Get a Handle

(Proverbs 16:20 KJV)  He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

Again we find references that seem to be more NT oriented.  The believer “handleth” (gives attention NASB) (7919a) a “matter” (the word NASB) (1697), even in the OT.  The Jews had to be a literate people.  You can’t give attention to the word if you can’t read.  The ancient Jews were expected to read and know the word of God, just like modern Christians.  This was directed to the people, not to a group like the Pharisees. 

To “handleth” (gives attention NASB)  (7919a) means to carefully and thoughtfully deal with.  The KJV uses “matter” for “word” (1697) but the overwhelming usage of the word, even in the KJV, is “word.”  Specifically it is translated “word” or “words” 808 times, as opposed to “matter” and “matters” 63 times.

Tie that together with the creation account and how “and God said...” becomes “and there was....”  It is important to pay attention to what God has to say about an issue.

So?  Have you checked in with God today.  You probably checked the weather and maybe a traffic report.  You may have answered e-mail and texted a few times.  Did you give any attention to the word?  Priorities.  Priorities.