An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Follow the Leader

(Proverbs 6:1 KJV)  My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

There are many ways to give “surety” ( 6148).  It is a word that we don’t see used much today.  We would use “co-sign” or “post bond” to get across the idea.  We tend to think of it in financial terms but it goes beyond that.  Often we can use our reputation to endorse someone who may not be well known or we can take a public stand to add weight to an issue.

This reminds me that we need to be careful when we put our personal stamp on people, organizations, movements and ideas.  This verse is just laying the groundwork for the next two verses but you can see the warning coming.  We endorse things automatically in our daily behavior.  People who respect us will say to themselves, “Well, Andrew thinks it is okay.”  I know that on complex political, moral and financial issues I need to listen to the voice of others.  On technology issues I listen to my son.

Someone is listening to you.

So?  Even the choice of clothes you wear says something to others.  You may not like it.  You may fight it or ignore it.  It is still true.  Be aware of the steps you take.  Other feet will follow. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Very true.

Pumice said...

Which brings up the question of can things be anything less than very true and still be true. Pardon me, it is Saturday morning after a long week.

Grace and peace.