D'varim 44-1

Words/things

Deuteronomy 1:1-11

Bilaam only spoke beautiful things over the people of Israel. However, in his heart he hated them. There are many people that praise with their mouths but hate in their hearts.

Be careful with a person that praises or flatters you a bit too much. He/she wouldn't normally do it with a loving heart but following personal interests. Throughout my life, I've met many people who started flattering me and ended up cursing me. Praise is not always a sign of love. Men are very false.

The book of D'varim/Deuteronomy contains admonishments from the greatest of the prophets, Moshe rabbenu. I would dare to say that there is not another person, except for Yeshua, who has suffered so much with and for the people of Israel as Moshe rabbenu did. His love for the people in the moments of divine judgement led him to surrender his life in order to save them. A person with that level of love and dedication is the most suitable for admonishing others.

The places mentioned in this verse are the places in which the people of Israel sinned in the desert. Because of what happened in those places Moshe lifts up his voice and with the deepest love and prophetic edge he reminds, corrects, rebukes, admonishes and encourages the people who were in his heart. Admonishments from those who are real friends truly are expressions of love.

Flatteries from the enemies are traps but admonishments from friends are medicine to us.

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love." (Prov. 27:5 NIV)

Shavua tov,

Ketriel