Eye Mocking

(Proverbs 30:17 KJV)  The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

When I think of mocking someone I think of verbal assault but that is not how this is framed.  Here it is done with the “eye” (5869).  We can mock someone by the way in which we look at them.  This involves making assumptions and accepting attitudes that regard the other person with disdain and contempt.  We are familiar with the phrase “look down on”.  That is mocking.

We can do this by forming opinions about people that never change.  People can grow.  We may have known them on an off day.  They can meet the Savior and be transformed.  That demands that we constantly reevaluate and keep a loving mind.

So?  Don’t go brain dead.  If someone is a kleptomaniac, don’t leave them alone with your collection of gold coins.  But accept that God can work in others like he worked in you. 

Live in the Real World

(Proverbs 29:27 KJV)  An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

So many believers have a hard time with the term “wicked” (7563).  We are so used to being nice that we refuse to be real.  By following the parallels in this verse we see that one of the characteristics of the wicked is being “unjust” (5766).  This is not the modern concept of “social” justice, a modern perversion of Biblical justice, but a person making decisions based on unrighteousness.

We need to understand that the “wicked” are not our friends.  Ultimately they will turn on us, vote against us, undermine us and even attack us. 

So?  First, admit the reality.  Second, walk in faith.  God will see you through.

Law Abiding

(Proverbs 28:4 KJV)  They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

This chapter makes several references to the “law” (8451) [torah].  In each case the blessed are the ones who follow the law and the cursed are those who do not.  The concept of law is what makes Christian culture different.  There is a reason that Christians tend to be conservative and believe that the Constitution means what it says.  We feel the same way about the Bible.

These references are talking about the Law, the Old Testament.  It is not talking about civil law.  I understand that, but the principle bleeds over from our spiritual walk to our citizen walk.  We believe that the written law is to be obeyed, not twisted for our own purposes.  The “wicked” (7563) believe that the law is to be interpreted for their own goals.

So?  It is not a matter of politics, it is a matter of eternity.  Walk the narrow road.  It is the road of blessing. 

Pick a Name

(Proverbs 26:15 KJV)  The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

Which would you rather be called?  Would you prefer the KJV, “slothful” (6102) or the NASB “sluggard”?  Some modern translations add “lazy”.  The one I find the most clear is “hater of work”.  Do you have a preference? 

Actually it doesn’t make much difference.  The indolent social parasite is in direct conflict with the Biblical approach to hard work and personal responsibility.  We have two extremes in our modern culture that give God a bad taste in His mouth, the idle rich and the idle welfare recipient. 

So?  While it is true that we cannot earn our salvation it is just as true that the spiritual sluggard won’t even get the gift.  To quote a few lines,

(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(Philippians 2:12 KJV)  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

These reflect cheerful givers on a daily basis.

Self-Serve

(Proverbs 25:10 KJV)  Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

It may be a bit self-serving but there is a bit of advice here that is good to follow.  When you gossip, when you try to drag someone down, when your mouth runs before your brain, someone will hear and report.

(Numbers 32:23 KJV)  But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

This is a case where the right thing to do is also the safest thing to do.  Ideally we would have the right motive.  It matters, but the principle still applies, even if you reject the living God.

So?  Don’t pull a fast one, thinking you will get away with it.  Your sins, even if you don’t believe in sin, will find you out. 

Ballistics

(Proverbs 24:19 KJV)  Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

Who are the “evil men” (evildoers NASB) (7489) in your life?  Who are the “wicked” (7563)?  I am sure we could come up with a list of people in government, entertainment and education that would fit the bill.  It would be a different list for each of us because we have different concerns. 

What about when those who are not traditionally evil cause us stress?  Think about a husband or wife.  Think about your children.  Think about your parents.  They are probably not serving Satan but they are causing you to have a crisis in your life. 

Only if you let them.  We chose how we react to the situations life presents us.  Take something minor that has happened to all of us, a waitress spills something in your lap.  You watch one person go ballistic while the person next to them laughs it off.  In fact you might see the same person at different times react totally different. 

So?  You have a choice.  You can chose how you react to the drivers around you, to people who don’t pick up after themselves, to people who talk too much.  You can also chose how you react when you are insulted or belittled.  The question is, are you modeling Jesus or the current celebrity?

Pit Stop

(Proverbs 23:27 KJV)  For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

I think this is describing a grave.  I have dug a few trenches in my life.  Usually they are not “deep” (6013).  I have dug a few holes.  Usually they are not “narrow” (6862a).  A grave fits the bill.  And a grave is promised to those who follow the wrong path.

The verse talks about a “harlot” (2181).  Proverbs as a whole lays out many other traps we can fall into, from sloth to murder.  We are reminded of the dangers so that we can be reminded of the solution.

So?  Watch your step.  Walk in righteousness.  Know that honest failure and repented sin can be taken care of.  Avoid the pits. 

Worse Than Jail Bait

(Proverbs 22:25 KJV)  Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

A different word for “snare” (4170) is used in verse 5.  This time we set the trap ourselves.  Here the word has more of the idea of bait rather than the trap itself.  There are activities, values, attitudes that we want to embrace because they seem to be attractive.  Or it could be that others are doing them and we want to be included.  Possibly they are not bad in themselves.  When you put cheese in a mouse trap all cheese does not become dangerous.

So?  Learn what attracts you and make sure that it is not a lure used by Satan, or just your carnal nature, to draw you toward the dark side.  Be really careful of unthinking habits.  Some are just the matter of a color of sox.  Others might put your soul at risk. 

Appearance and Action

(Proverbs 21:29 KJV)  A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

I started off today thinking the focus of this verse was on the verbs.  You could make a case from the English for a vital difference in the actions taken.  That does not come through so well in the Hebrew.  Both verbs are positive actions.  The first has to do with being strong, the second with discernment. 

The real focus is on the focus.  The “wicked” (7563) is concerned with appearances.  The “upright” (3477) is concerned with the actions.  One is concerned with looking good, the other with doing good.  We should be aware of those goals and realize that God looks at the heart.  He is not confused by smoke and mirrors.

So?  Walk upright.  Walk straight.  Do the right thing.  People are watching and so is God.  He will not be fooled, or mocked. 

Conan or Jesus?

(Proverbs 20:3 KJV)  It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

There are unending examples of how the cultures of the world are at odds with the Bible.  This is true historically and in contemporary America.  Here we have another example.  “Honor” (3519b) is demonstrated by backing down from conflict, not by rising to the challenge.  I am going to assume this is referring to our everyday behavior.  It should not be misconstrued to refer to the responsibility of the government to bear the sword against evil.

In our culture, if you let someone “dis” you and don’t get in their face, you are not a real man.  You are a coward.  The Bible calls the “real man” a “fool” (191).  I would say that is a clear difference.

So?  Which will it be?  Are you going to strive to be like Conan the Barbarian or Jesus?  You may have a hard time with the decision but at least the choice is clear. 

Self-Induced Punishment

(Proverbs 19:29 KJV)  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Jesus talked about “judgments” (8201) and said that those who do not believe are judged already.

(John 3:18 KJV)  He that believeth on him is not condemned (judged NASB): but he that believeth not is condemned (judged NASB) already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

One of the traits of the unbelievers is that they are “scorners” (scoffers NASB) (3917b).  You have met people like this.  They know they are wrong.  They know they broke the dish.  They know they caused the problem.  They will not admit it.  The look in their eye defies you to prove your case.

For those who will confess and repent, God has forgiveness, restoration, healing, rest.  He has whatever is needed.  For the rest He has punishment.

So?  How God responds to you depends on how you respond to Him.  Make your choices. 

Fool’s Rush

(Proverbs 27:12 KJV)  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

This brings to mind the saying, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”  I think Elvis used it in a song.  It is often a quality of youth.  Young people seem to think they are cape-less crusaders, impervious to the forces of opposition.  That may be because they have not had enough experience to run into any walls.  Yet.

I remember I used to ride a motorcycle.  Then I had children.  I had enough sense to decide to stay off the bike until my kids were old enough for me to die.  Now they are there but experience has taught me that the ground is hard and I don’t heal as fast as I used to.

So?  Learn by experience.  If you don’t have experience, watch others.  Listen to others.  Imitate others.  Don’t be “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a). 

Il Duce Face

(Proverbs 18:12 KJV)  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

What kind of face do you present to the photographer?  Think of the photographs that we have of political leaders who have been swept into the dustbin of history.  Think of Hitler the Fuhrer, Mussolini Il Duce, Mao the Chairman.  When I think of such people I see looks of arrogance on their faces.  When you look at the pictures of leaders of the free world there is a much more pleasant mien.  It doesn’t mean that they are not “haughty” (1361b) but at least they don’t feel a need to broadcast it.

Now look at the popular portraits of today.  Young people seem to feel a need to look angry and untouchable, haughty.  It does not speak well of their future or prospects. 

So?  What kind of image to you portray to family and your outer circle?  What image does your heart want to portray?  Is it time for introspection and repentance? 

Is That a Bad Word?

(Proverbs 17:20 KJV)  He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Frequently when I try to guide the vocabulary choices of my students I am told, “That isn’t a bad word.”  I suggest that they use it to describe what their mother has prepared for dinner and see if it is acceptable.  If they are honest, that backs them down. 

Often when I am around serious believers from other denominations I will find that they also have a very flexible vocabulary.  What type of language is acceptable for believers?  The only clear statement I can find is in the Ten Commandments.

(Exodus 20:7 KJV)  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

I can find references to speaking slowly, without anger and such but what about the constant use of “damn” and the sexually explicit words that pepper our public spaces?  I think this verse gives us some guidance.  We should not have a “perverse” (perverted NASB) (2015) “tongue” (language NASB) (3956).  Is this an admonition against crude talk and swearing?  I think so.

So?  I still need to be careful to judge.  This is something we need to ask ourselves in honesty.  How is your vocabulary rated?  Is it perverted or does it bring glory to God? 

Anger Management

(Proverbs 16:32 KJV)  He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Why do we get angry in a hurry?  I think that much of it is because we feel that we have been wronged by someone who is not as deserving as we are.  It is the reaction of the self-centered heart.  I don’t say “self-centered” in a totally negative way here.  It is natural for us to be in the center of our world.  All of our senses radiate from our physical bodies.  When someone cuts in front of us in line, they are physically invading our area.  They are violating our space.  If it were a barking dog coming between me and my children a quick response would be necessary.

How do we keep from getting angry?  Spend some time meditating on the different scriptures that tell us to put others first.  Saturate your soul with that truth.  Then, when you lose it, take a moment to repent and humble yourself before God.  Commit to self control next time.  Eventually you will be able to change and control the anger response.

So when do you get started?  How about next time you lose it.  Call on the Holy Spirit to bring to mind your sinful response and help you initiate the repentance.  Ask Him to help you on a regular basis.  You can change.  You must change. 

Slow Boat to Anger

(Proverbs 15:28 KJV)  The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

The conversations of the “righteous” (6662) are different from those of the “wicked” (7563).  Some would seem obvious such as the choice of vocabulary.  Godly people tend to refrain from vulgarities and obscenity.  Truth is also required of those who walk upright.  Courtesy is expected.

Here is says we should be slow to speak.  The believer “studieth” (ponders NASB) (1897) before opening the mouth.  There are a variety of translations but they all deal with struggling with the ideas and ways of expressing them before you open your mouth.

So?  Be the last one to comment instead of the first.  That will give not only a chance to hear what others say but think about our words.  In writing this blog I rewrite and edit at least twice before it is posted.  Even then I later find spelling and grammar errors.  I probably never would see my mistakes in facts. 

The Good Life

(Proverbs 14:22 KJV)  Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Notice the mention of the qualities of “mercy” (kindness NASB) (2617a) [chesed] and “truth” (571).  We tend to think that those are the ways that the righteous express themselves to others.  I think that is true but that is not what is being said here.  In this verse these are rewards that are given to the upright.

“Mercy” (kindness NASB) is chesed, that glorious Old Testament word that I think of as the Hebrew agape.  When we walk in conscious obedience the loving kindness of God is extended toward us.  And as followers of the Living God we have the gift of truth.  We see things as they are, not through the fog of pagan deception.

So?  It isn’t money in the bank, but it is a reward.  The life of the righteous is better than the life of the evil. 

Book Covers

(Proverbs 13:7 KJV)  There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

I don’t see any value judgement here.  Everyone “pretends”, as the NASB puts it.  The idea of masquerade is part of both “rich” (6238) and “poor” (7326).  You might translate these as “one who riches himself” and “one who poors himself.”

Again, I don’t see that one is good and one is bad.  Both are concealing what they are.  Maybe the idea for us is the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”  Or maybe it is a warning.  The warning is for us, not the person hiding themselves.

So?  This recommends that we treat people as individuals not as members of a social class.  Courtesy is the default option.  It is a good place to start. 

Boring!

(Proverbs 12:3 KJV)  A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

I have been “established” (3559) for a long time.  It is interesting the different spin people put on what that means.  Some people have accused me of always being “old”.  I assume by that I have always been unwilling to do stupid things or take pointless risks.  Even before I was a Christian I was raised in an atmosphere that treasured integrity and hard work.  I have always leaned that way.

It is a rejection of wickedness that has given me that stability or, as some would say, made me boring.  When a red light appears in my rear view mirror I assume the cop is after someone else.  When I hear a siren, I know they come not for me.  When I watch the news I don’t expect to see anyone close to me being arrested.

Boring?  Maybe.  I can live with that.

So?  I recommend the solid foundation of upright living.  It lets me pick my excitement.  It assures me that if a wild time comes, I have a foundation that will endure.

How Are You Smelling?

(Proverbs 11:20 KJV)  They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

What does it mean to be an “abomination” (8441)?  As with most serious words, we have watered down its meaning by things like the “abominable snowman”.  The idea in the Bible is something that is so offensive that it drives us away.

Have you ever had an animal die in the walls of your house or under the insulation in your attic?  The smell permeates everything and takes forever to dissipate.  It can get so bad that it makes you feel sick.  That is what smells can do.  That is what perverted lives are like to the Lord, abominable.  That is the bad news.

The good new is,

(Romans 5:8 KJV)  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So?  How are you smelling to God?  What kind of bouquet does your life lift up? 

Follow Through

(Proverbs 10:29 KJV)  The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

There is a certain “way” (1870) that the righteous are to live.  This is one of those words that is very common in the OT, used over 700 times.  Its Greek equivalent is found in a very well known verse,

(John 14:6 KJV)  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

It can be used figuratively or literally. 

There is a path of behavior, priorities and decisions that are required of followers of Jesus.  Think of it as being the interstate through a large town.  You might have off-ramps, merging and lane changes but if you keep following the shield with the right number you will get through and come out on the other side.

So?  Do you know from first hand reading and listening what the way of God involves?  Sermons are good.  Advice is fine.  The complete manual is at your fingertips.  The way is marked out for you. 

Target Practice

(Proverbs 9:15 KJV)  To call passengers who go right on their ways:

It isn’t a pleasant thought but you need to view yourself as having a target on your back.  The people of the world who are represented by this woman are not looking for those who are already in the gutter.  They are looking for someone to drag down.  It is part of the mentality.  Graffiti “artists” don’t want a dirty wall.  Only the pristine need apply.  Kids who write on the desk don’t want a dirty one to work on.  Satan doesn’t spend his time making the fallen even lower, he already has them.

So yes, if you are trying to walk in righteousness, you are a target.  Keep in mind that pagans desire virgins to sacrifice.  They want the clean and unspoiled.

So?  Remember, just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean they are not out to get you. 

Fail, Fail

(Proverbs 8:5 KJV)  O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

What is the difference between being “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a) and being “fools” (3684)?  Is there any real difference?  While you will find many people that both will describe there is a difference.  It is the difference between the ignorant and the stupid.

The first group are not seeing what they are capable of seeing.  Sometimes it is a matter of maturity.  Some math concepts cannot be understood by a child who still thinks in concrete terms.  With age, enlightenment will come.  Sometimes it is a refusal to admit what is obvious.  This is much more common in the masses.  We often don’t want to deal with reality.

The second group has limited ability.  Some people who breeze through algebra seem to have a mental block when it comes to geometry.  I am a messy.  I don’t see clutter that drives others crazy. 

So?  It may be hard for you to know the difference in others but you should be able to see it in yourself, if you are honest.  Understand that this verse declares there is hope for both groups. 

Same Action, Different Results

(Proverbs 7:11 KJV)  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

Today I want to compare this verse with verse 19.

(Proverbs 7:19 KJV)  For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

In both we see people being away from their “house" (home NASB) (1004).  Both absences lead to disaster, one by design, the other by betrayal. 

In this verse the woman is away from home because she is restless and looking for a bit of fun.  It isn’t the issue of being out of the house.  She was free to do the activities of life that were normal.  She could have been shopping, running errands or visiting friends and all would have been well.  Her attitude shows that the disaster that comes will be deserved.

The man in verse 19 is away on a business trip.  Was it necessary?  It is assumed that he was on an honorable journey, he left his wife provided for and had a schedule for return.  He also has disaster waiting, not of his own making.

Sometimes our choices, freely made, lead to our downfall.  Sometimes doing the right thing can also cause a problem.  The condemnation comes from the deliberate choice to sin.

So?  When you run into problems in spite of doing the right thing, you can expect God to extend his grace to put things back together.  If it is deliberate rebellion, you can’t call on that warrantee.  God is merciful but not stupid. 

Do

(Proverbs 6:8 KJV)  Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

The “her” of this verse is referring to the ant.  The actions being described are done without any supervision or orders being given.  The ant “prepares” (3559) and “gathers” (103). 

There are certain things in life that we do not need to be told to do, or at least we should not need to be told.  They used to be assumed.  The modern culture that expands government dependency and a sense of helplessness is working to destroy these actions.  We have so many more counselors, social workers, gurus and self help books today that it makes you wonder how our ancestors made it through the centuries of human existence. 

Maybe it is because there is a built in awareness that we need to do basic things like get up, dress and eat to start our day.  It also doesn’t take much imagination to realize that we need to do something to prepare for tomorrow.

So?  God has many wonderful and glorious things to share with each of us.  While we are waiting, do the basics.  We have enough mundane we know to do that we can keep busy until the awesome arrives. 

Charity Begins at Home

(Proverbs 5:10 KJV)  Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

This verse could be considered a caution about how we direct our charity.  We are constantly barraged by people outside stores wanting us to donate to causes that sound serious and might actually be genuine.  Recently I have seen people collecting to help gang members straighten out, homeless veterans, and something to do with a high school. 

I believe God has priorities for our giving but we are too lazy or timid to follow them.  First, we have a responsibility to care for our biological family.  That works both up and down.  Then we have our brethren.  These are people in the family of God, starting with your local church and going to the persecuted in Muslim lands.  Then our neighbor.  These are people that you live and work with.  After that you can worry about all of the people on street corners with their hand out.  We are to be stewards, not philanthropists.

So?  It is nice to want to give to everyone in need but don’t feel guilty if you don’t.  Your charity needs to be done in obedience and following God’s priorities, just like everything else in the life of righteousness. 

Warranties

(Proverbs 4:6 KJV)  Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

Security that is not engaged is worthless.  You can have the finest home alarm system that money will buy but if it is not activated, it is useless.  Door locks don’t keep anyone out when they are not engaged. 

Medicine that is not taken does not promote healing.  Evidently a large number of people with diabetes do not take their medications.  How much of the health crisis is because of lack of follow through.

Exercise machines are purchased and gather dust.

So?  Wisdom is offered and delivered.  Unless you grab hold, study and apply, it is useless to you.  Do not “forsake” (5800a) the gift. 

Science and Wisdom

(Proverbs 3:21 KJV)  My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

What, or who, are the “them” referred to in this verse?  If you go back to the beginning of the chapter you find it proclaiming the teaching the God has given us.  That is the basic but if you look back to the preceding verses it seems to be talking about creation and the physical universe.  In verse 19 it talks about founding the earth and establishing the heavens.  In verse 20 it mentions the deeps and the sky.

It seems to me that this is permission for us to develop a scientific understanding of the world we live it.  Yes, I know that is a stretch, but it is still valid.  Look at your world.  Evaluate it.  Apply “wisdom” (8454) and “discretion” (4209).  When research comes up with something, keep your eyes open and don’t fall for the hoax of phoney science or politically motivated conclusions.  Keep in mind that by definition evolution is a theory.  So is creation.  We believe that God created the universe.  We believe that He is a God of order and consistency. 

So?  Observe and think.  Don’t be afraid of truth, just make sure that it is truth not just a bunch of numbers made up to get a federal grant.  Remember that if it doesn’t seem to make sense, it probably doesn’t. 

Resources

(Proverbs 2:10 KJV)  When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

In this verse Solomon begins to restate what he said in the first nine verses.  He begins to build a case for how our lives are blessed by the touch and leading of God.

Wisdom comes from outside of us.  It is not the natural condition of our being.  Picture an infant at the level where anything that is grasped by the hand it inserted in the mouth.  As they get older they start looking for places to insert the bobby pen in their hand.  Electric plugs seem like such a perfect match.  When we get older our foot seems to fit in our mouth very nicely.

So parents begin the process.  God gets involved if we will let him.  It is really never too late to begin this journey.  True wisdom will come from outside you.

So?  God is waiting to be a blessing.  For some it might be the first time.  For others it is a reminder to access the wealth available.  Grow in grace. 

The Diet of Life

(Proverbs 1:31 KJV)  Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

I wonder what people who read this in ancient times would have seen in the writings of Solomon.  The first thought that came to me was the “fruit” (6529) of the Spirit but that scripture had not been written.  Then I remembered another place where the Bible spoke of  eating fruit.

(Genesis 3:3 KJV)  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Maybe Solomon had this in mind. 

The problem in Genesis was not eating, it was in eating their own way.  It was an attitude of rebellion that insisted that Eve knew better than God.  I believe that is the reason people reject Jesus today.  He demands to be Lord.  He demands that our knee shall bow.  We don’ like that.

So?  Who determines the diet of your life?  Are your spiritual knees stiff.  Is your spiritual neck arrogant.  Maybe it is time for some stretching exercises.