Title Prisca

Question: What is the meaning of this verse?

Answer:
This passage from Proverbs warns about the spiritual dangers of sexual immorality, specifically using the metaphors of a “deep pit” and a “narrow well” to illustrate the perilous nature of involvement with prostitutes and wayward women.

In biblical context, a prostitute (Hebrew: zanah) is a woman who has sexual relations with men who are not her husband. She may be involved with many men, either for physical pleasure or to cause harm or destruction in others’ lives. Importantly, she is not passive; she actively seeks to ensnare men.

A wayward woman or harlot often refers to a woman who engages in sexual immorality primarily for material benefit money, favors, or social advantage. This term can also extend to any woman who consciously chooses to practice fornication or prostitution, as described in passages like

1 Corinthians 6:15-16 (NIV):
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!”

The metaphors used here emphasize the spiritual consequences:

• A deep pit (Proverbs 23:27) signifies a place of no return  a trap that swallows a person whole, symbolizing eternal destruction or separation from God. Spiritually, falling into this pit means being overwhelmed by sin, leading to bondage and despair.
• A narrow well (Proverbs 23:27) refers to a trap dug to catch wild animals deep, narrow, and covered with leaves to conceal it. Once the prey falls in, escape is nearly impossible. This illustrates how involvement with a harlot entangles a person in sin, making freedom very difficult without divine intervention.

The Bible further warns in Proverbs 22:14 (NIV):
“The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the LORD’s wrath falls into it.”

This warning applies equally to men and women. Sexual immorality is condemned universally because it defiles the body, which Scripture teaches is the temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV). Sexual sin is unique because it is a sin against one’s own body, not just an external act (1 Corinthians 6:18, ESV).

The consequences are severe. Besides spiritual separation from God, sexual immorality opens the door to physical diseases and curses. The AIDS epidemic, for example, can be seen as a manifestation of the spiritual consequences of sin. The Bible indicates that such diseases may have a spiritual origin as well as a physical one (see Deuteronomy 28:27, 35, NIV). The early carriers of the disease experienced it as a judgment related to sin.

Therefore, these metaphors are serious warnings: falling into the sin of sexual immorality is like falling into a deep pit or narrow trap escape is difficult and the consequences are grave.

But there is hope.
Through Jesus Christ, deliverance is possible. Only Christ can give the power to overcome these sins. This is affirmed in

1Corinthians 10:13 (NIV):
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

To receive this power, one must repent fully  genuinely turning away from sin  and receive water baptism by immersion as a sign of new life in Christ (see Acts 2:38, ESV). Following this, the Holy Spirit is given to believers to empower them to resist temptation and live holy lives (see Galatians 5:16-25, NIV).

• Sexual immorality is dangerous and leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:23).
• Proverbs uses vivid imagery a “deep pit” and “narrow well”  to warn about its destructive nature.
• Both men and women are called to flee from sexual sin.
• Jesus Christ alone offers forgiveness, cleansing, and the power to overcome.
• True repentance and baptism are essential steps toward freedom.
• The Holy Spirit enables believers to live victorious lives.

May God bless you as you seek His truth and live in His grace.

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If you are truly a child of God and not a counterfeit, it is essential to understand how God interacts with you especially in the areas of His praise and His warnings. This understanding helps you avoid living a life filled with anxiety or, on the other hand, pride.

The Nature of God’s Praise and Warning
When God warns you, it does not necessarily mean He is displeased with you all the time. Similarly, when God praises you, it doesn’t mean you have reached perfection or are always pleasing Him. The Christian life is a journey of growth, sanctification, and reliance on grace, not a status of flawless achievement (Philippians 1:6, ESV).

Peter’s Confession and the Revelation of Christ’s Identity
Consider the episode in Matthew 16 (NIV) where Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, and then who they say He is:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16)

Peter’s declaration is a divinely inspired revelation, not just human insight. Jesus confirms this by saying:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:17-18, NIV)

Here, Jesus reveals that the Church will be established on the truth of His divine identity as Messiah, a revelation given by God Himself. Peter is entrusted with “the keys of the kingdom,” symbolizing authority to bind and loose, representing governance and doctrinal authority in the early church (Matthew 16:19).

The Warning: Rebuking the Messiah
Yet shortly afterward, when Jesus predicts His suffering and death, Peter rebukes Him:

“Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22, NIV)

Jesus’ response is sharp and sobering:

“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23, NIV)

This shows a profound theological truth: God’s purposes often clash with human expectations. Peter, despite his revelation, momentarily falls into a human mindset rejecting the necessity of Christ’s suffering, which was central to God’s redemptive plan (Isaiah 53; Mark 8:31-33). Jesus calls Satan the “stumbling block” because Peter’s words oppose God’s will.

Balancing Praise and Warning in the Christian Life
This passage teaches us that God’s praise and warnings serve different but complementary purposes. Praise encourages us and affirms God’s work in us; warnings correct us and keep us aligned with His will (Hebrews 12:5-11). Neither praise nor warning should lead to pride or despair. Both come from a loving Father who desires our growth and holiness.

If God praises you, remember it is by His grace, not because you have attained perfection (Ephesians 2:8-9). If He warns you, do not be discouraged. God’s warnings are meant to refine and restore, not to condemn (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Both Praise and Warning Can Coexist
The Bible shows that believers can receive both encouragement and correction simultaneously. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, letters to the seven churches contain both commendations and rebukes from Christ, urging them to persevere and repent (Revelation 2-3, ESV).

May you walk in humility, joy, and faithfulness as you respond to both God’s praises and warnings. Know that He has good plans for you, and His ultimate goal is your sanctification and eternal fellowship with Him (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28).

Shalom.

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Understanding Proverbs 25:11 in Its Biblical and Cultural Context

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV):
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

What Does This Verse Mean?

The verse uses metaphorical language to describe the beauty, value, and impact of timely, thoughtful speech. In ancient Hebrew poetry, images like “apples of gold” and “settings of silver” are more than decorative they are carefully chosen symbols that carry cultural and spiritual weight.

The Hebrew word translated as “setting” (maskiyyoth) refers to finely crafted silver ornaments or engravings such as filigree work in a piece of jewelry or a silver platter. So the image is one of artistic beauty: golden apples carefully placed in intricately worked silver trays. This was not about luxury for luxury’s sake it symbolized refinement, honor, and intention.

The verse teaches that just as golden fruit in silver settings would be both valuable and visually stunning, so is a well-timed, wisely spoken word. It’s not merely about speaking truth, but speaking it at the right time and in the right way (see also Ecclesiastes 3:7, “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak”).

Why Compare a Word to Gold Apples on Silver Trays?

To fully understand this comparison, we need to consider the historical and cultural background of the ancient Near East. In certain Middle Eastern cultures, there existed a rare type of citrus fruit likely not the modern orange or apple we think of today. These fruits were prized for their sweetness and rich aroma. Their juice was invigorating, and because they were so perishable, they could not be transported long distances. They were consumed locally and were often served to honored guests or weary travelers to refresh and revive them.

These fruits were not tossed into bags or baskets like ordinary produce they were carefully arranged on ornate dishes, possibly made of silver. This presentation was a symbol of respect and restoration. Just as such fruit would be refreshing to the body, a fitting word refreshes the soul.

The Power of the Spoken Word in Scripture

Throughout Scripture, words are portrayed as having incredible power either to heal or to harm, to build up or to destroy:

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV): “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Colossians 4:6 (ESV): “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

The beauty of a well timed word is not merely poetic it is deeply spiritual. God Himself communicates through words. He created the universe through His spoken word (Genesis 1), sustains all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), and redeems through the Word made flesh Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14).

Christ: The Ultimate “Word Fitly Spoken”

All the healing, hope, and encouragement we can offer through words ultimately point to the Word Jesus Christ Himself.

Isaiah 61:1–3 (ESV):
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives… to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit…”

This prophecy is fulfilled in Christ, as He Himself declared in Luke 4:17–21. Jesus came not only to save, but to heal, restore, and refresh the weary.

When we speak about Christ when we share the gospel, offer comfort in His name, or proclaim hope and life to someone in despair we are offering golden fruit on silver trays. We are serving spiritual nourishment that refreshes more deeply than anything the world can give.

Our Calling: To Be Bearers of Refreshing Words

As followers of Christ, we are called to be His messengers carriers of words that heal, strengthen, and uplift. When we speak life into weary souls, we become like those ancient servers of fine fruit: offering something precious, restorative, and life giving.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV): “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV): “If anyone speaks, let him speak as one who speaks oracles of God…”

The next time you have an opportunity to encourage someone, comfort them, or speak truth in love do it with care, intention, and grace. Because in that moment, your words may be just like golden apples in silver settings refreshing someone who needs it most.

And as we carry out this work in obedience and compassion, God sees us as His servants faithfully offering His truth with beauty and dignity.

May the Lord give us eyes to see and hearts to serve in this way.

Shalom.

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David said:

Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise  in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

This passage highlights the profound theology of trust in God as the antidote to fear. David, even amid life-threatening danger, chooses faith over fear. The psalm underscores the believer’s reliance not on human power but on the faithfulness and promises of God.

The Reality of Fear in the Christian Life

As long as we live on earth, no matter how spiritually mature or “perfect” we are, we will face trials and fearful moments. The Bible acknowledges that even the godliest experience seasons of suffering (John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12). These “days of fear” test our faith and reveal the need for steadfast trust in God.

David calls these times “the days of my fear”  moments of intense spiritual and emotional distress.

Different Forms of “Days of Fear”

1. Bereavement
   Losing loved ones suddenly shakes even the strongest faith. Job is the prime example (Job 1:13-19, KJV)  who lost all his children in a single catastrophe yet remained faithful.
2. Persecution and Danger
   David experienced relentless pursuit by King Saul, symbolizing trials faced by believers under persecution. The reality of living “on the run” for one’s faith is seen throughout Scripture (Hebrews 11:37-38).
3. Severe Illness
   Sudden and debilitating disease can bring despair. Epaphroditus’s near death due to illness while serving the gospel (Philippians 2:25-27, ESV) demonstrates that even faithful servants of God face serious trials.
4. Betrayal
   The pain of betrayal by close ones reflects Jesus’ own experience with Judas (Matthew 26:14-16, NIV). Such betrayal can cause deep wounds and challenges to trust.
5. Loss of Possessions
   Like Job, losing all material wealth and security causes fear and testing of faith. The biblical narrative encourages believers to remain faithful despite such loss (Job 1:21, NASB).

Responding to the Day of Fear

If you find yourself in such a season, do not despair or turn away from God. Instead, follow David’s example: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” This trust is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and care even when circumstances are dire.

Job’s example is key: though his wife urged him to curse God and die, he refused (Job 2:9-10, ESV), demonstrating perseverance and hope.

Comfort and Hope from Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This promise reminds us that God’s purposes are ultimately for our good, even when we cannot see the way forward.

James 5:11 (ESV):
“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

God’s mercy sustains the faithful who endure suffering.

The God Who Restores

In Job’s case, God restored twice as much as he lost (Job 42:10-17, NIV) and even blessed him with a new family. The resurrection hope reminds believers of ultimate restoration.

David, despite being pursued by Saul, never abandoned his trust in God. Ultimately, God preserved and exalted him (1 Samuel 24; 2 Samuel 7).

The passages emphasize several core Christian truths:

• God’s sovereignty: He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
• Faith over fear: Trusting God is a spiritual discipline and a means of grace.
• God’s compassion and restoration: Suffering is temporary; God’s mercy is eternal.
• The hope of resurrection: Our ultimate healing and reunion are in Christ.

Isaiah 53:4 (NIV) confirms this:
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…”

Jesus bore our fears and sorrows so that we might have peace.

May the Lord bless you and strengthen your faith in the days of your fear.

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Matthew 7:6 (NIV):

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Understanding the Context

This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7), a foundational discourse in which He outlines the ethics and principles of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus gives a somewhat abrupt yet deeply profound warning. To fully understand it, we must explore the symbolic meaning of “dogs” and “pigs”, and the spiritual principle He was illustrating.

Why Dogs and Pigs?

In Jewish culture during Jesus’ time, dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals. They symbolized those who lived outside the covenant community of Israel, especially those who rejected God’s laws or mocked His holiness.

1. Dogs  Symbol of Disrespect and Spiritual Indifference

Dogs in the ancient Near East were not typically pets as they are today. They were often seen as scavengers, roaming the streets and consuming whatever they found, regardless of its filth or value. Jesus highlights their indiscriminate nature:

Proverbs 26:11 (NIV):
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.“

2 Peter 2:22 (NIV):
“Of them the proverbs are true: ‘A dog returns to its vomit,’ and, ‘A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.’“

Peter applies this proverb to false teachers and those who fall away from the faith after knowing the truth. Their rejection is willful, and their nature unchanged.

Likewise, Jesus refers to this unclean behavior in Matthew 15:26–27, where a Canaanite woman begs Him to heal her daughter:

Matthew 15:26–27 (NIV):
26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Here, Jesus tests her faith using a Jewish idiom, and the woman humbly accepts the analogy revealing the contrast between true humility and arrogant rejection.

2. Pigs  Symbol of Uncleanness and Carnal Living

Pigs were ritually unclean according to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:7). To the Jews, swine symbolized those who wallowed in sin and filth. No matter how clean you make a pig, its instinct is to return to the mud.

Isaiah 65:4 (NIV):
“who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil; who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of impure meat…”

This passage condemns pagan practices and the defilement associated with pig consumption, representing rebellion against God.

Spiritual Application: Discernment in Evangelism and Teaching

The core principle Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:6 is discernment knowing when to share sacred truths and when to refrain.

• The “holy things” represent the deep truths of the gospel, the Word of God, and the sacred revelations of the Kingdom.
• The “pearls” symbolize that which is precious and costly, much like the gospel itself.

Matthew 13:45–46 (NIV):
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

This metaphor shows that God’s truth is precious, not to be treated carelessly or shared with those who openly mock, scorn, or trample it underfoot.

Proverbs 9:7–8 (NIV):
“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.”

Jesus is not telling us to judge others’ worthiness for the gospel arbitrarily. Instead, He instructs us to be wise and discerning, especially when dealing with those who are hard hearted, hostile, or blasphemous.

What This Means for Christians Today

As believers, we are called to share the gospel with all people (Mark 16:15), but not without wisdom. If someone consistently mocks, rejects, or scorns God’s Word with no desire to listen or learn, continuing to press the matter may not only be unproductive it may expose you to spiritual and emotional harm.

Titus 3:10–11 (NIV):
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”

There is a time to speak, and there is a time to walk away.

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus uses the example of dogs and pigs to teach a vital spiritual lesson: sacred truths must be treated with reverence, and we must exercise discernment in how and to whom we share them. Just as a dog will not appreciate a holy offering and a pig will trample pearls, so too will certain people reject, mock, and even attack when the gospel is shared with them.

This is not a call to judge hearts but a call to use wisdom in ministry and relationships. Pray for discernment, be guided by the Holy Spirit, and always seek those whose hearts are open to receive the beauty and truth of God’s Word.

May the Lord bless you and grant you wisdom in all things.

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Question: What does the phrase “worshiping angels” mean, as mentioned in Colossians 2:18?

Colossians 2:18 (NIV):
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”

When the Gentile believers first received the gospel, they were transitioning directly from paganism into Christianity. Their understanding of the spiritual realm was often limited or confused, especially regarding the role and nature of angels. This lack of foundation sometimes led to errors in worship.

The Bible clearly distinguishes the unique divinity of Christ from created beings such as angels. Angels are ministering spirits sent by God to serve His people

(Hebrews 1:14, ESV: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”).

They are powerful and holy but remain creatures created beings unlike Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate.

In Colossae, some believers began to mistake angelic ministry for divine status, assuming angels shared Christ’s authority and worthiness of worship. This led to the dangerous practice of worshiping angels, which Paul warns against. Worship belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5).

A parallel example is found in the book of Revelation. The Apostle John, while receiving visions on Patmos, attempted to worship an angel who delivered God’s message. The angel immediately corrected him, saying:

Revelation 22:8-9 (NIV):
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!’”

This correction underscores the biblical principle that worship is reserved for God alone.

• Worshiping angels undermines the unique supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as Lord and Savior.
• Prayers and devotion must be directed to God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
• Angelic beings, while honored as God’s servants, are not objects of worship.
• The error of angel worship echoes pagan practices and can easily infiltrate the church if believers lack sound doctrine.

Some modern traditions, like certain Catholic practices involving prayers to guardian angels, can blur this line. While it’s biblical to recognize angels’ protective roles, Scripture teaches that all prayers and worship should be directed to God alone, through Christ.

Paul’s admonition serves as a timeless warning, especially for prophetic ministries that receive messages through angelic beings. These messengers must never be conflated with God Himself. As Hebrews 1:6 (ESV) states:

“And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’”

This verse affirms that angels worship Christ, highlighting His unique divine status

The phrase “worshiping angels” in Colossians 2:18 refers to a serious theological error where believers mistakenly give to angels the honor and worship due to God alone. This error arises from misunderstanding the distinct nature and role of angels versus Christ. Scripture consistently teaches that worship belongs solely to God, and even angels themselves worship Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Shalom

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