Gates Are Better Than Nothing

(Pro 31:23 KJV)  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

The “husband” (1167) is “known” (3045) [yada] in the “gates” (8179).  That really sounds impressive and it is something to be proud of.  If you read the entire chapter you realize that she is known in the rest of the town.  Her influence is found in the business community and out in the fields.  Here family and servants are recognized because of her.  It is quite impressive.

So?  Sit in the gates if that is your thing.  There is more praise for those who get out, rub elbows and get the work done.  We have the same mistaken emphasis in our culture when we somehow think that someone with a degree is more important than someone who can fix your toilet. 

Simple Warnings

(Pro 30:32 KJV)  If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

This is a warning.  In this case there are two points of focus.  One side is the arrogance that comes from lifting ourselves.  The other is planning to put others down.  There is a middle ground and we are to be on it.  It is the way of righteousness.  It is the way of obedience.  It is the way of love.  If you have not read I Corinthians 13 recently it would be a good activity for your day.  It warns against boasting and arrogance.  It tells us not to rejoice in unrighteousness.

So?  Some things seem so obvious and simple and yet they are continually brought up in scripture.  I leave it to you to figure out why. 

We Need to Stretch

(Pro 29:1 KJV)  He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

This hits home as I shuffle through old age.  As we get older we tend to get less flexible in our joints and our opinions.  Physically that is made worse by a sedentary life style.  That is why seniors are urged to learn some stretching exercises and then actually put them in practice.  Spiritually there are parallels.  

The spiritual exercises don’t really change when we get older.  Personal and corporate worship are key.  The worship elements of prayer, scripture and contemplation are never out of style.  

So?  No matter what age you are you need exercise.  That goes double with us elderly citizens. 

Giving a Hand

(Pro 28:17 KJV)  A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Does this relate to the demand for forgiveness?  Possibly but I want to look at what it means to “stay” (support NASB) (8551) someone who has committed first degree murder.  Be aware that the Bible does differentiate between calculated murder, murder of passion and accidental murder.  This seems to be focusing on the cold blooded type.  But it says we are not to support such a person.  What does that mean?

As I look at the possible definitions and the way it is used in Proverbs it seems to have the idea of taking hold of something to help it achieve its goal.  When we look at it here that would mean that we are not to do anything to support such violent people.  Of course that is complicated by the question of whether that means in their violence or in their rush to damnation.

So?  We need to be careful to be on the side of the angels.  That means personal righteousness, righteous donations and righteous support for others.  I get frustrated at how much thinking I seem to be forced to do as I attempt to walk upright. 

Manly

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

Sometime in the past year I was in a discussion with a group of men where this verse came up.  Someone expressed the view that this applied to all.  While I would agree that the principle is universal I had to point out that this is one of the places in scripture where the word “man” (376) is actually specific and not a generic interpolation.  

Often in translation the scholars insert the word “man” when it is not in the original language.  For some reason they feel this clarifies the meaning.  Part of their thinking is the patriarchal mindset that the feminists like to ridicule.  Part of it is the arrogance that comes with educated people thinking they can say it better than God.  Part may be a genuine attempt to get at the principle.

Here the word is present.  That means this is specifically directed toward men.

So?  As men we need to be reminded that we are not John Wayne or Cincinnatus.  We have a need to run our opinions by other men who can hone off the brads and nooks.  We can make it to heaven without it but the sharpening will make us better servants. 

Inclinations

(Pro 26:4 KJV)  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

I wonder if this isn’t a back door approach to conformity.  There are many things that we do to fit in and they are harmless.  Many clothing styles are just a matter of not looking a different strange than those around us.  One year sushi is in.  The next year it is probiotics.  That one my spell-checker doesn’t even recognize.  

Other times we endorse, support and perpetuate foolishness.  Certain behaviors become ingrained in our personality and effect our character.  I am convinced a glass of wine with dinner does not send you to hell.  Hanging around in a bar with your drinking buddies could also be survived but the tendency that is developed in us can make us open to other problems.  It can make us less resistant to temptation and gradually dull out minds to the things of God.

So?  Each is an individual.  We must make our choices.  Some choices tend to direct us to the next choice.  Be thoughtful and prayerful. 

Timing

(Pro 25:9 KJV)  Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

I think we have the seed of the teaching of Jesus about conflict in the church.

(Mat 18:15 KJV)  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Too often we complain about what others do before we talk to them about it.  The point is not to avoid the issue, just the opposite.  We are to be proactive in conflicts but the point is to go to the source.  The hope is to be reconciled.  Sometimes the reconciliation comes because a misunderstanding is cleared up.  Sometimes it comes with confession and repentance.  If personal contact doesn’t work you can continue reading what Jesus said.

So?  Keep problems small and contained if it is possible.  There is always tomorrow to up the ante.

Just Wait

(Pro 24:15 KJV)  Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

When I see government leaders turning their backs on Israel I shake my head because God has promised He will respond to nations based on how they treat His people.  Here we have the same idea extended to all the “righteous” (6662).  If you are one of those people who don’t believe it is possible to be righteous then you have my sympathy.  Much of the Bible is meaningless to you.  This promise passes over your head.

If you are, or know, one of those who don’t believe there is a God you are in for a rude awakening.  God may have His reasons for delaying but He always delivers.  Here the promise is that He is watching the homes of the righteous and if you attack them your days are numbered.

So?  That should offer some of us a bit of comfort and to those who are out to get us a moment to pause and think.  God will not be mocked to His face or through His people. 

A Reason for Joy

(Pro 23:15 KJV)  My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

How old do your children need to be for you to relax and feel like you have done your job?  Probably the age at which your mind sinks into dotage.  Being a parent is a never ending job but there are times in life when you can take a deep breath and thank God for the success you see.  I regularly thank God for my children.  Part of the reason is just the general joy of their being.  Much of it is because I watch their lives and choices and feel like things are working out.  

To be honest this is stronger when I open my eyes and ears.  I see how other people’s children are turning out.  I hear the complaints of other parents.  I think of stories of children denying access to grandchildren unless the parents get vaccinated.  I shudder.  I know of one family that has only one grandchild who is one and a half and they have not been allowed to see or hold him.  I shudder.  At the same time I thank God.

So?  If your children are a source of joy then rejoice and thank God for His blessings.  Much of it is because you have been obedient.  If they disappoint you then double down on your example and your prayer life.  Blessings. 

There Are Limits

(Pro 22:14 KJV)  The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

It would be good for us to remember that the curses of God are not casual nor capricious.  Here the context deals with getting involved in sexual sin.  I will admit that fornication and adultery generate a special ire in God’s heart.  That is probably because intimacy was one of the great gifts He gave man and He gets angry when it is perverted.  The principle goes beyond that.  

God is not like Ricky in “I Love Lucy”.  He does not just shrug off our disobedience and rebellion.  He is deeply offended.  At the same time He is patient and willing to forgive, but God has His limits.  Many people don’t want to admit that but it is repeated several times in scripture.

So?  Take a moment to ask yourself if you are assuming on God’s patience.  Keep in mind that He does not play games and you can’t fool Him.  And revel in His grace and cleansing power. 

Inner Law and Outward Love

(Pro 21:3 KJV)  To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

In our rush to proclaim the gospel of salvation by grace we tend to demonize the things taught in the Old Testament.  We try to portray the era as one of legalism and the God of the Old Testament an angry old man on a throne.  It is easy to throw out the baby with the bathwater.  The time before Jesus was guided by the law, “sacrifice” (2077) and ritual but it was still based on grace and obedience.  It was a matter of the heart.  

The liturgy of animals shedding their blood and public community atonement still required a heart-generated obedience.  The concept was rooted in what the OT calls “lovingkindness” [chesed] and the NT calls “love” [agape].  Empty ritual was a waste of time.  That is still true.

So?  We obey because we love Him.  To many people our actions may seem legalistic but they cannot see the heart that is responding to the living God. 

Don’t Be a Quatermain

(Pro 20:2 KJV)  The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

I was drawn in by a post on 100 books I should have read.  As I went through two things impressed me, first that I had already read many, and second, based on that and the titles I saw, I was not feeling any need to comply with the choices.  One I did read was King Solomon’s Mines.  I have often heard the title and I think there is a movie.  Why bring that up?  The main character, Allan Quatermain, is a professional hunter.  He talks about all the elephants he has shot and about hunting lions.

Which brings us to this verse about kings and lions.  As a general rule it is best to avoid lion country.  When you hear the roar, lock the door or go the other way.  Of course when you hear the roar it may be too late to retreat.  The advice in this verse is that when dealing with the government it is better to avoid them altogether.  I would add that it would help us to learn ways of avoidance and do some thinking about how to respond if the lions decides we are his lunch.

So?  Face it.  There will be times when you have to become the hunter but it is best to avoid that role.  Keep your head down and your mouth shut.  Also, keep your powder dry. 

Laziness in the Eyes of the Beholder

(Pro 19:24 KJV)  A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

I have a hard time with this illustration of laziness.  I just can’t picture it.  Maybe that is part of the point.  We can’t always see what others do to avoid work or carrying their share of the load.  There are people who can’t understand how you could not take your plate to the sink after dinner or make your bed in the morning.  For people that have no problem with that there are other areas of life where they expect others to tote their bale.  I know I often get accused of avoiding my share when it is simply a matter of different timing.

So?  What you think of as nagging might just be a reminder that other people have a different idea of being lazy than you do.  Only you can decide if you need to change. 

Lip Service

(Pro 18:7 KJV)  A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Can we talk our way into Hell?  How?  Is this an indictment of the casual, loose language that so many indulge in.  I know that I tend to judge spiritual condition by vocabulary.  It only works one way though.  Fluency in spiritual terms and God-talk don’t usually impress me.  I am a hard sell in that way.  I guess it is because I have seen too much hypocrisy in my day.  I have dealt with too many people claiming to be Christian that have shady business practices.  

It is the other way I am struggling with.  I am running into people who claim to be Christians and I have no reason to doubt it except for their choice of words in conversation.  When it comes down to it I can only go on the basis of what I see.  I must allow God to know the hearts.  An occasional four letter word does not mean they do not love the Lord and does not say they are not trusting in Jesus.  Doing shoddy work and cheating in business probably would.

So?  Like so many things in life our first priority is to get our own house in order.  Don’t be a fool. 

High Ground

(Pro 17:14 KJV)  The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Certain themes course through the Bible.  This is one of them.  You might be more familiar with it as a teaching of Jesus,

(Mat 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Or you might be familiar with the beginning of the description of agape when Paul says that love is patient or long suffering.  

As Christians we are to be so slow to react in anger that some might think that we will never respond.  The reason for that should be obvious.  Think of all the times you have spoken in anger or just without thinking and regretted it almost immediately.  At that point it is too late to call back the words.  The picture here has been seen in the news as we have watched damns breaking in China.  Once the cracks start to give way you want to be on very high ground.

So?  We are to take the high ground before the damn breaks.  We are to turn the other cheek.  We are to deny ourselves the momentary satisfaction of getting the last word.  It is love in action. 

Check It Out

(Pro 16:22 KJV)  Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

I didn’t live in any other age so I don’t have a lot to compare it to but it seems we live in the day of the Expert.  They like it capitalized and feel like they should have a special pass that says, “Opinions must be honored no matter how ridiculous”.  I wonder is Shakespeare had any language arts teachers who told him he was mixing his metaphors.  I understand that Einstein failed math at one point.  Of course I also have family members who think I am full of hot air.  We must always consider the source.

This is what makes Christians different from adherents to any other religion.  We are given the written word and we are expected to be able to study it ourselves.  We are not to depend on the interpretation of others or what they think we should be doing.  Obviously this will result in us making mistakes.  We are to seek counsel.  We are to listen.  At the same time we are supposed to know enough about the truth to be able to tell an expert from someone who is wise.

So?  Be kind.  Be courteous.  Consider what you hear.  Then hold it up to the light and see if it is counterfeit or genuine.  If a 20 dollar bill deserves that treatment then so do two bit experts. 

Hang Time

(Pro 15:25 KJV)  The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

Today I am liking the “tear down” (5255) of the NASB to the “destroy” of the KJV.  It is reminding me that the destruction of the rebellious does not always take place overnight.  In fact I would submit that it is usually gradual.  I look at families that seem to have done the right things and yet their children take the wrong path.  We always need to make allowance for free will and people making their own decisions but I always wonder if much of the tragedy we see could have been avoided by a lot of little decisions to be obedient and choices of the narrow road.  Since we are not God and can’t read hearts it is not for us to judge.  All we can do is make sure our path is the narrow road.

The gradual decent sometimes makes it hard to see.  That is the bad part.  On the other hand, a gradual deterioration makes it possible to repent and recover before total disaster is reached.  It speaks well of God’s patience that He gives us the rope and is a sad truth about our resistance that we use it to hang ourselves instead of making a knot.

So?  God is patient.  He gives us all the time we need to make the right choices.  I would guess that when He knows we will not respond He steps up the pace of destruction.  Live in wisdom. 

Compared to What?

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

We see two contrasts in this verse.  First we have the character of the people and then we have the results that show up in their lives.  It strikes me that “understand” (995) is contrasted with “deceit” (4820).  My initial read of this is that the evil people of the world thrive on deceiving others.  What came to me this morning as I was looking for a new insight is that they also seem to be really good at deceiving themselves.

Socrates is credited with the phrase “know thyself”.  That is what is at work here.  Since he lived several hundred years after Solomon he might be quoting instead of creating.  Or it could just be that some truths emerge spontaneously.  Either way this proverb is reminding us that fools tend to fool themselves first.  

So?  This is a good reason to steep ourselves in the scripture and know the standards of God.  Most of us have experienced thinking something is straight until we put it next to a straight edge.  Things look level until we actually check.  Wise people compare their values and priorities to what God has clearly established. 

Justice vs Judgement

(Pro 13:23 KJV)  Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

This is a case where the KJV and the NASB have different spins on the translation.  The KJV translates two words as “want” (3808) of “judgement” (4941).  The NASB combines them into “injustice”.  The nod for accuracy goes to the... KJV.  This is important because the two translations leave totally different impressions on our modern minds.

The key is this word translated “judgement” or “justice”.  Although the KJV uses the English word “justice” 28 times, only once is it this word.  Usually it is a substitution for the basic word for “righteousness”.  The overwhelming translation is a form of “judgement” (297).  The NASB has forms of “justice” as the most common (122x), followed by the “judgement” family (103) and “ordinance” (108).  

Why do I go into this?  Because in the KJV we see that we are open to understand that the reason some people are poor is because they exercise poor judgment.  Obviously the wealthy elites stack the deck in their favor but we need to understand that there are more people living in destitution because of their own bad choices than could be sent their by the bourgeoisie.  The one sided argument putting all the onus on the rich is Marxism, not Biblical.

So?  Don’t accept the mindset of being a victim.  I see people claiming to be Vietnam veterans claiming victimhood and demanding handouts.  As a Vietnam veteran myself I have to realize that it probably wasn’t the war that made them put their hand out. 

Two Sides of the Same Coin

(Pro 12:2 KJV)  A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

This is a good place to again review how we are to understand scripture.  If this verse stood alone we could develop an understanding of salvation that would mesh very well with the pagan views.  We could read Marcus Aurelius and get on board.  We could put in our thumb and pull out a plumb.  

If we read other verses we could develop a theology that says God does it all from choosing us, giving us faith, causing us to believe and getting us to live righteous lives.  There is little difference from that and being a helpless pawn in the hands of fate.  Do a little reading about the role of the Fates in Greek mythology.

Biblically the answer is to combine the two.  Through the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit we can make the choices that determine if we are “good” (2896a) or “evil” (4209).

So?  Trust God and made righteous decisions. 

Keep Searching

(Pro 11:14 KJV)  Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

When I first read this verse in the NASB I thought it was one we are more familiar with,

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

It turns out that it is a similar thought in a different verse.  This is one of the benefits and frustrations of Bible study.  You find that you need to keep reading to understand.  Sometimes that reading just makes it more difficult to be Biblical.  Other times it explains and enlightens.  At times like this it deepens understanding.  

The “vision” (2377) of chapter 29 becomes the “guidance” (8458).  The perishing becomes a “fall” (5307).  The end result of a lack is bad news in both verses.  The visions we might think we are having need to be tempered with counsel.

So?  Truth is necessary and available.  Today is a good day to keep seeking. 

First Point

(Pro 10:23 KJV)  It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

The first of the five points of Calvinism is Total Depravity.  One way of explaining this is,

“The belief in total depravity takes the view that sinfulness pervades all areas of life and human existence. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body.”

While I don’t think I would agree with the way this is applied by Calvinists, the basic statement is true to all serious, Bible believing Christians.  The result of this in everyday life is what Proverbs is here calling being a “fool” (3684).  Until the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit makes us desire to be righteous, foolishness reigns supreme.  Foolishness is the sinful inclination that makes people do the stupid things they do, things they know are destructive.  They might even accept that they are evil but the foolish, sinful nature gives them the ability to easily look the other way.

Once you are born again and the Spirit does its job of cleansing and empowering we can move on to desiring to avoid the foolishness.

So?  As you know, or should, you can’t do it by yourself.  The good news is that Jesus paid the price with His blood and the Holy Spirit is ready to make the difference.  Good news, indeed. 

Perfect(ing) Wisdom

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

Wisdom builds.  The tense used as “has built” (1129) makes it seem like it is a done deal but when you look at the definition it has the idea of a work in progress.  This could be the idea of building to last.  It has the promise that we can be established but having been established we can continue to expect improvement and progress.

Wisdom is not a one time event.  Wisdom is a life process.  That fits in well with the Biblical idea that salvation is a walk, a way, not an arrival.

So?  Get on board.  Put down your foundations.  Begin an eternity of perfection. 

Plug In

(Pro 8:17 KJV)  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

This could be quoted as a verse having to do with those seeking salvation.  The weakness is that due to original sin we are incapable of reaching out to God on our own.  Because of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to do so which means the understanding of this verse for salvation pivots on the whole picture you give.

This is more appropriate as a promise to those who are already believers.  It is a reminder that God will meet us.  He will not leave us hanging.

So?  Just like a plug removed from the socket we are powerless unless we are in contact with Him who is the source of power.  Stay plugged in.

Fly Wise

(Pro 7:23 KJV)  Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

As I write we have a new year in front of us.  We make plans and set priorities.  Some have made resolutions.  We do so based on the information we have available to us but what if we are totally wrong?  What if things go the opposite of what we expect.  Are you planning a vacation in Hawaii this year?  You can’t figure in hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis.  

The truth is that we don’t know if the economy will tank or recover.  All the experts are making their forecasts but they usually reflect their preconceived notions and political affiliation.  We can’t know what illness awaits us or an unexpected inheritance that might show up.  We are like the bird.

So?  The best way to prepare for the future is prepare for eternity.  That will give us the foundation we need to plan and adjust those plans on the fly, so to speak.  The bird in Proverbs is rushing ahead without wisdom.  We have the advantage. 

Listed

(Pro 6:17 KJV)  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

When I see a list like the one beginning here I wonder if there is a purpose behind the order or if it is just “random”.  Two verses make “random” questionable.

(Pro 16:33 KJV)  The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

(Col 1:17 KJV)  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

So there is purpose even in the order of this list.  I won’t speculate on that today.  I just want to remind myself that God has reasons for everything He does.  We may not understand now.  We may never understand, but we can rest assured that He does.

So?  Go back to the old gospel song, “Trust and Obey.”  A good place to start and finish.

Joy and Fear

(Pro 5:23 KJV)  He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

This is a verse about the importance of witnessing, living and teaching.  The context of the verse is talking in generic terms about the human race but lets apply it in our real world.  There is little I can do about the spiritual condition of the entire human race but I do touch on certain lives.

This would start, of course, with our children.  In that sense it could apply to almost any member of your family that looks to you as an example, but above all our children.  We are to give them “instruction” (4148).  That fits our children perfectly.  It brings to mind another verse from Proverbs,

(Pro 22:6 KJV)  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

But our children are not the only ones who need to be taught.  Others don’t have any law demanding that they listen to us but we have a command that says we are to offer the teachings of God.  Because people don’t want to listen and our example is more powerful than our words this will often be a matter of living out uprightness and integrity in front of them.  This time of manufactured terror over a virus is a glorious time for those of us who trust the Lord.  We can live in joy and without fear in the midst of the raging panic we see.

So?  Live it.  Demonstrate it.  It may keep someone from hell. 

You Need Vitamin C

(Pro 4:7 KJV)  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Make a note:  Wisdom is a good thing.  That is assumed in the entire book of Proverbs.  In fact, it is assumed through the entire Bible.  Most people would accept the statement even if their definition of wisdom is different than God’s.  

Wisdom doesn’t just happen.  It isn’t an accident.  It isn’t in your DNA.  It will not force itself on you.  You can’t force it on other people.

Wisdom can be, and must be, sought.  

So?  I sometimes think wisdom is like vitamin C, you can’t store it up.  It requires a constant influx or it ceases to be of any use.  I could be wrong.  You can bet on it but I won’t. 

Always the Choices

(Pro 3:34 KJV)  Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

How would you like to have God laugh at you?  I am not sure that God chuckling is a fair rendition of “scoffs” (3917b) but you might say He guffaws.  Either way, it is not a place that I would want to be.  God seems to take a similar action toward us that we take to Him.  If we reject Him, He rejects us.  If we reach out to Him, He meets us.  

That is one reason to spend time each day in worship.  The praise and thanksgiving that are part of that deliberate act are the key to us being on the receiving end of “grace” (2580).  I know that is reading a bit into this verse but I still think that is the principle.  Yes, I know we cannot reach out to Him unless He enables us but unlike some of my brothers in Christ, I think that He enables each of us to respond.

So?  The choice is up to us.  We can have a rebellious, resentful heart or we can be aware of our desperate situation and reach out to Him. 

For Example

(Pro 2:19 KJV)  None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

This verse should remind us that “it isn’t all about you.”  Often when we read a verse and are ready to apply it to other people’s lives we tend to ignore the application to ourselves.  How often have you had someone share something they read and you know they are trying to get you to be enlightened?  This is a verse that applies to others because it applies to us.

It is important how we live.  It is important to our spiritual destiny.  What this is pointing out is that it is also important to the destiny of others.  They watch us.  They are influenced by us.  It doesn’t even matter if they know you.  Take a simple example of ducking under a rope barrier or going in an exit.  One person does it and others follow.  Or consider the way in which one person ignoring the speed limit encourages others.

So?  Live righteously.  The eternity you influence may not be your own. 

A Different Focus for Resolutions

(Pro 1:22 KJV)  How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

The opening verses of Proverbs give a litany of reasons why you would seek wisdom.  It is an impressive list.  According to this verse it would appear that many are not willing to follow the reasoning of the preamble.  We are surrounded by people who do not love wisdom but instead prefer their own self-centered passions and priorities.  It does not matter that it will destroy them and everyone they claim to love.  Wisdom, based on a fear of God, gets in the way of being their own gods.

I think we all struggle with this at times.  That is why it is so important to spend time each day refreshing our memory about the attributes of God and the power of Providence.  I guess you can fight it but it doesn’t take much study to see you won’t win in any form.

So?  Recognize the sin around you.  Seek to be regenerated away from the sin that might still be in you.  Go for wisdom.  Since this will be posted at the beginning of the year think of it as a New Life’s Resolution.