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513 illustrations
When Elohim's scythe swung through the harvests of that empire, desolation followed.
Psalm 38:5 speaks of wounds that stink and are corrupt because of our foolishness. What folly marks the sinner's path? Consider the cascading stupidity of sin's progression. First, *dallying* with sin—toying with temptation as though it were harmless sport. The...
"Then shall ye return," the prophet declares, speaking of a conversion to full recognition of neglected duty and past transgressions.
The Divine response cut through panic: "Wherefore criest thou unto Me?
Samaria, perched high on its hillside with luxuriant vegetation and bright flowers, wears a crown of pride—yet this garland must fade.
Exell's *Biblical Illustrator* (1887) distinguishes these opposing spirits: the proud man esteems himself better than others; the humble man esteems others better than himself.
The first fault—measuring oneself by oneself—springs from three sources.
The Wisdom writer distinguishes between antagonism as an inherent principle—designed by Elohim to position us against evil and the enemies of God—and antagonism as mere destructive habit.
These common sayings often accomplish what statute books cannot: they stir the soul to its depths and regulate life and manners with remarkable power.
The prophet declares, "I will restore thy judges as at the first," revealing two critical truths about national renewal.
Judgment operates on three levels: discerning right from wrong, understanding the law and its manner, and executing consequences with authority.
While diligent hunters prepare their catch the same evening, this sluggard lacks the will to strip the hide or kindle the fire.
This scientific curiosity illuminates the proverb's moral force: corruption can masquerade as brilliance.
We are shaped irrevocably by our mothers in that far-off time of childhood—we become what our homes made us.
This truth presents two terrible events in human history.
Nature exists not merely as physical matter, but as a moral declaration—a vehicle for divine truth.
First, pride of station: the man in authority becomes "puffed up" with distinction, considering himself a being of higher order than his fellow sinners, looking with disdain upon those below him in society's scale.
Transgression may appear productive of happiness, yet the wicked possess no reasonable expectation of contentment—neither now nor in the eternal world.
In February 1869, Dmitri Mendeleev, a chemistry professor at St. Petersburg University, spread dozens of handwritten cards across his desk, one for each of the...
Solomon speaks of one "often reproved" yet stubbornly hardening his neck—the ancient metaphor for a beast refusing the yoke of obedience.
It is well to have Isaiahs in society, for Hezekiahs could never keep it together.
First came the gossip-loving neighbours, motivated solely by curiosity—desiring to see or hear novelty rather than truth.
Archbishop John Tillotson (D.D.) identifies two pillars supporting this claim.
An Intellectual Contrast: The intelligent man communicates wisdom; when he speaks, men are enlightened, their minds set to thinking, their spirits refreshed.