Spiritual Q Tips

(Proverbs 19:27 KJV)  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

This is a reverse promise.  To reach the goal, follow the advice.  Do you want to “stray” (7686)?  There are certain actions which declare your real goal.  In this case it is to “cease” (2308) “listening” (8085) [shama].

This word for “cease” simply means to stop.  To wander off of the Highway of Holiness, just stop listening.  That is simple enough.

But the KJV often translates this “forbear.”  The NASB also translates it “refrain.”  So what?  These take the idea of stopping a step further.  This is the opposite of going the extra mile.  This is a matter of holding back when you know you should go forward.  This lays the ignorance of God’s will squarely in front of your door.

So?  To paraphrase a popular advertizement, “Got problems?”  It may because you have done everything you can to avoid knowing the solution.  It often starts with a decision to stop listening.  Get out the spiritual Q Tips and get to work.