Lesson 8 - Study Help

Lesson 8 November 18 - 24

Apples of Gold

Memory Text:(Prov 25:11 NKJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

Sabbath Afternoon

(Mat 12:34 NIV) You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

(Mat 12:34 NKJV) "Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

(Prov 15:4 NKJV) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

(Prov 10:19 NKJV) In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

(Prov 26:28 NKJV) A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

(Prov 10:11 NKJV) The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

(Prov 30:5 NKJV) Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Sunday

The Power Of The Tongue

(Prov 15:4 NKJV) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

(James 3:212 NKJV) For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. {3} Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. {4} Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. {5} Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! {6} And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. {7} For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. {8} But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. {9} With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. {10} Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. {11} Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? {12} Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

(Mat 12:3437 NKJV) "Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. {35} "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. {36} "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. {37} "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Education, p. 30

These principles become a living power to shape the character, through the acquaintance of the soul with Christ, through an acceptance of His wisdom as the guide, His power as the strength, of heart and life. This union formed, the student has found the Source of wisdom. He has within his reach the power to realize in himself his noblest ideals. The opportunities of the highest education for life in this world are his. And in the training here gained, he is entering upon that course which embraces eternity. {Ed 30.1}

In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, "other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." "It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell." 1 Corinthians 3:11; Colossians 1:19, R.V. {Ed 30.2}

Under changed conditions, true education is still conformed to the Creator's plan, the plan of the Eden school. Adam and Eve received instruction through direct communion with God; we behold the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ. {Ed 30.3}

The great principles of education are unchanged. "They stand fast for ever and ever" (Psalm III:8); for they are the principles of the character of God. To aid the student in comprehending these principles, and in entering into that relation with Christ which will make them a controlling power in the life, should be the teacher's first effort and his constant aim. The teacher who accepts this aim is in truth a coworker with Christ, a laborer together with God. {Ed 30.4}

(Prov 4:23 NKJV) Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

(Prov 4:2021 NKJV) My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. {21} Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;

(Phil 4:13 NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(Phil 4:13 NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1157

The Light Burns Dimly.The light which is given to shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day, burns dimly. (p. 1157) The church no longer sends out the clear bright rays of light amidst the moral darkness that is enveloping the world as a funeral pall. The light of many does not burn or shine. They are moral icebergs (Letter 1f, 1890). {3BC 1156.7}

2022. See EGW on Ex. 20:317, Vol. 1, p. 1105. {3BC 1157.1}

23 (1 Thess. 5:17; see EGW on Ps. 19:14). How Hearts May Be Kept for God."Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Diligent heartkeeping is essential to a healthy growth in grace. The heart in its natural state is a habitation for unholy thoughts and sinful passions. When brought into subjection to Christ, it must be cleansed by the Spirit from all defilement. This can not be done without the consent of the individual. {3BC 1157.2}

When the soul has been cleansed, it is the duty of the Christian to keep it undefiled. Many seem to think that the religion of Christ does not call for the abandonment of daily sins,

the breaking loose from habits which have held the soul in bondage. They renounce some things condemned by the conscience, but they fail to represent Christ in the daily life. They do not bring Christlikeness into the home. They do not show a thoughtful care in their choice of words. Too often, fretful, impatient words are spoken, words which stir the worst passions of the human heart. Such ones need the abiding presence of Christ in the soul. Only in His strength can they keep guard over the words and actions. {3BC 1157.3}

In the work of heartkeeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for help. The Saviour has told us to pray without ceasing. The Christian can not always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and desires can always be upward. Our selfconfidence would vanish, did we talk less and pray more (YI March 5, 1903). {3BC 1157.4}

(Ps. 19:14; Eph. 4:13.) Christians should be careful that they keep the heart with all diligence. They should cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. I wish you could all view these things in the light God would have you; for you would then make the kingdom of heaven of the first importance. To keep your heart in heaven, will give vigor to all your graces, and put life into all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly things, will put life and earnestness into all our endeavors. Our efforts are languid, and we run the Christian race slowly, and manifest indolence and sloth, because we so little value the heavenly prize. We are dwarfs in spiritual attainments. It is the privilege and duty of the Christian to be "increasing in the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." [Eph. 4:13.] As exercise increases the appetite, and gives strength and healthy vigor to the body, so will devotional exercises bring an increase of grace and spiritual vigor. {3BC 1157.5}

The affections should center upon God. Contemplate His greatness, His mercy and excellences. Let His goodness and love and perfection of character captivate your heart. Converse upon His divine charms, and the heavenly mansions He is preparing for the faithful. He whose conversation is in heaven, is the most profitable Christian to all around him. His words are useful and refreshing. They have a transforming power upon those who hear them, and will melt and subdue the soul (RH March 29, 1870). {3BC 1157.6}

Practical Religion Breathes Fragrance.Let the prayer go up to God, "Create in me a clean heart;" for a pure, cleansed soul has Christ abiding therein, and out of the abundance of the heart are the issues of life. The human will is to be yielded to Christ. Instead of passing on, closing the heart in selfishness, there is need of opening the heart to the sweet influences of the Spirit of God. Practical religion breathes its fragrance everywhere. It is a savor of life unto life (Letter 31a, 1894). {3BC 1157.7}

Monday

Words That Destroy, Part 1

(Prov 14:5 NKJV) A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies.

(Prov 14:25 NKJV) A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies.

(Prov 18:8 NKJV) The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

(Prov 19:5 NKJV) A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.

(Prov 19:9 NKJV) A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.

(Prov 20:14 NKJV) "It is good for nothing," cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.

(Prov 26:1819 NKJV) Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, {19} Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "I was only joking!"

Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309

Both public and private sins are included in this prohibition. The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage oneself by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is registered as fraud in the books of heaven. {PP 309.1}

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." {PP 309.2}

False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, a falsehood may be told as effectually as by words. All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort to injure our neighbor's reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander or tale bearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment. {PP 309.3}

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's." {PP 309.4}

The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who in obedience to God's law refrains from indulging even a sinful desire for that which belongs to another will not be guilty of an act of wrong toward his fellow creatures. {PP 309.5}

Such were the sacred precepts of the Decalogue, spoken amid thunder and flame, and with a wonderful display of the power and majesty of the great Lawgiver. God accompanied the proclamation of His law with exhibitions of His power and glory, that His people might never forget the scene, and that they might be impressed with profound veneration for the Author of the law, the Creator of heaven and earth. He would also show to all men the sacredness, the importance, and the permanence of His law. {PP 309.6}

The people of Israel were overwhelmed with terror. The awful power of God's utterances seemed more than their trembling hearts could bear. For as God's great rule of right was (p. 310) presented before them, they realized as never before the offensive character of sin, and their own guilt in the sight of a holy God. They shrank away from the mountain in fear and awe. The multitude cried out to Moses, "Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die." The leader answered, "Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not." The people, however, remained at a distance, gazing in terror upon the scene, while Moses "drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." {PP 309.7}

(Prov 11:13 NKJV) A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

(Prov 16:2728 NKJV) An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. {28} A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

(Prov 17:9 NKJV) He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

(Prov 26:2021 NKJV) Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. {21} As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

(Mat 18:1517 NKJV) "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. {16} "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' {17} "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

(1 Tim 5:1 NKJV) Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

(1 Tim 5:1721 NKJV) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. {18} For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." {19} Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. {20} Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. {21} I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.

Tuesday

Words That Destroy, Part 2

(Prov 26:28 NKJV) A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

(Prov 27:6 NKJV) Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

(Prov 28:23 NKJV) He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

(Prov 29:5 NKJV) A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

(Prov 29:20 NKJV) Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

(Prov 15:1 NKJV) A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

(Prov 15:28 NKJV) The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

(Prov 18:13 NKJV) He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

The Desire of Ages, p. 353

"Behold," said Jesus, "I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Christ Himself did not suppress one word of truth, but He spoke it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact, and thoughtful, kind attention in His intercourse with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He wept over Jerusalem, the city He loved, that refused to receive Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. They rejected Him, the Saviour, but He regarded them with pitying tenderness, and sorrow so deep that it broke His heart. Every soul was precious in His eyes. While He always bore Himself with divine dignity, He bowed with tenderest regard to every member of the family of God. In all men He saw fallen souls whom it was His mission to save. {DA 353.1}

The servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart. They need to have close communion with God, lest, under provocation, self rise up, and they pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or the still showers that refresh the withering plants. This is what Satan wants them to do; for these are his methods. It is the dragon that is wroth; it is the spirit of Satan that is revealed in anger and accusing. But God's servants are to be representatives of Him. He desires them to deal only in the currency of heaven, the truth that bears His own image and superscription. The power by which they are to overcome evil is the power of Christ. The glory of Christ is their strength. They are to fix their eyes upon His loveliness. Then they can present the gospel with divine tact and gentleness. And the spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible. {DA 353.2}

Those who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet, not only men, but Satan and his agents. Let them remember the Saviour's words, "Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves." Luke 10:3. Let them rest in the love of God, and the spirit will be kept calm, even under personal abuse. The Lord will clothe them with a divine panoply. His Holy Spirit will influence the mind and heart, so that their voices shall not catch the notes of the baying of the wolves. {DA 353.3}

(Prov 15:18 NKJV) A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

(Prov 16:32 NKJV) He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

(Prov 22:10 NKJV) Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

Wednesday

Words That Inspire

(Prov 10:11 NKJV) The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

(Prov 10:13 NKJV) Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

(Prov 10:31 NKJV) The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

(Prov 10:21 NKJV) The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

(Prov 10:32 NKJV) The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

(John 7:46 NIV) "No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared.

(John 7:46 NKJV) The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"

(Luke 24:32 NKJV) And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"

The Desire of Ages, p. 353

(Prov 12:25 NKJV) Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

(Prov 15:23 NKJV) A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

(Prov 15:30 NKJV) The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.

(Prov 16:24 NKJV) Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

(Prov 17:22 NKJV) A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Thursday

God’s Words

Counsels to Teachers, p. 423

Finite Wisdom But the mere reading of the word will not accomplish the result designed of heaven; it must be studied, and cherished in the heart. The Bible has not received the close attention it deserves. It has not been honored above every other book in the education of children and youth. Students devote years to acquiring an education.

They study different authors and become acquainted with science and philosophy through books containing the results of human research; but the Book that comes from the divine Teacher has, to a great extent, been neglected. Its value is not discerned; its treasures remain hidden. {CT 423.1}

An education of this character is defective. Who and what are these men of learning, that the minds and characters of the young should be molded by their ideas? They may publish with pen and voice the best results of their reasoning; but they grasp only an item of the work of God, and in their shortsightedness, calling it science, they exalt it above the God of science. {CT 423.2}

Man is finite; there is no light in his wisdom. His unaided reason can explain nothing in the deep things of God, nor can he understand the spiritual lessons that God has placed in the material world. But reason is a gift of God, and His Spirit will aid those who are willing to be taught. Man's words, if of any value, echo the words of God. In the education of youth they should never take the place of the divine word. {CT 423.3}

Cold, philosophical speculations and scientific research in which God is not acknowledged are a positive injury. And the evil is aggravated when, as is often the case, (p. 424) books placed in the hands of the young, accepted as authority and depended upon in their education, are from authors avowedly infidel. Through all the thoughts presented by these men their poisonous sentiments are interwoven. The study of such books is like handling black coals; a student cannot be undefiled in mind who thinks along the line of skepticism. {CT 423.4}

(Prov 30:56 NKJV) Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. {6} Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

(Prov 16:1 NKJV) The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

(Prov 25:11 NKJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

(Psa 119:9 NKJV) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

(Psa 119:105 NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

(Mat 4:4 NKJV) But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

(Luke 11:28 NKJV) But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

(John 5:24 NKJV) "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

(Rom 10:17 NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

(2 Tim 3:16 NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

(Psa 119:9 NKJV) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

(Eph 6:17 NKJV) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

(Mat 4:4 NKJV) But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

(Mat 4:7 NKJV) Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'"

(Mat 4:10 NKJV) Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"

Friday

(2 Cor 9:8 NKJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

(Phil 4:13 NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

(1 Tim 1:12 NKJV) And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

(1 John 5:25 NKJV) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. {3} For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. {4} For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. {5} Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

(Rev 12:11 NKJV) "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 239 - 244(not included with lesson help)

Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 247

Your Christian character is spotted with avarice. These spots will have to be removed, or you will lose eternal life. We each have a work to do for the Master; we each have talents to improve. The humblest and poorest of the disciples of Jesus can be a blessing to others. They may not realize that they are doing any special good, but, by their unconscious influence, they may start waves of blessing which will widen and deepen, and the happy result of their words and consistent deportment they may never know until the final distribution of rewards. They do not feel or know that they are doing anything great. They are not required to weary themselves with anxieties about success. They have only to go forward, not with many words and vainglorying and boasting, but quietly, faithfully doing the work which God's providence has assigned them, and they will not lose their reward. Thus will it be in your case. The memorial of your life will be written in the book of records; and, if you are finally an overcomer, there will be souls (p. 247) saved through your efforts, by your selfdenial, your good words and consistent Christian life. And when the rewards are finally distributed to all as their works have been, redeemed souls will call you blessed, and the Master will say: "Well done, good and faithful servant," "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." {3T 246.2}

The world is indeed full of hurry, and of pride, selfishness, avarice, and violence; and it may seem to us that it is a waste of time and breath to be ever in season and out of season, and on all occasions to hold ourselves in readiness to speak words that are gentle, pure, elevating, chaste, and holy, in the face of the whirlwind of confusion, bustle, and strife. And yet words fitly spoken, coming from sanctified hearts and lips, and sustained by a godly, consistent Christian deportment, will be as apples of gold in pictures of silver. You have been as one of the vain talkers and have appeared as one of the world. You have sometimes been careless in your words and reckless in your conversation and have lowered yourself as a Christian in the opinion of unbelievers. You have sometimes spoken of the truth; but your words have not borne that serious, anxious interest that would affect the heart.

They have been accompanied with light, trivial remarks that would lead those with whom you converse to decide that your faith is not genuine and that you do not believe the truths you profess. Words in favor of the truth, spoken in the calm selfpossession of a right purpose and from a pure heart, will do much to disarm opposition and win souls. But a harsh, selfish, denunciatory spirit will only drive further from the truth and awaken a spirit of opposition. {3T 247.1}

You are not to wait for great occasions, or to expect extraordinary abilities, before you work in earnest for God. You need not have a thought of what the world will think of you. If your intercourse with them and your godly conversation are a living testimony to them of the purity and sincerity of your faith, and they are convinced that you desire to benefit them, your words will not be wholly lost upon them, but will be productive of good. (p. 248) {3T 247.2}

(Prov 10:19 NKJV) In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

(Prov 15:4 NKJV) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

(Prov 26:28 NKJV) A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

(Prov 10:11 NKJV) The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

(Prov 30:5 NKJV) Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.