With which man is God more pleased: the bible scholar or the soft-hearted?

[Canchristiansgetalong]

I have been pondering this and want to get some feedback:

Lets say there are two men:

The first man has grown up with the bible being read in his home. He reads it daily still. He knows the bible. When you read a verse to Him, within a few minutes he can tell you where the verse is. This man keeps the ten commandments for the most part, but he is also more often than not arrogant, unkind, and rude. However, he does do many good things for his community through donations. He is also smart and successful in his profession.

The second man cannot read. He has never has had the opportunity to learn. He has heard of Jesus Christ and knows to pray in His name. He prays often and has learned to recognize God in his life. He knows when he does something wrong by the way he feels and quickly corrects his behavior. Therefore, he also lives the commandments. He is also kind, humble, loving, teachable, serves those around him, and sympathetic to the few people he knows. He is poor and labors long hours to support his family.

Which man do you think God is more pleased with? If you can try to use scriptures in your answers, I would really like that, but if not that's okay too.

 

[JDecree]

Lets say there is a third man who is both.

Nah but point taken, the heart is the most important part. You can have all the knowledge about the word that you want but if you arent pliable(plyable?) to that knowledge it does you no good.

 

[Simona25]

The bible scholar lookes to me like the brother of the prodigal son. The one that respected his father will but was jealous over the reception his brother got when he came back home.

 

[Simona25]

From the way you portray the bible scholar man, you yourself don`t give him much credit (he`s arrogant, unkind, rude). It doesn`t look like a big dillema for me.

 

[Crimson_Lark]

Your question reminds me of Luke 18, it goes like this...

[SUP]10 [/SUP]He said, `Two men went to the temple to talk with God. One was a Pharisee and the other one was a tax collector.

[SUP]11 [/SUP]`The Pharisee stood and said to himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men. They steal, cheat, and commit adultery. I thank you that I am not like this tax collector.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Two times in the week I do not eat - I fast. I give away one tenth part of all I get."
[SUP]13 [/SUP]`The tax collector stood far away. He did not even look up towards heaven. But he beat his chest, and said, "God, I am a bad man. Help me!"
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I tell you, when this man went home, he was right with God. The other one was not. Everyone who puts himself up in a high place will be brought down to a low place. And everyone who puts himself in a low place will be brought up to a high place.'

 

[nathan3]

Its a judgment call. No ones perfect. If everyone does their best and tries, God can count this good in either situation you described .


The man that learns shows that he cares enough to learn God's words.. I would ask myself why is the other man not learning to read ? If he cant, then he cant. But no matter our demeanor, if we can help it, we better try to study God's words.

 

[nathan3]

there are scriptures that show how important it is study all of God's words.


There are scriptures that say we should be kind one to another also.


When it comes to God's words, it just vital . Its extremely important.

2 Timothy 2:15

King James Version (KJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

[crossnote]

Neither. For neither have come to saving faith in Christ by what was described.

 

[WeStand]

This also could be 2 people on different roads, to ultimately reach the same destination.

There are many parts of the body of Christ, and many different duties to fufill.

For the most part, right after ones individual awareness that GOD ALMIGHTY has to be first and foremost in their lives. Next, one learns from God Almighty's Word, that ones family is the next in line to be in servitude to, then one;s neighbour's ( IF possible!)

Next; IF one decides to partake of Holy Matrimony (NOT! a piece of cake) and the 2 become one flesh (have a child) then this Holy Matrimony now moves into 2nd place of ones servitude; with Grandma & Grampa then being moved into 3rd place of servitude; but to be forever honoured, for them showing you, how to have your family blessed also, By YAHAVEH, and since after the time of The Christ, (in the flesh) in and through his name! Jesus The Christ/ Yeshua Messiah, the way that he, CHRIST! showed us to, in person.

NOT! what any man/woman may lead one to have them believe they should do. But in the way that Christ showed us.

GOD ALMIGHTY IS NOT A RESPECTOR OF PERSONS

PS. There is such a thing as a death bed confession. As long as one can pinch oneselves in this flesh and feel it, and confesses with their mouth/(church obviously) that The Christ/Messiah is The Son of GOD ALMIGHTY, that died on the cross, for OUR sins (not just his, the one passing over) and that EVEN BETTER YET! rose again on the 3rd day, DEFEATING DEATH, and ultimately Ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of Get Over Death, GOD ALMIGHTY, to await until HE!, Our Father, makes Christ's enemies, his footstool. Then there IS always hope/faith/belief that one may yet, get it.

PRAISE BE TO YAHAVEH

JUDAH BE TO YAHAVEH'S SAVIOUR

JESUS THE CHRIST / YESHUA MESSIAH​

 

[PoxEclipse]

These are the ones I look on with favor...

Proverbs 29:23
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Isaiah 66:2
Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Jeremiah 31:33-34
"But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
"They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Hebrews 8:10-11
"FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
"AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM.

Peace and love to you all,

P.

 

[RaneyMarie]

I would say the second man, for although he may not "read" the scripture, he has heard and is a doer of the word and not only a hearer. (James 1:22 KJV)

The first man is more like this scripture: "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7 KJV

Here are some other scriptures that apply to this topic:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." 1 John 4:7 KJV

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5 KJV)


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7 KJV

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7 KJV

Romans 1:17-22 KJV
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 2:11-16 KJV
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Take Care and God Bless!

 

[Canchristiansgetalong]

Thanks everyone for some feedback. I think it is an interesting topic. I like this scripture:
1 Samuel 6:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
I believe that the Lord knows the heart of all of us and can judge us perfectly. I think actions reflect who we are on the inside and by doing, we show our faith in God.
I also believe you cannot be saved in ignorance. For men like the second man, I believe if he never gets a chance to read and understand the gospel of Christ, we will receive that opportunity after this life and before the judgement. The first man though, I doubt he would recognize Christ if he stood in front of him.

 

[Canchristiansgetalong]

This also could be 2 people on different roads, to ultimately reach the same destination.

There are many parts of the body of Christ, and many different duties to fufill.

For the most part, right after ones individual awareness that GOD ALMIGHTY has to be first and foremost in their lives. Next, one learns from God Almighty's Word, that ones family is the next in line to be in servitude to, then one;s neighbour's ( IF possible!)

Next; IF one decides to partake of Holy Matrimony (NOT! a piece of cake) and the 2 become one flesh (have a child) then this Holy Matrimony now moves into 2nd place of ones servitude; with Grandma & Grampa then being moved into 3rd place of servitude; but to be forever honoured, for them showing you, how to have your family blessed also, By YAHAVEH, and since after the time of The Christ, (in the flesh) in and through his name! Jesus The Christ/ Yeshua Messiah, the way that he, CHRIST! showed us to, in person.

NOT! what any man/woman may lead one to have them believe they should do. But in the way that Christ showed us.

GOD ALMIGHTY IS NOT A RESPECTOR OF PERSONS

PS. There is such a thing as a death bed confession. As long as one can pinch oneselves in this flesh and feel it, and confesses with their mouth/(church obviously) that The Christ/Messiah is The Son of GOD ALMIGHTY, that died on the cross, for OUR sins (not just his, the one passing over) and that EVEN BETTER YET! rose again on the 3rd day, DEFEATING DEATH, and ultimately Ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of Get Over Death, GOD ALMIGHTY, to await until HE!, Our Father, makes Christ's enemies, his footstool. Then there IS always hope/faith/belief that one may yet, get it.

PRAISE BE TO YAHAVEH

JUDAH BE TO YAHAVEH'S SAVIOUR

JESUS THE CHRIST / YESHUA MESSIAH​

This philosophy makes me wonder...in my experience, just because a man says something, it doesn't mean that it true. Death bed repentance seems very uncertain. Change is a process. Habits take at least 21 days to stick. I just wonder if anyone who is on their death bed can really change. And will they really not be held accountable for opportunities to change they have had before their death bed? I guess we just all better make sure we do not procrastinate the day of our repentance.

 

[Canchristiansgetalong]

Your question reminds me of Luke 18, it goes like this...

[SUP]10 [/SUP]He said, `Two men went to the temple to talk with God. One was a Pharisee and the other one was a tax collector.

[SUP]11 [/SUP]`The Pharisee stood and said to himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men. They steal, cheat, and commit adultery. I thank you that I am not like this tax collector.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Two times in the week I do not eat - I fast. I give away one tenth part of all I get."
[SUP]13 [/SUP]`The tax collector stood far away. He did not even look up towards heaven. But he beat his chest, and said, "God, I am a bad man. Help me!"
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I tell you, when this man went home, he was right with God. The other one was not. Everyone who puts himself up in a high place will be brought down to a low place. And everyone who puts himself in a low place will be brought up to a high place.'

What a great scripture to share. I believe it fits this perfectly. Thank you.

 

[Praus]

The first man ... is also more often than not arrogant, unkind, and rude.

Which man do you think God is more pleased with?

Not the first man.

Prov 6:16-19 ¶ These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

 

[WeStand]

Thanks everyone for some feedback. I think it is an interesting topic. I like this scripture:
1 Samuel 6:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
I believe that the Lord knows the heart of all of us and can judge us perfectly. I think actions reflect who we are on the inside and by doing, we show our faith in God.
I also believe you cannot be saved in ignorance. For men like the second man, I believe if he never gets a chance to read and understand the gospel of Christ, we will receive that opportunity after this life and before the judgement. The first man though, I doubt he would recognize Christ if he stood in front of him.

Wow! that's kinda judgemental, Our Father's Word clearly states that sin in ignorance, is NO sin.

Even people who don't believe, are still doing Our Father's Will, whether they realize it or not; as the main purpose of being here is to raise HIS children. "ALL soul's belongeth unto ME!" thus saith The LORD.

Until one has heard with understanding, Our Father's Word concerning Christ/Messiah, then all they have heard is some humans explanation, (religion)

I've put the harsh reality of The Truth on here a numerous times; and nobody responds, that's OK though; even though it is extremely sad to see; they still have The Lord's Day of Reckoning & Teaching In the Spirit, to be taught

A very dark and gloomy day indeed but at least the firstfruits will be better equipped to handle such sadness; the others, well, that fire to burn us at the end is not just for exterminating of this flesh, as that is just the physical, temporal side of it; there is also the spiritual eternal side of it, and that fire is going to be a spiritual embarrassment and sadness so great, that i'm already terrified for anyone that still has to be taught, why Our Father will still be extremely upset and VERY angry, until we get to the end of the Lord's Day; which will be another 1000 more years of this time frame, in a spiritual body, Preparing this earth for the for The Alter of GOD to land precisely on Mt Zion, Our Father's favourite place in the UNIVERSE! it says!

He needs a landing foundation made out of 12 layers of precious stones built, before HIS lake of Fire takes place, so that after this Lake of Fire, the earth is able to withstand HIS Almighty Power in His Resting Place, to immediately, WIPE AWAY ALL THE TEAR'S OF THE WORLD.

It would seem that the way we were born here; innocent of woman, or another words, a really bad case of amnesia; That we will be getting one more case of amnesia, right at the moment of that lake of fire.

Our Father Word is action; and from my studies, when HE takes action, it takes about 2/5ths of a second to accomplish it, that's when HE is doing it; not us.

One should really strive to be a firstfruit, and NOT, just make it, because ultimately, and hopefully we don't have to add anymore than what's already written to that execution list, after The Lord's Day.

I mean like, 1 already by name, 3 unworthy of a name, and may Get Over Death ALMIGHTY, prayerfully and hopefully, help us on the Lord's Day, fufill Our Father's WILL and NOT ours; That ALL may come unto repentance, that would even include some fallen angels; THEY ARE HIS CHILDREN TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Our poor Father, I silently weep for Him night and day for the strange act, that HE must perform, to restore the MoreNatural Order of things.

You know! for a firstfruit, it is not a 1000 of these years, it IS, just one day back in a MoreNatural time frame, I think that is bad enough.

May Get Over Death, GOD ALMIGHTY be with you ALL in and through Christ/Messiah.

 

[Canchristiansgetalong]

Wow! that's kinda judgemental, Our Father's Word clearly states that sin in ignorance, is NO sin.

Even people who don't believe, are still doing Our Father's Will, whether they realize it or not; as the main purpose of being here is to raise HIS children. "ALL soul's belongeth unto ME!" thus saith The LORD.

Until one has heard with understanding, Our Father's Word concerning Christ/Messiah, then all they have heard is some humans explanation, (religion)

I've put the harsh reality of The Truth on here a numerous times; and nobody responds, that's OK though; even though it is extremely sad to see; they still have The Lord's Day of Reckoning & Teaching In the Spirit, to be taught

A very dark and gloomy day indeed but at least the firstfruits will be better equipped to handle such sadness; the others, well, that fire to burn us at the end is not just for exterminating of this flesh, as that is just the physical, temporal side of it; there is also the spiritual eternal side of it, and that fire is going to be a spiritual embarrassment and sadness so great, that i'm already terrified for anyone that still has to be taught, why Our Father will still be extremely upset and VERY angry, until we get to the end of the Lord's Day; which will be another 1000 more years of this time frame, in a spiritual body, Preparing this earth for the for The Alter of GOD to land precisely on Mt Zion, Our Father's favourite place in the UNIVERSE! it says!

He needs a landing foundation made out of 12 layers of precious stones built, before HIS lake of Fire takes place, so that after this Lake of Fire, the earth is able to withstand HIS Almighty Power in His Resting Place, to immediately, WIPE AWAY ALL THE TEAR'S OF THE WORLD.

It would seem that the way we were born here; innocent of woman, or another words, a really bad case of amnesia; That we will be getting one more case of amnesia, right at the moment of that lake of fire.

Our Father Word is action; and from my studies, when HE takes action, it takes about 2/5ths of a second to accomplish it, that's when HE is doing it; not us.

One should really strive to be a firstfruit, and NOT, just make it, because ultimately, and hopefully we don't have to add anymore than what's already written to that execution list, after The Lord's Day.

I mean like, 1 already by name, 3 unworthy of a name, and may Get Over Death ALMIGHTY, prayerfully and hopefully, help us on the Lord's Day, fufill Our Father's WILL and NOT ours; That ALL may come unto repentance, that would even include some fallen angels; THEY ARE HIS CHILDREN TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Our poor Father, I silently weep for Him night and day for the strange act, that HE must perform, to restore the MoreNatural Order of things.

You know! for a firstfruit, it is not a 1000 of these years, it IS, just one day back in a MoreNatural time frame, I think that is bad enough.

May Get Over Death, GOD ALMIGHTY be with you ALL in and through Christ/Messiah.

You are right. Part of what I said did seem judgmental. I apologize. What really matters is making sure neither of these circumstances even remotely apply to me. I want to be scriptural scholar and also soft-hearted. I guess that is really why I have been pondering this. I don't want to get so wrapped up in the word of God that I forget to let the spirit mold me into a truly Christlike person. I hope we can all strive for this together as Christians.

 

[Misty77]

I Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

if you are smart or gifted or good but lack love, you have gained nothing. As my pastor said, "without love, you are just a loud, annoying noise, crashing around without stopping."

 

[Nick01]

Simply, whichever one metaphorically or otherwise beats his chest and says 'Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.', a la the Luke passage cited a few posts above. In fact, the example in the OP is almost identical to the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Now, one should then move away from their old life into a life that is lived in the light of that repentance. For the bible scholar, that might mean moving away from arrogance, being careful not too overly puff themselves up with knowledge, and to be careful not to let academic ministry override their own direct Christian ministry, to love and to share the gospel. For the non-Bible Scholar, it might be something else. Perhaps it is to seek ways to find out more about Jesus and what he asks of him. But on my experience, there is no one that has it all together.

But regardless, the point at which one or the other repents and recognises their need for grace, that is precisely the point at which God is pleased with them.

It's interesting to me that the story JEsus tells gives two characters both with negative points. The Pharisee would have been highly regarded, but was clearly arrogant and selfish. The tax collector, universally reviled in Judean culture for ripping off the poor and serving a pagan government, is the one who repents. It's the subversion of stereotypes, but also the clear evidence that pardon is available to EVERYONE (the Pharisee, tax collector, Bible scholar or poor man), which make that story so striking.

 

[JaumeJ]

Answer: Aside from the Only Begotten Son and Lamb of Yahweh, it would be Noah, Daniel and Job. Of course Abraham and many other would have to be in the same category, along with all who Yahweh knows strive to emulate first the Son then those who were exemplary servants.

It is reasonable to determine Yahweh is not impressed by the scholastic prowess of any flesh, nor does the soft heart of any impress the Holy Spirit. Even the worst of sinners' hearts are softened in regard to their friends and much of their families.