Habakkuk 2:4 Implications in Biblical Counseling

Habakkuk 2:4 illustrates the stark dichotomy between the life of an arrogant individual, characterized by pride and deceit (לפע/`aphal), and that of a righteous person ( דִּקי/tsaddiq), who embraces faithfulness. Habakkuk elucidates the notion that every individual harbors a unique relationship with God and is thus called to live in steadfast allegiance to Him. Those who exhibit arrogance place their trust in human prowess and capabilities, whereas the righteous navigate life by placing their faith in God. This verse, referenced by Paul (Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11) and the book of Hebrews (Heb. 10:38), underscores the significance of maintaining loyalty to God and relying on Him across all facets of existence, underscoring its implications in the realm of Biblical Counseling


INTRODUCTION
Habakkuk 2:4 presents a captivating contrast between two distinct ways of life.In this verse, the prophet unveils the perilous path of the arrogant individual, marked by pride and a deceitful heart (‫`/עפל‬aphal).expand_moreThis stands in stark opposition to the righteous person ( ‫ד‬ ִ ּ ‫/יק‬tsaddiq), who walks a life characterized by unwavering faithfulness.
Habakkuk delves deeper, illuminating the concept that each individual possesses a unique bond with God, demanding a life lived in unwavering allegiance to Him.
The verse paints a clear picture: those consumed by arrogance place their trust solely in human strength and achievements.expand_moreConversely, the righteous navigate life's complexities by anchoring their faith in God's providence.This pivotal verse, echoed by Paul (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11) and the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 10:38), emphasizes the paramount importance of unwavering devotion to God and absolute reliance upon Him in every aspect of human existence.This exploration of faith and its centrality is particularly relevant within the field of Biblical Counseling, where understanding this core principle can equip counselors to guide individuals towards a life grounded in trust and obedience to God.This present study delves into the profound message of Habakkuk 2:4, unpacking its implications for the practice of Biblical Counseling.By examining the contrasting characteristics of the arrogant and the righteous, the study aims to illuminate the transformative power of faith in God.Through this analysis, the research seeks to equip Biblical Counselors with a deeper understanding of how to guide individuals towards a life anchored in faithfulness, ultimately fostering a more fulfilling and meaningful connection with God.

RESEARCH METHOD
This research endeavors to investigate the profound dichotomy delineated in Habakkuk 2:4 between the lives of those characterized by arrogance and deceit, contrasted with the righteous who uphold faithfulness.Through an exegetical analysis of the Hebrew text, this study aims to elucidate the distinct behavioral and attitudinal manifestations associated with these two divergent paths.Drawing on biblical references, particularly Paul's citations in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11, as well as the book of Hebrews 10:38, the research will delve into the theological implications of this verse and its relevance to contemporary issues, particularly in the realm of Biblical Counseling.Utilizing qualitative research methods, including textual analysis and thematic exploration, this study seeks to unravel the nuances of loyalty to God and its impact on individuals' psychological and spiritual well-being.By examining the implications of Habakkuk 2:4 in the context of counseling, this research aims to provide insights into effective approaches for addressing issues of pride, deceit, and faithfulness within a biblical framework.Ultimately, the findings of this study aspire to contribute to the development of practical strategies for integrating biblical principles into counseling practices, fostering holistic healing and spiritual growth among individuals seeking guidance and support.‫ֵּ֣ה‬ ‫נ‬ ‫הִ‬ (hinnêh ), Interjection, an exclamation point is a word or phrase used to express feelings or to ask or demand something to pay attention.Interjection: an imperative that can serve as an interjection when it uses (Ronald James Williams, 2004).In this case singular as a particle, which means "Behold!"  , good and evil "and. (Ronald James, 1976) The conjunction ‫וְּ‬ is used as: (Ronald James, 1976)

Analisa
• As coordination, with the meaning of "and"

Habakkuk Translation2:4
Look!He (the man) who is lofty in heart does not righteous his life, and he (the one) who lives in the truth, (he) lives by his faithfulness.

Accents
‫ֶֽה׃‬ This verse is very clear to show the contrast between the life of faith and the life of the Babylonians, who made their own power as their own gods (1:7,11,13) and lived lavishly and abundantly by plundering and killing without mercy (1:16-17).But Habakkuk's words go beyond historical references of the time.Where man depends on this world for intelligence, wealth, honor, social status and technology, all of which are not from God for the attainment of a satisfactory and secure way of life, true life will not be found.
‫ֵּ֣ה‬ ‫נ‬ ‫הִ‬ (hinnêh), Look!A statement becomes the truth where God opens Habakkuk's eyes to a fundamental truth, which is invisible to human perception or thought.Habakkuk is given the understanding that everyone has a personal relationship with God, illustrating how God demonstrates his irresistible obedience to the principles set forth in 2:4.This should be made clear using uppercase letters and legible handwriting.There should be no room for confusion, error or inaccuracy.He who reads or hears these words must be a significant messenger of communication because God intended for the message to be conveyed by everyone who reads it (James Bruckner, 2010).
(Hans Walter Wolff, 1974) It has the potential to be good or used for evil.The word originally meant "to live in relation to others."God does not take responsibility for the life's choices of His creations (Gen.4:7).The phrase "his will is not righteous" is a fundamental part of Jehovah's response to Habakkuk's complaint.So, with these words, it explains that arrogant people who are not honest, consequently cannot live in righteousness.For Habakkuk, it seemed that the boisterous and proud Chaldeans would continue to prosper but they experienced condemnation and judgment (Robert D Haak, 1997).
Wherever man depends on something of this world-whether it is intellectual achievement or wealth or military power or aesthetic ability and appreciation or pride in birth and status or even the ability to overcome and solve problems and master the complexities of modern life-wherever trust is placed in human faculties and not in God's, for the attainment of a satisfactory and secure way of life, there true life cannot be obtained (Elizabeth Achtemeier, 2011).The righteous of now days are those who accept the word of God's promise in a world dominated by the horror of Babylon's power described in the previous verses.If "righteousness" is applied in the understanding of the law, then the righteous are those who are declared righteous by God (O.Palmer Robertson, 1990).Seeking salvation in a persecuted world requires faithfulness.The righteous are imperfect, but they live according to a relationship with God.Being impartial and being right to God has a strong ethical dimension: fulfilling God's requirements for oneself and others.The righteous will stand before God on Judgment Day (Ps.1).Psalm 15 exemplifies the attitude of the righteous, through words, money, and influence in a positive way.In the LXX the word ‫צדק‬ (ṣdq) uses the word δίκαιος (dikaios) from the root word in the deiknimi group which generally means "embankment" terms, "show", "show (Ceslas Spicq, 1994).
Achtemeier defining the righteous living in fidelity as a closer relationship: "It does not mean moral constancy, honesty, and sincerity.It does not signify proper performance of ethical or cult duties.But faithfulness means trust, dependence, closeness to God.Faithfulness puts one's entire life in God's hands and trusts Him to fulfill it, regardless of all outward and inner circumstances.Faithfulness is living by the strength of God not by our own strength (Elizabeth Achtemeier, (Elizabeth Achtemeier, 2011).
The word ṣaddîq is a typical OT concept of truth with the position of a law.Where the OT perspective on right and wrong is usually regarded from a legal point of view as a matter to be resolved by a judge, and that this point of view is emphasized in words derived from ṣaddîq.This was characteristic of the Hebrew concept of truth in all its developments: whether it becomes moral quality or religious status, it tends to be viewed as itself debatable and incomplete until it has been confirmed with what is equivalent to judicial punishment (O.Palmer Robertson, 1990)." The word ‫ֶֽה‬ ‫י‬ ‫חְּ‬ ‫יִ‬ (yiḥyeh) a Qal 3rd singular masculine.The most common use of ‫‪is‬יהיה‬ "to live" used 310 times in the OT in connection with one's life (Gen.20:7; 42:2; Lv. 25:35-36; 2 Kgs.4:7) Jeffrey Jay Niehaus, 2008.
Although yiḥyeh is read "will live" in Hab 2:4b it refers to "way of life," this meaning is not attested elsewhere in the OT, which makes it impossible here (Ralph Smith, 2020).In contrast, a person's "way of life" is usually referred to in Hebrew as "walking."The idea of "walking" as a "way of life" (hlk) that results in "survival" (ḥyh) can be found throughout the Hebrew Bible.
LXX there are two different words for life: βιου and ζωη.The word ζωην, is completely related to the way of life, while bios is connected with the functions of the biological body of life (Geoffrey Bromiley, 1964).In the context of Habakkuk 2:4b, God not only encouraged the Israelites to exist, but reminded them of a rich and fully lived life to come, both on earth and in heaven.As Harring notes, "walking" is a more appropriate term for "way of life" in Hebrew (Deut. 5:33, 1 Kings 8:25, 2 Chr.6:16, Zech.3:7, Ps. 1:1,3), so it is not appropriate for 2:4b.Unlike the Hebrew understanding of life, the Greek understanding contrasts sharply between the two possibilities for true life.On the one hand, determinism considers life as a set of determined events, while on the other, Stoicism considers life to be nothing but human choice and will.
While the immediate context of Habakkuk leads one to conclude that physical life on the ground is a gift, one must not separate this reality from its eternal theological implications.Therefore, one must understand that there is a steadfast interpretation of God providing the means for life and man living those provisions, which results in both temporary and eternal life.Through a complete study of the word, life must be understood first of all as the life given in Canaan to the original listeners, and eternal life, which began on earth and continued to Glory, for anyone who had Jehovah as their Lord.
‫ֹו‬ ‫תָ֥‬ ‫אֱמּונ‬ ‫ב‬ (be'ĕmūnāṯōw), Habakkuk emphasized the importance of truth and faithfulness, constancy, fortitude, steadfastness.Where a person's actions in doing loyalty come from the attitude of his heart.A person will display abilities in honesty, loyalty, toughness, and calmness that can portray a righteous person who lives with integrity.Some translations translate ‫ֹו‬ ‫תָ֥‬ ‫ֱמּונ‬ ‫א‬ ‫ב‬ (be'ĕmūnāṯōw) using the words "faith" faithfulness (NIV), faith (ESV, KJV, NAS, NASB 1995, NASB 1977).Faith in God is the key to peace of life, even when evil is rampant and justice occurs (1:2-4).
Hebrewdoes not have many nouns that could be considered equivalent to the English term "faith."Infact, emunah has a better meaning with the word "faith" the idea that Habakkuk wants to convey.Equilibrium in the OT context indicates that "belief" or "faith" is able to explain its use (Proverbs.28:20; Ps. 31:24, 37:3).The emunah text is "an inner attitude that is a prerequisite for true life."Suffice it to say that in some cases in the OT the main aspect of the term 'emund seems to be in the inner attitude entrusted.Habakkuk 2:4 is different but perhaps not unique in its use of the term.
Another possibility for translating ʿapal is "loss of faith."This fits better with Habakkuk in LXX ("loss of faith"), quoted in Hebrews 10:38.2This interpretation leads to a similar interpretation of pride, for it is faith in Jehovah's vision of victory over lost evil (Hab.3).When faith in Jehovah's promise of victory is lost, the pride of free man reigns.People will then say, "The LORD will do nothing, good or bad" (Zeph.1:12; Jer.17:15; 2 Pet.3:3-4).
There are challenges to the interpretation of Habakkuk 2:4, some differences in interpretation in giving the meaning ‫ה‬ ָ֔ ‫ל‬ ‫ֻפְּ‬ ‫ע‬ ('uppəlāh), ‫יק‬ ׁ֖ ִ ‫ד‬ ‫צַ‬ ‫וְּ‬ (wəṣaddîq), ‫ֹו‬ ‫תָ֥‬ ‫ֱמּונ‬ ‫א‬ ‫ב‬ (be'ĕmūnāṯōw), ‫ֶֽה‬ ‫י‬ ‫חְּ‬ ‫יִ‬ (yiḥyeh).The statement about the wicked in verse 4a is so common that it describes what happened to the wicked both in Judah and in the cruel Babylonians.Verse 4b quotes Paul (Rom.1:17) and Hebrews 10:37-38 quotes Hab.2:3b-4, basically in the form of LXX text, but with a line arrogant people do not want to look weak, incapable.He became a person who should be praised and judged well.A person needs to admit that he is in need of others, needs the support, help and encouragement of others.Arrogant people are described as bloated people who are not upright.Arrogant can also be translated as "the haughty" The proud (Robertson, 2021) man will be subdued and the proud will be humbled; the LORD alone is the most-high on that day (Isa.2:17).
Arrogant people have different backgrounds of problems.Habakkuk described here is perhaps best understood as a Babylonian, but Habakkuk also complained about at first, namely the people in Judah who were responsible for the destruction, violence, strife and conflict that resulted in the paralysis of the Torah and the perverted justice.People who are "arrogant" or "presumptuous" are not upright (meaning straight or flat) and therefore they will not win.
Despite all the strength they have now, destroying others, they will eventually perish.Everyone who experiences problems that stem from self-pride will experience problems in the future.The arrogance shown by the unrighteous becomes the door to the problems of all mankind.From the beginning, the source of all sin was pride.Contrasting pride with faith helps understand Habakkuk 2:4.For the pride of men is destroyed Isa. 13:11;Yeh. 7:10,24).
Arrogant people often cover up weaknesses, sins, mistakes so they will not look weak.In biblical counseling, all that boils down to pride needs to be confessed before God, Because God hates pride (Proverbs 8:13).Like Psalm 51, the prophet Nathan was able to soften David's defenses after adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah.David confessed and evaluated his guilt and sin after being confronted by Nathan.
Loyalty, human obedience, can be arrogance.If eternal life is based on the faithfulness of believers, then believers have the right to boast of keeping the law.Israel experienced the consequences of self-righteous pride as recorded in Numbers 14:44 and Deuteronomy 1:43.However, if believers are saved by God's faithfulness, then there will be no pride in believers (Robertson, 2021).
In contrast to the proud living in dishonesty, the righteous live by faith (faithfulness).This sentence is quoted twice by Paul (Rom.1:17, Gal.3:11) and once in Hebrews (Heb.10:38).Because basically "Faith is the foundation of everything we hope for and the evidence of everything we don't see." (Heb.11:1) When faced with problems, difficulties, struggles, fears, disappointments, faith teaches to have hope for help from God. Faith is not a single act that is performed and ends on a particular day: it is an action that is continued and maintained throughout human life.
The righteous man not only begins to live by faith, but continues to live by his faith: he does not begin in the spirit and ends in the flesh, nor does he go so far by grace, and the rest through the works of the law.Faith is very important during this time; every day and all day, in everything.Our natural life begins with breathing, and must continue with breathing; Just as breath is to the body, that is faith to the soul (Charles H Spurgeon, 1968).The truth teaches one to have faith and hope in God in any situation, even on unexplored roads.As Paul declared, "All the writings of God behave ... to educate people in truth."(2 Tim.3:16)

CONCLUSION
Habakkuk 2:4 teaches two important things in a person's life.First, the one who puffs out his chest (boasting) lives a dishonest life and second, the righteous will live in faithfulness (faith).Habakkuk has given the understanding that everyone has a personal relationship with God and must live in dependence and obedience to Him.People who are proud and do not believe in God will experience condemnation and judgment.Text "Look!He (a person) who is lofty in heart is not righteous in life" shows that humans often tend to rely on worldly things, such as wealth, power, and achievement, to achieve a fulfilling and secure life.However, true life can only be found by relying on God and living in His dependence.
Biblical counseling answers the struggle of those who live in the fall to become arrogant persons, acknowledging each of these weaknesses and letting go to God, ultimately letting go of the life that will always be insatiable in him except to God alone.The message conveyed by Habakkuk is important and it must be understood what causes pride, what is being sought for people who live in pride.People should avoid pride and trust in themselves, and instead, they should go through life dependent on God.
Habakkuk emphasized the importance of living in faith, dependence on God, and avoiding pride and self-belief.
True living and the meaning of a fulfilling life can only be found through a right relationship with God.The righteous, as described in the Habakkuk text "and he (one) who lives in the truth, (he) lives by his faithfulness (faith)," is everyone who lives in faithfulness and faith in God.They have a strong belief and do not waver in the face of difficulties and challenges in life.
Hebrew concepts of truth, including the righteousness of the righteous, are often associated with law and court.
The righteous of that day were those who were declared righteous by God and lived according to His will.In addition, the text states that life for the righteous is not only about physical life, but also includes spiritual and eternal life.Faith in God is the key to understanding and accepting His sovereign purpose, and leads man to worship and live with integrity.
Faithfulness of faith helps everyone who experiences "weary and heavy laden" that the Lord promises "I will give you rest.(Matt. 11:28) The attitude of the heart to continue living in faith and faithfulness to God will bring salvation and stand before Him on Judgment Day.