Irmela

Q18. Which of Solomon's building projects are designed to glorify Yahweh? The temple was built for that purpose. Which are designed to glorify Solomon? Inadvertently it would have been the palaces which he built i,e., the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon, the covered colonnade, the Throne Hall/Hall of Justice, and the Palace for Pharaoh's daughter. Which are designed to provide protection and security for his people? The Wall around Jerusalem, the Millo, Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer, Hamoth Zobah, Beth-Horon, Baalath, and Tamar. Many of God's people are in day-to-day provision mode, but if God has given you a bit of disposable income, which of your primary financial outlays are designed to honor God? The tithes Which are designed to serve others? The offerings Personally I believe that whatever I deem to do I want to do it to serve and honor and glorify God. I don't want to do it for my own or man's glory.

Q17. (2 Samuel 12:24b--25; 1 Kings 3:3) At Solomon's finest, what does his devotion to God look like? At first he walked in the ways of David his father and truly loved the Lord. Can you think of anyone else in Scripture who is loved by God and loves God back? (Hint: 1 John 4:19) We love God because He first loved us. Yet, Solomon's life is a cautionary tale for believers. Why? There was a but. Solomon also sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. This was something that was an abomination to the Lord. He also was divided in his heart as he loved foreign women and this turned him to also serve foreign gods. That was breaking the Commandment: "You shalt have no other gods before Me", as stated by God. We need and to keep our love pure and serve God only.

Q16. (2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Daniel 9:3-16) In what ways does Daniel's prayer exemplify the conditions for God's healing? Daniel sought the Lord with prayer and supplication, meaning humbly and earnestly. He prayed with fasting, in sackcloth and ashes. Then he confesses the sins of the nation, by identifying himself as one of them. He is very specific in naming the sins, e.g., rebelling against God, departing from His precepts, not listening to God's servants, the prophets, not obeying the Voice of the Lord etc. The conditions of God's healing are: humility, prayer, seeking God's face, confession of sins What must God's people do to experience renewal and revival today? They need to follow Daniel's example, really meaning it. They need to cast themselves upon the mercy of God. What conditions must be true in our hearts? We need to be truly humble and united in our request and confession. How might God's healing show itself in a person? More of God is seen in the person's life. A change takes place. Confessing sins means leaving that way of life and turning away from it completely and going in another direction. e.g. if it is anger that is plaguing the person. Upon confessing that, he turns from that and allows God to help him manifest the fruits of the Spirit, viz., patience and long suffering. In this way the Fruit of the Spirit as reflected in Galatians, becomes more and more evidence in our lives. How might God's healing show itself in a congregation? The congregation will reach out more than ever before to its members in need and also to the community surrounding it. Again it will be the Fruit of the Spirit that will be manifested in the life of the people. How might God's healing show itself in a region? There will be more unity. Fighting and bloodshed will be part of the past. How might God's healing show itself in a nation? Godly leadership and godly decisions will be made. Violence, bloodshed and evil will be minimal. There will be a return to God's ways. Why is a Holy Spirit-sent revival so important in our day? Man cannot make this change, it needs to be implemented by the Holy Spirit. We need God's mercy, it is nothing that we do of ourselves. The world is so full of evil and there is so much pain and agony caused because of these selfish, ungodly acts. We need the Holy Spirit to revive the people yet again to return to God.

Q15. (1 Kings 9:4--5) What kind of "walk" does God call Solomon to? What does this kind of lifestyle look like? What obstacles does a believer face in seeking to walk before God in this way? What is the opposite of integrity of heart? God actually gives David as an example to follow. David was a human standard. David loved God and when he failed he came to Him in confession and asked for cleansing. He wanted to have fellowship with God. Solomon is to "walk" in integrity of heart, and uprightness, doing according to all that God had commanded him. He was to keep God's statutes and precepts. For the king it was not to accumulate personal wealth, not to have horses and chariots as the other nations. Not to go down to "Egypt". Not to make alliance with foreign nations who would turn their eyes from following Yahweh. Not to have many wives and very definitely not to marry foreign wives who would bring in to the nation worship of their idols, which God had forgiven. This lifestyle would keep us in fellowship with God. Any obstacles one faces, be it deliberately placed in our way by non-believers or being there as a course of us still living in this world, which is full of evil, one need not face alone for God has promised to be with us. The opposite of integrity of heart would be hypocrisy or dishonesty.

Q14. (1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; 2 Corinthians 3:18) What does the cloud that filled the temple represent? What do God's glory filling the temple and fire falling on the sacrifice represent? In what sense can we "behold the glory of the Lord" today? How? Why should we take time for that? The cloud represents the visible presence and glory of the Lord. God was accepting what David through Solomon had built to represent His being among His people and being their God. The fire consuming the sacrifice portrays that the judgement of God has fallen upon sin. As we meditate on the Word or read the Word, and start acting on the Word (do as it says or live the Word), we become more and more like Him, because the Word is a "mirror" of Him. The more we learn of Him the more we become like Him.

Q13. (1 Kings 8:15-16, 27-30) Why is it so important that the Israelites understand that God doesn't live solely in Solomon's Temple? Where else is God's dwelling place? (verses 27, 30). If the temple isn't God's sole dwelling place, what then is the importance of the temple? Is it wrong to go to a sacred building such as a church to do your praying? Why or why not? The pagan nations had the notion that their gods lived in temples. It was very important that the Israelites understood that Yahweh cannot be contained in an earthly dwelling. He was not an idol. He was real and even the very heavens cannot contain Him. God is omnipresent. He is everywhere. The temple was important because that was where the nation was to come together to worship God. That is where the sacrifices would take place. A place to unify the nation. A common purpose was to be fulfilled there. I don't think it is wrong to go to a church to pray, but if you only pray there you would have to live there. You find that you talk to the Lord at any time of day or night. If by this you mean to also go to the church to pray, yea, that's understandable, because it is with a body of believers and we are told in Scripture where two or three gather together in My Name there I am in the midst of them. A corporate prayer time can be encouraging.

Q12. Should worship be a "sacrifice" for us in the sense that it costs us something in time, effort, or focus? Which of the New Testament forms of "sacrifice" and "offerings" are most meaningful for you? Which are most difficult for you? Because we are human, I guess we find that discipline is necessary to bring a sacrifice, in the real sense of the word. Unless it is spontaneous because the situation is just so favourable. Singing and praising the Lord and just being able to talk to Him and just declare His greatness at any given time. To thank Him at any time . There is just so much to be thankful for. I find it very difficult to know to whom to give. The beggars come from all sides in all shapes and sizes and it is so hard to know when to give and when to ignore.

Q11. How does an understanding of Old Testament sacrifice help us understand Jesus' death on the cross? Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice paid for all our sins. They are not just temporarily covered but paid for in full. Christ was the PERFECT SACRIFICE. In the O.T. a lamb, goat or bullock (whatever was offered) had to be without blemish. Man was not without sin so there was no perfect sacrifice. Only God was perfect. Only He could redeem us. So He came and laid down His glory and took on the form of the Son of Man and lived among us (without sin) and finally laid down His life as a sacrifice in our stead, once for all. No more sacrifice is needed. JESUS PAID IT ALL Thank YOU LORD!!!!!!!!

Q10. How do church buildings relate to the central mission of the Church? What is the place of building worship buildings (such as Solomon's Temple) that express the beauty and glory of God? What is the place of building functional houses of worship that conserve resources for other tasks? Some of the little country churches built long ago to accommodate the gathering together of the farming folk in the community, on the Lord's Day, provide a sense of awe and reverence not found in huge buildings provided to house people that come together from far and near, where not many know each other. Is the gathering just to appease once conscience? It could also be the music that is heard that lends to the atmosphere. I don't know what answer to really give. I just know that an atmosphere where God's presence is felt can be found in a home just as much as in a, so called, church-building. I guess it is good to have a building set apart where like-minded worshipers can come together and praise and glorify the Lord. In the past even a field was used. I guess the type of gathering place depends on where one lives. At times the politics of a country will not allow for a place to gather, then the woods or homes are taken as good enough. Sometimes school-halls double up as gathering places. Even sports arenas have been used. God is not contained or limited to be glorified in a building only.

Q9. (1 Kings 2:12; Matthew 25:14-30) What "natural" talent(s) do you have? What are you good at in the natural world? How are you using these talents for God and his Kingdom? Have you identified any "spiritual" gifts? How are you using those? Have you found that your "natural" talents are related to your "spiritual" gifts? If so, describe how they relate to each other. I was not part of a group of the "haves" in society, but rather of the "have some things" and "have nots". I do not have much confidence in my ability and am very hesitant to take a lead in anything. Throughout my life it was the outcasts that were drawn to me. As a young girl I was teased by the others as "Goosey with her goslings". I fought for those under my 'protection' and tried very hard that they were not hurt more. Now that I am older and no longer in the 'working class', but a pensioner, I find the scenario is actually still very much the same and looking back over my life, it was very much like that at all times. I will help where I can to the best of my ability and will visit and protect ones assigned to me as best as I know how. I guess in a way the natural talent or gifting is very much incorporated into the spiritual gift needed by each individual. I love sharing what I glean in the Word of God and will try to bring peace and understanding between individuals who are at enmity with one another. Mostly I am a loner and am terrified of crowds, they make my mind buzz like crazy and make me want to run and hide. (Go into the kitchen and wash the dishes or find an old lonely person to chat to, that's more my style)

Q8. How have the writings attributed to Solomon affected your understanding, perspective, and way of life? In what ways? Which proverbs have you committed to memory? Which of these is most dear to you? I am honest, I cannot really say which one is a favourite or committed to memory for a specific reason. I do know that one has delved into proverbs and found wealth when looking up different aspects of life. Looking at the "tongue" or "speech" the other day, was a good example of this. So much warning about the bad effect but also the good effect it can have. Proverbs 1:7 sure says so much: The fear (a healthy sense of awe) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? The poor and the disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan, are the ones that most often cannot afford help for themselves. Often the wealthy or alternately the ones that are in the know, are favoured because a bribe is offered. many times it just seems they will loose face if they are treated the same as everyone else. Money talks. Many times outsiders are misunderstood as the cultures differ, also many times the thought comes up why should the outsider be favoured above the citizens of the country who are also in a disadvantage state. Fairness should operate but unfortunately it definitely does not. Social justice is mostly no longer justice. Society is seldom godly and changes rules and regulations on a whim depending on who is to be judged.

Q6. (1 Kings 3:5-15) What does Solomon's answer to God's question tell us about Solomon's heart at this time? Do you serve Jesus for what He can do for you or for what you can do for Him? Why is singleness of heart so important to true discipleship? Solomon was sincere in his following the Lord. He recognized his youth and inability to rule a people properly and also recognized his need for wisdom, to be able to do so for peace to reign. Solomon also recognized the responsibility of it not just being any people, but God's People. At that time Solomon truly wanted to live right before God. He was 'small' in his own eyes. My sincere desire is to serve the Lord with all my heart, mind and soul. To truly live for Him and Him alone. For Him to use me as He sees fit, in whatever capacity that can be. Singleness of heart is very important to true discipleship as we are the "Bible" the outsider reads. We are the one whose actions are watched and copied or eventually seen to be worthy of copying or taken to be hypocritical of the God we claim to follow.

Q5. (1 Kings 3:1-4) In what way does Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East? How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh? How does his worship on the high places -- and failure to destroy them -- damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow? In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations? Solomon"s marriage to Pharaoh's daughter ensured an alliance with Egypt. Thus all knew that tampering with Israel was tampering with Egypt. This unfortunately also immediately reflected no pure follower of Yahweh anymore. The Egyptians followed other gods, in fact the creation and not the Creator. To pacify his wife he had to allow her to continue with her idol-worship. Allowing her to do so would mean allowing his subjects to do the same. Compromise of pure worship of Yahweh. Infiltration of multiple gods. As idols were worshiped on 'high-places', worshiping Yahweh at the same place sort of was strange. Who was really being worshiped? It was like halting between two opinions. Never making a true choice. This is what was being done. Our compromises also bring confusion. What do we really believe? We sure need to make a real decision and stand by that.

Jesus commanded his disciples, "Love your enemies" as a rule by which to conduct their lives. Can it (should it) be extended to affairs of the courts or of government? Not being in the position of dealings in court or government, it is easy to say that the way things are dealt with are so very wrong. How can enemies of the country be shown "love" when they do not even show "love" to their own innocent people. The government that makes abortion legal murders innocent people. How can they be trusted to make righteous decisions in anything, for that matter. The governments need to learn to "Love" the innocents first, then continue putting into practice by loving enemies. That's not a mushy love. There is justice too in LOVE.

Q4. (1 Kings 2:13-46) Why doesn't Solomon act more quickly against David's enemies and his own? Solomon was very young when he was crowned as king. He needed to still be firmly established as king in the eyes of his subjects. Yes, he was recognized as chosen by king David but the people still needed to learn to trust him and truly recognize him as their king, capable of ruling over them. Joab and Abiathar had been with David for a long time. It was when they did not agree with David's decision that they defected to the other side. The latest having been with Adonijah. Joab also followed his own decision when he killed Absalom, against David's commands. The first time was where he killed Abner, who I personally feel that he just did not trust. So we find that he was true to David but very harsh and not really showing mercy. Unfortunately because David had shown that he trusted Abner, Joab's act of killing him, almost made David look like being suspect in his trust of Abner. Like he was leading him on to fall into Joab's hands, to be killed. Joab's actions thus needed to be dealt with. It was not an easy thing to sort out, but Solomon needed to get his own group of trusted people behind him. So far Joab and Abiathar had proved that they favoured Adonijah over him. This was a dangerous situation. Would he ever be able to trust them? Solomon thus gave them time to prove where their loyalties actually lay. Only once their actions were suspect did he act and have them dealt with. What does this indicate about Solomon? He was wise and merciful in his dealing with situations. He was not hasty in making a decision but thought the whole situation through properly before carrying out "justice" in a situation. Do you think God is pleased with Solomon's dealing with enemies in these ways? I don't see why not. The person is given a chance to prove himself so real justice can be meted out. In an absolute monarchy, what are the balance points between protection of the throne (the state), justice, and mercy? Safety for the subjects is important, so justice needs to be meted out to the perpetrators. Where a change of heart is noted or possibly misunderstanding have wrought disaster, mercy and justice needs to be shown in such a way that it really is not one-sided but clearly seen to be justice in the merciful dealings meted out.

Q3. (1 Kings 2:2-3) David charges Solomon to observe God's commandments. Why are we tempted to break God's commandments as a means to an end, such as lying to win political points or job advancement? At the time we do such we're certainly not putting our trust in God, but rather in man. We're trying to "look good" in the eyes of man, even if it means treading on the next one for us to gain the approval. It is selfish and certainly not right. It is trying to look more competent than what one really is. What does obedience have to do with prosperity? When one is obedient and then also prosperous (not necessarily just in monetary ways) there is so much more pleasure in it. So many more blessings. There is no "stench" involved and all is clean and above board. Everyone can be "looked in the eye", as it were. Observing God's commandments would gain trust of his subjects, here in Solomon's case. Also he was assured that there would always be someone of his family line on the throne. As it was, Solomon did not hearken to his father's words. In the genealogy of Mary we find that it was indeed from the line of Nathan, Solomon's brother, that the Messiah came. Joseph's family line is traced back to Solomon.

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 22:7-10a) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple? In 1 Chronicles 22 we find David preparing to have things gathered together for building the temple. He called Solomon his young son and charged him to build the house for the Lord God of Israel. It had been on David's heart to build the House (as a symbol of the presence of the Lord God of Israel), but The Lord had revealed that he had shed much blood and had waged great wars and that it was not he that was to build the house but a son yet to be be born of him, who would be a man of peace. His name would be Solomon. (v9) How does God protect His choice in spite of political intrigues? In this instance we find that Nathan the prophet, alerted Bathsheba and advised her how to go about things to make David aware of what was going on behind his back to thwart his plans of Solomon eventually being king in his place. God enabled David to be strengthened and make right decisions and guide the faithful men (prophet, priest, mighty men etc who had not dissented to Adonijah's side) in what to do next to have Solomon made king. (1 Kings 1:33-40) Solomon was to ride on the king's mule; he was to be brought down to Gihon ; Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet were to anoint him as king over Israel; the trumpet was to be blown; "Long live king Solomon!", was to be openly called out (no secrecy); Then he was to come up with the people following him and sit on David's throne. Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16) It was Nathan to whom the Lord had revealed that Solomon, yet to be born at the time, was to be the one, to build the "House of the Lord". Adonijah, was trying, in his foolishness, and egotistical way, to thwart those plans. God knows why a younger son was chosen and the others overlooked.

Q1. (2 Samuel 7:11-16) What are the main provisions of the Davidic Covenant? God will be with him. Enemies will be cut off. He will not be forgotten, but will be counted with the Great men. God will appoint a place for His people, Israel. They will have rest from their enemies. David's throne will be established forever. What does it say about the temple? David will not build God's "House", but one of his offspring will. What does it say about David's descendants? It will be an everlasting dynasty. Eventually it will be the Messiah Who will reign on David's throne. What does it say about discipline? David's offspring will be punished if they do wrong. They will be disciplined like a son would be disciplined. What does it say about mercy? There will be forgiveness of sins, so there will be MERCY. What does it say about the throne? His throne will be established forever.

Q60. (Matthew 13:51-52) What is the "old" that the householder brings out of his treasure box? What is the "new"? In what way must we disciples be "cross-trained" as scribes of the Kingdom? The "old" and the "new" are one in essence. Two facts concerning the same things. The principle is old the application is new The root is old, the blossom and the fruit is new The old things are the eternal things, the new things are the applications of these eternal things to the passing phases of changing times. Destroy the old, then there is no new The "old" that would come out of the treasure box would be the correct interpretation of the Torah. The "new" would be the application of that teaching in the present time and comforting the hurting, healing the sick, explaining the Gospel of Salvation in terms that are understood. Both are vital. Without the "old" there is no "new". The "cross-training" is important. Scribes = moral rulers Elders = civil rulers Priests = spiritual rulers The scribes were the official interpreters of the Law (leave out all the traditions that were added, that clouded the law)

Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay "salty"? Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? What does Jesus say about that? By a bland witness, I understand a lukewarm person as spoken about in Revelation 3, about the church of Laodicea. In other words ones actions do not meet up to my words. It is important to be a sharp and tasty witness as that will draw others to want the same. We need to stay close to the Lord at all time to be able to stay "salty". Reading and studying the Word, praying and worshiping God. "Walking" with Him. To hide ones light is almost a sure way to extinguish it. We need to let our light shine. Our actions must display our words.

Q58. (Matthew 9:37-38; John 4:35-38) Where in your region does the harvest seem most ripe, that is, where people are most receptive to the gospel? Do you see yourself mainly as a sower or a reaper? Why is there such a shortage of reapers? Would you be willing to be a reaper, if Jesus helps you? I personally understand that at any given time and opportunity that lends itself to us, to share Christ, then we are to do so. In fact we are to live in such a way, that Christ is seen in us. In this way we are interchangeably reapers, sowers or those that water. Lord help me to be willing at all time to be used of You as You see fit.

Q57. (Matthew 9:36) Why is Jesus' heartbroken over lost sheep? Who are the lost sheep of your community? Of the mission fields that you know about? What is your attitude toward them? Lost sheep are very vulnerable. They are prey to the predators. Words used are harassed and helpless. (certainly not a happy picture) Troubled and tormented, without peace. Jesus knew that the end for the lost sheep was being a prey to the predator, be it in the form of false teaching or rejection or falling away in some way, just no longer believing in God. The lost sheep are the ones not believing in God. NO longer trusting Him. The ones following other non-existing, so-called gods. Longing to open their eyes to their lost state and longing to see them truly set free and following Christ. Many loved ones are included in this category.

Q56. (Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6) What does Jesus mean when He tells his disciples, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice"? What attitude did the Pharisees have towards sinners? What attitude did Jesus have toward sinners? What attitude do you have toward sinners? What is the role of a spiritual doctor? Sacrifice is an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else more important or worthy; an act of penitence or prayer as propitiation (appeasement, to make amends or compensate) Mercy is compassion or forbearance shown to enemies; pity; tolerance; sympathy; kindness; soft-heartedness; generosity; consideration Sacrifice in a way has to do with oneself. Giving up something for oneself. Mercy is an act towards one's fellow-man. Mercy involves the other person, be it someone who one is friendly disposed towards or otherwise. I feel Jesus is telling His disciples that we are to be kind towards our fellowman, whether they are the same or different than we are. We are not only to tolerate them, but also be generous towards them. Accept them and do not show contempt for who they are, for their station in life. (Hate the sin but love the sinner). The Pharisees despised those who they saw to be sinners. They openly showed how they felt towards them. There was no tolerance or acceptance for them at all and they openly showed this. Jesus never pushed the sinners away. In fact He went to them and showed them kindness. He showed them that as human beings they were accepted. He ate with them. He allowed them to listen to His teachings. He called them also, to follow Him, this of course meant leaving the sin and starting anew with Him. I don't dare point a finger, for there, but for the grace of God, am I. The role of a doctor is one who treats or fixes something or someone which or who is broken. Thus a medical doctor will "fix" someone who needs medicinal care. A "mechanical doctor" will "heal" something that has a mechanical problem. So then you find a spiritual doctor is someone who helps someone with a spiritual problem.

Q55. (Luke 10:30-37) Why does Jesus contrast a Jewish priest and Levite with a hated Samaritan? According to the parable, how do you think Jesus would define "neighbor," that is, someone we have a responsibility toward? How much does compassion move you to go out of your way and comfort zone to care for those in need? Jesus told this story after a lawyer had questioned Him : Who is my neighbor? (It was a question concerning the responsibility created by Law) The lawyer was well-versed in the Jewish Law. He knew that part where you are admonished to love your neighbor as yourself. According to the rulers and teachers of the day, no Gentile was taken to be a neighbor. This question was thus asked to justify himself with his own conscience. From this, one can then deduce the reason for Jesus telling the story, and using his characters as people who would form part of the group of people the lawyer would be familiar with. Those he would rub shoulders with. The priest and the Levite were both involved in work at the temple. (Whether they were going to or from performing their duties is not of great importance for the answer to this question). The Samaritan was not acknowledged as a full-blown Jew, but as a half-caste, or a different race altogether. In fact they were generally despised by the Jews. It was this despised, hated person, who followed the law of loving his neighbor as himself. He put aside the racial differences and showed concern and love to a stranger. He took on the responsibility of caring for a fellow-human-being in need. I would understand that to be that we have a responsibility to those crossing our path, that are in some kind of crises or need. Those would be seen to be our neighbors. Much wisdom and discernment are needed because the begging option gets so much more compassion than the working for a low wage, does. The beggar gets so much more and is often hounded by the drug-abusers who then 'share' by taking the cash and 'protecting' the group, with their viciousness. Sharing in the meth, dagga, speed, or whatever their 'speciality' is. The low-income group is the hard-working, trying to make ends meet, to the best of their ability, type of people, who are often ignored but are the most needy. Often the beggar chooses this station in life, rather than to work. They say that begging is their work. Just sharing what I have experienced. Young children choose that lifestyle to get away from discipline or accepting to help with chores. They pop in from time to time at home just to show that they are still alive, and before you know it, they have disappeared again. They disappear to get out of the responsibility to attend school. Many, by the time they are teenagers cannot read or write because they refuse to go to school on a regular basis. They get passed from grade to grade just because of having registered in the class. A cluster/Phase of grades is 3 years. You can keep them in that Phase for 4 years and then have to pass them. In this way they then end up passing Grades at School with not much more than the very basic knowledge. These learn to fend for themselves, without discipline, on the streets of our towns and villages. In a way they are feared because they carry their own form of weapons to defend themselves from the more crafty. Is this answer just an excuse to justify the conscience of the many who are afraid to help. Or is the answer the picture reflecting what happens when there is too much giving out fish instead of teaching how to fish.