Chapters
EXODUS
PROVERBS
WE HAVE seen that in the Psalms David sometimes types Jesus, sometimes the Church, and sometimes Jesus and the Church, the nature of the things said giving the clue as to which is meant in each case. We have also seen that in the histories David types the Christ, also the twelve Apostles and our Pastor as parallel warrior executives. We have made a detailed study of the life of David as a type of our Pastor as warrior executive in The Parousia Messenger, Vols. 1 and 2. As the antitype of David is varifold, so is the antitype of Solomon (peaceable) varifold. In Ecclesiastes he types the Ancient Worthies and in Canticles the glorified Jesus. From the successive chronological standpoint he types in the histories and in Proverbs, first, the Interim's 35 star-members; second, the Epiphany messenger and, third, the Millennial Christ, all three from the standpoint of constructive executive expounders. These three antitypes are based on Solomon in his being a faithful servant of God as set forth in 1 Kings 1-10 and in 2 Chro. 1-10. It will be noted that 2 Chro. does not describe the evil deeds of Solomon, while 1 Kings 11 does so do. This is because the former two sets of accounts are used to describe the good antitypes given above. We can, of course, see at once that the evil deeds of Solomon given in 1 Kings 11 cannot refer to the Millennial Christ, and by parallel reasoning cannot refer to the Interim's star-members and the Epiphany messenger. In his evil deeds, as indicated by their relation to the 2520 years' parallels, Solomon types the papacy in its causal relation to the earlier of these parallels. As already indicated, in Proverbs Solomon has the above-given three
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good applications, of which in this article we will give its Epiphany application. A proverb is a pithy truth, usually the expression of many people's experiences. According to Dr. Rotherham, whose translation will often be used as the basis of our explanations, the book of Proverbs has the following divisions: I, Solomon's praise of wisdom as the source whence Proverbs are derived, 1-9; II, Solomonic Proverbs proper—first and principal collection, 10-24; III, Supplementary collection of Solomonic proverbs, 25-29; IV, Sententious sayings of Agur 30, and Lemuel, 31. As in the case of our exposition of job, Lamentations and Ecclesiastes, our exposition of Proverbs will be a brief paraphrase in application to the Epiphany messenger's teachings.
In Prov. 1:1-4 the objects of this book are set forth. The word are, which usually has no corresponding word in the Hebrew, is to be inserted in the English of v. 1 after the word Israel. Accordingly, the objects of these proverbs are to inculcate the science of truth and reformation, to distinguish between intelligent sayings (2), to enable one to appropriate to oneself the betterment of prudence, righteousness, justice and equity (3), to give prudence to the simple and to young men intelligence and tactfulness (4). Certainly these are most worthy objects—those of this book. An understanding person will absorb and add to his education, and a wise man will appropriate truthful advice (5), by perceiving the meaning of proverb and satire, even the teachings and deep thoughts of the learned (6). Reverence for Jehovah is the foundation of intelligence, but truth and correction the dullard scorns (7). The Epiphany brethren are exhorted to heed the correction of their symbolic father, and not to reject the teachings of the Epiphany Truth and its servants, their mother (8); for they shall be a beautiful chaplet adorning their knowledge, and an ornament bedecking their will like a necklace (9). The Epiphany messenger advises every symbolic son of his that if the wicked, the second-deathers, offer alluring suggestions to him, he
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should not yield thereto (10). If they advise him to join them in the murderous work of sifters, to use guile in secret against the immature of God's people (11), to devour them in their full energy like sheol, and in health like them that descend into the abyss (12), promising him costly truth as a result of his quest, and fulness of brethren as the booty for their group (13), urging him to become one of their group and assuring him of a community of possession with them (14), he, as a father, earnestly exhorts him not to associate himself with them in their teachings and practices, but to keep his conduct free from their way of life (15); for their conduct hastens to do wrong, and by sifting activities hurries to kill others as siftlings, even as, e.g., the conduct of the Society sifters proves (16). Instructed, the Epiphany brethren will be as little liable to be entrapped by those, as a wary bird would be caught after watching one preparing a trap for it (17). But the Epiphany sifters are really plotting unto their own destruction, and are secretly conspiring in reality against their own eternal existence (18). Such is the course of sifters greedily grasping for increase of power and possessions, which grasping takes away in the second death their own lives, as a lurking bandit does those of his prey (19).
While such sifting activities go on, the Epiphany Truth is sounded forth publicly, giving its messages among the concourses of God's people (20). In their principal broadways it makes its proclamations, yea, in the most public places it utters its sayings (21), asking how long—O, so many years—will the uninstructed love the lack of instruction, scoffers delight in scoffing at the Epiphany message, and dullards hate the Epiphany Truth (22)? If such turn at the rebukes that such Truth gives, it will give them its disposition, and make its teachings clear to them (23). Since it called to the leading crown-losers in the groups, and they refused to respond, and since it exerted its activities through its spreaders, and none of the leaders gave
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heed (24), but on the contrary regarded its advices as nothing, and accepted none of its rebukes (25), the Epiphany Truth will hold in derision their failures, and in ridicule their coming dread (26); for there is to come upon these sinners against their consecration fear as a devastation, the destruction of their hope of the high calling as a revolution, and distress and anguish as a result (27). They will call for a place in the high calling, but the Epiphany Truth will not respond favorably; early in Armageddon will they seek it at the hand of that Truth, but will not obtain it (28); for they hated the Epiphany Truth and did not choose supreme duty and disinterested love (29), did not consent to its advices and distained its rebukes (30). Therefore they shall reap what they have sown, and be satiated with their own plans (31); for their making apostates of the unlearned will cut them off; and the carelessness of dullards will overthrow them (32), but whoever obeys the Epiphany Truth shall be safely kept amid abounding siftings, and shall have peace and deliverance from the fear of misfortune (33).
Chapter 2 gives various promises of good and deliverance from evil to the faithful Epiphany brethren. If the children of God will receive the Epiphany Truth and trust in its precepts (1), unto directing their ears to that Truth and their hearts to its comprehension (2), yea, if they earnestly seek to know and understand that Truth (3), if they make it their ambition to seek it as their treasured wealth (4), then shall they come to an appreciation of duty and disinterested love and attain to the Truth of God (5); for God is the Source of the Truth; and through the Bible as interpreted by His Epiphany mouthpiece they will gain an appreciation of the Truth (6); for He in the Bible has stored up sound Truth for the faithful, since He defends those who conduct themselves according to His Word (7). He preserves the ways of the Truth and the course of His saints (8). Under such conditions the child of God will appreciate love, truth and justice, yea, nobility in
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every detail (9). When the Truth enters one's affections and will and the Divine science is delightful to one's being (10) a discreet disposition will guard him, and a proper appreciation will preserve him (11). This will free him from the course of the wrongful and from the perverter of good (12), from the forsakers of the ways of rectitude who conduct themselves in error (13); for such are glad to do wrong and take pleasure in the perversities of the wrongful (14); and their courses are twisted and torturous in their tracks (15). Moreover, this discreet disposition and proper appreciation will deliver one from the symbolic harlot sects among the Levite groups, however much in their proselyting zeal they flatter with their words to win proselytes (16); for they have forsaken the Parousia Messenger and have forgotten their covenant of sacrifice (17); for their sectarianism brings into danger of the second death, and their erroneous ways into danger of association with their second-deathers (18). None that fully go their way return to life, nor do they take firm hold of the Parousia and Epiphany Truth (19). Yea, the discreet disposition and proper appreciation are given God's Epiphany-enlightened people to enable them to fellowship with the good and to observe the course of the just (20); for the upright shall live in the Truth and its Spirit; and the faithful shall abide in them (21); but the second-deathers shall be cast out of the Truth and its Spirit; and the violators of their covenant vows shall temporarily be sifted therefrom.
Chapter 3 gives the Epiphany brethren some valuable exhortations to good (1-12), extols the Truth (13-24), then gives some valuable exhortations against evil (25-31) and concludes with some contrasts between good and evil (32-35). The Epiphany messenger exhorts his symbolic children not to forget the doctrinal Truth, but to love his precepts (1); for these give one eternal life, yea, in this life make one well developed and prosperous in the Truth and its Spirit (2). By no means should they fail to keep the spirit of mercy and the Truth,
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which they should connect inseparably with God's will in them, and inscribe them in their affections (3). So doing, they will experience grace and good repute before God and the true brethren (4). Backed by every good affection, let their faith cleave to God; and let them not trust their own judgment overweeningly (5). Let them put God first in everything; then God will become the Guide of all their ways (6); but let them beware of being conceited as to their knowledge; rather let them reverence Jehovah and give up all wrong (7). Such a course will make them healthfully appropriate the Truth, which will make them spiritually healthful (8). As belonging to the firstfruits class, let them use their consecrated all for God in sacrifice to prosper for the Lord (9), which will result in their abounding in the deeper and surface things of the Truth and its Spirit (10). Especially should they not think of God's discipline as a trivial thing; nor should they tire of God's corrections (11); because these are experiences that God gives to all those whom He loves, even as a father treats the child in whom he is pleased (12). He is favored indeed who gains the Truth and comprehends it (13); for as symbolic trading goods it is more valuable than the trading goods of silver; and its profits than that of the finest of gold (14). In value it exceeds the most precious stones—rubies; and nothing desirable is worth comparing with it (15). Its choicest power is its ability to confer eternal life; and its less choice power is its ability to confer spiritual riches and exaltation (16). Its courses are replete with the highest delight; and it leads one into the ways of spiritual prosperity (17). Similarly to Eden's trees of life, it confers eternal life upon those who continue to make it their own; and favored are all who retain it amid life's experiences (18). In conformity with, and by the Truth God made this world, and established the heavens by His comprehension of it (19). By it chaos was dissolved and the clouds yield dew, as well as rain (20). Therefore the Epiphany messenger encourages
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his symbolic children not to let his truths leave their intellect, rather that they seek true knowledge and the ability rightly to use it (21), which resultantly will give them life and adorn their new will (22), which will enable them to tread the narrow way securely and to keep their conduct from stumbling (23), and which will make them fearless in the rest of faith; and their rest will prove sweet to them (24).
The Epiphany brethren are cautioned against the spirit of fear, even if fear-arousing things suddenly fall to their lot, and even if devastation fall to the lot of second-deathers (25), since God is their ground of assurance and shall keep their conduct from entrapment by evil ones (26). They are not to abstain from giving when requested to give, if they are able to do it in harmony with good principles (27). Nor are they to put off doing good to another from the definite present unto the indefinite future, if able to do it now (28). They are not to plot wrong against others, especially not if they dwell confidently nearby (29). Nor are they to be causelessly controversial with others, especially not if they are innocent of wronging them (30). They are also not to be envious of the prosperity of a violent person; nor are they to choose to imitate his course (31), because the torturous person is abhorrent to God, but He reveals His secret plan to His faithful people (32). God has set His condemnation and its consequent punishment upon the company of the second-deathers, as can be seen in the case of that evil servant and his special helpers; His blessings of grace, mercy, peace and truth are upon His faithful Church, the house of the living God (33). Without doubt God disesteems those who scoff at His Truth and servants, but He exercises His favor toward the humble (34). Those who are filled with the Truth and its Spirit, and who remain so filled will inherit all the glorious rewards pertinent to their standing before the Lord, but demotion will be for those destitute of the 'Truth and its Spirit (35).
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Chapter 4 extols the Truth in its nature and chief servant giver (1-4), admonishes the Epiphany brethren properly to use it (5-13), cautions against the Epiphany sifters (14-17), and by contrast between truth and error admonishes to good and reformation (18-27). The Epiphany messenger commends his fatherly teachings to his symbolic Epiphany children and advises them to be attentive to learn their proper meaning (1), because he gives them good teachings, which as God's law they are not to give up (2). He reminds them that he was a symbolic son of that Servant, the only one of the general teachers now living developed fully by the special truths of the fifth harvest call (3). That Servant by word and deed gave the future Epiphany messenger as his special helper special instruction, exhorting him to retain in his affections and will his teachings, to keep his charges and to maintain his official life (4). Hence the Epiphany messenger exhorts his symbolic children to gain the Truth and the comprehension of it, by no means to forget it, nor to turn away from his teachings (5), not to give it up for any reason, and it will keep them, to give it their best good will, and it will guard them (6); for the Truth, as the foundation of the Christian, is the main thing in his life; therefore it is to be gained; yea, with all God's children's acquiring let them gain a comprehension of the Truth (7). Let them highly honor it, and it will advance them in every good; and it will promote them, if they hold firmly and lovingly to it (8). It will adorn their intellects with gracious knowledge, and bestow upon them a glorious diadem (9). Therefore the Epiphany messenger entreats the Epiphany brethren as symbolic sons to study and accept his teachings, which, if they do, will give them as long a life as they will need to win out in their calling (10). He reminds them that he has caused them to know the nature of the Truth and has directed them into the steps of duty and disinterested love (11). In walking the narrow way the faithful will have true freedom; and in running for the prize they will not
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stumble (12). Hence he encourages them to take a strong hold on corrective Truth, by no means to let go their hold thereon, but to retain it, since it gives them life (13). He exhorts them not to go into the ways indicated by second-deathers, nor into the ways of revolutionists against God's teachings and arrangements (14), but to give them a wide berth, by keeping away from nearness thereto, turning their backs thereon and pulling themselves away from all contact therewith (15). For second-deathers and revolutionists against God's teachings and arrangements will take no rest, unless they have first wrought evil; and they are restless, unless they have proselyted some to a fall (16), for they accept deep and surface evil teachings (17).
The course of the faithful is one of continually advancing Truth, until that Truth is fully clarified at the end of their dispensational day (18); but the course of second-deathers is one of continually advancing error and to their not perceiving what has stumbled them (19). Therefore the Epiphany messenger entreats the brethren to give full attention to his teachings, and to make their ears of understanding desire to comprehend his instructions (20), urging them not to let them vanish from their eyes of perception, and to hold them fast in the love of them (21), since they give life to those who appropriate them, and keep in health all their spiritual capacities (22). Above all things he exhorts them to guard their minds, affections and wills most diligently, since from their characters life's results spring (23). Then he exhorts them to put aside perverseness of utterance and teachings (24), and to direct their intellects to look straight ahead to the things that are before, and even to direct the beginnings of their knowledge to the joy set before them (25), also to give diligent examination to every course that their conduct takes, to see to it that everything that they do be strongly fixed in the principles of the Divine Truth (26), and to see to it that they do not in any particular deviate from the narrow way, either toward selfishness
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and worldliness or toward sin and error, and to be most diligent to avoid sin into which they may fall (27).
In chapter 5 the Epiphany messenger exhorts the brethren to beware of those Truth groups that become one with power-grasping and lording leaders, which groups are symbolic harlots. Lovingly he exhorts them, as a father exhorts his children, to pay close and long attention to his truths, and to humble their comprehensions to his views of the Word (1), and that to the end that they may highly regard a wise spirit, and that their teachings may preserve the Truth (2). The Truth sects that are one with power-graspers and lords over God's heritage as their leaders speak ever so flatteringly; and their mouthpieces are smooth in their utterances (3); but the final effects of their overtures are most bitter and sharply destructive (4). Their conduct is death-producing and strongly leads to the second death (5). To prevent God's real children from deeply considering the way of life, they change their teachings and practices and thus prevent God's children from seeing through them (6). Therefore the Epiphany messenger exhorts God's children to give heed to his teachings and not to leave them (7), to sever themselves from errorists, and not to approach their proselyters (8), so as not to give their privileges to others and their life to those heartless proselyters (9), so as to prevent such from being satiated with their spiritual possessions, and not to give their hard services to such (10), lest in the end they suffer grievous disappointments, after their course is completed (11), saying, How have we abhorred the proper teachings, contemned correction (12), and disobeyed the instructions of the Epiphany Truth teachers and did not desirously attend to their instructions (13), which resulted in many evils to us amid God's people (14). Thereupon the Epiphany messenger urges them to partake of the Truth from their own teachers and advancing Truth from his writings (15). He further urges them to spread the Epiphany Truth among others and its
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abundance throughout the concourses of God's people (16), informing them that such Truth becomes their own from constant and trustful study, and that his views are not those of power-graspers and lords over God's heritage (17), that they speak well of such Truth, and be glad with the brethren with whom they were at one early in their coming into such Truth (18), as most loving and happifying ones, as having always in the Old and New Testaments charms that fully satisfy their affections, and as giving them love that makes them feel exhilaration continually (19). In view of these things why should they seek exhilaration from the harlot sects of apostatizing Truth people, and become one with the false charms of such harlot sects (20)? It is in this connection most helpful for them to remember that all their beliefs and practices are under Divine observation and that God carefully considers them in all their doings (21). Second-deathers are ensnared in their own sins, whose strong habits will hold them captive (22); and they shall die without the Truth. Their perversity leads into error (23).
In chapter 6 God's people are warned against partisan support of second-death misleaders (1-5), against lack of zeal (6-11) and against second-deathers (12-19), exhorted to good (20-24) and warned from becoming one with symbolic harlot sects among Truth people (25-35). The Epiphany messenger warns his symbolic children to beware of partisan support of a neighbor that has become a second-deather (1); for they will thereby be entrapped and captured by their promised support (2); but if they become so involved, let them gain deliverance from such captivity, in haste and humility confessing the wrong, and disentangling themselves (3), not even taking necessary rest until it is done, and thus become free from Little Babylonian entanglement (4), even as a pursued roe escapes the hunter and a flying bird the fowler (5). Let those who are zealless study the industriousness of the ant and therefrom gain wisdom (6): though they have no director (7), they
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store up food in due seasons (8). The Epiphany messenger emphatically rouses the brethren from spiritual slumber, in which not a few of them have been long unconscious (9), and in which their zeallessness longs for indulgence (10). Spiritual poverty will be their lot, as natural poverty overtakes a tramp, and want will forcibly overtake them (11). Second-deathers are active with perverse utterances (12), gesticulating much as they proceed to emphasize their erroneous views (13). They love perversity, always plan evil things and make sifting divisions (14). Suddenly the calamity of the death of their new creatures comes upon them; and from their destruction there will be, no recovery (15). There is in them complete evil, which God regards as complete because fully abhorrent to Him (16). These are pride, error, murder of the guileless (17), a wickedly evil-surmising heart, conduct swift in iniquity (18), knowingly belying God's faithful servants and making siftings among the brethren (19).
Having given warnings to God's people against second-death sifters, the Epiphany messenger lovingly exhorts his symbolic children to observe his precepts and the teachings of the brethren who mother them by their Truth ministries (20), fixing them always in their affections and firmly holding them their wills (21). These will lead them in all their ways, guard them while resting and teach them as they become active (22); for these precepts and truths will give them clarity; and Truth-rebukes as corrections will give life to the meek (23). These will guard God's people from harlot sects among God's people, even if they flatter with their utterances (24). They are not to desire any beauty in them, nor are they to let them charm them with deceiving knowledge (25); for such symbolic harlots bring to spiritual poverty and actually seek the valuable life of their victims (26). As little as one can love destructive evils without injury (27) and as little as one can walk the destructive ways of sin without injury (28), so little can one preserve his
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innocence by becoming one with such symbolic adulteresses (29). People do not despite a spiritually hungry man who satisfies his spiritual hunger by appropriating another's spiritual stores without permission, as, e.g., many a nominal-church preacher without due credit appropriated as of his own findings our Pastor's teachings (30); but if it would become known, all that would be required of him is that he make full acknowledgement and reparation, even if it should mean his impoverishing in his calling (31). But he who is lawlessly one with a symbolic harlot lacks appreciation of the Truth, and destroys his own standing before the Lord, as partisan supporters of such harlot sects have experienced in the Epiphany (32). It will result in wounding his new creature and gaining ill-fame; and he will not be able to remedy his loss and disgrace (33); for the jealousy of the leaders of these harlot sects will be furious and merciless in revenge (34), since they will not accept any appeasement, nor be mollified by many presents (35).
Chapter 7 encourages God's Epiphany people to believe and practice the Truth as a guard against harlot sects (1-5) and describes their tactics in alluring the unwary (6-27). Lovingly the Epiphany messenger entreats his symbolic children to hold to his truths and his precepts (1), exhorting them to obey his precepts as life-givers, and to make his Truth most dear to them (2), to write them into their acts and to inscribe them into their affections and will (3), to make the Truth their closest of kin, and to make discretion a close relative (4), in order that they may guard them against the harlot sects among Truth people who issue forth flattering teachings (5). The Epiphany messenger took a position in which he could carefully and clearly watch their deceitful courses (6) and took note, among the guiless and inexperienced brethren, of an immature class of dullards (7), who mentally wandered in the ways of these harlot sects and came into close touch with them (8). They were involved in error, yea, gross
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error (9). There they came in contact with harlot sects, having the qualities of such sects, combined with deceitful hypocrisy (10). Loud-mouthed and wilful, their conduct is that of gadabouts (11), walking in their concourses, intent in public places on perverting brethren to their ways (12), expressing great interest in, and love for them and shamelessly facing them, declaring (13) that they have the vows of becoming one with them and are carrying those vows out (14); therefore they have entered into the activity of going forth to seek their favor and have found them (15). They declare that they have beautified their creed bed (16), to make it attractive and acceptable with fragrant views, by changing these views more to careless ones' liking, and that against the views of their power-grasping leaders (17), requesting that they enjoy to the full their unchaste union (18). This, they say, is safe, for their power-grasping leaders are not there to guard their spiritual family, but have gone to the realms of speculative reveries (19) with their stores of thought, and will not return for a long time, as such thought-journeys are long-drawn-out (20). Thus by giving up some of their views these harlot sects have entrapped to their evil fellowship unwary and immature brethren (21). These follow after them at once, ignorant of the fatal results and bereft of the spirit of a sound mind, to sure public punishment (22). So they do, until sharp experiences strike their vitals, like a charmed bird going quickly to a snare, unaware of the danger to life of their course (23). Therefore the Epiphany messenger exhorts his symbolic children to listen and attend to his teachings (24), asking them not to let their affections deteriorate into their ways and not to err in their practices (25); for these harlot sects have caused many to be injured and have brought strong brethren to fall from the high calling (26); for their followers go into oblivion as to the high calling and enter the condition of death as to Christ's Body (27).
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In chapters 8 and 9 wisdom (truth) is extolled as the giver of good and the guard against evil. Truth and discretion strongly advocate their ways (1). They even by the circulation of Epiphany volunteer Truths and by discourses do this among the Levite sects, and by conversations in more private ways among them (2), and that most publicity, in the presence of their leaders, especially with their beginners (3), addressing the leaders and ledlings (4), as immature ones, to comprehend the Truth, and as dullards to have Truth-inclined hearts (5). The Epiphany messenger asks their attention to his loving and just thoughts (6), since his publications give the present Truth, and second-death teachings and acts are abhorrent to his teachings (7), claiming that all the doctrines of his publications are in harmony with the Divine character, containing nothing vitally erroneous and perverted (8). They are clear to the instructed brethren and true to those who have attained to the Truth (9); hence he asks all brethren to receive his teachings, not to be greedy for filthy lucre, and to accept the Truth as better than the finest gold (10), since the Truth is more valuable than the most previous stones; and nothing desirable can be compared in value to it (11). The Truth is active in tactfulness and understands wise discoveries (12); for duty and disinterested love abhor wrong in doctrine and practice; yea, the Truth abhors lording and power-grasping tactics and evil, error and sin, also the mouthpieces of perversion (13). It gives good advice and healthful verity, true comprehension and strength of mind, heart and will (14). By its principles the main leaders preside well and leaders issue just ordinances (15); yea, leaders, executives and pilgrims preside well (16). It feels and does well toward those who love it, and unfolds itself to those who in early life seek it (17). It confers the treasures of grace and the honors that God esteems; yea, truth and character (18).
Its products—the Spirit of the Truth—are more valuable than gold, even the choicest gold, and its gains
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than the most valuable silver (19). It leads in the ways of righteousness and truth (20), in order to cause them who receive the Truth in the love of it to gain a goodly heritage, and to have overflowing treasures of grace, mercy, peace and truth (21). While vs. 22-31 primarily apply to the Divine wisdom, yet because the prehuman Logos was the then greatest expression of that wisdom they secondarily apply to Him. We will here give the first application, because of the sequence of the thought here, and because we have in E 2, 47 given the secondary one. From the beginningless eternity God had Divine wisdom or Truth, before the first creative work (22), even from eternity, before the start of the earth, yea, long before that (23); before chaos it came from God's mind, before nitrogen and hydrogen existed and were condensed into water (24), before the earth buckled into raising mountains and hills, it came forth from God's mind (25), before He had created the earth, plains, plateaus and mountains (26). When God created the celestial bodies and fixed the limits of interstellar space it was present, before God formed clouds and established the earth's seven canopies from which the seas came (28), when He fixed the limits of oceans and seas and subjected the earth to the rule of gravity (29), at those times it became beside Him a firm and sure worker, filled always with delight and exulting before Him on every occasion (30), rejoicing in the parts of the earth that became fit for human habitation and in perfect man (31). Then addressing Truth people, it asks them in view of these things to obey it, since it blesses those who observe its teachings and practices (32). Hence it calls upon them to study its lessons and thus become intelligent, but not to refuse to keep it (33). Favored indeed are those who obey it, watching always the teachings of those who expound it unto admittance in the embryo Kingdom, and those who support such admitters into the embryo kingdom (34), since those who obtain and retain the Truth gain life and God's special favor (35); but he who even
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measurable wilfulness transgresses against the Truth damages his own being; and whosoever hates it, as the second-deathers do, is enamored of death (36).
Chapter 9:1-12 continues the same general subject as Chapter 8, with the addition of a warning against the harlot sects among the Levites (vs. 13-18). Divine wisdom developed God's plan, as its abode, making it to consist of the seven parts of the Bible: doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types (1); it empowered Christ and the Church to sacrifice their humanity as sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings, etc.; it combined into harmony its surface thoughts and its deeper thoughts as due, for feasts for God's people (2). It sends forth consecrated ones to come to the feast, even in the most prominent places in the Levitical religious government (3), saying that those without the Truth may come to the feast, and inviting those who lack discretion (4) to come to the feast to partake of the hard and easy truths that it has set forth severally as harmonious (5) and to leave error and gain life by walking in the ways of discretion (6). It cautions against reproving a scoffer as bringing disgrace upon oneself, against rebuking a second-deather as bringing contempt upon oneself (7), and against rebuking a scoffer as getting his hatred; but to reprove a Truth-obedient one will elicit his love (8). If one teaches the Truth to a wise man he will increase that one's Truth store; and if he does it to a righteous man he will increase his Truth store (9). Reverence for God is the foundation on which one erects his Truth structure; and to know the things of the Spirit-begotten condition gives discretion (10); for the Divine Truth increases one in grace, knowledge and fruitfulness in service, making him spiritually long-lived (11). If one is Truth-instructed, he is intelligent to his own benefit; but if one scoffs at the Truth, he will bear loss thereover by himself alone (12). Solomon's repeated warnings against the harlot types the Epiphany messenger's repeated warnings against the Levitical harlot sects.
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He calls them foolish sects, which boast of their great knowledge of the Truth; but their utterances are mere noisy harangues, since they are really indiscreet and ignorant of the present Truth (13). They take their place at the entrances of their churches, in very public places of their religious government (14), in order to invite those who come into contact with them, but who are going the way of truth, righteousness and holiness (15), implying that they are lacking in the Truth which they profess to be able to give them, and asking them to turn aside and meditate upon their teachings, which, contrary to their leaders' teaching, they beauty-parlor with adaptations to make them attractive to the faithful; but to those who lack sense they say (16) that, contrary to their leaders' thoughts, they have stolen surface thoughts from others which are very tasteful, if taken secretly without their leaders' being aware of their treachery, and that such secret deeper truths treacherously partaken of apart from their leaders' knowledge give pleasure. Thus they pursue an adulterous course against their leaders (17); but such senseless ones are unaware that those dead from the high calling are in their sects and that second-deathers are their temporary guests (18).
As stated in the first paragraph of this article, Prov. 1-9 gives a general introduction in praise of Wisdom as the Divine Truth and as the source whence Proverbs are derived. This part of the book we have above briefly studied. Chapters 10-24 give us the Proverbs proper, in their first and principal collection. In chapters 10-19 contrasts between righteousness and sin, and in chapters 20-24 warnings and instructions are given, the latter prevailing in chapters 25-29. While chapters 1-9 are poetry, often in contrasted parallelisms, chapters 10-19 are poetry almost exclusively in contrasted parallelisms, which is one of the two favorite forms of Hebrew poetry, the other being reduplicative parallelism. These proverbs are still Solomonic and continue to be such until the end of chapter 29. Let us still keep in mind
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that for the Interim application Solomon types its 35 star-members, for the Millennial application, the Christ, Head and Body, and for the Epiphany application, the Epiphany messenger, the first application typing the teachings of the Interim's star-members on conduct and character, the second, the teachings of the Millennial Christ thereon, and the third, the Epiphany messenger's teachings thereon. And since herein we are studying the third application, this article will stress such teachings. The antitypical writings are those that contain J.'s writings on conduct, character, the graces and the disgraces, appearing especially, but not exclusively, in THE PRESENT TRUTH. The contrasted parallels of Prov. 10-24 will now be taken up for study in paraphrase.
J.'s Truth-practicing symbolic sons are a joy to him; but non-Truth-practicing brethren are a grief to the Truth servants who seek to develop them (1). The gains and stores acquired by wickedness are of no benefit; but right living keeps the new will from extinction (2). God will not permit the new mind of His faithful to starve; but He destroys the possessions of the second-deathers' former new mind (3). Not to give liberally makes people spiritually poor; but those who are diligent in giving to the needy are spiritually enriched (4). They who are industrious in using their opportunities for service are real Truth-children; but those who do not faithfully use such opportunities are Truth-people who cause themselves and their brethren disgrace (5). God gives blessings to the righteous; but allows the utterances of the second-deathers to be covered with wrong (6). The deeds of the good dead will be blessed memorials; while the character of the second-deathers is a corrupting thing (7). The Truth-hearted embrace unto practice the Word's precepts; but the speaker of error will be rejected (8). Righteous conduct is a safe course in life; but those who pervert Truth teaching and practice shall be exposed as such (9). The deceitful spread sadness; and the speaker of error will be rejected (10). The utterances of the faithful
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are a source of life to others; but those of second-deathers are covered with wrong (11). Hatred breeds contention; but love covers others' sins away from sight (12). In the teachings of the discreet the Truth is found; but chastisement is the portion of the indiscreet (13). The Truth-hearted increase their store of Truth; but the indiscreets' words ruin (14).
The spiritual wealth of the spiritually rich is his strong fortress; but the spiritual poverty of the spiritually poor destroys them (15). The effort of the righteous is toward life; but sin is the life of second-deathers (16). Those are on the way of gaining everlasting life who observe discretion; but they who refuse to receive correction go on in the way of error (17). They who hypocritically conceal their hatred, and they who peddle slander are without discretion (18). People given to loquacity do not lack wrong; but they who control their tongues are Truth-hearted (19). The speech of the faithful is the best truth; but the disposition of the second-deathers is of little value (20). The teachings of the faithful satisfy the spiritual hunger of many; but the indiscreet perish from lack of the Truth (21). God's blessings enrich their recipients, and He adds no evil with them (22). The indiscreet take pleasure in working mischief upon others; but the discreet hold the Truth in the love of it (23). Fear shall overtake second-deathers; but righteous desires shall be gratified (24). As a whirlwind ceases to be, so second-deathers will exist no more after they die; but the righteous will have eternal life (25). As astringent things injure the teeth, and as smoke hurts the eyes, so are the zealless a disappointment and a grief to those who send them on an errand (26). Reverence for God lengthens life; but the life of second-deathers will be shortened (27). The hope that the faithful cherish gladdens their hearts; but that of the second-deathers will cease to be (28). The course that God prescribes strengthens the faithful; but destruction shall overtake those who love and practice sin (29). The faithful will never be taken out
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of the Truth and its Spirit; but second-deathers will not dwell therein (30). The teachings of the faithful bring forth the Truth; but perverse teachings shall be rooted out (31). The teachings of the faithful appreciate what is pleasing; but the teachings of second-deathers utter perversions (32).
Chapter 11 continues the contrast between righteousness and wickedness and between their respective doers. False standards as to faith and practice are abhorrent to God; but true standards of faith and practice are a joy to Him (1). Pride leads to degradation and disgrace; but the humble have the Truth (2). The good character of the godly will lead him aright; but the depravity of the sinners will bring destruction upon them (3). The wealth of the rich will not deliver them in the great tribulation; but a godly disposition will be delivered from the second death (4). The good character of those perfect in love will lead them aright amid life's mazes; but second-deathers will come to ruin by their wilful sins (5). The good character of the faithful will deliver them from death; but sinners will be entrapped by their own wrong-doings (6). When second-deathers die their hope is forever ended; yea, the hope of the unjustified also dies, though temporarily (7). Like Mordecai, the faithful are delivered out of trouble; and like Haman, second-deathers take their place in trouble (8). By his utterances a hypocrite overthrows his neighbor; but through the Truth the faithful are saved (9). When the faithful prosper, the Church as God's embryo religious government is glad; but when second-deathers die, there is loud approval of God's sentence upon them (10). By the good deeds of the saintly the Church, God's embryo religious government, is exalted; but it has often been temporarily defeated by the errors of second-deathers (11). Those lacking the Truth contemn their neighbor; but the discreet tactfully are silent (12). Tattlers expose things that should be kept secret; but those loyal in spirit conceal secrets (13). Where good advice is lacking, people go wrong;
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but many wise advisers make one safe in his ventures (14). He that partisanly supports a power-grasper and lord over God's heritage will come to grief, as will be the case of many Societyites, etc.; but they who abhor partisanship and the sectarianism which it engenders are safe and sound (15). The faithful Church, full of grace, retains the honor of Christ's Bride; and the Christ, Head and Body, strong in the Divine character, retains all the possessions of Heirs of God (16). The merciful people of God reflexly elevate themselves, as well as gain mercy; but the hard-hearted bring tribulation upon themselves (17). The second-deathers do works of error that deceive the unstable; but they who practice justice and love will gain great rewards (18).
The habitual practice of justice and love develops God's people unto fitness for everlasting life; but those who habitually practice wickedness fit themselves for eternal death, the second death (19). Those who are of a perverse heart are abhorrent to God; but those who are faithful in justification and consecration as their way of life rejoice God's heart (20). The united front of the second-deathers shall not escape God's complete wrath; but the Seed of Abraham will be delivered from all evil into God's everlasting Kingdom (21). As Divine ornaments are unbefitting to those who wallow in sin; so is the beauty of holiness unfitting to Levite sects without the Spirit of the Truth (22). Faithful new creatures aspire to perfection of character alone; but punishment is the lot that awaits second-deathers (23). Those who give liberally of their grace, knowledge and service, increase in these blessings; but those who withhold these things become spiritually poor (24). Cheerful and large givers increase their Divine store; and they who abundantly pour out upon others the waters of Truth will receive all the more of them (25). Those who withhold from others the bread of life will be evil spoken of by their neglectees; but God will pour out blessings of mind, heart and will upon those who trade spiritually in the Truth (26). They who zealously seek
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to develop good characters attain increasingly to God's favors; but those who try to do wrong, wrong doing and reaping will be their lot (27). Those whose trust is in their own spiritual possessions as the cause of their acceptableness with God, and not in Christ's merit, will fall from God's grace; but those who, trusting in Christ's merit for their acceptableness to God, faithfully develop justice and love will as a branch in Christ, the Vine, produce much fruit (28). Those who cause trouble in their ecclesias will gain unprofitableness; and those destitute of the Truth and its Spirit will become the serving subjects of the Truth-hearted (29). The effects that the faithful produce prove to be life givers and preservers of others; and those who gain others for truth, righteousness and holiness prove themselves to have the Truth and its Spirit (30). The faithful practicers of duty and disinterested love are rewarded in the Truth and its Spirit; but the recompense of second-deathers and crown-losers shall also be in relation to the Truth and its Spirit, in that the former will eternally, the latter temporarily lose them (31).
In Prov. 12 the contrast between righteousness and wickedness and between the righteous and the wicked is continued. The lover of correction has good will toward intelligence; but the hater of reproof is brutish (1). God bestows His grace upon the good; but the concocter of evil plots receives God's condemnation (2). A human will not be established by lawlessness; but the foundation of the just will not be shaken (3). An upright wife is her husband's glory; but a real decay in his very being is the wife who puts her husband to shame (4). The plans of the just are right; but the plans of the evil are error (5). The teachings of second-deathers are deadly; but the utterances of the upright will free them (6). Second-deathers suffer defeat in controversy, and pass out of existence; but the Church is victorious (7). One is to be praised in proportion to his prudence; but the perverse in heart are to be disesteemed (8). It is better
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to be disesteemed and to have helpers than to be esteemed and to lack sustenance (9). The just are merciful even to animals; but the kindest deeds of second-deathers are murderous in their purposes and effects (10). Those industrious in their field of labor will have a sufficiency; but the follower of worthless men lacks sense (I1). Second-deathers crave the prey of their own class; but the foundation of the saintly is enduring (12). By the erroneousness of their utterances are second-deathers entrapped; but the saintly come out of distress (13). By the results of his teachings a man of God will be fully pleased; and the reward of his works will be given him (14).
Dullards think their courses are right; but the obeyer of truth is wise (15). The dullard at once manifests his vexation; but prudent is he who ignores an insult (16). The spreader of the Truth manifests holiness; but the teacher of error spreads delusions (17). The speech of some wounds like a sword; but the Truth uttered spreads health and life (18). The teachings of the Bible shall endure forever; but the teachings of error last but a short time (19). In the hearts of speculators is error; but peace-spreaders give joy (20). No spiritual evil will befall the saintly; but second-deathers shall be filled with spiritual evils (21). Erroneous teachings are supremely abhorrent to God; but Truth believers and practicers are God's joy (22). The tactful keep back from the immature too strong meat; but it is the delight of dullards to tell inappropriate and harmful things (23). The power of the diligent will exercise rulership; but the lazy will be subjugated and subservient (24). Heartfelt sorrow makes one bow down in anguish; but the truth fitly spoken comforts and gladdens the mourning soul (25). A saintly man guides his neighbor in right ways; but the teachings and practices of second-deathers deceive them (26). The lazy even when they begin a work bring it not to a successful conclusion; but the industrious increase unto great worth their property (27).
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The course of holiness brings life; and in its ways there is no second death (28).
Chapter 13 continues the same general contrast as between righteousness and wickedness, and as between the saintly and second-deathers, as was set forth in chapters 10-12. A true Epiphanite heeds the teachings of the Epiphany messenger; but a scoffer heeds not his rebukes (1). A Truth teacher and practicer will appropriate the Spirit of the Truth as the product of his Truth teachings; but the very being of the treacherous shall appropriate the spirit of evil (2). He who controls his teachings in the Truth guards his life; but he who pours out erroneous utterances as a deluge brings destruction upon himself and others (3). Though the very being of the lazy longs to obtain its desires, it gains nothing; but enriched will be the very being of the industrious (4). The saintly hate error; but second-deathers are very abhorrent and will inherit infamy (5). Holiness keeps the saintly in the Truth and its Spirit; but the evil mind of sinners against their consecration overthrows them from the high calling (6). Some by gaining earthly riches impoverish their New Creatures; and others by sacrificing their human all make their New Creatures rich (7). If one sacrifices his human all as his wealth, he purchases as his gain eternal life; but those who are impoverished of the Truth and its Spirit refuse to heed correction (8). The Truth that the righteous have gives them great joy; but the Truth that the second-deathers once had goes out in complete error (9). Those who desire to shine before, and to exalt themselves above others arouse angry controversy; but with the wisely modest is the Truth (10). Wealth of spirit gathered by greed shall be lessened; but that gathered by a proper industriousness shall be enlarged (11). People often become discouraged by long-deferred things that are desired and expected; but the gratification of godly hopes energizes one to more life (12).
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Whoever of God's people despises His Word will be ruined; but he who reverences God's precepts shall be greatly recompensed (13). The Word of God taken in the heart by Truth people becomes the source of present and future life to them to enable them to escape the errors and sins that bring into the second death (14). The Truth taken into head and heart increasingly brings one God's grace; but violators of their covenant of consecration bring themselves into difficult experiences (15). Every one wise in heavenly Truth acts in harmony therewith; but a dullard spreads error (16). A second-death messenger brings mischief to himself and others; but a saintly ambassador for God spreads spiritual vitality and life (17). Spiritual poverty and disgrace shall be the portion of the rejector of correction; but he that esteems correction shall be esteemed (18). The fulfilled aspiration is gratifying to one's being; but to give up error and sin is abhorrent to the lawless (19). To fellowship with the Truth-instructed makes one Truth-instructed; but to fellowship with dullards makes one foolish (20). Calamity follows upon calamity for covenant-breakers; but the saintly shall be rewarded (21). The Little Flock provides an inheritance for the Youthful Worthies and for the latter's children—the restitutionists; but the privileges of crown-losers are given faithful Little Flock members who gain the formers' lost crowns (22). The fallow ground of crown-losers could under cultivation have yielded much blessing; but it was swept away because of their lack of the Truth and its Spirit (23). The spiritual father who spares the rod of correction from his spiritual son does him an injustice akin to hatred; but the spiritual father who loves his spiritual son very carefully corrects him (24). The saintly partake of spiritual food to satisfy their new creaturely cravings; but second-deathers famish (25).
In chapter 14 the same general subject, with different applications, as is treated in chapters 10-13 is continued-the contrast between righteousness and
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wickedness and the saintly and the unsaintly. The Church consisting of wise virgins develops itself in every good word and work; but the Great Company while unclean, consisting of foolish virgins, pulls down their fellows while in Azazel's hands (1). Those who practice saintliness reverence God; but he who has turned away from the straight into the crooked way despises God (2). The mouthpieces of dullards have powers of haughtiness; but the teachings of the Truth-instructed will save them (3). Where there are no Truth-teachers there is no spiritual food; but in the strong Truth-teachers there is much spiritual growth (4). The teachers of the Truth will not teach error; but false teachers teach error (5). A scoffer seeks, but does not find the Truth; but to the discerning the Truth becomes easy (6). Avoid the dullard, even if he is highly regarded as a teacher, when you perceive that he does not have the Truth (7). It is wise in the prudent to learn to understand his course in life; but the error of dullards is a fraud upon the Truth, since it counterfeits it (8). Dullards make very light of and at sin; but grace is among the saintly (9). The affections know their grief; and one not acquainted therewith should not busybody therein with inappropriate gladness (10). The congregation of second-deathers will be destroyed; but the Church of the saintly shall prosper (11). Many a person thinks that his course is a proper one; but it eventuates in the ways of the second death (12). There are cases when externally one seems joyous, but internally he is in grief, and the outcome of such joy is sorrow (13). Those who heartily forsake the Truth and its Spirit will become over-satiated with their course; but by the fruits of his efforts will the saintly be satisfied (14). The unwary are gullible; but the prudent exercise cautiousness in all their thoughts, motives, words and acts (15). The prudent is cautious and avoids evil; but a dullard is impetuous and overconfident (16). Those easily angry work folly and a wicked plotter is abhorred (17). The uninstructed
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in the Truth have error as their inheritance; but the wise are crowned with the Truth (18).
Abased are the second-deathers before the saintly, and that in the publicity of the saints (19). The crown-losers are disliked even by one another; but those rich in grace have many lovers (20). The despiser of his fellows transgresses; but blessed is he who favors God's Little Flock in its afflictions (21). Do those not go into error who plot evil? but God's grace and Truth shall be with those who plan good (22). In every good work there is gain; but erroneous utterances effect spiritual poverty (23). Their riches of grace and truth is the crown of the Truth-instructed; but the error of dullards increases error (24). A witness of the Truth saves souls; but a false teacher spreads error (25). In reverence for God there is strong assurance; and God will be the refuge of His children (26). Reverence for God is a source of life, enabling one to escape the traps of the second death (27). It is honorable to be the executive of a very numerous Truth people; but the lack of them brings destruction to leaders (28). The fore bearing are great in discretion; but those easily enraged bring error to the fore (29). A healthy disposition tends to life; but an envious disposition corrupts character (30). The oppressor of the lowly reproaches God; but he honors God who shows mercy to the lowly (31). Wilful sins drive the second-deathers away from God, the Truth, and His people; but the saintly are hopeful even when dying (32). In the disposition of the intelligent the Truth lodges; but the error of dullards makes itself known (33). The saintliness of the Little Flock lifts it up highly as God's holy nation; but sin is a reproach to the Great Company while unclean as a class and to second-deathers as a class (34). God as the supreme King shows special favor to a faithful servant; but His displeasure is exercised toward an unfaithful servant, who causes disgrace to God and His cause (35).
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Still continuing the same general contrasts of chapters 10-14, chapter 15 makes other applications of the pertinent contrasts. A mild answer to a wrathful person appeases his indignation; but cutting words arouse angry passions (1). The teachings of the Truth-instructed give ornaments to the Truth; but the mouthpieces of dullards pour out error (2). God's knowledge is all pervasive, taking note of the good and evil in thought, motive, word and act (3). Sound teachings give life-giving food; but crookedness in teaching injures the disposition (4). A foolish son spurns the teachings of his spiritual father; but he who gives good heed to a needed reproof exercises prudence (5). In the Church as the assembly of the saintly are large treasures of the Truth, its Spirit and its service, while the gains of second-deathers is great disturbance (6). The teachings of the Truth-instructed spread God's Word; but the disposition of the dullard is not right (7). The ministries that second-deathers offer to God are abhorrent to Him; but God takes much pleasure in the requests of the saintly (8). The course that second-deathers take is very abhorrent to God; but the Lord takes a loving pleasure in those who practice good (9). There is grievous correction in store for the forsaker of truth, righteousness and holiness; and the wilful abhorrer of the corrections of the Truth will die the second death (10). God understands and has in His power both Hades and Gehenna; how much more so then the dispositions of humans (11). A scoffer has no good will toward one who corrects him; nor will he seek the help of the Truth-instructed (12). Joy of heart makes the face bright; but heavy grief not committed to the Lord discourages and makes one despair (13). The desire of the prudent is richly to increase their truth store; but the mouthpiece of dullards appropriates error (14). The entire time of those in tribulation is sorrowful; but the happy disposition has a continual feast of the Truth, its Spirit and its work (15). It is better to have small possessions of grace,
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mercy and truth with reverence for God than to have much of earth's riches with unrest (16). It is better to partake of but a little of Truth with love in all the participants than to partake of very many teachings with hearts of hatred (17). A vindictive disposition arouses bitter controversies; but the long-suffering calm such controversies (18).
The course that the lazy pursues brings piercing experiences to him; but the course of the Little Flock is a safe and clear one (19). A Truth-instructed symbolic son causes him who started him in the spiritual life to rejoice; but an erring symbolic son contemns those who seek to develop him in grace, knowledge and service (20). Error gladdens those who are destitute of the Truth, as many cases in great and little Babylon prove; but the faithfully Truth-instructed live saintly lives (21). Plans go wrong where consultations are absent; but usually they succeed when a multitude of Truth-instructed brethren advise (22). Joyful to a man it is when he gives a helpful answer to needy inquirers; and a timely advice or statement works much good (23). The narrow way is one constantly ascending in grace, knowledge and fruitfulness in service for the faithful, enabling them to escape Gehenna, reached by a descending course (24). The Lord will destroy both great and little Babylon as products of arrogant ones; but He will keep eternally abiding the Church developed by a symbolic widow (25). The teachings of second-deathers are very abhorrent to the Lord; but the teachings of the purified Little Flock are joy-inspiring and delightsome (26). Power-graspers and lords over God's heritage disturb the sects that they develop; but those leaders immune to being bribed by unholy ambitions offered them will gain life (27). The determination of the saintly is to weigh carefully their answers to questions that arise for solution; but without due thought second-deathers utter evils of doctrine and life (28). The Lord keeps Himself far off from second-deathers; but He lends a ready and responsive
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ear to the prayers of the faithful (29). Joyous knowledge makes its possessor and others glad; and the Gospel message makes the main graces richer (30). The understanding of faith accepting life-ministering correction continues with the Truth-instructed (31). Truth-rejectors actually think little of their own beings; but he who accepts needed reproof increases in his comprehension of the Truth (32). The teachings of the Truth arouse in the true heart reverence for God; and if one would attain real honor he must first be filled with humility amid abasement and exaltation (33).
Chapter 16 continues the contrasts, with different applications, found in chapters 10-15. It is for us under God's grace to develop our dispositions; but from God comes the Truth with which proper answers come (1). People in self-conceit consider their conduct in harmony with right; but God infallibly by life's experiences tests their dispositions (2). If one submits his doing unto the Lord's will, his plans will be maintained in success (3). God works all things to the accomplishment of His plan; yea, even second-deathers are by Him fitted for the great tribulation (4). Those who love to be arrogant are very abhorrent to God; though they have very many confederates, God will not account them guiltless (5). By the consecrated exercising the Truth and its Spirit, depravity is more and more cleansed out of their dispositions; and reverence for God leads to reformation from evil (6). When one's course in life pleases God, even those who have been the opponents of his course become less and less oppositional and in the end become reconciled to it (7). Better is a little had in righteousness, than much profit gained by wrong (8). The dispositions of God's people plan out their course; but God rules and overrules their experiences (9). As an oracle of God should His executive deliver His judgment, to the end that as God's special mouthpiece he err not in his considered opinions (10). It is of the Lord that one mete out to others matters of justice, since all justice lodges in God (11).
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To act wickedly is especially abhorrent in God's executives; for their authority is only to be exercised along the lines of righteousness (12). Teachings in harmony with the Divine character should be the pleasure of such executives; and Truth-lovers they love (13). The displeasure of God's executive at wrongdoing might announce a second-death manifestation; and the Truth-instructed will appease such wrath (14). By the Truth that his favor manifests comes life; and his teachings are antitypes of the latter rain (15).
Incomparably better is it to obtain the Truth than to gain gold; and to attain discretion is to be preferred to amassing silver (16). The course of the saintly avoids wrong; and he who guards his course in life will preserve his being (17). Pride produces destruction; and an arrogant disposition brings to disaster (18). Preferable it is to be of a lowly disposition as an associate with the humble than to be a participant of profits with the arrogant (19). The tactful executive will produce good results; and favored are those who exercise faith in God (20). The Truth-instructed disposition is regarded as prudent; and the appreciation of the true teachings enlarges one's truth store (21). Discretion flowing out of the Truth becomes to its possessor a giver of life; but the correction that errorists give is erroneous (22). The dispositions of the Truth-instructed guide their utterances, and increase learning to their teachings (23). The happifying teachings of the Truth are incomparably sweet to the beings of God's people and impart soundness to their characters (24). The incorrigibly wicked think that their course is right; but it ends in the second death (25). One's appetite impels him to labor for the satisfaction of his hunger (26). Second-deathers originate wickedness; and in their teachings is utter destruction (27). A perverse person stirs up bitter controversy; and the secret spreader of evil surmises alienates the best of friends (28). A ruthless sinner entraps his friend, and misleads him into a wrong course (29). He shuts out
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the Truth from his disposition to plot wrong; and sets forth his teachings to effect wrong (30). To be full of wisdom is most highly honorable, if it perseveres in truth, righteousness and holiness (31). The longsuffering are greater than great warriors; and the self-controllers than conquerors (32). God's people in uncertainty take a course on a matter that calls for their activity according to their best judgment as to what is the Lord's will; and God rules and overrules in the disposal of it for their good (33).
Chapter 17 continues the same general contrasts as chapters 10-16, with application to different lines of thought and action. It is better to live very sparsely in a peaceable atmosphere than to have very much combined with much strife (1). A prudent servant will by his master be put in charge of a disgraceful son, as can be seen in the case of the Parousia and Epiphany messengers; and shall be made a joint-heir with his sons (2). As the firing pot refines the silver and the crucible refines the gold, so God tests His Great Company and Little Flock children (3). Second-deathers obey false teachings; and false teachers heed mischievous teachings (4). Those who ridicule the humble reproach God; and he that rejoices over others' distresses shall suffer the punishment of the guilty (5). An honor of the most deeply Truth-instructed, e.g., Paul, our Pastor, is to have fathered those who father others, e.g., Timothy and the Epiphany messenger, as the latter's honor on earth is to have had such spiritual fathers (6). It is not fitting that the Truth be with the erroneous; much more so does error become a leader among God's people (7). An office in the Church in its occupant's esteem is a gift like one of the twelve graces, since it gives one the opportunity to exercise all of these, and rightly used effects good results (8). Those who hide others' faults do so because they desire them to appreciate them; but betrayers of others' faults break up friendship (9). A correction given a faithful Truth-instructed one affects him reformatorily more than a
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hundred stripes do a dullard (10). A second-deather plots rebellion against the Lord, the Truth and the brethren; and the cruel messenger of destruction will be sent out against him (11). Destructive physical things menacing one are less to be dreaded than an errorist spreading his error (12). Those who return evil for good, like second-deathers, shall continually have calamity as the portion of themselves and their followers (13). To lose the Truth is the start of much controversy; therefore, contention should be given up lest it cause the loss of the Truth (14).
He that approves of second-deathers, and he that disapproves of the saintly are alike very abhorrent to the Lord (15). What profit is there in a dullard's sacrificing himself ostensibly to gain the Truth, since it is folly in one without sense to seek the Truth (16)? A real Truth brother always exercises love for the brethren, and is just the one to give sympathy and help in distress (17). Those who lack discretion pledge partisan help to their misleaders, and guarantee them before their brethren (18). They who delight in contentions take pleasure in sin; and they who over heighten their places court great injury (19). The crooked-hearted attain no blessing; and those who pervert their teaching shall stumble into wickedness (20). A dullard's begetter incurs thereby grief and not gladness (21). Joy increases both spiritual and physical health; but crushing grief is detrimental to both kinds of health (22). Second-deathers receive bribes with avidity to pervert Truth teaching (23). The Truth guides the discreet; but the intelligences of the dullard encompass the depravities of society (24). A dullard causes distresses to his spiritual father and deep disappointment to his spiritual mother (25). To chastise the saintly is surely not good; nor is it in order to smite the noble-minded for their goodness (26). The one who esteems intelligence guards sparingly his words; and a man of discretion is 'of a noble disposition (27). Even a dullard who keeps silence when silence is golden
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is regarded as discerning; and he who speaks not out of order is appreciated as a discreet man (28).
Like the preceding eight chapters, chapter 18 contrasts the good and the evil and good and evil, with different applications from those given in the preceding eight chapters. To gratify their own desires and to sift themselves and others, evil-doers speculate at, and busybody in all kinds of knowledge (1). A dullard takes no pleasure in discretion, but delights to expose his own disposition (2). When second-deathers come among God's people, the despising of these comes into vogue; and with the sham that they introduce, blame prevails (3). The teachings of God's mouthpieces are deep truths; and an avenue of Divine truth like a bubbling stream are they (4). It is certainly of evil to favor second-deathers to the casting off of the saintly in matters of truth (5). The teachings of dullards arouse bitter controversy; and their utterances cry out for deserved blows (6). His utterances bring ruin upon him; and his teachings entrap his very being (7). The betraying language of tattlers inflicts deep grief entering into the innermost heart (8). The lazy waste time, talent, strength, means, health, reputation, character, opportunities—in a word, life (9). God's character and office are a fortress to which the saintly go confidently in tribulation and find safety (10). A person conceited over his spiritual or physical wealth regards it as his secure protection and as his great power (11). Before entering into the second death one's disposition is arrogant; but humility precedes exaltation (12).
It is erroneous and reproachful to prejudge any matter (13). One's determined disposition will bear well his weakness; but very few can endure a dejected disposition (14). Those loving intelligence gain it; yea, their understanding pursues truth to gain it (15). A benefaction gives one influence and position, and gives him access to the leaders among God's people (16). He is justified who is preeminent in a case requiring a decision; and the examiner gives him a
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searching investigation (17). The Divine decision ends bitter controversies, and distinguishes between strong opponents (18). To offend a near intimate makes him harder to be won than a fortress; and his bitter controversies are in strength like the strongest protections of a fort (19). By a Truth-man's utterances will he gain spiritual nourishment; and by his teachings' results will his heart be filled (20). By the power of true teaching one gains life, and death by the power of untrue teachings; and by whatever teachings one loves will he gain fruitage after its kind (21). Our Lord in obtaining the Church gains a great blessing, whereby God shows Him His special favor (22). As a rule the humble set forth lowly and piteous requests; and as a rule the proud answer rudely (23). To gain real brethren one must act as a real brother; and Jesus is a brother adhering to us closer than all other brethren (24).
Chapter 19 continues the same contrasts differently applied from what we found in chapters 10-18. The humble conducting themselves in faithfulness is better than one perverted in his teachings, and is a dullard (1). It is not good to be without the Truth; and he whose conduct is too quick goes astray in faith and practice (2). The erroneousness of a man makes crooked his course in life; and his disposition is displeased with God (3). One's spiritual and earthly riches make him corresponding friends; but those in spiritual and physical poverty usually lose respective friends (4). To teach falsely in the name of the Lord will bring condign punishment; and an inventor of errors will not evade God's wrath (5). Many will beg humbly for the favor of a leader among God's people; but the bribed will favor their bribers (6). The brethren of one bereft of the high calling despise him; and much more so do his intimates stand quite aloof from him. He follows after them with entreaties, yet they fail him (7). He that acquires sense loves his own being; and he that guards discretion is favored indeed (8). To teach falsely in the name of the Lord will
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bring condigned punishment; and an inventor of errors will not evade God's wrath (9). Unseemly to a dullard is pleasure; much more so is it for a subordinate to rule over leaders among God's people (10). Wisdom in a man teaches him to be longsuffering; and it is honorable for him to overlook and forgive wrongs done him (11). The wrath of the Parousia Messenger or of the Epiphany messenger has been as a strong threat; but refreshing has been the favor of either of them (12). Swallowed up in calamity to his spiritual father is an erroneous son; and a continuing handicap are the oppositions of his supporters (13). Class standings and abundance of spiritual possessions one inherits from his spiritual father; and wise supporters come to one from God (14).
Laziness makes one deeply oblivious to his surroundings; and the spiritually lazy shall be spiritually famished (15). He who obeys God's Word preserves his being; but he who contemns God's paths shall pass out of existence (16). He who practices mercy toward the destitute is treated by God as though He became his debtor, who will recompense to him his beneficences (17). While a son is reformable let his father chastise him, nor for his good should his pleas to be spared be granted (18). A very vindictive man must be chastised; but if he be spared, he will require another punishment (19). All should heed good advice and receive correction that in old age they may act as Truth-instructed ones (20). Plans successively displacing previous ones come into people's minds; but God's plan will remain unto completion (21). The attractiveness of a man is his loving kindness; and it is better to be a cleansed Great Company member than a teacher of error with a large following (22). Reverence for God leads to everlasting life; its possessor shall remain fully satisfied; nor will spiritual misfortune become his (23). A lazy man keeps his hand in inactivity, and will not work that he might eat (24). If one rebukes a scoffer, the undeveloped will avoid his wrongs;
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but if one corrects a discreet man he will receive instruction (25). He that brings loss upon his spiritual father and drives away his spiritual mother is one that brings them disgrace and a bad reputation (26). Let the spiritual children of the Epiphany messenger give no ear to the teachings of errorists leading astray from Truth-teachings (27). Second-deathers as witnesses despise the Truth; and their mouthpieces appropriate sin and error (28). Judicial punishments are in reserve for scoffers, and blows for errorists (29).
In chapters 20-29 a great number of warnings and corrections are given, in practically every case preceding ones differing from succeeding ones. Thus a new division of Proverbs begins with chapter 20. A little error is a scoffer of God and great error is a loudmouthed boaster against God; and their deceivelings are not Truth-instructed (1). The righteous wrath of the Parousia Messenger or of the Epiphany messenger has been a great threat; and whoever has provoked it has endangered his prospects of life (2). It is worthy of high appreciation for a child of God to cease from contention; but an errorist will busybody therein (3). The lazy one will not work in or out of season; therefore, while others have abundance, he will beg and be poor (4). Deep Truth is the Divine plan in one's heart; and a man of discretion will draw it out for others to receive it (5). One may call a kind man a great man; but a faithful man is rare, so rare that over 1900 years of the Gospel Age have witnessed only 144,000 in about 20,000,000,000 of human beings (6). The saintly Little Flock conducts itself according to its faithfulness, and the restitutionists will be happy indeed (7). The Parousia and Epiphany Messengers, exercising their Divinely-given offices, have driven away by their Truth-knowledge all error (8). None of Adam's fallen children can truthfully claim that they have perfected in right their dispositions and are actually free from sin (9). Impure teachings and practices are alike very abhorrent to the Lord (10). The
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characters even of children are revealed by their acts, whether they are true and just (11). God has made both the knowledge that perceives and the understanding that comprehends (12). One should not be a lover of indolence, lest he become impoverished in grace, knowledge and service; rather let him take knowledge of opportunities of industriousness and enter into them, which will bring a supply of all his needs (13). Selfish purchasers dispraise the articles that they desire to buy, in order to depress their price; and after they have gotten them at the depressed price, they boast of their shrewdness as buyers (14). Natural wealth often takes the forms of gold and precious stones; but the teachings of the Truth are the real ornaments (15).
He who becomes a partisan supporter of one of a different class from his own, will lose his graces and official prerogatives; he should be made responsible for a harlot sect (16). Deceitful spiritual food is appetizing to such; but afterward it will be very distasteful, like ashes grating on his teeth (17). God's people should form their plans according to God's Word; and they should enter controversy only on sound principles (18). The busybodying tattler betrays confidences; therefore God's people should not deal with those who spread flattering teachings (19). Whoever speaks evil of his spiritual father or mother shall find that the Bible will cease giving him light and will leave him in deep darkness (20). Illy and hastily gotten things at the outstart will end in a curse (21). Let not God's people declare that they will avenge themselves of the wrong done them. Let them rather wait upon the Lord to recompense the wrong; and if they so do, He will deliver them from their wrong-doers (22). False practices are very abhorrent to God; and false standards of practice are evil (23). The course of God's people as one of faith is mapped out by Him; hence truly they cannot see at the time the meaning of its various steps (24). It is a trap for a man rashly to profess consecration; and afterwards question whether he should keep
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his vows (25). The Parousia and Epiphany Messengers acting in Divine wisdom separatingly scattered from among God's people second-deathers, and have driven over them the Truth of God's plan (26). The disposition of God's people containing within it the Divine Truth is God's light in them examining every part of their minds, hearts and wills (27). Loving kindness and the Truth have preserved the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers; and their offices have been by them supported by their loving kindness (28). The honor of God's warriors is the Truth as their strength; and the ornament of elders is their wisdom (29). The blows that are severe are a cleansing away of wickedness, as are smittings that enter the innermost recesses of the inner man (30).
The hearts of the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers have 'been by God's power resting upon their streams of Truth; and God has turned them into such courses as He has chosen (21:1). People approve all the courses of their dispositions; but the Lord is the tester of hearts (2). God is more pleased with our practicing Truth and justice than with our sacrifices not in harmony with, and accompanied by them (3). Haughtiness of views and self-exaltation in heart as the work of second-deathers are sin (4). The plans of the industrious put into operation go in the direction of abounding prosperity; but the inconsiderate haste of people reduces them to poverty (5). The piling up of supposed spiritual treasure by deceitful teaching is a shaking, unprofitable thing on the part of those whose course of seeking them sends only to the second death (6). The violence of second-deathers shall bring them to destruction, because they refused to practice the Truth (7). The way of the wicked is perverse and foreign to God's ways; but the work of the pure in heart is righteous (8). It is better to have a small sphere of service than to serve with a quarrelsome sect among a large number of adherents (9). The very being of a second-deather loves sin; and he becomes
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disfavorable to those who were once his brethren (10). When chastisement falls to the lot of the scorner, the immature become Truth-instructed; but when the Truth-instructed is corrected he advances in the Truth (11). God, the Righteous One, diligently studies the congregation that second-deathers gather together; and He stands ready to bring calamity upon them (12). Whoever heeds not the pleas of the unfortunate shall come into misfortune, and his pleas will go unheeded (13). A gift secretly bestowed quenches anger, as it also does strong indignation (14). It is the saintly's pleasure to practice the Truth; but annihilation shall be the portion of totally wilful sinners (15). A child of God who fully apostatizes from the way of discretion shall be gathered together with those who have entered into the second death (16).
God's people who delight in self-indulgence shall be remanded to the Great Company, impoverished of the High Calling; and those of them that delight in earthly luxury shall not be rich toward God (17). The second-deathers shall, like Haman, be substituted in punishment instead of the Little Flock, as seen in Mordecai; and a traitor instead of the saintly (18). It is better for God's people to be in the wilderness condition of isolation than to be in a nominal contentious and wrathful church system (19). There are the desirable riches of the Truth and its Spirit in the Church, the dwelling place of God's Truth-instructed people; but a dullard wastes them all (20). He who cultivates a God-like character shall attain life, the Spirit of the Truth and honor from God (21). A Truth-instructed soul overcomes the powers of a church-government led by mighty ones, and overthrows its trusted power (22). To control one's utterances and teachings guards well one's being against distress (23). One who exercises the wrath of haughtiness has the character of a self-exalting and arrogant person (24). Longing for idleness destroys its possessor; for he disdains to toil (25). Such a character is continually wrongly and
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selfishly seeking others' goods; but the saintly gives without stint of his possessions to the needy (26). The services of second-deathers are very abhorrent, especially when he serves with deliberately wicked intent (27). A teacher of error will perish; but a man who heeds the Truth will speak the Truth effectively (28). A second-deather emboldens his countenance; but the saintly guides his teachings and practices aright (29). There is no truth, discretion or plan that can succeed against the Lord's opposition (30). Teachings are ordered for the time of controversy; but to Jehovah belongs the victory (31).
A good character is preferable to great wealth of knowledge; and God's and man's grace to Divine Truth kept in the head merely (22:1). In God's Church those with large and those with small knowledge mingle in brotherly unity, since God is the Father of all of them (2). The faithful foresaw the coming great tribulation and hid themselves from it by the Truth and its Spirit; but the immature went on in ignorance of its coming and experience its distress (3). Through self-abasement and reverence for God come the wealth of grace, knowledge, fruitfulness in service, exaltation now and hereafter and life everlasting (4). Distressful experiences and delusions are in the course of the perverse; but he who guards his being against evil and for good will be kept far from them (5). Develop in a child a good character; and when well developed he will not lose it (6). Those rich in grace are set over the Great Company, impoverished by the loss of the high calling; and a Great Company member in debt to the priesthood is subordinate to it as its creditor (7). He that practices sin and error will reap unprofitableness; and the rod whose anger he aroused will not miss him (8). The knowledge that stirs up liberality shall be favored; for it gives sustenance of life to the Great Company (9). If the scoffer is rejected, unreasonable controversy will be given up, yea, fighting and disgrace will pass away (10). The Parousia and Epiphany Messengers
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have given the favor of their teachings to those who love good intentions (11). The knowledge of the Lord maintains the Truth; hence He refutes the teachings of the treacherous (12). The lazy person thinks that there are dangers and death on all hands for the worker (13). The utterances of sectarian systems are deep snares; and he whom God abominates shall fall into them (14). Error cleaves to the affections of the immature; but God's corrections drive it away (15).
They who for personal aggrandizement burden weak brethren, and they who favor the strong as against the weak brethren, alike will lack supplies of grace, mercy and truth (16). In vs. 17-21 is found an instruction after the pattern of those in chapters 1-9. Let one be humble as to his understanding of things and give heed to the teachings of the Truth-instructed and study lovingly and diligently the Truth of the Lord (17). For they are happifying to those who inwardly digest them; and they are well adapted to their teachings (18). The Epiphany messenger has during the Epiphany given its Truth to the brethren, in order to help them put their confidence in the Lord (19), since he has written for them things superior in practice and doctrine (20), in order to make known to the brethren the demonstration of the teachings of the Truth, to equip them to answer with the teachings of the Truth those sent to them either for indoctrination or for refutation (21). Now follows a return to the general pattern of the teachings begun in chapter 20. Let none dispossess the impoverished crown-losers of the Truth that they have, as their leaders have done in varying measure, nor publicly lord it over God's distressed people (22), since Jehovah will take their part and impoverish the mind, heart and will of their devastators (23). Let none exercise companionship with a displeased man; nor fellowship with an enraged man (24), lest he develop the same characteristics and entrap his very being (25). Let none become partisan supporters of others, nor guarantee their obligations
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(26), since, if one cannot meet the terms of such support and guarantee, there is no reason why he should give up his rest of the faith (27). Nor should we give up old truths which have come to us by the teachings of that Servant and his faithful pilgrims (28). If one observes one faithful in his ministry of the Lord, the Truth, the brethren and all others with whom he has to do, let him recognize that such an one has had the favor of the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers, and not that of power-grasping and lording Levite leaders (29).
If one is studying the teachings of misleaders in error, let him study carefully what is by them set before him (23:1); and let him cease from such study, if he is given to great love of the pertinent error, which should be studied only to be refuted and avoided (2). Let him not love even the most specious of his errors; for they are misleading food (3). Let none ambitiously strive to be great in others' sight; and let him give up being wise in his own conceit (4). Let him not be covetous of what is not his own; for possessions so gotten will surely be so conditioned as to vanish from his possession, far out of his reach (5). Let none receive the alleged spiritual food of those whose knowledge is erroneous, nor love even the best things that they offer as feasts (6); for they are actually what their loved theories are; while they invite one to partake of deep and shallow thoughts, they do not mean it well for their victims (7). For he will repudiate what he has accepted, be it ever so small, and will lose the goodly truths that he once taught (8). Let God's people beware of trying to enlighten a fixed errorist; for he will despise the good sense of their teaching (9). Neither should they give up their old truths, nor devastate the little truth of those bereft of their spiritual fathers, despite the fact that that little truth is mixed with much error (10); for God their Deliverer is strong and will put Himself on their side as Defender (11). Rather let them fix their love on their own correction and their understanding Truth teachings (12). But let spiritual
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fathers not abstain from correcting their spiritual children; for by rebuking them by their official powers they will save them from the second death (13). Yea, they should chastise them with their official powers and thus save them from entering Gehenna (14). The Epiphany messenger assures his spiritual children that if their affections and will are Truth-instructed, his very affections and will shall rejoice thereover (15); yea, his tested graces shall rejoice when their teachings shall declare just things (16). Moreover, he charges them not to be envious of Great Company members who are violating their covenant of sacrifice, however much they may seem to prosper; rather that they should exercise reverence for God always (17), since there is a hereafter, to which their hope holds (18).
He lovingly admonishes them to heed his teachings and thus become Truth-instructed and to direct their affections and will within the narrow way (19); but not to become intoxicated or intoxicate others with error, nor to be associated with those gorging themselves with wrong powers (20). For those drunken with error and gorged with wrong powers shall become spiritually poverty-stricken; and the unwatchful shall have as their covering the rags of their own unrighteousness (21). He encourages them to give heed to him as their spiritual father and not to contemn those who have nourished their spiritual life when stricken with infirmity (22), and to yield in effort their best powers of heart, mind and will as the price of acquiring the Truth, and for no consideration to betray it, nor its tactful use, correction and insight (23). The spiritual father of the saintly shall greatly exult, since the begetter of a Truth-instructed son shall have joy in him (24); yea, his begetter and developer shall be happy, even his spiritual developer shall be glad (25). As God's mouth the Epiphany messenger exhorts his justified symbolic children to give God their wills and to exercise their intellect on the Divinely-given teachings and practices (26); for the harlot sects of great and little Babylon
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are deep in error and wrong; even such are a deceitful slanderer (27); yea, they are on the lookout for victims and increase the treacherous among the people (28). Who are those that experience the six woes of misfortune, grief, strifes, vain speaking, needless pains, and stupid knowledge (29)? Even those who continue long in error, who search much for a mixture of truth and error (30). God's people should not study into enticing error, when in its mouthpieces it is made to look attractive, and seems to be refreshing (31); for its after-affects are the pains of sin and the paroxysms of iniquity (32), and will make them favor a harlot sect, and will make their affections and will utter perversions of the Truth (33); yea, they will be like those who are exposed to the danger of being submerged under the sin-rebellious race or to the danger of a deep fall among those who have organizationally to do with it (34). The rebukings of these harlot sects will not pain them; their beating them will not evoke their attention, so hardened have these by them become; and if aroused they will seek again these sects (35).
God's people should not wish the seeming success of second-deathers, nor desire to be their associates (24:1); for with strong intent do they meditate on destroying others; and their teachings manifest mischief (2). God's Church is developed by the Truth and by discretion is it made durable (3); with intelligence are its offices filled with all spiritual precious and beautiful attainments (4). A Truth-instructed son of God is powerful; and an intelligent son of God adds to his strength (5); for he enters controversy with Truth advice; and with many advisers he devises a safe course (6). The Truth is too sublime for an errorist, and cannot give instruction to the public (7). The concocter of schemes shall people call a master of plots (8). Error causes sin; and the scoffer is very abhorrent to the truly great (9). If one's strength is not equal to bearing adversity, it is insignificant (10). If one refrains to rescue those who are being drawn toward the second
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death, even those who are on the verge of being thereby cut off (11), and if in excuse he alleges ignorance, shall not God, the Heart Searcher and the soul's Guard, consider and know it and recompense each one as his work is (12)? The Epiphany messenger lovingly encourages his spiritual children to appropriate the hope of the high calling, because it is good, or the hope of princeship as each one's case is, because it is sweet to one's appreciation (13). just so the intelligence of the Truth-instructed shall be his, when he gains it; for therein is a recompense and that hope shall not end in disappointment (14). The Epiphany messenger cautions second-deathers not to be on the lookout to injure the Church of the saintly and to devastate the Truth as his resting place (15); for the saintly in each epoch of the Church fell away from previously given Truth, but arose again after each fall; but second-deathers will fall irredeemably into the supreme calamity (16). Let not second-deathers, who consider the faithful their enemies, rejoice at their falls and stumblings (17); for God will take note of such rejoicing, which will offend Him; and by which He will be moved the more quickly to be appeased (18). God's people should not be worried over Great Company's evils, nor be jealous of second-deathers' seeming success (19); for the former shall have no reward for their evils; and the Bible will give the latter no light (20).
The Epiphany messenger encourages God's people to reverence God and His representatives, and not to have fellowship with the fickle (21); for suddenly misfortune shall overtake them; and none can foreknow their calamity (22). These things are known to the Truth-instructed: It is not good to be partial in judgment (23). Him that justifies second-deathers shall peoples denounce and nations curse (24). But to their reprovers shall come pleasure, even a blessed benediction (25). All will love the teachings of him who answers questions well (26). Let God's people make suitable preparations fitting for them; afterward shall they
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develop the Church (27). Needlessly they should not witness against one another, since one may be made to tell too much (28). Nor should they deal with others as they have dealt with them, dealing to every one as he deserves (29). The Epiphany messenger contemplated the sphere of the sluggard's and the senseless man's work (30), and found ill growths there, and the Truth and its Spirit wasted there (31). He took particular note of it for his own profit, and learned from it needed correction (32). If one is self-indulgent in laziness (33), his poverty will come in as brought upon him by a highwayman, and his need as brought upon him by an armed bandit (34).
Solomon's proverbs from chapters 25-29 apparently were copied out separately from the preceding ones by certain ones instructed so to do by Hezekiah, typical of Bible publishers, which set these off as separate and distinct from his preceding proverbs (25:1). It is to God's honor to hide in the Bible truth until due; and it has been the privilege of the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers to study these out in due time and set them before God's people clearly (2). The symbolic heavens can be investigated for sublime truths; and society for things of sin and error; but the minds, hearts and wills of the two Age-end Messengers could not be comprehended until it was due for them to reveal them (3). When crown-losers are refined from the dross of their selfishness and worldliness they will become for the Lord fitting vessels to bear God's message to others (4). Second-deathers are to be taken away from positions of service as to the Epiphany messenger; and his office powers will be made enduring in truth, righteousness and holiness (5). None should assume prerogatives as to him, nor should any presume to become great ones (6), since it is better to wait for promotion before him from the Lord than to be demoted before the leader whom one recognizes as such (7). Let none enter, controversy hastily, as Mr. Knock did with the Epiphany messenger, lest being
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like him, unable to continue to maintain his viewpoint in the controversy to the end, one is put to confusion before his opponent, as Mr. Knock was (8). Once having entered a controversy which one can maintain victoriously let one continue it to the end; but let one not betray the confidences entrusted to him (9), lest the one to whom it is betrayed reveals the treachery, to one's confusion in a never-ending disgrace (10). To give appropriate teaching is a Divine grace expressed in truth's garb (11). A truth-directed reprover is to a believing understanding a Divine jewel and adornment (12). As cool weather refreshes harvesters, so is a true bringer of a message to those who send him; for he refreshes them (13). Whoever glories in a gift that comes to him as a result of his deceitfulness is as deceiving as clouds and winds coming without rain though threatening to rain abundantly (14).
By long perseverance is a judge convinced in one's favor, and mild speech overcomes a strong will (15). If one finds something delectable let him use it in moderation, lest over-indulging therein turn him into disgust against it (16). Let no one presume upon the hospitality of a friend, lest the latter weary of, and abhor the former (17). One becoming a false witness against a friend is to him a bruising hammer, a piercing sword and a penetrating arrow (18). To trust in trouble in a disloyal person brings one the sorrow of disappointed faith and evil conduct (19). As inappropriate as it is to divest oneself of his clothing in cold weather or to pour vinegar upon nitre, which ruins it, so inappropriate it is to sing merrily to a dejected heart (20). Let one relieve the need of an unfortunate enemy (21) and he will thus sharply reprove him; and the Lord will reward such a well-doer (22). As certain winds surely bring rain, so a sharp tongue produces indignant faces (23). It is better to be poverty-stricken than to live in a mansion with a quarrelsome wife (25). As refreshing as cold water is to the thirsty, so are good tidings from far-away loved
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ones (25). As a fouled fountain and a polluted spring, so is a saintly one falling before second-deathers (26). As overindulgence in luxury is nauseating, so is it not glorious for one to seek his own honor (27). One lacking self-control is in character like a city ruined and with broken-down walls (28).
Chapter 26 contains further warnings and instructions. As unbefitting as snow is in summer and rain in harvest time, so unbecoming is honor to a dullard (1). As a bird in wandering away and a swallow in flying elsewhere do not come to one, so a causeless curse does not alight on one (2). As a horse needs a whip and an ass a bridle, so a dullard needs chastisement (3). Under some circumstances an errant one is not to be spoken to according to his errors, lest the one so doing become like him (4). Under other circumstances he is to be refuted as fits his errors, lest he becomes conceited as to his errors (5). He who sends a message by an errorist injures his conduct and appropriates wrong (6). As a parable in the mouth of an errorist limps, lacking balance, so are the legs of the lame (7). As inefficient as it is to tie a stone in a sling, so inefficient it is to promote an errorist (8). As pains afflict the work of those drunk with error and wrong, so a parable rebounds with evil effects when spoken by errorists (9). The Great Creator of all things will recompense the errorist and the sinner (10). As a dog turns again to his own vomit, so an errorist accepts again his repudiated teachings (11). There is more hope of recovering an errorist from his error than recovering a puffed-up person (12). The lazy conjure up all sorts of imaginary dangers as an excuse not to work (13). As a door clings to its hinges, so a lazy person clings to his bed (14). A lazy man refrains from doing the most elementary and easy work (15). In his own conceit he thinks that he is better informed than any number of well informed persons (16). As one who grasps hold of a dog's ears is courting a bite, so is the passerby busybodying in others' quarrels (17). As is an insane
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man causing all sorts of damage with destructive instruments (18), so is a man who deceives his friend and in excuse alleges that he was merely joking (19). As there can be no fire without fuel, so where there is no tattler strife is stopped (20). As fuel is to combustion, so is a quarrelsome man to strife (21). The words of a tale-bearer wound others, cutting into the innermost recesses of the heart (22). Persuasive words coming from a second-deather's heart are like dross silver overlaid upon earthenware (23). An enemy dissembles with his teachings, but in his heart he frames deceit (24). Though he speak ever so beautifully he is not to be trusted; for his heart is completely filled with very abhorrent evils (25); for his enmity is clothed with guile and his second-death conduct will be publicized throughout the Church (26). Whoever seeks to plant a snare for others will himself be ensnared therein; and he that executes a work against another will be struck by its rebound (27). A liar hates those whom his lies afflict; and a selfish flatterer works destruction to his dupes (28).
Chapter 27 gives further warning and instructions. Let none boast of what he is going to achieve; for he does not know what the future has in store for him (1). Others' praise clings; self-praise stinks: therefore, let others and not self do the praising (2). An errorist's wrath outweighs a heavy stone and a load of sand (3). Wrath works cruel things and anger overflowing things; but they are easier to bear than envy (4). A public rebuke for wrong-doing is better than secret love that refrains from a needed rebuke (5). If a friend for our good hurts our feelings by his correction, he is faithful to our interests; but an enemy's expressions of affection are hypocritical (6). To a satiated person the choicest viands of truth are repulsive; but to one hungering after truth, righteousness and holiness their least appetizing parts are satisfying (7). Like a lost bird, so is a man who has lost his way to his home (8). Sweet-smelling savors are
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the heartfelt loving advice of one's real brother (9). An Epiphany brother should not give up his friend, nor the friend of the Epiphany messenger; but in the day he is afflicted for the Truth's sake, let him not seek succor from fleshly brothers; for it is better to have a Truth brother than a fleshly brother (10). The Epiphany messenger exhorts his symbolic sons to be Truth-instructed, that thus he might answer those who accuse him of being a curse to those under his ministry (11). A discreet man foresees approaching calamities and resorts to protective measures; but the immature thoughtlessly overlook it, and are overtaken by it (12). Ones' powers are taken from him when he becomes the partisan supporter of alien leaders, and his powers are taken from him when he becomes the partisan of an harlot sect (13). If one very demonstratively and very industriously publicizes his friend, it will turn into a reproach to the latter in due time (14).
In discomforting one a continual leaking of rain upon one and the words of a quarrelsome wife are alike (15). To conceal her as to her conduct is like concealing the wind and the perfume that is on one's right hand (16). As iron makes iron sharp by rubbing therewith, so should one develop favorably his friend (17). He who takes care of his business will gain profit therefrom; and he that is faithful to his master's interests will be by the latter honored (18). As water reflects the image of him who looks into it; so the heart of a friend reflects that of another (19). As Hades and Gehenna are never satiated; so is a covetous man's heart never satiated with its gains (20). As the refining stove is adapted to silver and the crucible to gold for bringing out their real character, so is what one appreciates a revealer of his character (21). Though a confirmed errorist is sorely buffeted with worthy ones, his error will not by him be given up (22). Let the' Epiphany messenger be diligent as to his spiritual business and duties (23); for uncared for his spiritual possessions will not be lasting; nor will his spiritual
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prerogatives automatically maintain themselves perpetually (24). With such diligence justified ones in their three Gospel-Age Levitical groups will flourish (25); Little Flock members will be his protection; and Great Company members will be for the acquirement of the Epiphany camp (26); and these shall yield sustenance for crown-losers coming into the Truth and the Epiphany campers and support for the serving Epiphany Youthful Worthies (27).
Further warnings and instructions are given in chapter 28. Second-deathers take to flight with no one chasing them; but the saintly are courageous, like the king of beasts (1). When in a sphere of teaching and practice there are many sins, many officials are needed to put down wrong-doers; but under an intelligent and discerning prominent one its stability is prolonged (2). A Great Company member who tramples down his fellow-members is as ruinous as a heavy rain that sweeps food away (3). Apostates from the Truth speak commendably of second-deathers; but the Truthloyal enter into controversy with them (4). Evil ones do not understand the Truth; but seekers of the Lord understand all of it as due (5). The lowly that conduct themselves in saintliness are far superior to the exalted who are crooked in their course (6). The Epiphanite who practices God's Word is Truth-instructed; but a squanderer disgraces his symbolic father (7). He who by taking selfish advantage of the Great Company and unholy power-grasping increases his office powers, will have to give up such powers to the one who truly favors the Great Company (8). Whoever refuses to heed God's Word will offer prayers that are very abhorrent (9). Whoever causes the saintly to err in doctrine and arrangement will become the victim of his own delusions; but the saintly who overcome such delusions will have a rich measure of the Truth and its Spirit (10). The exalted ones are as a rule conceited; but the understanding lowly ones investigating such read through them (11). When the saintly are glad there
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is much glorying in the Lord; but when second-deathers are exalted, the one of real worth is in obscurity (12). He who defends his wrong-doings in self-justification will make no gains; but he who acknowledges and gives them up will find favor from the Lord (13). The man who has a holy fear continually is blessed; whereas he who by sin, error, selfishness or worldliness hardens his thoughts, motives and will, will come into distress (14).
A second-death leader over Great Company brethren is as destructive as a hungry lion, and a food-searching bear (15). The leader who lacks discretion is very likely to become a great tyrant; but he that hateth greed shall lengthen his life (16). One laden with the blood of the slain shall flee to and fall into a trap; but none should hold him back (17). The saintly shall be delivered; but he that is crooked shall suddenly fall into a trap (18). He who is diligent in his work for the Truth and its Spirit shall have an abundance of spiritual food; but he who follows after error and its spirit shall have plenty of spiritual poverty (19). A man of fidelity abounds in real prosperity; but one grasping greedily for riches of office among God's people shall not be guiltless (20). To be partial is evil; for such an one will do wrong for a mere pittance (21). The man that in haste greedily grasps for riches of office among God's people has bad intelligence, and does not realize that spiritual poverty will be his portion (22). He who corrects a wrong-doing leader will later obtain more consideration than a deceitful flatterer (23). Whoever takes away the rights of his spiritual father and mother and insists that he has not wronged them is a real waster (24). Those who are self-confident, self-satisfied and self-exalted are strife-breeders; but he who trusts in God shall grow rich in grace (25). Whoever is overweeningly self-confident and self-sufficient is a dullard; but whoever conducts himself as one Truth-directed shall be delivered from evil (26). Those who give liberally, to the needy Great Company brethren shall not come to
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want; but those who give no attention to their need shall be evilly spoken of and to (27). When second-deathers mount to places of power, the real leaders of God's people must bury themselves in obscurity; but when second-deathers die the saintly prosper (28).
Warnings and instructions are concluded in chapter 29. Those who become second-deathers are described as those who, often rebuked, stiffen their wills against reformation and as resultantly suffering the loss of new-creatureship entirely and unchangeably (1). When the saintly are in a place of administration of God's affairs the people are happy; but when second-deathers usurp and use such work the people grieve (2). Whoever loves the Truth makes his spiritual father glad; but he who becomes one with harlot sects wastes his spiritual possessions of Truth and its Spirit (3). The Parousia and Epiphany Messengers, by their teaching have built up the Truth and its Spirit; but those bribed, misusing office powers, set aside the Truth and its Spirit (4). The one who inordinately praises his friend sets a trap to his undoing (5). The evil by their sin lay a trap for their own capture; but the saintly sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb with gladness (6). The saintly give helpful attention to the need of the Great Company; but second-deathers pay no attention to it (7). Scoffers bring a religious government into a trap; but the Truth-instructed turn punishment away from it (8). If a Truth-instructed one debate with a dullard, regardless of whether the latter shows wrath or jollity, there is no settlement of the matter (9). Sifters as murderers hate the saintly; but as for the upright the sifters seek their spiritual life (10). A dullard breaks out in all his anger; but the Truth-instructed by self-control restrains his anger (11). When a leader gives heed to error, his serving ledlings become second-deathers (12). Great Company brethren and those leaders who take selfish advantage of their proverty work together in fellowship; and the Lord sheds light upon their intelligence by Epiphany exposures (13).
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The Parousia and Epiphany Messengers, who have faithfully served the humble with the Truth, will have an everlasting office of Jehovah's authorization (14).
Chastisement and correction make one Truth-instructed; but an immature one given no training will disgrace his spiritual mother (15). The more second-deathers there are the more sin increases; but the saintly shall see their ruin (16). A Truth servant should correct his spiritual sons, which will bring him peace and joy (17). Where God's plan is not seen people perish; but he who practices God's Word is blessed (18). Those of a servile spirit will not be reformed by teachings; for though he discerns them, he does not respond to them (19). There is more hope that a dullard will be helped than for a quick-tempered and loose-tongued person (20). He that tenderly trains a servant from childhood, shall in later life possess him for his son (21). An angry man arouses quarreling; and an over-wrathful man greatly increases sin (22). A man's pride will abase him; and a man lowly in spirit shall be exalted in honor (23). He who shares with a thief in thievery acts as if he hated his very being; and when put under oath he perjures himself to keep confidence (24). To fear human beings will lead one into a trap; but those who put their confidence in God are delivered (25). Many seek to ingratiate themselves with their leaders; but each is amenable in the end to God's decision of his case (26). The unrighteous man is very abhorrent to the righteous; and the saintly are very abhorrent to second-deathers (27).
Drs. Rotherham, Ginsburg and Young, whom we regard as among the best Bible translators, render chapter 30:1 as follows: "The Gatherer [Solomon, a gatherer of Proverbs, knowledge, wisdom, riches and power], the son of an obedient one [David], the declaration and affirmation of the man [leader in Israel] I have wearied myself for God; I have wearied myself for God and am consumed." We believe this translation is by far preferable to that of the A. V.; for
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evidently Solomon, the author of the book of Proverbs, wrote this chapter and the next also, in both indicating not his name but his work; for there was no king of Israel or of Judah by the name of Lemuel, which means "dedicated to God," which Solomon certainly was throughout almost his entire career and he was so when he wrote his inspired books. Accepting the above translation as correct and Solomon as the writer of this as well as the next chapter, we will begin our exposition, applying Solomon here to his Epiphany antitype. As the collector of Bible truths and as one loyal to that Servant as God's Parousia Messenger, J declares that his teachings are a declaration and an affirmation of the Divinely-appointed leader for the Epiphany, as he also declares that his zeal for the Lord, the Truth and the brethren have brought weariness upon him and the using up of his vitality in large measure up to now and will fully do so by the end of the Epiphany (30:1). J, speaking from the standpoint of the Levite leaders and their ledlings, states their thought that he is the most brutal of Truth leaders, and that he is bereft of the due Truth above all other leaders among the Truth people (2), they denying that he has learned the Truth, nor God's intelligence can he acquire (3). They challenge him to declare the Truth as to the glorified Christ and His humiliation in carnation, and as to God as the Creator of the air forces by His full power, as the Confiner of the seas within their place, and as the Establisher of the remotest confines of the earth. They challenged him to vindicate God's character and that of Christ His Son, if he could (4). In answer J declared that every teaching of God is unmixed truth, and that He is the Protector of all who seek refuge in Him (5). He charged his opponents not to add to God's teachings, that God do not convict them as falsifiers of His Truth (6).
Two special petitions has he asked of God, and prayed that they might be, his portion as long as he lived (7). One was that God would keep far from him
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errors of practice and of teaching. The other was that God do not give him a lack of Truth nor a superabundance of knowledge and power; but to nourish him with spiritual food appropriate to him in his office as Epiphany messenger (9), lest being full of speculations he exalt himself and challenge God, or lest bereft of Truth, he steal from God by speculations and thus do violence to God's character, office and Word (9). Turning to his opponents he charges them not to bring charges against him before God, lest he accuse them before God of their errors of doctrine and practice and God pronounce them guilty (10). He then points out the fact that there are Levites who speak ill of him as their symbolic father and the other Truth servants as their symbolic mother they do not praise (11), that they are righteous in their own esteem, and have not yet cleansed themselves of error and wrong (12), that they are proud of their alleged knowledge and position (13), that they are cruel and brutal and seek to plunder the Truth and its Spirit of the lowly and needy (14). The vampire recognizes but two powers: that of demanding hire and that of demanding more hire; and there are three, yea, four things that are never satisfied (15): (1) Hades, (2) an unfruitful Truth servant, (3) the sphere of speculation and its spirit which are destitute of truth, and (4) Gehenna. None of these are satisfied (16). The intelligence of those that ridicule their symbolic father and disdain to obey their symbolic mother, depressed sectarians will uproot it and those young in the Truth shall destroy it (17). J could not fathom three, yea, four things (18): (1) the course of the far and sharp sighted among the Levite sects as symbolic heavens; (2) the course of Satan toward the Truth and Christ; (3) the course of secular organizations in the rebellious state of man before Armageddon and (4) the course of the Levite leaders intent on corrupting the espoused Virgin of Christ (19). The harlot Levite sects indulging themselves in illicit unions with controlling
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corporations and associations remove all evidence of their wrong and claim they have done no wrong (20). There are three, yea, four things that arouse to opposition the Truth and its Spirit and that are by them unendurable (21): (1) the power-grasping and lording of those who should be Truth servants; (2) an errorist satiated with his erroneous views (22); (3) an odious sect united with controlling corporations and associations; and (4) corporation officers as subordinates expelling the controlling majority of its directors from directorship (23).
There are four things, the four elect classes, in the sphere of the Truth and its Spirit that seem insignificant to men; yet they exercise more wisdom than the wise of this earth (24): (1) The Little Flock, not great in the world's esteem, yet they use faithfully their privileges and thus fit themselves for success in the future (25); (2) The Ancient Worthies, such as had no power in man's sight, yet with little Truth have made themselves a Millennial abode in all safety (26); (3) the Youthful Worthies, who have no special leader of their own class, yet they go forth to their work as a firm unit in unison of purpose (27); and (4) the Great Company, once defiled and ugly in usurpation, who finally attain a place before the Throne (28). There are also three, yea, four things that operate well and beautifully in harmony (29): (1) God's power, supreme above the power of all else, and standing in awe of no one (30); (2) God's wisdom, that is both graceful and swift to move through all obstacles; (3) God's justice as symbolized in the Lord's Goat; and (4) God's love, against which none can arise to fault or overthrow it (31). If any of the Lord's people have erred in self-exaltation, or if they have plotted evil, let them not seek self-justification (32). As surely as God's people faithfully submitting to tribulation develop love, and as surely as their submitting to physical violence consumes their vitality, so surely will oppression produce contention (33).
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In chapter 31, in its Epiphany application, good instruction is given for J in vs. (1-9); and in vs. 10-31 he describes God's Little Flock servants as the personal part of the Sarah Covenant, God's symbolic wife. As said above, since no Israelitish king had the name Lemuel, he is to be understood to be Solomon, the word lemuel being not his name, but a condition of him, that of being dedicated to God, which the word means. It is the special Truth that mothered him during the 1908-1911 sifting, making him thereby Bro. Russell's fifth and final special helper and the candidate in line to become the Epiphany messenger. The section (1-9) was first taught him by those special truths and afterward taught by him (1). These Sarah Covenant truths made special inquiry in the way of exclamation as to what they should say to him, first, as their product, second, as the product of themselves and not of another, and third, as their product in connection with which their vows centered (2). First of all, they instructed him not to give his powers to the Levite sects, nor his course to what would destroy special servants of God, e.g., power-grasping, lording, false teaching, wrong arrangements, wrong characteristics (3). It does not become God's special servants to imbibe minor error, nor any of His chosen leaders to partake of deadly error (4), lest, partaking of error, they forget the Truth, and pervert doctrines, especially such as pertain to God's tribulated people (5). Let those who are about to become second-deathers partake of deadly error, and those who are Azazelites partake of minor error (6). Let the latter partake of their error and thus not realize their loss of their crowns, and let the former partake of their deadly error and thus not be reminded of their real miserable condition (7). Let J speak in defense of those who cannot speak in their own defense; and for those who have been bereaved of their symbolic father and mother, as this occurred in 1916 and 1917 in Bro. Russell's death and in the separation of antitypical Elijah from antitypical Elisha [the
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Hebrew suggests this antitypical thought in its literal translation: "children left behind" instead of "such as are appointed to destruction"] (8). He is exhorted to administer his teaching office, to teach the Truth, and plead against the Levite leaders the cause of the Great Company, and the Youthful Worthies (9).
God's symbolic wife, as the personal part of the Sarah Covenant, is the one special among His servant classes hard to find and of greatest value (10). Jehovah securely trusts them, so that He can depend on their acquiring what He needs in the execution of His plan (11). They are efficient for Him and do Him no damage in the outworking of His plans unto all eternity (12). They seek for Him to gain the Truth and its Spirit and are very diligent to use all their powers for Him (13). They are like those bringing merchandise from overseas; for they acquire spiritual food from the spheres far away from the humans (14). Very diligent are they in the night of evil; they give their spiritual food to the brethren and to their helpers (15). They study the spheres of service and acquire them by hard work and produce God's people as His sphere of gain in grace and Truth (16). They make themselves strong for service and develop in strength their helpers (17). They recognize that the Truth and its Spirit which as merchandise they have for those who will pay their price are valuable; and the Bible does not cease to give them light during the night of sin and error (18). They diligently develop the graces as symbolic cloth for others by their ministries (19). They minister to crown-losers and Youthful Worthies as well as to the Little Flock (20). They fear not the time of trouble as evil for their symbolic children and servants; for they are clothed with Christ's righteousness, made available by His death (21). They make the Bible and Church histories give them graces; and they are covered with Christ's righteousness and royal powers (22). God is famous before all occupying His place as chief among leaders of the Truth and its Spirit (23). They
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mothered New Creatures for those who would pay the price—consecration; and prepared opportunities of service for those who would acquire them (24). Here character and office are strong and honorable; and a most blessed prospect is before them (25). They speak forth the Truth and their teachings are the Truth of grace (26). They are faithful in administering their offices toward their spiritual children and helpers, and appropriate nothing but what their faithful industriousness acquired (27). Those whom they mother come to the fore in praise of them; especially does God, their symbolic husband, praise them (28). The numerous cleansed Great Company and Youthful Worthy groups will do well in their ministries; but Jehovah's symbolic wife is superior to all of them (29). The world's favor is delusive, and physical beauty unprofitable; but God's servants in the covenant are His symbolic wife and as reverencers of Him will be praised (30). They shall reap a great reward for their services of Him and His; and publicly before all angels and humans they will be praised (31).