive. Can you accept God’s answer?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

We should not think that fear is a synonym with afraid. Yet, respect is far too weak to fully describe the fear of the Lord. Two other words are accurately descriptive: reverence and awe.

Fear (afraid) and respect are found within reverence and awe, but there is more. There is also the realization of the stark difference between deity and humanity. Reverence and awe demand recognition of the power, authority, dominion, honor, perfection, holiness, purity, kindness, and expansive love of deity.

At the "beginning of wisdom" a person must come to some level of knowledge and understanding of God. Knowledge is not the academic kind found in theology books; it is not a list of facts about God. Nor is knowledge to be confused with biblical doctrine. Facts, doctrine and theology are all fine, but true knowledge of God can only be obtained in a relationship with God.

We understand the importance of relationship in marriage. A man knows his wife; a wife knows her husband. Yet their knowledge of each other is not based on a list of facts, a well-organized resume or information gathered online. Their knowledge is based on their relationship and daily interaction with each other. It is no different with God.

Be careful! Read your Bible all you want but you will still lack true wisdom and understanding (discernment). You must not put your Bible aside, but you must come to know your Creator through a relationship that is based on making a proper response to his instruction.

Knowledge of the Holy One requires an intimate relationship with God in which you interact with Him by listening to His word, by the devoted practice of His instruction and by prayer.

If you are a Christian, you already know that you should value wisdom and understanding?
Do you?

You might want to begin on your knees in humble prayer; then rise to follow.

Mark Stinnett

Can You Hear the Voice of Wisdom?

     Does not wisdom call,

     And understanding lift up her voice?

     --Proverbs 8:1

Consider the stark contrast:
Wisdom calls in the day, in the heights, in places where people gather.

The wicked woman prowls around at night, in the dark streets, preying on the naïve fool who walks alone.

Proverbs 7 and 8 tell even more:

• Wisdom speaks truth; the strange woman flattery.
• Wisdom speak noble things; the foreign woman deceitful things.
• Wisdom utters righteousness; the adulterous woman draws her prey into wickedness.

I have never heard anyone accuse 'Wisdom' of speaking deceitfully. I have never heard anyone say that 'Wisdom' has no value. I have never heard anyone claim that it is foolish to lead or govern with 'Wisdom.' Almost everyone would agree that 'Wisdom' is good.

Wisdom presents herself in the light of day; openly for all to hear; ready for critical inspection. She calls, not arrogantly to gain attention; she calls to offer counsel, hope, riches, justice, life.

Why? Why? WHY!?

Why do so many refuse Wisdom?

• Is it that Wisdom has so little to offer?
• Is it that Wisdom has no value?
• Is it that Wisdom has not made herself known?
• Is it that Wisdom waits in the shadows?
• Is it that Wisdom is difficult?
• Is it that Wisdom is just not popular?

In chapter seven, the foolish young man chose the adulteress.

Wisdom calls...
Wisdom calls aloud...
Wisdom calls aloud in the daytime...

And all choose!

We choose to listen to wisdom OR
   ...listen to our heart,
   ...listen to our mind/intellect/reasoning,
   ...listen to our self.

There are many sources of wisdom in our world, but only one that is divine.
Choose God's wisdom.

Choose life.