The Joker

(Proverbs 26:19 KJV)  So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

In case you did not read the entire chapter today, Proverbs is continuing to reflect on the sluggard mentioned in verse 16.  It seems that chapter 26 is the focal passage on the sluggard.  Although the specific term is used thirteen times in Proverbs the most extensive discussion is in this chapter.

How often have I run into this at school?  I guess it is not new.  Someone “deceives” (7411b), they look you in the eye and lie through their teeth.  They get caught and act like it was a joke.  Another variation of this is to steal something and if you get caught say, “I was just borrowing it.”  I think we have all seen this.  It is part of the sluggard mentality.

A sluggard denies reality.  A sluggard blames others.  A sluggard feels like a victim.  A sluggard feels like life owes them something.  We see them every day.  We experience there demands every day.  We all have a trace of this in hearts.  It is original sin gone native.  Have you ever tripped and turned your fierce frown on the offending part of the sidewalk?  It didn’t do anything.

So?  Grow up today.  It may not be your fault.  There are times to shrug your shoulders and get on with life.  Jesus understands and expects us to keep moving forward.  What a glorious day to refuse to be a victim.