“There is a ‘simplicity’ which is merely a fault, and there is a ‘simplicity’ which is a wonderful virtue.” On the one side: “a lack of discernment. “an ignorance of what is due others.” “…foolishness, ignorance, credulousness.” On the positive side: “…an uprightness of soul which prevents self-consciousness.” “…a happy medium …not overwhelmed by external things …not given up to endless introspection…” “…looks where it is going, without losing time arguing over every step…” all quotes from Fenelon, ‘The Royal Way of the Cross.” Says Trench in his book on synonyms, “A mind alien to cunning, fraud, pretense, deceit, evil and the desire to harm others”– equals simplicity. So, what’s the deal? O. Chambers educates us, “Beware of believing that the human soul is simple; look at yourself or read Psalm 139, and you will soon find the human soul is much too complex to touch.” “When an intellectualist…
Tag: <span>single eye</span>
“Lighten my eyes.” “The prayer from Psalm 13 rests upon the profound conviction that Jehovah is the fountain of life, and that only by His continual pouring of fresh vitality into a man can any eyes be kept from death.” comment from “Expositors Dictionary”. Fresh vitality? From the fountain of life? Meaning? I’m a realist and fresh vitality means stimulating, invigorating, exciting, gushing, energizing stuff; my best picture stands me under a waterfall of delicious and fresh spring for drinking and bathing, playing and splashing. Does the psalmist have this in mind? Yes, but: The eyes create the problem, they need brightened. They might die. Matthew 6:22 tells us, “The light of the body is the eye, if that eye be single, thy whole body is full of light! Okay? What’s single eye? liberal, generous, and bountiful, simple, clear, not looking two ways. Contrasts the evil eye or “Bad” eye. John…
“In consequence of the first sin, the internal nature of man became possessed by death. How? …by the (decomposing) of the previous unity of the (many human) powers (complimenting one another) … in the life of the spirit and of the soul, and of the disappearance of the spiritual life in God’s image, and its reflection in the soul.” from Delitzsch and Wallis “A System of Biblical Psychology” paraphrase “…when Satanic thoughts of a loveless God found entrance into man’s mind, then entered enmity (an enemy) into the place of love … soul, at peace in God, fell into confusion, and kindled in passionate eagerness opposed to God.” Same source. “The tree of knowledge was to lead man to the knowledge of good and evil; and, according to the divine intention, this was to be attained through his not eating of its fruit. This end was to be accomplished… through obedience to the…