A History Lesson

(Pro 31:19 KJV)  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

When it comes down to it, I didn’t have any idea what a “spindle” (6418) and a “distaff” (3601) were.  I knew that they had some function in the making of cloth but beyond that there was just a fuzz in my mind about them.  So, in the age of the internet, I went to see what You-Tube had to tell me.  “Distaff” is kind of ghetto talk for this stick, as in “Dis is my staff”.  It is a stick on which you gather the wool that you are planning on making into thread.  It looks a lot like a stick of cotton candy.  

The “spindle” is another stick that you spin, surprise, as you pull a strand of wool off the distaff.  You first pull out a length of wool, twirl the spindle, and then wind the thread onto the spindle.  One of the points brought out by the lady on the video was that it was totally a mobile device and that you could start and stop all day long.  

So?  Just a bit of Bible background today.  I will let you make your own applications. 

Stare Back

(Pro 30:30 KJV)  A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

I think I prefer the NASB use of “mighty” (1368) to the KJV’s “strongest”.  In fact it is the KJV’s favorite translation of the Hebrew word.  The point is not that the lion is at the top but that he is in the top echelon.  It is this characteristic that keeps him from backing off from challenges.  

Is that a good trait or a problem?  I would suggest that it depends on the situation, like so many things in life, “it depends”.  What we can take from it is the praise being given the lion when confronted.  Too often I back down from any push back.  I turn away, look for another route, retreat.  As I look back I wonder how things would have been different if I had simply returned the stare.  Notice it does not say the lion attacks.

So?  We need to be willing to stand tall for the Lord.  That is double true in the present environment where we have people who should know better embracing moral positions that are totally opposite to what God has laid out in His word. 

The Pause

(Pro 29:11 KJV)  A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

As I compared translations today I was drawn to the way the KJV says “a fool uttereth all his mind.”  It is much more than losing your temper like the NASB says.  This speaks to lack of discipline in our speech.  An attribute of the Christian is that he stops to consider before he says what he has to say.  I will admit that is difficult at times.  I find that in conversation with some people if they ask a question I really don’t want to answer all I need to do is pause and think a moment.  Since people seem to be afraid of silence, they start talking before I have a chance to put together an answer.  Usually the question never comes up again because they didn’t really want an answer.

So?  Be the one who might be thought a bit slow because you don’t talk much.  Of course you might also be thought wise, but that is another verse.

Prepping

(Pro 28:19 KJV)  He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

Those of us who are not farmers might miss that tilling is not planting.  It is a process that loosens the soil and prepares it for planting.  As I did a little research, one source said that if you did things right you could even skip a year.  Think about how this might apply to something like evangelism.  We should be preparing the soil by living righteous lives.  In the same way, how many restaurants are opened because someone has impressed people with their cooking?  

So?  We need to look at our lives as an investment in the future.  As I write I think of all the time I spend on meaningless tasks or leisure activities.  I need to look at my day. 

Just Sayin’ or Not

(Pro 27:2 KJV)  Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Some of my best moments came when people would say things about me that I knew I did not deserve.  What made it even better was when they did not realize I considered it a compliment.  I think of the time in class when a kid said, “Why are you always talking about Jesus?”  I would have worn that badge gladly but I rarely said the name of Jesus.  He just picked it up from the other things I said.  There is no way I could have generated that on purpose.

So?  Live the way that reflects the values of Jesus.  Be a credit to your savior.  You are not doing it to bring credit to yourself but to Him. 

No Flow

(Pro 26:1 KJV)  As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

I am not satisfied with the “fitting” (5000) of the NASB or the “seemly” of the KJV.   I guess both will work but there is also the idea of beauty involved in the word.  My wife got a new dress and of course that brings to mind all of the jokes involved in that subject.  As she was sitting in the car I noticed that the pattern in the material was pleasant and it seemed to fit her well.  I forced myself to complement her on the dress.  It is fortunate that I did it then because when she stood up and started walking it evolved into a granny dress.  It fit.  It was seemly.  It looked like a poorly designed mumu.  Mumus can look good.  They have a flow.  This one didn’t.

“Honor” (3519b) can be like that.  You can try to bestow it but somehow it just doesn’t fit.  We see this happening at most of the award dinners we attend.  The media is constantly trying to put lipstick on the pig.  We need to avoid it and make sure that we do not look up to or praise people who are really fools.

So?  Be careful where you give you complements.  There are some people who listen to you and take what you say to the bank.  Don’t make your trustworthiness bounce.

Stay on the Fairway

(Pro 25:28 KJV)  He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

I remember when I first started to get into golf.  I had the newbie enthusiasm.  I would play anywhere and any time.  I checked out books at the library.  I even bought a few.  As my thinking caught up with my enthusiasm I realized that golf has its experts just like any other field and they were as unreliable as any other group of experts.  I remember reading two different pros as they talked about which was more important, power or accuracy.  One said swing as hard as you can and work on control later.  The other reversed the order.  The truth is, both are important.  That is what this verse is dealing with.

You may have built what could be called a fortress in your life.  It is a major accomplishment.  Then you end up leaving the gate open and the light on because you have no self control.  As Christians we rely on the Holy Spirit.  Part of what that means is He does the things that are mighty and awesome.  We work on discipline.  It is not good for our ego but important for our eternity.

So?  Focus on self control and discipline.  God will deal with governments, weather and the economy. 

7/1

(Pro 24:16 KJV)  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Law or principle?  That is not a question to avoid the issue.  It is real.  Some of the teachings of the Bible are hard and fast rules.  For examples you can start with the Ten Commandments.  Other statements need to be understood as principles.  If you get that mixed up then you think that the rule is you can stumble seven times for every one the wicked do.  It is like Peter being told he had to forgive seven times seventy.  That did not mean 490 times.  It meant keep forgiving.

The same it true here.  It is a reminder that we have a resource unavailable to evil neighbors.  We have the endless strength, power and creativity of the Holy Spirit.  That is why Paul wrote,

(2Co 4:8-9 KJV)  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

So?  Stop counting and start living.  Life happens and sometimes that means stubbed toes. 

Medicinal Purposes

(Pro 23:31 KJV)  Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Whenever alcohol comes up the drinkers always refer to Jesus turning water into wine and Paul telling Timothy to take some wine for his stomach.  Let me respond to the second based on this verse.  Paul was telling Timothy to use the wine like a medicine.  What seems to be one characteristic of medicines?  They do not taste good.  I could easily use wine as a medicine because I hate the smell of alcohol.  I would always limit myself to what was required.

Notice the warning against using wine when it goes down easy, when its color seems warm and inviting.  Balance is a good solid Christian virtue.  In some cases abstinence is even better.

So?  If you feel a need to justify your alcohol then maybe it is something that needs to be rethought. 

Credit Enablers

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

We live in a day of easy credit and easy forgiveness of credit.  One of the political footballs being tossed around today is the forgiveness of college loans.  In the lockdowns we had the government declaring that tenants did not need to pay their rent.  I hear ads on the radio about how a law office can get you out of paying back taxes.  It is often stated that you can negotiate with credit card companies to reduce your debt.

What is being stated here is that we should not be part of anything that enables people to get into debt.  We should discourage college students from getting credit cards.  We should send out children to community colleges instead of the high cost university.  We should drive the smaller car and stay in the less than elegant hotels.

So?  Live within your means and expect others to do so also.  If it is a crisis then our place is gifts not loans.  If their problem isn’t important enough to get us to simply give them what they need then it probably isn’t something that a loan will cure. 

Channeling Jack Horner

(Pro 21:8 KJV)  The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

If I were preaching a sermon on total depravity or original sin then I would prefer the KJV translation.  Fortunately the doctrine does not depend on this verse.  That understanding leave you wondering where the “pure” (2134) comes from.

I think it is better to look at this as a reminder that our choices have results.  We need to avoid judging others because we cannot know all the factors involved but it is eery how often people who are in crisis have made it a habit of making the wrong decisions.  Again, great care needs to be taken to avoid the judgement of focus.  That is where we are so busy channeling our inner Jack Horner that everything we see comes out as saying, “What a good boy am I.”

So?  The words are not for us to evaluate and lecture others.  They are there to remind each of us that our decisions lay the foundation for future events.

Certainly Uncertain

(Pro 20:15 KJV)  There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

We live in uncertain times.  Realistically, most people would say that no matter when they lived.  We do not have the Blitzkrieg raging across Europe.  In spite of our panic we do not have anything even close to the Black Death spreading through out cities.  We do have a government printing all kinds of money and borrowing like there is no tomorrow.  It is getting so that no matter what plans you have made and how careful you have been, you could lose it all.

This is a reminder that there is a greater security than is found in material wealth.  There is an investment that will be more sure and have a greater pay off.  Part of that precious awareness is being rooted in an eternal God’s-eye view of today and tomorrow.  It won’t protect your IRA but it will let you sleep at night.

So?  Be a good steward of the physical assets God has put in your care.  Be an even better steward of the mind God gave you and the soul He wants to save.

Avoiding Catch-Up

(Pro 19:14 KJV)  House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

I think about the decision my wife made to give up her career plans and invest her life in our children.  What she thought she wanted was coming together but she realized there was a higher calling.  I think our children have turned out well and that it is more than just the love of a father that says they stand head and shoulders above the rest.  Much of that is rooted in her decision and attention to priorities.

Those kind of decisions come from the Lord.  Sometimes you only get one chance to get it right.  If you don’t then you are destined to playing catch-up.  I look at the grandchildren of friends being dumped into day care and then surrendered to public education and shake my head in sorrow.  I read a post recently about children cancelling their parents.  It starts when you accept the standards of the world and don’t even know it.

So?  Pray for any unmarried person you know.  Ask that God would provide them with the spouse they need and that they would be such a spouse.  If you have been married for awhile it might be a little late for that but God is willing to help. 

Not Again

(Pro 18:13 KJV)  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Here again is a reminder of the value of reading through Proverbs on a monthly basis.  There are certain things that need to be rubbed in my face on a regular basis.  This is one of them.  I could learn it from experience.  I am constantly reminded that people are not listening to me.  Sometimes that is because they talk over me.  Other times it is because their response has nothing to do with what I said.

So?  Say less; listen more.  Simple to say but hard to hear. 

Velcro Wisdom

(Pro 17:24 KJV)  Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

The older I get the less I am impressed by formal education and diplomas on the wall.  We are surrounded by “experts” who have velcro closures because they never learned how to tie their shoes.  As a teacher I was constantly assaulted by the new insights of consultants and gurus.  I was told how to teach by people who had never taught.  I have been lectured on how to raise children by childless geniuses.  We have all been there.

We need people who have a deeper “understanding” (995) than they can get in a textbook or through the process of Greek logic.  Textbooks have their place.  Logic is valuable.  What is more important is the insight that comes from a fear of God and an understanding of the eternal principles.  Too often we base our ideas about things like global warming on yesterday’s temperature instead of an honest listing for the last hundred years.

So?  The insights that God gives us come from even more than documents 2,000 years old.  They come from a timeless eternity that looks back and forward and draws a line between truth and opinion.  Pay attention. 

Atonement Is Not a New Testament Idea

(Pro 16:6 KJV)  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

One of the mistaken ideas that I come across is the idea that there was no forgiveness of sin offered in the Old Testament.  To those people I would ask, “What part of atonement don’t you understand?”  This is just one reference.  The Old Testament is saturated with this idea.  Atonement was available.

There are other things we need to consider and wonder about.  Only Jesus was capable of paying the price for the forgiveness and cleansing that we need.  Perhaps the difference is that “atonement” has the concept of forgiveness by covering while the blood of Jesus offers not only forgiveness but also cleansing, regeneration, adoption, and justification.  

So?  The discussions will go on.  The disagreements will endure until we stand in front of the judgement seat.  I am looking forward to the look on the faces of some people I have listened to when they see that eternity has people who were not members of their church.  The key point I would emphasize is that atonement if available and possible. 

Age of Fear

(Pro 15:33 KJV)  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

We are living in an age of fear.  The most obvious is the terror that has been ingrained in us about a virus.  If you don’t believe it then look at all the people walking in the sunshine with no living being within range and wearing a mask.  Sometimes they even have gloves.  Their days are filled with terror.  Every time they sneeze or cough they fear they are on an irreversible spiral toward death.  

We also see it in the attempts to divide Americans based on race.  The object is to get us to fear and hate each other.  We have all seen countless videos of elderly people, often Asian, being sucker punched as they went about their business.  The idea is to get you afraid to live life and to be suspicious of your neighbors.

So?  We have forgotten our fear of the Lord.  We have substituted other gods before Him.  Will fear of the Lord keep you from getting sick?  Don’t be silly.  A healthy fear of the Lord will remind you that you have a God designed immune system to fight off the sickness and help you keep your perspective.  I will take God’s design over a chemical concoction of a pharmaceutical company any day. 

Always Those Pesky Choices

(Pro 14:18 KJV)  The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Two personality types and two implied results.  We have a choice in which one we are a part of.  The class we occupy is based on a continuous string of decisions not a one time epiphany.  Some people are “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a) by genetics.  In this case they are incapable of getting any deeper into the truth that will set us free.  I doubt if any of us would admit to being a part of that population because in reality there is a bit of mental deficiency involved.  Those people are not the thrust of this verse.

We are here worried about being a part of the intellectually lazy.  Or should I say, we should be worried.  God did not create us to slide blissfully through life with a smile on our face and a film over our eyes.  We were not created in His image to be happy dogs or cynical cats.  We were created to be able to gather and deal with “knowledge” (1874).  We are thinking creatures and thus responsible for the choices that determine our eternal destiny.

So?  We are to study, to put the word of God in our hearts, to present our bodies.  Following Jesus is not a matter of buying a ticket and sitting in the coach.  It is a walk, a following, a growth.  Welcome aboard. 

Clothespin Theology

(Pro 13:3 KJV)  He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Is this important and timely advice?  If it isn’t you are an unusual and disciplined person.  I don’t know how many times in a day I find myself rising to the occasion demanding that I win an argument or put in my two cents worth.  I have usually said too much before I realize I should just cut off my need to come out on top.  

There is a difference between a healthy discussion and an episode of one-upmanship.  We are good at the second and pathetic on the first, or at least I am.  If you know when to keep your mouth closed and your opinions to yourself then you are blessed.  I need to be more blessed.

So?  Maybe I could practice clothespin theology.  That would involve walking around with a clothespin clamped on my lips.  It would not stop me from talking but when it hits the ground it might remind me of my resolve. 

Smiley Speech

(Pro 12:25 KJV)  Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Too many people who consider themselves Christians spend little or no time reading the “word” (1697).  I know that I have had long periods where I have gone stale.  God has been patient with me and walked me through it.  I am sure He was thinking about shaking His head over my lack of discipline but He also knew that if He shook His head the entire universe might have trembled.  As much as I would like to go off on the written word here, that is not the meaning.  This is the standard Hebrew for the spoken word.  It is extremely common, just as the words we use are common.

The point here is that we can lift up others by giving them a few “good” (2896a) words.  The idea is beautiful and positive.  This is not quoting scripture to them, although that may be appropriate.  This is the “nice job” or “you have really helped me” type of comment.

So?  You never know what a kind word can do to make someone’s day.  It would be good if we would look for opportunities to lift up the many people we rub elbows with that we don’t know well enough to do more than say something with a smile. 

Right over Riches

(Pro 11:4 KJV)  Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

While it is true that “righteousness” (6666) does not rule out “riches” (1952), we often are called on to make a decision between the two.  Integrity in our business dealings, fulfilling our contract obligations, paying on time and such practices are more important than the bottom line.  If you can’t make a fair profit then either you are not bidding high enough or it is a trade you should not be in.

So?  Don’t ever let go of the priorities. 

Get Busy

(Pro 10:5 KJV)  He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Hard work is a spiritual value.  We need to concede that we live in a day where we all will not labor in the hot sun and literally live by the sweat of our brow.  At the same time there is a concept of effort put out and our pleasure, enjoyment, sense of fulfillment is not the measure of the value of the work.

I don’t see any emotional expression from the sons that says they are into what they are doing.  It is a matter of discipline.  Sometimes it works out that we enjoy it.  Other times we can develop a sense of purpose but the point is that we are being productive in the walk of life.

So?  What is often called the Protestant Work Ethic is a real thing.  It may not be Protestant specific but it is Biblical.

Heredity or Environment

(Pro 9:13 KJV)  A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

Are we talking about personality types or learned behavior?  If you have more than one child, you realize they are different from the day they are born.  I see the same thing in our grandchildren.  So there is always the reality of how you were born.  That does not mean that you cannot change.  If you are an introvert, you can learn to be comfortable in groups.  I remember how terrified I was standing up in front of a crowd, then I was a preacher.  Later I was a teacher.  These require standing up and talking.  I would imagine that extroverts could learn to tone it down also.

So?  The results of coming to Christ are personalities that conform to His image.  It is the reach of everyone. 

Even Fools Can Learn

(Pro 8:5 KJV)  O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

I struggle with the use of “fools” (3684).  That is because of the words of Jesus,

(Mat 5:22 KJV)  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

However, if you do a little research you find that people are branded fools in both the OT and NT.  I will leave that research for another day and turn the finger pointing toward me.  

It is clear that God has a certain standard of discernment and wisdom that He expects from each of us.  None of us are born wise.  In spite of the liberal educators mantra about the wisdom of children, they are total fools and generally learn most of their lessons from pain or discomfort.  As an adult I am expected to access and use the resources available to me, starting with the Bible.  I am expected to use discernment on the toxic mix that comes over the internet and airwaves.

So?  The positive news is we can learn.  The reality is that often we refuse.  Think and act. 

Not So Gentle Reminder

(Pro 7:24 KJV)  Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

This sounds like a gentle reminder of something important.  Except for the “gentle” that is true.  There is a phrase that could be added at the end to get across the point:  Or else.  If you read the context, this reminder is in the real threat of personal death and destruction.

There is a reason why it is vital to follow God’s standards.  There is a reason why America has been blessed even though most people are not serious about trusting and following Jesus.  That is because on the whole our laws and standards are based on those found in the Bible.

So?  As we watch our culture composting and our leaders polluting the land we need to remember that there are unbending standards of right and wrong.  We need to remember that we ignore them at our peril and remind those we come in contact with that God is not on vacation. 

Hidden Sloth

(Pro 6:11 KJV)  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Sloth.  The verse does not mention it, but it is the context.  We like to make up all kinds of excuses and phoney causes for “poverty” (7389).  Some of them may even apply some times.  We also like to ignore the ones that make us the responsible party.  We would rather blame someone else or society as a whole.  God wants us to look in the mirror first.

Yes, poverty can limit your options.  Bad choices can limit them even more.  

So?  Read, study, internalize the standards of the Bible.  It recommends hard work.  Actually it demands hard work.  Sloth is sin.  The neighbors are not going to come and mow your lawn.  The guy behind you is not going to dig your ditch until after you are fired.  Trust me. 

The Nasty Taste of Truth

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

Have you ever tried to get a toddler to drink something that is good for them?  On occasion they will put it down the hatch with no problem but the title “toddler” and the adjective “cooperative” do not often go together.  It could be the most beneficial elixir in history.  It would not matter.  They are going to resist until they are so bad they crumble and drink.

That is the picture here.  You have someone who has been around the kind of information that would transform his life.  He has refused to listen.  Maybe this time.  That is why pastors tend to preach the old salvation message so often.  You never know when the Holy Spirit has softened someone up to the point of repentance.

So?  You may not need the sermon of the week.  Pray for those around you and while you are at it make sure you are not ignoring something. 

Simple Steps

(Pro 4:23 KJV)  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

As I write I am struggling with the residual effects of a deep cold.  It looks like it will take an extended time to clean out.  I always wonder where I got it or from whom.  You can never answer those kind of questions.  What I do accept is that if I had just washed my hands one more time or not gone shopping that day or stayed home from church that Sunday, I would not have gotten sick.  At least not that time.

I also accept that my general health is a result of my guardian angel being on control and the times when he says, “All right, be that way.”  Those are the times he refuses to shield me from my own failure to “keep” (watch NASB) (5341).  Most people accept such things as eating right, getting enough exercise and enough sleep as foundations to solid health.  Those all require some buy in by the individual.  The same applies to our spiritual lives.

So?  Balanced diet, adequate exercise and sleep have spiritual applications.  If we can accept them for our physical health, why not for our spiritual condition? 

Squirrel Questions

(Pro 3:20 KJV)  By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

I got off on a squirrel hunt on the “deeps” (8415).  This is a word that can be taken and used literally but still has a mystery about it.  It appears in the second verse in our Bible.

(Gen 1:2 KJV)  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Picture what the earth might have looked like before it took on modern form.  The elements were still churning from direct contact with the power of God.  He had not yet moved the elements to their final form.  The closest I can come is the picture that forms in my mind of looking down in the maw of an active volcano, ready to spill over the brim.

In Exodus my imagination starts to work on just what the deeps consisted of.  It seems that the deeps is not necessarily the same as the sea.

(Exo 15:8 KJV)  And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths (8415) were congealed in the heart of the sea.

At this point I think of all the mineral wealth that is in the ocean.  Some is on the bottom.  Some is in solution.  I read an article recently about mining lithium from sea water.  I have long known that gold was present.  Not just water in a plastic bottle.

Then Job makes the sea and the depths separate.  Is this just a literary device or should we read more into it.  The spiritual point is the same either way but one might help us understand the physical world better.

(Job 28:14 KJV)  The depth (8415) saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.

So?  The Bible is loaded with questions just waiting to be asked.  Isn’t that the basis of good science?  Real science is never settled.  There is always another question to be asked.  Sounds kind of eternal doesn’t it?

Distractions

(Pro 2:17 KJV)  Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

Context.  Context.  Context.  This verse is part of a long list of people that wisdom is designed to protect you from.  I have a friend who seems determined to make a glorious entrance to Hell.  He denies it but his behavior is obviously headed that way.  If his friendship were vital to me, I might be tempted to follow in his footsteps.  How many people have been dragged down by friends and family.

So?  Wisdom will fortify and direct us on the path that leads to eternal life.  There are lots of distractions.  Think of all the interesting places you could stop on the way to work or church.  It is necessary to keep the goal in mind.  Blessings. 

A Place for Satire

(Pro 1:6 KJV)  To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Have you ever met someone who has no sense of humor?  Of course you have.  If you are not aware of anyone like that it might be because you are one of them.  Maybe they have a sense of humor but it is a bit limited.  I know people who think that “I Love Lucy” was the acme of humor.  The same people would often roll on the floor over the antics of the Three Stooges.  I find them boring.  I understand their humor, I just don’t think it is worth paying attention to.  I am a George Burns and Bill Cosby (before the fall) humorist.  I love political humor.

What does that have to do with this verse?  The word “interpretation” (figure NASB) (4426) means a form of satire.  Put that together with “proverb” ( 4912) which deals in wisdom and you have the spectrum of comments that people could make.  The person that the book of Proverbs is trying to develop is to be able to deal with both extremes and the middle.

So?  The word of God is designed to make us mature and well rounded.  Keep reading.  Keep thinking.  Keep growing.