A Dumb Blessing

(Proverbs 31:8 KJV)  Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

You may be different but I find I “open” (6605) my “mouth” (6310) many times when I shouldn’t.  Welcome to the human race.  This verse refers to the opposite problem.  Too often we do not speak up when we should. 

There are many times we should speak up in our lives and we remain silent.  We become the “dumb” (483) spoken of here.  In the pre-politically correct days that meant someone who could not speak.  Often we seem to lose this ability when it involves a sensitive cultural or moral issue such as homosexuality or welfare.  That is not the point here. 

This is about becoming advocates for people who are not able to speak up for themselves.  This could be on the street when someone is being insulted.  It could be in private with someone you know is struggling with an issue or relationship.  The point is that since God has reached out and touched us, we should be sharing the blessing of wisdom and insight.

So?  Watch for a chance to give an encouraging word or be an advocate of someone who is really unable to do it for themselves.  Be a blessing.

Too Wonderful

(Proverbs 30:18 KJV)  There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

How can something be “too” (4480) “wonderful” (6381)?  I can understand the pain being too much to bear.  I know hunger.  I know boredom.  But too much wonderful?

There have been times when I have wondered why God blesses me so much.  When I see people my age struggling with health issues that have not touched me I am reminded of God’s blessing and how I should be more sympathetic.  When I see people out of work who really want to work, my less-than-satisfying job becomes a blessing.

This also gives me an indication of what eternal life will be like.  Leave aside the talk of streets of gold and gates made of precious stones.  Pretty but not awesome.  Being in the presence of a holy God and not being consumed by the fire, that is too wonderful.

So?  Rejoice.  Whatever is ahead, the best is yet to come. 

Lightening Insurance

(Proverbs 29:1 KJV)  He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Remember the words of Jesus when asked how many times we had to forgive.

(Matthew 18:22 KJV)  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

I think the same thing can be said about expecting “reproof” (8433b).  Most of us are slow learners, at least in some area of our lives.  How many times did you need to be reminded about a simple responsibility when you were a child?  How many times have you had to be reminded about a glaring weakness in your life as an adult?  God’s correction will keep on rolling.

Remember, when God chastises us it is a mark of His patience and love.  If He did not love us He would not bother to correct us.  If He was not patient we would live in a land depopulated by lightening bolts.

So?  Expect it.  Embrace it.  Repent and demonstrate the change.  Avoid being “destroyed” (broken NASB) (7665). 

Where Did You Put Your Man Card?

(Proverbs 28:5 KJV)  Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

It is interesting that this mentions “men” (376) specifically.  Often when we see a phrase like “evil men” or “evil ones” we see the noun in italics because the Hebrew actually only has the word “evil”.  That is not the case here.  This specifies men.  Consider it the opposite of chauvinism. 

I don’t know if you have noticed the increasing number of women in leadership.  Part of that is the sweep of political correctness.  Our culture is on a self destruct mode and is looking at things like gender, race and political affiliation before it considers genuine qualifications.  We all see that.  The trend is older than that in the churches and families of America.  Women have been stepping into leadership, often when they didn’t want it, because men would not accept the responsibility. 

So?  If you have drunk the politically correct kool-aid this is not an issue for you.  The Bible says different.  Men of righteousness need to stand up.  If they won’t do it they need to be stood up.  If the men of America who are serious about serving Jesus would start stepping forward and accepting the call we could see some real changes, spiritually, socially and politically. 

A Surety Thing

(Proverbs 27:13 KJV)  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Our actions have consequences.  Here we see that someone will “take” (3947) what the young man had foolishly used to guarantee a loan.  Although this is a concern, I think the bigger concern is the interplay of good and evil involved in this passage. 

Under “actions” we need to include our thought life, our attitudes and motivations.  Sin that condemns us usually does not happen on the spur of the moment.  Those kind of things usually generate the sequence of repent, learn a lesson and move on.  What drags us down are the actions that are taken after weighing the cost and consequences and deciding to take the chance.  After all, who will know?

God will.

So?  God is listening to my thoughts.  That is why Jesus said to hate in our hearts was the same as murder.  I pray that He will cause me to grow in this vital area. 

Thinking Faster Than We Talk

(Proverbs 26:16 KJV)  The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

We cannot be the judge of whether we are wise.  That is really for others to decide.  But we can work on being careful how we “render” (2940) an “answer” (discreet NASB).  One of the meanings of this word is “taste”. 

What does it take to develop taste?  One way is to take measured amounts of something, usually small.  Sip the coffee.  Nibble the cheese.  Sniff the flower.  When we have an idea or come across a new way of doing things it would behoove us to do a little nibbling rather than going whole hog.  Take the time to think things through.

So?  I find that a little thought sometimes shows me how silly my comment would have sounded to others.  Too bad it doesn’t happen that way more often. 

Timing

(Proverbs 25:11 KJV)  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

The NASB reverses the order of the phrases compared to the KJV.  Both translations are talking about the timing for the words we use.  Neither is literal.  A literal phrasing would have us speaking a word “according to” its “situation”.  Sometimes it is not what you say but when you say it.

Wisdom recognizes that there are times to wait.  I may know the answer.  I may have all the evidence on my side.  If people are not willing to listen I am wasting my breath.  Sometimes people call us cowards or hypocrites for not speaking out.  In reality we are being golden.

So?  I am so used to speaking when I shouldn’t and talking when I shouldn’t.  My prayer is that wisdom will help me with my choice of moment. 

Insufficient Funds

(Proverbs 24:20 KJV)  For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

This is a statement with a context and the context is for those who are not evil.  It is assumed that if the “evil” (7451a) have no future then the righteous do. 

I sometimes get so locked in to the here and now that I neglect to take the long view.  We are so impressed with power, success and wealth that we close our eyes to the effect it often has on those who achieve it.  Sometimes the outcome is obvious.  Think of Hitler committing suicide in his last chance bunker after thinking he ruled the world.  Sometimes you need to dig a little.  It is not uncommon for today’s beautiful people to end up in the kitchen midden of history.  Sometimes you will never know because they will be good at putting on their mask in public.

The statement is clear here.  When the time comes for the final payment they will have inadequate funds.  The check of their life will bounce.

So?  Personally I wish the evil would mend their ways.  I want them to know eternal life.  I also know it usually won’t happen for them.  I am committed to it happening for me.

The Path of Treachery

(Proverbs 23:28 KJV)  She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

Who is “she” (1931)?  If you look back a few verses you find reference to a loose woman.  It is amazing how our sex drive, created and bless by God, is constantly being used to lead us to be “faithless” (898).  The word means to act treacherously.  Sin is often the misuse of a good thing.

Think about how this has progressed.  Originally sexual perversion involved clothes.  Adam and Eve realized they were naked and tried to cover themselves.  From there mankind went to adultery and fornication.  The modern mind has been warped by pornography and we are approaching a time when  even those who claim to follow the teachings of the Bible are accepting homosexual behavior.

So?  I do not want the label of “faithless” laid on me.  It is not politically correct, but I will try to walk the straight and narrow.  I hope to see you there. 

Straight Arrows

(Proverbs 22:26 KJV)  Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

We see a repeated theme in this verse.  It says to “not (408) be (1961)” a part of certain types of people.  It was stated a bit differently in verse 24 but the meaning is still the same.  We are to edit our social contacts.  We are to avoid those who would lead us astray and drag us down.  Don’t hang with the unrighteous.

It may be fun.  It may be cool.  In some situations it may appear to be the way to gain contacts for future business or social advancement.  It may also send you to Hell.

I tend to overestimate my ability to keep moving ahead in spite of the influence of others.  On the short term I might even get away with it.  Eventually people begin to bend you.  It doesn’t take much of a bend to make an arrow useless.  It doesn’t take much of a misalignment to get your tires wearing out.

So?  It is possible to get back on course.  It is possible to repent.  It requires being aware and honest.  Examine your contacts and priorities.

Proof Texting

(Proverbs 21:30 KJV)  There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

What a great place to use the Bible to prove whatever you want.  All you need to do to reinforce a nihilistic view of life is to quote the first part of this verse in isolation.  You can even quote the entire verse if you ignore the rest of the Bible.  The result is that there is no hope, so why try. 

I would say that is obviously not what this teaches but I have been around so many people who can read clear text and totally miss the point.  We have people sitting on the Supreme Court who would fit into that category.  If you are a parent, you have had young children who are the same.  The point is that nothing is wise or informed that goes against God Himself.

So?  Save your jokes for your friends and your blog.  Get serious when you are in the presence of Almighty God, which is all the time. 

One in a Million

(Proverbs 20:4 KJV)  The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

This is a good place to compare translations in order to get a richer understanding.  First you have the “reason” (4480) of the KJV and the “after” of the NASB.  This is a common preposition which the NASB usually translates “because”.  This would fit with the KJV.  Then you have the “cold” (2779) of the KJV verses the “autumn” of the NASB.  Here the nod goes to the NASB.

When you put it together you understand that you have a person who is looking for an excuse to be lazy.  We are good at this.  I was thinking of getting out my golf clubs the other day but decided it was too hot.  The coming weekend has the possibility of showers.  When I first started playing my enthusiasm would have had me out swinging both times.  Now, all it takes is a bit of an excuse. 

I don’t like paraphrases for finding truth but they hit the nail on the head at times.

(Proverbs 20:4 CEV)  If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest.

So?  Be leery of excuses.  I have a million of them.  I don’t think I am the only one. 

Poor Excuses

(Proverbs 19:1 KJV)  Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

What does it mean to be “better” (2896a)?  Is it referring to the quality of the person or their standing compared to others?  It is a very common Hebrew word in Proverbs.  Just in this book it is used 62 times.  It would seem to be an important concept.

The basic definition is “pleasant, agreeable, good”.  For today I want to consider this as a personal quality, something within ourselves.  Solomon gives us two insights.  First, “poor” (7326) people can be good.  Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that lack of money says something about the moral fiber of a person.  It is possible for lack of morals to create poverty but it is not necessarily the cause.

Second, the good are those who demonstrate “integrity” (8537).  For evil to be absent, integrity must be present.  Thus, when you see someone in public life being dishonest in any way that tells you something about what is inside.

So?  I need to make sure that I measure up in my behavior.  People watch the choices I make and the shortcuts I accept.

Listen before You Think

(Proverbs 18:13 KJV)  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

One of the strengths of the Bible is that the teaching is consistent throughout the entire book.  Another is that the Holy Spirit opens our eyes and hearts as we read, teaching us and making us receptive.  A third is truth that does not change.  In regard to this verse it is a reminder that we need to be reminded.

I read this verse once a month.  I don’t always stop and think about it but sometimes it hits home.  That is one of the reasons I keep working through Proverbs.  This is a reminder to be patient and listen.  It is making the point that we often don’t hear what people are really saying because we are using our filters instead of honestly seeking to understand.

So?  How many conversations will I have today that will not involve real listening?  How much will I miss because of that?  How much will I lose?  This is a good growing point. 

A Prince of a Guy

(Proverbs 17:7 KJV)  Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

We do not have royalty.  We do not celebrate royalty.  There is no such thing in reality as an American “prince” (5081).  In fact the Constitution has a section about titles of nobility.  At the same time we have an expression “he is a prince of a guy.”  So let’s go with that. 

As a Christian I should be a “prince of a guy.”  This verse reminds me that lying is not acceptable of such a person.  Lies multiply.  Liars abound.  We can make ourselves stand out in our world by simply being people of truth.

Which means we believe there is truth.  That means values and morals are not relative, but absolute.  Again we are at odds with our culture.  Two verses from outside of Proverbs.

(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.

(Revelation 21:8 KJV)  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

So?  It is hard in our culture.  It may not pay today.  It will pay when lake-front property is being passed out for eternity. 

Bet on It

(Proverbs 16:33 KJV)  The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

I am not a gambler.  Part of the reason is that I have played poker and find out that I love it.  Addiction is just a few hands away.  Another is that I understand who pays for all those big hotels in Las Vegas.  It isn’t the winners.  I also have problems with a social disease that preys on the poor and often destroys the rich. 

In spite of that I “cast” (2904) my “lot” (1486) every day.  I choose to get out of bed and go to work.  I change lanes on the freeway.  I drive through green lights.  I eat food prepared out of my sight.  I have a confidence in life that is based on a trust in God.  I accept the fact that it rains on the just and the unjust.  I know that bacteria are no respecters of persons.  But I also know that God sends the sun to dry the rain and designed my immune system.

That does not mean that I trust the raw fish on a sushi bar.

So?  I can face today with anticipation.  Join me?

Far, the Love of God

(Proverbs 15:29 KJV)  The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

How is the Lord “far” (7350) from the “wicked” (7563)?  Is this figurative or literal?  I think here we need to go with figurative.  God is not physical, so talking about Him being far away helps but is not accurate.  He is aware of every cubic centimeter of creation.  He holds it all together and empowers it.  He is God.  But just as you wife can be in the car with you but far away, so God can be as if He does not exist to us.

This is His natural state for those who reject Him.  He is far away because He has been rejected, not because He rejects.  We move away.  It is like we put our phone on vibrate and hide it in the bottom of our suitcase.  God may call but we are not receiving.

So?  I need to be reminded to listen.  I tend to drift into thinking it is about me.  That makes it hard for Him to communicate.

Discount Words

(Proverbs 14:23 KJV)  In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

In spite of the popular saying, “talk” (1697) is not cheap.  It is expensive.  Our mouths get us into more trouble than any other part of our body.  Just think how things would be different if we could call back the words, turn back the clock and start all over again. 

Here it gives a specific consequence of cheap talk.  I like the KJV “penury” (poverty NASB) (4270).  If the wages of sin is death, the wages of talk is “poverty” (4270).  There is another word for poverty used in Proverbs.  It is straightforward.  This one has some nuances.  Its definition includes the idea of a thing needed.  It makes me go back to the opening words about talk being cheap.  The idea is cheap as opposed to quality, not expense.  This is the screwdriver you got at the 99 Cent store along with three other tools as opposed to the Craftsman that you inherited from your father.  One is only good for filling a drawer or chipping ice.

So?  I want my words to be worth something.  That will take some work. 

Poor Hearing

(Proverbs 13:8 KJV)  The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Does this mean that poverty is a result of a lack of correction?  There are numerous behaviors and attitudes in Proverbs that lead to poverty.  Here there is the suggestion that those who are poor do not listen.  They do not pay attention when someone is trying to straighten them out.

Or is this talking about the environment of the poor.  Do poor people lack those around them with the ability to give guidance?  Would they listen if they could?

A lot of questions.  Either way, not hearing words of correction can keep you from gathering wealth and the benefits that come with it.

So?  We can work on listening.  We can seek out those who are worth listening to.  One can be done where we are, the other requires some changes. 

Something Wicked This Way Came

(Proverbs 12:6 KJV)  The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

How can “words” (1697) “lie in wait” (693) in regard to “blood” (1818)?  That seems a bit extreme.  One way that comes to mind is in the literature of the world.  How much of what we read is designed to destroy us?  Much of the science fiction I read is based on a philosophy of Darwinism and the occult.  How much of the creativity is simply an attempt to undermine the values that the Bible has established?  It keeps putting out its subtle poison as we read.

And remember that poisons often depend on a buildup over time.  Our bodies can fight small amounts but there comes a level where life stops.  I think of arsenic.  It is in our water.  It is a natural substance, yet too much can kill.  How many commercials can you still sing from your childhood?  How many scars do you still bear.

So?  I find I do better if I avoid certain types of authors.  For you it might be a type of music or any leisure activity.  It might be friends.  Poison kills. 

Shake on It

(Proverbs 11:21 KJV)  Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

We have a difference between the KJV and the NASB translations.  Where the KJV talks about joining hands the NASB says “assuredly” (3027).  The word literally means “hand” and is usually translated that way but has a wide spread of special applications.  Here I think the idea is that you are sealing a deal with a handshake. 

We are supposed to be people of integrity.  That means our word is our bond, or it should be.  That is why James tells us,

(James 5:12 KJV)  But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

How many times have people tried to weasel out of a promise by claiming they had their fingers crossed or that you don’t have it in writing?  As Christians we are above that.

So?  When all else is gone I still have my integrity.  Honesty and straight talk should be a way of life.  No, it is not an option, it is our default. 

Steady As You Go

(Proverbs 10:30 KJV)  The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

This verse is a jarring note in the melody of this passage, at least in the NASB.  Notice in verses 27 through 32 you have contrasting statements separated by the word “but”.  In all the other verses it is easy to see the contrast.  Here there seems to be no continuity of thought.  Both seem to be negative statements.  They do not connect.

The KJV does a better job of getting the contrast.  It is not so much that the “righteous” (6662) will “never” (5769/1077) be “shaken” (4131) as much as they will not be banished forever.  This is a promise that those who walk upright will find stability in life.  They might go through tough times but they will endure.

So?  We live in rough times.  We face terrorism, recession, drought and many personal issues.  The promise is that our faith and our God can keep us steady.  I believe it.  I have experienced it.  I hope the same is true for you. 

Simple Interest

(Proverbs 9:16 KJV)  Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Again we see the element of decision, of free will.  This woman, who represents what is evil and destructive, is making an offer that the “naive” (6612a) cannot refuse.  Yes they can.  So can I. 

Think about all the offers we have.  I am old enough that I am getting offers to take a loan out on my house with a reverse mortgage.  The idea is that I need extra cash and I am going to die soon anyway, so why not live off of the equity that I have accumulated.  I hope I am never simple enough or desperate enough to fall for something like this.  What happens if I live longer than expected?  What happens to my children?

So?  I need to be constantly aware of people who have their best interests at heart.  I like that saying, “I trust in God.  All others must pay cash.” 

Nobility in Democracy

(Proverbs 8:6 KJV)  Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

This is Wisdom speaking.  She speaks of “excellent things” (noble things NASB) (5057) and “right things” (4339).  The word “noble” here is referring to the upper classes, the leaders.  It reminds us that certain people are put in positions of responsibility and public trust.  We do not have a nobility in our American culture.  We do not think in terms of people being better because of blood or family position.  We tend to think of merit instead.  It is still a group of people who are making the big decisions.

We need a “nobility” that is in tune with wisdom.  We need leaders who have taken the time to seek out what God has already made clear about life.  For most of us that means voting or supporting those who are in this camp.  In selected cases we may be in leadership.  Then it is on our heads to “hear” (listen NASB) (8085).

So?  I need to be prepared for unexpected leadership moments.  I need to do my homework in preparation.  Someone may ask my opinion or give me a job to do.  I will respond better if I am already prepared. 

The Twilight Zone

(Proverbs 7:9 KJV)  In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

I have noticed that I look at the world differently in the morning than I do in the “evening” (6153/3117).  Once I am up and had my first shot of coffee my mind has a range and awareness that is totally lacking at the end of the day.  I have heard various “experts” say you should not make major decisions when you are tired.  I can see that.

The young man being observed here is heading for a fall.  Would it have made a difference if it were earlier in the day?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  I get the feeling that he has deliberately chosen this time of day because he thinks he can get away with something.  It may work that way when you are deciding to litter but it doesn’t work that way when your intent is sin.

So?  God can see around corners, through closed doors and in the dark.  Remember that next time you find yourself looking both ways, checking the mirror and listening carefully before you do something stupid. 

Set Your Alarm

(Proverbs 6:9 KJV)  How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Face it.  If it is easy for you to get up in the morning it probably means you are getting old.  At least that is the case in my life.  I remember as a teen still being in bed on Saturday afternoon.  It was a natural after a late night.  Now my aches and pains and bladder make this kind of sloth impossible.  So I get up.

This verse was probably written to the young.  The next verse sounds more like it is for old people who like to take naps.  Either way the warning is about the seduction of “sleep” (8142) which can dull our senses and our enthusiasm about life.

So?  Get the rest you need but be careful not to do so at the expense of duties and responsibilities. 

Grave Anticipation

(Proverbs 5:11 KJV)  And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

“I’m ready to go.”  This is a line I use with the kids at school on a regular basis.  I usually don’t go beyond that because they don’t ask what I mean.  The truth is I am not groaning about it.  I am not yearning to be young again.  I am ready to go.  It has been a good ride.  All is still going well.  All of my problems are what they call “first world.”

Part of that comfort with getting old is knowing that I have not invested my life in destructive practices.  It is, of course, rooted in the grace of God and being born again.  It doesn’t stop with the roots.  It goes on to a walk.  It continues with growth and maturity.

So?  I am not hurrying to the grave but it is not an object of fear.  I don’t think the descriptions we have in the Bible and speculations of folklore come even close to how glorious it is going to be.  I am ready to go, are you?  It is a fair question to ask yourself. 

I Get It

(Proverbs 4:7 KJV)  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

In a very real sense, every day is a new “beginning” (7225).  When we wake from sleep we have the opportunity to reach out, touch God and draw from His grace.  That is not new nor original.  But here is a renewed call in terms of wisdom.  Isn’t one of the great marks of wisdom to recognize yesterday’s failures and take action today to rectify them? 

One of the joys of serving the living God is that although He is immutable, He is also alive.  We can trust His character and the principles of creation.  We can interact in fresh insights.  We can grow. 

But it requires a beginning.

So?  Begin or continue the gathering of God’s wisdom.  There is no time like the present.  If fact, it is the only real time we have in this life. 

Get a Hose

(Proverbs 3:22 KJV)  So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Are you dragging through the day or do you flow?  The idea here of “life” (2425b) doesn’t just mean “not-dead”.  One of the definitions that gives us this is “flowing, fresh (of water)”.  I can remember working construction on hot summer days.  I can remember what it was like to grab a hose that had been running for a time and the euphoria of flowing, cool water.  There was a life to it that could not have been sensed in a canteen, bucket or bottle. 

Wisdom adds that dimension to our daily lives.  It adds a perspective and an understanding that adds the aroma to the coffee. 

So?  Got a spiritual cold?  Can’t smell the spices in the soup?  Maybe it is a lack of wisdom in your diet.  Easy to fix.  You won’t find it on line, you need a Bible.

Vitamin W

(Proverbs 2:11 KJV)  Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

It is almost as if “understanding” (8394) has a personality.  Is this what we call an “anthropomorphism”?  It will “keep” (watch NASB) (5341) us.  There are several ways in which this word is translated that can help us.  It is “observe”, “tend”, and “preserve”.  It reflects a deliberate focus to keeping safe and guiding.

Of course this is describing how wisdom effects our lives.  It is almost like taking a necessary vitamin or mineral and tracing how it works in different parts of the body.  If you go a day without vitamin C it doesn’t ruin your life.  If you go a life without vitamin C it can ruin all your days.

So?  Have you had your daily dose of vitamin W?  You still have time before spiritual scurvy begins to make your spiritual teeth fall out.  At least I hope so. 

No Handicap Parking

(Proverbs 1:32 KJV)  For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

We always try to make excuses for certain parts of the population.  In education we call them accommodations.  Some might be obvious.  If a person has trouble hearing we would allow, or require, that they use some kind of hearing aid.  Some are questionable.  For instance we have the idea that if someone is not performing at the level they are capable of, they need some special help.  We used to call it lazy.  Now we call it a disability. 

“Turning away” (Waywardness NASB) (4878) has no excuse.  Even if you are one of the “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a), you will still pay the price for being off track.  That is the message of this verse.  It may not be fair but the warning is clear.  We get so used to making excuses that we forget that people can learn if there is motivation.

The Law of Gravity does not make any accommodations.  It is not forgiving.  You can jump off a bridge because you do not understand.  It won’t make any difference in the results.

So?  Don’t look for excuses.  Don’t allow others to use them.  The results can be tragic.