Trust Issues

(Pro 31:11 KJV) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

We are at the beginning of a long passage on one topic.  It is possibly the longest single topic passage in Proverbs.  It is talking about the qualities in the ideal wife.  This verse puts before us the first, and thus most important.  It is the matter of “trust” (982).

When it comes to marriage, trust is a must.  The same is true of any serious relationship.  The word seems to have the idea that you can press ahead without having to worry about what is going on around you.  If you are leading a charge in war it would mean that you assume the rest of the unit are moving forward with you.  It is the confidence that you will not be left out in the cold while everyone else clusters around the fire.

So?  We should work to build that kind of attitude in others.  It is easy to destroy and hard to maintain.  Start with prayer and continue with straight living. 

Beware of Swimming Holes

(Pro 30:15 KJV) The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

The KJV translates this with “horseleach” (5936).  When I looked for a definition I came up with,  “a large leech, as Haemopis marmoratis, that infests the mouth and nasal passages of horses.”  I asked myself how a horse could pick up such parasites.  To my knowledge leaches live in water.  I would imagine that a leech could attach when the horse was drinking infested water. 

So heed the warning.  Be careful where you drink.  Take that figuratively or metaphorically.  We seek knowledge and companionship in varied ways.  Some are neutral, some beneficial and some are evil.  The evil will infest your mind and soul.  It will suck the joy and possibly the salvation out of you.

So?  Feed on God’s word.  Keep your eyes open.  I remember getting in a lake in the Midwest, seeing leeches in the water and immediately exiting.

Favor of the Day

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

I am currently starting to meet with a group of guys who are concerned with the way our country is going and seeking ways to do something about it.  The focus of our group will be with the first part of this verse.  That has its place and in a republic is necessary, but we cannot forget the second part of this verse.  God is the ultimate authority.

I at times fall into the frustration trap because my plans are not working out.  What do I mean, “At times”?  It is a constant failure.  The failure is actually in believing in my gut that God is in control.  He not only judges me, He judges the culture I live in.  I need to be reminded that if God could work with the rulers of Egypt, Babylonia and Persia then He can work with our ruler of the day.

So?  Take the long view.  Seek God on a regular basis.  Keep moving forward. 

Options

(Pro 28:6 KJV) Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Let’s be honest.  We really think we should have both.  We think that God should honor our spiritual stands and get us the promotion or cause the stocks we bought to shoot through the moon.  We get discouraged when it doesn’t happen.  Okay, maybe it is only me.  Maybe I am the only one who gets tired of doing the right thing and being left alone in the corner while the party moves on.

I pray that I can live with that, in victory.  I am not called to get rich.  I concede that it would be nice but it might also destroy me.  I am called to be righteous.  My goal is to set my agenda for the day on that basis.

So?  Go to work because you need to pay the bills.  Spend time with the Lord because you need to avoid the traps. 

Drop Drills

(Pro 27:16 KJV) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Are you a control freak?  No?  How about just liking to be able to control the basics of life.  Join me in a moment of my life where I dropped an ice cube on the floor and it shattered into little pieces.  Picture me with my big fingers trying to get a grip on those little slivers.  The macho man in me would just let them melt and evaporate, but I have a wife, so that won’t do.  I keep trying to pick them up.  That is the picture here.

The answer would involve using alternative methods.  You could try a broom and dust pan.  I think that a dry dish towel might do the trick.  Maybe your needle-nose pliers would keep you language pure.  Whatever you do it will require patience and wisdom.

So?  Even if you are single life is going to hand you some form of contentious woman.  Count on it and learn to deal with it.  You are not alone. 

A Time to Spoon Feed

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

Having just spent months with our two grandchildren in the house I look at this a little different.  The newborn could not bring his hand to his mouth.  He wasn’t sure what a hand was.  The toddler is a different story.  If we had let her it is possible that we would still be spoon feeding her at two years.  Even after she demonstrated she could handle the utensils, she would have times when she wanted to be fed.  Was it sloth?  Possible.  Was it manipulation?  More possible.

We have a lot of people around us who never grow up.  They want others to do their work.  They feel like you are their servant.  You may not have noticed, but Proverbs does not have good things to say about those kind of people.

So?  Grow up and help others grow up.  I am sure that each of us fits into one of those categories.

Light the Slow Fuse

(Pro 25:15 KJV) By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Sometimes I think translators allow the sermon they heard on Sunday to influence their translating.  The “forebearing" (forbearance NASB) (639) mentioned here is usually translated “anger” or “wrath”.  It is not the patience we associate with forbearance.  Of course there is the other word that is hidden in the NASB but comes out in the KJV, “long” (753).  They make it patience.  I make it controlled, simmering rage that works slowly toward a solution.

We live in republics that grant us the right to petition our government.  We are supposed to be getting on their backs.  It will keep them in line.  The second part of the verse reminds us that people respond better if they are not painted in a corner.

So?  Go to the city council meeting.  Write the letter.  Participate in the church committee.  Find a way to let them know your are deeply concerned but allow them to find a way to respond without having to duke it out. 

Hand Brace

(Pro 24:10 KJV)  If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

The phrase “day of distress” caught my eye.  I tried doing a search of the English in the NASB and came up with five references.  Then I realized that the KJV used a different word and saw that many times “distress” (6869a) was used it had modifiers that kept it from showing up.  My interest was what that day would involve.  Was it simply bowel trouble or was it the end of the world?  I guess the answer is “yes”. 

We will face problems.  The point is that we are to face them head on.  I remember from my days of football practice that if I faced the opposition face to face and braced myself, I could handle just about anything that came my way.  When my granddaughter was with us she learned that when things looked rocky if she would take my hand she could deal with just about anything.

So?  Keep in contact with the eternal Hand, you know, the one with the nail print.  He will help you brace for whatever is down the road.

Got Hope?

(Pro 23:18 KJV) For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

“Be careful what you wish for.”  I am not sure where that comes from.  The internet tells me it is Aesop’s Fables but the site I got that from was more a personal reminiscence than a history so they didn’t bother to tell me which one.  You find that idea in the word “expectation” (hope NASB) (8615b).  As Christians we understand the hope that is in us but the word is used at least once to speak of the “hope” of the evil people around us.

(Pro 11:23 KJV) The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation (8615b) of the wicked is wrath.

The key is found in the source of our hope.  If you check the previous verse or about anywhere in Proverbs you find that we need to focus on a proper fear of the Lord.

So?  Everything has a context.  Real expectations are built on a foundation.  Build on the rock, not the sand.

Don’t Shake on It

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

The literal meaning of the Hebrew is given by the KJV in “strike” (8628) “hands” (3709).  I guess it could be clap hands.  This could be where we get the idea that a deal is not finalized until we shake on it.  That really is a side issue though.  The core though here is to not get into co-signing a loan.  I would think that in an age of capitalism there might be some questions about buying stock or investing in new issues.  Venture capitalists would need to think seriously about how this applies to them.

This could be understood to not co-sign on a loan for your son’s car.  In addition to protecting you from loss, it might also be important because it would teach the young man responsibility.  It is probable that if he cannot qualify for a loan he does not need the car.

So?  Our financial commitments come under the title of holy living, just like everything else.

Just Do It

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

When you read the same scripture over and over again it can begin to be taken for granted.  In the search for a fresh voice I start reading at a different part of the chapter each month.  Since it is toward the middle of the year I began in this verse today.  It immediately jumped out at me in light of what I see going on in the culture around me.

We as Christians need to be about the “execution” (6213a) of “justice” (4941).  The verb here is an incredibly common word in Hebrew which simply means “to do”.  That is how the KJV translates it here but the NASB in the pursuit of new sales or creativity translates it “execution” in the 1977 version and “exercise” in the update.  Either way it is a command for us as believers.  What I found interesting is another place it is used that I go to on a regular basis.

(Mic 6:8 KJV) He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do (6213a) justly (4941), and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

So?  Justice is a big concern for Christians but make sure it is the justice of the Bible, not the social justice of our current political manipulators.  Do it. 

Pick Your Battles

(Pro 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.

Proverbs is big on telling us to avoid the lime light.  Keeping your mouth shut is a virtue.  It is true that in Acts Peter defies the powers that be but it was a special case.  He was not being called on the carpet for demanding his rights.  He was being told to stop preaching the gospel.  There is a difference.

(Act 4:18-20 KJV) And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

There are times when it will make the king mad.  There are times when it will make your spouse mad.  There are times when you go ahead and let them have their mad.  There are other times when you keep your opinions to yourself.

So?  Pick your battles.  Be alert to the difference between witnessing and showing off.

The Silent Type

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

What price would you be willing to pay in order to be accepted, to fit in?  Sometimes we do this by remaining silent.  If I looked I could list a number of places in Proverbs that would endorse this behavior, verses having to do with avoiding anger and conflict.  Then there is my favorite,

(Pro 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.

The Bible is okay with us keeping our mouth shut.  The problem seems to be when we open it.  I know I have times when I need the last word.  I also realize that I rarely simply say, “I don’t know,” and leave it at that.  I always seem to need to add, “but...” and share my wisdom.  That is not approved.

So?  Simple.  Most of the time, keep your mouth shut.  Now if I could only practice what I am preaching. 

Be Careful of Benjamin

(Pro 18:24 KJV) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

I have heard the phrasing from the second part of the verse used to refer to Jesus.  Although it is a true concept, you can’t get it from this verse.  That is a good illustration of a “preaching point” and a “Biblical truth”.  When we teach and preach we often look for words that support a bigger concept.  It has some value but we need to make sure that what we are saying is really in the Bible.  Think of all the times that Benjamin Franklin is quoted and people think it is scripture.  You have statements like “God helps those who help themselves.”  That is not in the Bible.

So?  Good thoughts are not grounds for Christian Doctrine.  We need to be alert to the difference.  That is only possible if we know the original document. 

Unguardian Angels

(Pro 17:11 KJV) An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Sounds like a threat to me.  I wondered if “cruel (394) “messenger” {4397} was a frequent term that had an understood meaning, but this is the only place the phrase appears in the NASB.  In our current civil turmoil I have had frequent times to think about guardian angels and to thank God for them.  The word “messenger” is often translated “angel”.  If God provides guardian angels it would seem he could also send them to administer His wrath.

So?  We think that evil people are getting away with things.  Today that may be true but we have no insight into the pain in their privates lives or the disasters that may be awaiting them.  We are also told to pray for them, for repentance, not peace. 

A Thumb in the Back

(Pro 16:26 KJV) He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

I just finished reading a book by Thomas Sowell called Migrations and Culture.  He traces a number of groups that have been involved in migrations over hundreds of years and around the world.  He notes that when they first arrive in a new land they are destitute and often without any useful skills.  Then an interesting thing happens.  In every country down through history they move up the ladder and become prosperous.  They surpass the locals.  Why?  Because they were willing to work hard.

In our affluent age we have forgotten the value of being in want.  I think of times when I knew that we were almost on the street but my kids never understood that.  They assumed that Dad and Mom would provide.  And providentially, we did.  We had help but the most important action was the second, and a few times third, jobs that kept the budget in the black.

So?  We must be willing to work.  Grace is wonderful for the forgiveness that we cannot earn but there comes a point where the saved soul is expected to get in gear.

Walking Wisdom

(Pro 15:20 KJV) A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

Wisdom is often associated with verbal expression.  In the cartoons showing someone climbing to a mountain peak to ask a question of the wise man sitting there, the desired goal is a verbal answer to a perplexing question.  When it comes to our children I think it needs to go beyond that because in our lives as parents it needs to go beyond that.  Wise words are weak without wise behavior.

My son has a lot of dreams and plans.  That is well and good but I don’t get excited about them.  I watch what he does.  That is where the wisdom will come out.  In the same way people are watching us.

So?  Be walking wisdom.  Anyone can be talking wisdom.  Sometimes the talking kind is on the level of the package that says, “New.  Improved.”  The real test is in the contents. 

The Get Away

(Pro 14:7 KJV) Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

Most of us have had times when we could not concentrate because of noisy distractions.  Maybe I am the only one.  I know that as I get older I find it hard to hear people over certain types of background noise.  A simple example is being in the shower or around running water.  What did you say?  I don’t have a clue.  The same in noisy restaurants.  It is hard to understand.

The word “perceivest" (discern NASB) (3045) in the Hebrew is one of those common words that has a deeper nuance.  It is yada.  It is a form of deeper comprehension.  It means to know on the deepest level.  There are times when in order to hear the Lord, let alone understand, we need to get away from the distractions.  I find that early morning is the best time to get away from the things that demand attention.  I love sitting on the front porch with my guitar and coffee and basking in the Presence. 

So?  If you want it enough you will find it.  God waits, nudging.  It is worth listening. 

The “G” for Today

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

Recently my son brought these cute little techy gizmo light strips.  They seemed very simple.  They had a switch and a place to recharge.  I asked a simple question, “How do you know when they have a full charge?”  Then I asked a second question that was really stupid, “Did you read the directions?”  Real geeks don’t need directions.  They just keep experimenting until it works.  Or not. 

We are told we can have a certain level of “understanding” (7922).  You need to understand the other part of the promise though.  We need to read the directions.  Some things might be no-brainers but the directions might tell us things are capable of much more than we could dream of.  The light strips have an on, off and a “G”.  What does the “G” stand for?  Read the directions.

So?  There will be many “G’s” in life.  You might want to spend some time finding out what they can do.  Read you Bible. 

The Yield of Righteousness

(Pro 12:12 KJV) The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

“Net” (booty NASB) (485b) is an interesting word.  The Hebrew has several translations.  Among them is the idea of bulwark, something you hide behind.  Take that along with the awareness that “men” is not in the Hebrew.  There are people who hide behind “evil” (7451a).  In order to keep their position or power they will commit any atrocity or destruction on others.  We see this in barbarian cultures and modern societies that have barbarians in charge.  It can be a system of rules that are meaningless except for control purposes.  It can be intimidation by personality.

It is also interesting that the word “fruit” is not in the Hebrew.  Godly people are inclined to “yield” (5414).  This is about turning the other cheek and forgiveness.

So?  We are to be different than the world around us.  That may seem to cost us in the short run but remember that God watches over us and controls the outcome. 

The Goal of Columbus

(Pro 11:23 KJV) The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Notice that there are two words, “desire” (8378) and “expectation” (8615b), that speak to the view toward the future.  Both words are used in both positive and negative ways in the Old Testament.  It key is in the context.  Hope can be based in reality or it can be rooted in deception.  If the reality is the person and power of God, then there is good news coming.  If you hope is based on your own worth or the promises of our culture then there is no guarantee of the outcome short term, and a real danger of disaster long term.

So?  What does your heart desire and why?  Why was Christopher Columbus successful when so many others made no mark?  It is not often mentioned but one of his concerns was spreading the gospel.  He was not a 21st century evangelical so we might not understand his lingo or accept the whole picture but he was more successful than he thought.  He never found China but he opened the new world to Jesus. 

Walking Stick Shoes

(Pro 10:24 KJV) The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Fear is a funny thing.  We are in the height of bug season in Texas.  Something I had only heard about before fleeing California was the walking stick.  They are everywhere and have been appearing full grown in the strangest places.  I have two ways of avoiding them.  First, I walk carefully.  That means watching my hands and feet.  The other is to stay inside.  We have had scorpions, centipedes, crickets and spiders get through our defenses but so far no walking sticks. 

So far I have not developed real fear of walking sticks.  It helps to know that they are vegetarian but since I read that online I can’t be sure.  Scorpions though can catch our attention.  When we find one we walk in fear for weeks.  Did you know that scorpions will show up under UV lighting.  We end up patrolling the house at night looking for that unique yellow that says, “Scorpion!”  Of course we could simply wear shoes.

So?  God has made it clear what is dangerous to our eternal souls.  We can walk in fear or we can put on our spiritual shoes.  Again, your choice. 

Making Reservations

(Pro 9:18 KJV) But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Would you get on an airplane if you knew it was going to crash?  I know, dumb question.  We ignore the reality that some airplanes crash because the numbers are so low that we assume we can beat them.  Think about all the things you do that kill people every day.  Obvious ones would be driving a car and crossing a street.  Ones we don’t think about would be taking a bath and swallowing our pills. 

Then you have the people who go out knowing that they will be drunk when they drive home.  You have people who start down the drug road knowing the dangers.  You have people with very flexible sexual practices that know all about STD’s and VD.  The churches are full of people who know the standards that God has established and ignore them on a regular basis.

So?  Hell is going to be full.  That may be one of the conditions that will make it so miserable.  Make sure you are not on the guest list. 

Creation Fears

(Pro 8:28 KJV) When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

Creation.  God designed it.  God made it.  God sustains it.  God will end it, or at least modify it so that you would not recognize it.  As I write the current media created pandemic seems to be on the decline.  As I write I still see people paralyzed by fear.  I expect that in the pagan world.  They live in a superstitious wonderland of petty gods they try to placate.  They have to guess at ways to control the fickle forces of nature.  What disappoints me is when I see it in the church.

I went with my daughter for a doctor’s visit.  We were going to dinner afterwards.  After sitting and reading in the doctor’s waiting room for about 20 minutes I was asked to leave because I did not have on a mask.  Fine.  Your office, your rules.  I went to the lobby and sat in a chair a few yards away from the entrance we had used and had our temperature taken.  After another 20 minutes the lady manning the portal came over and asked me to put on my mask.  I said I didn’t have a mask.  She politely threw me out.

So?  God created the universe.  The processes He set up allowed for viruses and infections.  Our bodies are designed to fight them.  The Bible also has lesson in basic hygiene.  I hope you can join me in not living in fear. 

That’s Just Her

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

Are we talking about a personality type or the result of questionable decisions?  Does it really matter?  All of us have personality types.  Every personality has its problems whether it is Pollyanna or Freddy Krueger.  Some obviously have more than others.  I tend to be someone who is quite willing to sit at home when I should be out getting something done.  My wife will come home from a two week trip and say, “I have to get out of the house.”

God has ways of using each personality type.  The woman in question in this verse obviously could be used in positive ways except she is choosing to head down the wrong path.  A warning to us is that she does not want to travel the road to hell alone.

So?  Be careful whom you enjoy being with.  Some paths lead other places than Rome. 

The Unforgiving

(Pro 6:33 KJV) A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

Every once in awhile I run into someone who asks about the unpardonable sin.  This verse gives us some insights into the concept.  I think the Bible teaches the forgiveness of God and the extent of His grace.  Jesus did not come to die so He could look for excuses to send people to hell.  The only thing that I believe stands between me and salvation is my willingness to repent.

Repentance involves a change.  It is not just regret at being caught and saying, “I’m sorry.”  It is a confession that I am unworthy but, with God’s help, I will change.  Some sins cut so deep into us and those around us that we are unwilling to leave them.  Adultery could be one of those situations.  A person who commits adultery is willing to betray the deepest commitment that they ever made.  If that becomes a joke how can they ever be trusted again.

So?  The good news is that God can see our hearts and know if our repentance is genuine.  Keep in mind that your neighbor does not have that advantage and while God may forgive you, he won’t. 

Stretching It

(Pro 5:1 KJV) My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

If I were translating this I think I would use a different word for “incline” (5186).  There is a wide range of meanings and one that is missed in these is the idea of reaching out or stretching.  Sometimes we need to put a little effort into understanding what God is saying to us.  That is one reason that multiple translations can help and even a paraphrase can bring insight. 

Have you ever tried to sweep a throw rug?  How does that work for you?  For me it is a waste of time.  It is also counter-productive to use a vacuum.  I think the best method is to pick it up, take it out the door and give it a hearty shake.  Sometimes wisdom is that way.

So?  Act like you are trying to get that last bit of spaghetti sauce out of the corner of your plate.  Don’t be satisfied until you have it all. 

Live Wise

(Pro 4:10 KJV) Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

Wisdom will lengthen your life.  Is it magic?  Is this superstitious mumbo jumbo?  Is it an empty hope?  No, it is an obvious truth.  Wisdom is the quality that observes, compiles and acts on what goes on around us.  Wisdom knows the difference between an empty wish and a solid conclusion.  Wisdom is at the root of the scientific method because the scientific method is rooted in the Biblical view of God.  You probably won’t want to say that in your science class but that is wisdom too.

The only reason we can use the scientific method of proofs and experiment is because we believe in an immutable God who created the universe and maintains it in His hand.  If that is not the case then Mother Nature could decide at any moment to make electricity behave different at any time and turn off the law of gravity. 

So?  If you know the tune you can tell when you hit the wrong note.  Wisdom helps you do that in life and keeps you alive longer. 

Signs of the Times

(Pro 3:8 KJV) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Maybe we need to relabel our churches.  You have seen the humor in the memes where churches were putting up signs saying they were Walmarts or abortion clinics so they could stay open during the virus panic.  Maybe we could put up signs claiming to be health spas.  This verse is advertising the benefits of trusting the Lord and acquiring wisdom.  It makes you healthier, or is the proper form more healthy?

If I remember correctly I have read that people who attend church live longer, have better marriages and are generally happier than those who don’t.  If you consider how many go to church without being believers then it says a lot for the benefits of living right.

So?  Make a healthy choice.  Stick with it.

Accurate or Acceptable

(Pro 2:1 KJV) My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

This is a good place to check and see if your translation is concerned with being accurate or being culturally appropriate.  Does your Bible read “My son” or “My child”?  The word in the Hebrew is [ben] (1121) which is clearly not generic.  It is specific. 

This is important because if the translators are going to be true to the truth, they need to respect the right of God to say what He means, not what their sociology professor wants Him to mean.  There are places where translating this as “child” might be appropriate but when you have Solomon addressing his male child, it is not one of them.  If you are not mature enough to get past the mind set of gender studies then you need to spend a bit more time in prayer to the Father.

So?  All translations are not equal.  It is hard enough to find and understand truth without scholars substituting their wisdom for the words of the Almighty.

Tissue Shock

(Pro 1:26 KJV) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

When teaching middle school I would often have students approach me wanting me to use my magic powers to produce a tissue for them.  I would often reach into my back pocket, pull out my handkerchief, and offer to share.  They would recoil in horror.  Then I would blow my nose and put it back in my pocket.  They would look on in disbelief.

First a science lesson.  The handkerchief was loaded with my germs.  I doubt if I am going to get sick with my germs.  I was not worried for myself but I understand them not wanting to use it.

Second, a little history.  I used to have tissue.  I was even foolish enough one time to bring a box from home so my little darlings would not go without.  Then came the second day of school.  I watched as they would reach out, take a large handful of tissue, blow once and throw it all away.  Then they would reach for another handful.  I had paid for that tissue and they were acting like tissue welfare queens.  I stopped bringing my tissue for them to use.  So I began requesting it from the school.  The office would give me one box at a time and limit how often I could get one.  I took to handing them out, one tissue at a time.  When they ran out, they ran out.  I reminded the students that they had sleeves.

So?  God may have sympathy for our spiritual runny noses.  There comes a time when He will harden His heart because He can see ours.  God does not play games.