Finding our Purpose Series:
- Seeking our Purpose
- Drawing out our Purpose
- Living our Purpose
What is Purpose?
Share your definition of purpose in the comments
Proverbs 20
New International Version
20 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
Purposes in Proverbs 20:5
etsah: Counsel, advice, purpose, plan
Original Word: עֵצָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `etsah
Pronunciation: ay-tsaw’
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-tsaw’)
Definition: Counsel, advice, purpose, plan
Meaning: advice, plan, prudenceWord Origin: Derived from the root verb יָעַץ (ya’ats), meaning “to advise” or “to counsel.”
Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: – G1012 (boulē): Often translated as “counsel” or “purpose,” reflecting similar themes of divine or human planning and advice.
– G4823 (symboulion): Meaning “counsel” or “advice,” used in contexts of deliberation or strategic planning.
Usage: The Hebrew word “etsah” primarily refers to counsel or advice, often in the context of guidance or strategic planning. It can denote both human and divine counsel, reflecting the wisdom or plans of individuals or God. In the biblical narrative, “etsah” is frequently associated with the wisdom literature, where it underscores the importance of seeking wise counsel and the consequences of ignoring it.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite society, counsel was highly valued, especially from elders, prophets, and wise individuals. The concept of “etsah” is deeply embedded in the communal and covenantal life of Israel, where decisions were often made collectively and with divine guidance. The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, emphasizes the pursuit of wise counsel as a path to righteous living and success.
To Draw Out
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1802.htm
Ya`ats Definition
NAS Word Usage – Total: 80
- to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan
- (Qal)
- to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult
- counsellor (participle)
- (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together
- (Hithpael) to conspire
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/nas/yaats.html
Boule Definition
NAS Word Usage – Total: 12
- counsel, purpose
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/boule.html
How to Draw out our Purpose
- We need People of Understanding and Wisdom
- Who has wisdom in your life?
Matthew 3
New International Version
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Matthew
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
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