The Other Side of the Scale

(Pro 24:30 KJV) I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

Yesterday we saw Proverbs warning against too much stressing after wealth.  Today we see the other side of the problem coming up, too little stressing.  The NASB uses “sluggard” (6102) for the KJV’s “slothful”.  I like both words.  There are some people who are given all the tools to provide for their needs.  I don’t know how many kids I used to see in school like this.  They had good looks and physical ability.  Socially they got along well.  Their parents had enough money to buy them decent clothes and piles of supplies.  With all that, they would never bring their book and always borrow paper and pencil.  Even then they would do little or nothing and still expect to pass and participate in sports. 

God is not a public school teacher.  For many of us that is a tragedy.  It means that the holiness of God will be expressed in wrath.  For those who respond it means His holiness comes out in the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb and our salvation through trusting in Him.

So?  Don’t sloth out on Him.  He gave it all for you. 

One Side of the Scale

(Pro 23:4 KJV) Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

This is a verse about balance.  Actually it is an unbalanced view of balance because it only warns against one extreme.  If you proof text and try to build positions on one verse you see here a condemnation of the wealthy.  That is cultish, not Biblical.  The Bible does not condemn wealth, it condemns immoral ways of earning it and unethical ways of using it.  One of the unacceptable ways of relating to wealth is being consumed with gaining it. 

Keep in mind that at the other end we have sloth and the welfare mentality.  Those are also condemned.

So?  Work hard and be a good steward.  To some that will lead to wealth.  To the rest it will provide what we need. 

Grow

(Pro 22:12 KJV) The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

Some Christians have a fear of new translations of the Bible.  They like the KJV and don’t see the need for anything else.  The more I use it in writing this blog, the more respect I have for it.  That does not mean there is no place for bringing the language up to date.  The reason I believe it can be done is that the Holy Spirit did not go on vacation in 1612 after the Authorized Version was finished.  He worked with the committees of scholars that King James had gathered together.  I think He still works with devout scholars today.

The biggest danger to me in new translations is the danger of what we see happening in our schools.  A better translation is not necessarily easier, it is more accurate.  If the reader does not need to go to the dictionary once in awhile, then they are not paying attention.  You cannot describe the truths of eternity in kindergarten language.  You can’t really get there with a Ph.D. either but it gives you more insight when you have a better understanding.

So?  Keep studying and expect the Holy Spirit to push your boundaries no matter what your level of knowledge.  Grow can be eternal. 

A Negative Approach

(Pro 21:13 KJV) Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

If you stop to think about it this is a variation of the Golden Rule.

(Mat 7:12 KJV) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

The concept of the Golden Rule is not limited to the Bible.  Some present it in a proactive way, like Jesus did in the verse quoted.  Others put it in a restrictive way, don’t do something that you don’t want done to you.  Here Proverbs takes that approach. 

So?  If you don’t listen to others, don’t expect them to listen to you.  It may not be the way you want it, but it is fair. 

Another Day, Another Reminder

(Pro 20:19 KJV) He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Yesterday I was reading and writing about having compassion on the poor.  Today it is about “gossip” (6601a/8193).  Let me guess, tomorrow with be about sloth.  Sometimes it seems like God is out to get me.  My belief is that He already has me so I guess I should say that He is out to mold me.

Molding me can be very uncomfortable.  Think of the ways that a cook makes little balls of food.  If it is melon balls then you cut out what is wanted.  It it is meatballs, you take a portion and roll and squeeze.  If chocolate, heat and pour into a mold.  None of these are enjoyable.

So?  I guess the quicker we learn the quicker God can go on to other lessons.

Poor Thinking

(Pro 19:17 KJV) He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

It seems like this verse is brought to my attention more often than it should.  Maybe I should say, “More often than I want”.  This is an area of my life that I need to continually take to the sharpening stone.  I tend to feel like I am doing well because I deserve it or earned it.  In the morning when I am getting my hat on for the day the Lord keeps reminding me of the blessings He has poured out on me.  It comes during the time I am being thankful.  I often think about all the hands that have gone into the simple thing like a cup of coffee.  I am now reading a book about World War II and it keeps hitting me how blessed I am not to have lived in eastern Europe or Asia during those years.

So?  We need to be thankful and show our gratitude by being more gracious to those who are “poor” (1800b).  One of the truths of life is there is usually someone worse off than we are. 

Name It

(Pro 18:10 KJV) The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

It might be a good moment to stop and think about all the songs we sing in worship that mention the name of Jesus.  It doesn’t matter if it is a hymn or a contemporary bit of repetition, there is a lot about the name.  Historically names have significance.  A family name can open doors.  A first name can identify your ethnic background.  A lot of modern names reflect something about the disturbed nature of the parents. 

Here the reference is to the name of the “Lord” (3068) [yahweh].  The key thing that we need to understand is that the name means “I am”.  It is God reminding us that He actually exists.  He is not the formulation of a bunch of theologians or a frustrated author.  He is not one of the gods of fantasy novels that can die or grow senile or lose its power.  He is God, now and forever.

So?  Think about that and have a nice day.