September 06, 2020, Proverbs 19, Acts cont....

 Acts 25 cont..

Fetus Consults King Agrippa

A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Fetus. Since they were spending many days there, Fetus discussed Paul's case with the King. He said, "There is a man here who Felix left as a prisoner.

When I went to Jerusalem, the Chief Priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. 

I told them that it is not Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 

When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion. 

Religion

He recognizes that they are fighting with Paul over a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. This is not a reason to kill someone.

and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar. Then Agrippa said to Fetus, "I would like to hear this man myself."

He replied. "Tomorrow you will hear him."

Who is King Agrippa?

Marcus Julius Agrippa was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12). He was raised Rome and was friends with both Emperor Claudius and the future emperor Titus. 

Proverbs 19

Better the poor whose walk is blameless

than a fool whose lips are perverse.

The Poor 

having little or no money, goods, or other means of support:

deficient or lacking in something specified:

Being poor has so many unpleasant situations connected to it but wisdom says the poor person is better than the one with perverse lips. Wisdom does not dwell in a person that speaks that which is wrong, wayward or cantankerous.

Or a person persistent or obstinate in what is wrong.

As well as the person that turned away from or rejecting what is right, good, or proper for that which is wicked or corrupt.

Desire without knowledge is not good--

how much more will hasty feet miss the way. 

Learning and knowledge requires patience. Good things do not happen overnight. If we move to quickly we miss the real path. 

A person's folly leads to their ruin, 

yet their heart rages against the Lord.

Wealth attracts many friends, 

but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. 

Being poor means trouble in relationships. Its common when you accomplish something you gain friends. 

A false witness will not go unpunished, 

and whoever pours our lies will not go free. 

Many curry favor with a ruler, 

and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. 

If you struggle with friendships give good gifts people will love you. Be strategic in gaining friendships. 

The poor are shunned by all their relatives

how much more do their friends avoid them.

If your blood shuns you of course your friends will desert you.

Being poor is not always pleasant!

I know no one cares too much but God is close to the poor. 

Though the poor pursue them with pleading, 

they are nowhere to be found. 

The One who gets wisdom loves life, 

the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

To be poor means something is lacking; there is a deficient somewhere or a lack of resources. 

To prosper means something is growing; it is flourishing, its is making success. It is growing or thriving. 

to be successful or fortunate, especially in financial respects; thrive; flourish.

to make successful or fortunate.

Understanding: 

mental process of a person who comprehends; comprehension; personal interpretation:

intellectual faculties; intelligence; mind:

superior power of discernment; enlightened intelligence:

knowledge of or familiarity with a particular thing; skill in dealing with or handling something:

a state of cooperative or mutually tolerant relations between people:

The Many sides of wisdom

Wisdom towards friendships

wisdom in relationships

wisdom with money

wisdom with time

wisdom within a marriage

wisdom in character

Wisdom in our thoughts towards God. 

wisdom to avoid folly. 

wisdom and knowledge to avoid the pits of life. 

Have a great day!