In the Valley

(Pro 15:29 KJV) The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Keep in mind that although the Lord is “far” (7350) from sinners, He has great hearing.  It does not say that he cannot hear them although that seems to be implied.  The problem for the sinner is that God can hear their heart, not just their voice.  It doesn’t matter what your lips are saying if you heart is not in tune.

So?  Are you walking through the valley of the shadow of death?  I know I seem to be.  The world seems to be on the verge of chaos.  If I were not a believer I would be very much afraid of viruses, wars, black helicopters and all the rest.  I am aware and concerned but the Lord is with me.  It makes a difference. 

Microwave Interpretations

(Pro 14:15 KJV) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

What is the difference between a cynic and a realist?  Between a skeptic and a thinker?  Between being critical and being negative?  Often it is a fine line and the difference is in whether you agree with them or not.  Pardon me if I don’t believe that congress passes laws to benefit the country.  Forgive me if I don’t rush out and buy some product that a celebrity has endorsed.  Don’t expect me to believe the milage boasts posted on the window of a new car.  Please don’t color me “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a).

Part of being a follower of Jesus Christ is having a thinking cap and wearing it at all times.  That applies even when you are reading the Bible.  The problem isn’t the Bible but the interpretations we have heard over the years which tend to predetermine what we read.

So?  God can speak but only when we listen.  One thing I have noticed is that I can’t hear what my wife says from the other room when I have the water running and the microwave on task.

No Such Thing As Holy Mush

(Pro 13:24 KJV) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Spoiler Alert!  In case you are still living in denial and/or attend a liberal church, the standards of God are at constant conflict with the world you live in.  This extends through the moral degeneration represented by abortion and the homosexual agenda to the philosophy of deconstructionalism.  In the middle of all that is child discipline.

Your world tells you that wisdom is in the children and parents are oppressors.  The Bible teaches that children are born with a sinful nature and need to be nurtured in the truth of God.  That will not be easy.  If you have not had an encounter with God yourself then it may not be possible.

So?  If you are not on board with Jesus, make the choice.  Then you can apply the lessons that God wants you to demonstrate instead of the mush your school counselor tells you to dish out.

Watch Your Step

(Pro 12:21 KJV) There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

Have you ever stepped on a Lego with your bear foot?  Have you ever been walking through the house and your foot seems to have a mind of its own as it swings wide and catches your little toe on a table leg?  How is it going when you are in a hurry, go out to your car and find one of the tires flat?  I would advise you not to read this verse at a time like this.

The time this verse comes home is when you are going in for some kind of surgery.  You can do so knowing that Providence is alert and on the job.  You can know that whatever the result, it will not qualify as “evil” (205).  It is interesting that one of the definitions of this word is “idiolatry”.  A broader meaning is sorrow.  We do not need an attitude adjustment if we are trusting in the Lord.

So?  Get ready for the adventure of the day, taking comfort in the knowledge that you have read the book and you know who wins. 

The Measure of the Law

(Pro 11:1 KJV) A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

One of the often repeated ideas in both the Old Testament and the New is that Israel was to keep God’s laws.  They were to obey His commandments.  Those concepts have a bleed over effect on Christians for although we are not saved by the works of the law we still have those standards that we are aware of.  It is those standards that make us aware of where the lines are between righteous and sinful behavior.

As New Testament believers we often mock the idea of the law.  We look at commandments not to mix linen and wool together or not to boil a calf in its mother’s milk and we say, “Nonsense that is better left behind.”  Large numbers reject the idea of tithing because it is the Law and does not apply to us.  The danger is that we fall into the heresy of antinomianism.  Remember that the Ten Commandments are part of the Law and if you reject tithing because it is in the law maybe you can also lie with impunity because, after all, it is in the law.

Here we see the Law being applied to business dealings.  We are not allowed to cut corners or fudge our measurements.  To do so is an invitation to experience the wrath of God.

So?  Righteous living is our calling.  It applies to every part of our life.  Since we will never get it down perfectly, we have grace and the blood.  Those make it possible.  They do not mean we can ignore it.

Prepping

(Pro 10:1 KJV) The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Every child will disappoint parents at some point.  I understand that they are human and it isn’t good enough to blame those bad moments on the genealogy of your spouse.  Kids mess up.  The question is not if but how much and how bad.  Child failure can be a teaching moment.  The key is are you teaching.  Of course that requires that they listen.

Keep in mind that to instill wisdom you need to have wisdom.  Wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord.  Wise children begin with seeking parents.

So?  It is never too late to start.  Your children may have moved on or in tragic times you may have outlived them.  There are other little ears and eyes watching.  Prepare to prepare. 

Good Reception

(Pro 9:9 KJV) Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

The emphasis we need for this verse is not in the verbs but what I think used to be called the direct object.  It has been a long time since I studied sentence structure.  It is the response of the receivers that is key, not the gift.  The gift is available just about anywhere.  Bibles can be found in many motel rooms and any thrift store.  Most churches will give you one if you ask.  The answers to the quiz are right there but it is like giving an open book quiz to middle school students who were too lazy to look for the answers.

So?  God offers wisdom and instruction.  We need to offer ears and attitude.  It can be a winning combination or just frustration for the Creator.  That is not good idea.