Perishables Rot Quickly

(Proverbs 29:18 KJV)  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

This verse is very familiar to people in the KJV.  The NASB is slightly different.

(Proverbs 29:18 NASB)  Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

Much of the two translations are the same.  The difference is in the second phrase.  What is the difference between “perish” (6544a) and “unrestrained”?  In English there seems to be no connection.  The root meaning is to “let go, let alone.”  As I look into the way the word is used I sense a whole series of sermons.  I will “restrain” myself.  Instead let me give you a paraphrase that gets the idea across.

(Proverbs 29:18 CEV)  Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law.

God has standards He expects us to see and acknowledge.  When we don’t obey, chaos and consequences flood our lives.  Yes, Jesus loves me, but the Bible also tells me there are results that follow from ignoring the order God has established.

So?  Read and obey.  It seems simple enough.  Why do we ignore it so often? 

Violence to the Blood

(Proverbs 28:17 KJV)  A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

The KJV says “doeth violence” and the NASB says “laden with guilt” (6231) {28:3}.  The word used here has the idea of oppressing, not carrying.  That is the usual translation.

The word “guilt” does not appear to be in the Hebrew.  Instead the key is the two words “person” (human NASB) (5315) and “blood” (1818).  “Person” (human NASB) is the word for “soul” or “life,” so this could be translated “soul blood”. 

So we have a warning to those who oppress the soul blood of others.  I want to consider that this could refer to those who kill spiritually.  This is a very real warning for the influence we have on others by our example and our advice.

So?  Don’t think you cruise in a bubble.  You influence others.  Are you someone who edifies or are you an oppressor?  Accept it.

How Are Your Flocks?

(Proverbs 27:23 KJV)  Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Not all of us can be shepherds.  Most of us would not want to be.  The same can be said about being farmers.  Most of the people in Solomon’s time were one or the other.  This is some advice using illustrations from the every day lives of his people.

The Bible has a lot of hints about how to be a Christian businessman.  The range goes from treating you employees well to integrity.  Here we are told to be hands-on.  This was a literal application in the times of Solomon.  We have all heard this applied in terms of the Good Shepherd and Psalm 23.  To us today it has more figurative applications.

Pay attention to the parts of your life that provide your financial support.  Even if you are only an employee, you have a vested interest in your job making a real contribution to the bottom line.  If the business is not successful, you may be out of a job, customers may end up suffering and the entire community may be worse off.

So?  Pay attention to the what you do, even if you are only counting beans.  You may find a rock in the beans and save someone a trip to the dentist. 

Pitfalls

(Proverbs 26:27 KJV)  Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

This is simple wisdom.  We are our own worst enemy.  We lay the groundwork for our lives and then we reap the results.  I guess this is another form of “Whatever you reap, you will sow.” 

What kind of future are you developing?  Are you laying the foundation for punctuality or tardiness?  Is your theme honesty or deceit?  Are you careful or rash?  Each time you make a decision you are adding to the foundation of the future.

So?  Stop digging.  Whatever that means in your life.  Think about yesterday or today as it has unfolded.  Life won’t change if you don’t.  Don’t focus on the things you can’t change.  If you have a big nose, stop looking in mirrors.  Hey, that sounds like it could become a Pumice Proverb. 

A Cause for a Heavy Heart

(Proverbs 25:20 KJV)  As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

Where does music fit into our lives?  The Bible mentions a number of musical instruments such as the harp, drums and the lyre.  We are given three clear types of songs to sing,

(Ephesians 5:19 KJV)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (also see Colossians 3:16)

So it would seem that singing and music are a blessed part of our worship.  Then you come across verses like this.  What gives?

There are times when I wish the translators were more literal.  “Heavy” (troubled NASB) (7451a)  means “evil” according to the marginal reading.  If you look it up in Strong’s Concordance you find that it is translated “evil” in the KJV 440 times and “wicked” another 26 times.  That makes much more sense of this verse.

You have heard the quote, “Music soothes the savage breast.”  This would seem to be saying just the opposite.  Music has the ability to stir up evil hearts and possibly stir up the evil in hearts.

So?  Does your music aid in worship or stir up trouble in your heart?  Only you can know and only you can make the obvious changes. 

Be Alarmed

(Proverbs 24:15 KJV)  Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

The next verse is the promise.  This verse is the warning. 

If you are not one of the “righteous” (6662) this is a warning to you to not mess with God’s people.  There is often a tendency in the followers of Satan to seek out that which is good and clean, and destroy it or make it dirty.  It is expressed in simple frustrations such as the graffiti “artist” looking for the cleanest wall or book that does not belong to him as a canvas for his illustrations.  On a more serious level it is shown in predator males who go to churches looking for nice, well raised young ladies to seduce and drag down.  God is warning you off.

If you are one of God’s people, this is a warning that there are people out to get you.  No, you are not just paranoid.  They are out to get you, to penetrate your “dwelling” (5116a) and disrupt your “resting place” (7258).

So?  Be alert.  Turn on your spiritual security system.  You don’t need a sign saying that your are protected by Smith and Wesson, you need a presence that says you are protected by Trinity Security Systems.  I pray the blessing of safety on you. 

Real Solutions to Poverty

(Proverbs 23:21 KJV)  For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Poverty is a topic that is used frequently to manipulate people today.  Politicians and social reformers work it regularly.  Most of them tend to be selling some kind of snake oil that will take care of the problem if we will just give them enough power or money.  They get more power, they use it, the problem gets worse.  We give more money, it gets spent and the problem gets worse.  Oppression and greed are issues.  They are one form of sin. 

There is another angle that the Bible brings up:  personal accountability.  In this verse three lifestyles lay the groundwork for “poverty” (3423).  None of them are the actions of oppressors or greedy capitalists.  They are the actions that each one of us is accountable for.  We have the “drunkard” (heavy drinker NASB) (5433a) and “glutton” (2151b).  We have the lazy person who gives in to “drowsiness” (5124).

So?  Most of us are not powerful enough to make a difference in the big picture of society but we can make a difference in how we live and the example we set.  Booze, food and naps.  Three very real issues we can deal with in our lives.  Consider, don’t ignore. 

Who Is on Trial?

(Proverbs 22:23 KJV)  For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

This is a verse that is full of potential.  It is potentially glorious if taken out of context and potentially damning if we read it as intended. 

Read in isolation it seems to be a promise.  It seems to be saying that God will be our defense attorney.  Who would not want the Lord to “plead their case” (7378)? 

Read the previous verse.  This is talking about God defending the poor when they are being oppressed.  We are told not to rob the poor because if we do will “spoil” (take NASB) (6906) our “soul” (life NASB) (5315).  This is another reminder of the meaning of that phrase in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal.  We are to treat others as brothers and not as inferior.

So?  Just a reminder.  There are times to be a leader.  There are times to be tough.  There are times to do what people don’t like.  But our inner heart must realize there is a difference between doing what is right and doing what is simple oppression. 

What’s in a Nickname

(Proverbs 21:24 KJV)  Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

I am into nicknames.  I like to award them and I enjoy receiving them.  I realize that they can be insults, but often they are signs of affection and friendship.  At school the kids will call me Santa Claus around Christmas time.  Of course I respond by calling them Elf, and telling them to go clean out the reindeer stalls.

Here we have nicknames that are not marks of affection.  They all reflect inner attitudes that are too common in our world.  If you read ahead you will find that this is just the beginning of the list.

We have no control over what we feel but we can adjust our attitudes with the help of the Holy Spirit and a desire to change.

So?  Again, time for an attitude check.  Look at your last twenty-four hours.  How have you been interacting with family and friends.  Do any of these attitudes show up?  Pray for change.  Want change.  Be changed. 

Plan in Faith

(Proverbs 20:18 KJV)  Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

We are to have a “purpose” (plans NASB) (4284).  It is to be “established” (prepare NASB) (3559).  As believers it is not enough to fly by the seat of our pants and call it living by faith.  There are times for that, yes, but it is not our default mode of operation.

I wonder what the difference is between “counsel” (consultation NASB) (6098) and what post modernism is calling “collaboration”?  The main difference that comes to mind is the clear declaration of authority in consultation.  You know who is in charge.  When you get advice you are under no illusion about who makes the final decision.  There is an honesty.

So?  Plan for tomorrow.  It may not be too late to plan for today.  Consult with wise, godly people you know.  Consult with the word.  Above all listen.

Plan B

(Proverbs 19:21 KJV)  There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

We have all been forced to go to Plan B.  It is a part of life.

The KJV uses the word “devices” (4284) where the NASB uses “plans.”  This is a place where the KJV is a little harder to understand but is more accurate.  It makes us think.  For some people that is plan B.  The word means “thought, plan, device, purpose, invention.”  That is a lot of meaning in one word.

We are full of “plans” (4284).  That is okay in itself, God made us thinking creatures.  But we need to listen to the Holy Spirit and study so that the plans are ultimately based on the “counsel” (6098) of the Lord.  The picture that emerges through Proverbs is that wise leadership involves listening to wise people.  Ultimately, only the Holy Spirit can help us discern the wise from the foolish or even the righteous from the evil.

So?  Plan and devise, but only do it after you have read, prayed and listened.  Make that plan A and we will find we need plan B less often. 

Roughly in the Middle

(Proverbs 18:23 KJV)  The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

This is an observation about how things often are rather than a recommendation of how things should be.  The obvious statement about the “poor” (7326) and the “rich” (6223) brings to mind people and experiences we all are familiar with.

Since I am a part of that great American middle class I am caught in the middle.  So I start thinking about applications like the preacher I have been.

The context is obviously about financial wealth but what happens if we apply this to other types of wealth?  Today let me focus on health since that is on my mind right now.  My brother and I both have diabetes.  We have both lost weight.  Neither of us sits at a desk all day but neither of us are athletes.  There are so many things that a similar and yet we are different.  I am off all medication and all my blood measurements are in the normal range.  He is on increasing levels of medication and seems to be on that gradual decline that diabetics fear so much.  I am rich and he is poor. 

My responsibility is to not be a rich man who “answers” (6030a) “roughly” (5794).  It is so easy to get into lecture mode and feel superior even when we know it is not because of some shining virtue in our lives.  We love to lord it over people.  We are told that is not acceptable.  Remember the words of the Love Chapter:

(1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

So?  You have some area of your life in which you are rich.  Look for it and make sure that in that area of your life you are being kind, unvaunted and un puffed. 

Shake on It

(Proverbs 17:18 KJV)  A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

The KJV has the phrase “striketh hands” where the NASB uses “pledges” (8628/3709).   I had to do some looking to figure this one out.  I found the best explanation in the commentaries of Adam Clarke:

“Striking each other’s hands, or shaking hands, was anciently the form in concluding a contract.”

This would be a way of sealing a deal with a hand shake.  We are to have care in the financial commitments we make.

Is your church having a building fund drive?  Are you having an annual stewardship campaign and seeking “pledges” (8628/3709)?  Do you have missionaries coming by to renew your annual contributions.  Stop now and reread the verse above.  Is this just a great verse to quote out of context or could it be that the meaning is clear and we find it inconvenient so we ignore it?

So?  Be careful about the promises you make.  Don’t get carried away by emotional appeals.  Take the time to pray and think before you do something irresponsible. 

A Teaching Heart

(Proverbs 16:23 KJV)  The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

I think that people can tell what is in our “heart” (3820).  Maybe not everyone, all the time, but often enough that it makes a difference.  A quote that I have heard attributed to Lincoln, but who knows, is “You can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.”

The question of the day is, “What is your heart teaching?”  Understand that the heart is not just the center of emotion like we think of it in our feelings centered culture.  It was the center of who you were and what you were.  Our lives “teacheth” (teach NASB) (7919a) what our hearts believe.

So?  What are you teaching?  Take a look.  Listen to yourself for a bit.  Not happy with the results?  I guess that is where revival comes in, and of course repentance.  Allow the Holy Spirit to begin a good work in you today, or renew a atrophied work.

Do You Live in Follywood?

(Proverbs 15:21 KJV)  Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

The world thinks “folly” (200) is “joy” (8057).  What about the church?  How often do we clown around and act stupid because we think it is fun?  Have you noticed how everything is supposed to be fun today?

In education we are told we need to make it fun for the kids.  They don’t learn because they are bored and we are boring.  In the church we are told that the worship service is too boring.  Our answer is to make it fun.  Proverbs has a word for this, it is called “folly.”  Folly means foolishness.  It is a very common word in Proverbs.  In fact, it is used almost exclusively in Proverbs.  I count it being used twenty-five times and twenty-three are in Proverbs.  An interesting observation in a book teaching wisdom.

So?  I don’t want to be a wet blanket....  Yes, I do.  Avoid foolishness.  I don’t know how that will express itself in your life but it is something to think about.  If the Bible refers to it twenty-five times it should show up on your radar. 

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

(Proverbs 14:21 KJV)  He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

I live in a mixed neighborhood.  By that I don’t mean racially or culturally mixed, although that is also true.  What I mean is that the “neighbor” (7453) on one side is wonderful.  The people on two sides are very short of wonderful.  On one corner they have loud parties.  It is mixed. 

Am I one who “despiseth” (despises NASB) (936) my less than wonderful neighbors?  I hope not.  This says that someone who acts and feels that way “sinneth” (sins NASB) (2398).  This word is defined as holding in contempt and holding as insignificant.  We might talk about looking down on someone.

It doesn’t look like this is a matter of choice.  I can pick where I live.  I can change who my neighbors are if I want to move.  Those are choices I can make.  This is one that has no options.

So?  Time for an attitude check.  Think about how you greet your neighbors.  I hope you are not one of those people who look the other way and act like they don’t exist.  As Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery after He forgave her, “go, and sin no more.” 

Paranoid?

(Proverbs 13:21 KJV)  Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

When I look at this in the NASB I almost convert to the prosperity gospel. 

(Proverbs 13:21 NAS77)  Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

So I look a little deeper.  This is a place where the NASB misses it.  It uses “adversity” (7663a) when most translations use “evil.”  Even the NASB usually translates it “evil.”  To adapt a quote, “Translators:  You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.”

Here evil is personified like wisdom is throughout Proverbs.  It is out to get you.  This is a place to apply that bit of wisdom that says, “Just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean someone isn’t out to get you.”

That is the bad news. 

The good news is that if you are a follower of Jesus you are no longer classified as a “sinner” (2400) in the sense this verse uses.  You are now a saint, or as Proverbs calls you, “the righteous” (6662).

So?  You are promised persecution for following Jesus but also that evil will not catch you.  Let the evil be paranoid and rejoice in the God of your salvation.

Proud to Be a Prude

(Proverbs 12:23 KJV)  A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

We all want to be considered “prudent” (6175), right?  Maybe not.  Too often we allow our understanding of a word to be molded by the whims of our culture instead of the intent of our savior.  When we hear “prudent” we think “prude.”  I was accused of being a prude this week.  Was it because I buttoned the top button of my shirt, always wore long sleeves and got embarrassed talking to women?  No, it was because I said I did not agree with homosexual marriage.  Unknown to them my critics had stumbled on the true meaning of the word.

If you follow this word through Proverbs you find that it is usually juxtaposed with two other personality types:  The fool and the naive.  To be prudent means to be crafty, shrewd and sensible.  It does not mean being withdrawn and afraid of expressing yourself.

So?  Be a prude.  Embrace the compliment.  Our ways are not to be the ways of the rest of the world.  Do something they would think is stupid today. 

Wages of Deceit

(Proverbs 11:18 KJV)  The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

This verse would point out the idea of true riches.  In the flesh we tend to focus on what would be called “deceitful” (deceptive NASB) (8267) “work” (wages NASB) (7938).  We are so materialistic and limited in vision.  We tend to be drawn toward wealth, power and notoriety.  It is hard to recognize value if we can’t count it, hold it or stack it up.  This is deceptive.

We can also ignore the true “wages” (7938) we are paid.  Remember that the wages of sin is death.  Think of other applications that do not necessarily demand the label of “sinful” but still demand a price to be paid.  How many athletes have made lots of money but died early because of the damage they did to their bodies?

Why do pastors go through years of expensive education and then work for peanuts with people who often do not appreciate them?  Why do people teach in private schools at half the salary they could get in a public school?  Why do women give up careers to invest themselves in their children?  Why do men give up their shiny toys to support their families.  They see through the deception.

So?  What wages are you seeking?  Are you investing your life the way God directs and trusting Him to provide and guide?  Don’t quit your job today, but think about what wages you want to earn.

If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit, Don’t Try to Wear It

(Proverbs 10:21 KJV)  The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Have you been faithful?  Have you walked the walk?  I don’t mean absolute perfection.  I mean have you done your part to live for Jesus?  Then you have offered what the world needs.

You may have noticed that they have not responded.  We often forget the words of Jesus,

(Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We don’t like this but the point is that most will reject Jesus.

Most are “fools” (191) and they will “die” (4191). 

You don’t have to like it.  I am sure that God does not like it but that is the way it is.

So?  Live the truth.  Share the truth.  Care and share.  But realize that people must make their own decisions.  Make sure you have made yours. 

The Power of Go

(Proverbs 9:6 KJV)  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

“Go” (proceed NASB) (833).  This is where it gets hard, at least for me.  What Solomon is saying is, “Get off your duff and get to work.”  Or maybe a better paraphrase would be, “Get the lead out.” 

Most of us do not really fail in our knowledge and understanding.  We fail in our application.  We know right and wrong but don’t obey.  Notice that the reward promised is to “live” (2421a).

Think about the healing miracles of Jesus.  Some were instantaneous and obvious.  Others involved a response.  Remember the healing of the man who had been infirm for 38 years.  Jesus did not say, “You are healed.”  Instead,

(John 5:8 KJV)  Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

What would have happened it he continued to lay there?  Or take the healing of one blind man.

(John 9:7 KJV)  And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Would he have been healed if he had not obeyed?  I don’t know.  There is not proof here.  But the Bible is as strong on obedience as it is on faith.

So?  You don’t need any new directions for today.  You already know enough.  Proceed.  Go.  Live. 

The Call of the Willed

(Proverbs 8:4 KJV)  Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

What a glorious truth this simple phrase communicates.  God calls out to us, to all of us.  He is not shy.  He does not play hard to get.  He approaches us in a multitude of ways.

He speaks to us through what is called nature.

(Romans 1:19-20 KJV)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

It is this that has brought up the concept of Intelligent Design even among people who are not believers.  There is too much awesome, microscopic detail to be accident.

At the other end you have the clearly written word of God.  This is how God can continue to speak to us even when our emotions claim we cannot hear.

In between you have the witness of others, the preaching of the word, the writing of Godly authors, the voice of the Holy Spirit, and I am sure there are specially tailored ways that God calls to you when necessary.

So?  Pretend like every step of life is an old fashioned approach to a railroad crossing.  They used to have signs that said, “Stop, look, listen.”  Give it a try.

Early Warning System

(Proverbs 7:21 NASB)  With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him.

This passage on the surface is dealing with sexual sin, specifically adultery.  I have listened to enough macho braggarts to know that there is a lot of talk about sexual exploits but my observation and common sense tells me much of it is wishful thinking rather than fulfillment.  I have been in moments where I could have pursued a glance or a touch to see if it was there, but in reality I have never even come close.

I wish Jesus had left it there.  But He didn’t.  He took the legalistic approach and made it into a spiritual approach.  He demanded spirit filled holiness which is a much higher standard.  Listen to His words:

(Matthew 5:27-28 KJV)  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Jesus gets into the phase of our spiritual lives where we are being persuaded and enticed.  That is the place to remember our priorities and our values and to call upon our God.  Our behavior is guided by our inner decisions early in the process.

So?  What choices are you faced with this week?  Today?  Right now?  Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and stay on the path of righteousness.  Don’t be enticed.

A Word I Hope Doesn’t Apply to You

(Proverbs 6:29 KJV)  So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

This is not great, inspirational literature.  This is a simple, direct warning from God.  It has already been stated in the Ten Commandments:

(Exodus 20:14 KJV)  Thou shalt not commit adultery.

You would think that is clear enough but our society doesn’t want to hear.

Understand that there is no sneaking that God cannot see.  You cannot get away with it.  It will not “be innocent" (go unpunished NASB) (5352).  In case that isn’t clear let me expand it a little:  Adultery will make your life hell now and put you in the eternal Hell later.

So?  I hope this does not apply to you.  If you are tempted, take it seriously.  Let’s move on. 

Z Ray Vision

(Proverbs 5:21 KJV)  For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

Superman was a wannabe compared to God.  X-ray vision was nice but nothing compared to the “eyes” (5869) of the Lord.  We are always “before” (5227) the Lord.  He is always aware of what we do, what we think, what we feel.  He is God.  He knows how you are dressed while you read this.  He knows if you put an extra piece of turkey on your sandwich.  Dwell on that a little bit.

That can be good or bad but consider these verses that gives us a different truth: 

(Psalms 103:11-12 KJV)  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

When the blood is applied to our sins they are removed, we are forgiven and cleansed.  They are no more “before” (5227) the eyes of the Lord.  That means that when you stand up and start walking He does not see a dirty rotten sinner.  He sees a saint who has had all things made new.

So?  Rejoice.  You are forgiven.  You are one of the saints.  No?  What are you waiting for? 

What?

(Proverbs 4:1 KJV)  Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

“I don’t understand” is a common statement.  It gave birth to the statement, “What part of ‘No’ don’t you understand?”

That is a key to my spiritual walk.  There are legitimate and honest questions.  There are things I don’t understand or have confused.  The mysteries of the faith may require an eternity to begin to get a handle on.  But this verse points out the keys to “understanding” (998).

Two verbs are shared:  “Hear” (8085) and “attend” (give attention NASB) (7181).   Ignore them at your own peril.  God gives and is gracious.  He is also holy and demanding.

So?  Don’t play games.  Pay attention in the class of life.  Take hold of all that is offered and apply it.  Why not start today?

Evolution Rears It’s Ugly Feet

(Proverbs 3:20 KJV)  By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

I do not accept the theory of evolution.  I have a number of reasons.

It substitutes random chance for God.  This is the basic problem

It is a theory, not a fact.  Scientific fact requires three things:  Measurable, observable, repeatable.  Evolution meets none of these.  Of course, neither does creation, but who claimed it did?

It does not line up with the evidence.  You have heard of the “missing link?”  Understand, all the links are missing.  And honest evolutionists will acknowledge that even if they find them there is not enough time for it to have worked.

Having said that, the first part of this verse indicates, that with the proper framing of the argument, that God could have done things in stages and those stages could look like an evolutionary process. 

So?  Don’t reject science because it is science.  Reject those parts of it that are based on a flawed religious faith and reject the order and dependability that God built into our world.  Evaluate it in comparison to what the word does say and what the evidence actually shows.  Don’t be afraid of truth and facts, fear theory parading as fact. 

Heaven Starts in Your Front Yard

(Proverbs 2:21 KJV)  For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

Is this a prophecy for Israel or a picture of the restoration of the earth after the rapture?  The answer is “Yes.”  That is the way prophecy works.  It can be applied multiple times.

One of the lessons I remember from my Sunday School days was that when Judah had a godly king and lived in obedience, they were blessed.  Foreign powers were held at bay.  God protected and provided.  When they drifted into rebellion the invaders came, be they locusts or Assyrians.

Add to that the promise of the New Earth and the New Jerusalem.  We will not drift around in ethereal glory, we will “live” (7931) in the “land” (776).  Those of you with green thumbs will have glorious gardens that bring you joy to work.  I will have a lawn that never needs to be mowed and flower beds that never need to be weeded. 

But for now I will seek to be “upright” (3477) and “blameless” (8549).  Don’t tell me I can’t be, I just read the Bible and I know better.

So?  Rejoice in the God of your salvation and in the Lord of your neighborhood.  It should change your day. 

Creative Ignorance

(Proverbs 1:17 KJV)  Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

Have you ever heard someone called “bird brain.”  It is intended as a put-down, but this verse seems to say that the wrong creature is being insulted.  You see, even a “bird” (1167/3671) is able to discern a trap when it is obvious.  It would seem that humans don’t have that ability.  The context of this verse is a description of the kind of evil people we are not to run with.  The point is that evil leads to frustration, depression and destruction.  This should be obvious, but some people are just “human brains.”

This could be part of the creative natures that God has given us.  We do not see everything in black and white.  Everything is not literal.  This makes it possible for us to rationalize.  We rise to the occasion. 

So?  What is as plain as the nose on your face and you are not seeing it?  What kind of sand castles have you carefully built while you keep your back to the rising tide and ignore what is clear to people watching?  I have a few ideas for myself and pray that God will get me to face them.  I hope the same for you.