Start at the Beginning

(Pro 30:24 KJV)  There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

When I think of wisdom I usually focus on profound and lofty thoughts.  This series of verses seems to focus on the basics.  There is nothing overwhelming or out of reach in what is taking place.  I have a inclination to say, “Yeah.  Big deal.  So what?”  

I think part of the lesson being given here is that wisdom starts in the small things.  When I was first planning on the discipline of rising early to spend time with the Lord I found it very hard to get up.  Eventually it dawned on me, or the Holy Spirit finally got my attention, that if you want to get up early you need to go to bed early.  It seems obvious now but I don’t know how many times I failed because of it.  Our lives are full of simple little bits of wisdom.

So?  Apply what you know.  Don’t wait to finish your graduate degree in philosophy.  In reality it will make you educated but not necessarily wise. 

Question of Priorities

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

What we are dealing with here involves priorities.  While we are told by Paul to be subject to the governing authorities and Jesus said to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, there is always the qualifying statement by Peter and John,

(Act 4:19 KJV)  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

We need to keep in mind that we are ultimately citizens of the Kingdom of God and only temporarily of the Republic.  Governments come and go but God is forever.

So?  When there is conflict, follow the Lord’s direction.  Make sure that you know enough about the Lord’s word to know His direction. 

Default Settings

(Pro 28:9 KJV)  He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

If this were written in Greek I think the action of “listening” (8085) would be in the present tense rather than the aorist.  The present tense in Greek carries the idea of continued action.  There is a value in returning repeatedly to basic ideas.  We tend to forget.  We fudge.  We rationalize.  We have all kinds of ways to adjust unchanging truth to fit our special situation.  If we make it a habit of going back and paying attention, we are returned back to the default setting.

Every time I get a new computer I have to learn new ways to do things.  Usually that means finding the basic commands on the new system.  When I update my word processing software I always am forced to consider the default settings and how to adjust them for the way I do business.  We can fall into that norm in our spiritual life.  What we need to do is go back and see how we were programmed at the start.

So?  Keep checking.  If you see something that doesn’t match up, it isn’t the Bible that has changed. 

Foreseething

(Pro 27:12 KJV)  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

I compared the KJV and NASB in this verse and I see a difference in tense.  The NASB says “sees” (7200) while the KJV says “foreseeth”.  This is a very common Hebrew word, 1308 usages, and only twice is it translated “foreseeth” by the KJV.  I think you can get the time element by the context.  You would not know to hide unless you were looking ahead a little bit.  

Keep in mind that the men of Israel were called out to war on a regular basis.  This is not a demand that we avoid any kind of danger.  There are times when duty calls.  What we are to be doing is watching ahead for trouble.  If you are driving through a strange neighborhood and see a riot going on use your head.  Don’t quote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death....”  Turn around.

So?  Is there a problem with common sense?  There is no glory it going face to face with evil.  Sometimes we can’t avoid it but when we can, we should. 

Choice Fools

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

We are warned about calling someone a “fool” (3685).  

(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.

At the same time we are here being warned against fools.  Maybe the warning is about going public with someone being a fool because of the possible backlash.  Proverbs makes a big deal about fools.  If you read on in this chapter you can see it is a theme.  

We are giving repeated warnings about trusting fools, arguing with fools, hiring fools.  What we need to remember is that in Proverbs fools are defined as people who have rejected the wisdom of God.  

So?  When you vote for or support anyone for a position you are expected to take a look at their spiritual life.  Often it will make no difference because all choices are fools.  In that case look for the one that is the least foolish.  If we want revival in our land we need to begin to take stands and make decisions based on God’s standards. 

A Legacy of Feasting

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

I would guess that many people will not have any “honey” (1706) on the table for Thanksgiving.  There will be a lot of other things though.  There will be nay-sayers who will lament the gluttony of the Thanksgiving meal.  There are constant debates about whether the day started with the Pilgrims.  There is a lot of confusion in our country about whom we are thanking.  All well and good but remember that feasting and celebration are part of our heritage.  I just read about how Solomon dedicating the temple.

(2Ch 7:5 KJV)  And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Then it goes on to talk about the singing and music.  Some people don’t understand the festivities here.  The animals were sacrificed to God but there was no “waste” involved.  A little further down we read,

(2Ch 7:9 KJV)  And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

They feasted for seven days on the meat that was produced.  Keep in mind that most, if not all of Israel was gathered for this event so there might not have been enough steak to go around for everyone.

So?  They celebrated with music and lots of food.  Enjoy the day as we unite in an emphasis on our thanks to God for His bounty.  And remember the frosting on the cake:  After dinner you can put on the Christmas music.

Its Only a Little One

(Pro 24:33 KJV)  Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

Today this speaks to me, not in a still small voice but with thunder.  I am retired.  I am getting old.  I really enjoy my afternoon nap.  At first I read this and feel guilty.  I get over it when I realize I am retired and old.  Naps can be a part of a healthy afternoon.  What thunders at me is the extra time when I sit and drift off when I know there are things I should be doing.  Confession time.  I hope that confession will be a motivator.

So?  I need to make my naps like the old commercial line, “But you can’t take just one.” 

Apply Avidly

(Pro 23:12 KJV)  Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Translators.  You got to love them.  You got to hate them.  You got to have them.  I guess the alternative is to spend years studying Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.  Notice the word “apply” (935).  The basic meaning of the word is “to come”.  It also means “to go”.  Go figure.  The Greek has a similar word, the first word I learned when taking Greek, erchomai.  It also means to come and to go.  I think the basic idea is to change your position in relation to something.  This is the only place that it is translated “apply”.  On the other hand it is translated “come” or “came” over 1,200 times.  So lets do a Pumice Pathetic Paraphrase and say this should start,

(Pro 23:12a PPP) Charge toward discipline,...

That is not the usual way we approach it.  We avoid it as much as we can.  Maybe that need to change.

So?  Some skills will never be learned unless we avidly apply ourselves.  I am sorry but in spite of what educators may tell you, all learning is not fun. 

Drawing Lines

(Pro 22:2 KJV)  The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

So many things are pulling us apart as a nation.  We have a new racism trying to divide us.  We are turned against each other on taxing the “rich”.  We have government policies pushing to force communities to accept public housing.  We have the effort to marginalize people who have not had the government mandated drug doses.  We need to embrace this reminder:  God made us all.

Does that mean we should let child abusers work in our nursery?  Don’t be simple minded.  Does it mean that people who can’t count should be given positions in a bank.  What have you been drinking?  Does it mean that practicing homosexuals should be preaching in our churches?  A pox upon you.  Does it mean that we are to care about people even when they have those problems.  Yes.

So?  Don’t let artificial divisions keep us from caring about each other.  God loved sinners enough for Jesus to go to the cross.  That does not mean He will allow the unrepentant to spend eternity with Him. 

Saving Sodom

(Pro 21:1 KJV)  The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

This is a reminder that we need.  As much as it is important at all times, it is extra significant today.  I don’t know about you but I look at our political leadership and shudder.  Not only is there a lack of competence but there is a definite support of evil.  I am not talking about whether they agree with me on deficit spending or green energy.  I am talking about pushing an agenda that encourages abortion, racism, paganism and the list goes on.  

The reminder that we need is God’s ability to deal with the “heart” (3820) of the president.  Always remember that God could work through Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar.  They may not have been men after God’s own heart but He could direct them anyway.

So?  We need to keep praying for our leadership and assuming that God can, and will, move.  It is possible that He is watching us to see if we are serious.  Remember how few it would have taken to save Sodom. 

Got Pain?

(Pro 20:30 KJV)  The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

One of the sad truths of life is that we often only learn through pain.  When we were on vacation I fell hard.  The reason was not physical.  It was not paying attention.  I was assuming that the builders of the strip mall had used a bit of common sense.  Who would have imagined that in basically flat land they would put a step half way down the walk and not even put a yellow strip to make it visible.  Of course, since I was looking up at the signs, I might not have seen the yellow stripe anyway.  Two days later I turned to wave goodby and missed another step.  Isn’t there a saying about twice bitten, once shy?  Or was it once bitten, twice shy.  Anyway, I am in hopes that I have learned my lesson.

So?  Got any pain?  Did it teach you anything?  If not, then you may be in for another lesson. 

Loopholes

(Pro 19:22 KJV)  The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

As I observe the corruption and waste that is represented in our different levels of government I often wonder about paying taxes.  When I see the ways in which the elites shield their wealth and manipulate the laws to their advantage I wonder about my attitude.  I am not “poor” (7236) because of taxes, or at least not yet.  I have less wealth because of the government demands but I am a long way from the bread lines.  In spite of that I question the system and its basic dishonesty to those who work for a living.  

In that regard I remember Jesus having a discussion about paying taxes.  His final response was,

(Mat 22:21 KJV)  They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

So?  It still troubles me.  It is one of many areas that I question and think as I follow the law.  It is one of many.  I keep hoping to find my own loopholes. 

Get under Their Skin

(Pro 18:5 KJV)  It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

We were having a discussion about replacing godless school boards with people who had some standards.  One of the comments had to do with people will say anything to get elected.  We have all seen this.  I remember when I was a relatively new teacher we had a candidate who came and ask for the support of the teachers.  He explained what he wanted to do and the changes he wanted to make.  We got behind him and he won.  The next day he did 180 degrees and marched in lock step with the ones we wanted out.  He used us.  Could we have seen through him?  I don’t know.

We need to learn to look deeper.  That is part of the concept here.  The verse means to not accept people at face value.  We all know how often we have been deceived and there are time that nothing will give us the information we need.  

So?  Be alert and listen to people who have some discernment.  This applies to politics but even more in the church.  It is so important to know the word, be in prayer and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Prepping for the Holidays

(Pro 17:1 KJV)  Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

As I began reading this chapter the word “better” (2896a) stood out to me.  I remembered that the formula in this verse had been repeated recently and when I looked I found this concept to be regular.  Things are better when we put things in priority based on God’s standards.  So often we look at the expectations of our friends, neighbors and family.  It gets us off track because in the heat of the moment we forget that the God who made us knows what is best for us.  When we get to church and face the same misguided priorities it is even harder to take.  

The point here is avoiding the clamor of a large group.  I have less trouble with this than some because I am by nature an introvert.  Some people who are social animals might prefer the big family gathering or a church pot luck.  I guess in defense of them it would be good to point out that the contrast is not reading a good book and a festival of joy but the danger of thinking the trade off of conflict with being out of the house is a loss.

So?  If you are home by yourself, relax and rejoice.  Thanksgiving is coming.  If you are away from family then focus on the blessings of God and not the absence of friends.  If you are blessed with a big gathering then be a peacemaker and oil on the waters.

Vector Check

(Pro 16:17 KJV)  The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

We have a multitude of songs and sayings that talk about following Jesus.  Good thought.  We make a lot of decisions in life and knowing where righteousness leads is vital.  One of the things that we may not allow for is that we can find ourselves on the wrong path.  It can happen because life plays a trick on us.  It can simply be because we had a laps of attention.  I think of times when I get to daydreaming and drive past a turn I wanted to make.  The key is to take corrective action.

I have never flown an airplane or steered a ship but my understanding is that constant corrections are necessary.  Currents in the air or the water can push you off course.  We do the same thing when driving.  Usually in a car the corrections are automatic.  In our spiritual walk it may be automatic also.  If there is a big crosswind that pushes you off course then the word here is to “depart” (5493) from the path that leads to sin and get back where you belong.

So?  The Christian life is referred to as “the Way,” not the Fourth Spiritual Law.  It is a walk that expects us to pay attention and make adjustments.  Momentary wrong paths are not an issue if we are paying attention and making the changes necessary. 

Prosperity Politics

(Pro 15:16 KJV)  Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Do we really believe this?  I guess what I am asking is, “Are we willing to accept this as a foundational position or do we only plug it in as a fall back.”  There is a difference.

As Americans we believe in the “pursuit of happiness.”  It says so right in the Declaration of Independence.  One of the cornerstones of liberty is the right to follow our own dreams.  It means that the world is our oyster.  It means that the sky is the limit.  We are frustrated when things don’t work out but since we are believers in the “prosperity gospel” as well as prosperity politics, we keep striving.  Maybe next time.  Maybe tomorrow.

And maybe not.  The key here is living in the “fear” (3374) of the Lord.  It means that we trust Him more than our government or our jobs.  With that element in place we are ready and able to move forward.

So?  Does this mean that we just kick back and let the grass grow?  No.  It means that we start from obedience and an understanding of priorities and then dream based on that. 

What Is Wrong with You?

(Pro 14:34 KJV)  Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

What is the purpose of the Law?  Where did I come up with that question?  Well, if you don’t know what the rules are then you don’t know when you are breaking them.  Have you ever been pulled over by the police and your excuse is, “I didn’t see the sign”?  Usually it doesn’t matter.  You may go back and look and there it is.  You still got a ticket.  Or have you ever tripped over something on a sidewalk that you did not see?  It doesn’t matter, you still tripped.  

In the same way we cannot expect our nation to be righteous if they don’t know what “righteousness” (6666) looks like.  They need to know what is right and wrong.  Paul puts it this way,

(Rom 7:7 KJV)  What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Part of our job as Christians is to be walking signposts about right and wrong.  Notice I did not say, “Walking, talking.”  We often do too much talking and answering questions that no one is asking.  

So?  Try this on for size.  We are all concerned about the way our country is going.  Next time you are in public let the joy of the Lord radiate through you and maybe, just maybe, someone will ask you, “What’s wrong with you?”  It will give you a chance to tell what is right with you. 

Supersizing the Spiritual

(Pro 13:20 KJV)  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Do you know anyone that you would consider wise?  When I ask myself that question my initial reaction is a blank mind.  One reason for that is my awareness of the limitations of the human mind and my skepticism.  I find that I even question what I read in the Bible.  I don’t question its truth but I am concerned about my understanding.  Just today I read about David sending priests to the high places at Gibeon to offer up sacrifices (I Chronicles 16:39) right after he set up the Ark in Jerusalem.  My mind goes back to all the Kings of Israel and Judah who were judged by God because they did not destroy the high places.  I need to work this out and it isn’t even a major issue.

So who is wise?  What I do know is that the masses don’t follow the wise.  They tend to follow the showmen and entertainers whether they are in a pulpit or a movie.  

So?  It is okay to be a part of a small group if your basis for coming together is the central truth of God’s word.  While it is possible for a large church to be Biblical the odds are against it. 

Retina Spots

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

As we read the Bible we come across many direct quotes from God and many proclamations that have the weight of God speaking.  Often we come across statements that seem precipitous.  If we take them in isolation they seem to be absolute and have a clear time frame.  There are many of them and if you pick carefully you are able to make some decisive statements about doctrine, morality and eschatology.  This is why we get an ever increasing number of denominations and many different schools of eschatology.  Too frequently these pinnacles are reached by ignoring other verses and statements of God.

Here we have a reference to “life” (2416) being tied to “righteousness” (6666).  You cannot deny the connection; it comes up too frequently.  The question is the timing.  This verse gives us a clue which we often do not find.  That clue comes in the promise of “no” (408) “death” (4194).  Since there are numerous references to people who are righteous and none of the ones mentioned in the Old Testament, except possibly Enoch and Elijah, are alive today, the death referred to here must involve eternity, not temporal existence.  

So?  Make sure that you allow the Bible to explain itself.  Keep in mind that most of the authorities, including me, have a point of view and seem to have spots on their spiritual retinas that have been burned out. 

Ichabod or Upright

(Pro 11:11 KJV)  By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Most people I know well enough to be honest with feel that the country is in a handbasket and ignoring where it is going.  It seems like everything is crumbling around us.  People are living in fear, even those who claim to know the Lord.  You can hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes.  What has brought us to this condition?

The failure of the church is the primary cause.  By “church” I mean both the organized church and the body of believers that are the real church.  We have ceased being the “upright” (3477).  We have been working overtime to blend in and avoid controversy.  We have substituted a Hollywood god for the God of the Bible.  Jesus would use the image of salt.

(Mat 5:13 KJV)  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

I have been saying it for years.  The church has ceased being the church and our culture has been on a downhill rush ever since.

Is it too late to recover?  I have no idea.  God is patience but there comes a time when He declares “Ichabod”.

So?  Responsibility starts at home.  I need to be salt.  You need to be salt.  God has shown that if enough of His people will be upright, He will withhold His hand of judgement. 

Little Things

(Pro 10:21 KJV)  The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

As I read through this chapter today the contrasts stand out.  They each have a bit of a different emphasis but the point is that the “righteous” (6662) of the world make a difference and it is a good difference.  Think of all the little things that are done by good people.  They wash their hands before they fix you a sandwich.  They return the book you wanted to check out at the library.  They only take one parking space.  

Think of all the things they don’t do that make life more pleasant.  They don’t open ice cream containers at the store, lick them and put them back on the shelf.  They don’t play their music loud in the middle of the night.  I might go so far as to say they don’t leave the toilet seat up, at least not on purpose.

So?  Most of us will not be the hero that saves someone from a racing train.  All of us can do the little things that keeps society running.  That is part of what God wants to see. 

Taste Testing

(Pro 9:17 KJV)  Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

It should not be surprising how often a verse brings out the same thought, even when separated by years.  I think as I was reading this my under-mind was thinking about the need to curb my appetite and keep my diabetes at bay.  Whatever the reason I again heard that old quote echoing in my mind, “If it feels good it is probably bad for you.”  It have various versions but the point is that we are attracted to things that will destroy us.

I guess it might be a good rule of thumb to be suspicious of anything that is attractive.  If you worry about MSG then be leery of Chinese food that tastes too good.  If you are still single and dating, keep in mind how much money is spent on cosmetics and clothing.  If you are wanting to walk with Jesus beware of anything that sounds congruent with the world around you.

So?  Be vigilant.  It is possible to make the right choices but it is also easy to be deceived.

The Problem of Accountability

(Pro 8:1 KJV)  Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

I hope you realize that this is a rhetorical question.  It should be one that we are not even tempted to answer because it is so obvious.  Unfortunately that is not the case for everyone.  The law and commandment are saturated with wisdom but people don’t want to be bound.  The teachings of Jesus are dripping with wisdom but are ignored.  Righteous living is anchored in wisdom, yet so many drift.

The problem that some face is accountability.  Answers are available, but many people don’t want them.  You see, if you know that the cookies are off limits then you might not have an excuse for having one.  If you ignore that dinner is almost ready, you can have a little snack.  If you don’t want to accept delayed gratification you see no problem with promiscuity.  

So?  Keep in mind that whether you acknowledge gravity or not, you will still fall if you step off a roof. 

Faulty Facades

(Pro 7:16 KJV)  I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

We tend to make excuses for our team.  Parents are known to ignore the tantrums of their children.  Grandparents are even worse.  Aren’t they cute?  Actually, no.  A child dumping their milk out on the floor because they don’t want it should only happen once.  We tend to make excuses.

One type of excuse is what might be called class or quality.  One approach is to pretty sin up with emotion:  Fornication is good if we really love each other, I really fell in love with that car I can’t afford, they are so cute it won’t make any difference.  The excuses go on.  Just because sin is disguised by fancy words or pretty faces does not make it any less sin.  Twisting scripture to justify what is clearly evil does not make it any less damning.

So?  Be honest with yourself.  The standards of God can cut through any cosmetics and tear off any facade.  Be honest with yourself because eventually you will have to be honest with God. 

Worth It

(Pro 6:12 KJV)  A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

How many times have I heard that Jesus would have gone to the cross if I was the only one needing to be saved?  I don’t know.  It was usually offered by a pastor who was very much in touch with his feelings and ignoring his brain.  Personally I think that God might have worked out something else rather than taking on the sins of the whole world.  Of course, if I were the only one needing salvation there would not be many sins in the whole world comparatively speaking.  I had best be careful because I hear heresy calling.

What is not heretical is that some people are “naughty” (worthless NASB) (1100).  Notice I said “some” not all.  Popular theology says there are nothing but worthless in the world.  If that is the case how do you explain Zacharias and Elizabeth?  

(Luk 1:6 KJV)  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

So?  It is true that we cannot earn our salvation through our own efforts.  It is also true that many have decided to do what they can in their ignorance of the blood shed on the cross.  They may not be able but they are worthy. 

Someone

 Pro 5:21 KJV)  For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

I had this discussion yesterday with a painter.  We were talking about the qualities that separated the managers and business owners from the hired help.  One of those qualities is that they are able to work unsupervised.  He expressed it that there was always Someone watching even if noone was watching.  Although he was talking around it, he was acknowledging that God sees everything we do.  It is hard to find people who will work hard when the boss is not looking.

I don’t think about that all the time but I am aware of it.  My boss is God.  I may have some middle management in my life but ultimately He is the Someone who sets the standards.

So?  As I heard or read somewhere, “You can run but you can’t hide.”  The internet tells me it is attributed to boxer Joe Louis.  Who knew that boxers could dispense wisdom. 

Eternal Truth or Consequences

(Pro 4:17 KJV)  For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

I have heard that pornography is a problem for ministers.  Now that the internet will bring it right to you with a click of a button it has become a bigger problem.  I have my doubts that it is as big a problem as experts want us to believe but I will accept that there are some in spiritual leadership who have fallen for the temptation.  I pastored full time for ten years and have at least another ten in part time roles.  To be honest I never came across any indication it was a massive problem.

For those who do succumb to the click bait this verse is a warning.  Take the advice of the health gurus and realize that “you are what you eat.”  In the spiritual world it is also true that you are what you “eat” (3898b).  Back up a few verses and read though it again.  You have one group that is absorbing the truth and wisdom of God.  You have another that is feasting on the works of the devil.  It makes a difference in the outcome.

So?  Next time you decide to watch a video or read a blog you need to ask yourself if this is truth or poison.  It is like a spiritual game of Truth or Consequences for those of you old enough to remember that game show, except the consequences are not just doing embarrassing stunts in front of an national audience.

Promises, Promises

(Pro 3:5-6 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

There is a reason that certain verses are quoted often.  They speak to great needs and great promises.  I had a discussion with a believer who claimed that the Old Testament was not meant for us.  He stated that all scripture is not of the same importance.  I agree with his words but not with his meaning.  It is obvious that the Old Testament was written to and for the Jews.  In the same way the Bill of Rights were written for Americans.  That does not mean that the truths embodied do not apply to others.  As far as importance, I agree that knowing how many men of warrior age were in the tribe of Naphtali (Numbers 1:43) is not on a level with knowing that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  That does not mean I can ignore the largest portion of the Bible.  

So?  Read and reread the portions of the Bible that speak to you.  Make sure you read the rest so that you don’t become a cherry-picker who falls into heresy.

Pro Choice

(Pro 2:13 KJV)  Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

This verse starts a three verse section that explains why so many people will end up in hell.  It can be summed up in two words that are denied by many Christians and pagans:  Free will.  I was talking to a college student and one of his classes was debating whether free will exists.  The name that pops into my mind is B.F. Skinner.  Another name that forces itself forward is John Calvin.  A third is Mohammad.  What do all have in common?  They deny free will.  This verse rejects all three.

People make choices.  The choices may not be shouted through megaphones but they are still real.  Those choices have consequences.  If you make the wrong choices, and we all have, you are on your way to damnation.  If you make the right choice and trust Jesus for your salvation you are on the road to an eternity with Him.  But keep in mind that the choices keep coming.

So?  Live like every day makes an eternal difference.  Don’t fall into the trap of “I prayed a prayer” or “God will make arbitrary choices”. 

Reasons for Repetition

(Pro 1:7 KJV)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The phrase “fear (3374) of the Lord” is used 14 times in Proverbs if I counted right and found them all.  That is a healthy dose of a medicine we don’t want to hear.  I find it interesting that the population thrives on horror movies and books but is repelled by the fear of the Lord.  One reason is that the Lord is real and should be feared, especially by the rebellious.  I would guess that many don’t even know about the fear of the Lord.  The pulpits of America have done a great job of avoiding anything that contradicts the wisdom of the elites.

So?  I think God repeats Himself for the same reason that your mother repeated herself:  You were not listening.  I never had to be told not to eat liver and onions.  I did have to be warned about the mustard on my nose.  Maybe if we would listen more God would not need to spend His time reminding us.