Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. Do not rely on a friendThe Hebrew word for "rely" here is "אמן" (aman), which conveys a sense of firmness, support, or trustworthiness. In the context of Micah's prophecy, this phrase serves as a caution against placing ultimate trust in human relationships, which can be fallible and disappointing. Historically, Israel was often tempted to rely on alliances with other nations rather than on God. This admonition reminds believers that while friendships are valuable, they should not replace our reliance on God, who is the only unfailing source of support. do not trust in a companion
The word "trust" is translated from the Hebrew "בטח" (batach), meaning to feel secure or confident. The term "companion" suggests someone close, perhaps a confidant or partner. In ancient Israel, societal and familial bonds were strong, yet Micah warns against placing ultimate confidence in even the closest human relationships. This reflects a broader biblical theme that human nature is inherently flawed due to sin, and thus, our ultimate trust should be in God alone, who is perfectly faithful and trustworthy. Seal the doors of your mouth
The imagery of sealing one's mouth is powerful, suggesting discretion and caution in speech. The Hebrew root "שמר" (shamar) implies guarding or keeping watch. In a historical context, this reflects the turbulent times in which Micah prophesied, where betrayal and deceit were rampant. For the believer, this serves as a reminder to exercise wisdom and restraint in communication, recognizing that words have power and can lead to unintended consequences if not carefully considered. from her who lies in your arms
This phrase evokes the intimacy of a close relationship, possibly a spouse or loved one. The Hebrew context suggests vulnerability and trust, yet Micah warns of potential betrayal even from those closest to us. This stark warning underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the potential for brokenness in human relationships. It serves as a call to vigilance and discernment, encouraging believers to seek God's wisdom in all relationships and to prioritize their spiritual fidelity to Him above all else. Persons / Places / Events 1. MicahA prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah delivered messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and Israel. His prophecies often addressed social injustices and the need for repentance. 2. Judah and IsraelThe divided kingdoms during Micah's time, both of which were experiencing moral and spiritual decline, leading to God's impending judgment. 3. Neighbors and FriendsRepresenting close relationships and social bonds, these figures are used to illustrate the breakdown of trust and integrity within society. 4. The Woman in Your EmbraceSymbolizes intimate relationships, highlighting that even the most personal and trusted bonds can be sources of betrayal. 5. The Context of BetrayalThe verse reflects a time of societal corruption where trust is eroded, and betrayal is rampant, necessitating caution even in personal relationships. Teaching Points The Fragility of Human TrustHuman relationships, while valuable, are inherently flawed due to sin. We must be discerning and wise in whom we place our trust. The Importance of Guarding Our WordsIn a world where trust is fragile, we must be cautious with our speech, ensuring that our words are truthful and edifying. Trusting in God Above AllWhile human relationships can fail, God remains steadfast and trustworthy. Our ultimate confidence should be in Him. Awareness of Societal CorruptionRecognize the signs of moral decay in society and strive to be a beacon of integrity and righteousness. The Role of Discernment in RelationshipsExercise discernment in relationships, understanding that even those closest to us can falter. Seek God's wisdom in navigating these dynamics. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Micah 7:5 reflect the societal conditions of Judah and Israel during Micah's time, and what parallels can we draw to today's world? 2. In what ways can we apply the caution advised in Micah 7:5 to our modern relationships, both personal and professional? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Jeremiah 9:4-5 and Psalm 118:8-9, reinforce the message of Micah 7:5 regarding trust and reliance on God? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our words are guarded and reflect integrity, as advised in Micah 7:5? 5. How can we balance the need for human relationships with the understanding that our ultimate trust should be in God? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 9:4-5This passage similarly warns against trusting neighbors and friends due to widespread deceit and treachery, reinforcing the theme of societal corruption. Psalm 118:8-9These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord rather than in humans, aligning with Micah's message of misplaced trust. Matthew 10:36Jesus speaks of familial betrayal, echoing the breakdown of trust within close relationships as seen in Micah 7:5. People Jacob, MicahPlaces Assyria, Bashan, Bethlehem, Egypt, Euphrates River, GileadTopics Believe, Bosom, Breast, Careful, Companion, Confidence, Doors, Embrace, Faith, Familiar, Friend, Guard, Guide, Hope, Leader, Lies, Lieth, Lips, Lying, Mouth, Neighbor, Openings, Placed, Relation, Resting, Trust, WatchDictionary of Bible Themes Micah 7:5 5126 arm
5692 friends, bad
5914 optimism
8354 trustworthiness
8719 distrust Micah 7:5-6 8032 trust, lack of
8841 unfaithfulness, to people Library Whether a Sin is Aggravated by Reason of the Condition of the Person against whom it is Committed?
Objection 1: It would seem that sin is not aggravated by reason of the condition of the person against whom it is committed. For if this were the case a sin would be aggravated chiefly by being committed against a just and holy man. But this does not aggravate a sin: because a virtuous man who bears a wrong with equanimity is less harmed by the wrong done him, than others, who, through being scandalized, are also hurt inwardly. Therefore the condition of the person against whom a sin is committed …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether we Ought to Love those who are Better More those who are More Closely United Us?
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to love those who are better more than those who are more closely united to us. For that which is in no way hateful seems more lovable than that which is hateful for some reason: just as a thing is all the whiter for having less black mixed with it. Now those who are connected with us are hateful for some reason, according to Lk. 14:26: "If any man come to Me, and hate not his father," etc. On the other hand good men are not hateful for any reason. Therefore …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophecy is a Habit?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy is a habit. For according to Ethic. ii, 5, "there are three things in the soul, power, passion, and habit." Now prophecy is not a power, for then it would be in all men, since the powers of the soul are common to them. Again it is not a passion, since the passions belong to the appetitive faculty, as stated above ([3658]FS, Q[22] , A[2]); whereas prophecy pertains principally to knowledge, as stated in the foregoing Article. Therefore prophecy is a habit. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with Another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His
1 John i. 7.--"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Art is the imitation of nature, and true religion is a divine art, that consists in the imitation of God himself, the author of nature. Therefore it is a more high and transcendent thing, of a sublimer nature than all the arts and sciences among men. Those reach but to some resemblance of the wisdom of God, expressed in his works, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning My God Will Hear Me
"Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you. Blessed are all they that wait for Him. He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee."--ISA. xxx. 18, 19. "The Lord will hear when I call upon Him."--PS. iv. 3. "I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God!"--PS. xvii. 6. "I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me."--MIC. vii. 7. The power of prayer rests in the faith …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
WE shall consider, first, what things work for good to the godly; and here we shall show that both the best things and the worst things work for their good. We begin with the best things. 1. God's attributes work for good to the godly. (1). God's power works for good. It is a glorious power (Col. i. 11), and it is engaged for the good of the elect. God's power works for good, in supporting us in trouble. "Underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. xxxiii. 27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den? …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Morning Light
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. O ne strong internal proof that the Bible is a divine revelation, may be drawn from the subject matter; and particularly that it is the book, and the only book, that teaches us to …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Rest for the Weary
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. W hich shall we admire most -- the majesty, or the grace, conspicuous in this invitation? How soon would the greatest earthly monarch be impoverished, and his treasures utterly exhausted, if all, that are poor and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their wants and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions and millions …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's Ministry - the First Sunday - the First Disciples.
THE forty days, which had passed since Jesus had first come to him, must have been to the Baptist a time of soul-quickening, of unfolding understanding, and of ripened decision. We see it in his more emphasised testimony to the Christ; in his fuller comprehension of those prophecies which had formed the warrant and substance of his Mission; but specially in the yet more entire self-abnegation, which led him to take up a still lowlier position, and acquiescingly to realise that his task of heralding …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting On Earthly Things
The earth is man himself; in the gospel: another has fallen into the good earth. The same in a bad part about the sinner: you devour the earth all the days of your life. [Mark 4:18; Genesis 3:14] The dry lands are the flesh of a fruitless man; in Ecclesiastes, to work in a dry land with evil and sorrow. [Ecclesiastes 37:3] The dust is a sinner or the vanity of the flesh; in the psalm: like the dust, which the wind blows about. [Ps. 1:4 Vulgate] The mud is the gluttony of sinners; in the psalm: tear …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Links Micah 7:5 NIVMicah 7:5 NLTMicah 7:5 ESVMicah 7:5 NASBMicah 7:5 KJV
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