What we make allegiances with affects us. We partner with
people, organizations, ideas, and spiritual entities. If we are only told part
of a story or truth, we may be inclined to make a bad pledge. In many regards,
we see that in our modern media, each group has an agenda to push and some
believe if they repeat themselves loud enough that the simple minded will
partner with them. This is literally “team building”. But what we team up with
will either benefit us or harm us. Obviously, if we could see the spiritual
impact of our actions for thousands of years into the future we would be more
likely to make choices according to the benefits gained rather than the
immediate harm of our enemies. John tells us about a partnership we can have
with him and the Father. Peter, Paul, and Solomon explain partnership further,
and history shows us the result of bad partnering.
When John starts to write this letter, he makes the point
that he was an eyewitness to the events that took place when Jesus was on the
earth. He tells us that he was fully immersed in the events concerning the logos of zoe, “word of life”. He says
zoe was made visible and apparent, and John wants to announce the perpetual (aionios) zoe that was with the Father
which was made visible and apparent. John would like his readers to understand
that he was not just communicating what someone told him, he is communicating
what he experienced. That is important to understand. John experienced the
logos of zoe. Zoe was made visible to him and the others. John handled the
perpetual zoe that was with the Father. If earthly men could handle eternal
life with their hands, and eternal life was with the Father, this perpetual word
of life is tangible. John and the disciples, as well as the other people who
knew and experienced Jesus in Israel at the time that Jesus was on the earth,
had a real experience with the eternal word of life. John wants us to know that
this is not hearsay or philosophical thoughts or supposition, this experience
which they handled, saw, witnessed, and heard came from the Father.
1 John 1:1G3739Which G1510.7.3was G575from G746the beginning,
G3739which G191we
have heard, G3739which G3708we
have seen G3588with G3788our
eyes, G1473 G3739which G2300we
were spectators of, G2532and G3588 G5495our
hands G1473 G5584handled
G4012concerning
G3588the G3056word G3588of the
G2222life;
2G2532(and G3588the G2222life G5319was
made manifest, G2532and G3708we
have seen, G2532and G3140bear
witness, G2532and G2605announce
G1473to you
G3588the G2222[2life
G3588 G1661eternal]
G3748which G1510.7.3was G4314with G3588the G3962father,
G2532and G5319was
made manifest G1473to
us,)
Because of this real life experience of being with, walking
with, and talking with the manifested living eternal word, John says that we
should be partners with them. Now that is interesting. Being partners with
people on account of Jesus’ ministry on the earth. Fellowship is an awkward word in our day, it translates like a “social
gathering” rather than a “partnership”. John says that because they have
partnership or association with Jesus the Anointed and the Father, then we
should have partnership with them too.
1 John 1:3G3739which G3708we have
seen G2532and G191have
heard G518we
report G1473to
you, G2443that G2532also G1473you G2842[2fellowship
G21921should
have] G3326with G1473us; G2532and G3588[2the
G28423fellowship
G11611indeed],
G3588the
one G2251of
ours G3326is with
G3588the G3962father,
G2532and G3326with G3588 G5207his
son G1473 G*Jesus G5547Christ.
2842 LSJ Gloss: κοινωνία communion, association,
partnership, fellowship
Dodson: κοινωνία participation, communion, fellowship (lit:
partnership) (a) contributory help, participation, (b) sharing in, communion,
(c) spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit.
Strong's: κοινωνία partnership, i.e. (literally)
participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction Derivation:
from G2844; KJV
Usage: (to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship.
Thayer:
1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint
participation, intercourse
1a) the share which one has in anything, participation
1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)
1c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship
1a) the share which one has in anything, participation
1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)
1c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship
κοινωνία koinōnia koy-nohn-ee'-ah From G2844; partnership,
that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse,
or (pecuniary) benefaction KJV Usage: (to) communicate (-ation),
communion, (contri-), distribution, fellowship.
If we take a little refresher through history we will
understand this idea of fellowship. The line of the Prophets and Zedek Priests
originated with Shem; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all took part in the schooling.
David and Solomon merged this group into the Tabernacle/Temple
Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood, however the Prophets continued to live in other
areas and the Zedeks kept themselves separate from the priests of the Mosaic
Law. The Zedeks and Prophets came before the Mosaic Law. When the Kingdom split
and eventually fell, the Zedeks and Prophets continued on in separate
communities. When the Greek kingdom fell to the Romans, the final split
occurred. When a non-Aaronic priest was appointed High Priest by a Roman
official (Johnathan Maccabee; Antiochus) those people who stayed in temple
service with the defiled priesthood became known as the Pharisees, while the
others who left became known as the Prophets, Zedeks, Essenes, Nazarenes,
Therapeutaes, and the Damascus Community. These people stayed true to the Holy
Spirit, partnering with the Holy Spirit, while the compromisers did not. The
Pharisees partnered with the temple, temple service, and the law. Jesus and
John the Baptist came out of the order of the Essenes/Nazarenes/Therapeutaes,
and were educated in their schooling which concluded at around age 30. This is
the reason John and Jesus were at odds with the Pharisees.
While the Pharisees became pious self-righteous legalists,
the Essenes/Nazarenes/Therapeutaes lived in the outer regions surrounding
Israel in community holding to the lifestyle that Shem had introduced. They
shared money, clothing, food, and worked together for the good of the community
while educating younger people, worshipping, and serving Yahweh. They were in
partnership with one another. They were closely associated communities and
traveled between each, sharing scribed text. We studied this part of history
last year at this time in more detail, but to understand what John is saying we
have to understand these people. That is because the first century church did
what these people did. As soon as people repented and believed on Jesus as Lord
and Messiah, they sold what they had, lived in community, and studied and
fellowshipped together.
The first believers after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and
ascension all became partners, as the Essenes.
Acts 2: 42G1510.7.6And
they were G1161 G4342attending
constantly G3588in the
G1322teaching
G3588of the
G652apostles,
G2532and G3588in the
G2842fellowship,
G2532and G3588in the
G2800breaking
G3588 G740of
bread, G2532and G3588in the
G4335prayers
Let’s read this in context.
Acts 2:38-47 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your
views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of
rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for
you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for
as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself. [Isa 57:19;
Joel 2:32.] 40 And [Peter] solemnly and earnestly witnessed (testified) and
admonished (exhorted) with much more continuous speaking and warned (reproved,
advised, encouraged) them, saying, Be saved from this crooked (perverse,
wicked, unjust) generation. 41 Therefore those who accepted and welcomed his
message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000 souls. 42 And
they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction
and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's
Supper] and prayers. 43 And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every
soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the
special messengers). 44 And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and
relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in
common; 45 And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and
their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had
need. 46 And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united
purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord's Supper].
They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, 47
Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people;
and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved
[from spiritual death]. AMP
This is the type of partnership that John is advocating.
Not simply a church pot luck once per week. John was advocating living in
partnership so that others could learn about the living eternal word who came
from the Father. The Essene/Nazarene/Therapeutae/Damascus Communities along
with the Prophets were partners with the Father and His Son, and John wanted
people to do the same. Therefore when Peter called for people to repent and be
baptized, and three thousand people were added to the community, the religious
dynamic of Jerusalem changed. Paul says that we were called into a partnership
with Jesus.
1 Cor 1: 9G4103TrustworthyG3588 G2316is GodG1223throughG3739whomG2564you
were calledG1519intoG2842a
fellowshipG3588 G5207of his
sonG1473 G*JesusG5547ChristG3588 G2962our
Lord.G1473
This type of association was not simply being acquainted
with the Father and Jesus our Lord, it is a relationship on a personal level.
We are partners together with rather than distant subjects in a kingdom where
we are not known personally. Paul gives us some insight into the time period
when he speaks about the love feast and what we call communion. We have all
been to events where the people at the event raise their glass in a toast,
whether it is in celebration of a new year, a wedding, or a funeral, toasting
is a way of agreeing together. This is the idea Paul is communicating
here.
1 Cor 10: 16G3588The G4221cup G3588of the
G2129blessing
G3739which G2127we
bless, G3780[2not
G28423fellowship
G35884of the
G1295blood G35886of the
G55477Christ
G1510.2.31is
it]? G3588The G740bread G3739which G2806we
break, G3780[2not
G28423fellowship
G35884of the
G49835body G35886of the
G55477Christ
G1510.2.31is
it]?
1 Cor 10:15-17 I am speaking as to intelligent (sensible)
men. Think over and make up your minds [for yourselves] about what I say. [I
appeal to your reason and your discernment in these matters.] 16 The cup of
blessing [of wine at the Lord's Supper] upon which we ask [God's] blessing, does
it not mean [that in drinking it] we participate in and share a fellowship (a
communion) in the blood of Christ (the Messiah)? The bread which we break, does
it not mean [that in eating it] we participate in and share a fellowship (a
communion) in the body of Christ? 17 For we [no matter how] numerous we are,
are one body, because we all partake of the one Bread [the One Whom the
communion bread represents]. 18 Consider those [physically] people of Israel.
Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners of the altar [united in their
worship of the same God]? [Lev 7:6.] 19 What do I imply then? That food offered
to idols is [intrinsically changed by the fact and amounts to] anything or that
an idol itself is a [living] thing? 20 No, I am suggesting that what the pagans
sacrifice they offer [in effect] to demons (to evil spiritual powers) and not
to God [at all]. I do not want you to fellowship and be partners with
diabolical spirits [by eating at their feasts]. [Deut 32:17.] 21 You cannot
drink the Lord's cup and the demons' cup. You cannot partake of the Lord's
table and the demons' table. AMP
Our wine does not turn into blood, nor does our bread turn
into a body, any more than pagan sacrifices do. What we are doing is agreeing
that Jesus is Lord and remembering his shed blood and broken body when we
partake in what we call communion. Truly speaking from a literal standpoint,
communion/fellowship/partnership is what we are declaring or announcing. We are
partners with Jesus while we are on earth because of his shed blood and broken
body which John and the other people all witnessed in person, Jesus the logos
of zoe from the Father. And Paul suggests not to partake in joining ourselves
with demonic partners but instead Jesus. Paul says we can’t do both. If we
think about that from the standpoint of making agreements in partnerships, we
can’t be partners with Christ and the devil. We will end up partnering with
devil because we cannot have fellowship with light and darkness as we see next.
2 Cor 6: 14G3361Do not
G1096become
G2086yoked
with a different kind -- G571unbelievers.
G5100For
what G1063 G3352sharing
G1343righteousness
G2532and G458lawlessness?
G5100And
what G1161 G2842fellowship
G5457light G4314with G4655darkness?
This idea is used in a lot of various ways, but to be clear.
light does not have partnership with darkness. This is great news for all the
people who think in terms of black and white, but for those who see a lot of
gray areas in life, we have to point out that there is no gray area here. Light
dispels dark. Light eliminates dark. Light changes environments that are dark.
When we talk about being yoked, it is similar to trying to plow a field with
one ox and one kitten. The ox is strong and the kitten is not. But when we put
this in perspective to light and dark, or Jesus and the devil, the two cannot
work together. Jesus and the devil will not walk next to each other plowing a
field. They are antagonistic forces. Spiritual opposites. Therefore Paul is
trying to tell us to stop trying to befriend lawlessness and remain righteous.
The Essenes wrote extensively in regards to light and dark.
Paul is talking about the generous giving of the Macedonian
church. This is one way we partner with others. This type of partnership we
have probably heard of in our modern church age as this is a common vernacular.
We partner with ministries when we give.
2 Cor 8: 3G3754For G2596according
to G1411their power,
G3140I
witness, G2532and G5228above G1411their power
G830their enthusiasm,
4G3326with G4183much G3874consolation
G1189beseeching
G1473of us G3588the G5484favor G2532and G3588the G2842fellowship
G3588of the
G1248service,
G3588of the
one G1519for G3588the G39holy
ones, G1209for us
to receive it .G1473
And again on the subject of giving, Paul tells us it is
fellowship/partnership to give generously.
2 Cor 9:13G1223through
G3588the G1382proof G3588 G1248of
this service G3778 G1392glorifying
G3588 G2316God G1909upon G3588the G5292submission
G3588 G3671of
your acknowledgment offering G1473 G1519to G3588the G2098good
news G3588of the
G5547Christ,
G2532and G572simplicity
G3588of the
G2842fellowship
G1519to G1473them G2532and G1519unto G3956all,
2 Cor 9:12-13 For the service that the ministering of this
fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God's
people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God. 13
Because at [your] standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God
for your loyalty and obedience to the Gospel of Christ which you confess, as
well as for your generous-hearted liberality to them and to all [the other
needy ones]. AMP
Paul tells us that we have the partnership of the Holy
Spirit in his prayer for us.
2 Cor 13:14G3588The G5484favor G3588of the
G2962Lord G*Jesus G5547Christ,
G2532and G3588the G26love G3588 G2316of
God, G2532and G3588the G2842fellowship
G3588of the
G39holy G4151spirit
G3326be with
G3956you
all.G1473 G281Amen
Our partnership with the Holy Spirit is not just a casual
time to chit-chat, but as partners we work together, hammer out details, aid
and support the Holy Spirit’s ministry on the earth. As associates we
communicate frequently, not only upon emergencies but regularly.
Paul recounts a time when he, Barnabas, Peter, and John had
a discussion about going to tell the nations about Jesus. Being given the right
hand of fellowship/partnership is like a handshake agreeing that this is a good
idea. The four agreed that Paul and Barnabas would speak to the nations and
that John and Peter would continue with the circumcised ones. They were
partners together on different missions.
Gal 2: 9G2532and G1097knowing
G3588the G5484favor G3588 G1325being
given G1473to me,
G*James G2532and G*Cephas
G2532and G*John, G3588the
ones G1380assuming
G4769to be
columns of strength, G1510.1 G1188[5 their right hands
G13251gave G14732to me G25323and G*4Barnabas]
G2842of
fellowship, G2443that G1473we G1519should
go unto
G3588the G1484nations,
G1473but
they G1161 G1519to G3588the G4061circumcision
What is the benefit of Paul and Barnabas talking about
going to the nations rather than the circumcision? In those days Peter had led
the non-Jews to the Lord, the house of Cornelius, and Paul and Barnabas felt
that call. So Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus, a non-Jewish town. And
he explains something that is truly amazing. He says that because he went to
the non-Jews, he was given a great secret to proclaim.
Eph 3:9G2532and G5461to
enlighten G3956all G5100as to what is
G3588the G2842fellowship
G3588of the
G3466mystery
G3588of the
G613thing
being concealed G575from G3588the G165eons G1722by G3588 G2316God, G3588to the
one G3588[2all things
G3956 G29361having
created] G1223through
G*JesusG5547Christ,
10G2443that G1107should
be made known G3568now G3588to the
G746sovereignties
G2532and G3588to the
G1849authorities
G1722among G3588the G2032heavenlies
G1223through
G3588the G1577assembly,
G3588the G4182multifarious
G4678wisdom
G3588 G2316of
God, 11G2596according
to G4286the intention
G3588of the
G165eons, G3739which G4160he
made G1722in G5547Christ
G*Jesus G3588 G2962our
Lord; G1473 12G1722in G3739whom G2192we
have G3588 G3954an
open manner G2532and G3588 G4318access
G1722inG4006reliance
G1223through
G3588the G4102belief
G1473of his.
Eph 3:4 When you read this you can understand my insight
into the mystery of Christ. 5 [This mystery] was never disclosed to human
beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles
(consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit. 6 [It is this:]
that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the
same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ
through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel). 7 Of this [Gospel]
I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace (undeserved
favor) which was bestowed on me by the exercise (the working in all its
effectiveness) of His power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the
saints (God's consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted
and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless,
fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no
human being could have searched out], 9 Also to enlighten all men and make
plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the
salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed
until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus. 10 [The
purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God
in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to
the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly
sphere. 11 This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless
purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ
Jesus our Lord, 12 In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the
boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God
with freedom and without fear). AMP
The partnership of the mystery of what was hidden since the
ages began, is that non-Jews were heirs and of the same body. This was revealed
to Paul and the other Apostles and then to the heavenly sons of God. The
mystery of the nations and the sons of Jacob becoming one body as a partnership
that was hidden since the earth age began. The heavenly beings wanted to see
what this mystery was but could not see it. This fellowship/partnership between
the goyim and the Jews was a mystery, even after Jesus settled the matter by
his redeeming blood. It wasn’t until it was revealed to Paul, after he went to
the nations/goyim that this partnership existed. Imagine if we recognized that
this partnership between Jews and non-Jews was God’s plan all along? Imagine if
we didn’t separate ourselves by denominations, race, gender, but instead we
recognized we were all one in Christ. Redeemed.
John goes on in his letter to say that when we partner with
them and the Father and Son, their joy becomes full. He gives us the
over-encompassing message that God is light and in Him is no darkness. In time
perspective, John wrote this after Paul. This tells us that the discussion
regarding the witnessing to the nations happened prior. This also tells us that
Paul’s revelation of the mystery of the one body was written prior to this
letter. Also John wrote this letter after the destruction of the temple and
fall of Jerusalem. What John is confirming for us is that the partnering and
association of Jew and non-Jew as one is a doctrine of light.
1 John 1:4G2532And G3778these things
G1125we
write G1473to
you, G2443that G3588 G5479our
joy is G1473 G1510.3being
full. G4137 5G2532And G3778this G1510.2.3is G3588the G1860promise
G3739which G191we
have heard G575from G1473him, G2532and G312we
announce G1473to you,
G3754that G3588 G2316God G5457is
light, G1510.2.3 G2532and G4653darkness
G1722[3in
G14734him G37561is not
G1510.2.3 G37622in any
way]. 6G1437If G2036we
should say G3754that G2842[2fellowship
G21921we
have] G3326with G1473him, G2532and G1722in G3588the G4655darkness
G4043should
walk, G5574we
lie, G2532and G3756we do
not observe G4160 G3588the G225truth.
In order to observe the truth we cannot partner with
darkness. To review history from where we last left off regarding the Essenes
etc., after Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of the Father, the disciples
told others about what they experienced, showed others the power of God, and
established communities all over the world based on the knowledge of the mystery.
As we know, many people were martyred in many different parts of the world. By
70 CE the temple had been destroyed after the Jews themselves had their own civil
war with the Zealots and Idumeans, squaring off against the Jews, including the
Pharisees and Priests. The Zealots wanted to take over control of Jerusalem,
but the rest of the people would not fight Rome. The Zealots (being fascists)
murdered any Jew who would not fight with them, even blocking the exits to the
city so that those attempting to escape were murdered. The Romans watched on
for a while taking a break from their own warring and let the Jews kill
themselves off. Finally the Romans stepped in, destroying the city, killing the
Zealots, leveling the temple and driving out the Jews. Jews were no longer
allowed in Jerusalem. Jesus warned the people that when they saw the city
surrounded they should flee to the hills. The city was surrounded by the Zealots
and Idumeans, some people got out. The city was technically not surrounded by
Roman solders as the Roman fortress Antonia was “next door” to the temple. The
Romans didn’t have to surround Jerusalem they were established in Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the Essenes saw the uprising and they hid much
of their scribed documents in the clay pots that the Therapeutaes manufactured
for wine, in caves, and left the region. They believed on Jesus and were
technically not Jews, but Christians. When other Jews escaped Jerusalem, they
headed for the desert and attempted to live in places like Qumran which had
been vacated, or Masada, until the Romans entered the fracas and came after the
outlying communities. The Essenes/Nazarenes/Therapeutaes spread out to many
places worldwide, and the Jews who were driven and banned from Jerusalem had to
establish new places to live as well. Some Jews established a community near
what today is Tel Aviv. They started a school and then proceeded to erase Jesus
from all text and documents. Other Jews established communities in Assyria,
Babylon, Asia Minor, and the Black Sea. But they brought their partnership with
darkness with them. Eventually, as we have studied, a group of Masoretes wrote
their own Bible, eliminating Old Covenant prophecies and changing dates to
attempt to make others the Messiah in place of Jesus. That covenant with
darkness is what has burdened all people through time up to today. The
religious leaders rejected the Prophets, they made partnerships with the
defiled non-Aaronic high priest, and they partnered with the temple instead of
the Holy Spirit. They continued to partner with darkness, blaming the
Christians for the early turmoil in Jerusalem, putting many to death. They
further neglected the light when every hundred years or so announced a new
Messiah. Notice that one partnership with darkness leads to multiple
partnerships with darkness. They continued in this vein, rejecting Jesus and
rejecting the Holy Spirit, all the while claiming they were following God. Simply
put they were following god; they were following the “god of this world”, not
Yahweh.
This is the continued turmoil we find ourselves in today.
Jesus is the eternal word of life who John, the disciples, and many others
knew, heard, touched, and partnered with. Many Jews rejected the Spirit of
Wisdom, the Holy Spirit, and made alliances with the temple. Instead of
communing with the Spirit of the Living God their allegiance was with the stone
temple that Jesus foretold would not have one stone left on top of another.
Jesus’ words were true, the Fortress Antonia is all that is left, while the
City of David and the hill itself have been leveled. The temple has never been
on the Fortress Antonia which is where people think it used to be; incidentally
it needed a fresh water supply which the Fortress never had. If we take those
errors in history and combine them with the intentional erasing of prophecies,
and altering of dates in the Bible, we see that the partnership the Jews made
with darkness only served to shoot themselves in the foot. Many discount the
historical aspect of the Bible because of those alterations; and because of
that, today there is constant fighting over who “was there first”, Jews or
Palestinians.
In the broader context, we see that what seemed like a
partnership with darkness on a small scale was and is used by darkness to
continue to keep people from the eternal word of life today. There are not two
houses/bodies/religions under Jesus the Messiah there is only one, that is the
mystery that was hidden from before the foundations, which angels wished they
could see into. Those who are of the one body don’t need a location or a stone
building to complete their partnership. They simply need the Holy Spirit, the
Spirit of Wisdom. I’ll leave off with these words from wise Solomon, and we
will explore partnerships again next time.
Wisdom 6:20-7:14 Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to
a kingdom.21 If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings of the
people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.22 As for wisdom, what
she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and will not hide mysteries from
you: but will seek her out from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the
knowledge of her into light, and will not pass over the truth.23 Neither will I
go with consuming envy; for such a man shall have no fellowship with wisdom.24
But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise king is
the upholding of the people.25 Receive therefore instruction through my words,
and it shall do you good. 7:1-14 I myself also am a mortal man, like to all,
and the offspring of him that was first made of the earth,2 And in my mother's
womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time of ten months, being compacted in
blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure that came with sleep.3 And when I
was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like
nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.4 I
was nursed in swaddling clothes, and that with cares.5 For there is no king
that had any other beginning of birth.6 For all men have one entrance into
life, and the like going out.7 Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given
me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.8 I preferred her
before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.9
Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all gold in respect of
her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.10 I
loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for
the light that cometh from her never goeth out.11 All good things together came
to me with her, and innumerable riches in her hands.12 And I rejoiced in them
all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knew not that she was the mother
of them.13 I learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do not
hide her riches.14 For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which
they that use become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that
come from learning. KJV
