Don't Let Me Lose the WONDER

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us ... CHRISTMAS!  Everyone whether Christian or not, enjoys this time of the year.  But shouldn't the Christian be the one to truly celebrate this gift of Christmas?  As  you plan how you will spend your time this Christmas, ask God to help you not lose the Wonder of the most amazing gift Jesus Christ, the one "who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, AND WE SAW HIS GLORY, GLORY AS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH. - John 1:14

The 5 Solas of the Reformation

Sola Fide (by faith alone)

Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone)

Sola Gratia (by grace alone)

Solo Christo (through Christ alone)

Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)

The Little Things Matter

Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman

You’re picking up toys on the living room floor

for the 15th time today

Matching up socks and sweeping up lost

Cheerios that got away

You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips

and head out the door

And while I may not know you I bet I know you

Wonder sometimes does it matter at all

We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you

Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you

Cause He made you to do

Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face

And tell the story of grace

With every move that you make

And every little thing you do

OOoh ooooh oooooh

Maybe you’re that guy with the suit and tie

Maybe your shirt says your name

You may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgers

But at the end of the day

Little stuff big stuff in between stuff

God sees it all the same

And while I may not know you I bet I know you

Wonder sometimes does it matter at all

We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you

Cause He made you

To do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face

And tell the story of grace with every move that you make

And every little thing that you do

Well maybe you’re sitting in math class

Maybe anekatips on a mission in the Congo

Maybe you’re working at the office

Singing along with the radio

Maybe you’re dining at a five star

Or feeding orphans in Myanmar

Anywhere and everywhere you are

Whatever you do it all matters

So do what you do and don’t ever forget

to do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you

Cause He made you to do

Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face

And tell the story of grace as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you

Cause He made you to do

Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face

And tell the story of grace with every move that you make

And every little thing that you do

Ooh oooooh

Every little thing you do

The Book of Titus ~ Being Fleshed Out

Interview with Elisabeth Elliot (click to read complete interview)

Elisabeth Elliot, "I really do believe that every experience, if offered to Jesus, is our gateway to joy. The experience may be taking care of a sick grandfather or taking care of the child who is perhaps going to be lame for life, washing the dishes, and, of course, every now and then the dishwasher or stove or something else goes on the blink. You just want to throw your hands up and think, “How did I ever get into this mess?”
There’s something about laundry and godliness, the willingness to do the humble, ordinary thing, which needs to be done. Why shouldn’t it be done by me?
The older I get, the more I appreciate the privilege of having laundry to do, dishes to wash, houses to clean. If we could only realize that all of these which are incumbent upon us and required, when they’re offered to Jesus, they really are transformed. There’s something totally transforming about it."
Taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ Aug. 31, 2011, radio transcript. www.ReviveOurHearts.com.

Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. 6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. 9 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

A Life of Brokenness

Lord, High and Holy, meek and lowly,

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,

   where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights:
   hemmed in by the mountains of sin I behold thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

   that the way down is the way up,

   that to be low is to be high,

   that the broken heart is the healed heart,

   that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

   that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

   that to have nothing is to possess all,

   that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

   that to give is to receive, 

   that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;

Let me find thy light in my darkness,

   thy life in my death,

   thy joy in my sorrow,

   thy grace in my sin,

   thy riches in my poverty,

   thy glory in my valley.

- from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan

  Prayers and Devotions

Wonderful, Merciful Saviour

Wonderful, merciful Saviour
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would've thought that a Lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost our way
Oh, we've hopelessly lost the way

CHORUS

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne

Precept Bible Study

Today is God's Day

Every day is God's day and though our hearts are heavy at times, we still Praise Him.  We praise the One who knows all things... He is with us!

Psalm 46
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Hiding God's Word in Your Heart Take 3

Here is the third Quiz given for Lesson 3 of a biblical counseling study done by a couple of our church ladies.  We are sharing it today so you can give it a go!

COUNSELING WOMEN

QUIZ 3

 Colossians 3:16 Let the _________________ of Christ _________________   ___________within you, with all ________________ teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with __________________ in your hearts to God.

 Proverbs 27:5 Faithful are the __________________ of a _______________, But __________________ are the kisses of an enemy.

1 Peter 3:8&9 To sum up, let all be harmonious, _____________________, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; ⁹ not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a _______________________ instead; for you were __________________ for the very ____________________ that ____________ might inherit a blessing.

1 Corinthians 10:13 _________   ____________________ has overtaken you but such as is ____________________ to man; and ________________ is faithful, who will not allow you to be __________________ beyond what you are able, but with the ____________________ will _____________________the way of escape also, that you may be able to _______________ it.

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing from ­__________________ or empty conceit, but with ____________________of mind _________________ one another as _______________  _________________ than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own __________________ interests, but also for the ______________ of others.

 

Hebrews 4:12

 

1 Peter 2:1-3  Therefore, putting aside all _____________  and all guile and hypocrisy and ____________  and all slander, 2 like newborn babes, ___________ for the pure milk of the  ____________  , that by it you may _____________ in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the ________________  of the Lord.

Love & Modesty

Recently, A teenage gal at our church shared that she was going through her collection of shorts because she had decided to get rid of some.  This sounded interesting and I was then curious to know why.  She said she had come to realize that some were too short.  She didn't want to cause any unwanted attention to herself.  It is also important to note that her mother was not making her do this but it was something she had decided to do on her own. 

The following article speaks to this topic with love & biblical insight... 
Love & Modesty

See, What a Morning

See, what a morning, gloriously bright,
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;
Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light,
As the angels announce, "Christ is risen!"
See God's salvation plan,
Wrought in love, borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
Fulfilled in Christ, the Man,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?"
As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb;
Hears a voice speaking, calling her name;
It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again!
The voice that spans the years,
Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us,
Will sound till He appears,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days,
Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty.
Honor and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned with pow'r and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

"See, What a Morning" (Resurrection Hymn)
Words and Music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2003 Kingsway Thankyou Music

"Were You There"

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?

Jubilant Sykes  singing "Were You There"

Were You There
By: Negro spiritual

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

It is always a good time for a little challenge, don't you think?  Especially after attending our week-end marriage conference with Dr. John Street from The Master's College. 
See the following link:
30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com.

If you have already given this a try or if you are looking at it for the first time, feel free to leave your comments below!

A Breath of Fresh Air...

Like a breath of fresh air are those who speak truth in love, are peacemakers and build others up in their faith.  Do you have someone in your life who brings life?  Although you know she is not perfect because God's Word tells us we are all sinners.  You can discern that she chooses her words carefully in order to edify the hearer.  You find that you are motivated to pursue the same kind of love for others after you have spent time with her.  If you find these qualities in your friend, be sure not to let it go unnoticed.  These are qualities that bring God glory and bring life to others! 

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." 

 Proverbs 27:17

Ephesians 4:29

Hebrews 10:24

Galatians 5:22-24

What Does It Look Like to Receive the New Testament for the First Time?

Please click link:
What Does It Look Like to Receive the New Testament for the First Time?

Upcoming Marriage Conference

If you live in the area, we would love to have you attend our Marriage Conference.

Are You Listening?

Listening is an art that is difficult to master, for it means to take an intense interest in the person who is speaking. Listening is the art of closing one’s mouth and opening one’s ears and heart. Listening is loving the neighbor as oneself; his concerns and problems are sufficiently important to be heard.
(Simon J. Kistemaker )

Oh Church Arise

O church, arise and put your armor on;
 Hear the call of Christ our captain;
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth
We'll stand against the devil's lies;
An army bold whose battle cry is "Love!"
Reaching out to those in darkness.

Our call to war, to love the captive soul,
But to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valor.
When faced with trials on ev'ry side,
We know the outcome is secure,
And Christ will have the prize for which He died—
An inheritance of nations.

Come, see the cross where love and mercy meet,
As the Son of God is stricken;
Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,
For the Conqueror has risen!
And as the stone is rolled away,
And Christ emerges from the grave,
This vict'ry march continues till the day
Ev'ry eye and heart shall see Him.

So Spirit, come, put strength in ev'ry stride,
Give grace for ev'ry hurdle,
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still line the way,
Retelling triumphs of His grace,
We hear their calls and hunger for the day
When, with Christ, we stand in glory.
 Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Hiding God's Word in Our Heart Take 2

Here is the second Quiz given for Lesson 2 of a biblical counseling study done by a couple of our church ladies.  We are sharing it today so you can give it a go!

Hebrews 4:12 (state complete verse)

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing from ­__________________ or empty conceit, but with ____________________of mind _________________ one another as _______________  _________________ than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own __________________ interests, but also for the ______________ of others.

Romans 12:21 (state complete verse)

 Matt. 7:1-5

Do not ____________ so that you will not be _____________.  For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by __________   ___________ of measure, it will be measured to you.  Why do you ____________ at the speck that is in your _____________ eye, but do not ______________ the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let ____ take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?  You _____________, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

If possible, look each verse up in a commentary so you can get a better understanding of it's meaning.

Audio by Elliot

The following audio from Elisabeth Elliot relates perfectly with previous post on dying to self.
click here and select:
Transformed Mind

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:1 NAU)

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.
 (Eph 6:1 NAU)

Hiding God's Word in Our Heart

Last summer a couple of our church ladies went through a biblical counseling class together.  Part of the homework was to memorize Scripture.  The following Quiz (yes, they had a quiz ;o) )  was given for Lesson 1.  We are sharing it today so you can give it a go!

1 Corinthians 11:9 for indeed man was not ______________ for the woman's sake, but ____________ for the man's sake.

_________________  Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

1 Peter 2:1-3  Therefore, putting aside all _____________  and all guile and hypocrisy and ____________  and all slander, 2 like newborn babes, ___________ for the pure milk of the  ____________  , that by it you may _____________ in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the ________________  of the Lord.

 

Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not ___________ for the man to be ______________; I will make him a helper _______________ for him."

So, how did you do?   Isn't it wonderful to have His Word hidden in your heart! 

Growing Means Dying?

Does growing as a Christian mean dying?
Our pastor at the Bible Church of Beebe has been preaching through the book of Ephesians, which has greatly challenged us in our Christian walk.  The last few Sundays he has taught in Ephesians chapter 5.  This past Sunday he shared with us a quote from pastor & teacher John MacArthur that is so powerful and life changing that we decided to share it with others.  In order for us to grow in Christ-likeness, we must learn to die to self, which is in complete opposition to the world's philosophy of self-esteem.  Although this quote was directed toward men, it is applicable for everyone.

 “Death to Self—saves you from being defensive, revengeful, retaliatory, hostile, accumulating the list of things against you.  When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposefully set aside, and you sting and hurt with the insult or oversight, but your heart is happy, and you count it a privilege to suffer for Christ—that is dying to self.   When your good is evil spoken of, when she misunderstands you, when your desires are not interesting to her, when your advice is disregarded and your opinions are ridiculed, when you are mistreated or misunderstood and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself—that is dying to self. When you lovingly patiently bear any disruption, any irregularity, any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with folly, and waste, extravagance and insensitivity and endure it as Jesus endured it, that is dying to self.  

When you are content with any food, any clothes, any climate, any society, any interruption, any solitude, that is dying to self.  When you never care to refer to yourself in a conversation, or to record and recite your own good works, or to pursue commendation, when you can truly love to be unrecognized for something good, that is dying to self.  

When you see someone else prosper, someone else reach goals that you desire and you can honestly rejoice with that other person in spirit, feel no envy and not question God while your needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances that is dying to self.  When you can receive correction and reproof from your wife and humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly feel no rebellion and no resentment rising in your heart, that is dying to self.  That’s what makes you the leader that God wants you to be in your home.”  

As God's child, what does it look like for you or me to die to self daily?   Although the specifics will be different for each of us, (each one has specific heart issues) we can all relate to the "heart struggle" or the dying to self struggle.   So, we can say that growing does mean dying...

Proverbs Chapter 17

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. 4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers. 7 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. 8 A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. 10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. 11 A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. 16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction. 20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. 21 He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him. 26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

It's a Great Time to Start

It's not only the beginning of a new year, but a new month.  If you have not already made it a part of your daily reading, why not try reading one chapter from the book of Proverbs a day.  Since there are 31 chapters, it is easy to read the chapter that coincides with the day of the month.  Just think - this book is God's principles for wise living!!! 

Proverbs 1

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit; 13 We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil; 14 Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse," 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, 16 For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood. 17 Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors. 20 Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; 21 At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: 22 "How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing And fools hate knowledge? 23 "Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 "Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; 25 And you neglected all my counsel And did not want my reproof; 26 I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, 27 When your dread comes like a storm And your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD. 30 "They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. 31 "So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices. 32 "For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33 "But he who listens to me shall live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil."  (NAU)