Godly, not Goofy

(Proverbs 31:3 KJV)  Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

Paul teaches us about spiritual gifts.  That his how we should understand this teaching about “strength” (2428).  This does not have a narrow meaning of physical power but those areas in which we do well in life.  It is a question about how you are going to invest your life, to use your God-given talents.

There are two general areas that Proverbs is addressing:  Romance and politics.

How do we “give” (5414) our “strength” (2428) to “women” (802)?  Here is a truth that our culture needs to hear, and remember it comes from a woman.  Here it is also directed at men.  Having said that I think that the principle is applicable both ways in our modern culture.  When a man or woman falls in love they tend to get really goofy.  Is that a real word?  I don’t think it is found in the Bible, but you have all observed it.  Our focus becomes centered on one person and all else falls into the background.  If marriage develops it is possible for a weaker version of this affliction to continue.  This is a warning to guard from using all of our God given talents to use pleasing one person rather than following God’s plan for your life.

I think you could even go a little farther and reverse the warning.  Women, do not demand the kind of attention that keeps your man from being obedient to God.  Men, do not try to stifle your woman and keep her focused on your self-centered needs.  Marriage is a gift of God but like all holy things it can be perverted and become destructive and idolatrous.

We can also get consumed with politics.  As I write we are a few days away from a vital election.  This is not saying, “Don’t vote.  Leave it in Gods hands.”  It is not even saying don’t be involved in politics.  This is more along the lines of Jesus saying, “Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God, that which is God’s.”  We are a part of a society that expects us to be involved, but political action is not to be our passion.  Our passion is to be salt and light.  Our passion is to be righteous.  Our passion is to win people to Jesus and train them to be disciples.  Everything else is secondary.  Secondary does not mean ignored, it means kept in perspective.

So?  Vote, campaign, run, debate; but always in the awareness that if you win the election and lose your soul you won’t get to keep your campaign buttons in the lake of fire.  Give your strength to God.  Give your weakness to God.  And follow where that leads.