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NASB | Proverbs 3:13 ¶ How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 3:13 ¶ Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God's word and life's experiences], |
Bible Question:
Civil disobedience is permitted when one feels their conscience has been violated. Did you agree or disagree? See the following passages: Ex. 1:15-20; Prov. 24:11-12; Acts 5:27-29; Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13-14. |
Bible Answer: Kalos This is an interesting question. In scriptures we see many places where Old Testament and New Testament Saints violated various secular laws to accomplish what we would consider acts of conscience. However if like Paul we are to imitate him as he imitates Jesus we must look first at Jesus’ life. He never violated a secular law even though various things the Romans did must have revolted Him. The only time we see Jesus violate any law is when others actions violated God’s holiness, cleansing of the temple. He did violate the Jewish law or custom Sabbath but He in doing this He was clearly demonstrating His authority and position in the Godhead. However we never see Jesus decry crucifixion, slavery, graft, unfair taxation, or even persecution. Paul in his life never seemed to be involved in an social or civil protest. While he was punished and ill treated he never made an issue of the social injustice, he preached Jesus and Him crucified. Later we see all of Rome convert to Christianity not by social unrest, or even peaceful civil demonstrations but rather two things. One by prayer the most power force Christians possess and often the first overlooked. Secondly by watching how the Christians died in arena. The Christians were put there not because of their involvement in some social action but there because they refused to recant their Christianity. Saying all of this is to say seeking social justice and decision to participate in peaceful demonstration to achieve such justice is not seen of Christians in scripture. Also let me say the end result of protest often times is not always the desired result, many laws put in place to fight such things as racial prejudice here in this country are the very same laws now being used against Christians to denounce Homosexuality. Personally I believe persistent and fervent prayer of righteous men and women against social injustice is the most effective and most unused tool in Christendom today. If more people would pray and trust God, the wrong would be righted and an a new social injustice would not be created. EdB |