Beware Statistics

Proverbs 10:27 (KJV) The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

I believe there is a tongue-in-cheek quote that goes like this, “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.”  We live in an age where we almost have a religious awe of statistics and research results and so-called scientific knowledge.  We hear all kinds of marvelous things.  Sometimes they’re true.  Sometimes they’re fabrications.  One of the things that I’ve heard I believe is that religious people tend to be happier and live longer lives.  That has many trails to follow.  But that’s a brief summary.

This verse in a sense is making that statement and yet when we read it in the book of Proverbs, we kind of tilt our head, squint her eyes and say that doesn’t sound quite right.  When we read it in the media we say, “Oh. that sounds good.”  Maybe it’s just me.  The Bible makes a lot of statements that are clear and concise and we demand proof.  Scientist make statements that are clear and concise and society stands in awe.

So? Learn to trust the authentic Source.  With a little bit of thinking, some of the statements that you think are hard to swallow become very palatable.  Enjoy the feast of God’s word.