In the beginning, during the time of the Patriarchs, no government existed but the rule of God directly over man. After the flood, men like Nimrod began placing themselves between God and man as they built their kingdoms and established their own authority. Despite civil government's origin and history being rooted in rebellion and arrogance against the Creator of man, God has found a use for it. He has ordained civil government for a purpose - to punish evildoers and to protect the liberty and security of its people, so that we may be able to "lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness...

""'Vanity of vanities, ' says the Preacher, 'Vanity of vanities All is vanity'"" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). This is the conclusion that many eventually reach when they consider their earthly existence. It is where Solomon begins this book before explaining his experiences as he searched for purpose of life "under the sun." At the end we find the conclusion -- man's purpose in life -- ""Fear God and keep His commandments"" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). "Vanity of Vanities" is a verse-by-verse commentary based upon the New American Standard version of the book of Ecclesiastes. It is a handy reference tool to...

"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings" (Proverbs 4:20). Every father wishes to pass on valuable wisdom to his son. This is what we find in the book of Proverbs -the wise man Solomon passing his wisdom down to his son. This instruction has been preserved for us today so that we can also learn from the one who received a measure of wisdom from God that exceeded all other mortal men. The book of Proverbs contains practical wisdom that any wise father would want to pass on to his children. It shows how one can walk in wisdom in every area of life. My Son, Hear My...