Gently

(Psa 143:5 KJV)  I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

David is focused on worship.  He is in prayer and confession.  In this verse he is looking back and meditating.  What got my attention was the word “muse” (7878).  If this were a noun and capitalized it would refer to one of the Greek gods involving the arts.  That is not the meaning here.  As I looked in my references it seems to have the idea of talking to yourself, or, I would assume, a kind of familiar talk with God.

I think I muse a lot when I am alone.  This is not like the formal prayers we hear from the pulpit.  It is more the quiet conversations we would have with a good friend when the children are asleep.

So?  Share your heart with God.  Remind Him of your dreams.  He already knows but it might be good for us to repeat them out loud. 

A Winning Plan

(Act 11:27-29 KJV)  And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.  And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

(Proverbs 29 also read)

If you are involved in a church that believes in missions then you probably just went through a push for the Thanksgiving offering for missions.  One of the things I noticed from Biblical examples is that we seemed to be getting things backward.  Later in Acts you will see Paul taking a collection on the mission field for the home church in Jerusalem.  We tend to get it backwards.  Another reversal is that in the Bible the missionaries seem to work to support themselves and the pastors are to be supported by the church.

Here we see another example of how the church has historically reached out to help those in need.  The reason that might be a good reminder is the current state of the world.  We are hearing all kinds of forecasts of shortages and famine.  If it is as bad as it sounds then there will be little we can do for the masses in the third world but we need to be aware of our neighbors and community.  

So?  If you have an aversion to the term “prepper” then just think of yourself as building a personal food bank for the hungry.  A worst case scenario is that you will keep people from starving.  A best case scenario is you will be able to be generous.  Win/Win. 

Wisdom and Law

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

I have been hearing a lot about the law lately.  It is almost universally negative.  That is sad.  While we need to reaffirm that we cannot earn our salvation by our hard word and discipline we also need to remember that Jesus did not throw out the law.

(Mat 5:17 KJV)  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Even the apostle Paul tries to find a balance.

(Rom 3:31 KJV)  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

We are not saved by our actions.  Paul makes that clear in the well worn scripture,

(Eph 2:8-9 KJV)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

But don’t forget the next verse, which seems to be common with people who quote verses 8 and 9,

(Eph 2:10 KJV)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

So?  Rejoice in the grace that gives you salvation through faith.  Be aware that God expects it to effect the way you live and that does not seem to be optional. 

Quietly Destructive

(Pro 27:4 KJV)  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

“Jealousy” (7068) is something I don’t think much about yet it is something that the Bible considers a major issue.  Why the difference?  It could be that jealousy is kind of a secret sin whereas the other issues in this verse are hard to not notice.  When people are angry you can feel it even if they won’t admit it.  My wife will often tell people, “I’m not angry.”  I will sometimes ask her why she feels a need to say that.

There are different English words and Hebrew words that express this.  The point is that envy, jealousy, covetousness and such is very destructive.  

So?  Just another issue to search your heart about. 

A Bit of Perspective

(Psa 86:7 KJV)  In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

At the beginning of the Psalm David is lamenting the affliction he is going through.  If you know much about his life you can come up with a multitude of situations where he was in dire straights.  With that in mind I read this verse and had to ask myself, “What kind of ‘trouble’ (6869a) do I really know?”  The answer is “None.”

When I read this verse it reminds me of how blessed my life has been and how much it is now.  Yes, I remember a time when my rent was a month behind, I had no money and only a can of soup between me and hunger.  I remember getting into town with no job, a pregnant wife and only ten dollars to my name, little things like that, but what are those compared to someone living in the midst of Muslims blowing up churches and cutting off heads in Nigeria?

I don’t know the meaning of trouble.

So?  I can rejoice in God’s providential providing.  I can be free to bring my little troubles to Him but I will do so with an awareness of His overall care.  My attitude will be praise not pessimism; faith, not fear. 

Fruit Talk

(John 15:2 KJV)  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

As I was reading this today it got me to wondering what it means to “bear” (5342) “fruit” (2590).  I have generally looked at this in terms of witnessing and changing the world around me.  This morning it occurred to me that this is the same word that Paul used when he wrote about the fruit of the Spirit.  

On one level this is liberating because it means that I can be in Christ without doing personal evangelism.  On another level this is a call to service because it means that we should be demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit everywhere we go.  One of the passages of scripture that is often on my mind and tongue is I Corinthians 13.  There are a lot of parallels between the definition of love and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-3.  

So?  Fruit is the natural outgrowth of fertilized buds.  I think that the point is if we are on the vine, in contact with Jesus, it will show up in our lives in some way.  We may be blessed with seeing people move toward faith.  We should be blessed by being examples of the faith. 

Obvious Hyperbole

(Psa 114:3 KJV)  The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.

(Also read Proverbs 24)

I almost laughed aloud when I read this.  What a spectrum of responses to the presence of God.  Do you see the poetic description here of the parting of the Red Sea and the opening of the Jordan River?  This is one of those places that remind us the Bible is not a staid, dull, unimaginative book but a book of truth.  And truth can be conveyed by hyperbole and irony as well as direct words.

This is obviously hyperbole.  We know that water does not have an awareness.  We know that waves cannot know fear.  We know that rivers can’t decide to change direction.  This is obviously a tool to impress on us how struck by awe we need to be.  

Or is it hyperbole?  Is it possible that the elements of creation are more in tune with the holiness of God than we are?  Could the ocean really try to run away from the awesome purity of God Almighty?  Can we afford to be so cavalier in our prayer and worship when we think about this?

So?  Next time you sing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” remember the Red Sea backing away in haste and don’t get too cocky. 

Mine

(John 6:9 KJV)  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

(Proverbs 23 also read)

The feeding of the multitude is in all four gospels but this is the only one that has the detail of the boy providing the loaves and fish.  In this account there were twelve baskets left over.  That is impressive.  My mind goes on a tangent.  

I wonder if the little boy went around trying to claim all the leftovers.  After all, it was his bread to start with.  It would seem like a fair thing to do.  Just imagine how rich he could get selling them in medieval France.  

Then my mind went “Squirrel!”  That is a dangerous thing for your mind to do.  You can go down rabbit holes that lead to all kind of heresy.  In this case I started wondering if we sometimes view our spiritual gifts this way?  We want the benefit.  I don’t think that is the response that God would want.

So?  Tangents themselves are not Biblical but it is possible that they can lead you back to something important.  Sharing and not expecting return as good concepts.  Something to think about next time you have to share your cookies with someone. 

Beyond Us

(Deu 29:29 KJV)  The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

Have you ever found yourself asking God “Why?”  I know I have.  There are times when an answer will come to me and other times that I get no satisfaction.  Some of God’s truth is “secret” (5641).  Face it.  Accept it.  We do not know and may never know.

I think a lot of that will be worked out in eternity.  I am not sure we will ever grasp the mystery of the Trinity but we may figure out how God created by speaking.  The nature of some of these secrets are such that the joy will in eternally pursuing the understanding.  Also part of the joy will be that the secret always stays just out of our reach.  That will give us the anticipation of further learning.  It will also reassure us of the nature of God as opposed to the nature of man.

So?  Keep asking.  Keep seeking.  Enjoy the process but remember that you are not God. 

Watch Those Traditions

(Psa 133:3 KJV)  As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

Doctrine is important.  It always has been and always will be, but we have the responsibility to make sure that our doctrine is based on the Bible rather than what the Bible calls the “Tradition of the Elders”.  This is one of those places where Jesus ran into trouble.  He believed in the resurrection and one of the dominant Schools of Theology, the Sadducees, did not.  

This verse deals with another area of confusion.  I have read people who claim that the Hebrews of the Old Testament did not believe in eternal life, or as we often conveniently say, “heaven”.  I don’t know how they can say that if they have ever recited the 23rd Psalm (and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever) but this verse would also seem to make things clear.

This is also true of us today.  Many can give you some fine points of doctrine but they have not done the reading that justifies such confidence.

So?  Keep reading and make sure that you are in tune with the Bible.  I don’t see myself arguing with Jesus on Judgement Day but if I did I would not have my pastor there to explain why Jesus was wrong. 

Knowledge of Rocks

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

We were watching the grandchildren and friends play on the rocks and load a toy dump truck with whatever was small enough for their hands.  My granddaughter kept saying “diamonds”.  Some adults may have laughed at her imagination.  I did not because I know that diamonds in the rough would look like rocks to me.  For all I knew, they could have been diamonds.

Some people look at shiny glass and see diamonds.  Some have the “knowledge” (1847) to look at dusty rocks and see diamonds.  The former is how we look at things with our eyes of flesh.  The latter is what God sees when He looks at us.

So?  The rocks require sorting, cutting and polishing.  When done some will be worth much more than others.  God turns our rock into jewels.  Exciting thought for eternity.  Who wants to be a dusty rock forever? 

Payment

(2Co 5:21 KJV)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

Did you see The Passion of the Christ?  Did it make you uncomfortable?  Did it drive you to your knees?  It should have.

In eternity I expect to spend a few million years contemplating what it cost Jesus to come to earth, take on humanity and have all our sins dumped on His being.  It would have been enough if it were just my sin but He took the iniquity of all of humanity, for all time, on His shoulders.

Humbling.

Vain Solutions

(Psa 108:12 KJV)  Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

(Also read Proverbs 18)

I believe that one of the misunderstanding about the Bible is an artificial division between law and grace.  Many people have the idea that the Old Testament is only concerned with keeping the law and the sacrificial system and the New Testament is all about unmerited grace.  I think this is a result of listening to the traditions of the elders instead of reading the Bible and seeking the whole counsel of God.

This verse in Psalms is just one place where it is pointed out that man is helpless in his own power.  While it is true that the context might be considered a plea for victory in a military sense, the principle is clear.  God is the source of our “help (second time)” (deliverance NASB) (8668).

To add to the power of this chapter in Psalms you might benefit by reading verses 3-5.  You should recognize what some think of as contemporary “praise” music.

So?  The day is ahead of you.  If it is evening for you then tomorrow is coming.  Live in the assurance that God has this.  He is into deliverance to His own.

Bear Scare

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

As I compared the KJV and the NASB I noticed a difference of emphasis.  The NASB seems like the natural understanding.  A man does not want to meet a mad bear.  But when you read the KJV it seems like the bear is doing the meeting and would want to avoid the fool.

What is there about fools that they should scare even a mad bear?  Are they that dangerous?  Read the whole passage and I think you would be forced to agree.  The damage done by fools cannot be measured, partly because we refuse to identify the fools.

So?  Don’t be a fool.  There is a lot of information in Proverbs to avoid that end.  Read and apply.  Act like the electronic device came with instructions for a reason. 

Starting Line

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

We live in a time of many questions.  I don’t think that is anything new.  It has always been a problem just as the solution has always been available.  Much of our confusion comes from listening to the many voices around us instead of the Voice within us.  We have doctors telling us what is best for us, politicians calling for our support in their programs, pastors who feel they have a hot new word from the Lord, family members who only have our best interests at heart.  Did I miss what you are struggling with?  It doesn’t surprise me.

Too often we start with what “authorities” tell us and then try to justify it.  We will search the scripture for insight.  Or we start with our own opinions and look for proof texts to back us up.  We get it reversed.  Our starting point is what the Bible says.  After that we can interpret what our guru has for us.

So?  The point of this verse is that knowing what is right will make a difference in our life. 

Generation Blessing

(Psa 128:6 KJV)  Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

There are times when I am being thankful for all the blessings of God.  Sunday the pastor was preaching about Job.  He was blessed by God.  Most people would agree with that in the opening verses and the closing verses.  Most people would question that in between.  

One of the blessings that is given at both ends is the blessing of children.  We often take them for granted.  Our modern culture portrays them as a burden.  They are becoming more rare.  God considers them a blessing.  So should we.  

Here it goes even further and talks about the children of your children.  One of the blessings of life is being around to see that generation.  I count myself blessed.

So?  Be careful not to accept our cultures values.  That has many facets and one of them is the truth that children, and grandchildren, are a blessing.  Or they should be. 

It Is Coming

(Joh 21:18 KJV)  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

(Proverbs 14 also read)

I was at dinner with a group of seniors from the church.  I am guessing that I was the youngest in the group.  There were five men.  One led us know that he had endured Alzheimers for ten years.  His wife made sure that he ordered what he liked and reminded him that it was his when it came.  Meanwhile he shared a book he was reading and was very much a part of the conversation.  

Another guy had a double lung transplant four years ago but you never heard it from him.  The only indication was some shortness of breath.  He was alert and had a new gun he wanted to go shoot.

So?  We all come to the place where we are limited.  We may need others to keep us dressed properly and get us where we need to be.  We can still keep a good attitude and give it our best.  That is not the context of what Jesus was saying but it still applies.

Take a Deep Breath

(Psa 131:1 KJV)  A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

As I write I am reflecting on a national election in which the forces that embrace evil policies seem to have come out much better than expected.  My natural reaction is to rage and despair.  This is a reminder that we should not get “exercised” (NASB involved) too deeply in such things.  
Keep in mind that the Bible was written in the days of monarchs and kings.  Individuals were not considered as very important.  We live in a different age where we are expected to get involved.  The principle is the same.  Sure, get involved, but keep the proper perspective.  God is not sitting on His throne, wringing His hands, hoping that we will come through.  At times I think He wishes we would get out of the way.

So?  Relax.  A phrase I have come across has someone saying, “I’ve got this.”  Picture that coming from the mouth of God, read the next verse and get on with living an upright life. 

Amazing

(Psa 8:4 KJV)  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

(Proverbs 12 also read)

What is God’s most amazing attribute?  If you look at the previous verse you have the concept of creation.  That is awesome beyond our human imagination.  The complexity of the universe and how every little law of physics works together with every other is a never ending investigation into deeper and deeper levels of reality.  

But there is something even more amazing to me.  My morning worship always starts with praising Him as creator and as the God who is, but what is the hardest to visualize?

That He is aware of me as an individual.  God “takes thought” (2142) of us.  The basic meaning of the word is to remember.  God did not just make us and get on with His day.  He stays engaged.  He reaches out to us.  He gave us free will and then sent Jesus to provide the cure for the sin we got ourselves into.  I can feel the amazement of David.  

So?  Try to wrap your head around that.  I have a hard time getting there but it is always an inspiration to try. 

Arrogant Ears

(1Co 13:4 NAS77) Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

(Proverbs 11 also read)

Love is not arrogant.

I have been noticing recently that people don’t seem to be interested in the “in depth” conversations I want.  They don’t read the books I am reading.  They don’t get my points.  I start feeling frustrated.

This could be a demonstration of arrogance.  What do I mean, could be?  Is.

It dawned on me was that I need to listen to some of the things I have been getting out of Proverbs as I read it every month and one of those lessons was to listen instead of talking.  One reason why people are not communicating is because there is so much to say but no one is listening.

So?  To combat arrogance in my life I need to stop worrying about sharing my great insights and listen.  It may be that I will hear nothing but nonsense but that is arrogance talking. 

Living Glad

(Psa 122:1 KJV)  A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

If we are reading this in the twenty-first century we think of the “house” (1004) of the Lord as our local church.  At least I do.  If you were reading it in the days of David it would obviously mean the temple except for one problem.  When David wrote this there was no temple.

Are you “glad” (8055) when someone says, “It is time to go to church”?  I used to hear this twice on Sunday, on Wednesday night and any other time the doors were open.  I watch my grandchildren get excited about going to Sunday School and Awanas.  I listen to other family members trying to come up with reasons to stay home.  David is like my grandchildren.  How about you?

If not there are a couple of issues that come to mind.

The problem may be the church you are attending.  Let’s face it.  Some churches are dead and would benefit the world if they would close their doors.  Some churches seem to be able to take perfectly grilled prime steak and turn it into fried liver.  That might demand some hard choices on your part.

The problem may be in you.  When I was a pastor I used to tell people there were days when I did not want to come to church but there was never a day that I was not glad I had been there.  I think that is natural.  If you don’t experience the worship it could be that you are closing the doors to what God wants to say to you.  Spend the ten minutes before things start listening to the prelude and thinking about the words that go with the music.  Look at the bulletin, find the text for the sermon and read it ahead of time.  Start seeking the Lord in prayer.  You will be amazed at how God will meet you.

So?  There are times when worship descends in joy.  There are times when it is a matter of discipline.  It is important.  Be glad. 

Eternal Learning Curve

(Pro 9:10 KJV)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

This verse touched my thinking again as I read it today.  I got to thinking about the “knowledge” (1847) of God.  In reality God is so far above us that to think we have any knowledge of Him is a bit presumptive.  When I see the phrase “everlasting to everlasting” or the concepts of Alpha and Omega I wilt in my limitations.  At the same time the Bible calls us to know this God of ours.  He reaches out to us and meets us where we are.  He builds on what He has given us.

We have one of the glorious paradoxes of the faith.  We have a God so above us that we can’t even begin to comprehend Him and yet He reaches out and offers us a knowledge of Him.  I think the technical terms are transcendence and immanence.  

So?  You don’t understand the Bible?  Join the club, activate your subscription and get started on the eternal learning curve. 

Free to Seek

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

Grace is a wonderful concept and a Biblical theme.  We need to remember that our salvation is a gift from God and we had no chance of earning it or deserving it.  At the same time I get a little tired of one-note theology.  God gives us a gift.  It is a gift we could never generate ourselves.  At the same time we serve a God who did not create a bunch of robots that come running when He pushes a button.

God gave us another gift and that is free will.  We have the ability to choose.  Here Proverbs is pointing out that God responds to the choices we make.  Does He love everyone?  I must admit I have memorized John 3:16 and II Peter 3:9.  Haven’t heard the one in Peter?

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

God’s desire is that all would repent and be saved.  So far it hasn’t happened that way.  The gift is still there, ready to be given out.  

So?  If you have not received the gift yet then might I suggest that you begin to apply this verse in Proverbs. 

Gender Wars

(Pro 7:4 KJV)  Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

Have you ever met or listened to a garden variety pagan who was waxing strong against the Bible being a patriarchal anachronism?  While it is true that men are usually in leadership it is also true that the Bible gives women a place of honor.  Here we see wisdom and understanding personified as female.  If you read other places you will find that women served as prophets and judges.  In history the women of Israel had less restrictions than cultures around them.

So?  Try not to get hung up on the latest meme of our culture.  Listen.  Be polite.  Show restraint.  Then go and see what God says before you get on board.  You will often find yourself traveling a lonely path but at least it will be a path that goes someplace. 

Cultural Application

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

We often overlook the effect that the Bible can have on our world if we take it seriously.  I was talking to someone recently about Vietnam and we remembered the war.  My friend is into fighter pilots and had talked to many who had been taken prisoner and tortured for years.  In spite of that we are now looking at Vietnam as an ally.  At first I was a bit on edge about that.  I had served in Vietnam too.  Then I remembered how we had treated Germany and Japan after World War II.  We tend to forgive and build up those we defeat.  That is not part of the history of the world.  It is a heritage of our attitude toward the application of power.

This is touching on the idea of forgiveness and not taking our pain out on a defeated population.  It is one of the elements of limited war that has been practiced in modern times, at least by Christian countries.

So?  Every area of life is influenced by the word.  In order to apply it, you need to know it.  To know it you need to read it. 

Thought Criminals

(Pro 5:6 KJV)  Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

When you compare the KJV and NASB you get a different picture.  I think the KJV translation is a good insight for us today.  It seems to imply that the evil people you run into are not content to live in sin themselves.  They are not even content to let you make up your own mind.  The KJV seems to be saying that they will do their best to try to keep you from thinking at all.

Isn’t that the problem with much of our activity.  We talk about certain activities being “escape”.  We are trying to get away from it all on vacation.  We zone out at the movies.  Video games can be so engrossing that you forget to eat.  This isn’t even touching on mind altering drugs.  

So?  I think we need to make conscious choices to think, ponder, meditate, pick your verb.  Take a look at the last 24 hours.  Have you don’t any serious brooding?  Maybe it is time.  Remember that the Devil would like you to be empty headed.

Standard Equipment

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

If you ever buy a new car the first thing you need to do is make sure what the standard equipment includes.  Some things are necessary and we assume they are installed and in working order.  Does it have brakes?  Probably but some people don’t know that at one time a heater was optional equipment.

Christian character comes with standard equipment.  The one mentioned here is an honest mouth.  A good question would be, “Can you be a Christian and a liar at the same time?”  I would say no.  Can you be an automobile without wheels?  Can you be a fish if you can’t live in water?  

So?  Make it a point to know the standards.  They are doable.

Give God an Excuse

(Pro 3:10 KJV)  So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

I don’t have a barn and I don’t own any “presses” (3342), or “vats” as the NASB calls them.  I think I am free to take these as figurative language for me as a city slicker of the twenty first century.  If you are one of those who reject the idea of tithing then notice that in the previous verse it is talking about your substance and your first fruits.  It is talking about an attitude.

Keep in mind that the attitude is not just yours.  It also includes God’s attitude.  I think it is safe to say that God wants to bless His people.  It would seem to me that He wants to bless those who are faithful and righteous even more.  What kind of attitude do you have that you want God to bless?  Are you committed to holding back or to giving?  

So?  Don’t tithe.  I can live with that.  You probably can to but I don’t think you will live as well as you would if your were a joyful giver.  Please notice that there is no pay pal for you to click.

Productivity

(Psa 92:14 KJV)  They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

(Proverbs 2 also read)

As we get older we often start to feel like life is over.  We seem to be running out of energy and time.  It can be frustrating but we need to know it is not a Biblical attitude.  Here we are told that, even though we are “old” (7872) we still have some “fruit” (5107) to “bring forth" (yield NASB) (5107).  In consideration of our modern crisis in obesity the NASB uses “full of sap” for the “fat” of the KJV.  Either way it means you still have some juice flowing.

It is also interesting to notice the condition of this productivity.  It is found in the previous two verses.  Verse twelve points out God is talking about the righteous and verse thirteen says you need to be planted in the house of the Lord.

So?  If our lives are rooted in the kingdom we always have prospects.  That applies for now as well as forever.  Rejoice. 

Grave Considerations

(Pro 1:12 KJV)  Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

The NASB talks about “Sheol” (7585) instead of the “grave”.  Sheol is a transliteration of the Hebrew.  This deals with something that we don’t like to discuss, Hell.  When you look at these Hebrew terms you need to understand that there is a lot of disagreement on whether the ancient Jews believed in an afterlife and a resurrection.  There is evidence on both sides.  In fact the two prominent parties of the Gospels, the Pharisees and Sadducees, took opposite positions on the resurrection.

What we need to understand is that Hell is real and the resurrection is a promise.  We can avoid Hell but no one can avoid the resurrection.  For some it will be a blessing and for nonbelievers it will simply be another disaster.

So?  God’s promises involve the strength to deal with issues today and the assurance of the final outcome.  Both are important.  That is a good thought for the day after Halloween which is All Hallows Day, or All Saints Day.