Multi-Dimensional

(Proverbs 30:22 KJV)  For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

It used to be said, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”  Of course that would be considered sexist today, even if it is still true.  It may be true but it reflects the opening salvo of a relationship.  Good cooking is not enough to build a life long relationship on.  Neither is looks or sex.  The point being made here is that a “fool” (5036) tends to be one dimensional.

If your measure of success is food then you are a fool.  Proverbs also has the same thing to say about people fixated with wealth and power.  People who only have one interest tend to be driven in that area but ignore the rest.  Followers of Jesus need to be well rounded.  No one will be great in everything and a person who is at the 50 percentile in everything is boring but we cannot rest on one strength.

So?  We may only have one gift but we have all of the fruit.  Both rooms of our character need to be developed. 

Forks and Choices

(Proverbs 29:26 KJV)  Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

Remember the words of Joshua,

(Joshua 24:15 KJV)  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

The part that sticks with us is “choose you this day whom ye will serve;...”  For Joshua it was a fork-in-the-road day.  It was a matter of picking one and going in a different direction.  That is really too simple.  Oh, that it was that easy.  In reality we make this decision repeatedly.

Walking with Jesus is just that, a walk.  It is a series of steps, each one involving choices on direction, length of stride, speed and which way we lean.  It might be possible to move forward while you lean back and throw your center of gravity behind your feet, but you would be stretching it to call it walking.  In the same way it is not safe to turn left when your eyes are to the right.  Try it in a grocery aisle some day.

So?  Seek the Lord’s favor.  Whether it leads to a longer life is up to Him.  I guarantee it will lead to a happier eternity. 

A Nation of Law

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

We are supposed to be a nation of law and be ruled by law.  What does that mean?  It means that our society has agreed on certain types of behavior.  Some actions are acceptable; others no.  Right and wrong are defined and the standards are written down.  They are not to be changed to benefit one powerful individual.  They are not to be ignored when it is convenient.  In a broad sense that is the idea here.  As Christians we are to be law abiding.

We see that concept comes from the Bible.  The law referred to here is not the civil code that tells you not to park in front of a fire hydrant.  It is talking about the law of God which is demonstrated by, but not limited to, the Ten Commandments.  The principle is rooted in the Hebrew tradition.  God does not change.  Right and wrong do not change.  There are situations where it might be hard to make a decision but the unchanging principles are always there to guide us.

So?  Again, how can you know the rules unless you read the book?  How can you know what is wicked and who is wicked?  We are to support the righteous and abandon the evil.  It is the law. 

Attitude Trumps Action

(Proverbs 27:14 KJV)  He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

I wonder if this is a verse about attitude or motive.  The action is praiseworthy.  We are to bless people, even our enemies.

(Romans 12:14 KJV)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

This is what turning the other cheek and going the extra mile involves.  The problem inferred here is that we can cancel any good we do if our motive is not right.  A loud voice early in the morning says you are either trying to irritate or trying to impress.

What does this say about other things we do in life?  I think the same principle applies. 

So?  It is good to do the right things.  It is vital to have the right motivation.  Other people may not know but you do and so does God. 

Me-Ism

(Proverbs 26:12 KJV)  Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

At this point the NASB is more literal when it says “eyes” (5869), which the KJV translates “his own conceit”.  The literal is good but this is one of those places where the interpretive aspect of translation is helpful.  I think that conceit is a common problem today.  We have the label of the “me generation”.  That would apply to every man and woman who has lived on the earth because the basis of sin from the Garden of Eden on has been me-ism.  Human beings rebel against God because they want to be Lord of their own lives.  People reject the life Jesus expects us to live because it demands submission.  Submission does not mix smoothly with modern teachings about self-esteem.  Reaching for the tree in the garden is an attitude supported and reinforced today.

So?  Many times there are teachings that are both/and.  This is an either/or.  Jesus said,

(Matthew 6:24 KJV)  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Who am I to tell you differently.  Make wise choices today.

Earrings and Pony-tails

(Proverbs 25:12 KJV)  As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

I tend to get distracted by cultural aberrations.  I have my normal.  There is a penumbra with raised eyebrows.  From their we move to strange and on to evil incarnate.  To me it is almost like every day is Halloween and the problem is really in me, not in the people I am observing. 

Sunday was an example.  I was visiting another church and when it was time for the sermon this guy got up on the platform and my mind just started saying, “No.”  Someone brought out a stool with a bottle on it.  I assume it was water, but one never knows, does one?  Then this guy walks out and I am assuming he will be a comedian opening up for the pastor.  Maybe he has an announcement about a street ministry.  No, he was an elder in the church and has been asked to teach today. 

He was very fashionable if you know modern ideas of fashion.  He was wearing the required jeans that looked like they had come from a dumpster behind a thrift store.  I kept telling myself they were probably very expensive.  You don’t get those perfect tears and irregular fading without a lot of artistic work.  They really were not dirty.  They just looked that way.  I adjusted to that and the required long sleeve plaid shirt worn with the tails out and the sleeves rolled half way up the forearms.  He was very contemporary.

What I had trouble getting past was his head.  Being a bit overweight made it wider than it was high.  This was emphasized by a haircut that had his head shaved up to the 10 and 2 o’clock positions.  At first I thought he had a Mohawk but then, when he turned his head, I saw that he had one of those cute little pony-tails sticking out about two inches from the back.  It was not long enough to hang down.  It stuck out.  It caught my eye every time he turned his head.

Why am I sharing all that?  After a few minutes I was able to get beyond the devotion to current trends and actually listen to what he had to say.  He was preaching about anger and how God expects us to control it.  When I listened he had a lot to share.  Notice our verse in Proverbs.  It talks about ear-rings.  It doesn’t say women.  I think we can assume that in Solomon’s day men wore earrings.  We can assume they did not wear pants.  They would look strange to us.

So?  Don’t let fashion or the lack of it keep you from listening to what God is trying to tell you.  It is too easy to judge people by the way they dress.  They may not know any better.  Or, it may be you that doesn’t know any better.  Look to the heart.  Look with agape. 

Stick Shift

(Proverbs 24:13 KJV)  My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

The contemporary mantra is that sugar is bad for you.  I am not on that bandwagon except to observe that just about anything in excess is bad for you.  To me refined sugar is simply taking something that occurs naturally in our world and extracting it because it brings pleasure.  There is nothing wrong with the “sweet” (4966) things of life. 

Sin comes into life when we take the gifts of God and misuse them.  That can be in gluttony and excess.  In this chapter we are told to enjoy honey.  In the next chapter, in verses 16 and 27 we are warned not to overdo it.  Think of your after dinner mint like your medication.  Just because one pill encourages health it does not follow that twenty will make you even better.

Misuse can also be in avoiding what God has declared good.  Sweets?  Meat?  Marriage?  How many other blessings have been proscribed in the quest for a holiness that is not of God?

So?  Moderation, timing and balance are keys to an upright life.  Although they can be developed, for many of us they will never be like an automatic transmission.  The interaction of a clutch, brake and throttle will always be with us. 

A Family Pattern

(Proverbs 23:22 KJV)  Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

There are a number of assumptions in this verse.  Those assumptions are consistent with the entire Bible.  One assumption is that a man will father a child and be around to raise it.  Men are not just studs.  We do not exist for the sole purpose of impregnating the female and then going on our way.  A child cannot listen unless we are around.  He should not listen unless we are trying to mold his character.

The second is that the father and mother will be married for life.  Mom is also still around.  She is “old” (2204).  They have grown old together.  In English the word is translated like an adjective.  In the Hebrew it is a verb.  She is old and getting older.  She got that way raising you and putting up with your father. 

So?  If you still have both parents, rejoice.  If you don’t, honor their memory.  If one was AWOL then trust the Lord to fill in the gaps for you.  You are not alone. 

The Right to Choose

(Proverbs 22:24 KJV)  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

The KJV states clearly what is only inferred in the NASB.  The NASB says to not “associate” (7462b) which would be almost impossible.  Paul points that out. 

(1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NAS77)  I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world.  But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.

The KJV zeroes in on what we can control.  It tells us not to “make friends” with the wrong kind of people.  Here the emphasis is on the “furious” (hot-tempered NASB) (2534).  Other places there are other warnings. 

So?  We can choose the people we develop deep relationships with.  Choose wisely. 

Renew Your Subscription

(Proverbs 21:27 KJV)  The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

The idea of sacrifice (2077) does not stand in isolation.  In spite of owning the cattle on a thousand hills, God seems to be thrifty.  Because of that, sacrifice includes a feast.  This might not apply for the smaller offerings of the poor but when an ox or a sheep was offered up for atonement only a portion was consumed by the fire.  The rest went for food.  Consider the verse often quoted for the tithe,

(Malachi 3:10 KJV)  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

This also bring to mind the abuse of the communion meal in I Corinthians 11.  What was intended to bring the body of Christ together became a vehicle for snobbery, selfishness and class warfare.  That was because people were coming for communion who were “wicked” (7563).  That was why Paul called for them to examine themselves.

(1 Corinthians 11:27 KJV)  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

So?  This is not a call for you to be the judge of where the person down the pew stands in relation to God.  This is a call for you to make sure that you are up to date.  Don’t let your salvation subscription run out. 

Keep Your Head Down

(Proverbs 20:2 KJV)  The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

It is sad to say but our government is getting so strong and bureaucratic that it is almost impossible for the average citizen to deal with.  Bureaucracy was developed by the Chinese to make government more efficient.  On its good side it makes the process clear and defines who is responsible to whom.  In the nightmare of maturity it becomes a intractable maze that depends on the whim of low level employees.  I remember the time I went to renew my drivers license and the eye condition I dealt with all my life was suddenly an issue.  Because the clerk didn’t want to be bothered I had to waste hours of my life going through paperwork channels.  Picture what it would be like if you are accused of a crime you could not have committed or assessed a tax you should not have to pay.

It is sad to say that the best thing to do is stay off the radar.  In a day when government officials are defining believing Christians as domestic terrorists it becomes wiser than ever to keep your head down and your mouth shut.  Of course that is not always possible because we are commanded by God to be salt and light.

So?  Pick your battles.  Make sure that your are speaking on issues that are supported by Biblical principles and ultimately walk in faith.  Persecution should be because of righteousness, not self-righteousness. 

Rejection

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

There is some truth in the fact that God loves all people.

(Acts 10:34 KJV)  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

At the same time He does not treat us all the same and we are not supposed to treat everyone identically.  Here we see two types of personalities that are not to be given the benefit of the doubt.

“Scoffers” (3917b) are already judged.  That may not seem fair.  Everyone deserves another chance in our current cultural thinking, but remember the words of Jesus.

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

A scoffer refuses to believe. 

So?  Be kind and courteous.  Show agape to everyone.  At the same time don’t fall into the trap of thinking that everyone is acceptable to God or that you will be accepted if you live in rebellion or rejection. 

Did You Wash Your Hands?

(Proverbs 18:17 KJV)  He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

It is not only acceptable to ask questions, it is important.  It may even be a requirement.  There may be times when we must accept the first word.  There are times of crisis and short encounters but often we have time to “searcheth” (examine NASB) (2713) what people tell us.  It isn’t even that people are trying to deceive.  Sometimes it is just a case of being too lazy to examine what they remember.

We are given the responsibility to think and assist others in thinking.  Questioning is important.  Being considered a skeptic might be the difference between knowing the truth and living a lie.  You never know.  When you ask your child if they washed their hands it is usually just a precaution but there will be that time when it will make a difference between getting sick or staying healthy.  The sickness can vary from a runny nose to a fatal disease.

So?  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  The masses are often too happy with their bread and circuses.  We are to be salt and salt makes a difference. 

Welcome to Life

(Proverbs 17:8 KJV)  A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Are you comfortable with the idea of a “gift" (bribe NASB) (7810)?  We have many common extensions of this concept.  While bribing someone is illegal we accept tipping for good service.  One difference is that usually tipping comes after and is voluntary.  A job bonus might be the same, but what about “discounts” and “free samples”? 

This is a simple observation that the person getting the advantage because of a gift is quite pleased with themselves.  Like so many gray areas of life the moral value depends on the intent and attitude of the actor and the results of the action.

So?  Life is not always easy.  Decisions are not always clear.  Sometimes all we can do is focus on the inner values that have been instilled by faithful reading of the word, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and trust God.  Welcome to life. 

Sons of Belial

(Proverbs 16:27 KJV)  An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

If you have a background in the KJV you are familiar with this word “worthless” (1100) as a transliteration of the Hebrew.  It is usually accompanied by the words “sons” or “children” and you see “sons of Belial”.  The root meaning of the word is “good for nothing”.  Although there are no numbers or percentages given here the implication throughout Proverbs is that many good-for-nothings are running around loose.

The old “chicken or the egg” question comes up.  Are they worthless because they bring out evil or are they evil because they are worthless.  It really doesn’t make much difference.  We need to be aware that all men are not benevolent or simply mistaken.  We must make sure that we are not falling into this trap.

So?  Evil exists in greater numbers than we want to admit.  We are called to be righteous.  It makes for a world with a lot of tension. 

Eavesdrop on Life

(Proverbs 15:23 KJV)  A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

There is a second quality in learning and growing.  We need a "word in due season" (“timely” (6256) “word” (1697) NASB).  When I first read this I saw myself as the one giving the wisdom.  As I read it again I begin to realize that maybe I am the one who is receiving.  We are reminded to listen to those around us worth listening to.

Sometimes we are prodded by something in a sermon.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks to us through a conversation we are eavesdropping on.  Sometimes we may have asked a good question and actually paid attention to the answer.  If our hearts are hungry, God will supply us with what we need.

So?  Listen.  Expect.  Be alert.  The answers are out there.  Make sure that they don’t need to be repeated or you might miss the high tide. 

Gallows Humor

(Proverbs 14:13 KJV)  Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

I think of this as a possible endorsement of “gallows humor”.  I say that because I have rarely seen a situation in which I cannot see something to joke about.  Often I have the common sense to realize my one liner would be in bad taste and only cause more “pain” (3510).  Too frequently my mouth exceeds the speed of thought. 

It is also a reminder that even the love of Christ does not shelter us from the stubbed toes of life.  Look at the life of Paul.  Look at the rejection of the prophets.  For that matter, Jesus knew a bit of suffering Himself.  The good news is that even in the dark times we are walking in the light.  Don’t think of the low spots as being abandoned by God or punishment for some moment of weakness.

So?  We have a hope, an assurance, based on the character of God and made possible by the blood of Christ.  Rejoice in the hard times and laugh if you can.  Just don’t expect everyone to see the lighter side. 

Sweat Capital

(Proverbs 13:11 KJV)  Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time discussing life with a few millennials.  It is like talking to aliens from outer space.  They have starry eyed dreams of making a big splash in life but they don’t have a job now.  Actually this way of thinking has been around for generations.  I would guess it was fifteen or twenty years ago I had a conversation with a young woman who in desperation had taken a job teaching middle school.   She was constantly frustrated with the daily grind of the classroom and the ridiculous demands of administration.  Part of the problem was that she was teaching science with only a few classes in anthropology under her belt.  The bigger problem was a sense of entitlement.  Her dignity was attacked because she had taken all kinds of classes in public policy and she “was trained to be the one behind the desk giving orders, not the one out in the field.”

Too many people want the rewards of hard work and don’t want to put in the hours required.  I see budding musicians who will never know success because they don’t see the importance of learning their scales.  I see future NBA stars who will never get off the playground because they think they are too good to learn discipline. 

So?  Don’t sneer at hard work.  It is the path to success.  This is true in our careers, our child rearing and our spiritual walks. 

No Smoking

(Proverbs 12:9 KJV)  He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Does the phrase “smoke and mirrors” ring any bells?  How about “all smoke and no fire”?  We tend to get distracted by the spectacular and showy.  It is part of human nature.  Stage magicians have perfected the art of illusion and misdirection.  The rabbit does not really come out of the hat.  What they get the masses to do is assume something and believe it based on that assumption. 

The only way we can get around this is to know what is true and reject that which we know is not.  It used to be called common sense but as people have lost contact with the wisdom of the ages it is replaced by mob psychology.  It is better to drive an old car that is paid for than to have a leased one that you can’t really afford.  Sending your child to day care does not get them ahead in life as much as the faithful attention of a mother.  It doesn’t matter that everyone else is doing it.  It doesn’t matter that some children seem to come through it just fine. 

So?  Again I harp on the principle of reading and thinking about what the word says to us.  Only then can we judge truth from fiction.  Only one leads to eternal life. 

The Two Step

(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.

This seems to be comparing apples and oranges.  We have “heart” (3820) which refers to the inner man and “way" (walk NASB) (1870) which refers to the outer.  Some people like to ignore that both are necessary. 

We must have an inner transformation.  We see words like “washed”, “cleansed” and “filled”.  These are accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit through the grace of God.  It doesn’t matter how well you follow the rules if you are still in your sins. 

There must be an “upright” (blameless NASB) (8549) aspect.  That has to do with our volitional actions.  We are expected to expend willful energy walking in obedience.  It is still done through the power of the Spirit working in our lives but demands our willing cooperation.  It doesn’t do much good to have a date in your Bible that you can point to on which you were saved if there is no fruit from that moment.

So?  I would rather “delight” (7522) the Lord than be an “abomination” (8441). 

Tortoise Time

(Proverbs 10:26 KJV)  As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

As I looked at the context I noticed that this verse had a different pattern than the two surrounding it.  As I looked a little further I saw that the two forms are mixed through the chapter.  Some of the verses contrast two thoughts.  This continues or elaborates on the first idea. 
The issue being addressed is sloth, one of the seven deadly sins.  The NASB uses the modern term of “lazy” (6102).  I say modern because it does not seem to appear in the KJV, which here uses “sluggard”.   The danger is more than being slow.  It is a slowness that is caused by a lack of focus and application.  Think of the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare.  The hare was very quick but did not apply himself.  The tortoise was slow but always working toward the goal. 

So?  Are you frustrated because you are not the horse with the fancy saddle?  Maybe God needs a sure footed donkey to get the job done. 

A Well Earned Slap Down

(Proverbs 9:7 KJV)  He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

If you are anxious to see how this works go to a public forum of some sort, stand up and make a defense of Biblical marriage.  The very thought makes me shudder.  I would hope that if the occasion demanded it, I would have the courage to stand and speak the truth as God has established it.  I still shudder.  You know what would happen.  At the very least you would be called names and the polite ones would end in “phobe”.  You would also stand a good chance of physical assault and/or legal action.

If this happens, and it probably will, wear the accusations as a badge of honor.  Understand that it is not you they are rejecting but the God you serve.

So?  Think twice before you make a public statement.  Ask yourself if anyone will listen.  Ask God if it is necessary.  The second thought should outweigh the first.  I don’t think this is telling us not to speak but to not be naive about the reaction. 

Promises, Promises

(Proverbs 8:34 KJV)  Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

The Bible is full of promises.  We like to quote them and we should.  What we like to overlook is the conditional nature of those promises.  This chapter in Proverbs is full of promises.  In this verse we have the vision of being “blessed” (835).  I would like to live that.  The rest I am not always so sure about.

Notice the three requirements for the one promise.  We are to pay attention, daily, at our assigned post.  We can’t sleep-in until the celestial alarm clock goes off and expect to get the prize.

So?  It is all very wonderful, and Biblical, to believe in the sovereignty of God.  I believe in it myself.  Salvation is a gift that God chooses to give.  The other side of that is He can also choose not to give.  In His sovereignty He makes the decisions of bestowing blessings.  Are you feeling lucky today or do you think it might help somehow to follow the directions? 

Where’s It Happening?

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

How many of our problems come to us because we are not willing to “abide” (remain NASB) (7931) at our “house” (home NASB) (1004).  Here Solomon is specifically targeting a woman on the prowl, but the principle catches all of us in its beam.  This was written before the days of internet porn, what they are calling “cyberbullying”, hackers invading privacy and even the Home Shopping Network.  We have many ways to get in trouble without leaving the house.

But again, the principle applies.  Take something we all have to deal with, more day than money.  I don’t know if you have ever run a test of expenses by writing everything down that you spend.  It is amazing how much goes towards activities outside the home that are not necessary.  One example hits most of us.  We have countless franchises of fast food sirens, all catering to people who say things like, “It is cheaper to eat out” or “I am too tired to cook”.  Really?  Are you too tired to work that extra job to pay for it?

So?  The problem is not working hard or having a second job.  The problem is trading the time we have to prepare for eternity with being out “where it is happening”.  It should be happening in your home.  God is with you everywhere but He can get you to listen better in certain situations. 

In Praise of Nagging

(Proverbs 6:3 KJV)  Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

I wonder if Jesus had this in mind when He told the story about the widow who kept after the judge until he gave her justice.  Notice the reason he gave.

(Luke 18:5 KJV)  Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

It would seem that nagging can have positive results. 

The biggest problem is admitting that we made a mistake.  First we need to admit it to ourselves, then confess it to the neighbor.  Then keep confessing until you get some action.

So?  Honesty and persistence are steps that we need to add to our arsenal of daily living.

Life Basics

(Proverbs 5:18 KJV)  Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Faithful monogamy.  It is such a simple standard.  It is such a clear standard.  It is such an ignored standard in our day.  It reflects the special place that the marriage relationship has in the heart of God.

It is sexual and permissive within the bounds of monogamous marriage. 

It is familial, giving the foundation for the raising of children.

It is collegial, it shares the responsibilities, trials and joys of life.

It is deep.  When the years pass you may lose the shine but you remember the sparkle and keep the spark alive.

So?  Believers should be setting the example of what marriage is. 

Leftover Pumpkins Won’t Help

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

The translation from NASB starts of with totally different wording.

(Proverbs 4:7 NAS77)  "The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

The difference is not in the Hebrew.  First, look at the words in italics.  Both are inserted to make it flow.  The key word translated differently is “beginning” (7225) or “principle”.  It has the idea of being first in importance.  If I were translating it, which is always dangerous, I would start with,

(Proverbs 4:7 Pumice Pathetic Paraphrase) Wisdom first.  Get Wisdom....

This tells us a couple of things.  First, wisdom is vital.  It is not an option.  It is a requirement.  Second, it ain’t gonna happen unless we make it a priority.  God is not like the Fairy God Mother who waves her wand and turns mice and a pumpkin into a coach and four.  Third, it is available to everyone.

So?  What are you waiting for, Cinderella?  No one is going to be able to acquire wisdom for you.  God will award it but only to those who seek. 

Non-Sparkly

(Proverbs 3:15 KJV)  She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

There are times when we need to put on our thinking caps and get beyond the words of scripture.  I am not a big fan of “rubies” (jewels NASB) (6443).  I do not understand why people are fascinated with jewelry.  That does not just apply to the old geezer with a big medallion and gold chains.  It refers to things like engagement rings and all things that go sparkle.  When you look at the Hebrew word you find several possible translations.  One of them is coral. 

Think of this as a term used like we use “Kleenex” or “Coke”.  It is kind of generic for things that show wealth.  We might think in terms of a Rolls Royce or Lamborghini.  To see is to be impressed.  Wisdom is, or should be, of more value to us than any of these sparklies. 

One reason wisdom is not so popular is that it does not draw attention to the person using it.  It is not ostentatious.  It is not loud.  It is not pushy.  It often goes unnoticed.  We should still seek it and value it.

So?  Be really different.  Be wise. 

Emergency Reserves

(Proverbs 2:7 KJV)  He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

As I was reading this chapter I again wrestled with the meaning of “wisdom” (8454).  Traditionally most cultures have associated wisdom with advanced age because older people have more experience.  At the same time we are aware that many people just become bigger fools as they move through life. 

So what is wisdom?

We know it is rooted in a fear of the Lord which means a person must know enough about God to fear Him.  This chapter up until now talks about listening and learning from the words and teaching given by God.  We would associate that with the Bible.  My thought for today is that wisdom is based on knowing the right principles and standards.  In some cases wisdom is kind of obvious.  Look at the list of the Ten Commandments.  There is little to argue with unless you are an atheist who rejects God or a rebel who refuses to worship God.  But there are bigger principles, more subtle if you will, that need to be applied in complex situations. 

What do you do when you need to chose between two principles?  The standard example is the people who were hiding Jews from the Nazis.  They lied.  They disobeyed the government.  Most of us understand that.  The situations we face are a little more complex.

So?  No guru is going to give us answers for every little crossroad we come to.  We need to build our own reserve of principles that we can apply to cloudy paths.  We need to walk “uprightly” (in integrity NASB) (8537) so we develop skill in applying the principles.  We need to be listening so that the discernment is available as the Holy Spirit speaks.  Be Wise. 

Windows of Enticement

(Proverbs 1:10 KJV)  My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

My daughter and I somehow were talking about smoking and she asked me if I had ever tried tobacco.  When I said, “No”, I explained the different stages I had gone through.  One of the stages was a short period where I would have tried it if someone had offered me one.  After that brief window I was not open to it at all.  If someone had enticed me I would have at least opened a door to a different direction in life.

Or maybe not.  Perhaps one drag would have been enough.  I have enough confidence to the work of the Holy Spirit to believe that if I had been that stupid, Providence would have made me wake up. 

So?  The fact remains that there are temptations around us and they are often active, not passive.  The active are often easier to resist than the ones that just lay in wait.  Remember that line from the Lord’s Prayer, “...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,...”  Next time you are at church and the congregation recites it, let it jump out and wake you up.