Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

In Bible times, winds were also an aid to the farmer in winnowing the grain (Ps. 1:4; 35:5; Is. 17:13; 41:16). The farmers depended on the wind to help separate the wheat from the chaff in the winnowing process. In the winnowing process, the mature kernels of grain were heavy enough not to be blown about in the face of the wind, while the chaff (the outer husk) would be blown away. Psalm 1:4 says,

The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

In addition to winds helping the farmer, they also helped the seafarer. Winds were essential for ancient sea travel (Acts 28:13; Jam. 3:4). Without the winds, the only movement would have been with hard work and sweat. If the winds were favorable, the ship could ride the wind and take all of the work out of their voyage. However, if the winds were contrary, they would have serious struggle to the point where they may be hindered from reaching their destination. The Book of Revelation makes reference to the four winds of the earth (Rev. 7:1). As you examine the Bible you will find four winds identified as the west wind, the south wind, the east wind and the north wind. It should be noted that each of these winds had their own characteristics. As we look at each of them, it should also be noted that all of these descriptions are seen in relation to the lands of the Bible. Their impact may be reversed for a different region or hemisphere. First, we have the west wind . In Bible times, this wind was a cool wind that brought refreshing and showers. It was the most common kind of wind and the most desired. It was alluded to by Jesus in Luke 12:54: Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.” Types of Wind in the Bible

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