Double Standards

(Pro 31:20 KJV)  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

If you are like me you don’t have enough money to do all the things you want to get done.  God does not promise us enough to do what we want.  His promises tend to focus on our needs.  We don’t like that but God is not taking a poll.  We have a surplus.  If you don’t believe that then take a walk through your home.  How many TV’s do you have?  Do you have internet and/or cable?  Are there brand name groceries on your shelves?  Do you have a side by side refrigerator?  Do you have two cars?  You can see where this is going.

This verse reminds me that I need to be finding ways to share with people who need help.  Since there are more people needing a hand than I have hands, God wisely gives us some criteria for narrowing down the scope.  They must be “poor” (6041) and they must be “needy” (34).  We don’t see the word “both” here so there is some flexibility but I think they are good measurements.  Many people who are poor are not needy.  They have food on the table and a roof over their heads.  They are good stewards of what they have and God honors that.  Some people are needy but not poor but you are not going to be much help to people who have not learned to manage what they have.

So?  Keep your eyes open.  There will be people to help.  Two things you need to do.  First, you need to soften your heart so that you can be sensitive to need.  Second, you need to sharpen your mind so that your thinking process will help you tell a real emergency from simple lack of planning.

Mourning After

(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.

You cannot read the Bible with your mind engaged and not see that the standards of the Bible are different than our surrounding culture.  You cannot read what our cultural leaders have to say without realizing that they are at war with God.  Many of the elites are calling for a reduction in population.  Big families are frowned on at social gatherings.  At the same time the term “childless couple” is expressed in the Bible as “barren” (6115) “womb” (7358).  Being childless is not something to celebrate, but to mourn.

The church is to be different from the world.  The Greek for church means “called out ones.”  We are called to make choices and those choices will often put us at odds with our neighbors, fellow workers and even the person in the pew next to us.

So?  Be prepared for rejection if you follow Jesus.  If it doesn’t come either rejoice or question your witness.  If it comes then rejoice but make sure you are criticized for the right reasons.

Limited Vision

(Pro 29:18 KJV)  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

The NASB is better here.  A lack of “vision” (2377) will destroy but it is the destruction of no discipline.  Think of a group of people isolated in a cabin in the middle of winter.  They cannot get out and are limited to the food on hand.  After careful consideration they recognize that if they are very careful they will still be alive when spring comes.  If they are not, they will die.  You can see how the “unrestrained” (6544a) of the NASB can segue into the “perish” of the KJV.  

This is a reflection on true “vision”.  As you can see the context of the vision is the “law” (8451).  It is a vision that sees things as they are and as they can be.  It is not the vision of the daydream or fantasy.

So?  Dream big but keep your dreams restrained by the limits of the plan of the Creator.  (Posted, October 29, 2021, PP)

Division of Labor

(Pro 28:5 KJV)  Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Evangelism is ultimately the job of the Holy Spirit.  We are called on to witness and to make a defense of the hope that is in us.  We are not expected to argue people into the kingdom.  Unless hearts and minds are conditioned and led by God Himself our evangelism programs are exercises in futility.  We might as well be talking honesty to a reporter or politician.  

What are the steps the Spirit goes through to bring people to repentance?  I don’t have a clue but I have seen people who are ready and even more who have eyes that glaze over at the mention of anything spiritual.  

So?  We need to keep witnessing.  Go ahead and leave a tract at the restaurant but make sure that you leave a big tip to go along with it.  I think the Holy Spirit finds people more receptive when we have lived our righteousness in front of them. 

Goals

(Pro 27:5 KJV)  Open rebuke is better than secret love.

How often have you heard something like this?  Our lives are full of advice which we might nod to intellectually but go full berserk against in our daily life.  When we look back we will say things like, “I wish they had told me at the time.”  No we don’t.  We were happy with the lie because it was what we wanted to hear.

That does not make this verse any less true, just hard to live up to.  Christians have been sold a bill of goods on things like “seeker friendly services” and “ministering to people’s needs”.  We are not the church so that we can have rock music, coffee bars and food banks.  We are the church because the world is lost in sin and needs a redeemer.  They don’t want to hear it.  We don’t want to say it.

So?  We need to remind ourselves regularly what the stakes are.  We are not in competition for the sportsmanship trophy.  We are trying to cut into the flow of souls into hell.

Do You Want to Know?

(Pro 26:23 KJV)  Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

I was involved in a discussion of gold and silver eagle coins.  It seems that the Chinese are deeply involved in counterfeiting both.  When you consider that a gold eagle is selling for around $2,000 you can see how a bit of creative artwork could bring lucrative returns.  Most of us would not be able to tell the difference and, in fact, it would not occur to us that the coins we bought were fake.

Ignorance does not change reality.

In the same train of thought, I am not sure if I would recognize “silver” (3701) “dross” (5509).  It might be obvious but if I had not learned a bit the obvious would be obtuse.  The lesson here is not really about silver.  It is about foolishness and evil being delivered as wisdom.  Most of the world would not know the difference.  The ignorance would not be because the needed information was not available but because they really didn’t want to know.

So?  Ask yourself, “Do I really want to know?”  The honest answer to that question will determine how you spend your day. 

Finished Product

(Pro 25:4 KJV)  Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

It seems to me that there is a step missing here, or maybe many steps.  Removing the impurities does not produce a finished product.  I think that is true in crafting artwork or saints.  The more complex the design the more steps involved.  I imagine that in some cases the vessel may go back into the fire, not because it is impure, but because it has not shaped properly.  We are on a lifelong journey and the final form of our body, soul, mind and strength will not be set until eternity.  It is possible that the crafting may continue then.

What is necessary is the purification, the removal of what you might call the evil components.

So?  Make sure you are praying with David,

(Psa 51:10 KJV)  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

This is what made him a man after God’s own heart. 

Think about It

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

I have been accused of being too introspective.  I would probably plead guilty to the “introspective” but not “too”.  I am a believing skeptic.  That means I trust the Lord, believe truth exits and realize that many people want to deceive me for their own benefit.  Here we see that Solomon “considered” (reflected NASB) (7896/3820).  The margin says this literally means “set my heart”.  

We can know some things with little contemplation.  If someone tells me it is hot outside I don’t need to spend a lot of time reflecting on the meaning of “hot”.  If someone tells me I must believe in a pre-millennial rapture I will need a little background and a lot of thought.  I think it is usually clear which is which.

So?  Never turn your mind off but don’t get bogged down in minutia.  Which category ideas fit into will be individual but the process is universal. 

Property Values

(Pro 23:10 KJV)  Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

I would imagine that most people have not bothered to read the Communist Manifesto.  If they had they would realize that Communism is the enemy of Christianity.  It is also the enemy of ordinary people owning property which might be less of a big deal if the Bible did not endorse the practice.  Here is one of the places.  In ancient Israel the land was divided up first among the tribes and then among families.  You were not to sell your family property.  If you did then it was to be returned in the year of jubilee.  

The Bible recognizes the importance of private property.  It does not demonize profit, just the wrong methods of achieving it.  The Bible is not a book on economics but it has a lot to say about economics.

So?  Be aware of the differences between the teachings of the Word of God and your friendly neighborhood professor.  There will be little overlap. 

The Unknown Name

(Pro 22:1 KJV)  A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Notice that the “good” is in italics, which means it is not in the Hebrew.  It is assumed by the context of the entire Bible that the name that should be sought is one that reflects the righteous living of the named.  We should not want to be known by nicknames like Slick or Fingers.  The Puritans tried to get a head start on this by naming their children things like Faith and Joy.  

So?  We may never know the names people have for us when we aren’t around.  They probably reflect our character.  Let the unknown be a source of pride. 

By Choice, Not Just Nature

(Pro 21:10 KJV)  The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

A line from some childhood cartoon echoes through my mind at this verse.

“He’s everywhere.  He’s everywhere.”

I don’t know if it is accurate or just my hazy recollection but we need to understand that there are bad people everywhere and they are out to get us.  

When I say “bad” I am not making a theological wimp-out about the carnal nature and how we are all sinners.  That should be assumed by every believer.  That is not what this is talking about although it is the foundation.  The world is full of people who not only are sinners, but rejoice in that condition.  Being evil means that they want to extend the pain and loss to you.

And keep in mind that they are out to get us.  They serve Satan.  Some know it.  Others still live in the fantasy world of being in control.  They are still out to get us.

So?  Keep in tune with God.  Keep reviewing God’s standards.  Stay alert and leave your inner Pollyana in the closet. 

More Than Tough

(Pro 20:26 KJV)  A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

This is more than “tough love”.  This is a command to take strong action against the “wicked” (7563) who surround us.  Our modern wimpy Christianity that is afraid to offend anyone except God rejects this clear statement.  This can also be demonstrated in the New Testament from such passages as,

(1Co 5:11 KJV)  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

I think we need to accept that this is a position that applies to more than the king.  It applies at least to everyone in a place of authority and I think to every believer.  We don’t like it.  We would rather quote “Judge not”.  It is still here.

So?  Instead of worrying about the effect we have on the evil in our midst we should be worrying about the effect evil has on the weak and inattentive.  As the liberals like to tell us, “Do it for the children”. 

Rock Thinking

(Pro 19:21 KJV)  There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

There are times when the technique called “brainstorming” seems really foolish.  There are times when the follow up and evaluation may bring some dreamers down to earth.  There is a lot of potential in using your imagination and creativity.  The key is in having it grounded.  

I really enjoy talking the Bible and what it says and means.  When I get to certain points I will try to point out that what I am sharing is speculation, not doctrine.  There is a difference.  We need to be careful about demanding that others conform to our personal preferences or flights of fancy.  At the same time there are certain realities that are non-negotiable.  Eschatology is open to a lot of interpretations.  I am sorry if you have it all worked out but others disagree with you.  The physical resurrection of Christ is set in stone.

So?  Dream.  Speculate.  Be creative.  Keep your feet on the Rock. 

Double Speak

(Pro 18:4 KJV)  The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

We see reference to two kinds of speech.  The second is clearly labeled as good but the first is open to interpretation.  Today I assume that they are contrasts and spent some time thinking about that.  How can you tell the difference between wise words and wicked propaganda?  At times the difference may be so subtle that we can’t easily discern which is right.  The key is in remembering that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.  That means being aware of who God is and what He expects of us as revealed in His word.  Every concept and statement must be measured that way.

Beware of the comfortable understanding.  Too often I hear what I want to hear.  I actually get the words right but my way of putting it together fits more into where I want to go than what God is trying to convey.  

So?  Go for wisdom.  Lay the foundation.  Make the decisions. 

Bone Medicine

(Pro 17:22 KJV)  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

What is the cure for dry bones?  It would seem obvious, a “joyful” (8056) “heart” (3820).  What is not so obvious is the recognition that I have dry bones.  A good indication would be a strong feeling of gloom and doom.  It would be living in fear as we see all the anti-God forces raging through our communities.  It is not seeing the problems, but being overcome by them.

The path to a joyful heart has to pass through an awareness of the God we worship.  Think about His attributes and character.  Look around and see the creativity involved in designing our world.  Perhaps a bit of focus on all the times He has seen us through hard times.  Somewhere in that journey the Holy Spirit may have a chance to touch you in such a way that you get a God’s eye view of life rather than the one that the fear mongers want you to dwell on.

So?  Once God has touched you the day unfolds in an entirely different way. 

An Inside Straight

(Pro 16:4 KJV)  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

I don’t know about you but I have some serious questions about how our society is progressing or regressing.  I guess it depends on your view of things.  I see a continuing loss of liberty and options.  I see a blatant disregard for facts and a definition of normal and moral that is like spitting in the face of God.  It is so easy to get worried and depressed.  In the midst of that we have verses like this reminding us that God is in charge.

God has a purpose for everything we see and hear about.  It doesn’t matter if we understand it or not.  It is still true.  

So?  We need to trust in Providence.  If you are playing poker it is foolish to trust in drawing the card to fill the middle of a straight.  For God it would be no problem.  He doesn’t gamble, He decrees and I assume we are on His team. 

Positive Thinking

(Pro 15:15 KJV)  All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

I think it is easiest to identify this problem in someone else.  When I see it in someone else I then compare it to my actions and am often enlightened.  Have you ever been around someone who always finds something wrong with the food at a restaurant?  When I notice that I begin to review how I have responded to the same thing.  Somehow that helps me to expand my  consideration.  I find that I am more critical that I thought.  

So?  When I find myself being negative I begin a campaign to get more positive.  Since my attention span is short I find that I need to renew the effort on a regular basis.  Of course then I am accused of being unaware.  Sometimes you can’t win. 

Confident Fear

(Pro 14:26 KJV)  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

As Christians we should be walking around in our communities, stores and especially churches with an attitude that is different than we hear being broadcast.  As I write I am seeing fear everywhere I travel.  It is a fear generated by a virus that has been blown all out of proportion.  Instead of having confidence in the power of God we are being blasted with propaganda that tells us the government, pharmaceutical companies and doctors are our only hope.  

Let me take a position that is not mine and suggest that this virus is as bad as described.  It is still nothing historically in comparison to the big plagues that continually decimate populations.  If by some chance we actually see the kind of death rates that were generated by bubonic plague, cholera, yellow fever, small pox and a long list of ailments, we are still to have no fear.  That is the message we need to live.

So?  Death has not fear for a believer.  Trusting the government more than God is something to fear.  Don’t get them reversed. 

Tender of Contention

(Pro 13:10 KJV)  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Unlike the Tango, it does not take two for “contention” (strife NASB) (4863).  All it takes is one.  I know because one of my personality problems is that I usually think I am the one who is wrong in a conflict and that does not keep the attack from coming.  I am not talking about theological points or such.  On those I know what I know, but in interpersonal stuff I always wonder what I missed.

That does not mean that I can’t be guilty of a bit of “pride” (presumption) (2087).  That is what the carnal nature and original sin is all about.  I am not sure that we ever can get away from the fact that we are locked in our own skins and limited by our senses.  

So?  We all need to try to see the point of view of the other person.  That point of view of course needs to be grounded in scripture but there are many things we disagree on that are not spiritual issues.

Hot Markets

(Pro 12:27 KJV)  The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

I don’t know if you are a home owner or wish to be.  If you are and have ever sold and repurchased a home you know the process of going out and looking at what is available.  Perhaps you have driven through areas you thought you might want to live in and looked at houses.  Eventually you would sit down with a realtor and begin the process.  When we bought our first house this was a somewhat leisurely process.  The move to Texas was a different experience.  Everything was in a hurry, and it has gotten worse since then.

The way things are now, if you see something you like you had better be ready to make an offer when you walk out the door.  It is a case of supply and demand.  Some of the realtors cheat and actually have the house sold before they list them.  If you dally you lose.

So?  All of life’s decisions are not like buying a house in current Texas markets.  At the same time life demands that we pay attention and be ready to act.  Obviously the most important decisions are spiritual.  If God is speaking to you don’t delay in your answer.  Tomorrow may be too late. 

The Payoff

(Pro 11:6 KJV)  The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

Christians generally believe that we are to live moral and upright lives.  How essential that is varies depending on where you fit on the theological spectrum.  I obviously have my mind-set that I believe is scriptural.  Here we have a promise of deliverance is we will live as God wants us to live.  Or is it a principle?

The deliverance has two branches of development.  I think there is a definite principle here that if we follow God’s law our lives will go smoother.  It will express itself in material prosperity.  Witness the success of the Jews down through history.  Although there have been many poor Jews, just as in any other group, there have also been an impossibly large percentage who have done very well.  It isn’t because they cheat or are shrewd bargainers.  It is because they follow the law of God.  

The promise comes in the eternal aspect of the results.  We are expected to be salt.  We are to be the living witness to others of the presence of Jesus in our lives.  We are to share the hope that is in us and is assured by our living God’s way.

So?  Accept that you are expected to live upright and that it has a reward. 

Charts for Tomorrow

(Pro 10:14 KJV)  Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Two reasons to “store up” (6845) wisdom comes to mind.  First, we storehouse the wisdom because it is necessary for us to make decisions.  Second, we don’t waste it because we might need to share it with someone else some day.  

The first is an obvious behavior.  We read, listen, think, pray and the product of that is a deeper grasp of the God we worship and what He expects of us.  Just as a scientist might depend on the laws of physics to conduct research and an engineer to design a building, we depend on the laws of scripture to determine how to build our lives.

So?  It is hard to take a long trip without a map.  Some routes I can do because I have been over them so many times but into uncharted territory I would only be asking for trouble.  So be aware that there is adventure and uncharted territory ahead. 

Start with the Foundation

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

Wisdom can give you a longer life.  This is not some mysterious drug or medical procedure.  It is not a superstitious formula.  It is a result of applying the patterns, standards and laws of God to our everyday life.  In the end that is what wisdom comes down to.  I know that when we think of Solomon being wise we look at the Biblical example of the two women claiming the same child.  There are stories, which I don’t think are in the Bible, of him determining which flower was real because he observed a bee flying around them.  That is all well and good.

In the final analysis what we think of as wisdom did not serve Solomon well because he turned his heart away from the Lord.  Keep in mind that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  If you cease to live in awe of God you lose all perspective and no amount of wise sayings will get you out of your rut.

So?  Start with the foundation and then build.  Don’t expect the results you think should come if you build the roof first and wonder why there is water on the floor. 

Dust and Rust

(Pro 8:32 KJV)  Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

It isn’t enough to read the Bible.  It isn’t enough to listen to the sermon.  It isn’t enough to just take in all of the glory and instruction that God offers.  It must be applied.  That is where the “keep” (8104) comes in.  In case you missed it the keeping does not mean locking away in a box so it doesn’t get lost.  It means putting it into action.

So?  Every once in awhile I see a picture of an old car that has been discovered in a garage.  It was once worth a lot of money.  It still is worth a lot of money.  It is, however, basically useless until a lot of effort is put into restoration.  It has become useless because it has been sitting collecting dust and rust.  Listen and keep. 

Pick Up Lines

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

Have you noticed how often people tell us what we want to hear, at least as long as they want something from us.  This woman says she was looking for this young man.  He believed her.  I would want to know what would have happened if he had been delayed or got a better offer.  I think in that case she would have used the same line on the next guy who caught her eye.

This is a contrast to the way God speaks to us.  First, He does not worry about telling us what we want to hear.  In fact, what God says often contradicts our personal preferences.  His word is as eternal just like He is.  The “line” He has for you will be basically the same for the next soul whether you accept or not.

So?  Think about it.  God is not out offering pick-up lines.  He is offering forgiveness and an upright life.  I guess it depends on what you are looking for. 

Antics

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

I know a lot more about bees than I do ants.  I am guessing that most people are that way.  Bees are creatures that leave you alone if you leave them alone and while they are ignoring you they go about keeping the world going.  They pollinate and make much of our pleasure foods possible.  Ants seem to be mainly pests.  They are scavengers in the same business as shrimp, vultures and fungus.  

Most of us would be insulted if we were told to be like ants, or we would if we thought about it.  It is disgusting to find ants in your kitchen.  We have fire ants that have been known to attack and kill people if they aren’t paying attention.  Remember the red ants of your childhood.  And yet in all of that they have a role to play and it is played because they are focused on their calling.

So?  We are called.  We are given gifts.  We have the Holy Spirit and the word of God.  In many of the areas of our lives we don’t need someone telling us what to do.  When was the last time you saw an ant asking you what he should do next?  I need to do the things I know about and allow God to tell me what comes next in His time.

Patterns

(Pro 5:12 KJV)  And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

This is one of the places in Proverbs where you need to consider the immediate context.  We are so used to Solomon lecturing his son and giving advice to young people that we might miss that here the previous verse says, “and thou mourn at the last....”  The implication to me is that here is a soul that has grown old in rebellion and ignoring God’s instruction and all he can say is, “I hated being told what to do.”

Is it too late for repentance?  Not in principle.  It is a reality that it is almost never too late for repentance.  In practice it becomes a different thing.  Are you one of those people who have become used to rolling stops when the sign means to cease motion?  Are you one of those who never looks at your speedometer?  When you are half way across the intersection or come around the corner and see the cop it will be too late.

So?  Walking straight requires attention.  It requires an attitude of obedience.  I plan on continuing to work on it even though I realize I am saved by grace. 

Going Chameleon

(Pro 4:24 KJV)  Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

We are called to be salt.  We are to be the city on a hill.  We are to be the light that is not put under a bushel.  We don’t do that by adapting to the moral depravity and decadence of our surrounding culture.  We don’t stand out by going chameleon.  An honest mouth is a large part of the Jesus we are demonstrating.

Our world is good with lies and deceit.  One of the differences between the modern left politically and the right is in treatment of facts.  The left seems to care only about feelings and the emotional impact.  The right seems to focus more on facts.  You may disagree with that analysis but you should have not problem deciding which one should involve Christians.

So?  Speak truth.  Sometimes that requires us to not answer questions.  Sometimes that will demand that we speak out.  Don’t fit in. 

Wisdom Isn’t Enough

(Pro 3:1 KJV)  My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

The largest part of what is called Wisdom Literature is written by two Kings of Israel, David and Solomon.  We read what they wrote and are blessed.  Often the Holy Spirit seems to bring out a special message just for us.  Some of the people I have listened to seem to read nothing else.  I think we can learn more if we remember who these men were and how they did not take their own advice.  

As I started reading this morning I heard the command to not “forget” (7911) all that we read and hear.  That is good advice.  My problem is that I know enough about the life of Solomon to know that he did not follow his own advice.  He was good at sharing wisdom.  He was a disaster at living it.  You can read about it in the second chapter of I Kings if you want.  You also can consider how the kingdom came apart after his death.

So?  Don’t be impressed just because someone knows all the good stuff.  Be impressed if they live like they believe it.  In the process try to live it yourself.  Don’t be like Solomon. 

Deliverance

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

If you are reading the King James Version or referring to the verse I supply, notice that the first word “man” is in italics.  That does not mean emphasis.  It is just the opposite.  When you see italics in the KJV it means that the word in English does not appear in the Hebrew but is added for understanding.  I am not sure it always does that because the actual translation would be just “evil” (7451b).  It is a simple, basic word for evil and is used 664 times in the Old Testament.  Obviously the evil man would be included in that but the concept is bigger.

Also notice that this is not a guarantee that you will not go through persecution or hard times.  It is a guarantee that wisdom, when listened to and applied, can protect our walk before the eternal God.  We live in a time where I expect persecution of Christians to increase in the United States.  It has never stopped in much of the world, but we are going to get our share soon.  I hope I am wrong but if you look back through the history of the church, believers have often come under attack and the attack is not always from outside the church.

So?  We need to develop an inner road map that tells us where we are and where we should be going.  Think of it in terms of a world where you GPS stops working.  Could you get home without it? 

Approved for All Audiences

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

I am an old man but I was once “young” (youth NASB) (5228).  When I read verses like this I am quite willing to give the “amen” and look at callow young people who need seasoning with wisdom.  It is a very comforting place to be.

Proverbs, however, was not written so that we can find fault in others and look down our noses at them.  I understand that as we get older our noses grow so we are in a position to do better nose looking than we used to be.  In reality this is not just a reminder that youth need to study and understand what is being taught in Proverbs.  The principles of listening, paying attention and pondering should also be alive and well in us old know-it-all’s.

So?  Some things we never get past and this is one of them.  The lessons are for me as much as they are for my grandson.