In the most basic sense, punishment is directed toward those who have done wrong. Though any particular punishment may seem harsh by those receiving the punishment, God intended it to be a calculated response toward wrongdoing. Though there are some passages in the Old Testament that indicate punishment was directed toward the people of God (Ezra 9:13; Hosea 12:2), the vast majority of references demonstrate that it was intended for the enemies of God (Psalm 149:7; Proverbs 11:21; Isaiah 10:12; Isaiah 13:11; Isaiah 24:21; Isaiah 26:21; Isaiah 27:1; Jeremiah 25:12; Jeremiah 46:25). A careful study of the New Testament will strengthen the distinction as there are no references to God punishing His people.
The truths of God’s word naturally divide believers from those in the world. The preaching of God’s word and His truths has often been the source of much of the world’s disdain for God’s people. The king of Israel hated and despised Micaiah because “he never prophesied good . . . but always evil.” Any believer who consistently stands upon the truth of God’s word will be hated by those who love the world. John the Baptist serves as another prime example. He was despised and ultimately killed because of his love for righteousness. Amos sheds light on why people hate those who speak and do right things. “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly” (Amos 5:10). The Bible confirms these truths repeatedly. For instance, John warned believers not to marvel if the world hated them (1 John 3:13) because it first hated the Lord Jesus (John 15:18). Seek not to be loved or admired by the world and you will not be disappointed when they despise you.
Our previous studies have discussed the Bible's built-in dictionary. Interestingly, the discovery of this method of defining words is not new. In fact, men like King James VI (also known as King James I) commented on God's graciousness concerning His word. He pointed out that the definitions of many Bible words could be found by considering surrounding words. John Eadie explains this in his book: The English Bible, vol. 2, London, Macmillan, 1876, p. 191. Our study in humility is a case in point. The true riches of this word can only be gleaned when one considers some of the words used in close proximity of the word humble (along with its variations). These words include: croucheth (Psalm 10:10), lowly (Proverbs 16:19), boweth down (Isaiah 2:9), bowed down (Isaiah 2:11), brought down (Isaiah 5:15), hewn down (Isaiah 10:33), and abased (Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14). God wants the Bible student to understand the depths and riches of His word and words. In this case, He clearly indicated that humility results from one being brought low.
