The Word of God teaches us to overcome “evil with good.”
Romans 12:20–21 says:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This means when you are wronged, do not repay evil with evil, but rather respond with goodness. By doing so, the one who harmed you will recognize his own guilt and may later repent.
However, the same Bible also warns us that our goodness should not be spoken of as evil.
Romans 14:16 declares:
“Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.”
This shows that sometimes, even though we may not repay evil with evil, and instead show kindness, still our good deeds can be misunderstood or even appear “evil.” Therefore, it is important to purify our goodness.
Just as water, though used for cleansing, can become dirty, and soap, though meant to purify, can be soiled — in the same way, goodness, though precious, can be corrupted and misrepresented.
A wrong motive can turn goodness into hypocrisy. Someone may perform an act of kindness but only to be praised by others or to appear religious, without love or sincerity in the heart. Such “goodness” is false and becomes “goodness spoken of as evil.”
Jesus warned in Matthew 23:28:
“In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
True goodness must spring from love and a pure heart (1 Timothy 1:5).
Another danger is when someone returns good outwardly, but inwardly desires vengeance — perhaps saying, “I leave him to God so that God may punish him.”
Though this may sound wise, its wisdom is incomplete. Instead of desiring evil for our enemies, we should intercede for them, asking God to show them mercy. This reflects the very heart of God, whose first quality is mercy.
Proverbs 24:17–18 teaches:
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.”
Vengeance belongs to the Lord alone (Romans 12:19), and we cannot dictate how He should act. For example, early Christians prayed against Saul for persecuting them, but instead of judgment, God showed him mercy and transformed him into Paul the Apostle (Acts 9).
Thus, the believer’s calling is to pray for mercy, not vengeance.
Jesus clearly taught this radical love in Luke 6:27–30:
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.”
This is not weakness or foolishness, but the living and powerful Word of God.
May the Lord help us so that our goodness may be spoken of with honor and not with evil.
Maranatha!
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(Proverbs 13:20) “Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.”
When we were children, our parents taught us to be selective about our friends. Interestingly, the criteria they used were not skin color, height, or health, but rather character and intellect. Children who were thoughtful and intelligent were encouraged to be close to us because we would be positively influenced by their behavior. On the other hand, those who were foolish—even if we played with them occasionally—we were disciplined for it. At the time, it felt unfair, but as we grew older and saw the lives of those children, we understood what our parents had seen and why it was necessary.
Similarly, in spiritual life, we are told: “Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.”
They are people who are saved and have the fear of God within them. Anyone who has trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior and continues to genuinely follow Him is someone you should spend time with. Being close to them will teach you about salvation, prayer, fasting, God’s love, the knowledge of His Word, and also how to witness effectively.
Even Jesus demonstrated this in His life. From a young age, He chose to surround Himself with people who would positively influence His spiritual growth. He did not spend His time with peers indulging in worldly games, parties, or sinful habits. Instead, He was close to teachers and spiritual leaders, learning from them and absorbing their wisdom until He became the greatest Rabbi Himself.
Luke 2:40-50
“The child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him. When he was twelve years old, his parents went up to Jerusalem for the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in the caravan, they traveled for a day and looked for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.’ ‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he meant.”
Some habits or qualities will never develop in your life unless you surround yourself with the right people. If a Christian spends most of their time with worldly friends—office colleagues, college friends, or neighbors—their spiritual life may suffer. Some only meet faithful servants of God on Sundays, avoid spiritual accountability, and yet expect to remain spiritually strong. This is self-deception.
We need to actively surround ourselves with people who will help us grow:
Without such guidance and spiritual company, the world’s influence can overpower us.
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU.
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QUESTION: What does Proverbs 10:25 mean?
“When the storm passes, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.”
ANSWER: This verse is well explained by the example that Lord Jesus gave regarding people who hear His words but do not act on them. Let’s read:
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Returning to the Proverbs passage, you can understand who the wicked are:They are the ones who hear the gospel but do not obey it. They may claim to be saved, but the fruit of salvation is not visible in them. Spiritually, they appear no different from someone who has never known God. All these are called wicked. They are still in sin and have not been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Outwardly, they may appear holy. But when trials, hardships, persecution, or challenges for Christ come, they quickly fall back and act as if they have never known God, because they were not built on the rock. Some face not hardships but prosperity, and when comfort and success increase, they forget God and abandon faith, because they followed Jesus only for the trials. Some stop seeking Him after marriage, education, or promotions.
However, the person who hears Christ’s words and obeys them is the opposite—they are called the “foundation of eternity.” They will not be shaken by any wave, storm, or trial because they are built on the rock.
Be saved, receive forgiveness of sins, and then live in obedience and repentance so that you can always stand firm.
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ANSWER: This proverb communicates a profound spiritual truth about the impact of leadership and societal morality. When wicked individuals rise to power—whether in political, religious, or social spaces—those who are righteous often go into hiding. It’s not always a physical disappearance, but rather a withdrawal from public visibility or influence due to oppression, fear, or marginalization.
This concept is vividly illustrated in the Bible during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 16–21). Ahab, under Jezebel’s influence, led Israel into deep idolatry, including the worship of Baal. Jezebel orchestrated the killing of God’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), and many of the faithful were forced to hide. The prophet Elijah, overwhelmed and discouraged, felt utterly alone in his faithfulness:
“LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (Romans 11:3, NKJV; citing 1 Kings 19:10)
However, God’s response reveals a deeper theological reality:
“I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (Romans 11:4, NKJV)
This shows that even in times of great spiritual darkness, God preserves a faithful remnant—a theme repeated throughout Scripture (see Isaiah 1:9, Romans 9:27).
In our modern world, we see parallels: wickedness is often celebrated in media, politics, and even some religious circles. True holiness and righteousness can feel rare, and those who live by God’s standards may feel isolated. But we must remember that visibility is not always the measure of presence. Just as God had hidden His faithful ones in Elijah’s time, He still preserves His people today.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a, NKJV)
The latter part of Proverbs 28:28 is a message of hope and future restoration: “But when they perish, the righteous increase.” When God judges and removes the wicked, righteousness is no longer suppressed—it flourishes. This points toward both historical moments of revival and the ultimate future kingdom of Christ, where:
“The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11, NKJV)
Jesus echoed this in the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, NKJV)
If you are striving to live a godly life—whether through modesty, sexual purity, honesty, or devotion—yet feel alone, remember: you are not alone. God has always had a remnant. Your obedience is not in vain. Continue walking boldly in your faith, knowing that:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5, NKJV)
A time will come when the influence of the wicked will cease, and the righteousness of God’s people will shine like the dawn (Proverbs 4:18). Don’t follow the crowd. Don’t be discouraged by the noise of evil. God sees, and He will exalt the righteous in His time.
Proverbs 28:28 – “When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.” (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you and keep you steadfast in these last days.
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Question: What does Proverbs 27:15 mean by comparing a contentious woman to “a continual dripping on a very rainy day”?
Answer: In Proverbs 27:15, the phrase “continual dripping” refers to water leaking through a roof during heavy rain. This vivid image is used to describe the discomfort and irritation caused by persistent, unrelenting water dripping inside the house. Living with a contentious woman, according to the Bible, is compared to this situation.
In Proverbs 27:15 (NKJV), “A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.”
The key term here is “contentious” (Hebrew: medinah), meaning argumentative, quarrelsome, or disruptive. It describes someone who creates constant conflict and tension, particularly in a domestic setting. The comparison to a “continual dripping” highlights the constant strain and frustration of dealing with such an individual.
How so?
Living in a house with a leaky roof during a storm can be unbearable. The water drips persistently, and no matter how much you try to move your things to avoid damage, the situation remains unresolved. Over time, the frustration intensifies, leading to a desire to leave the house altogether. This is similar to living with a contentious person—especially a contentious wife in a marriage.
The Bible does not shy away from recognizing the damaging effect of constant strife in a marriage. In
Proverbs 19:13 (NIV), it states, “A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”
Just like a leaky roof, a contentious wife can undermine the peace and stability of the home, leaving the husband feeling helpless and distressed. Over time, this tension can lead to emotional burnout, and in some cases, separation or divorce.
The Role of Wisdom in Marriage:
King Solomon, the author of Proverbs, had a deep understanding of human relationships, particularly marriage. With his experience of having 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3), Solomon was well-acquainted with the challenges and complexities of marital life. Through his writings, he gives wisdom on how to avoid or remedy the tension that arises from a contentious spirit.
The Bible’s teachings on marriage emphasize love, respect, and mutual submission. A woman’s role is one of support, respect, and gentleness. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote in
Ephesians 5:22-33 (NIV), “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church… However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This passage points to the importance of mutual love and respect in marriage. A wife is called to respect her husband, while the husband is called to love his wife sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. This balance is essential for marital harmony.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV) gives further guidance to women, saying, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Here, Paul emphasizes that a woman’s beauty should not be based on outward appearance but rather on a godly character—marked by good works and modesty. This is part of the broader call to godliness that includes a spirit of gentleness and peace, which are vital in fostering peaceful relationships.
1 Peter 3:1-6 (NIV) speaks about the importance of a gentle and quiet spirit for a Christian woman, saying, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
This passage speaks to the power of a wife’s conduct in influencing her husband’s heart. It also highlights that true beauty in a woman comes not from external adornments but from the inner character—a “gentle and quiet spirit,” which is described as “very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).
A quarrelsome spirit can be incredibly destructive, both to the individual and to those around them. In
Proverbs 21:9 (NIV), it says, “Better to live in a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse reflects the wisdom of avoiding conflict that disrupts peace and stability in a home. A contentious wife, through her constant arguing, creates an environment of tension and discomfort, much like a leaky roof that will not allow for peace or rest.
The scriptures teach that marriage is designed to reflect the love, respect, and unity that God desires for His people. A wife’s role is to support her husband with respect and a gentle spirit. When a woman lives out these biblical principles, she contributes to a peaceful and thriving home. In contrast, a contentious spirit—like a leaking roof—can cause ongoing turmoil that harms relationships and disrupts peace.
By adhering to these biblical teachings, women can create an atmosphere of respect and peace in their homes, rather than strife. As
1 Peter 3:4 (NIV) reminds us, “The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight.”
May we all seek to live in a way that honors God, fosters peace, and strengthens our relationships.
Be blessed
We who are saved with our Lord Jesus Christ are likened to a tree planted by God Himself in the world. And we all have a part in that tree, with responsibilities assigned to us. Our Lord Jesus Christ is likened to the trunk of the tree, and we are likened to the branches. The trunk extends from the roots to the place where the branches grow. Thus, our Lord Jesus is the one who gives life to us, coming from God and bringing us forth. But we extend from the branches to the fruits.
John 15:1-2,5
[1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Now, many of us only see the fruits in the branches. But today it is good to look deeper. Normally, a branch is made up of two things: first, the leaves, and second, the fruit. Both should be visible on the branch.
So, you and I as saints must ask ourselves: Are there leaves? And are there fruits as well?
What are fruits? The original meaning of fruit in the tree analogy is not about converting people to Christ, as often assumed, but about producing the fruit of your own salvation—that is, the fruit of repentance. John the Baptist, through the Spirit, explained this clearly. Let us read:
Matthew 3:7-10
[7] When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? [8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. [10] The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
He saw Pharisees who claimed to be God’s messengers, descendants of Abraham, but their hearts were filled with all kinds of evil and filth. They appeared as trees without fruit.
The fruit refers to the fruit of the Spirit, which every believer must strive to produce from their heart throughout their salvation here on earth, namely:
Galatians 5:22-23
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Anyone who diligently shows their salvation in action bears fruit for God, which nourishes His Spirit. And thus, He is greatly pleased with us.
As mentioned, a branch consists of both leaves and fruit. The leaves are the ministry each of us has to draw others to Christ through the gifts given within us. We were commanded by the Lord to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). When you witness to others, your leaves are healing nations, thereby saving them. Remember, leaves are usually tasteless; they often serve as medicine. This is what the Lord does for sinners through us as we witness.
Revelation 22:1-2
[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, [2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
See? The leaves are meant to heal nations, people who do not know God. We must ask ourselves: Are we healing nations by preaching the gospel?
As a Christian, part of the tree of life, you must be an active gospel preacher. Do not just say, “I am saved; that is enough.” Act for the Lord. Tell others about Jesus and let them be healed. Do not underestimate yourself; it is Christ working through you—you are just a branch witnessing to others.
But preaching alone, while living a life contrary to Christ, is dangerous. If you have leaves but no fruits of salvation in your heart… you will be condemned.
Mark 11:13-14
[13] Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. [14] Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him.
You see, some people think merely serving God is enough, without living a holy life. They are found with leaves only.
Let us ensure we have leaves, but also produce fruit because we are part of the trunk of the tree of life. God’s grace will help us.
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Answer:
A broker or middleman is someone who sells a product or service on behalf of another person and receives a certain commission or percentage of the profit earned from the sale. Alternatively, a broker may help find a market for someone’s product and, in return, earn a portion of the proceeds.
If this is the definition or understanding of brokerage, then the work itself is not sinful.
Even the process of buying goods at wholesale prices and selling them at retail prices involves a form of brokerage or intermediation. One purchases at a lower price and sells at a higher price, retaining the profit. In this sense, the retailer becomes a type of broker for the manufacturer or producer.
Therefore, brokerage is not sinful in and of itself, provided it does not involve any of the following immoral or unethical practices:
If a broker is assigned to find a client or buyer but intentionally inflates the price beyond what was agreed with the owner for the sole purpose of gaining excessive profit this is dishonest.
Likewise, if a client seeks a product or house, and the broker knowingly misrepresents its value or condition, offering something substandard at a premium price, this is deceitful and sinful.
Proverbs 12:22 (NIV):
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Ephesians 4:25 (ESV):
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
Truthfulness is a moral obligation for all believers (Colossians 3:9). Any form of dishonesty, especially in financial dealings, is contrary to the nature of God, who is truth (John 14:6).
If a broker cheats someone whether by taking money unfairly or manipulating them out of their goods or rightful earnings this is a form of oppression or theft.
Micah 6:11 (NIV):
“Shall I acquit someone with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights?”
Leviticus 19:13 (ESV):
“You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him.”
God commands just and fair dealings. Exploitation, especially of the vulnerable or uninformed, is a serious sin in both the Old and New Testaments. Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31), which includes treating them fairly in business.
Any kind of commercial activity, including brokerage, conducted within the church or place of worship, is inappropriate and sinful.
Jesus Himself demonstrated righteous anger when He found money changers and traders in the temple courts.
John 2:15 (NIV):
“So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.”
Matthew 21:13 (ESV):
“‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
The church is a sacred space dedicated to worship, prayer, and fellowship with God. Commercializing it disrespects the holiness of God’s dwelling and distracts from its divine purpose.
Answer: Yes, if the income earned through brokerage is acquired honestly, without lying, cheating, bribery, or defiling the house of God, then it is acceptable before God and can be used as tithes and offerings.
Proverbs 3:9 (ESV):
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
Deuteronomy 14:22 (NIV):
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
God accepts offerings that come from righteous labor. What matters is not the type of work, but the integrity and heart behind it (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Answer: Yes, a Christian can work as a broker, provided they conduct their work with:
A Christian broker should be a witness of Christ even in the marketplace, reflecting biblical ethics and moral excellence.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV):
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
Brokerage is not inherently sinful. It becomes sinful when accompanied by deceit, exploitation, bribery, or when done in a sacred space. If conducted with integrity, it is a legitimate and honorable profession for a Christian. Income from such work can rightfully be used for tithes and offerings.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to honor Him in all your work.
When we receive Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we are positionally sanctified—set apart as holy in God’s eyes (1 Corinthians 6:11). However, practical sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ—takes effort, time, and obedience.
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)
Though the Holy Spirit empowers us, removing the deep roots of sin from our habits and lifestyle requires ongoing surrender.
Many believers assume that receiving the Holy Spirit marks the end of the struggle against sin. But in reality, it’s only the beginning of a spiritual transformation. Being born again is a new life that needs nurturing.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV)
This “working out” involves our intentional cooperation with God’s Spirit.
To grow in sanctification, we must offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness. Paul uses this metaphor to emphasize that sanctification is not merely spiritual but deeply practical—it involves disciplining our physical actions and desires.
“For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” — Romans 6:19 (ESV)
This is not legalism; it’s spiritual discipline born out of love for Christ and a desire to be holy as He is holy.
Sanctification is not automatic. Without training the body and mind toward righteousness, sinful habits will linger—even if you’re filled with the Spirit. Paul says believers must “put to death” the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Romans 8:13).
“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” — Romans 8:13 (ESV)
Receiving the Holy Spirit without practicing righteousness may leave a believer struggling with the same sins for years. Prayer, Bible study, worship, and service aren’t just spiritual disciplines; they are the means by which sanctification is applied.
The fruit of sanctification is not only a transformed life but also eternal life. Holiness is the natural path that leads to glory.
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” — Romans 6:22 (ESV)
It’s important to note: we are not saved by works, but a life truly saved will work—by yielding to God’s purposes and purifying itself from sin (2 Timothy 2:21).
If you’ve received Christ:
“I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
Closing Prayer: Lord, help me to offer every part of my body and life as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You. Train my hands, mouth, eyes, and heart to walk in righteousness, that I may be truly sanctified. Amen.
May the Lord bless you as you pursue holiness.
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(A Special Lesson for Ministers and Servants of God)
As a preacher or servant of God, do not love the world, and do not run away from the voice of God.
The Lord Jesus said to Peter:
Luke 5:10 (ESV) “And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”
Here, the Lord Jesus compares “people” to “fish”, and the “world” to the “sea.”
This symbolic language is consistent throughout the Gospels, where the work of the Gospel is often compared to fishing.
He further confirms this idea in the parable of the net:
Matthew 13:47–49 (ESV) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous.”
If fish represent people living in the world (the sea), then the Gospel of the Lord Jesus is the net. Christ has called us to draw people out of the world through the message of salvation not to be drawn into the world ourselves.
The fish (representing worldly people or influences) are not supposed to pull us into the sea (the world). Rather, we are called to pull them out into the Kingdom of God.
You may ask: Can a servant of God be caught by the fish? The answer is YES.
Remember the story of Jonah? When he ran from the voice of the Lord, what happened?
Jonah 1:17 (ESV) “And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
Jonah’s disobedience led him into captivity into the belly of the fish, a place of darkness, isolation, and distress.
Similarly, a preacher or servant of God who runs away from God’s call, and instead chooses to follow worldly desires, will end up swallowed by the world caught up in its systems, distractions, or even its punishments.
The belly of the fish can represent:
Such a person may find themselves at the mercy of cruel, powerful forces of the world people or systems who have no concern for their calling or spiritual life.
Jonah went down to the sea not to preach, but to flee from God’s presence.
Jonah 1:3 (ESV) “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish.”
He ended up in a storm, and eventually inside a fish.
Dear preacher: Don’t go into the world unless God has sent you there. If you must enter worldly arenas, let it be for the sake of preaching the Gospel, not for personal gain, ambition, or escape.
The sea (the world) is dangerous. It has waves of temptation, storms of opposition, and depths that can drown your calling.
1 John 2:15 (ESV) “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
James 4:4 (ESV) “…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Are you a preacher? A servant of God?
Then hear His voice, stand firm, and preach the Word in season and out of season.
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Do not go the way of the sea unless the Lord sends you. If He sends you, go with His word, His message, and His authority. But if you go in your own way, you may face storms and find yourself in the belly of consequences.
Let us be fishers of men not men caught by fish.
Let us draw people out of darkness into His marvelous light, not be pulled into the darkness ourselves.
May the Lord help us all to remain faithful to His voice, to obey His call, and to walk in His path.
Romans 10:14–15 (ESV) “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”
The account of Noah’s flood is one of the most dramatic events recorded in the Bible. It speaks of God’s judgment on a corrupt world, but a common question arises: Did this global flood destroy marine life, such as fish and whales?
Let’s examine the Scriptures closely.
Genesis 7:22 (NIV) says:
“Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died.”
This verse narrows the focus of destruction to two things:
In fact, the surrounding verses reinforce this:
Genesis 7:21 (NIV):
“Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind.”
Nowhere in this passage do we see mention of aquatic life being destroyed.
Some might ask: If everything perished, why weren’t whales included?
The ark was built to save terrestrial animals. Genesis 6:19–20 tells us:
“You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive.”
Notice: creatures “that move along the ground.” The command excludes sea creatures. There’s also no record of Noah collecting fish or whales. The text emphasizes that the animals came to him (Gen 6:20), which would be impractical and unnecessary for marine animals.
From a theological standpoint, God designed marine creatures to survive in water—more water wouldn’t threaten their existence. The flood, while catastrophic to land life, was a natural environment for them.
While the flood was a judgment by water, Scripture warns of a future judgment—not by water, but by fire.
2 Peter 3:6–7 (NIV):
“By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
Peter makes a critical point here: God’s previous judgment was through water, but the coming one will be through fire, affecting not just earth’s inhabitants but the cosmos itself.
2 Peter 3:10 (NIV):
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
This speaks to total cosmic renewal and final judgment, unlike the flood, which preserved Noah and the animals.
Theological reflection is not merely for knowledge, but transformation. Peter concludes with a call to holy living:
2 Peter 3:11 (NIV):
“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
Just as Noah walked faithfully with God and was spared (Genesis 6:9), we too are called to live in holiness and godliness, anticipating the return of Christ and the final judgment.
No, the flood did not destroy sea creatures like whales or fish. Scripture clearly limits the destruction to land-dwelling, air-breathing creatures. Yet this event foreshadows a greater judgment—by fire—that will impact all of creation. As believers, we are called to be prepared, living lives marked by holiness, reverence, and repentance.
May the Lord help us live in righteousness, awaiting His return. Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus.