Is fornication freedom? If so, then why do women lie?
　
The other day I was in the market and the radio was playing an old song ‘Runaround Sue’; about a girl who was running around on him with every guy in town. I had heard it before but couldn’t remember who sang it, so I did a quick internet search. Then I realized it was the same guy (Dion DiMucci) who sang another song I had heard before also: ‘The Wanderer’. This is humorously ironic because he is warning all the guys about ‘runaround Sue’ not faithful to him or other guys, while lionizing himself as a guy who runs around with all the girls around town and never commits to one girl. (Actually, the singer I understand later became a Christian.)　
There is a persistent idea in our culture that men who are sexually active apart from marriage (whoremongers- Heb.13:4) are just ‘boys being boys’ or ‘sowing their wild oats’ and they generally brag to their buddies and overstate their exploits because it makes them appear manlier (as stereotypically captured in the 'classic' movie Grease). But simultaneously, woman who engage in the same wantonness are slutty whores who should be ashamed and avoided by those good men seeking a spouse and family and protecting future children from a likely divorce.

 If you were to guess which way men and women would lie about their number of sexual encounters, you might think men lie and exaggerate the number while women lie and understate the number. A study from Ohio State University may give us some data to back some of these ideas. They gave questionnaires to 201 heterosexual single college men and women regarding their sexual ideas and activities. Women "who thought their answers might be read reported an average of 2.6 sexual partners. But those who thought they were monitored by a lie detector reported an average of 4.4 sexual partners." "Men's answers didn't change as much as did women's under different testing conditions." "Before the study, we thought men would generally overreport their sexual behavior and women would underreport it under certain testing conditions," Fisher said. "However, we found that women were more likely than men to have different answers depending on conditions when they were surveyed." https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/07/030701220850.htm ; https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/09/gender-expectations ; the initial study results were confirmed in a later study of 293 students- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130528122319.htm
with this exception " Back in 2003, women went from having fewer sexual partners than men (when not hooked up to a lie detector) to being essentially even to men (when hooked up to the lie detector.) In this new study, women actually reported more sexual partners than men when they were both hooked up to a lie detector and thought they had to be truthful." I guess they do not want the stigma of being whorish while actually being whorish. Which might indicate that their conscience isn’t completely defiled. (Those with a seared conscience the bible described as having a "whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed" Jer.3:3; who brag about fornicating and aborting their children.) In other words they lie because they are ashamed and apparently women are more likely to lie because of this. They are probably aware that the more partners they have the less likely they will be valued as a marriage prospect… supply and demand. So, they take the old used car salesman tactics and lie about the miles. Their prospective marriage partner also values them similarly as he wants to ‘test drive’ before buying. This behavior undermines a stable long-term relationship and compromises the well-being of future children. Also, it makes light of a powerful experience and gift given by God. Plus, it dismisses the ultimate compliment to your partner, that they are worth sacrificing all others for. It degenerates the mind and the value structure God gives (Tit.1:15). It’s not what they want for their daughters... unless of course you are this degenerate- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nadia-bolz-weber-purity-ring-vagina-sculpture_n_5bfdac5ee4b0a46950dce000
　
In our modern sexual climate, the Feminists want to ‘liberate’ woman from the stigma of being whorish and wanton. They rebel against social expectations for their sexual behavior, which no doubt was imposed on them by the ‘patriarchy’ and Christian, puritanical extremism. However, this porno/hook-up culture doesn’t want men to be condemned and feel ashamed about being whoremongers, rather they want women to be free to be lewd and lascivious. Biblically speaking they are only free from righteousness (Rom.6:20), but they are servants to the law of sin and death (Jn.8:34, Rom.5:21, 6:16-22, 7:25). They are driven by lusts and impulses as the motions of sins working death in them, in a similar way that animals conduct their behavior. The irrationality of lust driving them contrary to their better judgment of conscience and sound mind and alienating them from the life of God, they give themselves over to lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness (Eph.4:18-9) transforming themselves into natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed (2 Pt.2:12, Jd.1:10). This is not freedom, nor is it conducive to a long-term marriage; it is the way to hell (Heb.13:4, Prv.7:27).
 
Furthermore, it reduces the design of sex as a rational covenantal bond and foundation of the family to a mindless and reckless impulse (like you see on any mammalian episode of National Geographic)- usually alcohol induced to assist in dulling the mind even further (Prv.23:29-33). The bible informs us that we are to abstain until marriage and keep our bodies under control and bring them into subjection (1 The.4:3-5, 1 Cor.9:27) for this is honorable as the body was not designed for fornication but for the Lord and the Lord for the body (1 Cor.6:13).

Innate Knowledge and Neo-Darwinians

If you listen to the new atheists struggling to make a point against the bible you might hear one like Christopher Hitchens say something like 'Are you telling me that no one thought it was wrong to murder until Moses came down from Sinai?' Indicating that people had an understanding of right and wrong before and apart from Moses (also indicated by Moses- Gen.2:9) bringing down this revelation of the 10 commandments. Whether deliberately or inadvertently they miss the point. The point being that Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the source of revelation and our innate knowledge structure and morality.

The bible teaches us that innate knowledge and structure to understanding is what man is designed with (Isa.1:18, Job 38:36, Prv.2:6). The knowledge of God himself is structured in man. "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." (Rom.1:19) Man is programmed with the correct 'glasses' to see God's design and his person in creation. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (Rom.1:20) God likewise programmed man with moral code reflective of God's nature. "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another" Rom.2:14-5. And of course the fall of man and the law of sin (Rom.7-8) working in us account for why man does not like to retain God in his knowledge but would rather degenerate into idolatry (Rom.1:21-3). Man is created by God and in his image (Gen.1:26-7, Eph.4:24, Col.3:10) and obligated to have dominion over creation, develop its resources to meet ours and others needs by our labor (Eph.4:28, 2 Thes.3:10) (not our lusts facilitated by central banks- Jam.4:1-2, 5:1, Isa.1:22).

Interestingly it appears that language itself is not possible without predesigned innate faculties working together in us. According to Noam Chomsky (not anything close to resembling a bible believer) in order to have a language faculty it would have to be connected to or accessible to the motor apparatus/the auditory systems and the articulatory organs plus it has to be connected to the thought faculties (1:08 min). This appears to be potentially an optimally designed system (1:11 min.) which is unique in humans. We find something similar he says only in bee communication and displaced reference. Displaced reference is communication about something not in our sensory field -only humans and bees are known to communicate about remote things (there is a certain flower over in this location and this much honey can be made from it -40 min)

Chomsky also acknowledges the mystery of arithmetic. He confirms people having the ability to do mathematics is a mystery from evolutionary theory - it certainly was no factor in natural selection. He amusingly observes that in hunter gatherer societies you didn't have more children if you could prove theorems about prime numbers. So, if it played no role in human evolution what is it doing there? (1:29 min.) He also recognizes internal structure and innate morality that we are designed and programmed to be what we are. Some psychologists as Piaget believe “neonatal schemas are the cognitive structures underlying innate reflexes. These reflexes are genetically programmed into us.” Reflexes such as sucking and clinching are not taught to infants yet they know them innately.

Neo-Darwinian scientists and philosophers want to explain all these things in terms of a random unguided unintelligent process which only appears to be designed and intelligent. Reprobate minds hardened in pride will not see with their eyes or hear with their ears nor understand with their hearts. (As a side note, someone has said the difference between a scientist and a philosopher is a scientist is someone who learns more and more about less and less until he finally knows everything about nothing. But a philosopher is someone who learns less and less about more and more until he finally knows nothing about everything.)

 
This innatism inevitably will lead us into the discussion of intelligent design, information theory and our encoded DNA resembling computer binary code and the fine tuning of the universe for our existence to even be possible. Even mutations appear to be a designed adaptive capacity which organisms have preprogrammed in them. (28 min) When stress is put on an organism certain proteins are produced because the organism is designed to produce them. Perhaps if physics alone cannot explain creation maybe we should look to metaphysics.

Einstein reflected on science after David Hume that “a fateful 'fear of metaphysics' arose which has come to be a malady of contemporary empiricist philosophising; this malady is the counterpart to that earlier philosophising in the clouds, which thought it could neglect and dispense with what was given by the senses. ... It finally turns out that one can, after all, not get along without metaphysics.”

Eventually they will be dragged kicking and screaming to biblical metaphysics and Moses waiting at the foot of Sinai to make them drink the gold of their idolatry (Ex.32:20). It turns out that evidence in general for anything is not possible unless the God of the bible exists as he reveals himself in the scripture as the source of our minds, of logic, science, language, morality and justice.

 

Dreams, Visions and Trances

Dreams

A series of visions during sleep

Daniel 4:9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. v10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed;

At night

Dan.7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.v2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. v7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast… v13 I saw in the night visions

During a deep sleep

Job 33:15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

Quickly forgotten frequently

Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

Daniel 2:5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.

Experienced in the mind- ‘seen’

Daniel 2:28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Dan.4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. v10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; 7:1 …Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. v13 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

Dan.7:1 Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed… 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night… 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions…

God does communicate through

Job 33:14-17 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

Genesis 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. v3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

Gen.28:13 And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; v16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

Gen.46:2 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

Num.12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

1 Ki.3:5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. v15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream.

Mt. 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream…

Induced by the Spirit

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Acts 2:16-17 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Sometimes delusion

Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

Sometimes self generated

Jeremiah 29:8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. v7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Jd.1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Need interpretation

Genesis 40:5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.

Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Daniel 2:6 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof. v8 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets…

Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Dan.5:12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel…

Num.12:6-8 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches;

An inferior communication

Num.12:6-8 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches;

Angels can appear in them and communicate

Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Mt.2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Genesis 31:11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

Genesis 28:12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Dan.4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

Some level of consciousness during

Genesis 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Dan.2:1 …Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

Can trouble you afterward

Dan.2:1 …Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. v3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

Dan.4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Mt. 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Gen. 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Dan.8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. (a vision)

Dan.10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. v16 O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. (a vision)

Devils can cause

Job 4:13-16 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice

Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

Deuteronomy 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Jeremiah 27:9 Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:

Jer.23:32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.

Zech.10:2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams…

Trance

Numbers 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

Numbers 24:16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

Acts 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

Acts 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision,

Acts 22:16-18 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

Visions

Sometimes indistinguishable from real life (true- Ac.12:9)- even involving real life

Mt.17:1-9 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. – 2 Pet.1:16-18 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Acts 12:8-10 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Dan.10:5-9 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

Lk.1:11-13 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. v19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. v22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

Acts 26:19 I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: v13-16 I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Ezek.1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

Ezek.40:40 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.

Dan.8:2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

Ezek.8:3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north

Lk.4:5-7 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

Num.22:31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
 

Like dreams while awake and need an interpretation

Num.12:6-8 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches;

Isa.29:10-12 For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.

Dan.1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Dan.8:2-3 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: v16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. v27 … I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

2 Chr.26:5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

Dan. 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning…

Ac.10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean… v19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

From God through prophets

Ezek.7:26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.

Hos.12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (Num.11:29 …would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!)

Lam.2:9 … the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord.

Sometimes for the future

Hab.2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Dan.10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

Involve Angels

Dan.9:21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Dan.10:5-9 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

Act.10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Dan.8:15-16 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

God speaks and directs through

2 Cor.12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Acts.9:10-12 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Acts 16:9-10 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

1 Chr.17:15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

Psa.89:19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one…

Ac.26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

Appear suddenly

Dan.8:1 a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel

Dan.9:21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Lk.1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. v11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Lk.24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

Ac.10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him…

False visions

Jer.14:14 Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Jer.23:16 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.

Ezek.12:24 For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.

Ezek.13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Zech.13:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

Lk. 4:4 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

Pride, Homicide and Income Inequality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-asltUUvcGU

During this conversation with Jordan Peterson and Martin Daly the relationship between the homicide rate in Chicago and income inequality (i.i.) was discussed in some detail. Martin Daly was explaining a study he was involved in during the 1990’s trying to find the best predictor of homicide rates and discovered that the Gini index or Gini coefficient was very good at predicting homicide rates even to the individual neighborhoods; second only to male life expectancy. Most of the homicides were males killing each other over street reputation (e.g. dissed in a bar, etc.). After a multi-varied analysis it was determined that nothing else was significant to predicting the homicide rate except i.i. It wasn’t poverty but relative poverty; indicating it wasn't coveting alone. Basically in areas where i.i. is not a significant factor as in mostly rich areas or working class areas there were fewer homicides. So, what was driving male homicides was the existence of a steep economic dominance hierarchy that makes it difficult for young men to obtain status through conventional or socially productive means. (And or, envy becomes magnified in such situations.) So, instead they turn to violence as a means of establishing status among other young men jockeying for status. (Or, 1 Jn.3:12-15)

Daly explained that men are driven by status and maintaining face in competitive milieus. The willingness to use violence in these neighborhoods to escalate competition is an indication of a lack of hope for future opportunities. If you are a young college kid you have good life prospects of eventually becoming well paid and married. But if you are in the ghetto with 48% unemployment and little stability for the future, you are more willing to take risks for money and sex now rather than later. Plus the one resource you have is your reputation on the street. If you have other resources you can walk away from disrespect and gain it later. If all you have is street respect it becomes important to defend it. Daly applying evolutionary logic sees this as a rational response and survival strategy to environmental uncertainty with high competition. Maybe then we shouldn’t make homicide illegal in such cases? They are just trying to spread their genes after all and eliminate competition for their posterity. Evolution is morally blind as a guide, and if the blind lead the blind… (Mt.15:14, Lk.6:39) Needless to say Daly seems to think that socialism is at least part of the solution (Mt.15:14, Lk.6:39). I’m sure gun control will also fall in there as part of the solution for leftists.

Men having a stronger spirit by design are more easily provoked by pride and reputation and in general have less emotion than women as we explained here and here. But when you have the rawest form of the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes mingled with the pride of life (1 Jn.2:16) you can understand the homicide rate and income inequality (i.i.) more perfectly. When your worldview excludes any hope in the world to come then why lay up treasures in heaven? (Mt.6:20) Why take heed and beware of covetousness? (Lk.12:15) Apparently your life only consists of the abundance of the things you possess. Eat and drink for tomorrow we die! (1 Cor.15:32) When you tell men street pride is valuable and that’s all you have then what do you expect? When you spoil men (Col.2:8) of their eternal hope by teaching them they are animals and there is nothing when they die, how do you expect them to act? Then, when you tell them this is a rational evolutionary response to the environment they can feel justified in their actions (like the ridiculous rap video at the beginning)! (Mt.15:14, Lk.6:39)

Paul prayed “that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” (2 Thess.3:2) When men have the faith of Christ they have no excuse for sin (Rom.6-8). They have a future hope because- If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Col.3:1-4) But why be righteous and just if tomorrow we die and that’s that? The evolutionary justification for this wanton “reproductive strategy” and acquiring a gangster reputation is like throwing accelerant into a fire. When you conclude that homicide in behalf of street status is a reasonable evolutionary strategy you are calling evil good and good evil (Isa.5:20). A rejection of Christ and his gospel leads men to destruction and perdition along with their nation that forgets God. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psa.9:17)

What is the cause of homicide? No doubt pride (1 Jn.3:12) and envy (Prv.27:4, Ac.7:9, Gen.37) which is related to pride as well as  covetousness. (It seems envy is directed at the person where covetousness is directed at things.) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (Jam.4:5) From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (Jam.4:1-2) Men commit crime and sin because they are sinners and need to repent. This is not a thought out strategy, it is impulsive and lust driven like animals. Until psychologists acknowledge the existence of sin and the base impulses in the flesh of men and the Saviour from sin they will continue to lead the blind into the pit.

Your reputation and having a good name is a blessing from God (Prv.22:1, Ecc.7:1). If you are a Christian for long you will eventually have friends and family (Jn.7:5, Mt.13:57, Mk.6:4, Jn.4:44) disrespect you and dishonor you and even slander you as they did Jesus himself (Mt. 9:11,34, 11:19, 12:24,27:18, Mk.2:16, 3:21-2, 15:10, Lk.7:34, Jn.8:48, 9:16). When people slander you they are stealing the value of your good name. But as followers of Christ we do as his example and make ourselves of no reputation (Phil.2:5-7). But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (Jam.4:6). You can’t stop people from slandering you but you can commit it unto God and let him establish you and exalt you in his time. There is no reason to be hasty of spirit and try to magnify yourself with ghetto glory, or follow evolutionary sophistry. Just seek ye out of the book of the LORD and read (Isa.34:16).

Interesting history of 'street culture':

The Origin of Black American Culture and Ebonics | Thomas Sowell - YouTube