9-18-06 Isaiah 33:15, 16

Isaiah 33:15, 16 (KJ21)
He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly, he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil— he shall dwell on high; his place of defense shall be the fortifications of rocks; bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Isaiah 33:15, 16 9 (NAS)
He who walks righteously, and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain, And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; He will dwell on the heights; His refuge will be the impregnable rock; His bread will be given him; His water will be sure.

Isaiah 33:15, 16 (NIVUS)
He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil—this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him.

Isaiah 33:15, 16 (NLT)
The ones who can live here are those who are honest and fair, who reject making a profit by fraud, who stay far away from bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong. These are the ones who will dwell on high. The rocks of the mountains will be their fortress of safety. Food will be supplied to them, and they will have water in abundance.

If a baby is normal and healthy, he will learn to walk anytime between 6 months to 13 or 14 months. Much of this is determined by genes, the baby's personality, his sense of adventure, and lack of fear. A baby will fall many times before he learns to balance and to develop the strength to stand and walk uprightly. Soon, however, to the dismay of his mother, he will be toddling or running around and getting into things that he should not. As the act of walking is a learning process, so is learning what is right and wrong. The child will be disciplined many times during this process.

As child of God you are no different, as you learn to walk according to Adonai's will. You may stumble and fall a few times and your Father may discipline you, but you will soon learn to walk in righteousness. Your manner of life, conduct, and character should begin to reflect what is ethically and morally right. As you come and go, your life should mirror the truth of God's word. Even your speech should be pleasing and agreeable. You should always be straight forward and honest. The commands and promises of the Lord should continually be in your mouth.

As a man of God, you should despise and reject certain actions. You should refuse to profit from unjust gain. Anything obtained with violence is off limits to you. Covetousness and greed should not be characteristics found in you. You should not be familiar with extortion, fraud, deception, or oppression. Your hands should not grasp for bribes, but you should shake them loose. Do not give heed to those voices who want to shed blood; your ears should be shut against such evil deeds. You should not look on anything that is wicked and wrong. Close your eyes so that you are not tempted to partake of these things. In fact, you should flee from them.

When you are diligent in all of these things, Jehovah the Lord will cause you to dwell in high and elevated places. Your feet will be established and fixed as you grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God. You will be safe and secure as you abide in the refuge and stronghold of the Most High. You will be hidden behind mountains, cliffs, and rocks and no enemy will be able to reach you. The Lord your God will provide all of the food and sustenance that you need. Water will always be available. On this you can rely, for the Lord God is a faithful God.