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Welcome to Day 2398 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 12:8-14Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2398Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2398 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re concluding our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our focus will be on Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 from the New Living Translation. These verses wrap up Solomon’s profound exploration of life’s meaning, providing us with final reflections and essential truths to live by. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless wisdom that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 (NLT):8 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless.”9 Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them.10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.12 But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.The Teacher’s Final Verdict:Solomon begins his final reflections with a familiar refrain: “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless” (verse 8). This phrase might initially seem disheartening, but it’s crucial to understand its context. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon has explored various aspects of life—wealth, pleasure, work, and wisdom—only to find that they are ultimately fleeting and unable to provide lasting fulfillment.By reiterating this statement at the end, Solomon emphasizes the futility of seeking meaning in worldly pursuits alone. This doesn’t mean life is without value; it underscores the importance of looking beyond temporary, earthly things to find true purpose and significance.The Teacher’s Role and Wisdom:In verses 9 and 10, Solomon reflects on his role as a teacher: “Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.”Solomon’s wisdom and dedication to teaching are evident. He listened carefully, studied diligently, and sought to convey truths clearly and effectively. His commitment to understanding and sharing wisdom highlights the importance of thoughtful reflection and communication. As we seek wisdom in our lives, we can learn from Solomon’s...
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Welcome to Day 2397 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 12:1-6Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2397Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2397 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our focus will be on Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 from the New Living Translation. These verses are a poignant reminder about the inevitability of aging and the importance of remembering our Creator throughout our lives. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless wisdom that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 (NLT):1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”2 Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.3 Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.4 Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.5 Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.6 Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.Remembering Our Creator:Solomon begins this passage with a heartfelt exhortation: “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore’” (verse 1). This verse underscores the importance of establishing a relationship with God early in life. The vigor and excitement of youth can often lead us to neglect our spiritual lives, but Solomon warns against this. Instead, we should honor God while we are still young and full of energy.Remembering our Creator during our youth sets the foundation for a life that is grounded in faith and purpose. It helps us navigate the challenges and temptations that come with youth and instills values that guide us throughout our lives. By honoring God early, we build a strong spiritual foundation that sustains us as we grow older.The Inevitability of Aging:In verses 2-5, Solomon vividly describes aging: “Remember him before...
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Welcome to Day 2396 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Counting the Ten Commandments – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The BibleWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2396Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2396 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the ninth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is Counting the Ten Commandments.One of the most enduring elements of the Bible and the Judaeo-Christian worldview within Western culture is the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments. Even if one can’t recite them all, most people have seen the fiery finger of God etch the commandments into two stone tablets as Moses— for many of us, Charlton Heston—watches in awe.It seems to go without saying that the list of the Ten Commandments is something that Judaism and Christianity have always agreed upon. Well, that is not exactly true.Historically speaking, Jews and Christians—and even denominations within Christianity—have disagreed on exactly how the Ten Commandments should be listed and expressed. In fact, how to precisely spell out the commandments was an issue of considerable importance during the Protestant Reformation. The difference concerns how many commands are found in the first six verses and last two verses of Exodus 20:2-17, the initial listing of the commandments received by Moses at Sinai.- One point of context is required before we can understand the thinking behind the differences in the listing and expression of the commandments. Any listing of the commandments must result in a total of ten, because three other passages of Scripture fix the number of commandments at ten. Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 4:13, and Deuteronomy 10:4 each clearly tell us that God gave Moses ‘asereth hadvarim (“ten words”; “ten statements”) at Sinai.Interestingly, the Jewish tradition treats the statement in Exodus 20:2 (compare Deut 5:6) as a command when the wording has no imperative force to it at all. This latitude arises from the fact that the Hebrew text of the Old Testament exclusively uses ‘asereth hadvarim (“ten words”) instead of ‘asereth hamitsvot (“ten commandments”) with respect to the contents of Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. After regarding Exodus 20:2 as the first “word” of the ten, verses 3-6 are thematically understood as speaking to a single prohibition: making idols for worship.There are actually three imperative statements in this group of verses ( You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything. You must not bow down to them or worship...
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Welcome to Day 2395 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 11:7-10Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2395Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2395 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our focus will be on Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 from the New Living Translation. These verses offer profound insights into the fleeting nature of life, the importance of enjoying our days, and the sobering reminder of accountability. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless wisdom that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 (NLT):7 Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.8 When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless.9 Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.The Sweetness of Life:Solomon begins this passage with a beautiful acknowledgment of the sweetness of life: “Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning” (verse 7). This verse captures the joy and gratitude we should feel for each new day. The dawn of a new day symbolizes hope, opportunities, and the simple pleasures of being alive. It’s a call to appreciate the gift of life and the beauty that each day brings.This perspective encourages us to start our days with a sense of wonder and thankfulness. The rising sun reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the continuous renewal cycle. Each new day is an opportunity to experience God’s grace, love, learn, and grow. By acknowledging the sweetness of life, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy.Rejoicing in Each Day:In verse 8, Solomon advises, “When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless.” Here, Solomon emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in each day, regardless of our age. Every day is a gift and should be celebrated. However, he also reminds us that life is not without its challenges and dark days.This dual perspective is crucial. While we should find joy in each day, we must also recognize the reality of life’s hardships. Solomon’s mention that “everything still to come is meaningless” reminds us of the transient nature of our earthly existence. This doesn’t mean life is without value, but rather that we should not place ultimate significance on the temporal things of this world.Rejoicing each day involves embracing both the good and the bad, finding meaning in our experiences, and cherishing our moments. It’s about living...
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Welcome to Day 2394 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2394 – How to Shock an Unbelieving Crowd 4:1-6 – Daily WisdomPutnam Church Message – 06/02/2024Our Strange Life – How to Shock an Unbelieving Crowd.1 Peter 4:1-6Last week, we explored the importance of being a faithful Christ Follower and the necessity of public baptism for Focusing Fully on Jesus Christ.Today, we focus on the attitude that we, as Christ's Followers, should have and on the possibility that our lives may shock the unbelieving crowd.Today’s passage is 1 Peter 4:1-6, on page 1890 of your Pew Bibles. 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.Throughout the New Testament, we read of the changed life that follows genuine conversion. When God freely and fully forgives the sins of our former life|when the righteousness of Christ is credited to our account |and the Spirit of God takes up residence in our hearts|then the old things pass away, and all things become new (2 Cor. 5:17). This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! The lifelong process of transformation begins. This radical series of changes alters our attitudes, inner motives, habits, and pursuits, as well as our choice of close friends.As far back as the first century, Peter wrote of all these things. Though almost two thousand years separate us from Peter’s original audience, there isn’t a Christian today who can't identify with the apostle’s words. Written for a particular time, they are nevertheless timeless. They speak with incredible relevance today, especially his comments regarding the reaction of those who don't know the Lord. In this section, Peter reminds us that because our citizenship is in heaven, the current world isn’t our true home in its current form until Jesus transforms it into a Global Eden upon his return. We're representatives, yes, Ambassadors of a different kingdom. And like foreign tourists visiting another country, we may be the only way people get a picture of what God's kingdom is like. As a result, unbelievers today will either be attracted or repelled by our heavenly home.-4:1-3-With the logical conjunction “therefore," Peter is saying in shorthand, “Now, in light of everything I have just written about Christ, I’m going to present you with some practical conclusions.” In the previous...
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Welcome to Day 2393 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 11:1-6Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2393Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2393 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our focus will be on Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, Solomon offers profound insights into the principles of generosity, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of diligent work. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless wisdom that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (NLT):1 Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.2 But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.3 When clouds are heavy, the rains come down. Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls.4 Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.5 Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.6 Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.The Principle of Generosity and Investment:Solomon begins this passage with a powerful metaphor about generosity and investment: “Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you” (verse 1). This suggests that we should not be afraid to take risks and invest our resources, whether they be financial, time, or talents. By putting our resources out into the world, we open up the possibility of future returns. It’s a call to action, encouraging us to be proactive and forward-thinking.In verse 2, Solomon advises, “But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” This introduces the principle of diversification. As wise investors spread their investments to mitigate risk, we should diversify our efforts and resources. This means not putting all our eggs in one basket but spreading out our resources to increase the chances of success and minimize potential losses.These verses teach us about the importance of generosity and strategic investment. By being generous and wise with our resources, we create opportunities for growth and future returns. It’s about taking calculated risks and being open to the possibilities that come from sharing what we have with the world.The Unpredictability of Life:Solomon then addresses the unpredictability of life in verse 3: “When clouds are heavy, the rains come down. Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls.” This verse reminds us that certain events in life...
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Welcome to Day 2392 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 10:15-20 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2392Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2392 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be examining Ecclesiastes 10:15-20 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, Solomon provides us with deep insights into the consequences of foolishness and the importance of wisdom in leadership, work, and speech. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover Solomon’s timeless truths.Ecclesiastes 10:15-20 (NLT):15 Fools are so exhausted by a little work that they can’t even find their way home.16 What sorrow for the land ruled by a servant, the land whose leaders feast in the morning.17 Happy is the land whose king is a noble leader and whose leaders feast at the proper time to gain strength for their work, not to get drunk.18 Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house.19 A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!20 Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.The Futility of Foolishness:Solomon begins this section with a poignant observation about the nature of foolishness: “Fools are so exhausted by a little work that they can’t even find their way home” (verse 15). This verse paints a vivid picture of the ineffectiveness and incompetence of foolish people. They are overwhelmed by even the smallest tasks, to the point where they become disoriented and incapable of completing simple actions like finding their way home.This highlights the futility and lack of productivity that characterize foolishness. It serves as a reminder that wisdom involves not just knowing what to do, but having the capacity and determination to see tasks through to completion. The wise person approaches work with diligence and perseverance, ensuring that their efforts yield results rather than leaving them lost and exhausted.Wise Leadership vs. Foolish Leadership:In verses 16 and 17, Solomon contrasts the impact of wise and foolish leadership on a nation: “What sorrow for the land ruled by a servant, the land whose leaders feast in the morning. Happy is the land whose king is a noble leader and whose leaders feast at the proper time to gain strength for their work, not to get drunk.”A nation suffers under leaders who behave foolishly, indulging in feasting and revelry at inappropriate times. Morning feasting, in this context, implies a lack of discipline and a neglect of responsibilities. Such behavior from leaders leads to sorrow and instability for the land they govern. This could be interpreted as leaders prioritizing their own pleasure over their
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Welcome to Day 2391 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – A Tale of Courage We Never Teach – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The BibleWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2391Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2391 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the Eighth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is A Tale of Courage We Never Teach.Moses’ encounter with God in Exodus 4:21-26 is arguably one of the strangest, most confusing events recorded in the Bible. In this passage, Moses is en route to Egypt—seemingly following God’s call to deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh’s vice-like grip. But then something shocking happens:21 And the Lord told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. 22 Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’”24 On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. 25 But Moses’ wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet[a] with the foreskin and said, “Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26 (When she said “a bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the Lord left him alone.This passage is not only difficult and confusing, but it raises numerous questions. Why would God want to kill Moses right after calling him to deliver Israel? In addition to this theological conundrum, there are other uncertainties. We’re startled and confused when Zipporah, Moses’ wife (Exod 2:21), deals with this threat by immediately circumcising her son Gershom and touching the foreskin to Moses’ “feet.” What does that mean? And why would her action appease God’s wrath?Doing the Wrong Thing: Moses’ NegligenceIf we look at the original Hebrew text of this passage, we would notice that the name Moses does not actually appear in the phrase translated as “touched Moses’ feet.” The text literally reads, “touched his feet.” Consequently,...
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Welcome to Day 2390 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 10:8-14 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2390Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2390 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we continue our journey through the profound insights of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be diving into Ecclesiastes 10:8-14 from the New Living Translation. These verses offer practical advice on the consequences of foolish actions, the importance of wisdom in work, and the impact of our words. Let’s set out on this trek together and uncover the wisdom that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 10:8-14 (NLT):8 When you dig a well, you might fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake.9 When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax.10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.11 If a snake bites before you charm it, what’s the use of being a snake charmer?12 Wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words.13 Fools base their thoughts on foolish assumptions, so their conclusions will be wicked madness;14 they chatter on and on. No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future.The Consequences of Foolish Actions:Solomon begins this passage by highlighting the inherent dangers in everyday activities. In verses 8 and 9, he says, “When you dig a well, you might fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake. When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax.” These verses illustrate that many tasks we undertake come with risks. Whether it’s digging, demolishing, quarrying, or chopping wood, each activity carries the potential for harm.This serves as a reminder to approach our work with caution and awareness. While we can’t eliminate all risks, we can mitigate them by being mindful of the dangers and taking appropriate precautions. Wisdom in our work means understanding the risks and preparing adequately to avoid unnecessary harm.The Importance of Wisdom in Work:In verse 10, Solomon shifts to the importance of wisdom in making our efforts more effective: “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.” This analogy of a dull ax emphasizes that working harder isn’t always the solution; working smarter is. A sharp ax makes the task of chopping wood easier and more efficient, just as wisdom makes our efforts more productive and less strenuous.Applying wisdom in our work means seeking the most effective methods and tools, planning carefully, and being prepared. It’s about making decisions that maximize our...
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Welcome to Day 2389 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2389 – OUR STRANGE LIFE – FOCUSING FULLY ON JESUS CHRIST 1 PETER 3:8-17 – Daily WisdomPutnam Church Message – 05/26/2024Our Strange Life – Focusing Fully on Jesus Christ1 Peter 3:18-22Last week, we moved forward with our overall submission theme as we learned how to have A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense utilizing the nine maturity checkpoints of our Christian faith.Today, we switch the focus of why we,| as Christ Followers,| may suffer for our faith to the One who suffered all for us in a message titled, Focusing Fully on Jesus Christ.Today’s passage is 1 Peter 3:18-22, on page 1890 of your Pew Bibles. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.This passage of 1 Peter 3:18-22 is one of the most challenging passages to translate and interpret. Let’s look at this passage, focusing on its context to help us better grasp its content.— 3:18 —This section begins in the middle of a paragraph, a larger unit of Peter’s thought and argument. In the previous section, Peter referred to the believer’s appropriate response to unjust suffering (3:14-17). Believers who conduct their lives virtuously (3:8-12) sometimes incur unfair treatment as a result (3:14). Peter makes his point clear in 3:17: Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! At this point in the paragraph, Peter turns our attention to Christ, who exemplified unjust punishment. In 3:18-22, Christ alone is the focus of our attention.Peter outlines in summary fashion the significant movements of Christ from His suffering and death on our behalf (3:18) to His resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God (3:21-22). Sandwiched between the familiar recounting of Christ’s death and resurrection, we find a few brief statements about what Christ did amid His descent (3:19-20) and how we publicly associate ourselves with Christ’s death and resurrection...
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Welcome to Day 2388 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 10:1-7 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2388Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2388 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we continue our expedition through the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 10:1-7 from the New Living Translation. These verses offer valuable insights into the impact of foolishness and the importance of wisdom in various aspects of life. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless truths that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 10:1-7 (NLT):1 As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor.2 A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one.3 You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street! Their common sense is lacking.4 If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.5 There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake6 when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth.7 I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes—and princes walking like servants!The Destructive Power of Foolishness:Guthrie:Solomon begins this passage with a striking metaphor: “As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor” (verse 1). This imagery vividly illustrates how even a small amount of foolishness can ruin the value of wisdom and honor. Just as a single fly can ruin the fragrance of an entire bottle of perfume, a minor act of foolishness can tarnish a person’s reputation and negate their accomplishments. This highlights the importance of guarding against even small foolish actions, as they can have disproportionate negative effects.The Path of Wisdom vs. the Path of Foolishness:In verses 2 and 3, Solomon contrasts the paths chosen by wise and foolish individuals: “A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one. You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street! Their common sense is lacking.” Here, Solomon underscores that wisdom and foolishness are evident in people’s choices. The wise person deliberately selects the right path, demonstrating discernment and foresight. In contrast, the fool chooses poorly, often driven by impulse or lack of understanding.Solomon further states that foolishness is apparent even in simple actions, like walking down the street. This suggests that foolishness is not merely about major decisions or actions but is evident in everyday behavior. The lack of common sense and poor decision-making is visible to others, clearly marking the fool’s path.Responding to Authority with Wisdom:...
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Welcome to Day 2387 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 9:9-18 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2387Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2387 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we continue our expedition through the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 9:9-18 from the New Living Translation. These verses provide deep insights into the enjoyment of life, the reality of death, the value of wisdom, and the unpredictable nature of human endeavors. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless truths that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 9:9-18 (NLT):9 Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.11 I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.12 People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy.13 Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works.14 There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it.15 A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought to thank him.16 So even though wisdom is better than strength, those who are wise will be despised if they are poor. What they say will not be appreciated for long.17 Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.18 Better to have wisdom than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.The Enjoyment of Life:Solomon starts this passage by emphasizing the importance of enjoying life, particularly in the context of relationships. In verse 9, he says, “Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.” This highlights the significance of finding joy in the companionship of a loved one. Amidst the struggles and uncertainties of life, love and companionship are precious gifts from God. They provide solace and joy, making life’s toil more bearable and meaningful.In verse 10, Solomon advises, “Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or
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Welcome to Day 2386 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Abandoned Child and the Basket Case – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The BibleWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2386Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2386 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the fourth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is The Abandoned Child and the Basket Case.In modern stories, people destined for greatness rarely start as privileged. They are dropped off at the doorstep of an orphanage or abandoned in the rain. This literary motif goes back to ancient stories, where writers use the abandoned child theme to identify a character that rises from obscurity to privileged hero status. It’s a motif found in the biblical account of Moses’ birth. But is that really the whole story?Moses’ story begins when Pharaoh feels threatened by the growing Hebrew population in Egypt and commands that all Hebrew male infants be killed (Exod 1:16-22). Moses’ mother hides her newborn son for three months and then devises a risky but calculated plan: She sets him adrift on the Nile in a small basket made of bulrushes, waterproofed with bitumen and pitch (2:1- 3). Moses’ older sister, Miriam, watches as the basket floats to where the daughter of Pharaoh bathes. God uses these circumstances to bring Moses under the protection of Egypt’s ruler (2:4-10).Ancient literature outside the Bible attests to several stories in which a child, perceived as a threat by an enemy, is abandoned and later spared by divine intervention or otherworldly circumstances. Roughly 30 stories like this survive in ancient Mesopotamia, Canaan, Greece, Egypt, Rome, and India literature.The Mesopotamian work known as the Sargon Birth Legend offers the most striking parallels to the biblical story. It relates the birth story of Sargon the Great, an Akkadian emperor who ruled several Sumerian city-states around 2000 BC, centuries before the time of Moses. The infant boy is born into great peril: His mother is a high priestess, and he is illegitimate. Consequently, his mother sets him adrift in a reed basket on a river. The boy is rescued and raised by a gardener named Akki in the town of Kish. He becomes a humble gardener in Akki’s service until the goddess Ishtar takes an interest in him, setting him on the path to kingship.Some assume that the biblical story of Moses’ birth was based on the Sargon Birth Legend, but this is unlikely. Although ancient Sumerian accounts of Sargon the Great date back to his lifetime, the legendary account of his birth is known from only four fragmentary tablets—three from the Neo-Assyrian period (934-605 bc) and one from the Neo-Babylonian
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Welcome to Day 2385 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 9:1-8 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2385Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2385 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we continue our expedition through the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 9:1-8 from the New Living Translation. These verses offer profound reflections on the uncertainties of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless truths that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 9:1-8 (NLT):1 This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God’s hands, no one knows whether God will show them favor.2 The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad, ceremonially clean or unclean, religious or irreligious. Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who make promises to God are treated like people who don’t.3 It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. Already twisted by evil, people choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.4 There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!”5 The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered.6 Whatever they did in their lifetime—loving, hating, envying—is all long gone. They no longer play a part in anything here on earth.7 So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!8 Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!The Uncertainty of Life and God’s Sovereignty:Solomon begins this passage with a reflection on the unpredictability of life and God’s overarching sovereignty. In verse 1, he says, “Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God’s hands, no one knows whether God will show them favor.” This acknowledges a profound truth: our lives are ultimately in God’s hands, and His favor or disfavor isn’t something we can always predict based on our actions. Despite our best efforts to live wisely and righteously, we can’t guarantee specific outcomes. This uncertainty invites us to trust in God’s plan, even when it’s beyond our understanding.The Common Destiny of All:In verses 2 and 3, Solomon observes a stark reality: “The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad, ceremonially clean or unclean, religious or irreligious. Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who make promises to God are treated like people who don’t. It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. Already twisted by...
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Welcome to Day 2384 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2384 – OUR STRANGE LIFE – A RIGHTEOUS LIFE AND A READY DEFENSE1 PETER 3:8-17 – Daily WisdomPutnam Church Message – 05/19/2024Our Strange Life – A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense1 Peter 3:8-17Last week, we shifted from submitting to government authorities and employers to how we should practice mutual submission in our home in a message titled, The Give-and-Take of Domestic Harmony.This week, we move forward with our overall submission theme as we learn how to have A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense.Today’s passage is 1 Peter 3:8-17, on page 1890 of your Pew Bibles. I will read it today from the NLT because the text flow is more personally applicable to our daily lives. 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,“If you want to enjoy lifeand see many happy days,keep your tongue from speaking eviland your lips from telling lies.11 Turn away from evil and do good.Search for peace, and work to maintain it.12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,and his ears are open to their prayers.But the Lord turns his faceagainst those who do evil.”[b]13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[c] Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Without a doubt, the process of spiritual growth is long and often painful. In route to maturity, we all spill our milk, say things we shouldn’t, and fail to act our age. Sometimes, we throw temper tantrums like toddlers, pout like preschoolers, or argue and complain like teens. We should conduct ourselves as mature believers and set an example for those younger in the faith. We may know what is right, but we don't have the will to do what's
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Welcome to Day 2383 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2383Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2383 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we continue our expedition through the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 from the New Living Translation. These verses provide deep insights into the perplexities of life, the problem of injustice, and the ultimate pursuit of understanding. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless truths that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 (NLT):9 I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other.10 I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless.11 When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.12 But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.13 The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.14 And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.16 In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night.17 I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.The Perplexity of Injustice:Solomon starts this passage by reflecting on the injustice and the power dynamics that people face “under the sun.” In verse 9, he states, “I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other.” This acknowledges a harsh reality of human existence—the ability and propensity for people to harm one another. It’s a sobering reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the complexities we navigate in our relationships and society.In verse 10, Solomon observes a troubling phenomenon: “I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless.” Here, he grapples with...
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Welcome to Day 2382 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 8:1-8 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2382Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2382 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we continue our expedition through the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 8:1-8 from the New Living Translation. These verses provide profound insights into the nature of wisdom, the complexities of authority, and the inevitability of death. Let’s embark on this trek together and uncover the timeless truths that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 8:1-8 (NLT):1 How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.2 Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would.3 Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.4 His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.5 Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right.6 For there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?8 None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.The Value of Wisdom:Solomon begins this passage by extolling the value of wisdom. In verse 1, he says, “How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.” Here, Solomon highlights the transformative power of wisdom. It enables us to understand and interpret the complexities of life, bringing clarity and insight. Moreover, wisdom has a visible effect—it brightens our countenance and softens the harshness that life’s challenges can imprint on us. This is a beautiful reminder of how inner wisdom can radiate outwardly, impacting not only our thoughts but also our demeanor.Navigating Authority:In verses 2 to 4, Solomon addresses our relationship with authority: “Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.”These verses remind us of the importance of respecting and obeying authority. Solomon acknowledges the power that leaders wield and the potential consequences of defiance. The exhortation to obey the king is rooted in a vow to God, indicating that our respect for authority is ultimately an expression of our reverence for God. Avoiding our responsibilities or aligning with those who oppose...
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Welcome to Day 2381 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Why Circumcision? – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The BibleWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2381Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2381 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the fourth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is Why Circumcision?Circumcision is mentioned nearly 100 times in the Bible. It is a central focus for Old Testament and New Testament theology (Rom 4:9-12: Gal 2:1-12: 5:1-10). If we’re honest, that just sounds absurd.Circumcision was the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen 17:9-14), but it was also widely practiced in the ancient Near East (the method, though, wasn’t always the same). Jeremiah 9:25-26 notes that Israel’s neighbors were circumcised. Archaeologists have also found that it was practiced in Syria and Phoenicia. Textual remains indicate that circumcision in Egypt goes back to at least 2200 BC, centuries before the Israelites were enslaved. Israelite men may have even submitted to Egyptian circumcision while in Egypt, since Joshua commanded the men crossing into the promised land to be recircumcised in order to “roll away the reproach of Egypt” (Josh 5:2, 9). The evidence suggests that circumcision did not distinguish Israelite men from their foreign neighbors.When God told Abraham to be circumcised, he was past the age of bearing children, and his wife, Sarah, was incapable of having children (Gen 18:11). Nevertheless, it would be through Sarah’s womb (Gen 17:21: 18:14) that God would fulfill His promise of innumerable offspring to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3). God’s covenant with Abraham could only be realized by miraculous intervention.The miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth is the key to understanding circumcision as the sign of the covenant. After God made His promise to Abraham, every male member of Abraham’s household was required to be circumcised (Gen 17:15-27). Every male—and every woman, since the males were all incapacitated for a time—knew that circumcision was connected to God’s promise. It probably didn’t make any sense, though, until Sarah became pregnant.Everyone in Abraham’s household witnessed the miracle of Isaac’s birth. From that point on, every male understood why they had been circumcised: Their entire race—their very existence—began with a miraculous act of God. Every woman was reminded of this when she had sexual relations with her Israelite husband and when her sons were circumcised. Circumcision was a visible, continuous reminder that Israel owed its...
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Welcome to Day 2380 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomWisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 7:23-29 Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2380Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2380 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we will delve into Ecclesiastes 7:23-29 from the New Living Translation. These verses provide a profound exploration of wisdom, human nature, and the pursuit of understanding. Let’s walk this path together and uncover the timeless truths that Solomon shares with us.Ecclesiastes 7:23-29 (NLT):23 I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, “I am determined to be wise.” But it didn’t work.24 Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.25 I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.26 I discovered that a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Her passion is a snare, and her soft hands are chains. Those who are pleasing to God will escape her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.27 “This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle.28 Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman!29 But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.”The Elusiveness of Wisdom:Solomon begins this passage by sharing his personal pursuit of wisdom. In verse 23, he reflects, “I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, ‘I am determined to be wise.’ But it didn’t work.” Despite his efforts, Solomon finds wisdom elusive. This honest admission underscores a critical truth: the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey, often filled with challenges and setbacks. No matter how determined we are, wisdom is not something we can fully grasp or contain.In verse 24, Solomon emphasizes this further: “Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.” True wisdom often feels just out of reach, perpetually challenging us to keep seeking, learning, and growing. It’s a humbling reminder that wisdom is not a destination but a journey—a path we must continually walk with patience and perseverance. The Search for Understanding:Solomon’s quest for understanding continues in verse 25: “I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.” Here, Solomon describes his relentless pursuit to understand life’s deeper truths and the nature of wickedness and foolishness. His determination to uncover
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Welcome to Day 2379 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2379 – OUR STRANGE LIFE – THE GIVE AND TAKE OF DOMESTIC HARMONY 1 PETER 3:1-7 – Daily WisdomPutnam Church Message – 05/12/2024Our Strange Life – The Give and Take of Domestic Harmony1 Peter 3:1-7Last week, we realized that as Christ followers, we will not only be the recipients of unjust treatment at times but that there are benefits in bearing the brunt of that treatment in a message titled, Pressing on Even Though Ripped Off.This week, we are shifting from submitting to government authorities and employers to how we should practice mutual submission in our home in a message titled, The Give-and-Take of Domestic Harmony. I know some of you no longer have a spouse, so this message may not be directly applicable, but use Peter's lessons to help friends and family that may need your advice.Today’s passage is 1 Peter 3:1-7, on page 1889 of your Pew Bibles. I will read it today from the NLT because it focuses more clearly on keywords.1 In the same way, your wives must accept your husbands' authority. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should| so your prayers will not be hindered.Just like it is impossible to drive a car with two steering wheels and each spouse trying to wrestle control from the other, a better analogy for a healthy marriage is that of a row boat, where both must paddle in harmony to make any progress. Having been married to Paula for forty-five years this August, I've become a realist about marriage— not an idealist. While overall, our marriage has been rock-solid and, yes, even pleasant, there have been years of learning and growth, which includes difficulty, delight, discovery, heartaches, disappointments, hurtful times, and ecstatic moments together. These experiences have made our marriage stronger. The apostle Peter, too, spoke about marriage, but not from some remote prophet's cave or in a scholar's ivory tower.| No, Peter was married. His wife accompanied him on many of his travels (1 Cor. 9:5). They were co-workers in the Kingdom of God. Peter knew firsthand the struggles all married couples endure.Like a diamond in a platinum...
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