Proverbs: Kingship, Household Wisdom, and Warning

What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To do

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2025-08-17

Synopsis: Pastor John Weaver teaches from Proverbs 25:8 that when we act hastily and find ourselves in overwhelming situations where we do not know what to do, the biblical response is to worship God. Using examples from David, Job, Ezekiel, and Jacob, he shows that worship—defined as humble submission, reverence, and trust in God's sovereignty—is the proper reaction to loss, danger, and death. He urges believers to cultivate a daily habit of worship so that it becomes natural in crises.

[John Weaver] All right I Want you to look in Proverbs chapter 25 and verse 8 Proverbs 25 and verse 8 Although I'm not going to be expounding that verse It is a verse that is going to set the stage for what I want to share with you So look in Proverbs chapter 25 in verse 8. The Word of God says, Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame. So the message title is, What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To Do.

[John Weaver] Many times we get ourselves into that which we would call an absolute mess. And when we act hastily, it's because we've done so usually in the excitement of the moment. We do so without thinking, without planning, and certainly without consulting or seeking the will of God. Consequently, many times we get ourselves in messes and we simply just do not know what to do. We don't know how to extricate ourselves from that which we've gotten ourselves into.

[John Weaver] And I hope you've noticed, by the way in life, that not everything always turns out the way you want it to, the way you hope that it does. You've heard me say many times that a problem is not a problem if you know what to do. The problems with problems is that we don't know what to do. And therefore it is a problem to us. And many times we often react instead of responding. And many times the situations in which we find ourselves are those for which we've never planned or even contemplated.

[John Weaver] We just happen to be in them. So look at our text again, if you would please, in verse eight of Proverbs 25. He says, go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame. Now the word hastily means to go forth quickly excitedly and speedily. He says, don't rush into things. And then he says, strive, go not forth hastily to strive. And the word strive can refer to a physical altercation, or it could also refer to a verbal altercation as well. And he said, the end result, when we do run hastily into something like this, in the end, we're going to be shamed. Now the word shamed is the Hebrew word kalam. It literally means to be put to shame, to be dishonored, to be confounded, to be humiliated, and basically to put to confusion.

[John Weaver] So therefore, I think based upon this verse, it's biblical and it's right to think ahead and to plan ahead and prepare, and especially on how we should respond to certain situations. So here's my question. Have you ever wondered or have you ever thought about what you would do in certain situations and circumstances?

[John Weaver] Now, I'm not just talking about temptation. I'm talking about situations in which we are inevitably going to find ourselves, not only as individuals, but also as families. So let me put the question another way by asking several other questions. Have you ever considered what you would do in what you and I would call a medical emergency? Have you ever considered what you would do when you and I would endure the loss of a child? Have you ever considered what in the world we would do in the loss of a spouse? Have you ever thought about what we would do And what you would do when you discover that you're dying. Now, each of these situations that I just mentioned would certainly be devastating. And each of these situations need to be contemplated, and our hearts need to be prepared for all of these situations. I've never lost a child, thankfully. I know Steve and Lorraine have lost two.

[John Weaver] But if I live long enough, that will probably be an inevitable result. And thankfully, I've never lost a spouse. And I know you have, Dinah, that is for sure. But if I live long enough, I probably will face that situation as well. So as I was preparing this message, I basically thought about Alice, of course. If she died before I did, Of course, the loss would be very grievous. It would be very devastating.

[John Weaver] But as I was thinking about it, I also had to smile. Not that I would be enjoying the fact that she was gone, but the thing that I smiled about was if the Lord took her first, there'd be many, many treasure hunts for me.

[John Weaver] Now, when I say that, I don't mean that she has buried treasure. But what I mean is, Don't know where anything is except my clothes my books and my weapons I mean, I don't know where she keeps the dog treats. I don't know where the honey is stored I don't even know what's in the refrigerator and if I go there I have to ask her where something is in the refrigerator so Why are you laughing Steve that must sound familiar I Tell you what's the truth Because Alice takes care of everything around the house not I just simply have no idea where Anything or everything is except what I would say is that which I need on a daily basis So I've often said if the Lord took her first, I would have to marry 40 people in order to 40 ladies just to take the place of her because she actually probably does the work of 40 people around the house and I It would certainly not be anything delightful to lose her, that is for sure.

[John Weaver] But one thing for sure I tell everybody, if the Lord took her first and I remarried, I wouldn't really have to marry a woman by the name of Alice because I call that name a hundred times a day. I got tickled when I was thinking about it. I said, I could just see me remarrying and marrying a woman by the name of Kathy or Elaine or Judy or something like that. And I look at her and say, well, I love you, Alice.

[John Weaver] So but by the way, that actually happened. I taught a young couple in college many years ago, and they started courting and they finally got married. Well, I took Alice and we went to a conference and Here was this young couple. And of course, I knew each one of them because I'd taught them in college before they ever got married. And so but Alice had never met them. And so the young man was introducing his wife to Alice, and he introduced her.

[John Weaver] Not by her name but by the name of an old girlfriend that he had and boy you should have seen the look on her face I tell you he went probably for a month without a goodnight kiss. I can assure you but I Had to correct him tell him his wife's name It embarrassed him as well that is for sure but you know When we contemplate circumstances like this Certainly they're not delightful to think about. But on the other hand, we know that in reality we're going to face them.

[John Weaver] And we have also to understand, have to understand that there are people that have gone through all of these situations before. Usually when we get in those kind of situations, we somehow think that we're the only ones that suffered, we're the only ones that go through them when that is not true. And the Word of God teaches us very clearly that it is possible to learn from the examples of others who have gone through suffering situations and come out with a shining example. It's also possible to learn from those who went through these same situations and came out with an unsuccessful example in the sense that we are not to emulate them at all.

[John Weaver] You remember in the book of James, chapter five and verses 10 and 11, the apostle James said it like this. Take my brethren, the prophets, who have often spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. Behold, we count them happy, which endure. You've heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord, how that he is merciful and very pitiful. And in other words, we understand that there are individuals who've gone through these same situations very successfully. Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Hebrews chapter 11. I just want to read a couple of verses just to show you some of the things that some of the saints have endured down through the ages. Now, it doesn't mean that we're going to go through these things, but then on the other hand, We may.

[John Weaver] It depends upon the providence of God. But in the book of Hebrews chapter 11, just beginning there in verse 32, we've got some positives to begin with. He says, And what shall I more say, for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the

[John Weaver] edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valued in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. So far, everything's been successful and everything's been a blessing here. And when you get to verse 35, he says, women received their dead raised to life again, which is not a bad thing, it's a good thing. But notice this now, and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance.

[John Weaver] that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourging, jail over bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned. They were sewn asunder, were tempted, were slain with a sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy. Now look at this. They wandered in deserts and in mountains and in dens and caves of the earth.

[John Weaver] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise that is the fulfillment of it, God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Now, if you were to investigate all of these passages, even James 5, Hebrews 11, and many others in the scripture, you would find out that each of these successful examples were successful Based upon faith, obedience, submission, and worship.

[John Weaver] Now let me point something out. These truths flow together. So if you have faith, you're going to have submission and obedience. If you have submission and obedience, you're going to have worship. It's going to be the result of faith. submission and obedience. Always you're going to have worship.

[John Weaver] Now, so what I want to do today is this, show you from the Bible some biblical examples so that we would have something to think about and pray about and conform our lives unto. Because usually when we think about these situations, they come upon us usually unexpectedly. I mean, no one really just wakes up in the morning and says, Well, I plan to die today, or I plan to have a medical emergency today. It just doesn't work like that.

[John Weaver] So, I'm gonna give you at least five things, hopefully. Here we go. What should you do when you lose a child? I suppose that one of the most heartbreaking experiences is the loss of a child. But, probably that which is more heartbreaking and the loss of a child is when you lose the child either at birth or just a few months after birth. Because parents who really love their children and want and desire those children always plan in their minds and envision the future of that child in their minds. So let me give you some ideas of why I'm suggesting this.

[John Weaver] Have you ever thought about Manoah and his wife? An angel came to Manoah's wife and said that she was going to conceive and have this child, and his name was to be called Samson. And he was to be a Nazarite from his birth, and he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Well, the woman came and told Manoah, and Manoah asked the Lord to send the angel back, And so the angel appeared again and gave Manoah and his wife some of the same truths. And once again, he warned the woman not to drink and not to have anything that she should not have because the child was to be a Nazarite. Can you imagine what went through the minds of Manoah and his wife when God specifically said, this child is going to be a deliverer for Israel. He's going to deliver you out of the hands of the Philistines. So undoubtedly there are a million thoughts running through their minds as to how that was to be done.

[John Weaver] Let me give you another one. Think about Zacharias and Elizabeth. They were childless as well. And while Zacharias was performing his priestly duties, the angel came and told him that Elizabeth was going to conceive. And the child's name should be John, John the Baptist. And that he was going to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ, and that he was going to turn the hearts of the children back to the fathers, and that he would be preparing the way for Christ and turn many back to the Lord. Wow.

[John Weaver] Now, undoubtedly, were 1,000 things going through their minds as to what kind of child this was going to be, how this was going to be accomplished. But I mean I'm sure that they planned and thought about these things even before John was ever born. Let me show you one more. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Luke 2. Luke 2 and I'm sure you know this passage, but there are a couple of verses that I want to really point out. So if you look in Luke chapter 2, beginning there in verse 25, watch if you would please.

[John Weaver] And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, that is, the Messiah, and the Holy Ghost was upon him. It was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law, then took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now let us sell thy servant to part in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou has prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.

[John Weaver] and Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. Of course, but what's next? And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary his mother, behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of men in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

[John Weaver] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Enul, of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow about four score and four years, who departed not from the temple but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in at that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

[John Weaver] Now the question is this, what in the world do you think went through Joseph and Mary's when Simeon blessed the Lord, and he said that this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and for a sign. And then he looked at Mary and said, yea, a sword also shall pierce thine own heart. Obviously, clearly there were many thoughts going on in their hearts and their minds as well.

[John Weaver] Now I've just given you these just to set you up to show you the expectations that parents have for their children and the things that go through their minds. But I want you to look in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Samuel chapter 12, because here is the illustration of David. Many of you know this, but I want to point out something that is exceedingly clear and plain. You know, David lost this child of which had been conceived Adultery with Bathsheba so in 2nd Samuel, let's see Chapter 12 and let's begin on with verse 12 there God says to David for thou didst it secretly But I will do this thing before all Israel and before the Son and David said unto Nathan I have sinned against the Lord and Nathan said unto David the Lord also has put away thy sin thou shalt not die and How be it because by this deed that was given a great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child also that is born into thee

[John Weaver] shall surely die and Nathan departed into his house and the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife barren to David and it was very sick David therefore besought God for the child and David fasted and went in and lay all night upon the earth And the elders of his house arose and went to him to raise him up from the earth, but he would not. Neither did he eat bread with them.

[John Weaver] They came to pass on the seventh day. So he's been seven days on the dirt, seven days fasting. They came to pass on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice. How will he then vex himself if we tell him that the child is dead? And when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore, David said in his service, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his apparel and came into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he required, they set bread before him and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? Thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive, but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

[John Weaver] And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return unto me.

[John Weaver] Now I want you to go back to verse 20 because I want you to see particularly what you should do in such a situation here's what David did and David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his apparel and came into the house of the Lord and Worshiped Isn't that interesting in a time of grief in a time of bereavement At a time of losing a child, when he realized the child was dead, he arose, he dressed himself, and he went to the house of God and worshiped. Now, the Hebrew word for worshiped here is the word shakha.

[John Weaver] And it literally means to bow down, to prostrate oneself, and to depress or to lure yourself. In other words, This word particularly refers to what you and I would call submission and humility. So this word then involves submission, humility, and reverence, for it respects God's sovereignty, His rule, His reign, and His supremacy. It is to bow in obedience before Him, honoring His will, Being grateful that his will is being accomplished now I've told you this before but I'm going to remind you of it again When you get to the New Testament The word for worship, of course is in the Greek And the word happens to be proscena process a preposition which means to or toward Cuneo is the verb The noun is Kewan. And the word Kewan actually means a dog. So proskuneo means I act like a dog toward. That's what it means. So what does a dog do? A dog kisses the hand of his master. He yields to his master.

[John Weaver] Now Alice can tell you I can hold out the back of my hand and any of my dogs will come up and lick the back of my hand. And usually when I speak to them, they will then roll over. They're showing me their throat. They're showing me their chest, all of their vital organs. And what they're saying to me when they roll over is, I trust you.

[John Weaver] You're not going to harm me. You're not going to take advantage of me. Here I am. I'm yours.

[John Weaver] Now, that's exactly what the word worship means. When we bow before God, when we humble ourselves before Him, we're saying, I trust you. You know what is best. I will kiss the back of your hand. You are my master. I'm willing to roll over and show you my heart, show you my inward, show you everything because you're my God and I trust you. That's what it means to worship. You bow before Him. You humble yourself before Him. You reverence Him.

[John Weaver] You recognize His sovereignty, His rule, and His reign. Now, in the book of Matthew 9, verse 18, here's another verse. Listen to this one. While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead, but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. Look at that. My daughter is now dead. But what did he do when he came to Jesus Christ? He came and he worshiped.

[John Weaver] So what do you do when you don't know what to do? You worship. You bow before God because he is the only one that can extricate you from the situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. Here's the second truth today. What should you do when circumstances are against you. Well, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Samuel chapter 15. In this passage, you understand that Absalom, David's son, has rebelled against him, ran him off the throne, and was seeking to kill him. In fact, the Bible tells us that Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. There was conspiracy and Absalom was the head of it. And even David's own counselor Ahithophel joined in the conspiracy against David. So if you look in 2 Samuel chapter 15 and verse 12, the Bible said an Absalom sent for Ahithophel, the Gileadite, David's counselor, from his city and from Gilo. While he offered sacrifices now look at this and the conspiracy was strong For the people increased continually with Absalom and there came a messenger to David saying the hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom And David said unto all of his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let

[John Weaver] us flee, for we shall not else escape from Absalom, make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. He leaves the people leave with him. He leaves ten women which were his concubines to keep the house.

[John Weaver] And here's what he's saying. We've got to get out because Absalom is coming. He will only kill me. He will kill everyone that is with me. He's in a hurry. Everyone is in a hurry to escape before Absalom gets there with the men who are with him, by the way. There were many, many with Absalom it was a great great conspiracy But while David was fleeing He stopped to do one thing that was very important. What was it? Well, if you look in verse 32 2nd Samuel 15 verse 32 and he came to pass it when David was coming to the top of the mount where he worshiped God and Behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him, with his coat wren than earth upon his head." What did David do in all of the haste to get out of the city? He got to the top of the mount, and he stopped and worshipped God.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to recall something. This is part and parcel of David's chastisement. Do you remember what God said? You did this thing secretly. I'm going to do this thing openly before all Israel. And of course, you know what Absalom did, how he went into his father's concubines. David understood this. And what is David doing? In an extreme, dangerous circumstance, he stops and he worships God. He kisses the back of his hand and he's saying, I'm yours.

[John Weaver] Do with me as you please. Do with me as you will. You're the only one who can extricate me from this situation. You're the only one that can save me. I'm going to worship you. So in extreme and dangerous situations, we should always stop and worship, recognizing he's the only one that can deliver us.

[John Weaver] Now, David's sin was great, but so was ours. I've said this before. I may not have done what David has done, but it only takes one sin to be a sinner. It only takes one sin to merit death. And here's one thing that I'm thankful of. I'm thankful that God has not given me exactly what I deserve. I hope you're thankful for that as well. Word of God says it like this in Psalm 103 verse 10, He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. I am thankful God has not dealt with me according to my sins, neither rewarded me according to my iniquities.

[John Weaver] So in the most dangerous situation they worship. You remember in the New Testament in Matthew chapter 14 the disciples are in a boat and our Lord is asleep in that boat. And they're rowing, and a storm arises. And they believe that they're going to drown.

[John Weaver] Finally, they go to our Lord, and they say, Lord, carest thou not that we perish? And he says, oh, ye of little faith. And then he arises, and he rebukes the wind, and rebukes the sea, and everything's a calm. And here's what the Bible says in Matthew 14 in verse 33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped Him, saying, of a truth, Thou art the Son of God." They worshiped Him. In a most dangerous situation, they worshiped Him. In other words, what the Word of God is teaching us is this. We have to learn to see the hand of God in His providence. We have to see the hand of God in all these circumstances and situations that arise. And when we see it, we worship. Now, here's the third one.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Job, chapter one. And here is the third point. Before you say, this doesn't apply to me, you better hang on. Okay? What should you do when you lose everything? What should you do when you don't know what to do when you lose everything?

[John Weaver] Now, the truth is most of us have never been in such an extremity. We have lost money. We've lost pets. We've lost children. We've lost jobs. We've lost family. Yet we've not lost everything or at least everything at one time But there's one man that did that was Job When you stop and think about this that he lost all of his children and all of his possessions in one day One day he was exceedingly rich in the next day.

[John Weaver] He was a pauper Moreover, he was afflicted in his body with huge sores and rotting flesh. I So look in Job 1, beginning there with verse 1, there was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And that man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was 7,000 sheep and 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, that'd be 1,000, and 500 she-asses and a very great household. Now look at this. So that this man was the greatest of all men of the east And his sons went and feasted in their houses every one his day And sin and call for their sisters their three sisters to eat and to drink with them And it was so, when the days of their feasting were going about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.

[John Weaver] Thus did Job continually. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came along also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Of course he knew he had considered him. Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job serve God for naught? Hast thou not made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands.

[John Weaver] and his substance is increased in the land, but put forth thine hand now and touch all that he hath and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, behold, all that he hath is in thy power. Only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Now watch this.

[John Weaver] Now there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house. And there came a messenger unto Job, saying, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them. And the Sabians fell upon them, and took them away. Yea, they have slain thy servants with the sword, edge of the sword, and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

[John Weaver] While he was yet speaking, this had not sunk in yet. While he was yet speaking there came also another and said the fire of God has fallen from heaven And it burned up the sheep and thy servants and consumed them. I only am escaped alone to tell thee On top of that verse 17 while he was yet speaking. This is all happening at one time There came another and said the Chaldeans made out three bands and fell upon the camels and have carried them away Yeah, and slain the servant thy servants with the edge of the sword and I only am escaped alone to tell thee While he was yet speaking there came another and said thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house and behold there came a great wind from the wilderness and smoked the four corners of the earth of the house and it fell upon the young men and they are dead and I own him escaped alone to tell thee what Here one after another before Job could ever even think what has happened.

[John Weaver] Someone comes along and says, it's not just the oxen, it's the sheep. It's not just the sheep, it's the asses. It's not just the asses, it's the camels. It's not just the camels.

[John Weaver] Now your children are dead. It's not just in one day, it is at one time. Well, what does Job do? Look in verse 20. Then Job arose, Rent his mantle and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshipped And said naked came out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave And the Lord to take it away Blessed be the name of the Lord now. I'm going to tell you This next verse is the one that really gets me It's not just a job worshipped. He did But in all this Job sin not, nor charge God foolishly.

[John Weaver] Now I want you to stop and think about this. Many have lost all of their possessions in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, but most have not lost 10 children at one time, plus everything that they have. Job did not have time to grieve for one tragedy when another hit him. He did not have time to think. One was piled quickly upon the other. What in the world do you do in such a case?

[John Weaver] What do you do when you don't know what to do? Well, the answer is what you should do is to worship. Job fell down and worshiped. He said, naked came out of my mother's womb. Naked shall I return. The Lord gave and the Lord to take it away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. And then he said, in all this Job said not nor charge God foolishly. So Job did not whine. He did not complain.

[John Weaver] He did not become bitter. He did not become hateful or ugly. He did not get out of control. No, he recognized God's hand in providence. And he humbled himself and he kissed the hand of God and said, you're too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. I'm going to bow before you and just simply worship. Worship. I got news for you. The average Christian could not put up with what Job went through. because we don't have the faith of Job. We don't have the maturity of Job. We don't have the integrity of Job. Here's the fourth thing.

[John Weaver] What should you do when you lose a spouse? I suppose this is probably one of the most difficult circumstances, and especially even more difficult When you've lived together from 50 to 70 years, I've read where young people have gotten married, and they leave the church and are on their way to their honeymoon, and they're involved in a wreck and both of them are killed. I've also read where there were wrecks and the groom was killed but not the bride, or the bride was killed and not the groom, I know, I realize that is devastating. But once you live with someone for 50 to 60 to 70 years, it's even more difficult. Why?

[John Weaver] Because you learn to think alike. You learn to speak alike. You learn to do the same things together. I usually say I can tell you what Alice is thinking before she ever speaks, She can always tell me what I'm thinking before I ever speak. You know, it's just exceedingly difficult after a period of time. And Dinah, you can agree to that, I can assure you. But let me point out what to do.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ezekiel chapter 24. Ezekiel chapter 24. And notice if you would, beginning there with verse 15. Ezekiel had a very beautiful and a very loving wife. And she was the desire of his eyes. In fact, that's exactly what God called her. In fact, God used Ezekiel's wife to teach Israel a lesson. Because just like his wife was the desire of his eyes, The temple happened to be the desire of Israel's eyes. And so, Ezekiel is going to lose his wife, and Israel is going to lose the temple.

[John Weaver] And this is what this is all about. So, if you look in Ezekiel 24, beginning there in verse 15, Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke, that is, his wife. God is going to take her with a stroke and look what God tells Ezekiel Yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep Neither shall thy tears run down. Don't cry. Don't mourn don't weep forbear to cry Make no mourning for the dead bind the tire of thine head upon thee and put on the thy shoes upon my feet and cover not thy lips and eat not the bread of men in the words don't Don't do any lamenting. Now look at verse 18.

[John Weaver] So I spake unto the people in the morning, and even my wife died, that I did in the morning as I was commanded. Isn't that amazing? He said, I preached in the morning, and even my wife died, and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

[John Weaver] Now I realize that our text does not say that Ezekiel worshipped. But may I remind you what I said at the very beginning of this message. Faith leads to submission and obedience. And submission and obedience lead to worship. So what happened when God took Ezekiel's wife? He obeyed. He submitted to God. He did exactly that which God commanded him, so that means that he worshiped God. He honored God, he reverenced God, he kissed the hand of God and said, all is well. Ezekiel obeyed. It is difficult to lose a spouse, but we have to recognize and realize the hand of God and submit to Him.

[John Weaver] Now, I've got one more point today, and that's this. What should you do when you know that you're dying? Many die and do not even know that they're dying. Many die instantly. Years ago, I was talking to someone on the phone. I was traveling from a meeting. Harold. And I just hung up the phone. Within five minutes, a preacher called me back and said, Harold is dead. I said, what?

[John Weaver] I said, don't joke like that. I said, I just talked to him. It hadn't been five minutes. He said, I know. He said, because when he hung up the phone, he dropped dead. The aneurysm had burst, you remember that? And I hadn't talked to him in five minutes. It hadn't been five minutes since I'd talked with him. But he did not have the opportunity to even know that he was dying. But some do.

[John Weaver] And I'm thankful for that. And I'm praying and I hope that God will certainly give us a realization that when we're dying, that we may know so that we may do one very important thing. What is that? Well, I want you to look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, the book of Hebrews chapter 11. And look, if you would, please, at verse 21, Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 21 Look at this. I find this absolutely astounding Hebrews 11 verse 21 by faith Jacob Look at this next phrase when he was dying Bless both the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff So what's a joke Jacob do when he's dying? He worshiped God Wow, I don't know about you, but to me, dying seems like a very appropriate time to worship.

[John Weaver] I've often thought about this. If God would be so pleased to let me know a little while before I die, just so I could at least speak to my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, but most of all, so I could just worship one more time and thank him for life and health and everything that he's done. Kiss his hand one last time and say, Lord, you're right. And you're too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. I pray that my last act would be that I'd be able to worship him as I die. Let me make some applications. The first one is this. If worship is demanded in what you and I would call exceedingly dire and even dangerous situations, is it not also demanded and beneficial in all circumstances? We're given opportunities daily to worship. to humble ourselves to reverence and honor God and to kiss his hand and thank him for all of his graciousness and all of his kindness.

[John Weaver] So the question is, do we take advantage of that? When you stop and think about this, whatever you have, whether it's a little or much, it doesn't matter, but whatever you have, God gave it to you. Whatever you are, God made you. Whatever life and breath you have, God gave that to you. Whatever you're capable of enjoying, God allowed you to enjoy that. So why not worship Him?

[John Weaver] Why not bow and thank Him for it? I enjoy creation. Oftentimes, I just thank God for trees. I love trees. I love animals. I thank God for my animals. I even tell my animals I love them. I tell the Lord I love Him. And although I do hunt, I've often said, if every deer in the woods would come and allow me to pet them, I'd never shoot a one of them, because, you know. And I realize animals can be taken for food. I understand that, but I'm just saying, I love animals.

[John Weaver] Somebody asked me, how many of your cows you eat? I don't eat my cows. They're pets. You say, well, why do you raise them? Well, because I love them and I want my pets. All I'm trying to say is we can worship God. We can thank God. We can bless God in a multitude of ways. Here's the next application. I want you to think about this. You must consider this question. What makes you think That you will worship god in exceedingly dire circumstances and dangerous circumstances When you will not worship him When you're not in dire and dangerous circumstances I mean if you can worship him freely and easily right now Without having a dire and dangerous circumstance Why are you not doing it? Why in the world would you wait to get in such a dire, dangerous circumstance? Here's what I'm trying to share with you. What you and I need to learn is this, a perpetual habit of worship. If we are in the habit of worshiping God on a daily basis, yay, sometimes an hourly basis, if we're in the habit of worshiping God on a daily basis, it will only come natural Easy when we're in a dire dangerous situation But we cannot expect to all of a sudden think about worshiping

[John Weaver] God in a dire and dangerous situation If we're not accustomed to worship him before we get in that dire and dangerous situation God gives us opportunities Know what the Bible says in first Thessalonians 5 in verse 18. Listen to this In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. In everything, give thanks. You can thank Him for a good night's rest. You can thank Him for sleep. You can thank Him for health. You can thank Him for life. You can thank Him for a multitude of things. And as long as you're thanking Him, you're recognizing Him, and you're worshiping Him, and you're letting Him know that you're kissing the back of His hand, because he's the sovereign and he's given you all of these things.

[John Weaver] Worship is never out of style and we do not just simply worship publicly on the Lord's day. We worship privately every day and sometimes every hour. So what you should do when you don't know what to do is to worship God and submit to him. When you think about all those tests and trials in the Bible, how God delivered them, when you stop and think about Daniel, Daniel was in the lion's den overnight. I don't know how long the three Hebrew children were in the fiery furnace, but probably not that long. Job was probably suffering a whole lot longer than Daniel, a whole lot longer than the three Hebrew children. But it was God who brought each one of them out. And what did Daniel say?

[John Weaver] The Lord has sent his angel and shut the mouths of the lions. What did the three Hebrew children say? Well, they really didn't have to say anything because Nebuchadnezzar saw the fourth man walking around in the fire. But they did say, we will not bow. We will not worship your false God. And what did Job say? Naked came I forth from the womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. We need to learn to worship.

[John Weaver] What should we do when we do not know what to do? And the answer is, worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, in thy name, commit ourselves unto thee, and we ask, Lord, that you would teach us. Give us, Lord, a heart for worship, and a heart, Lord, that loves thee and willing to submit to thee, and, Lord, be able to kiss thy hand and say, yes, Lord, you're right, and we're yours, and you have the absolute right to do with us as you please. Give us, Lord, a worshipful heart a worshipful disposition, a worshipful attitude, and a worshipful life. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.

[John Weaver] so so

What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To do

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	bFW3NlUEDMY
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: Kingship, Household Wisdom, and Warning
Genre	Sermon
Date	2025-08-17
Dictation Name
Book	Book 084: Proverbs: Kingship, Household Wisdom, and Warning — Chapter 18
Source Timed Segments	76

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: The Problem of Hasty Actions

We often get into messes by acting hastily without seeking God's will, and then we don't know what to do. Proverbs 25:8 warns against rushing into strife, which leads to shame.

All right, I want you to look in Proverbs chapter 25 and verse 8. Proverbs 25 and verse 8. Although I'm not going to be expounding that verse, it is a verse that is going to set the stage for what I want to share with you. So look in Proverbs chapter 25 in verse 8. The Word of God says,

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 25:8

"Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame."

So the message title is, "What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To Do." Many times we get ourselves into that which we would call an absolute mess. And when we act hastily, it's because we've done so usually in the excitement of the moment. We do so without thinking, without planning, and certainly without consulting or seeking the will of God. Consequently, many times we get ourselves in messes and we simply just do not know what to do. We don't know how to extricate ourselves from that which we've gotten ourselves into.

And I hope you've noticed, by the way, in life, that not everything always turns out the way you want it to, the way you hope that it does. You've heard me say many times that a problem is not a problem if you know what to do. The problem with problems is that we don't know what to do. And therefore it is a problem to us. And many times we often react instead of responding. And many times the situations in which we find ourselves are those for which we've never planned or even contemplated. We just happen to be in them. So look at our text again, if you would please, in verse eight of Proverbs 25. He says, "Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame." Now the word "hastily" means to go forth quickly, excitedly, and speedily. He says, don't rush into things. And then he says, "strive"—"go not forth hastily to strive." And the word "strive" can refer to a physical altercation, or it could also refer to a verbal altercation as well. And he said, the end result, when we do run hastily into something like this, in the end, we're going to be shamed. Now the word "shamed" is the Hebrew word "kalam." It literally means to be put to shame, to be dishonored, to be confounded, to be humiliated, and basically to put to confusion.

So therefore, I think based upon this verse, it's biblical and it's right to think ahead and to plan ahead and prepare, and especially on how we should respond to certain situations. So here's my question. Have you ever wondered or have you ever thought about what you would do in certain situations and circumstances?

The Need to Prepare for Inevitable Trials

We should contemplate and prepare our hearts for devastating situations like medical emergencies, loss of a child, loss of a spouse, or facing our own death.

Now, I'm not just talking about temptation. I'm talking about situations in which we are inevitably going to find ourselves, not only as individuals, but also as families. So let me put the question another way by asking several other questions. Have you ever considered what you would do in what you and I would call a medical emergency? Have you ever considered what you would do when you and I would endure the loss of a child? Have you ever considered what in the world we would do in the loss of a spouse? Have you ever thought about what we would do and what you would do when you discover that you're dying? Now, each of these situations that I just mentioned would certainly be devastating. And each of these situations need to be contemplated, and our hearts need to be prepared for all of these situations. I've never lost a child, thankfully. I know Steve and Lorraine have lost two.

But if I live long enough, that will probably be an inevitable result. And thankfully, I've never lost a spouse. And I know you have, Dinah, that is for sure. But if I live long enough, I probably will face that situation as well. So as I was preparing this message, I basically thought about Alice, of course. If she died before I did, of course, the loss would be very grievous. It would be very devastating.

Biblical Examples of Successful Suffering

Scripture shows that those who endured suffering successfully did so through faith, obedience, submission, and worship (James 5:10-11; Hebrews 11).

You remember in the book of James, chapter five and verses 10 and 11, the apostle James said it like this: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." And in other words, we understand that there are individuals who've gone through these same situations very successfully. Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Hebrews chapter 11. I just want to read a couple of verses just to show you some of the things that some of the saints have endured down through the ages. Now, it doesn't mean that we're going to go through these things, but then on the other hand, we may.

It depends upon the providence of God. But in the book of Hebrews chapter 11, just beginning there in verse 32, we've got some positives to begin with. He says,

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."

So far, everything's been successful and everything's been a blessing here. And when you get to verse 35, he says,

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"Women received their dead raised to life again,"

which is not a bad thing, it's a good thing. But notice this now,

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:)"

Now look at this.

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

Now, if you were to investigate all of these passages, even James 5, Hebrews 11, and many others in the scripture, you would find out that each of these successful examples were successful based upon faith, obedience, submission, and worship.

Now let me point something out. These truths flow together. So if you have faith, you're going to have submission and obedience. If you have submission and obedience, you're going to have worship. It's going to be the result of faith, submission, and obedience. Always you're going to have worship.

Now, so what I want to do today is this: show you from the Bible some biblical examples so that we would have something to think about and pray about and conform our lives unto. Because usually when we think about these situations, they come upon us usually unexpectedly. I mean, no one really just wakes up in the morning and says, "Well, I plan to die today," or "I plan to have a medical emergency today." It just doesn't work like that.

What to Do When You Lose a Child: Worship Like David

When David's child died, he arose, washed, and went to the house of the Lord and worshipped, demonstrating submission to God's sovereignty (2 Samuel 12:20).

Have you ever thought about Manoah and his wife? An angel came to Manoah's wife and said that she was going to conceive and have this child, and his name was to be called Samson. And he was to be a Nazarite from his birth, and he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Well, the woman came and told Manoah, and Manoah asked the Lord to send the angel back. And so the angel appeared again and gave Manoah and his wife some of the same truths. And once again, he warned the woman not to drink and not to have anything that she should not have because the child was to be a Nazarite. Can you imagine what went through the minds of Manoah and his wife when God specifically said, "This child is going to be a deliverer for Israel. He's going to deliver you out of the hands of the Philistines"? So undoubtedly there are a million thoughts running through their minds as to how that was to be done.

Let me give you another one. Think about Zacharias and Elizabeth. They were childless as well. And while Zacharias was performing his priestly duties, the angel came and told him that Elizabeth was going to conceive. And the child's name should be John, John the Baptist. And that he was going to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ, and that he was going to turn the hearts of the children back to the fathers, and that he would be preparing the way for Christ and turn many back to the Lord. Wow.

Now, undoubtedly, there were 1,000 things going through their minds as to what kind of child this was going to be, how this was going to be accomplished. But I mean, I'm sure that they planned and thought about these things even before John was ever born. Let me show you one more. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Luke 2. Luke 2, and I'm sure you know this passage, but there are a couple of verses that I want to really point out. So if you look in Luke chapter 2, beginning there in verse 25, watch if you would please. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. Of course, but what's next? And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Now the question is this: what in the world do you think went through Joseph and Mary's minds when Simeon blessed the Lord, and he said that this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and for a sign? And then he looked at Mary and said, "Yea, a sword also shall pierce thine own heart." Obviously, clearly there were many thoughts going on in their hearts and their minds as well. Now I've just given you these just to set you up to show you the expectations that parents have for their children and the things that go through their minds. But I want you to look in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Samuel chapter 12, because here is the illustration of David. Many of you know this, but I want to point out something that is exceedingly clear and plain. You know, David lost this child of which had been conceived in adultery with Bathsheba. So in 2 Samuel, let's see, chapter 12, and let's begin on with verse 12 there. God says to David, "For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun." And David said unto Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said unto David, "The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee

shall surely die." And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, so he's been seven days on the dirt, seven days fasting, it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. Now I want you to go back to verse 20 because I want you to see particularly what you should do in such a situation. Here's what David did: "Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped." Isn't that interesting? In a time of grief, in a time of bereavement, at a time of losing a child, when he realized the child was dead, he arose, he dressed himself, and he went to the house of God and worshipped. Now, the Hebrew word for "worshipped" here is the word "shachah."

And it literally means to bow down, to prostrate oneself, and to depress or to lower yourself. In other words, this word particularly refers to what you and I would call submission and humility. So this word then involves submission, humility, and reverence, for it respects God's sovereignty, His rule, His reign, and His supremacy. It is to bow in obedience before Him, honoring His will, being grateful that His will is being accomplished. Now I've told you this before, but I'm going to remind you of it again. When you get to the New Testament, the word for worship, of course, is in the Greek. And the word happens to be "proskuneo." "Pros" is a preposition which means "to" or "toward." "Kuneo" is the verb. The noun is "kuon." And the word "kuon" actually means a dog. So "proskuneo" means "I act like a dog toward." That's what it means. So what does a dog do? A dog kisses the hand of his master. He yields to his master.

What to Do When Circumstances Are Against You: Worship Like David

While fleeing from Absalom's conspiracy, David stopped at the top of the mount to worship God, acknowledging His control even in danger (2 Samuel 15:32).

So what do you do when you don't know what to do? You worship. You bow before God because He is the only one that can extricate you from the situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. Here's the second truth today. What should you do when circumstances are against you? Well, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Samuel chapter 15. In this passage, you understand that Absalom, David's son, has rebelled against him, ran him off the throne, and was seeking to kill him. In fact, the Bible tells us that Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. There was conspiracy and Absalom was the head of it. And even David's own counselor Ahithophel joined in the conspiracy against David. So if you look in 2 Samuel chapter 15 and verse 12, the Bible said, "And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices." Now look at this: "And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let

us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.

Scripture Reading — 2 Samuel 15:12-32

" He leaves, the people leave with him. He leaves ten women, which were his concubines, to keep the house. And here's what he's saying: "

We've got to get out because Absalom is coming. He will not only kill me, he will kill everyone that is with me." He's in a hurry. Everyone is in a hurry to escape before Absalom gets there with the men who are with him, by the way. There were many, many with Absalom; it was a great, great conspiracy. But while David was fleeing, he stopped to do one thing that was very important. What was it? Well, if you look in verse 32, 2 Samuel 15 verse 32: "And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him, with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.

Scripture Reading — 2 Samuel 15:12-32

" What did David do in all of the haste to get out of the city? He got to the top of the mount, and he stopped and worshipped God.

Now, I want you to recall something. This is part and parcel of David's chastisement. Do you remember what God said? "You did this thing secretly. I'm going to do this thing openly before all Israel." And of course, you know what Absalom did, how he went into his father's concubines. David understood this. And what is David doing? In an extreme, dangerous circumstance, he stops and he worships God. He kisses the back of his hand and he's saying, "I'm yours.

Do with me as you please. Do with me as you will. You're the only one who can extricate me from this situation. You're the only one that can save me. I'm going to worship you." So in extreme and dangerous situations, we should always stop and worship, recognizing He's the only one that can deliver us.

What to Do When You Lose Everything: Worship Like Job

After losing all his possessions and children in one day, Job fell down and worshipped, blessing God's name without sinning or charging God foolishly (Job 1:20-22).

Now, the truth is most of us have never been in such an extremity. We have lost money. We've lost pets. We've lost children. We've lost jobs. We've lost family. Yet we've not lost everything, or at least everything at one time. But there's one man that did: that was Job. When you stop and think about this, that he lost all of his children and all of his possessions in one day. One day he was exceedingly rich, and the next day

he was a pauper. Moreover, he was afflicted in his body with huge sores and rotting flesh. So look in Job 1, beginning there with verse 1: "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, that'd be a thousand, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.

Thus did Job continually. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" Of course he knew he had considered him. "Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands,

and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord." Now watch this. "Now there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Scripture Reading — Job 1:1-22

While he was yet speaking, this had not sunk in yet. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. On top of that, verse 17: While he was yet speaking—this is all happening at one time—there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee."

Here, one after another, before Job could ever even think what has happened,

someone comes along and says, "It's not just the oxen, it's the sheep. It's not just the sheep, it's the asses. It's not just the asses, it's the camels. It's not just the camels,

now your children are dead." It's not just in one day, it is at one time. Well, what does Job do? Look in verse 20:

Scripture Reading — Job 1:1-22

"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Now, I'm going to tell you, this next verse is the one that really gets me. It's not just that Job worshipped, he did. "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."

Now I want you to stop and think about this. Many have lost all of their possessions in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, but most have not lost ten children at one time, plus everything that they have. Job did not have time to grieve for one tragedy when another hit him. He did not have time to think. One was piled quickly upon the other. What in the world do you do in such a case? What do you do when you don't know what to do? Well, the answer is what you should do is to worship. Job fell down and worshipped. He said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." And then he said, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." So Job did not whine. He did not complain.

He did not become bitter. He did not become hateful or ugly. He did not get out of control. No, he recognized God's hand in providence. And he humbled himself and he kissed the hand of God and said, "You're too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. I'm going to bow before you and just simply worship." Worship. I got news for you. The average Christian could not put up with what Job went through, because we don't have the faith of Job. We don't have the maturity of Job. We don't have the integrity of Job. Here's the fourth thing.

What to Do When You Lose a Spouse: Obey and Submit Like Ezekiel

When God took Ezekiel's wife, he obeyed God's command not to mourn publicly, demonstrating submission and worship through obedience (Ezekiel 24:15-18).

I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ezekiel chapter 24. Ezekiel chapter 24. And notice if you would, beginning there with verse 15. Ezekiel had a very beautiful and a very loving wife. And she was the desire of his eyes. In fact, that's exactly what God called her. In fact, God used Ezekiel's wife to teach Israel a lesson. Because just like his wife was the desire of his eyes, the temple happened to be the desire of Israel's eyes. And so, Ezekiel is going to lose his wife, and Israel is going to lose the temple.

And this is what this is all about. So, if you look in Ezekiel 24, beginning there in verse 15:

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke"

—that is, his wife. God is going to take her with a stroke—

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men."

In other words, don't do any lamenting. Now look at verse 18.

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded."

Isn't that amazing? He said,

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"I preached in the morning, and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded."

Now I realize that our text does not say that Ezekiel worshipped. But may I remind you what I said at the very beginning of this message. Faith leads to submission and obedience. And submission and obedience lead to worship. So what happened when God took Ezekiel's wife? He obeyed. He submitted to God. He did exactly that which God commanded him, so that means that he worshipped God. He honored God, he reverenced God, he kissed the hand of God and said, "All is well." Ezekiel obeyed. It is difficult to lose a spouse, but we have to recognize and realize the hand of God and submit to Him.

What to Do When You Know You're Dying: Worship Like Jacob

As he was dying, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and worshipped, leaning on his staff, showing that worship is fitting even at death (Hebrews 11:21).

And I'm thankful for that. And I'm praying and I hope that God will certainly give us a realization that when we're dying, that we may know so that we may do one very important thing. What is that? Well, I want you to look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, the book of Hebrews chapter 11. And look, if you would, please, at verse 21. Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 21. Look at this. I find this absolutely astounding. Hebrews 11 verse 21:

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:21

"By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff."

So what did Jacob do when he was dying? He worshipped God. Wow. I don't know about you, but to me, dying seems like a very appropriate time to worship.

I've often thought about this. If God would be so pleased to let me know a little while before I die, just so I could at least speak to my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, but most of all, so I could just worship one more time and thank Him for life and health and everything that He's done. Kiss His hand one last time and say, "Lord, you're right. And you're too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake." I pray that my last act would be that I'd be able to worship Him as I die. Let me make some applications. The first one is this. If worship is demanded in what you and I would call exceedingly dire and even dangerous situations, is it not also demanded and beneficial in all circumstances? We're given opportunities daily to worship, to humble ourselves, to reverence and honor God, and to kiss His hand and thank Him for all of His graciousness and all of His kindness.

Applications: Cultivate a Habit of Worship

If worship is demanded in dire situations, it is beneficial in all circumstances. We must develop a daily habit of worship so that it comes naturally in crises.

So the question is, do we take advantage of that? When you stop and think about this, whatever you have, whether it's a little or much, it doesn't matter, but whatever you have, God gave it to you. Whatever you are, God made you. Whatever life and breath you have, God gave that to you. Whatever you're capable of enjoying, God allowed you to enjoy that. So why not worship Him? Why not bow and thank Him for it? I enjoy creation. Oftentimes, I just thank God for trees. I love trees. I love animals. I thank God for my animals. I even tell my animals I love them. I tell the Lord I love Him. And although I do hunt, I've often said, if every deer in the woods would come and allow me to pet them, I'd never shoot a one of them, because, you know. And I realize animals can be taken for food. I understand that, but I'm just saying, I love animals.

Somebody asked me, "How many of your cows do you eat?" I don't eat my cows. They're pets. You say, "Well, why do you raise them?" Well, because I love them and I want my pets. All I'm trying to say is we can worship God. We can thank God. We can bless God in a multitude of ways. Here's the next application. I want you to think about this. You must consider this question: What makes you think that you will worship God in exceedingly dire circumstances and dangerous circumstances when you will not worship Him when you're not in dire and dangerous circumstances? I mean, if you can worship Him freely and easily right now without having a dire and dangerous circumstance, why are you not doing it? Why in the world would you wait to get in such a dire, dangerous circumstance? Here's what I'm trying to share with you. What you and I need to learn is this: a perpetual habit of worship. If we are in the habit of worshiping God on a daily basis, yea, sometimes an hourly basis, if we're in the habit of worshiping God on a daily basis, it will only come natural, easy, when we're in a dire, dangerous situation. But we cannot expect to all of a sudden think about worshiping

God in a dire and dangerous situation if we're not accustomed to worship Him before we get in that dire and dangerous situation. God gives us opportunities. Know what the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5 in verse 18. Listen to this:

Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

In everything, give thanks. You can thank Him for a good night's rest. You can thank Him for sleep. You can thank Him for health. You can thank Him for life. You can thank Him for a multitude of things. And as long as you're thanking Him, you're recognizing Him, and you're worshiping Him, and you're letting Him know that you're kissing the back of His hand, because He's the sovereign and He's given you all of these things.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Worship as the Proper Response to Crisis

Summary: When we don't know what to do, the biblical answer is to worship God—humbling ourselves, submitting to His sovereignty, and trusting His goodness.

Evidence: David worshipped after his child died (2 Samuel 12:20), Job worshipped after losing everything (Job 1:20), and Jacob worshipped while dying (Hebrews 11:21).

The Danger of Hasty Actions

Summary: Acting hastily without seeking God's will leads to shame and confusion, as warned in Proverbs 25:8.

Evidence: Proverbs 25:8 says, 'Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.'

God's Sovereignty in Suffering

Summary: Recognizing God's hand in providence allows believers to worship even in loss, acknowledging that He gives and takes away according to His will.

Evidence: Job said, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord' (Job 1:21).

Faith, Submission, and Obedience Lead to Worship

Summary: True faith produces submission and obedience, which naturally result in worship, as seen in the examples of the faithful in Hebrews 11.

Evidence: Hebrews 11 shows that those who endured did so by faith, and James 5:10-11 points to the prophets as examples of suffering and patience.

The Necessity of a Daily Worship Habit

Summary: We cannot expect to worship in crises if we do not cultivate a habit of worship in everyday life, giving thanks in all things.

Evidence: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands, 'In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.'

Key Arguments

Worship is the biblical response when we don't know what to do.

Summary: In every example of extreme crisis—loss of a child, danger, loss of possessions, loss of a spouse, and impending death—the response was worship.

Evidence: David worshipped after his child's death (2 Samuel 12:20) and while fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 15:32); Job worshipped after losing everything (Job 1:20); Ezekiel obeyed God when his wife died (Ezekiel 24:18); Jacob worshipped while dying (Hebrews 11:21).

Worship involves humble submission to God's sovereignty.

Summary: The Hebrew word for worship (shachah) means to bow down, prostrate oneself, and lower oneself, signifying submission, humility, and reverence for God's rule.

Evidence: The word 'worshipped' in 2 Samuel 12:20 is the Hebrew 'shachah,' meaning to bow down, prostrate oneself, and depress or lower oneself.

Worship is like a dog kissing its master's hand.

Summary: The Greek word for worship (proskuneo) means to act like a dog toward its master, kissing the hand and showing trust by exposing vulnerable areas.

Evidence: The word 'proskuneo' comes from 'pros' (toward) and 'kuneo' (to kiss), related to 'kuon' (dog), meaning to kiss the hand of the master.

We must prepare our hearts for inevitable trials.

Summary: Since devastating situations will come, we should contemplate them and prepare our hearts to respond with worship rather than reacting hastily.

Evidence: The speaker asks, 'Have you ever considered what you would do in a medical emergency? ... loss of a child? ... loss of a spouse? ... when you discover that you're dying?'

A daily habit of worship is essential for crisis worship.

Summary: If we do not worship God in daily life, we will not be able to worship Him in dire circumstances; we must give thanks in everything.

Evidence: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, 'In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.'

Scripture References

Proverbs 25:8

Context: The foundational verse warning against hasty actions that lead to not knowing what to do and being put to shame.

James 5:10-11

Context: The prophets and Job are examples of suffering affliction and patience, showing the Lord's mercy.

Hebrews 11:32-40

Context: Examples of faith, including those who endured torture, mockings, and death, obtaining a good report through faith.

Luke 2:25-38

Context: Simeon and Anna's prophecies about Jesus, including the sword that would pierce Mary's soul, showing parental expectations.

2 Samuel 12:12-23

Context: David's child dies as judgment; David fasts while the child is alive, but after the death he worships God.

Matthew 9:18

Context: A ruler comes to Jesus, worships Him, and asks Him to raise his dead daughter, showing worship in crisis.

2 Samuel 15:12-32

Context: Absalom's conspiracy against David; while fleeing, David stops at the mount to worship God.

Psalm 103:10

Context: God has not dealt with us according to our sins or rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Matthew 14:33

Context: After Jesus calms the storm, the disciples worship Him, saying, 'Of a truth thou art the Son of God.'

Job 1:1-22

Context: Job loses all his possessions and children in one day; he falls down and worships, blessing God's name.

Ezekiel 24:15-18

Context: God takes Ezekiel's wife as a sign; Ezekiel obeys God's command not to mourn, demonstrating submission.

Hebrews 11:21

Context: By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed Joseph's sons and worshipped, leaning on his staff.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Context: In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Historical References

Manoah and his wife (Samson's parents)

Context: An angel announced Samson's birth and his role as a deliverer, likely filling his parents with expectations for his future.

Zacharias and Elizabeth (John the Baptist's parents)

Context: An angel told Zacharias that John would be the forerunner of Christ, giving them great expectations for their son.

Daniel in the lion's den

Context: Daniel was delivered from the lions because God sent His angel to shut their mouths.

The three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace

Context: They refused to worship the false god and were protected by a fourth man in the fire.

Important Quotes

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Significance: This is the foundational verse that sets the theme: hasty actions lead to confusion and shame, and we must learn what to do when we don't know what to do.

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped.

Significance: David's response to the death of his child is the key example of worship in the midst of devastating loss.

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Significance: Job's worship after losing everything demonstrates absolute submission to God's sovereignty.

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Significance: Jacob's worship while dying shows that worship is appropriate even at the end of life.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Significance: This verse undergirds the application that we must cultivate a daily habit of worship and thanksgiving.

Discussion Questions

Why does acting hastily often lead to situations where we don't know what to do?

Context: The message opens with Proverbs 25:8, warning against hasty actions that result in shame.

How does David's worship after his child's death challenge our typical responses to grief?

Context: David fasted while the child was alive but worshipped after the death, showing submission to God's will.

What does it mean to worship God as 'kissing the hand of the master'?

Context: The Greek word proskuneo is explained as acting like a dog toward its master, showing trust and submission.

How can we prepare our hearts now for future crises like loss of a child or spouse?

Context: The speaker urges contemplation of inevitable devastating situations to prepare our hearts.

Why is a daily habit of worship essential for responding well in dire circumstances?

Context: The application emphasizes that we cannot expect to worship in crisis if we don't worship daily.

Applications

Cultivate a daily habit of worship.

Summary: We must worship God regularly in everyday life—thanking Him for all things—so that worship becomes natural in crises.

Evidence: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands giving thanks in everything; the speaker asks, 'What makes you think that you will worship God in exceedingly dire circumstances... when you will not worship Him when you're not in dire and dangerous circumstances?'

Respond to loss and crisis with worship, not complaint.

Summary: When facing devastating situations, we should follow the examples of David, Job, and others by humbling ourselves and worshipping God.

Evidence: David worshipped after his child's death (2 Samuel 12:20); Job worshipped after losing everything (Job 1:20-22).

Recognize God's sovereignty in all circumstances.

Summary: We must see God's hand in providence and trust that He is too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake.

Evidence: Job said, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord' (Job 1:21).

Prepare your heart for inevitable trials.

Summary: Contemplate potential devastating situations and prepare your heart to respond with faith and worship rather than reacting hastily.

Evidence: The speaker asks, 'Have you ever considered what you would do in a medical emergency? ... loss of a child? ... loss of a spouse? ... when you discover that you're dying?'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T16:42:56Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T07:49:10Z

Clean Transcript

What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To do

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

All right, I want you to look in Proverbs chapter 25 and verse 8. Proverbs 25 and verse 8. Although I'm not going to be expounding that verse, it is a verse that is going to set the stage for what I want to share with you. So look in Proverbs chapter 25 in verse 8. The Word of God says, "Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame." So the message title is, "What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To Do."
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Many times we get ourselves into that which we would call an absolute mess. And when we act hastily, it's because we've done so usually in the excitement of the moment. We do so without thinking, without planning, and certainly without consulting or seeking the will of God. Consequently, many times we get ourselves in messes and we simply just do not know what to do. We don't know how to extricate ourselves from that which we've gotten ourselves into.
#2 | 0:52 to 1:27 | cleaned
And I hope you've noticed, by the way, in life, that not everything always turns out the way you want it to, the way you hope that it does. You've heard me say many times that a problem is not a problem if you know what to do. The problem with problems is that we don't know what to do. And therefore it is a problem to us. And many times we often react instead of responding. And many times the situations in which we find ourselves are those for which we've never planned or even contemplated.
#3 | 1:28 to 2:06 | cleaned
We just happen to be in them. So look at our text again, if you would please, in verse eight of Proverbs 25. He says, "Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame." Now the word "hastily" means to go forth quickly, excitedly, and speedily. He says, don't rush into things. And then he says, "strive"—"go not forth hastily to strive." And the word "strive" can refer to a physical altercation, or it could also refer to a verbal altercation as well. And he said, the end result, when we do run hastily into something like this, in the end, we're going to be shamed. Now the word "shamed" is the Hebrew word "kalam." It literally means to be put to shame, to be dishonored, to be confounded, to be humiliated, and basically to put to confusion.
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So therefore, I think based upon this verse, it's biblical and it's right to think ahead and to plan ahead and prepare, and especially on how we should respond to certain situations. So here's my question. Have you ever wondered or have you ever thought about what you would do in certain situations and circumstances?
#5 | 3:09 to 3:33 | cleaned
Now, I'm not just talking about temptation. I'm talking about situations in which we are inevitably going to find ourselves, not only as individuals, but also as families. So let me put the question another way by asking several other questions. Have you ever considered what you would do in what you and I would call a medical emergency? Have you ever considered what you would do when you and I would endure the loss of a child? Have you ever considered what in the world we would do in the loss of a spouse? Have you ever thought about what we would do and what you would do when you discover that you're dying? Now, each of these situations that I just mentioned would certainly be devastating. And each of these situations need to be contemplated, and our hearts need to be prepared for all of these situations. I've never lost a child, thankfully. I know Steve and Lorraine have lost two.
#6 | 3:34 to 4:55 | cleaned
But if I live long enough, that will probably be an inevitable result. And thankfully, I've never lost a spouse. And I know you have, Dinah, that is for sure. But if I live long enough, I probably will face that situation as well. So as I was preparing this message, I basically thought about Alice, of course. If she died before I did, of course, the loss would be very grievous. It would be very devastating.
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But as I was thinking about it, I also had to smile. Not that I would be enjoying the fact that she was gone, but the thing that I smiled about was if the Lord took her first, there'd be many, many treasure hunts for me.
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Now, when I say that, I don't mean that she has buried treasure. But what I mean is, I don't know where anything is except my clothes, my books, and my weapons. I mean, I don't know where she keeps the dog treats. I don't know where the honey is stored. I don't even know what's in the refrigerator, and if I go there, I have to ask her where something is in the refrigerator. So why are you laughing, Steve? That must sound familiar. I tell you what's the truth. Because Alice takes care of everything around the house, not I. I just simply have no idea where anything or everything is except what I would say is that which I need on a daily basis. So I've often said if the Lord took her first, I would have to marry 40 people—40 ladies—just to take the place of her, because she actually probably does the work of 40 people around the house. And it would certainly not be anything delightful to lose her, that is for sure.
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But one thing for sure I tell everybody, if the Lord took her first and I remarried, I wouldn't really have to marry a woman by the name of Alice because I call that name a hundred times a day. I got tickled when I was thinking about it. I said, I could just see me remarrying and marrying a woman by the name of Kathy or Elaine or Judy or something like that. And I look at her and say, "Well, I love you, Alice."
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So, but by the way, that actually happened. I taught a young couple in college many years ago, and they started courting and they finally got married. Well, I took Alice and we went to a conference, and here was this young couple. And of course, I knew each one of them because I'd taught them in college before they ever got married. And so, but Alice had never met them. And so the young man was introducing his wife to Alice, and he introduced her—
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not by her name but by the name of an old girlfriend that he had. And boy, you should have seen the look on her face. I tell you, he went probably for a month without a goodnight kiss, I can assure you. But I had to correct him, tell him his wife's name. It embarrassed him as well, that is for sure. But you know, when we contemplate circumstances like this, certainly they're not delightful to think about. But on the other hand, we know that in reality we're going to face them.
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And we have also to understand—have to understand—that there are people that have gone through all of these situations before. Usually when we get in those kind of situations, we somehow think that we're the only ones that suffered, we're the only ones that go through them, when that is not true. And the Word of God teaches us very clearly that it is possible to learn from the examples of others who have gone through suffering situations and come out with a shining example. It's also possible to learn from those who went through these same situations and came out with an unsuccessful example, in the sense that we are not to emulate them at all.
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You remember in the book of James, chapter five and verses 10 and 11, the apostle James said it like this: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." And in other words, we understand that there are individuals who've gone through these same situations very successfully. Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Hebrews chapter 11. I just want to read a couple of verses just to show you some of the things that some of the saints have endured down through the ages. Now, it doesn't mean that we're going to go through these things, but then on the other hand, we may.
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It depends upon the providence of God. But in the book of Hebrews chapter 11, just beginning there in verse 32, we've got some positives to begin with. He says, "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the
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edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." So far, everything's been successful and everything's been a blessing here. And when you get to verse 35, he says, "Women received their dead raised to life again," which is not a bad thing, it's a good thing. But notice this now, "and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
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that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:)" Now look at this. "They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
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And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Now, if you were to investigate all of these passages, even James 5, Hebrews 11, and many others in the scripture, you would find out that each of these successful examples were successful based upon faith, obedience, submission, and worship.
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Now let me point something out. These truths flow together. So if you have faith, you're going to have submission and obedience. If you have submission and obedience, you're going to have worship. It's going to be the result of faith, submission, and obedience. Always you're going to have worship.
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Now, so what I want to do today is this: show you from the Bible some biblical examples so that we would have something to think about and pray about and conform our lives unto. Because usually when we think about these situations, they come upon us usually unexpectedly. I mean, no one really just wakes up in the morning and says, "Well, I plan to die today," or "I plan to have a medical emergency today." It just doesn't work like that.
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So, I'm gonna give you at least five things, hopefully. Here we go. What should you do when you lose a child? I suppose that one of the most heartbreaking experiences is the loss of a child. But, probably that which is more heartbreaking than the loss of a child is when you lose the child either at birth or just a few months after birth. Because parents who really love their children and want and desire those children always plan in their minds and envision the future of that child in their minds. So let me give you some ideas of why I'm suggesting this.
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Have you ever thought about Manoah and his wife? An angel came to Manoah's wife and said that she was going to conceive and have this child, and his name was to be called Samson. And he was to be a Nazarite from his birth, and he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Well, the woman came and told Manoah, and Manoah asked the Lord to send the angel back. And so the angel appeared again and gave Manoah and his wife some of the same truths. And once again, he warned the woman not to drink and not to have anything that she should not have because the child was to be a Nazarite. Can you imagine what went through the minds of Manoah and his wife when God specifically said, "This child is going to be a deliverer for Israel. He's going to deliver you out of the hands of the Philistines"? So undoubtedly there are a million thoughts running through their minds as to how that was to be done.
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Let me give you another one. Think about Zacharias and Elizabeth. They were childless as well. And while Zacharias was performing his priestly duties, the angel came and told him that Elizabeth was going to conceive. And the child's name should be John, John the Baptist. And that he was going to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ, and that he was going to turn the hearts of the children back to the fathers, and that he would be preparing the way for Christ and turn many back to the Lord. Wow.
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Now, undoubtedly, there were 1,000 things going through their minds as to what kind of child this was going to be, how this was going to be accomplished. But I mean, I'm sure that they planned and thought about these things even before John was ever born. Let me show you one more. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Luke 2. Luke 2, and I'm sure you know this passage, but there are a couple of verses that I want to really point out. So if you look in Luke chapter 2, beginning there in verse 25, watch if you would please.
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And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
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And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. Of course, but what's next? And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
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And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
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Now the question is this: what in the world do you think went through Joseph and Mary's minds when Simeon blessed the Lord, and he said that this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and for a sign? And then he looked at Mary and said, "Yea, a sword also shall pierce thine own heart." Obviously, clearly there were many thoughts going on in their hearts and their minds as well.
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Now I've just given you these just to set you up to show you the expectations that parents have for their children and the things that go through their minds. But I want you to look in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Samuel chapter 12, because here is the illustration of David. Many of you know this, but I want to point out something that is exceedingly clear and plain. You know, David lost this child of which had been conceived in adultery with Bathsheba. So in 2 Samuel, let's see, chapter 12, and let's begin on with verse 12 there. God says to David, "For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun." And David said unto Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said unto David, "The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee
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shall surely die." And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
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And it came to pass on the seventh day, so he's been seven days on the dirt, seven days fasting, it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
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And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
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Now I want you to go back to verse 20 because I want you to see particularly what you should do in such a situation. Here's what David did: "Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped." Isn't that interesting? In a time of grief, in a time of bereavement, at a time of losing a child, when he realized the child was dead, he arose, he dressed himself, and he went to the house of God and worshipped. Now, the Hebrew word for "worshipped" here is the word "shachah."
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And it literally means to bow down, to prostrate oneself, and to depress or to lower yourself. In other words, this word particularly refers to what you and I would call submission and humility. So this word then involves submission, humility, and reverence, for it respects God's sovereignty, His rule, His reign, and His supremacy. It is to bow in obedience before Him, honoring His will, being grateful that His will is being accomplished. Now I've told you this before, but I'm going to remind you of it again. When you get to the New Testament, the word for worship, of course, is in the Greek. And the word happens to be "proskuneo." "Pros" is a preposition which means "to" or "toward." "Kuneo" is the verb. The noun is "kuon." And the word "kuon" actually means a dog. So "proskuneo" means "I act like a dog toward." That's what it means. So what does a dog do? A dog kisses the hand of his master. He yields to his master.
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Now Alice can tell you, I can hold out the back of my hand and any of my dogs will come up and lick the back of my hand. And usually when I speak to them, they will then roll over. They're showing me their throat. They're showing me their chest, all of their vital organs. And what they're saying to me when they roll over is, "I trust you.
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You're not going to harm me. You're not going to take advantage of me. Here I am. I'm yours."
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Now, that's exactly what the word worship means. When we bow before God, when we humble ourselves before Him, we're saying, "I trust you. You know what is best. I will kiss the back of your hand. You are my master. I'm willing to roll over and show you my heart, show you my inward, show you everything because you're my God and I trust you." That's what it means to worship. You bow before Him. You humble yourself before Him. You reverence Him.
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You recognize His sovereignty, His rule, and His reign. Now, in the book of Matthew 9, verse 18, here's another verse. Listen to this one: "While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live." Look at that. My daughter is now dead. But what did he do when he came to Jesus Christ? He came and he worshipped.
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So what do you do when you don't know what to do? You worship. You bow before God because He is the only one that can extricate you from the situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. Here's the second truth today. What should you do when circumstances are against you? Well, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to 2 Samuel chapter 15. In this passage, you understand that Absalom, David's son, has rebelled against him, ran him off the throne, and was seeking to kill him. In fact, the Bible tells us that Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. There was conspiracy and Absalom was the head of it. And even David's own counselor Ahithophel joined in the conspiracy against David. So if you look in 2 Samuel chapter 15 and verse 12, the Bible said, "And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices." Now look at this: "And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let
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us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint." He leaves, the people leave with him. He leaves ten women, which were his concubines, to keep the house.
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And here's what he's saying: "We've got to get out because Absalom is coming. He will not only kill me, he will kill everyone that is with me." He's in a hurry. Everyone is in a hurry to escape before Absalom gets there with the men who are with him, by the way. There were many, many with Absalom; it was a great, great conspiracy. But while David was fleeing, he stopped to do one thing that was very important. What was it? Well, if you look in verse 32, 2 Samuel 15 verse 32: "And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him, with his coat rent, and earth upon his head." What did David do in all of the haste to get out of the city? He got to the top of the mount, and he stopped and worshipped God.
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Now, I want you to recall something. This is part and parcel of David's chastisement. Do you remember what God said? "You did this thing secretly. I'm going to do this thing openly before all Israel." And of course, you know what Absalom did, how he went into his father's concubines. David understood this. And what is David doing? In an extreme, dangerous circumstance, he stops and he worships God. He kisses the back of his hand and he's saying, "I'm yours.
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Do with me as you please. Do with me as you will. You're the only one who can extricate me from this situation. You're the only one that can save me. I'm going to worship you." So in extreme and dangerous situations, we should always stop and worship, recognizing He's the only one that can deliver us.
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Now, David's sin was great, but so was ours. I've said this before. I may not have done what David has done, but it only takes one sin to be a sinner. It only takes one sin to merit death. And here's one thing that I'm thankful of. I'm thankful that God has not given me exactly what I deserve. I hope you're thankful for that as well. Word of God says it like this in Psalm 103 verse 10: "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." I am thankful God has not dealt with me according to my sins, neither rewarded me according to my iniquities.
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So in the most dangerous situation they worship. You remember in the New Testament in Matthew chapter 14 the disciples are in a boat and our Lord is asleep in that boat. And they're rowing, and a storm arises. And they believe that they're going to drown.
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Finally, they go to our Lord, and they say, "Lord, carest thou not that we perish?" And he says, "O ye of little faith." And then he arises, and he rebukes the wind, and rebukes the sea, and everything's a calm. And here's what the Bible says in Matthew 14 in verse 33: "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." They worshipped Him. In a most dangerous situation, they worshipped Him. In other words, what the Word of God is teaching us is this: We have to learn to see the hand of God in His providence. We have to see the hand of God in all these circumstances and situations that arise. And when we see it, we worship. Now, here's the third one.
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I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Job, chapter one. And here is the third point. Before you say, "This doesn't apply to me," you better hang on. Okay? What should you do when you lose everything? What should you do when you don't know what to do when you lose everything?
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Now, the truth is most of us have never been in such an extremity. We have lost money. We've lost pets. We've lost children. We've lost jobs. We've lost family. Yet we've not lost everything, or at least everything at one time. But there's one man that did: that was Job. When you stop and think about this, that he lost all of his children and all of his possessions in one day. One day he was exceedingly rich, and the next day
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he was a pauper. Moreover, he was afflicted in his body with huge sores and rotting flesh. So look in Job 1, beginning there with verse 1: "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, that'd be a thousand, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.
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Thus did Job continually. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" Of course he knew he had considered him. "Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands,
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and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord." Now watch this.
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"Now there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
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While he was yet speaking, this had not sunk in yet. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. On top of that, verse 17: While he was yet speaking—this is all happening at one time—there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee." Here, one after another, before Job could ever even think what has happened,
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someone comes along and says, "It's not just the oxen, it's the sheep. It's not just the sheep, it's the asses. It's not just the asses, it's the camels. It's not just the camels,
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now your children are dead." It's not just in one day, it is at one time. Well, what does Job do? Look in verse 20: "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Now, I'm going to tell you, this next verse is the one that really gets me. It's not just that Job worshipped, he did. "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
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Now I want you to stop and think about this. Many have lost all of their possessions in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, but most have not lost ten children at one time, plus everything that they have. Job did not have time to grieve for one tragedy when another hit him. He did not have time to think. One was piled quickly upon the other. What in the world do you do in such a case?
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What do you do when you don't know what to do? Well, the answer is what you should do is to worship. Job fell down and worshipped. He said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." And then he said, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." So Job did not whine. He did not complain.
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He did not become bitter. He did not become hateful or ugly. He did not get out of control. No, he recognized God's hand in providence. And he humbled himself and he kissed the hand of God and said, "You're too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake. I'm going to bow before you and just simply worship." Worship. I got news for you. The average Christian could not put up with what Job went through, because we don't have the faith of Job. We don't have the maturity of Job. We don't have the integrity of Job. Here's the fourth thing.
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What should you do when you lose a spouse? I suppose this is probably one of the most difficult circumstances, and especially even more difficult when you've lived together from 50 to 70 years. I've read where young people have gotten married, and they leave the church and are on their way to their honeymoon, and they're involved in a wreck and both of them are killed. I've also read where there were wrecks and the groom was killed but not the bride, or the bride was killed and not the groom. I know, I realize that is devastating. But once you live with someone for 50 to 60 to 70 years, it's even more difficult. Why?
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Because you learn to think alike. You learn to speak alike. You learn to do the same things together. I usually say I can tell you what Alice is thinking before she ever speaks. She can always tell me what I'm thinking before I ever speak. You know, it's just exceedingly difficult after a period of time. And Dinah, you can agree to that, I can assure you. But let me point out what to do.
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I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ezekiel chapter 24. Ezekiel chapter 24. And notice if you would, beginning there with verse 15. Ezekiel had a very beautiful and a very loving wife. And she was the desire of his eyes. In fact, that's exactly what God called her. In fact, God used Ezekiel's wife to teach Israel a lesson. Because just like his wife was the desire of his eyes, the temple happened to be the desire of Israel's eyes. And so, Ezekiel is going to lose his wife, and Israel is going to lose the temple.
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And this is what this is all about. So, if you look in Ezekiel 24, beginning there in verse 15: "Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke"—that is, his wife. God is going to take her with a stroke—"yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men." In other words, don't do any lamenting. Now look at verse 18.
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"So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded." Isn't that amazing? He said, "I preached in the morning, and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded."
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Now I realize that our text does not say that Ezekiel worshipped. But may I remind you what I said at the very beginning of this message. Faith leads to submission and obedience. And submission and obedience lead to worship. So what happened when God took Ezekiel's wife? He obeyed. He submitted to God. He did exactly that which God commanded him, so that means that he worshipped God. He honored God, he reverenced God, he kissed the hand of God and said, "All is well." Ezekiel obeyed. It is difficult to lose a spouse, but we have to recognize and realize the hand of God and submit to Him.
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Now, I've got one more point today, and that's this. What should you do when you know that you're dying? Many die and do not even know that they're dying. Many die instantly. Years ago, I was talking to someone on the phone. I was traveling from a meeting. Harold. And I just hung up the phone. Within five minutes, a preacher called me back and said, "Harold is dead." I said, "What?"
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I said, "Don't joke like that." I said, "I just talked to him. It hadn't been five minutes." He said, "I know." He said, "Because when he hung up the phone, he dropped dead. The aneurysm had burst," you remember that? And I hadn't talked to him in five minutes. It hadn't been five minutes since I'd talked with him. But he did not have the opportunity to even know that he was dying. But some do.
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And I'm thankful for that. And I'm praying and I hope that God will certainly give us a realization that when we're dying, that we may know so that we may do one very important thing. What is that? Well, I want you to look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, the book of Hebrews chapter 11. And look, if you would, please, at verse 21. Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 21. Look at this. I find this absolutely astounding. Hebrews 11 verse 21: "By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff." So what did Jacob do when he was dying? He worshipped God. Wow. I don't know about you, but to me, dying seems like a very appropriate time to worship.
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I've often thought about this. If God would be so pleased to let me know a little while before I die, just so I could at least speak to my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, but most of all, so I could just worship one more time and thank Him for life and health and everything that He's done. Kiss His hand one last time and say, "Lord, you're right. And you're too loving to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake." I pray that my last act would be that I'd be able to worship Him as I die. Let me make some applications. The first one is this. If worship is demanded in what you and I would call exceedingly dire and even dangerous situations, is it not also demanded and beneficial in all circumstances? We're given opportunities daily to worship, to humble ourselves, to reverence and honor God, and to kiss His hand and thank Him for all of His graciousness and all of His kindness.
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So the question is, do we take advantage of that? When you stop and think about this, whatever you have, whether it's a little or much, it doesn't matter, but whatever you have, God gave it to you. Whatever you are, God made you. Whatever life and breath you have, God gave that to you. Whatever you're capable of enjoying, God allowed you to enjoy that. So why not worship Him?
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Why not bow and thank Him for it? I enjoy creation. Oftentimes, I just thank God for trees. I love trees. I love animals. I thank God for my animals. I even tell my animals I love them. I tell the Lord I love Him. And although I do hunt, I've often said, if every deer in the woods would come and allow me to pet them, I'd never shoot a one of them, because, you know. And I realize animals can be taken for food. I understand that, but I'm just saying, I love animals.
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Somebody asked me, "How many of your cows do you eat?" I don't eat my cows. They're pets. You say, "Well, why do you raise them?" Well, because I love them and I want my pets. All I'm trying to say is we can worship God. We can thank God. We can bless God in a multitude of ways. Here's the next application. I want you to think about this. You must consider this question: What makes you think that you will worship God in exceedingly dire circumstances and dangerous circumstances when you will not worship Him when you're not in dire and dangerous circumstances? I mean, if you can worship Him freely and easily right now without having a dire and dangerous circumstance, why are you not doing it? Why in the world would you wait to get in such a dire, dangerous circumstance? Here's what I'm trying to share with you. What you and I need to learn is this: a perpetual habit of worship. If we are in the habit of worshiping God on a daily basis, yea, sometimes an hourly basis, if we're in the habit of worshiping God on a daily basis, it will only come natural, easy, when we're in a dire, dangerous situation. But we cannot expect to all of a sudden think about worshiping
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God in a dire and dangerous situation if we're not accustomed to worship Him before we get in that dire and dangerous situation. God gives us opportunities. Know what the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5 in verse 18. Listen to this: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." In everything, give thanks. You can thank Him for a good night's rest. You can thank Him for sleep. You can thank Him for health. You can thank Him for life. You can thank Him for a multitude of things. And as long as you're thanking Him, you're recognizing Him, and you're worshiping Him, and you're letting Him know that you're kissing the back of His hand, because He's the sovereign and He's given you all of these things.
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Worship is never out of style and we do not just simply worship publicly on the Lord's day. We worship privately every day and sometimes every hour. So what you should do when you don't know what to do is to worship God and submit to Him. When you think about all those tests and trials in the Bible, how God delivered them, when you stop and think about Daniel, Daniel was in the lion's den overnight. I don't know how long the three Hebrew children were in the fiery furnace, but probably not that long. Job was probably suffering a whole lot longer than Daniel, a whole lot longer than the three Hebrew children. But it was God who brought each one of them out. And what did Daniel say?
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"The Lord has sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths." What did the three Hebrew children say? Well, they really didn't have to say anything because Nebuchadnezzar saw the fourth man walking around in the fire. But they did say, "We will not bow. We will not worship your false god." And what did Job say? "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." We need to learn to worship.
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What should we do when we do not know what to do? And the answer is, worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, in thy name, commit ourselves unto thee, and we ask, Lord, that you would teach us. Give us, Lord, a heart for worship, and a heart, Lord, that loves thee and willing to submit to thee, and, Lord, be able to kiss thy hand and say, "Yes, Lord, you're right, and we're yours, and you have the absolute right to do with us as you please." Give us, Lord, a worshipful heart, a worshipful disposition, a worshipful attitude, and a worshipful life. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.
#75 | 54:23 to 55:15 | cleaned
so so
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T16:42:56Z

What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To do

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

Pastor John Weaver teaches from Proverbs 25:8 that when we act hastily and find ourselves in overwhelming situations where we do not know what to do, the biblical response is to worship God. Using examples from David, Job, Ezekiel, and Jacob, he shows that worship—defined as humble submission, reverence, and trust in God's sovereignty—is the proper reaction to loss, danger, and death. He urges believers to cultivate a daily habit of worship so that it becomes natural in crises.

Introduction: The Problem of Hasty Actions

We often get into messes by acting hastily without seeking God's will, and then we don't know what to do. Proverbs 25:8 warns against rushing into strife, which leads to shame.

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 25:8

"Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame."

The Need to Prepare for Inevitable Trials

We should contemplate and prepare our hearts for devastating situations like medical emergencies, loss of a child, loss of a spouse, or facing our own death.

Biblical Examples of Successful Suffering

Scripture shows that those who endured suffering successfully did so through faith, obedience, submission, and worship (James 5:10-11; Hebrews 11).

It depends upon the providence of God. But in the book of Hebrews chapter 11, just beginning there in verse 32, we've got some positives to begin with. He says,

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."

So far, everything's been successful and everything's been a blessing here. And when you get to verse 35, he says,

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"Women received their dead raised to life again,"

which is not a bad thing, it's a good thing. But notice this now,

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:)"

Now look at this.

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:32-40

"They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

What to Do When You Lose a Child: Worship Like David

When David's child died, he arose, washed, and went to the house of the Lord and worshipped, demonstrating submission to God's sovereignty (2 Samuel 12:20).

What to Do When Circumstances Are Against You: Worship Like David

While fleeing from Absalom's conspiracy, David stopped at the top of the mount to worship God, acknowledging His control even in danger (2 Samuel 15:32).

Scripture Reading — 2 Samuel 15:12-32

" He leaves, the people leave with him. He leaves ten women, which were his concubines, to keep the house. And here's what he's saying: "

Scripture Reading — 2 Samuel 15:12-32

" What did David do in all of the haste to get out of the city? He got to the top of the mount, and he stopped and worshipped God.

What to Do When You Lose Everything: Worship Like Job

After losing all his possessions and children in one day, Job fell down and worshipped, blessing God's name without sinning or charging God foolishly (Job 1:20-22).

Scripture Reading — Job 1:1-22

While he was yet speaking, this had not sunk in yet. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. On top of that, verse 17: While he was yet speaking—this is all happening at one time—there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee."

Here, one after another, before Job could ever even think what has happened,

someone comes along and says, "It's not just the oxen, it's the sheep. It's not just the sheep, it's the asses. It's not just the asses, it's the camels. It's not just the camels,

now your children are dead." It's not just in one day, it is at one time. Well, what does Job do? Look in verse 20:

Scripture Reading — Job 1:1-22

"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Now, I'm going to tell you, this next verse is the one that really gets me. It's not just that Job worshipped, he did. "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."

What to Do When You Lose a Spouse: Obey and Submit Like Ezekiel

When God took Ezekiel's wife, he obeyed God's command not to mourn publicly, demonstrating submission and worship through obedience (Ezekiel 24:15-18).

And this is what this is all about. So, if you look in Ezekiel 24, beginning there in verse 15:

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke"

—that is, his wife. God is going to take her with a stroke—

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men."

In other words, don't do any lamenting. Now look at verse 18.

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded."

Isn't that amazing? He said,

Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 24:15-18

"I preached in the morning, and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded."

What to Do When You Know You're Dying: Worship Like Jacob

As he was dying, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and worshipped, leaning on his staff, showing that worship is fitting even at death (Hebrews 11:21).

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 11:21

"By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff."

So what did Jacob do when he was dying? He worshipped God. Wow. I don't know about you, but to me, dying seems like a very appropriate time to worship.

Applications: Cultivate a Habit of Worship

If worship is demanded in dire situations, it is beneficial in all circumstances. We must develop a daily habit of worship so that it comes naturally in crises.

Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

What You Should Do When You Do Not Know What To do

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	bFW3NlUEDMY
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: Kingship, Household Wisdom, and Warning
Genre	Sermon
Date	2025-08-17
Dictation Name
Book	Book 084: Proverbs: Kingship, Household Wisdom, and Warning — Chapter 18
Source Timed Segments	76

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Problem of Hasty Actions: We often get into messes by acting hastily without seeking God's will, and then we don't know what to do. Proverbs 25:8 warns against rushing into strife, which leads to shame.
The Need to Prepare for Inevitable Trials: We should contemplate and prepare our hearts for devastating situations like medical emergencies, loss of a child, loss of a spouse, or facing our own death.
Biblical Examples of Successful Suffering: Scripture shows that those who endured suffering successfully did so through faith, obedience, submission, and worship (James 5:10-11; Hebrews 11).
What to Do When You Lose a Child: Worship Like David: When David's child died, he arose, washed, and went to the house of the Lord and worshipped, demonstrating submission to God's sovereignty (2 Samuel 12:20).
What to Do When Circumstances Are Against You: Worship Like David: While fleeing from Absalom's conspiracy, David stopped at the top of the mount to worship God, acknowledging His control even in danger (2 Samuel 15:32).
What to Do When You Lose Everything: Worship Like Job: After losing all his possessions and children in one day, Job fell down and worshipped, blessing God's name without sinning or charging God foolishly (Job 1:20-22).
What to Do When You Lose a Spouse: Obey and Submit Like Ezekiel: When God took Ezekiel's wife, he obeyed God's command not to mourn publicly, demonstrating submission and worship through obedience (Ezekiel 24:15-18).
What to Do When You Know You're Dying: Worship Like Jacob: As he was dying, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and worshipped, leaning on his staff, showing that worship is fitting even at death (Hebrews 11:21).
Applications: Cultivate a Habit of Worship: If worship is demanded in dire situations, it is beneficial in all circumstances. We must develop a daily habit of worship so that it comes naturally in crises.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Worship is the biblical response when we don't know what to do.

In every example of extreme crisis—loss of a child, danger, loss of possessions, loss of a spouse, and impending death—the response was worship.

David worshipped after his child's death (2 Samuel 12:20) and while fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 15:32); Job worshipped after losing everything (Job 1:20); Ezekiel obeyed God when his wife died (Ezekiel 24:18); Jacob worshipped while dying (Hebrews 11:21).

Worship involves humble submission to God's sovereignty.

The Hebrew word for worship (shachah) means to bow down, prostrate oneself, and lower oneself, signifying submission, humility, and reverence for God's rule.

The word 'worshipped' in 2 Samuel 12:20 is the Hebrew 'shachah,' meaning to bow down, prostrate oneself, and depress or lower oneself.

Worship is like a dog kissing its master's hand.

The Greek word for worship (proskuneo) means to act like a dog toward its master, kissing the hand and showing trust by exposing vulnerable areas.

The word 'proskuneo' comes from 'pros' (toward) and 'kuneo' (to kiss), related to 'kuon' (dog), meaning to kiss the hand of the master.

We must prepare our hearts for inevitable trials.

Since devastating situations will come, we should contemplate them and prepare our hearts to respond with worship rather than reacting hastily.

The speaker asks, 'Have you ever considered what you would do in a medical emergency? ... loss of a child? ... loss of a spouse? ... when you discover that you're dying?'

A daily habit of worship is essential for crisis worship.

If we do not worship God in daily life, we will not be able to worship Him in dire circumstances; we must give thanks in everything.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, 'In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.'

Scripture References

Proverbs 25:8: The foundational verse warning against hasty actions that lead to not knowing what to do and being put to shame.
James 5:10-11: The prophets and Job are examples of suffering affliction and patience, showing the Lord's mercy.
Hebrews 11:32-40: Examples of faith, including those who endured torture, mockings, and death, obtaining a good report through faith.
Luke 2:25-38: Simeon and Anna's prophecies about Jesus, including the sword that would pierce Mary's soul, showing parental expectations.
2 Samuel 12:12-23: David's child dies as judgment; David fasts while the child is alive, but after the death he worships God.
Matthew 9:18: A ruler comes to Jesus, worships Him, and asks Him to raise his dead daughter, showing worship in crisis.
2 Samuel 15:12-32: Absalom's conspiracy against David; while fleeing, David stops at the mount to worship God.
Psalm 103:10: God has not dealt with us according to our sins or rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Matthew 14:33: After Jesus calms the storm, the disciples worship Him, saying, 'Of a truth thou art the Son of God.'
Job 1:1-22: Job loses all his possessions and children in one day; he falls down and worships, blessing God's name.
Ezekiel 24:15-18: God takes Ezekiel's wife as a sign; Ezekiel obeys God's command not to mourn, demonstrating submission.
Hebrews 11:21: By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed Joseph's sons and worshipped, leaning on his staff.
1 Thessalonians 5:18: In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Historical References

Manoah and his wife (Samson's parents): An angel announced Samson's birth and his role as a deliverer, likely filling his parents with expectations for his future.
Zacharias and Elizabeth (John the Baptist's parents): An angel told Zacharias that John would be the forerunner of Christ, giving them great expectations for their son.
Daniel in the lion's den: Daniel was delivered from the lions because God sent His angel to shut their mouths.
The three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace: They refused to worship the false god and were protected by a fourth man in the fire.

Important Quotes

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

This is the foundational verse that sets the theme: hasty actions lead to confusion and shame, and we must learn what to do when we don't know what to do.

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped.

David's response to the death of his child is the key example of worship in the midst of devastating loss.

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Job's worship after losing everything demonstrates absolute submission to God's sovereignty.

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Jacob's worship while dying shows that worship is appropriate even at the end of life.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

This verse undergirds the application that we must cultivate a daily habit of worship and thanksgiving.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

Why does acting hastily often lead to situations where we don't know what to do?

[Context]

The message opens with Proverbs 25:8, warning against hasty actions that result in shame.

[Question]

How does David's worship after his child's death challenge our typical responses to grief?

[Context]

David fasted while the child was alive but worshipped after the death, showing submission to God's will.

[Question]

What does it mean to worship God as 'kissing the hand of the master'?

[Context]

The Greek word proskuneo is explained as acting like a dog toward its master, showing trust and submission.

[Question]

How can we prepare our hearts now for future crises like loss of a child or spouse?

[Context]

The speaker urges contemplation of inevitable devastating situations to prepare our hearts.

[Question]

Why is a daily habit of worship essential for responding well in dire circumstances?

[Context]

The application emphasizes that we cannot expect to worship in crisis if we don't worship daily.

Applications

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T07:49:10Z