Shiny

(Pro 31:5 KJV) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Although this is a passage talking about drinking too much it is also a reminder to us of whom we should accept as leaders.  Drunk leaders “pervert” (8132) what they touch.  I would add that even followers destroy what they touch when under the influence.  When I went to look for the definition of “pervert” I was expecting to find a word that reflects the usual, to bend or twist.  Not so in this case.  The root meaning is “to change”.  That brought to mind another verse that I have noticed and I wondered if it was the same word in the Hebrew. 

(Pro 24:21 KJV) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change (8132):

It was. 

This is an argument for the place of tradition in our lives.  There may be times for change.  Where would we be if America rejected the horseless carriage?  I guess there would be a lot of jobs available for sweeping up the horse manure off the street but it would have lowered the quality of life for the average person.  On the other side is the need for a flashy new car every two years.  The point is we need to avoid people who want to change just for the purpose of change.  The new is not always better than the old.

So?  Be wary of political leaders and church leaders who come up with innovative ideas.  There is a good chance they are not on the side of the angels. 

No Additives Allowed

(Pro 30:6 KJV) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

One of the big questions that the early church struggled with was, “What is to be included in scripture?”  It was an honest question and different people had different understandings.  The results were hammered out over a couple of hundred years and we come up with the 66 books that are accepted by all Christians and the Apocrypha which is added by some.  Personally I don’t feel like anything beyond the 66 is to be included.

Then comes the question of translation and manuscripts.  That will probably never be agreed on by the entire church.  In the disagreement you have two large groups of scholars.  You have one group that is honestly trying to get to the best understanding of the original sources.  They are on the side of the angels and have the support and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The second group are the ones who are simply trying to be the most clever kid on the block.  To them it is an intellectual exercise at best and an ego trip a little further down the road.

So?  For those of us in everyday life we need to accept what this verse is telling us.  There is a body of writing that is the Word of God.  Other things may have a use but they are not on the same level.  Try to understand and ask all the questions you want but do not add or subtract from what was given to us. 

Influence

(Pro 29:16 KJV) When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

In Proverbs context does not always have the power it has in the rest of the Bible.  That is because the book is a collection of thoughts that may have been written down a little bit at a time as they occurred to Solomon.  This is one of those places where the verse seems to stand alone, and yet....

The verse before and the verse after both have to do with the importance of discipline.  It would be possible to infer that how we raise our children will have an influence on the amount of evil we see in our culture.  We often tend to think that we live in isolation, that what we do will not matter.  This is a reminder that the world we live in can be influenced.  No, more than that, it will be influenced by each of us.

So?  It is easy to think we are so unimportant that we can slide through life.  God doesn’t seem to look at it that way.  Decisions we make influence us, our family and our world.

The Ayes of the Beholders

(Pro 28:23 KJV) He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

I have always assumed that this verse was talking about the response of the person put on a short leash.  You know, the way a parent tells the little boy, “Someday you will thank me.”  What if that is not the case?  What if this is a matter of the observing congregation or family who are favorable? 

I know I have appreciated it when someone straightens out their obnoxious child.  I also enjoy it when someone calls down a public figure who needs correction.  This should encourage us to take a stand when it is needed.  Too often all we see is the reaction of the target, not the audience.

So?  It would be great if we would do the right thing all the time.  How about once today as a step in the right direction. 

Critical Listening

(Pro 27:6 KJV) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

This speaks about the painful honesty of a true friend.  It also reminds us of the quality of friendship that is willing to listen.  I wonder what kind of friend I am.  That has to do with both the speaking and the listening roles.

So?  Next time you are criticized, listen and be open.  The criticism may be wrong but what do you have to lose by thinking about it for a moment?

A Hot Rod

(Pro 26:3 KJV) A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

You may have heard the saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child”.  Those into Montessori will be glad to know that this is not in the Bible.  Those who are into the Bible will know that the sentiment is, even if the exact phrase is not  The Bible endorses corporal punishment.  The “rod” (7626) is not there just for looks.  It is to be used for discipline.

At the same time it is not to be overused.  The point is the discipline.  If you can enforce it using other methods, then feel free.  It is also clear that some people only learn through pain.  I know that kicking rocks teaches me to watch where I am walking and bumping my head teaches me to duck. 

So?  Who are you going to believe, Dr. Spock or God almighty? 

Unsolicited Advice

(Pro 25:3 KJV) The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

It amuses me when reporters and talking heads try to tell a president what he should do in a certain situation.  For one thing the sitting president managed to get elected and they didn’t.  For another he has sources of information that they don’t.  It is pointless to tell him what to do.

For us peasants it is also almost a waste of time to try to understand why certain things are done.  A president is not going to share everything they know or all the different balls they have to keep in the air at the same time. 

So?  Keep your eyes on the standards that God has given you and as far as possible measure what our leaders do based on those, not on the current cultural mantra.  Even more important keep your own feet on the path of righteousness.  Keep in mind that you will not be judged for anything a politician does. 

Danger

(Pro 24:32 KJV) Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

There are certain concepts that continue to elude me.  Don’t bother getting me into a discussion of watts, amps and volts.  I have made attempts to define and understand them.  In spite of my questions and people giving me patient answers, electricity is one of the great mysteries of the universe to me.  In my heart I am convinced that I could wrap my mind around it but for now I am satisfied by knowing that electricity can kill me and more watts makes for a brighter bulb.

Could I really understand it?  I am convinced that I have not “considered” (reflected NASB) (7896/3820) on it enough.  That means that I have refused to wrestle with the concepts and play with the wires for the required amount of time.  It also could be that I don’t really need to know with the desperation that is required to focus.

So?  I can live just knowing that electricity is dangerous.  The subject of the context here is sloth.  I cannot live a righteous or productive life without conquering laziness.  Neither can you.  I hope we all learn to apply this daily. 

Strings of the Evil Eye

(Pro 23:6 KJV) Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

As my mind roams in the soup of this verse I wonder if this is a warning to me about accepting “help” from the government or my friendly local social worker.  Thankfully I am not in a position to need such, or so I think.  Then I stop to reflect on my experience with my annual physical under Medicare.  It was no longer the annual physical I was used to.  I was used to the doctor checking some basic things like prostrate and liver.  I was used to a series of blood tests to see if everything was in balance.  He would check my eyes and my reflexes.

That was before I was under the care of a government program.  It is no longer an “annual physical”.  It is now a “wellness check”.  The doctor checked nothing in the time I was with him but he took a good deal of time asking me questions to see if my mind met up with the government standards.  He could have done all of the basics in the time he spent with me but instead he went by the government script, “Do you know what year it is?”

So?  Be careful about accepting help from sources you don’t know well.  There are strings everywhere and “string attachers” are looking to score some points.

It’s the Pits

(Pro 22:14 KJV) The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Which comes first, the sin or the “curse” (2194)?  Notice the way the verse reads.  It looks like the falling for the lie comes after God writes you off.  If that is the case it is an application of what we read in the first chapter.

(Pro 1:28 KJV) Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

This rejection by God comes after repeated refusals by man.

From this verse I could come to the conclusion that people who are mired in the “big” sins got there because they were cavalier about the little sins. 

So?  God is patient.  We sin and the Holy Spirit speaks but, like living by the railroad tracks, eventually you stop hearing.  Be alert for the beginnings of rebellion.  We used to have a bit of jargon that applies for lack of attention, “It’s the pits”. 

Arrows, not Weathervanes

(Pro 21:15 KJV) It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

As I read this chapter this verse jumped out at me because of what I see happening in the national arena but to go there would require me to get more political than I want to get here.  The point is still important because of the terms involved.  There are two concepts here that are very important but we are in real danger of interpreting culturally rather than Biblically.  Those can be addressed without being overtly political.

First we have the idea expressed in the KJV as “just” (6662) and the NASB as “righteous”.  We have developed Valley Girl speech patterns to the point where we insert the word “just” as a filler that becomes meaningless.  Because of that you need to think of it as referring to a decision based on eternal values of right and wrong not a modifier as in “just too cute”.  Even the KJV uses “righteous” 164 times to 42 for “just” when translating it.  God has standards that do not change.  He is holy and His standards reflect that.

The second is the “do” (6213) of the KJV and the “exercise” (6213a) of the NASB.  Here the KJV gets it straight and simple.  Even the NASB uses a form of “do” around 1,000 times to the one translation as “exercise”.  Politics aside, we are to do what is right and the measure of what is right is God and His word, not the latest edition of your favorite TV show.

So?  God’s people are called to be arrows pointing true north not weathervane rotating with the latest wind of fashion.  Many who attend church don’t like it but it is still true. 

Speed Traps

(Pro 20:21 KJV) An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

I used to see a road sign, “speed kills”.  I have not seen it in a long time but that could just be because I am not looking.  It is a good reminder to stop and think.  Why do people speed? 

Some go fast for the thrill.  Remember how exciting a go cart was?  It didn’t really move that fast but gave the impression of dangerous speed.  It was a rush.  Some look at driving as the competition of life and they want to be first.  You have noticed the guy on the road who always needs to pass you no matter how fast you are going.  Maybe you are that guy.  Then there is the driver who always gets a late start and it trying to make up his lack of preparation by endangering your life. 

So?  Some of us need an attitude adjustment.  Some need a little discipline.  The point Solomon is making is that rushing through things can be dangerous for you.  I am reminding you that it can also be dangerous for those around you. 

Irish Need Not Apply

(Pro 19:19 KJV) A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Certain lessons must be learned the hard way.  Here the issue is “wrath” (anger NASB) (2534).  It could just as easily be financial irresponsibility or washing wool in hot water.  The offender tends to make excuses.  How many times have you heard, “I’m Irish” to explain sudden flare ups.  Maybe so.  Some people are Irish.  All are sinners.  All are expected to grow in their daily walk.

We cannot “deliver” (rescue NASB) (5337) some people from a problem like anger.  You can become what the Alcoholics Anonymous people call an “enabler”.   That means stepping in to keep people from experiencing the results of their actions.  In the process you keep them from growing up and facing their failure.  It makes you feel great but keeps them dependent.

So?  Accept that you cannot solve everyone’s problems.  I don’t think this is my issue but I have seen so many others who want to get everyone they meet straightened out.  Good luck with that. 

Before the Fall

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

What is the source of the “destruction” (7667) promised here?  Is it God or man?  I would imagine it is both and the real question is which comes first.  Often the mighty are brought down by what seem to be earthly forces.  I think of Hitler, always an easy target.  He seemed to have it all going his way.  Everything he touched turned to gold.  Fast forward and he is isolated in his bunker.

What happened?  Was it the western democracies that brought him down.  Yes, but it was more a matter of God making it possible.  There are a long list of stupid things Hitler did that allowed the allies the time to defeat him.  One example is Dunkirk.  Hitler overruled his generals who wanted to destroy the British on the beach.  Instead he let them escape. 

So?  The promise is clear and in reality it doesn’t matter if you think it was God that brought you down or that dirty so-in-so who never liked you anyway.  Humility is an asset.  Pride is a destroyer.

Holy Politics

(Pro 17:26 KJV) Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

Pardon me for getting a bit into the political scene but keep in mind that politics is a part of life whether it be office or national.  Mike Pence is currently vice president.  I do not know him personally but he has made statements that says he is a devout believing Christian.  This comes in direct statements and in positions he has taken.  The political forces of the left have repeatedly attacked him for this.  It is like Solomon was writing in response to modern news.  Funny how the Bible works that way, isn’t it?

You may remember how he said he would not go to dinner with a woman unless his wife was along.  He was mocked repeatedly for that and yet it is a common sense position to take if you want to avoid the appearance of evil.

So?  How does that relate to us?  We need to be careful not to be pulled into the vortex of evil by supporting people who try to “strike” (5221) the righteous.  We need to support people who are willing to take the heat of the wicked as they try to drive us from the public square.  It isn’t politics, it is holiness. 

Watch Out for Black Helicopters

(Pro 16:14 KJV) The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

I find conspiracy nuts are either a lot of fun or a total bore.  It depends on the subject and my mood.  So I ask you, “Is the deep state out to get you?”  As a general rule do you drive around worried about the black helicopters descending on you and the Department of Agriculture SWAT team taking you into custody at gun point?  Do you at least have a concern about the local cop sitting in a speed trap?  You are not necessarily paranoid.  They may be out to get you.

According to this verse the government, the “king” (4428) really is out to get you.  God sends the word to Samuel when they demanded a king.  It starts with this verse,

(1Sa 8:9 KJV) Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

It goes down hill from there.  You can read that on your own.

According to Paul the government is instituted by God and has a purpose.  That does not mean that it will always be your friend.

So?  Be a good citizen but don’t fall into the nonsense of Big Government being you daddy.

Hard to Believe

(Pro 15:9 KJV) The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

And they don’t care.  Really.  It is hard for believing Christians to wrap their heads around but the world as a whole is quite happy being in their handbasket playing their “wicked” (7563) games.  They are quite content telling you that marriage does not matter if you are really in love.  Sin is fun and holy living is boring to them.  So they really don’t care.

It isn’t the sin that generates God’s wrath as much as the insistence on rejecting the blessings of the kind of life He has for them.  He sees the destruction of fornication, abortion, indulgence and self centeredness.  He knows how it will warp the mind and deaden the soul or warp the soul and deaden the mind, same difference.  But His love is rejected.  That is abominable.

So?  Witness by words when you can.  Witness by action all the time.  Pray and hope that some of the people you care about will come to the point of repentance in time to make the final cut.  The Good News is that God is patient.  The bad news is that He does not play games. 

Not Good Enough

(Pro 14:31 KJV) He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

I wonder about the choices here.  We have “oppresses” (6231) and “mercy" (gracious NASB) (2603) [chesed].  I don’t know about you but I feel like I am somewhere in between.  Is that good enough? 

That is a dangerous question for followers of the one who told us to deny ourselves, take our cross and follow Him.  I don’t want to get to the judgement day and hear Jesus say, “I guess that was good enough, thou flaky servant.” 

I don’t need to worry about oppressing the poor.  I don’t have enough power or influence to make a negative difference in their lives and I don’t accept the current mantras of the social justice warriors.  I could do better at being gracious.

I don’t think this needs to be an obsession.  I don’t need to get up in the morning mumbling about finding a poor person.  I don’t need to stop at every fast food joint looking for a panhandler.  It does need to be a greater awareness.

So?  That gives me enough to worry about for the day.  I will let the economy run itself and pray for world peace.  At the same time I need to be more gracious.

Era of Rationalization

(Pro 13:5 KJV) A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

In our era of rationalization we keep looking for words that soften the blow of sin.  We water it down to the point where we think we don’t need to be concerned any more.  One way of watering it down is the NASB use of “falsehood” (8267) as opposed to the “lying” of the KJV.  We tend to move toward the part of the definition that says “deception” and put that in the category of what a woman looks like when she gets her make-up on.  Lying sounds so negative.

It is.  We may want to say we were just exaggerating.  Maybe we were but if the stretch was to deceive people and not just to tell a humorous story then we are standing on the bank of the lake of fire, getting ready to jump in.

So?  A lie is a lie is a lie.  You may be able to get away with it with your friends but God is not amused.  Walk in righteousness.

Two Roads Diverged...

(Pro 12:28 KJV) In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

The phrase “way (734) of righteousness (6666)” made me think of this verse from the NASB,

(Isa 35:8 NAS77) And a highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it.

In the KJV it is,

(Isa 35:8 KJV) And an highway (4547) shall be there, and a way (1870), and it shall be called The way (1870) of holiness (6944); the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

In spite of the similarities in English the words are different in the Hebrew but I have always liked the phrase “highway of holiness” and the ideas are parallel.  God has laid out a path for us to follow.  It deals with attitudes and action and through the law, the blood, grace and the work of the Holy Spirit He has made it possible to walk that way.

So?  Don’t kid yourself about sin and sloth.  There is a way to live so that we can live and a way to live so we will die.  Choose wisely.

Love Despiseth Not

(Pro 11:12 KJV) He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

This verse gives us an insight into the meaning of love.  Granted it comes from the negative but even that will help us understand love a little better.  When asked about the greatest commandment Jesus said,

(Mat 22:39 KJV) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Both Jesus and Solomon are talking about neighbors.  One says to love, the other says to not “despise” (936).  What that tells us is we really need to watch the negative attitudes.

So?  Got a neighbor you can’t stand?  You don’t need to invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner but you do need to examine your attitude.  Maybe one way to do that is to invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner. 

No and Yes

(Pro 10:13 KJV) In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

As I said before, “Discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit”.  Some people have it at a level that the rest of us can only guess at.  But, like all gifts, there is an level of discernment that is expected of all of us.  As all don’t have the gift of evangelism, all are to witness.  It is the same with discernment.  We are expected to go about in our lives in such a way as to develop this ability.  That requires focus and discipline.

Focus means making it a priority.  Certain things will not happen unless we are determined.  I will not lose weight wishing.  I will not play better golf by sitting in my chair.  I must make the choices that move me in the direction I theoretically want to go.  I must study.  I must prioritize.  I must learn to say “No”.  I must learn to say, “Yes”.  In other words, I must be disciplined.

So?  Unfortunately discipline is not a fruit of the Spirit either but with the help of the Spirit it can be developed.  Will it happen?  It depends on when we use the “yes” and when we use the “no”.

Don’t Waste Your Powder

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

This is not telling us to refuse to “reprove” (correct NASB) (3256) or “rebuke” (reprove NASB) (3198).  If you have read your Bible you know that it is expected when the timing is right.  What is being declared is that it is a waste of time on some people. 

You may have noticed that some people refuse to hear your simple English.  It is a rare find if you can locate someone who will admit to being a Calvinist or a liberal.  Or if you really want to find out what it feels like to ram your head against a block wall, find a “journalist” and try to convince them that they have a liberal bias.  The same thing happens when you confront people on spiritual issues they don’t want to hear.

So?  Keep your powder dry but don’t use a rifle to shoot at hornets.  They may need it but you won’t touch them. 

Package Deal

(Pro 8:18 KJV) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

Wisdom produces life with a package deal.  That means that the wise person is not out of balance.  So, often as we set our goals we limit our vision.  Sometimes the limitation is based on our ability.  Sometimes it is lack of imagination.  Too often it is not done in consultation with the standards and power of God.

Money is pointless if it is not “enduring” (6276).  Recently we walked through the floor of a casino and I watched people punching buttons on slot machines.  One of the problems with gambling is that when you win you just put the money back into the system hoping to win more.  It isn’t like taking the gain and investing it in a home or something else that will be around for a few years.

So?  If you want to throw away a dollar on the lottery, who am I to stop you.  I am not sure God would bother either.  If you want to throw away the groceries hoping to get the gold ring then you have a problem that needs to be dealt with. 

Figurative Surgery

(Pro 7:3 KJV) Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

How do you “write” (3789) on your “heart” (3820)?  I would say this is obviously figurative language but that does not answer the question, just helps us focus.  Part of the writing is done by a desire to see the commandments of God internalized.  That gets us to developing the right kind of habits so that some things are foundational and don’t need to be repeated.  They become a spring board, not a new lesson.

One of the disservices that modern education has done is getting rid of what they label as “Drill and kill”.  Too much repetition can be counter productive, true.  Too little can keep you stupid.  There are certain boring things that I will only retain if I repeat them often enough.  There are even things I want to retain that will fade if I do not practice them. 

So?  Develop spiritual habits and then practice them enough to keep them fresh.  Like so many things in life there are so many areas to work on we will never run out of material and we are so different that the bell I need to ring is automatic for you. 

All Charged Up

(Pro 6:22 KJV) When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

Have you met Siri?  I now have an I-Phone and Siri is that mysterious voice hiding behind the screen that emerges every time I hit the button in the wrong way.  I never ask her anything but she keeps trying to get in the middle.  Like the law of God she is there all the time, ready to advice and guide.  I wonder if an artificial intelligence can get frustrated?  I wonder if the Holy Spirit gets frustrated?

One of the values of a daily time of worship is that I structure my day for a time of listening.  It is still common to get on auto-pilot.  I know I have read entire chapters and then said, “Huh?”  But usually it pays off.

So?  Like your phone, God is with you all the time.  Unlike the phone, God wants to charge you instead of needing a charge. 

Assembly Thoughts

(Pro 5:14 KJV) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

As I looked at the context of this verse I noticed for the first time that it is a statement in regard to adultery.  Here is someone sitting in the middle of a group of worshipers and is thinking about his total failure.  I don’t know if he is ready to repent but at least he is ready to admit his problem.

It is a common thing for us to listen to a sermon and think about how it applies to the life of someone else when we are really the target the Holy Spirit had in mind. 

So?  Next time you are at worship, in church or in your Lazy-Boy, take a moment to do a little self analysis. 

One Step at a Time

(Pro 4:26 KJV) Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Have you noticed that it is hard for your heart to go where you feet don’t lead?  Of course I mean your physical heart.  Your emotions and feelings are a different matter, or are they really?  From what I have read it is possible to change how you feel about people and things by the way in which you live your life.  It doesn’t happen overnight, but it can be done.

The point here might be to remind us about the daily discipline of life.  It is great to pull out a map and point to a location across the continent.  It is sometimes good to dream about where you want to be in life ten years from now.  You will never get to either if you do not step right today.

So?  Plan and dream but make sure that you don’t step in a hole you were not looking for today. 

He Giveth More Scorn

(Pro 3:34 KJV) Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

You have heard it said that God helps those who help themselves.  Repeat after me, “That is not in the Bible.”  As attractive as it is, you won’t find it.  On the other hand this verse seems to be saying that God will respond to you based on your attitude toward Him and His laws.  You want to live in rebellion and defiance?  Then He will help you along your way.  Notice here that what gets help for the “lowly” (afflicted NASB) (6035) is not their bank balance but their attitude.

So?  We have a lot of promises about God being there for us.  They are usually conditional and apply only to the faithful.  Live like you believe it. 

The Deliverance Card

(Pro 2:12 KJV) To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

One question we need to ask ourselves is, “Do I want God to ‘deliver’ (5337) me?”  It seems like a no brainer.  Of course we want God to pull our chestnuts out of the fire, but we need to understand that this is not the conclusion offered at the end of a night of debauchery or a joy ride in a “borrowed” car.  This is a promise that comes when we have been walking in the path God wants for us.  It would also apply if we are on a learning curve and doing the best we can to stay on the road.

So?  Deliverance is one ingredient in a life of obedience.  It is not a Get Out of Jail Free Card. 

Unescape Clause

(Pro 1:28 KJV) Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

We do a disservice to non-believers and weak believers.  We give the idea that God is not God in that He can’t seem to realize that we are not sincere about our spiritual lives.  The biggest problem to me is the young Christian who might get the idea that God is no smarter than the gods they read about in their fantasy literature.  He cannot be tricked.  He will not be mocked.

At the same time He is a gracious and forgiving God.  When we approach Him with open hearts and a spirit of obedience, He will listen.  He ignores this verse for you.

So?  Walk in honesty before God.  Live the life and if you mess up, confess, repent and be restored.  Glory!