Slippery When Frozen

(Proverbs 31:28 KJV)  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

There seems to be a glaring omission in this description.  What about the wife being responsible for the “children” (1121) [ben]?  This is the only mention of them.  You would expect to find it here, but you expect wrongly.  My guess is that this passage is dealing with the things that are not a part of common wisdom.  Women were expected to spend time on the children.  In that day and age people understood things like that. 

Compare that cultural awareness with today.  Have you ever bought a cup of coffee at a take out place?  You may not have noticed but the cup and the lid tell you the contents is hot.  It does it in several languages.  It would seem obvious but the obvious often isn’t to our modern culture.  Or think about the warnings for smoking.  After reading the labels for years people still won a lawsuit against the tobacco companies.  My grandmother’s generation called it a filthy weed even then. 

So?  How many simple standards and values are we aware of that we ignore?  One reason to think while you read the Bible or listen to a sermon is to connect with the truth being shared.  I find that when I forget that knives are sharp I cut myself more often.  I also find that I never slip on the ice when I am thinking about it.

Small Packages

(Proverbs 30:25 KJV)  The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Most people are not fans of ants.  Solomon, on the other hand, sings their praises.  Ants are only referred to twice in the Bible and both are in Proverbs.  In this listing of small beings he is pointing out their wisdom.  It is something that might not seem to require wisdom to many people but that is a characteristic of wisdom.

Although they are not “strong” (5794), they “prepare” (3559).  I found the idea of strength interesting.  It has the possible nuance of being fierce but that is not necessary.  It is enough to be stable and firm.  Part of wisdom is knowing what is important and believing in your priorities.  In that situation even the small and weak can be effective.

So?  You don’t need to be a type A or a dominate person to stand up for truth.  Sometimes it is just that inner patience that is a gift of the Spirit and a product of love that makes us giants in God’s paradigm. 

Relative Tuning Is for Solos

(Proverbs 29:2 KJV)  When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

How do you determine righteousness and evil?  What are the measuring sticks.  They seem to be different for different groups.  Democrats and Republicans used to have some common ground on what was right and wrong.  That doesn’t seem to be the case any more.  It used to be that the movie industry had an awareness that some things were not to be expressed in polite society.  No longer.  Music used to involve more than a sub woofer and a volume dial.  There are still differences.

Morality is not a variable standard.  It is absolute.  I like to play a bit of guitar.  I can tune the guitar so that it sounds right and be totally wrong.  I can tune it to itself.  Each string is in correct relationship to the others.  It can do just about anything a properly tuned guitar can do.  The big exception is that it can’t play with other instruments.  If you have ever been to a concert everyone tunes their instrument to the first violin.  If you don’t you have chaos.

So?  Don’t rejoice just because your political party won.  Seek a society, family and life that are in tune with the First Violin of Eternity.  There are rewards promised. 

Of Interest

(Proverbs 28:8 KJV)  He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

I have yet to find anyone who is in love with Bank of America.  I have never done significant business with them so I don’t really have any bad feelings.  If you listen, you find that just about every bank in business is targeted by a lot of anger.  Sometimes that is just us being petty and jealous of the rich and successful.  Sometimes the hostility is because of one employee who should be fired.  Too often the criticisms are deserved. 

We are so used to banks and credit unions that we think they are as natural as motherhood.  I would venture to guess that many people wonder if Marco Polo used Discover or American Express.  It amazes me how many people pay for minor purchases with some sort of plastic.  We live on credit.  We should not be doing it.  God seems to have some real issues with money that is made simply by interest.  It isn’t the profit that is the problem, it is the method.

So?  It would be nice to live in a perfect world where we paid as we go.  Governments are trying to move us in the other direction.  That should give you something to think about as you go about your day and find yourself in situations that will not accept cash. 

The Servant Class

(Proverbs 27:18 KJV)  Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

Most Americans find the second part of this verse hard to understand.  Since when do we have a “master” (113)?  We tend to emphasize our independence and freedom.  A master speaks of slavery and inferiority.  Yes, it does and at all levels it gets our dander up.  We resist anyone telling us what to do.

At one end you have the idea of a slave owner.  Keep in mind that in many ancient Middle Eastern cultures there was only one free man in the entire country, the king.  All the land belonged to him.  Everyone was considered his servant.  The idea of the independent warrior comes from the barbarians of Europe.  It was not a question of “Are you a servant?”  It was a question of “How high or how low?”  We reject this thinking.

At the other end this word is used of God himself.  Unfortunately this independent thinking also extends to God for most people.  The offensiveness of God to us is not that He is bigger or stronger but that He thinks He has the right to tell us what to do.  That is why I think that on judgement day, even standing before the throne, most people will refuse to bend and acknowledge Him as Lord.

So?  Yes, Jesus is a friend of mine.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, we are joint-heirs with Jesus.  We are also servants.  Get used to the idea and accept it. 

A Pod of Fools

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

In this case “sluggard” (6102) is synonymous with “fool”.  It isn’t just a matter of being lazy.  Think of the times in life when you have had a series of people tell you a certain action was really stupid and you did it anyway.  I think of this when I watch certain videos on the internet.  You have people doing the stupidest stuff.  Sometimes it works.  That does not make it smart, it just makes them lucky.  This time.  Next time, not so much. 

Sometimes we are careful whom we ask.  As I write a current meme on the internet is young fools eating Tide pods.  When I saw the first idiot I thought his friends had been playing a joke on him.  After a few views I realized they “knew” what they were doing.  Their friends were egging them on.  And they wonder why we wonder about the younger generation.

Of course there will be times when you are the only one standing up for truth.  That is a matter of study and discernment.  To use Tide pods as an example, I could be surrounded by an entire middle school of students cheering me on.  I could have the faculty telling me it would be a good way to relate to the students.  I still would not do it.  That is the ridiculous.  The sublime deals with things having eternal importance.

So?  Common sense is available and the Holy Spirit will fill in the gaps.  Don’t listen to the crowd, listen to the wise. 

Rolling Stones Half Way Wisdom

(Proverbs 25:16 KJV)  Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

The Rolling Stones recorded a hit called “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”.  I don’t know many of the words but that part I remember.  It is almost like they were reading Proverbs.  To return the favor I read the lyrics I found on the internet.  Those words simply reinforced my thought.  The Stones go through a list of promises that life gives us about what will bring us that sense of satisfaction.  None do the job.

There are two words that are necessary to find the answer to the question that the Rolling Stones never did get around to asking.  The first is “sufficient” (what you need NASB) (1767) and the second is “filled” (have it in excess NASB) (7646).  The promise of satisfaction is fulfilled by knowing what we need and stopping when we reach that point.  It is a hard lesson to learn.  I struggle with it on food.  Some might fight it with money.  Some might be collectors of hub caps.

So?  Life would have so much more joy if we would admit we know when to stop and act on that knowledge.  Maybe my problem is the internet.  Time for serious thinking. 

I Don’t Have to Like It

(Proverbs 24:17 KJV)  Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

My first assumption is that the “enemy” (340) referred to here is encountered in war.  That is safe because back in verse 6 it talks about waging war.  I think that limits our understanding too much.  Most people will never fight in a war, at least in modern America.  Most people will come across people who are less than friendly.  We will have neighbors and co-workers who are impossible to get along with.  We will have people at church that we can’t stand.  They are enemies in the sense that they are not friends.

We are to desire the best for them.  We are not allowed to say things like, “They only got what they deserved”, or “serves them right”.  While it is possible that God in His wisdom is using tragedy to bring them to repentance, we are not to be judgmental by enjoying their pain.

So?  It seems counter-intuitive but it is agape love.  It is one of those aspects of serving the true God that I don’t like but I accept. 

Mine Eyes Have Seen

(Proverbs 23:26 KJV)  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

It is amazing how much your “eyes” (5869) have to do with our success.  In baseball you are to keep your eye on the ball.  On the other hand, in golf I am often told to keep my head down and let the other guys follow the ball.  But when lining up the ball your eyes need to be on your goal so that you can swing correctly.  What I have learned to do is look at the long range goal and then find a spot close to the ball that will make it possible to line up my shot without looking up.

That is a good way to live my day.  I take a long look at my God and understand His love for me.  I think about the goal of living a righteous life and for the day I look at the choices I will have in my field of vision.  That gives me the orientation I need to make the choices I must.

So?  Taking our life a day at a time does not mean giving up the long range view.  It means putting our short term correctly in relation to our long term. 

Landmark Rant

(Proverbs 22:28 KJV)  Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

There is a real danger of becoming a curmudgeon here based on my own preferences.  To be honest I am getting tired of attending worship with the music being led by people who have obviously rejected the traditional hymns of the church.  There is no attempt to teach the great hymns to a new generation.  At the same time there seems to be no musical taste in the new compositions that are introduced.  It isn’t the words themselves.  They are acceptable or at least not heretical but it is like they have tried to replace the classic lines of a 57 Chevy with a new Prius.  Both will get you there but one is incredibly boring.

In order to stay awake during the contemporary music I play a game.  It is kind of like the old TV show, Name That Tune.  I try to guess what the melody will be after hearing about four notes.  Usually I am right or really close.  If you want to sing about the cross what is wrong with “Alas, and did my Savior bleed and did my Sovereign die...”  Use the drums.  Work the bass.  Turn the lead guitar loose.  Knock yourself out showing us how good you are, but give us something that is worth singing.

So?  I guess that was a rant.  I forgive myself even if you won’t. 

Harness Moments

(Proverbs 21:31 KJV)  The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

This reminds me that there is nothing wrong with trying to be “prepared” (3559).  This word is used frequently in Proverbs.  Its most frequent NASB translation in Proverbs is “established”.  It is used of ants gathering food.  It is used of preparing for war.  It involves expecting there to be a tomorrow and making common sense choices to get ready for what is coming. 

As I write we face a primary election.  I need to be prepared.  It is a form of battle.  I will do my homework, vote and then trust the Lord to use the outcome.  The range of “battle” (4421) we face starts at washing our clothes and moves up from there.  As believers we are to plan in faith.

So?  I don’t know your battle today.  I probably don’t even know what mine will be but I know a few.  Part of trusting in the Lord is knowing that He will work out details we are not even aware of at this point. 

What Tiggers Do Best

(Proverbs 20:6 KJV)  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Have you ever been part of an organization that makes a proclamation?  They start with “Whereas...” and after a long list of whereas’s “proclaim” (7121) some kind of award or day of recognition.  Sometimes they print them up on fancy parchment and attach ribbons and seals.  It is all very impressive to someone.  I tend to be a cynic.  I realize that the person who really deserves the credit usually works without praise. 

Beware making such proclamations.  That is not the major point here but it applies anyway.  We are not supposed to be tooting our own horns.

At the same time beware believing the proclamations of others.  If they are praising you, be courteous but don’t sign any agreements because of the fancy words.  More to the point, don’t be too impressed with the self-evaluation that others give themselves.  And have a sense of humor.  They may be joking when they say they are the best.  If they are being a Tigger then keep the laugh within.

So?  Always be courteous.  That does not mean that you can let yourself get trapped by a good sales pitch. 

Friends and Neighbors

(Proverbs 19:4 KJV)  Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

The NASB uses “friend” ( 7453) twice but the second time the KJV uses “neighbor”.  In the Hebrew it is the same word.  I imagine the reason the KJV used a different word was for style.  Neither translation seems to stick to a consistent English word.  I think it is important to use the same word because I think the difference is significant in both the OT and the NT.  In the New Testament I think the difference is more between “brother” and “neighbor”.  Put it with this in the Old Testament and you have three levels of relationship.  Each level has a different dynamic.

The group that demands the most out of us is the body of Christ.  They are referred to as brothers and sisters.  They are to be held closer than blood kin.  Next would be friends.  These would be those that we have established some relationship with but they don’t share the bond of Christ.  The rest of the world is neighbors.  They may live next door.  They may work in the same building.  The only bond we have with them is location. 

So?  We are to love all men and our neighbor as our self.  There are times, however, when we need to establish priorities.  We might have limited resources.  Who has first call?  I would say those in the body.  If I have enough left over after I know my brother and his family are not hungry then I can donate to community groups. 

The Love Tongue

(Proverbs 18:21 KJV)  Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

I have a hard time thinking of this verse as a song of rejoicing.  I think the idea is that the “tongue” (3956) is a major source of distress.  All you need to do to get a Biblical understanding of the principle is look at the last verse of the previous chapter,

(Proverbs 17:28 KJV)  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Calvin Coolidge, Silent Cal, would have been the Biblical example of a perfect man, at least in the use of the tongue.

I think there are people who “love” the results they get.  People who gossip get a real kick out of passing on tidbits.  People in pubic life think they are advancing their status with slander and liable.  They really enjoy it.  They are also not God’s children.

So?  Examine your feelings when you “win” an argument or point out the error of someone else’s ways.  You might find a red flag.  Did I enjoy saying that? 

Fool Fear

(Proverbs 17:12 KJV)  Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

This verse does not mention fear but brings it to my mind.  What situations do we avoid?  What people do we stay away from?  I think of a teacher I knew, actually more than one.  Every time I saw him coming I would try to go a different direction.  Was he a nasty ogre?  No, he was a talker.  If you as much as said, “Good morning” you might not make it home in time for dinner.  He could not stop.  I feared him.

Everyone knows not to get between a mama bear and her cubs.  Most of us would not recognize a fool if he was wearing a sign.  Proverbs gives us a lot of clues to make the identification.  We should get more serious about it.

So?  Life is too short to spend a lot of time in the presence of fools.  Don’t feel bad when you avoid them.  It is a sign of wisdom. 

Aging Well

(Proverbs 16:31 KJV)  The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

The KJV puts in the little word “if” between the phrases here.  It is in italics, so the Hebrew does not contain it.  Many of the translations have a conditional word in there someway.  I like that.  I think it brings it together.  I think it makes this clear that age does not necessarily bring wisdom or make someone worthy of praise.  It is age gained in a life of “righteousness” (6666).

Take Solomon as an example.  He started off well.  He was given the gift of wisdom.  He was known well enough that the queen of the south came to visit him.  Yet the older he got the further he was from that gift of wisdom.  Leave aside all the wives and concubines.  All you need to do is look at how his sons turned out.  It really is not for me to judge but it seems that if all your kids go bad there is something missing in your parenting.

So?  Don’t expect respect just because you are old.  Walk in righteousness and you will deserve it even if it is not granted.  Keep in mind that we are supposed to be pleasing God not the Gallup pollster. 

How

(Proverbs 15:27 KJV)  He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

This is a place where multiplied translations help us find better understanding.  One group uses the word “greedy” (1214) compared to “profits”.  They then talk about “gain” (1215) in place of “illicitly”.  Both approaches have a negative word with a neutral word.  Both are trying to get us to understand the sin we must avoid. 

Everyone is faced with finding a way to put food on the table and a roof overhead.  When the Bible talks about the tithe it is to be on the increase.  That means being productive.  In order to be productive it is necessary to generate more coming in than going out.  That is called profit or gain.  In itself that is good and blessed by God. 

The problem we face is found in this combination of words which has the idea of coercion and violence to get what you want.  The end does not justify the means.  Attitude and methods are significant. 

So?  Go to work.  Make a living.  Learn how much is enough and how is important. 

Plan Well

(Proverbs 14:17 KJV)  He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Notice that it makes a difference in what is in your heart.  Neither is approved but they are different.  Some people have a short temper.  Raging anger is condemned in the Bible.  Temper tantrums are childish and destructive.  The point here is that a short fuse makes you do things that are stupid.  It may be something you say, a gesture, a look, something thrown, the list is almost endless.  It might hurt someone else but the damage is mostly self inflicted.

On the other hand you have the person who thinks out their negative actions.  The Hebrew for “devices” (4209) is not itself a negative word.  It simply means to thoughtfully plan something.  It is often used in a positive sense.  For instance we are told that the purpose of the Proverbs is,

(Proverbs 1:4 KJV)  To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion (4209).

Context can make it evil.

(Proverbs 24:8 KJV)  He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous (4209) person.

So?  Plan your day.  Look ahead and make allowances.  Set goals.  Make sure that they are not evil goals.  Plan in righteousness. 

Qualities of Recruitment

(Proverbs 13:15 KJV)  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

This verse seems to be pointing to qualities and actions that lead to God’s “favor” (2580).  Some people have a hard time with that.  They tend to forget that God is building citizens of eternity.  He is not building a Super Bowl contender.  He is not even building a Boy Scout troop.  What is the difference?

I am not a big sports fan, so bear with me.  My perception of athletic stars is a bunch of overgrown boys who are paid a lot of money to play games.  The only traits that are important to coaches and team owners are the ones that score the points.  Personality and ethical behavior are not even considered.  In fact, they can get in the way.  That is why we read about the high levels of criminal behavior among NFL players.  That is why you see so many fights at soccer games.  While it is true that God may “recruit” those thought undesirable, take the apostle Paul for instance, He is looking at the entire package and its potential.

So?  God looks at our heart and our potential.  One reason we are not to judge is because all we can see is whether they can score.  My desire is to be available and malleable to His purpose.

Evil Is

(Proverbs 12:13 KJV)  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Why do I think it is important to translate as close to word for word as possible?  This is a good example.  The KJV and NASB are both word for word translations.  The NASB has “evil man” (7451a) and the KJV has “wicked”.  I actually like the KJV but that is a topic for another day.  Both get across the idea that some people are evil and some are “righteous” (6662).

Now compare that with one of the popular contemporary translations, The Contemporary English Version.

(Proverbs 12:13 CEV)  We trap ourselves by telling lies, but we stay out of trouble by living right.

In this case both sides are us.  That could be a useful side point in a sermon, but it is not the point of this verse.  The verse is pointing out that some people are evil and some are righteous.  Modern New Age thinking would deny that point.  Is that why it was translated so broadly?  I don’t know.

So?  We are to live righteous lives.  It is possible.  We should reject the current thinking that denies that people can be evil.  Be careful what you agree to.

Target Practice

(Proverbs 11:24 KJV)  There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

Generosity is a character trait that is consistent with being a spirit filled Christian.  There are numerous references to giving to the poor and sharing with those in need.  We are told to be generous givers when it comes to the needs of the church.  What came to mind was the parable of the sower and soils that Jesus told.  It starts like this,

(Matthew 13:3 KJV)  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

The picture of the sower is scattering the seed.  I imagine taking a hand full and sweeping my arm around and trying to produce an even spread.  I am sure that it takes a lot of practice to do it right. 

Solomon is probably aware that we need more practice in scattering, whether it be slipping a few dollars to a struggling family in the church or speaking up about Jesus in a public meeting.

So?  Practice takes place two ways, planned and spontaneous.  I need to improve in both.

Good Roots

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

There is a chorus that pops into my mind when I read this verse in the KJV.  The opening words were, “I shall not be, I shall not be moved...”  Actually that is a little different than the “removed” (4131) of the KJV and different from the “shaken” of the NASB.  In either translation it is a word of hope.  It has a lot of translations and the one I like best is “dislodge”.  The promise here is that we will be like the strong oak in the middle of a storm.  We may lose a few leaves and our branches may move a lot but our roots are firm and secure.

So?  We live in a time of increased anger and dangers.  We will not go unscathed but we will go without being uprooted.

And if Tomorrow Doesn’t Come?

(Proverbs 9:11 KJV)  For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

I am over the hill and riding for the finish.  I have reached my three score and ten.  I know I am wearing out because they put a pacemaker in me.  Oh, well.  I am not too worried about it.  I am aware that it is the hands of God.  If God decides that this is my last sunrise then nothing I can do will extend my stay on earth.  It won’t matter how long the battery in my device will last.  If God isn’t done with me then there is no power on earth that can do me in.

I find that to be reassuring.  I am not one of those seniors who is willing to bankrupt the country and leave my children dust just to buy myself a few more days.  I know that from here I go on to something even better. 

So?  I am ready.  Are you?

High Standards

(Proverbs 8:2 KJV)  She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take this literally in our modern world?  The “heights” (4791) would be represented by our courts, universities and the halls of Congress.  We could expect to hear wisdom when we turn on the evening news.  Our children would graduate from high school ready to make their way in life.  Our pulpits would resound with truth.  In a nation that elects school boards, state judges and members of congress, why do we have so little wisdom coming from the top?

Possibly because we do not seek the real source of wisdom when we vote and serve on boards.  Too often we think that because someone has a gavel or a robe they want truth and wisdom to prevail.  It isn’t so.  We need to be prepared to decide whether the person speaking has been in contact with the source of wisdom.

So?  God reaches out to us as individuals.  We respond to Him as individuals.  As long as we have the liberty to influence who will be the leaders we should seek to elect righteous individuals. 

The Smell of Burning Pants

(Proverbs 7:15 KJV)  Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

They lie.  I know it is hard to accept but telling the truth is becoming the weird behavior of our times.  The women doing the talking is giving the impression that she was really excited about meeting this fool.  In reality she is preparing a sheep for the slaughter. 

They lie.  I used to have a speech class and the last speech was “Five Principles on Which I Base My Life”.  It was a real challenge to explain what I meant by that.  The idea of basing life on principles was beyond their understanding.  Once we got going they showed they still did not understand.  What was more frustrating was the number of young people who would say that speaking the truth was a principle.  Before you get excited and high fiving you need to realize that the next sentence was something to the effect of, “I always tell the truth...except when it hurts me.”

So?  We are expected to speak truth.  Liars will burn in hell.  Don’t expect the world around you to return the favor. 

We Need More Indians, Not More Chiefs

(Proverbs 6:7 KJV)  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

How can anything function with no one in charge?  It seems hard to believe.  If we are talking about a football team or a bank, it would be impossible, but there are areas that function just fine with no one giving orders.

Take the interstate system as an example.  Obviously you have rush hour and construction zones but as a general rule the freeways function without anyone standing out there and saying, “You next.”  People get on and off without supervision.  Lane changes happen too often but there is no one saying, “It is your turn”.  It works because it is assumed that everyone knows the rules and will come close to following them.  As long as there are not too many rule breakers the rest of us can keep out of their way and the flow goes on.

That is the way the body of Christ is supposed to function in many areas.  The Bible does talk about various offices but there is no clear indication that one person is in charge of everything.  Perhaps the question we want to ask is how can anything function without me in charge?  Since ants are insects I think we can assume they don’t have a sinful nature.  We do not live in that kind of world.

So?  We need to trust the leadership and planning ability of the Holy Spirit more than we do.  As I write it is flu season.  Are we to stay home wearing gloves and a mask or do we simply keep washing our hands and go about life? 

Capture the Tag

(Proverbs 5:22 KJV)  His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

I don’t generally worry about getting tripped up by a clever lawyer because of previous testimony.  A wiser man than I once observed that he doesn’t have any trouble keeping his stories straight because he always tells the truth.  It makes for less to remember and, except for basic forgetfulness, the truth doesn’t change.  I guess it doesn’t change even if you forget.  What will “take” (capture NASB) (3920) the “wicked” (7563)?  His own sins.  The traps that he laid himself.  It is like tripping over the shoes you left in the middle of the room.

We live in a day when everyone is a victim.  It is true that we are surrounded by corrupting influences.  Some people start with two strikes against them.  A few are actually victims.  Playing the victim card will only help when you are playing the victim game.  God will not be impressed.  Jesus died and the Holy Spirit convicts with the goal of giving everyone a shot at salvation. 

So?  Our choices make a difference.  Eternity hangs on what we capture not on what someone else went through.

Give It a Chance

(Proverbs 4:11 KJV)  I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

This is specifically directed toward parents but I think the point can have application in everyone’s life.  We all have times when we want to help others down the road.  Sometimes they are receptive, other times not so much.  In many cases, maybe most, they can not be forced.  They can only be “taught” (directed NASB) (3384).  It is frequently translated “teach” but it has the idea of throwing or casting out.  Think of the parable of the sower and the soils.  He cast the seed.  It was up to the soil to receive it or not.

This should be encouraging to us.  It takes the pressure to produce off our backs.  We live our lives of witness.  We explain to people why we live the way we do.  We talk about Jesus.  We direct them by continually pointing in the right direction.  We do not coerce.

So?  Witnessing to others should be a natural flow out of our lives.  If someone has just read a new book and is enthused about it, the book will come up naturally in conversation.  Give it a chance. 

Putting Power in Harness

(Proverbs 3:19 KJV)  The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

God created the heavens and the Earth.  It is the first thing the Bible tells us.  He “established” (3559) the heavens as a part of that process.  I don’t know about you, but when I think of that I think of the omnipotence of God.  Think of the power it takes to make all the forces assumed to be involved in the big bang.  And all of that was as nothing to the power available to God. 

But power is not what is being emphasized here.  Notice that it says He did it by “understanding” (8394).  Raw power is not very useful.  Think of the billions of cubic feet of water flowing in the rivers of the world.  By the laws of physics it has power that you and I could never measure.  Uncontrolled it is capricious.  In Egypt the Nile covered the land with fresh soil every flood season.  In much of the world it destroys people and property.  One step toward being useful is storing it behind the dams in the world.  Even then it is useless unless harnessed and directed.  That is where understanding harnesses the power.

So?  Think of the power God has invested in you and me.  Think about how His wisdom and understanding would like to direct it.  If we insist on being in charge we have futility.  God can produce creativity. 

Avoid the Big One

(Proverbs 2:19 KJV)  None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

People are sometimes concerned about what is called the “unpardonable sin”.  We see reference to this in the words of Jesus.

(Matthew 12:31 KJV)  Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

This verse in Proverbs seems to indicate the same concern.  Is this something we need to be concerned about?

The short answer is “Yes and no.”  That about covers it.

Is there a point of no return?  It would seem so.  Is it easy to avoid it?  Definitely.  Should I worry about it?  About as much as I need to worry about falling off my roof.  I avoid that by never going up.

So?  Generally if you are focused on not committing the Big Sin then you don’t need to worry about it.  Simple and safe. 

Will Work for Food

(Proverbs 1:13 KJV)  We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

Is there a difference between “find” (4672) and earn?  In English there certainly is.  They are different in the same way in Hebrew.  If you have your Bible and can read the context, this is a passage where a young man is being invited to join a gang and victimize people who are passing by.  It condemns the Robin Hood mentality that some have.  Some feel that others should share what they have earned and saved with them.  Sounds good if you are the taker.

God says, “No.”

This is not a condemnation of people who have when they share and feel responsible to help those in  need.  This is a condemnation of people who chose to take from others because it is easier than working for themselves.  It doesn’t matter if it is legal or socially acceptable.

God still says, “No.”

So?  Be generous of what you have.  Don’t expect others to do your work for you.  It is a Biblical standard.  Paul put it this way,

(2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV)  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.