1 Samuel 12:23

1 Samuel 12:23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.

a. NLT: “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.

b. NIV: As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: 'I, also, far be it from me to sin against Jehovah, by ceasing to pray for you, and I have directed you in the good and upright way;

d. Amplified Bible: Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.

e. Septuagint: And far be it from me to sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will serve the Lord, and shew you the good and the right way.

Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: And I, also far be it from me to sin against HASHEM and refrain from praying on your behalf; rather I shall instruct you in the good and proper path.

1. “…God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you…”

a. God forbid [2486 * chaliylah] [Strong:  literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!:--be far, (X God) forbid.] [AMG, Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament: An adversative interjection of strong emotion, let it never be, far be it. It strongly suggests that something should not be the case.]

b. sin [2398 * chata] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn:--bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass.]

c. the LORD [3068 * Yehovah] [Strong: the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

d. ceasing [2308 * chadal] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle:--cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want.]

e. pray [6419 * palal] [Strong: a primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray:--intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.]

f. for you [1157 * ba’ad] [AMG, Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament: After the verb to pray, it indicates what is to be prayed for, Genesis 20:7.]

1). Here we are told that if we stop praying for those who the Lord has instructed us to pray for, we are sinning against God. In the New Testament Paul gives us a small list about who to pray for first.

a). 1 Timothy 2:1-8 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

2. “…but I will teach you the good and the right way.”

a. teach [3384 * yarah] [Strong: a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach:--(+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.]

b. good [2896 * towb] [Strong: good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well ((-favoured)).]

c. right [3477 * yashar] [Strong: straight (literally or figuratively):--convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), + pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).]

d. way [1870 * derek] [Strong: a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side), whither(-soever).]

1). Scripture gives us the right way we should walk.

a). Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

1:6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

b). Matthew 7:13, 14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

                  7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be                     that find it.

Psalm 119:89

Psalm 119:89

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

a. NLT: Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.

b. NIV: Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: To the age, O Jehovah, Thy word is set up in the heavens.

d. Amplified Bible: Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens].

e. Septuagint: Thy word, O Lord, abides in heaven for ever.

f. Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Forever, HASHEM, Your word stands firm in the heavens.

1. “Forever O LORD…”

a. forever [5769 * ‘owlam] [Strong: properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always:--alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-))ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world (+ without end).]

1). Other passages that use this Hebrew word in relation to God’s word:

a). Psalm 119:144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

b). Psalm 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them forever.

c). Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.

d). Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.

b. O LORD [3068 * Yehovah] [Strong: (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

2. “…thy word is settled in heaven.”

a. thy word [1697 * dabar] [Strong: a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, + dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, + eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt, + iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, + please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that, X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings, what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.]

b. settled [5324 * natsab] [Strong: a prim root; to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively):--appointed, deputy, erect, establish, X Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state.]

c. heaven [8064 * shamayim] [Strong: dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).]

1). Jesus himself said heaven and earth would pass before his word would pass.

a). Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

2). Peter wrote that the word we believe to get born again will abide forever.

a). 1 Peter 1:23-25  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

James 3:6

James 3:6

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

a. NLT: And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

b. NIV: The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: and the tongue is a fire, the world of the unrighteousness, so the tongue is set in our members, which is spotting our whole body, and is setting on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by the gehenna.

d. Amplified Bible: And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna).

1. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity…”

a. tongue [1100 * glossa] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):--tongue.]

1). The tongue, not one of our comely parts was given high honor, and high responsibility not to just speak fire and iniquity but also blessing.

a). Proverbs 18:22, 21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

b). Matthew 2:33-37 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

b. is [2525 * kathistemi; kata-down; histemi-to stand] [Zodhiates: to stand, be set, to be] [Strong: to place down (permanently), i.e. (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy:--appoint, be, conduct, make, ordain, set.]

1). The tongues place in man’s existence was ordained by God. In order to understand the scope of this one must look at all the verses instructing us on the use or abuse of our tongues. Our tongues can be used to bless as well as curse.

a). 1 Corinthians 12:22-24 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

2). The tongue of man was ordained by God to have the prominence and responsibility in the man’s existence. It is the will of God that man reign in his personal circle of life in blessing and righteousness.

a). Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

3). As believers in Covenant with God we must use our tongues in line with His will. We must speak His words within our lives, believing in faith and speaking in faith.

a). Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

b). Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

c). 2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

c. fire [4442 * pyr] [Strong: a primary word; "fire" (literal ly or figuratively, specially, lightning):--fiery, fire.]

d. world [2889 * kosmos] [Strong: orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world.]

e. iniquity [93 * adikia] [Strong: (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.]

2. “…that it defileth the whole body…”

a. defileth [4695 * spiloo] [Strong: to stain or soil (literally or figuratively):--defile, spot.]

b. whole [3650 * holos] [Strong: a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:--all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.]

c. body [4983 * soma] [Strong: the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]

3. “…and setteth on fire the course of nature…”

a. setteth on fire [5394 * phlogizo] [Strong: to cause a blaze, i.e. ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion):--set on fire.]

b. course [5164 * trochos] [Strong: a wheel (as a runner), i.e. (figuratively) a circuit of physical effects:--course.] [Zodhiates: In the NT, figuratively a course as run by a wheel, or perhaps a circular course, circuit (James 3:6, “course of life”.)

1). I like the NIV’s rendering of this: “sets the whole course of one’s life”.

c. nature [1078 * genesis] [Strong: nativity; figuratively, nature:--generation, nature(-ral).] [Thayer: the wheel of life (Jas 3:6), other explain it, the wheel of human origin which as soon as men are born begins to run, i.e. its course of life.]

4. “…and it is set on fire of hell.”

a. set on fire [5394 * phlogizo] [Strong: to cause a blaze, i.e. ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion):--set on fire.]

b. hell [1067 * geenna] [Thayer: hell is the place of the future punishment called "Gehenna" or "Gehenna of fire". This was originally the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned; a fit symbol of the wicked and their future destruction.] [Strong: valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment:--hell.]

c. The tongue is ordained by God to have the place in man that it has. We as free moral beings have the choice to use our tongues for blessing or cursing, to chose whether our lives will be a blessed by God or as we choose to curse and allow hell to set on fire the circle of our lives.

James 3:5

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

a. NLT: In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

b. NIV: Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: so also the tongue is a little member, and doth boast greatly; lo, a little fire how much wood it doth kindle!

d. Amplified Bible: Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!

1. “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things…”

a. even [2532 * kai] [Strong:  apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. so [3779 * houtos] [Strong: in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.]

c. tongue [1100 * glossa] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):--tongue.]

d. little [3398 * mikros] [Strong: small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):--least, less, little, small.]

2. “…Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

a. great [2245 * helikos] [Strong: a comrade, i.e. one of the same age); as big as, i.e. (interjectively) how much:--how (what) great.]

b. matter [5208 * hule] [Strong: a forest, i.e. (by implication) fuel:--matter.]

c. little [3641 * oligos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:--+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.]

d. fire [4442 * pyr] [Strong: a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning):--fiery, fire.]

e. kindleth [381 * anapto] [Strong: to enkindle:--kindle, light.]

1). World Outreach Church Daily Devotional 9/16/11 James is saying a spark can set a forest ablaze to destroy it or set a fire ablaze to keep us warm. In other words, we can use our tongues to destroy ourselves or make ourselves victorious. Our words will make us or break us. If we allow our tongues to speak words of doubt and complaint, they will defeat us every time. But when we line up our words with God’s Word, our tongues will put us over every time—no matter what comes against us. Sometimes Christians are the most negative people in the world. Many say things like, “I’m just an unworthy worm,” or “Here I wander like a beggar through the heat and the cold.” We used to think we were being humble and spiritual when we talked like that. But what we thought was humility was really spiritual pride. To be spiritual is to line up with God’s Word. True humility is admitting God knows more than we do. True humility says, “I don’t feel worthy or righteous. But, Lord, if You said I’m the righteousness of God in Christ, then I must be. I’m going to humble myself to Your Word and believe what You said, no matter what I feel.” (Rom. 3:22.) So make a decision to line your words up with the Word of God in every area of your life!

James 3:4

James 3:4

Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

a. NLT: And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.

b. NIV: Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: lo, also the ships, being so great, and by fierce winds being driven, are led about by a very small helm, whithersoever the impulse of the helmsman doth counsel,

d. Amplified Bible: Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. 

1. “Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds…”

a. ships [4143 * ploion] [Strong: a sailer, i.e. vessel:--ship(-ing).]

b. driven [1643 * elauno] [Strong: a prolonged form of a primary verb (obsolete except in certain tenses as an alternative of this) of uncertain affinity; to push (as wind, oars or dæmonical power):--carry, drive, row.]

c. fierce [4642 * skleros] [Strong: dry, i.e. hard or tough (figuratively, harsh, severe):--fierce, hard.]

d. winds [417 * nnemos] [Strong: wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth):--wind.]

2. “…yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.”

a. turned [3329 * metago] [Strong: to lead over, i.e. transfer (direct):--turn about.]

b. helm [4079 * pedalion] [Strong: derivative of pedon (the blade of an oar; from the same as 3976); a "pedal", i.e. helm:--rudder.] [Thayer: a small rudder.]

c. governor [2116 * euthuno] [Strong: to straighten (level); technically, to steer:--governor, make straight.]

d. listeth [3730 * horme] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; a violent impulse, i.e. onset:--assault.]

James 3:3

James 3:3

Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

a. NLT: We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.

b. NIV: When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.

c. Young’s Literal translation: lo, the bits we put into the mouths of the horses for their obeying us, and their whole body we turn about;

d. Amplified Bible: If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.

1. “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us…”

a. behold [2400 * idou] [Strong: used as imperative lo!; --behold, lo, see.]

b. bits [5469 * chalinos] [Strong: a curb or head-stall (as curbing the spirit):--bit, bridle.]

c. obey [3982 * peitho] [Strong: a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):--agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.]

2. “…and we turn about their whole body.”

a. turn [3329 * metago] [Strong: to lead over, i.e. transfer (direct):--turn about.]

b. whole [3650 * holos] [Strong: a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:--all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.]

c. body [4983 * soma] [Strong: the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]

James 3:2

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

a. NLT: Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

b. NIV: We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: for we all make many stumbles; if any one in word doth not stumble, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also the whole body;

d. Amplified Bible: For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.

1. “For in many things we offend all…”

a. many [4183 * polus] [Strong: including the forms from the alternate pollos; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly.]

b. offend [4417 * patio] [Strong: to trip, i.e. (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation):--fall, offend, stumble.]

c. all [537 * hapas] [Strong: absolutely all or (singular) every one:--all (things), every (one), whole.]

2. “…If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man,

a. offend [4417 * patio] [Strong: to trip, i.e. (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation):--fall, offend, stumble.]

b. not [3756 * ou] [Strong: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

c. word [ 3056 * logos] [Strong:  something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):--account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.]

d. perfect [5046 * teleios] [Strong: complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with 3588) completeness:--of full age, man, perfect.]

3. “…and able also to bridle the whole body.”

a. able [1415 * dunatos] [Strong: powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible:--able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong.]

b. bridle [5468 * chalinagogeo; chalinos-a bridle; ago-to lead, direct, govern] [Strong: to be a bit-leader, i.e. to curb (figuratively):--bridle.]

c. whole  [3650 * holos] [Strong: a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:--all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.]

d. body [4983 * soma] [Strong: the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]

1). World Outreach Church Daily Devotional 9/15/11 In the last part of this verse, James says, “If you can control your mouth, you can control your body and your entire nature.” That’s a strong statement. In verse 3 AMP, we learn more about the tongue: “If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.” Now, I’m not a horseman, but I know horses are too big to grab around the neck and pull around wherever you want. However, if you put a bit in a horse’s mouth, you can control the direction it goes. James continues: “Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines” (v. 4 AMP). Ships are big, and winds are strong. But when you control the rudder, you control where the ship goes. Think about it this way: A horse wants to go a particular direction by its own inner will. A ship has no will, but outside forces, such as wind and waves, try to drive it. So, putting a bit in a horse’s mouth and directing a ship by its rudder are examples of controlling inside desires and outside forces. Apply this to your life. No matter whether you face problems from within or forces from without, control your tongue and you’ll control your life.

Titus 1:2

Titus 1:2

 

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

 

a. NLT: This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. NIV: in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, [THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.]

 

c. Young’s Literal Translation: upon hope of life age-during, which God, who doth not lie, did promise before times of ages, [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.] 

 

d. Amplified Bible: [Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive promised before the world or the ages of time began. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “In hope of eternal life…”

 

a. In [Strong: 1909. epi ep-ee' a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).]

b. hope [Strong: 1680. elpis el-pece' from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:--faith, hope.]

c. [of] eternal [166 * aionios] [Strong: perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well):--eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).] [Thayer: without beginning and end, that, which always has been and always will be, without beginning, without end, never to cease, everlasting.]

d. life [Strong: 2222. zoe dzo-ay' from 2198; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time).]

 

2. “…which God, that cannot lie…”

 

a. which [Strong: 3739. hos hos, including feminine he hay, and neuter ho ho probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc.]

b. God [2316 * theos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

 

b. [Strong: 3588. [ho] ὁ ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: [ho] ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.] [Additional variants: tē, hoi, oi, tēn,ta, tēs,tois, tō, tōn, hé  hē ]

c. [that] cannot lie [893 * apseudes; a-without; pseudes-false,a liar] [Strong: veracious:--that cannot lie.] [Thayer: without lie, truthful.]

 

1). God cannot lie. His word is true.

 

a). Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

 

2). In fact, when someone says something contrary to God’s word, when they know He said something else, we are to consider that person a liar.

 

a). Romans 3:1-4 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

3. “…promised before the world began.”

 

a. promised [1861 * epaggellomai; epi-intensive; ana-on, upon; aggello-to tell, declare] [Strong:  to announce upon (reflexively), i.e. (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself:--profess, (make) promise.]

 

b. before [4253 * pro] [Thayer: before.] [Strong: primary preposition; "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to:--above, ago, before, or ever. In the comparative, it retains the same significations.]

 

c. world [166 * aionios] [Strong: perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well):--eternal, forever, everlasting, world (began).] [Thayer: without beginning and end, that, which always has been and always will be, without beginning, without end, never to cease, everlasting.]

 

1). Dake: It means eternity before the ages of time began.

 

d. began [5550 * chromos] [Thayer: time, either long or short.] [Strong: of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from 2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from 165, which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay:--+ years old, season, space, (X often-)time(-s), (a) while.]

 

1). The same phrase is found in 2 Timothy and similar language is found in Romans.

 

a). 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

 

b). Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

 

2). The plan of redemption is older than the earth.

 

a). 1 Peter 1:18-20  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

 

b). Matthew 13:34, 35 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

 

3). What is meant by this wording in these verses is  that Jesus “was foreordained before the foundation of the world”, the triune Godhead planned, determined and purposed the 2nd Person of the Godhead would be sacrificed for our redemption not only before the world was ever created. The creation of the universe was planned, discussed, hashed out and determined by the three persons of the Godhead around the redemption of man as the central focus. From the moment this plan or this council was determined, the three persons of the Godhead have been implementing and carrying out this plan and will continue to do so until it is complete. The wonderful thing about this is that in much of it man was included in its implementation. The bottom line in all this is the plan of redemption is older than the earth. This is exactly why the Scriptures use the language it does in Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. It was the beginning of the plan of redemption being carried out. Everything in the plan of redemption, containing everything in the Old and New Covenants center around the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This plan of redemption was “according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”, Ephesians 1:11.

Joshua 13:3

Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

a.       In this verse it is shown quite clearly that Gaza was part of the inheritance that God gave to Israel. In particular, it was given to the tribe of Judah.

1). Joshua 15:20-63 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,

And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,

Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,

And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,

And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:

Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,

And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,

And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:

Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,

And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

Ekron, with her towns and her villages:

From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:

Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:

And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,

And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:

Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,

And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,

And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,

And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:

Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,

And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:

Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,

And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

b.      The Lord specifically warned Israel that if they left any of the former inhabitants remain that they would be snares and thorns, constant problems for them.

1). Numbers 33:55  But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

2). In the same way as leaving the former inhabitants remain to be a problem, Israel giving up part of their inheritance to an enemy will cause the same effect.

c.       In 2005 Israel, in an attempt to win peace withdrew from part of their God given inheritance, but as Scripture says, these will only be thorns in their eyes and in their sides.

d. Evacuation of  of Israelie citizens completed 8/22/05, Today, Monday, August 22, 2005, the evacuation of all Israeli civilians from the Israeli communities in the Gaza Strip has been completed, in accordance with the Implementation of the Disengagement Plan Law 2005. IDF Spokesman http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2005/Evacuation+of+Israeli+civilians+from+the+Gaza+Strip+completed+22-Aug-2005.htm

e. Because Israel gave away Gaza which was part of the Inheritance that God gave them, Arab terrorists are using Gaza as a point to launch rockets into Israel and kill and wound Israeli citizens. Early in 2008, three years after Israel gave up Gaza, terrorists sent rockets into Israel. Israel in self defense sent troops into Gaza to root out the terrorists. Even though Israel was only protecting itself the US, beginning with President

Bush pressured Israel to withdraw its troops.

1). Israel Collapses to US Pressure, Pulls Troops Out of Gaza, by Hana Levi Julian 4/11/08 Despite vows last week to continue military operations until there is an end to all rocket fire on southern Israel, the Israeli government has pulled troops out of Gaza.

The move came after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pressured Israeli leaders last week to end the counterterrorism operations against rocket-firing terrorists. More than 7,600 rockets have battered communities in the western Negev since the outbreak of the Oslo War in 2000, most recently striking the coastal city of Ashkelon…”

2). Just in 2012 from January to November, 2,256 rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Palestinian_rocket_attacks_on_Israel,_2012