20150510 Sunday, May 10 2015
Proverbs 13: Why Can't Light Be Hidden?

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out"

The Messiah's "Ye are the light of the world" and "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel" (the actual word of the Scriptures was for an ancient oil lamp, not a candle of 1611 England) is one of His most well-known teachings.

"5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 KJV)

But what exactly was the Messiah instructing - and warning? Was He teaching that people are not to hide their Biblical knowledge and life - as an example to others? Yes. But there is more.

Covering an oil lamp would cause its light to not be seen. But what else would happen? Would such a hidden light continue to shine? Or would it be extinguished due to a lack of oxygen? Answer: a light so hidden would not only be worthless to others, it would soon not exist even for the one who hid it for themselves. The Light of the Holy Spirit cannot be made to exist in a container of any sort.

That lesson, that was reiterated by the Messiah (He originally taught it long before; see The LORD God Our Saviour), was known by righteous others who let their light shine - and not be snuffed out. Note how Job knew the full meaning and purpose of the Messiah's teaching about not "putting a lamp under a basket."

"18:5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. 18:6 The light shall be dark in his tabernacle [see Where Is Your Tabernacle?], and his candle shall be put out with him." (Job 18:5-6 KJV)

King Solomon knew it too: "The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out." It was the basis of the Proverbs (see Words To Get Ahead). The Light of the Holy Spirit cannot be stifled by those who have it - or they won't have it.

"13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want." (Proverbs 13:1-25 KJV)

Fact Finder: How has Satan created a false, antichristian light?
See Who Lights Your Walk? and How Does Satan Impersonate Jesus Christ?