When I say “Torah” I’m referring to both the Written Torah and Yeshua the Messiah, the divine Son of Elohim who is the Living Torah-Word of Elohim!
Deuteronomy 4:6, Keep. Keeping Torah (YHVH’s instructions in righteousness) was the means for YHVH’s chosen people to be salt and light to the surrounding nations. Torah is literally a “witnessing tool.” What kind of righteous witness are you (via your Torah lifestyle) to those around you who are lost in spiritual darkness?
Wisdom [Heb. chokmah] and understanding [Heb. biynah]. Chokmah means “intelligence, skill (in war); wisdom (in administration); shrewdness, wisdom; prudence (in religious affairs); wisdom (ethical and religious). It derives from the verb chakam meaning “to be wise, to be or become wise, act wisely; to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct; to show oneself wise, deceive, show one’s wisdom.” According to the TWOT, chokmah and it’s root verb represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life’s experiences including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of YHVH. In the Tanakh, chokmah is used in relationship to the whole gamut of human experiences whether it be technical artisan skills, military tactics or political and administrative leadership. It is expressed in shrewdness as opposed to foolishness or silliness. Prudence is another aspect of chokmah as it relates to how one speaks, uses his time carefully and in the practical affairs of life. The Bible reveals that Elohim is the source of all wisdom, and wisdom is not to be found in human speculation. Elohim alone provides wisdom for man’s guidance, so that he can live the best possible moral and ethical life (Ibid.).
Biynah means “discernment or insight” or “the ability to understand something, comprehension, the power of abstract thought, an individual’s perception or judgment of a situation.” According to the TWOT, biynah refers to knowledge that is superior to the mere gathering of data. It is necessary to know how to use the knowledge one possesses. This is where perception or judgment comes into play. One must properly interpret the data and make wise and discerning decisions as to how to act.
Torah is your wisdom in the sight of the nations. Consider the following:
- Your life may be the only Bible some people read.
- Torah is light. Light quietly does, it is silent. It doesn’t talk about doing, it does! YHVH is looking for doers, not talkers.
- What kind of reputation do you have in the community?
- People may not be turning to the light of Torah as a result of your example YET, when times get tough in this country (“when you are in tribulation … in the latter days, Deut 4:30), they may well turn to you for the answers because they remembered that there was something different about you—something pure, pristine and holy. That’s when they’ll be looking for answers.
- Torah makes us a great people. YHVH measures greatness differently than the world does. Are you great by the world’s standards or YHVH’s standards?
- How does YHVH measure greatness? Love, faith, truth, obedience, servanthood, giving, selflessness, self-sacrifice.
- Comparatively speaking, how does the world measure greatness? Money, power, fame, possessions, intellect, physical appearance, good sounding words.
- Which type of greatness will last into eternity?
Never forget this: The Bible reveals that Yeshua the Messiah is the spiritual light of the world that came from heaven to guide men through the spiritual darkness of this world and lead them to his Father in heaven. He is not only the Light, but the Word of Elohim made flesh. In other words, he is the Living Torah Word of Elohim. He was the exemplification and personification of the Written Torah. Only through him living in us through is Set-Apart Spirit can we properly obey YHVH’s Torah commandments. This we will do by his power in us and out of a loving relationship with him. The Testimony of Yeshua (or New Testament) makes these truths very clear for those who have eyes to see and hearts to comprehend!
The wisdom (His dominion is” wisdominion”) to apply the knowledge (gotta know where the ledge is) and the knowledge to apply the wisdom!
Natan, the point you made that stuck out to me was that living according to Torah may not impact others now to turn to YHVH, but when tribulation comes they may then look to us for answers. I agree and that is an encouraging thought to persevere in being a faithful witness in the meantime! Sometimes it’s hard to understand why “believers” don’t “get it” when you share the truth of His word. Sometimes I guess people just need to be brought to their knees before they will receive His commandments. Then we will be thankful that we were steadfast in living according to the truth even though they thought they knew better than we. Nevertheless, we can be confident that we will know His good pleasure even if those we tried to witness to remain stiff necked! Blessings and shalom.
Not everyone is a truth seeker. Most aren’t. They find a spiritual comfort zone that fits them and then hang out there the rest of their lives. Leaving comfort zones is uncomfortable, often painful, which is why most people stay put.
When the pain of remaining in a comfort zone is greater than the pain of leaving that leaving it, some, not all, people will change. Some will stay there and go down with the ship. Others will jump from the frying pan into the fire. Still others will begin seeking the truth and will find it. It’s at this time that the seeds we planted will germinate thanks to the waters and fertilizer of trials, persecution and tribulation.
To this point, in Revelation 7:9–14, we read,
Amein! May He continue to pour out His Spirit upon you for all perseverance to His great esteem!