Are riches a blessing or a curse? PROBLEM: Solomon lauded riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure” (Proverbs 15:6; cf. Psalms 112:3). However, James warned the rich to “weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!” (5:1). Which is it... [ Continue Reading ]
Is oath-taking forbidden or blessed? PROBLEM: This and many other verses (cf. Hosea 4:2; Matthew 5:33-37) condemn oath- taking. In James’ words, “Above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath.” Jesus had said the same thing, namely, “Do not swear at all: n... [ Continue Reading ]
Was the drought three years or three-and-a-half years? PROBLEM: Both here and in Luke 4:25 it speaks of a three and one-half year drought in the days of Elijah. But in 1 Kings 17:1 (and 18:1) it refers to the drought being three years. SOLUTION: There are three possible solutions here. First, the... [ Continue Reading ]