What’s the Big Deal Abut Pride Month?

The rainbow flag, Pride Month, LGBTQ+, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), Wokeism, CRT (critical race theory), the NWO (the new world order), ESG (environment, social, governance), gender pronouns and the list goes on and on of the terms that are now part of our current lingua franca whether we like it or not. Who is pushing this stuff on us anyway and why? It is definitely not Bible believing people. That in itself ought to give us a clue as to the source of it all! As I write this, it is the month of June. June used to be notable for being the beginning of summer. No longer. June is now about celebrating homosexuality and various expressions of sexual “freedom,” or biblically speaking, sexual deviancy. Pride month is now being celebrated and promoted from the White House all the way down to my local city hall.

It used to be that the role of government be it national or local was to build and maintain the highways and parks, protect our borders from alien invasions, defend us from enemies foreign and abroad, protect the civil liberties enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, make and enforce laws to protect the citizens, lock up criminals, and make sure that water flows from our faucets, and when the toilet flushes it goes away. Now, however, the government has taken on the mantle of social engineer, or stated another way, the State has assumed the role of God by being the creator, purveyor and enforcer of its own religion called Wokeism or whatever else you want to call its anti-biblical agendas. And what is the goal of this new religion and its sycophantic acolytes? It is to remake society into its own image of what it thinks people should be like, and that image is very different than the traditional and often biblical based values we have known for hundreds of years in our Western societies. The tenets of this new religion rabidly and militantly stands against nearly everything the Bible declares to be right and true. Face it, if you are a Bible believer, you are the target, and are in their gun sights! Like a vomit-inducing horror movie, the agenda of these new religious zealots, who virulently hate YHVH Elohim, the Bible, the Messiah and you, is coming to a theater near you if it hasn’t already. This is the spirit of antichrist!

This movie called, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” or DEI for short, which is now being produced by Antichrist Inc., is being featured on the marquis of the ideological movie theater in my town. How is this, you ask. I live just south of one of the most liberal and libertine cities in the America, Portland, Oregon. Our state in general and Portland in particular, whose unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird” and who worships itself in the form of a goddess called Portlandia and whose giant statue adorns city hall, is a poster-child for Woke weirdness and leftist,  DEI antichrist ideologies. If it is antilogical lunacy, it passes muster with the majority of voters and politicians in this state whether it is euthanasia, the legalization of hard drugs, defunding the police, paying and enabling people to be homeless, criminalizing law-abiding gun owners, selling retail marijuana on every street corner, promoting full nudity in public places like downtown Portland’s annual naked bike ride, the state no longer requiring high school graduates to be able read and write because to do so is racists, or emptying the prisons of felonious criminals, and then refusing to prosecute criminals who attack the police. These are just a thimble full of crazy ideas that have taken root in the fertile ground in this Bible intolerant, God-hating state. Oregon definitely lacks tolerance, diversity, inclusiveness, equitability when it comes to biblical values or those who promote them!

So when I say that the religion of Wokeism and DEI has come to a theater near me, I am not speaking fantastically. This is because the middle to upper class suburban town in the outskirts of Portland in which I live has enthusiastically taken up the banner of DEI and Wokeism—nice sounding labels for sexual promiscuity, sexism, reverse racism and the persecution of people who hold to biblical values. I have checked it out and found that this attempt at social engineering is not in our city’s charter! Yet this does not stop my city’s political lemming leaders from marching in goose step with the ideological overlords and puppet masters of this new global religion. To wit, at tax payers’ expense, my city is now making bumper stickers with the city’s logo against the background of rainbow flag and encouraging its citizens to paste them their vehicles. What’s more, to make sure that their religion gets planted firmly in hearts and minds of local residents, the city is even sponsoring talks at our local library encouraging DEI and Woke ideologies. The city is then publishing articles in our city’s monthly newsletter promoting this new religion. Just this month, the city newsletter (a small newspaper), in celebrating “Pride Month”,  featured a giant rainbow flag in its masthead. All of this is going one while the roads go unpaved, dead and hazardous street trees remain uncut, weeds infest many of our city’s parks and flower beds and crime is on the rise. Can you see what’s wrong with this picture?

With regard to the rainbow that the homosexual agenda has hijacked as its identifying symbol, isn’t ironic that they would choose a symbol that YHVH Elohim used as a promise that he would not wipe the world clean again via a global flood because of its evil including sexual promiscuity and deviance? Is not the use of the rainbow to represent the homosexual et al agenda no more than an upraised and taunting fist in the face of the Almighty as if to say, “I dare you to bring judgment against us!” But I digress.

Now on to the real point of this piece. So June is Pride Month. Why pride? Pride in what? What is pride really all about? What is the opposite of pride that the moral degenerates are trying to cover up in themselves? What does the Bible have to say about pride? Let’s explore these a bit.

The Dictionary Definition of Pride

It is a fact that languages and word meanings evolve over time. This is a natural phenomenon. This reflects cultural trends of a society including its morals, values and ethics be they good or bad. Sadly and nowadays words like inclusive, gay and pride no longer mean what they used to. These words have been infused with colloquial meanings that reflect the values of a culture that is in moral and spiritual decline. In fact, for many of us, we have to be careful how we use these words in everyday speech for fear that people will think that we mean something other than their strict dictionary definition.

For example, the word pride has been captured by homosexuals and their sexual licentious comrades in an attempt to promote their agenda and to make their deviant sexual practices acceptable to the masses. Even the dictionary definition of pride has evolved to mean something different than what it used to mean. One has to wonder if the editors of the dictionary are all homosexuals and sexual perverts! Notice the current definition of the word pride from Webster’s Dictionary:

1 A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

2 Consciousness of one’s own dignity; the sin of pride.

3 [often with modifier] Confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience (e.g., LGBT pride, Latino pride, black pride; a public event, typically involving a parade, held to celebrate LGBTQ identities, culture, and experience: I went to pride as a teenager before I was ready to come out.

4 Literary the best state or condition of something.

Now here is Webster’s definition from their 1983 dictionary: 

1 A high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority.

2 The state or feeling of being proud.

3 Feeling dignified or having a sense of what is due to oneself one’s position or character.

Here is Webster’s definition from their 1936 dictionary: 

1 The quality or state of being proud: inordinate self-esteem, unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority, manifesting itself in reserve, airs and evident contempt of others.

2 Generous elation of heart; a noble self esteem arising fro consciousness of upright conduct, noble actions, or the like.

Finally and by contrast, here is Noah Webster’s definition of pride from his classic 1828 dictionary when America was more of a Christian nation:

1. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others. 

2. Insolence; rude treatment of others; insolent exultation.

3. Generous elation of heart; a noble self-esteem springing from a consciousness of worth.

4. Elevation; loftiness.

From these definitions, it is not hard to see that the definition of pride has been slowly evolving away from a biblical world view and toward that of a secular, if not anti-biblical, humanistic world view that reflects what the Bible characterizes the worship of Baal, the god of the heathen nations where lewd sexual practices and child sacrifice were the order of the day. The trend  toward Baal worship (now known by other names, but still the same god and religious philosophy) is evidence of the downward moral and spiritual slide of our culture away from righteousness and toward wickedness. It is a move away from Elohim and toward Satan, away from life and toward death. Sin, sexual lasciviousness and pride come neatly packaged and are attractively appealing to humans just like the fruit of the tree of knowledge, but the serpent is lurking in the background not far away.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Prov 14:12)

Against the backdrop of the world’s current definition of pride, the following is the Bible’s overall view of pride:

Many of the Hebrew and Greek words, as well as the AV and NEB variant readings, point to the root of pride as being lifted up high, whether literally or figuratively. Pride can be attributed metaphorically to natural phenomena that are literally high such as the waves of the sea because they are high and majestic. When attributed to humans, this sense of exaltation may be either positive or negative, depending on the relative height attributed to Elohim. Paul insists that there is a positive kind of pride among Christians. He was proud of the churches he had founded and wanted them to be proud of him as well, but was careful to explain that his success was entirely due to Elohim’s gifts. Thus his boasting was “in the Messiah” and was tantamount to thinking Elohim. Pride is therefore legitimate only when it remembers to attribute all honor to Elohim. Elsewhere in Scripture, however, pride is almost universally censured, precisely because it refuses to thank Elohim but instead cherishes an exalted opinion of the self. In relationship to Elohim, pride is lofty self-sufficiency, and in relationship to other persons, pride is haughty lack of concern for their well-being. (from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on “pride”)

The bottom line is this: What the world is proud about, YHVH Elohim in the Bible often calls an abomination!

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with Elohim? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of Elohim. (Jas 4:4)

The Bible has something to say about this world’s end times antichrist system that extols that which YHVH calls an abomination. Scripture likens this system to a drunken, sex-addicted whore! 

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Yeshua: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Rev 17:1–6)

The whore is holding a cup full abominations. Those who idolize her will be involved in the same abominable practices. What sinful practices does the Bible consider to be an abomination? 

• Eating unkosher food (Lev 11; Isa 66:17).
• Homosexuality (Lev 18:22).
• Idols and idolatry (Deut 7:25–26; 17:4; 27:15).
• Worship of false gods including child sacrifice or abortion and being involved in heathen practices (Deut 12:31; 1 Kgs 11:7; 2 Kgs 23:13; Ezek 18:12; Mal 2:11).
• Apostasy from YHVH’s Truth and those who promote it (Deut 13:14).
• Wicked and heathen customs (Deut 18:9–14).
• Crossing dressing and confusing male and female genders (Deut 22:5).
• Unequal weights and measures or those who defraud others economically (Deut 25:13–16; Prov 20:10, 23).
• The proud, liars, murders, evil doers who devise wicked plans, a false witness and those who cause strife and division (Prov 6:16–19). 
• Those who turn away from the Torah (Prov 28:9).
• Those who pervert the true religion of the Bible (Isa 1:14).
• Sexual perversion including adultery and incest (Ezek 22:11; 33:26).

The saints of YHVH are not to love the world and the things of it! As a result, make no mistake, the world will hate YHVH’s people because they are opposed to the world and its values, which are, at its core, of the spirit of antichrist.

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with Elohim? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of Elohim. (Jas 4:4)

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19)

 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:14)

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.(1 John 2:15–16)

YHVH has called his people out of this world. We are to overcome the world through Yeshua.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim. (Rom 12:2)

For whatsoever is born of Elohim overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Yeshua is the Son of Elohim? (1 John 5:4-5)

YHVH’s people have been called to a higher walk.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But Elohim, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with the Messiah (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in the Messiah Yeshua, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in the Messiah Yeshua. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of Elohim, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in the Messiah Yeshua for good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:1–10)

If then you were raised with the Messiah, seek those things which are above, where the Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of Elohim. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in Elohim. When the Messiah who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.   Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of Elohim is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. (Col 3:1–10)

What Is the Opposite of Pride?

This is an interesting questions since there are two possible answers each of which is correct. The answer depends on how you interpret the word pride. The first and most obvious answer is that humility is the opposite of pride. This needs no further explanation. However, there is a less obvious answer to the question, what is the antonym to the word pride? Is it not shame? Let’s briefly explore this unpopular topic.

The modern dictionary definition of shame is “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior; a loss of respect or esteem; dishonor; used to reprove someone for something of which they should be ashamed.” Noah Webster in his 1828 dictionary defines shame this way:

1. A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. Shame is particularly excited by the disclosure of actions which, in the view of men, are mean and degrading. Hence it is often or always manifested by a downcast look or by blushes, called confusion of face.

2. The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach, and degrades a person in the estimation of others. Thus an idol is called a shame.

3. Reproach; ignominy; derision; contempt.

4. The parts which modesty requires to be covered.

5. Dishonor; disgrace.

Isn’t it interesting how the sexual deviants in the LGBTQ movement pick the word “pride” to describe themselves? This is curious to me, since I am not proud that I am a heterosexual or a male. It is just a fact, for I am what I am and that’s that and I don’t feel the need to convince others of this fact. It’s no big deal. Now if I were trying to be something that I was not, and it went against nature, and against my conscience, or had been viewed in time’s past as shameful, degrading, immoral or even illegal, wouldn’t I feel the need to convince myself that my aberrant if not abhorrent behavior was somehow good and acceptable? To strengthen my morally weak position, wouldn’t I feel the need then to go out and convert others to my belief in an effort to lend credibility to my questionable position? In so doing, wouldn’t this somehow make me feel better about myself? Wouldn’t I choose nice and appealing labels to describe my position in an effort to sway others to my belief system, and brand those who didn’t believe as I do with derogatory and mocking labels (e.g., homophobics, right wing extremists, white racists, deplorables, white nationalist, etc.)? I mean, if you are right and on the side of truth, do you really need to go all out to convince people that you are right? You know that you are right, and so you don’t have to prove it. What’s more, that little voice deep inside of you that is your conscience knows that and this gives you inner peace.

However, if you go against your inner voice, guilt arises followed by shame. Adam and Eve discovered this immediately after eating the forbidden fruit. They ran away from Elohim because of guilt brought on by their sin, and then they covered their nakedness because of shame. Shame is the child of guilt. Noah Webster confirms this sequence of events in his dictionary definition above. Shame in this sense is the opposite of pride, and those promoting Pride Month and Gay Pride are actually full of shame and guilt, and by the use of cleaver psychological and propagandistic tactics are trying to divert attention from this truth.

Biblical Warnings Against Pride

While the world promotes pride in many things not the least of which is its approbation of sexual deviancy along with many other satanic ideologies, it is needful for Christians to review the Bible’s view of pride. For sure, the Bible in no way lauds the sin of pride. There definitely exists no such spiritual monster as Pride Month in the Word of Elohim!

When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless YHVH your Elohim for the good land which He has given you. “Beware that you do not forget YHVH your Elohim by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget YHVH your Elohim who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’  “And you shall remember YHVH your Elohim, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget YHVH your Elohim, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which YHVH destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of YHVH your Elohim. (Deut 8:10–19) 

So the king of Israel answered and said, “Tell him, ‘Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.’ (1 Kgs 20:11)  

For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.…And they say, “How does Elohim know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.… Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. (Ps 73:4–9, 11–12, 18–20)

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.  (Ps 101:5)

Though YHVH is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar. (Ps 138:6)  

These six things YHVH hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look…(Prov 6:16–17a)

The fear of YHVH is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. (Prov 8:13)

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. (Prov 11:2)

YHVH will destroy the house of the proud… (Prov 15:25)

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to YHVH; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.….Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov 16:5, 18)

A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. (Prov 21:4)

A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Pro 29:23)  

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And YHVH alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of YHVH of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up—And it shall be brought low…The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; YHVH alone will be exalted in that day, But the idols He shall utterly abolish. (Isa 2:11–12, 17–18)

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Elohim; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. (Isa 14:12–15)

“Behold, I am against you, O most haughty one!” says the Adonai Elohim of hosts; “For your day has come, The time that I will punish you. The most proud shall stumble and fall, And no one will raise him up; I will kindle a fire in his cities, And it will devour all around him.” (Jer 50:31–32)

“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says YHVH of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch. (Mal 4:1)

For the wrath of Elohim is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of Elohim is manifest in them, for Elohim has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew Elohim, they did not glorify Him as Elohim, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible Elohim into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore Elohim also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of Elohim for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason Elohim gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain Elohim in their knowledge, Elohim gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of Elohim, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of Elohim, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

(Rom 1:18–32)

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor 10:12)

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Gal 6:3)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Phil 2:3)

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Elohim, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Tim 3:1–5)

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “ELOHIM RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT  GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (Jas 4:6)

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of Elohim: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. (Rev 3:14–18)