Simple Measure

(Pro 31:12 KJV) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

We often fall into the trap of saying, “That does not apply to me.”  This verse is describing the perfect wife.  I have never been a wife, nor do I expect to ever fill that role.  Like almost everything else in the Bible, it applies to me.

How do I treat people around me?  What is the effect of their contact with me?  Our commission is to do them “good” (2896b).

So?  Seems simple.  Seems measurable.  Today is the day. 

How Many Guitars Is Enough?

(Pro 30:16 KJV) The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

When do we have “enough” (1952)?  The most common translation of this word in the NASB is “wealth” and the KJV, “riches”.  It is used most frequently in Proverbs.  It is not always a bad thing.  So the question again is, how much is enough?  This is a real question for Americans living in an economic system that at least pays lip service to free enterprise. 

I don’t think you can put a dollar amount on it.  There is something in us that always wants more.  I find myself thinking about a new guitar.  You know I really need one.  The problem is I already have six and don’t play them as much as I should.  Do I really need another?  No.  When it comes to a car that is not always in the repair shop or a home that does not have enough bathrooms things get a bit more serious.

So?  It is a hard line to balance on but although God promises to meet our needs He expects us to be stewards of the blessings.  I am looking for someone to give a guitar to, not so I have room for a new one, but because I have more than I need. 

Two Teams

(Pro 29:27 KJV) An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

How does this work in our everyday lives?  We need to start with the acceptance that there is a spiritual war going on and everyone is not on the same side.  The public division is between those who claim to be born again and those who don’t.  When someone tells me they have met Jesus, I accept that at the moment and operate on that acceptance.  Time will tell is we are on the same side.  If they mock God, it is also clear.

We need to also remember that the dividing line is not our family, or local church, our political party, our denomination.  The church you attend will have people in it who are living a lie.  They may look good but they are on the other side.  Paul address this concern,

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

I used the NASB because it is clearer there.

So?  Know which side you are on.  Realize that those on the other side are on the other side.  Stand your ground in knowledge and wisdom. 

Cool Doctrine

(Pro 28:7 KJV) Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

I was in a discussion about the younger generation.  You know how it goes, no respect, ignorant, etc.  One of the observations we had was that the younger generation seems to be totally out of touch with the economics of socialism versus capitalism.  They seem to be totally ignorant about how they are being manipulated.  To be fair, I am not sure it is just the younger generation that is this way.

I understand that there are pastors in large churches that refuse to take a biblical stand on any kind of sex outside of marriage.  There are organizations calling themselves churches which will accept the statement that Jesus was not physically raised from the dead.  The list goes on.  This is based on a lack of wisdom, a lack of respect for the Biblical law, no fear of God and a general rejection of all the things God has done to teach us.

So?  All we can do for many of them is gently stand our ground.  Remember that gently does not mean we bend with the wind.  It means that we don’t get angry and super aggressive.  It means that we keep our cool as well as our doctrine.  Give the Holy Spirit time and material to work with. 

Rub Someone the Right Way

(Pro 27:17 KJV) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Part of the set of knives in our kitchen is a steel rod.  You use it to keep your knives sharp.  I am not sure but I get the impression that if you wait too long to sharpen the knife, the rod does not do the job.  It is something that requires constant use.  The same thing would apply for our need for the right kind of fellowship.  It is hard to stay sharp if we don’t keep the edge.

As I write we are going through all the panic about a virus.  The government has decreed that churches cannot meet.  When they lighten up they say things like “sit six feet apart” and “no singing”.  To be honest it is kind of hard to worship through a Zoom ap. 

So?  We need to find ways to get fellowship.  To be honest, the odds of going to hell are a lot stronger than the odds of serious complications from this virus. 

Butt Out

(Pro 26:17 KJV) He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

I would think that it is often obvious when we should stick our nose in someone else’s business.  Or maybe the opposite is more appropriate.  It is usually obvious when we should not offer our two cents worth.  My wife tells the story of the time she was almost physically attacked in a store because she offered some advice to a father.  I was not there.  I know only what she tells me.  She was, of course, completely innocent and his hostility was unwarranted.  Maybe.  Maybe not.  It obviously was the wrong dog ears that she was ruffling.

So?  I think the point is that we should lean toward not offering unsolicited advice.  That is true even when it is obvious.  There are times when people are being real fools, like pushing on a door that says “Pull”.  Let them find out on their own.  It will be embarrassing enough.  It might also have more chance of being educational. 

Feel Free

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

We often get the wrong idea about moderation.  Well, maybe not totally wrong but at least one sided.  Moderation is not just a limitation.  It is not a matter of saying, “Don’t have any fun.”  It is also a permission.  It is saying, “Enjoy life but realize that there are limitations.”  It is a reminder that excess can be very damaging.  It always amuses me when some “study” will show that a substance is dangerous to our health.  If you read the fine print you realize that the amount of the substance given to the test animals is extreme and obviously would be damaging.  It is a lack of moderation that is the problem, not the substance.

So?  We need to embrace more freedom in our lives.  I would say that the world is our oyster but since I don’t like oysters I will say the world is our french fry.  For me one oyster is too many.  You might feel the same about fries.  Feel free. 

Yes, and Yes

(Pro 24:11 KJV) If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

Is this verse cultural/political or spiritual/salvation?  I think the answer is, “Yes.”  We have a responsibility to do what we can to save people’s lives.  Applications that are not really popular have to do with opposing abortion and working to free slaves still in bondage.  What is even more unpopular is to point out that bondage is in existence in the “free” world in the form of sweat shops, prostitution and child pornography. 

We also need to keep in mind that the end of a road without Jesus is eternal damnation.  We don’t like it.  They don’t like it.  That changes nothing.

So?  Be politically and socially active.  Be a witness for Jesus. 

Guarantees

(Pro 23:19 KJV) Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

This is another place to see if your translation is politically correct.  Solomon is talking to his “son” (1121).  It is a Hebrew word, ben, that you see in names such as David Ben-Gurion.  It generally does not mean “children”, but that is just one of my pet peeves.  The point here that I am looking at is the responsibility of the children for whom they become.  I just participated in a discussion with a group of fathers and if there is one question they might have asked it would have been, “What could I have done different as a father?”  Even more on their hearts was, “What can I do now?”

Often the answer is, “Not much.”  We can teach.  We can model.  We can pray and fast.  We can do it all right and if the child will not “listen” (8085) [shama] there is not much you can do.  Remember that God did it all right and Eve still bit the apple.  Jesus did it all right and Judas still betrayed him. 

So?  Be willing to let your children make their decisions.  God did as much for you.  I don’t think there are any guarantees on things like this. 

Financial Shenanigans

(Pro 22:27 KJV) If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

In trying to understand what is being said here I examined the context.  That is often useless in Proverbs because many of the couplets are stand alone propositions.  It is easy to see this one being an extension of the previous verse and almost automatic to say it has nothing to do with the next.  The Bible does not support sloth or irresponsibility.  In isolation this verse seems to be okay with that and the one loaning the money is the bad guy.  I think the landmark mentioned in the next verse gives us a clue.

This is about victims of oppression by the rich.  It is speaking about people who come in during a time of extreme hardship, make loans that they know people cannot pay back and then take away the property that has been in their family for generations.  I think the point is to examine our motives and our methods.  There are some kinds of loans we should not make.  If we have someone hungry we don’t loan them money knowing that they will default and we get to take their home.

So?  It is a hard line to follow but our concern for people should overrule our clever financial arrangements. 

Context

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

We have lost our understanding of “sacrifice” (2077).  We sing choruses like the one that says, “We bring a sacrifice of praise” and think we have it.  Keep in mind that Proverbs is written before the cross.  Because Jesus paid the price for our salvation and we talk about grace, we forget one of the great points that demanded the death on the cross.

(Heb 9:22 KJV) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

We forget that part of Jesus fulfilling the law was to pay the price for our sin with His sacrifice.

So?  When you are having a bad day and are discouraged, take a moment to be grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus paid for your forgiveness.  Rejoice in that knowledge.  It won’t make the broken leg go away but will give it a different context. 

Later

(Pro 20:3 KJV)  It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

We know that having conversations and communicating are important.  Jesus dialogued with the Pharisees and Paul held meetings on Mars Hill.  It is hard to share your faith without getting face to face with others.  There is also a point where wisdom says, “Enough”.  It may be that you can change the subject.  You can excuse yourself.  It is possible that you can only turn your back and walk away.  That is what is going on here.

We need to be sensitive to when people stop listening.  Yes, I know that some people never listen but there are those cases where you cross a line and you can see the veil descend over their eyes.  Part of wisdom is deciding to wait for a better time.

So?  Don’t forget that conviction comes through the Holy Spirit, not our clever arguments.  When people are ready it will be obvious.  Patience. 

Google It

(Pro 19:2 KJV) Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

What an age we live in.  Even with the censoring going on by the social media moguls, the availability of “knowledge” (1847) is impressive.  The mantra of our age has switched from “look it up” to “Google it”.  We can get so much information that it swamps us.  The access to all of this becomes an excuse when it should be a responsibility. 

God gave us a brain.  He created us in His image.  That means that we are expected to use that brain and one of the areas of importance has to do with moral choices.  We are not robots.  We are the highest level of creation and with that comes to duty to use the gifts we have.  On the internet keep your brain engaged.  When reading the Bible or listening to a “Bible teacher” keep your brain engaged.  At all times keep your thinking cap on and powered up.

So?  God gave us free will for a reason.  Rejoice.  You are not a dog that automatically responds to “Squirrel”. 

Bucket List

(Pro 18:1 KJV) Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

Is there a problem with “desire” (8378)?  I guess the answer would be that it depends on what you want and why you want it.  Don’t you hate it when people say, “It depends”?  Yet that is part of so many answers in life.  Take an example from Grandpa’s Diary.  When the precious toddler is sitting in her high chair she is often willing to eat oatmeal.  The problem I had was the existence of grapes.  She had a mild desire for the oatmeal and a wild desire for the grapes.  Since both are healthy, it is a matter of discipline.  But suppose there was a bowl of ice cream on the counter and she only had eyes for that? 

Or take our cat.  Actually it is my daughter’s cat but we are cat sitting.  If she is indoors, she wants out.  As soon as I let her out she is crying at the door to get in.  Many times if I open the door she will roll over and try to look cute.  She has some real confusion with her desires.

So?  Go ahead and make a bucket list.  Then go over it with God’s priorities in mind.  I am guessing there will be a few changes made. 

Mama Bear

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

There are some bits of wisdom that have stood the test of time.  Staying far away from a mama bear and her babies is one of them.  Or at least you would think so but every once in awhile you see a picture on the internet that has some snowflake getting involved with a cub.  Evidently they didn’t get the message.  Or they could be like some people I know who believe the rules don’t apply to them.

Fools exist.  Frequently they breed new fools.  There are not enough mama bears around to teach them the error of their ways.  Just as you would not want to try to reason with a mama bear, it might be a waste of time to reason with a fool.

So?  You can pray for them.  You can live upright in front of them.  You can refuse to cooperate or participate.  You cannot reason. 

Character Assassination

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

There are certain hallmarks of Christian character that migrate across to Christian culture.  We have the idea of “turning the other cheek”.  That is foreign to pagans.  We have the rejection of bribery.  One that is drummed in but often passes under the radar is the desire of the best for other people.  We find it referred to in the Love Chapter,

(1Co 13:6 KJV) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

We see it in Proverbs,

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

This is another page in that chapter.  We are not supposed to go around digging up dirt on people.

So?  Avoid character assassination.  Most people will dig their own graves.  They don’t need help from you and if you live right they may turn to you in a time of crisis.

Happy Fools

(Pro 15:21 KJV) Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

How does one become a fool?  I often wonder, only partially tongue-in-cheek, how people who seem to be intelligent and decent can disagree with me on so many issue.  If you have ever seen a sonogram of your unborn child, how could you even consider an abortion?  If you have ever cleaned a gun how can you believe that so many people shoot themselves while doing so?  In current affairs, how can you watch a city burning and talk about peaceful protesters? 

For some people it is a condition of birth.  We don’t like to admit it but some people are born owing cans to the six-pack and they never catch up.  Others are conditioned by their parents.  Children that are stuck in a baby carrier with a bottle stuck in their mouth are further behind with every gulp compared to a child being held and interacted with by a loving mother.  And to be honest, I think some people choose to be fools because they think it will benefit them.

So?  What is my excuse, you say?  I sometimes wonder.  Until I know more I will seek to follow the life of righteousness. 

Making Haste Slowly

(Pro 14:8 KJV) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

One of the pieces of advice I see in this is “slow down, get the facts, think”.  Maybe that is three pieces.  I think this is consistent with the rest of Proverbs.  We have a tendency to hear something that fits with our view of the world or hits our hot button, and rush off to join the crusade.  When we stop to consider, we realize we were wrong.  Sometimes we keep charging ahead because we are too embarrassed to confess.  Sometimes we slink off into the shadows and hope people forget we were part of it.  On rare occasions we actually proclaim our error.

So?  It is much less embarrassing to think before we act.  Even more important, it is less damaging to others and our society when we do so. 

Choice Folly

(Pro 13:16 KJV) Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

We are living in an age of extreme “folly” (200).  As a general rule we cannot say that people are unaware of statements of truth and morality.  I would guess that none of us know anyone who has spent their entire life in a rainforest without any contact with the outside world.  We have all the information we need to make decisions, yet so many ignore what is there to see.  I don’t worry much any more about the question, “What about the people who have never heard the gospel?”  The information and opportunity is out there.  The majority  choose to ignore it.

So?  There is nothing you or I can do about the masses that are happy in their ignorant bliss.  What we can do is make sure that we are setting the kind of example that will make it impossible for them to ignore it totally. 

Slippery Tongues

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

I keep coming across people who point out that it is easier to tell the truth than to lie.  If you ever have the misfortune to be arrested or questioned by the authorities it is important to stay as close to the truth as possible.  For Christians there is always the assurance that liars go into the lake of fire.  That should be enough for us but some need more.  The problem with exaggerating or out and out lying is that you can’t always remember exactly what you said.  If you tell the truth, you know what to say next time.

So?  This is advice for everyday life, not just in court.  Speak the truth. 

Business Ethics

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

If I were writing a book on principles of successful capitalism that are found in the Bible I would look at this verse.  Perhaps if I called it “business” instead of “capitalism” there would be fewer triggers pulled.  Generating wealth does not happen in a vacuum.  There are certain requirements on how you deal with people.  One of the observations that Alexis De Tocqueville made when traveling down the Ohio river was that the property on the slave side was poorly kept up and undeveloped while on the free side everything was vigorous and prosperous.  His observation was that paying a living wage caused the workers to work harder because they stood to gain something from it. 

There might be short term gains by shortchanging workers in a business but the Bible tells us that long term you are more successful when you treat people right.

So?  The problem with employers is in their heart, which influences their policies.  You may not be an employer but you will hire people to do things for you at times.  Treat them well.

De Tocqueville, Alexis.  Democracy in America, Vol. 1, Translated by Henry Reeve, Project Gutenberg Edition, Kindle Location 6944-6947.

Types of Winds

(Pro 10:25 KJV) As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

The storm does not need to be a “whirlwind” (5492a) to be dangerous.  Every once in awhile my wife has be go out and bring in all the furniture on the front porch.  Her weather reports tell her we are going to get blown away.  I remember one storm where the barbeque grill was blown out from under the awning into the middle of the driveway.  I think we have all seen vehicles moved dramatically by a cross wind.  The Hebrew would support all of these in addition to tornados and cyclones. 

What does not seem to move is the foundation.  What is hard to move is things that are tied securely to the foundation.  We put to much effort in life on wallpaper and not enough on foundations.

So?  I can’t make the decisions of priorities and relative importance for anyone but myself.  I hope I am building my foundations and that you are doing the same.  Storms are coming.  No, that is not a prophecy.  That is an observation.  

There Are Answers

(Pro 9:1 KJV) Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

In the context of this chapter we see a contrast between “wisdom” (2454) and the claims of foolish woman in verse 13.  They both make great claims.  They use similar language.  Welcome to the real world.  God has provided the information and opportunity for us to chose the way of righteousness.  Satan has gone out and done his best to confuse the issue.  What is a mere human to do?

Might I suggest using the mind that God gave us.  Recently there was an article about how the Chinese had peddled a vast amount of fake gold bars.  I didn’t read the article but someone who did said that they were copper bars covered with a thin layer of gold.  I had assumed that they would have been lead covered with gold because I know gold is heavy.  To duplicate the real thing you would need to fool me with more than a nice facade. 

Satan has a lot of pretty offerings.  They might look good.  If your brain is turned on you will be able to find the fallacy in his presentation.  The problem is that no one who wants to be fooled can be convinced.

So?  First, check your heart.  Then turn on your brain and do a little prayerful thinking.  The answers will be there. 

Foundational Appointments

(Pro 8:29 KJV) When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

The phrase “foundations (4146) of the earth (776)” shows up ten times in the KJV.  In this discussion of creation it seems to be referring to the core and principles of gravity for this planet.  It also lets us know that the cosmos is involved.  It has been a long time since I listened but William Lane Craig talked about the fine tuning of the universe.  He said that science seems to point to a large number of physical characteristics of the universe that by even a light variation would make life impossible.  He then says that it almost seems like the entire universe is set up in a balance for the purpose of maintaining life on earth.  He of course sees God’s hand in this.

So?  Our world, as polluted by sin as it is, was created by God.  It is maintained by God.  That should give you a little comfort amid all the hysteria going on around us. 

Minion Avoidance

(Pro 7:12 KJV) Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

We really need to consider the context here.  If you go back a few verses you find a young man out looking for something, or someone.  Now you see that the young woman is out looking for some action too.  If either agent had been busy that night then the meeting would have never taken place.

Having said that you need to realize that evil is not going to stay home.  It is looking for you and knows your habits.  Count on it.  The key person in keeping out of a brand of trouble that ends up in Sheol of verse 27 is you.  You need to develop avoidance behavior.  If they can’t find you then you won’t be tempted.  But remember, Satan and his minions will not give up.  Also remember that his minions are not those cute little yellow creatures the bumble around a movie screen.

So?  Act like you are on a journey and plan your route.  Avoid certain off ramps and parts of town.  You have the knowledge to do this. 

Webster’s Jealousy

(Pro 6:34 KJV) For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

“Jealousy” (7068).  This is not a word I think about much.  It is another one of those Hebrew words that can be used in a positive or negative way.  As I was looking at it I decided to access Webster’s 1828 dictionary in my software.  Since this is being used as a human emotion in response to adultery I thought one of the things Webster wrote was interesting.

“Jealousy is the apprehension of superiority.”

The cheating couple are both saying to the husband, “You are not good enough.”  When we experience this in any area of life it is a reflection of our feelings of inadequacy.  The reminder here is that adultery is sin, and a nasty one in the eyes of God and man.  The warning is that we need to make sure that we are not putting other people in that position. 

So?  There are a lot of behaviors we should avoid simply because they put other people in a compromising situation. 

Passive Tense

(Pro 5:2 KJV) That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

I don’t know about other people and other times in history but many Americans tend to be pragmatic in their approach to things like wisdom.  Why would I want it?  What do I do with it when I get it?  I ask myself these questions when I see the latest app for I-pads and I-phones.  I don’t know if you have ever scrolled through the Ap Store.  The resources are endless but again, why?

Wisdom is desirable not just because of what it helps us do but by what it helps us not do.  This is the word “discretion” (4209).  As you read through Proverbs you see some advice to do, such as work hard.  You also see a lot of encouragement to not do:  Keep your mouth shut.  Building Christian character is often what we avoid as much as what we pursue. 

So?  Spend some time meditating and considering.  Wisdom is for thinking as much as acting. 

Who’s Serve

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

This is Solomon speaking but it brings to my mind the question of God giving us direction.  It goes without saying that God is moving to bring everyone to salvation.  Well, maybe it needs to be said,

(2Pe 3:9 KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

I hope that is clear enough for you.

Why does it not happen?  It would seem to me, as they say, “The ball is in your court.”  I believe that God moves to give everyone opportunity.  It usually does not start with someone presenting the Four Spiritual Laws.  It might be a decision to go right or left and you don’t see the connection with eternity but God does.

So?  God is giving us the direction we need to walk in righteousness.  We have another day to follow that guidance.

Disposable Income

(Pro 3:9 KJV) Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Do you have any “wealth” (1952)?  If you are an American that is a stupid question.  The poorest of the poor in our country would be looked on as wealthy in most third world countries.  Picture a child with no shoes, one pair of clothes and two days without a decent meal.  Give him the loaded shopping carts of an American street person.  He would be in rapture.  If you are reading this you have an electronic device and electricity.  I would guess you have a roof and running water too.  We are wealthy.

The point here is not to quibble over tithing or if the giving is just on the first check.  It always amazes me how people have trouble with tithing.  I imagine God is going to have some long talks with them just as he will talk to me about my eating habits.

So?  Give.  Share.  Rejoice in the ability. 

Auditory Disconnect

(Pro 2:2 KJV) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

It amazes me how often we don’t really listen.  I know I am guilty.  Sometimes it is because the person talking is repeating what they have said many times before.  Sometimes I have a hard time taking people seriously when I recognize that they don’t know what they are talking about.  Maybe they weren’t listening.  Maybe they edited their memory to fit their preconceptions.  Sometimes I am just tired.  Too often I am busy thinking about what I want to say.

So?  We cannot afford to be that way with the truth that God wants to share with us.  What is the point of consulting your GPS if  you are not going to listen to directions?  Don’t ask God for guidance if your mind is already made up. 

No Toilet Paper

(Pro 1:27 KJV) When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

We have a lot of things we worry about today.  Currently we are in hysteria about a virus and always looking over our shoulders because of the rioting going on.  We are told to prepare and be alert.  Good advice but the point here is that it could be too late.  Remember when there was a toilet paper shortage and people were running out?  I remember going to Cosco and seeing the empty pallets.  People were panicked.  “There is no toilet paper!” was the cry.  Actually there was toilet paper.  You just had to look a different place.  I remember being in a dollar store and seeing piles of it when Cosco was out.

A lot of people are like that in life.  When “desolation” (storm NASB) (7584) hits, they go to the same shallow pool of relief that they have always gone to and they come up empty.  It doesn’t mean that there is no succor available.  It means that they refuse to look where it is offered.  And the next verse says that it might actually be too late.

So?  I would advise not waiting until the flood waters are ready to overwhelm.  I would start getting in contact with the Shelter in the time of storms, and doing it now.