WORTHLESS PURSUITS ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED BIBLE UNLESS NOTED
We have long been aware of the principle of “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS” and the impediment this pattern produces in our spiritual growth.
But equally as insidious is that condition spelled-out in Proverbs 12:11,
Proverbs 12:11 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows WORTHLESS PURSUITS (H7386 Strong’s) is lacking in sense and is without understanding.
WORTHLESS PURSUITS can be expunged from our mind and our calendar by adopting the recommendation of James 3:13 – 17, starting out to ask, “who is wise and intelligent”, which is the opposite of “senseless and without understanding”, and describing the wise man. He has already prescribed in chapter 1:5 that we have available this resource, but how frequently do we ask?
WISDOM and WORK go hand-in-hand. If we refer back three verses from our text in Proverbs 12:11 Solomon has stated in verse 8 “a man shall be commended according to his wisdom” and sums it up in verse 9 and 10 by highlighting the practical aspects of the “wisdom from above”, the one who “is highly esteemed, BUT WORKS”, and then verse 10 taking it further, “even regarding the life of his beast”, which in the time this was written the beast formed the ability to “Till the land” of verse 12, a worthy pursuit.
Should we reflect, we will find that “WORTHLESS PURSUITS” often are the result of “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS”. (Ephesians 4:17 ISV) There is, however, recorded in weighty words, the practical progression that will preserve us from this inappropriate behaviour pattern. Several translations use the word “FANTASIES” as the description of “WORTHLESS PURSUITS”, and that is apt.
Proverbs 8:14 I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.
This practical progression, required for “PROPER PURSUITS” appears in four significant and identifiable steps, worth exploring and experiencing. They are requisite in eliminating “WORTHLESS PURSUITS” : –
- Counsel
- Sound knowledge
- Understanding (Experience)
- Might and power
COUNSEL
COUNSEL includes “interchange and exchange of opinions” so we can both give and receive counsel. The Berean’s did this (Acts 17:11), “with an inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” and Malachi went on to describe people of counsel.
Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name. (Or contemplated and meditated .. Comments mine)
The major contributor to our success is the realm of our thoughts, for our actions, are determined by our motives or attitudes or heart.
“WORTHLESS PURSUITS” are the result of “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS” and so the Scripture, “as a man thinks in his heart so is it”, paints a very sorry picture in some instances.
Psalm 1:1 BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) (not a mean condition .. comments mine) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
Note these “WORTHLESS PURSUITS” include the descriptions, immobile or inactive, sedentary, resulting in derision.
But progress into Psalm 1:2 the psalmist then paints the picture of “VALUABLE PURSUITS” and it into involved is habitual thought and study program.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
There is a distinct deterioration in the person who will accommodate and engage in the WORTHLESS THOUGHTS and WORTHLESS PURSUITS of the world. It starts when the man “WALKS”, then deteriorates to where he “STANDS”, and finally that settledness where he finally “SITS DOWN” with the perpetrators of poor advice, having succumbed. Initially, the person was making progress by walking, gets distracted by the proposed ease and worldly attractions, and finally succumbs and sits down. The company described, unfortunately, contains undisciplined and inappropriate people.
John 8:37 [Yes] I know that you are Abraham’s offspring; yet you plan to kill Me, because My word has no entrance (MAKES NO PROGRESS, does not find any place) in you.
Proverbs 27:9 Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.
Oil-based perfumes boast a highly desirable secondary benefit. Not only do you smell great, but you also feel great, just like Solomon said. But he has extended the principle to equate real and genuine counsel using the premise that oil-based perfumes tend to cost more than alcohol-based scents. To produce that wonderful smell, perfumers have to use the purest oils (and more of them), but it’s definitely worth the extra cost.
Competent counsel is a valuable resource when we have “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS” leading to “WORTHLESS PURSUITS”. Jesus received such an endorsement from His Father, and Isaiah recorded the magnitude.
Isaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him–the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of COUNSEL and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord—
Isaiah speaks of Jesus in this case; however, Solomon in penning Proverbs 8:14 uses this same description for “WISDOM”, and in both cases, it is for our pattern and example. The “reverential and obedient fear of the Lord” of Isaiah is the “might and power” of Proverbs.
Proverbs 8:14 I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.
SOUND KNOWLEDGE
Notice that there are obviously different kinds of knowledge. Knowledge is accumulated information that is meaningful in forms such as understanding, awareness and ability. It is generally acquired by study, information gleaned, experimentation, education, reading, discipline and thought processes such as imagination and critical thinking, which I like to call “CONTEMPLATION AND MEDITATION”. And when applied in practice results in “EXPERIENCE”.
“SOUND KNOWLEDGE” however is quite unlike what is popularly conceived. Academic learning is highly rated by our society and infers an intellectually superior individual by conferring degrees or diplomas or other awards that are intended to recognise their “KNOWLEDGE”. The Bible refers to it as “Sense and reason” but then polarises the category to promote one to life, the other to death.
Romans 8:6 Now the MIND OF THE FLESH [which is sense and reason WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT] is DEATH [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. BUT THE MIND OF THE [HOLY] SPIRIT IS LIFE AND [SOUL] PEACE [BOTH NOW AND FOREVER]. (By extrapolation it means “sense and reason WITH the Holy Spirit)
Approval from the Lord is achieved not by merely academic awards; it comes from an energetic and enthusiastic study of God’s Word, bathed in meditation and contemplation. (2 Timothy 2:15) it requires an unquestioning acceptance of trials and an intensely accurate interpretation of the Word of God.
The process requires more than just an overview, but an in-depth appreciation of the extent, the intent and the content. “SOUND KNOWLEDGE” has both the ability to understand and the ability to explain, and the real source of this ability is the Holy Spirit’s touch on our soul.
UNDERSTANDING
Like “SOUND KNOWLEDGE”, “UNDERSTANDING” does not depend on a man’s IQ but on his experience, but more than that, there is available a resource better than any University. Anything less than this becomes a “WORTHLESS PURSUIT” and Job makes it clear where our efforts should be centred.
Job 32:8 But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding.
“UNDERSTANDING” is the result of “SOUND KNOWLEDGE” and is developed by experience. We should, however, ask, do “WORTHLESS PURSUITS” have a basis of “SOUND KNOWLEDGE” or “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS”?
Matthew 15:16 says that “without understanding” we are “unable to put things together”. Father expects from us some evidence of knowledge according to the time and means we have. The more “time and means”, the less “allowances”. He expects us to be able to “put things together” both in our lives and our interpretation of the Word of God. Ephesians 5:17 indicates that to be “without understanding” results in our being “vague, thoughtless, foolish”, traits regularly apparent in “WORTHLESS PURSUITS”.
How does this happen you may ask, well if we reflect on what the Bible says, we will understand that the Word of God, which is “GOD BREATHED”, when consistently imbibed, contemplated and meditated, then the “Spirit of Intelligence”, the Holy Spirit, gives us UNDERSTANDING and the Almighty is just waiting to hand this inspired or God-breathed Word to all who will seek it.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 EVERY SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in CONFORMITY to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (Equipped in the manner nominated in these verses will ensure we walk in “UNDERSTANDING and live in conformity ” .. comments mine)
Mark gives an excellent description of “UNDERSTANDING” in chapter 12:33 “ And to love Him out of and with all the heart and with all the UNDERSTANDING [with the faculty of quick apprehension and intelligence and keenness of discernment]
Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
This is confirmation of 2 Timothy 3. Throughout scripture we see that when God speaks, His very breath is charged with all the information necessary to create a universe, create life in a man, still the raging oceans, heal the sick and afflicted, deliver the demon-possessed, multiply loaves and fishes, decimate armies. If that is not enough see what Hebrews says,
Hebrews 4:12 FOR THE WORD THAT GOD SPEAKS is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Why then would anyone neglect the reading and intense study of God’s Word, forego that spirit of intelligence which affords divine understanding, and continue to wallow in the supposed mental ability of a mere mortal, engaging in “WORTHLESS PURSUITS”?
MIGHT AND POWER THE ANTIDOTE TO “WORTHLESS PURSUITS”.
There is “MIGHT and POWER” in the secular world comprising “MONEY” and “AUTHORITY”, and the scramble of society to have either or both corrupts principles and encourages “WORTHLESS PURSUITS”.
The Christian virtue of MIGHT and POWER is bound up in our reflection of Christ, only achievable by our unquestioning obedience to His Word. Our MIGHT and POWER consists of a life of contrast, has a significant influence on principalities and powers, carries a fragrance, illuminates dark places, and Peter encourages the strenuous pursuit of contributing exercises.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].
How unintelligent is it for anyone to exhaust themselves in pursuit of a goal demanding ability and stamina sourced purely within themselves? We all have at one point, or another reached the state of fatigue and wondered if we had the wherewithal to proceed to the conclusion.
So, if the goal is “WORTH PURSUING” then we have available “STRENGTH”, both in RESOLVE and RESULT, both the MIGHT and the POWER. What a revitalization and dynamism when the objective is “WORTHWHILE”, what futility if God is not in it. Solomon, the wisest man, had obviously pondered this subject and came to the conclusion in Ecclesiastes, but then in Proverbs, he has embarked on “WORTHWHILE PURSUITS” having been suitably equipped.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a striving after the wind and a feeding on wind.
Proverbs 8:14 I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.
Note, this is where we started, and now all four components of success coalesce so that we are on track with “WORTHWHILE PURSUITS” because we have chosen to regard the instructions of Hebrews 4:12 by following, “THE WORD THAT GOD SPEAKS is alive and full of power”.
Here is a prayer that should be on everyone’s lips continually, because we all can benefit from the power and might, and we all need the “ENDURANCE, STEADFASTNESS AND PATIENCE” (E.S.P.) which will give God the glory.
Colossians 1:11 [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [TO EXERCISE] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,
WORTHLESS THOUGHTS = WORTHLESS PURSUITS = WORTHLESS RESULTS.
If we have proper counsel, 1 Corinthians 2:16 applies, it gives us “guidance, instruction, knowledge”. This is as a result of having obtained the mind, or counsels of God, and so our “thoughts, feelings and purposes” are the effective antidote to the “WORTHLESS” whether it be thoughts or pursuits.
1 Corinthians 2:16 For who has known or understood the mind (the COUNSELS AND PURPOSES) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.
We have been constantly encouraged to review and modify our thinking patterns, and I expect some progress has been made, but the one test is, “do we still have WORTHLESS PURSUITS”? If the answer is yes, then we must review our “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS”.
I have a question mark over the obsession of our society for the masochistic pursuit of “fitness” by engaging in repetitive, aggressive exercise. It cannot be totally discounted, because the Word says it “profiteth little”, so the purpose needs to be identifiable as something more than pride, either in how many push-ups we can do, or how we might look in Lycra.
To “exercise” as prescribed in 2 Peter 1 suggests, seems much wiser counsel than that of a personal gymnastic trainer.
Proverbs 12:11 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows WORTHLESS PURSUITS (H7386 Strong’s) is lacking in sense and is without understanding.
Mark 8:34-35 And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. For whoever wants to save his [higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the lower, natural, temporal life which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it [his higher, spiritual life in the eternal kingdom of God].
SELAH
Ross Smith 