Weed Control

(Pro 24:31 KJV) And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

This verse caught my eye in the NASB because instead of the “thorns” (7063) of the KJV it has “thistles” (7057).  My references say that they are actually the same word in the Hebrew.  Both translations have “nettles” (2738).  The reason I noticed is because I have been pulling them up out of my yard.  I originally thought they were the same thing but evidently not.  The plant with the glorious purple flower is a thistle.  Nettles are not so colorful.  Both have the spiky, thorny leaves.  Both have to go.

I am just beginning my struggle against these two plants.  I am operating on the assumption that just mowing them down will not take care of the problem.  I am pulling them up and trying to keep the seeds from spreading.  Fortunately they seem to come up easily.  One thing I know, if I don’t pull them they will multiply.

So?  The point Solomon is making is that we need to be diligent in our spiritual lives as well as our gardening.  We need to pull the weeds out by the roots or they will take over.

Know Your Targets

(Pro 23:5 KJV) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

In my reading I have come across successful businessmen talking about how to be successful in business.  Makes sense, more sense than asking movie stars how to run the country.  I digress.  One of the points I seem to remember is that you don’t just ask yourself, “How can I make the most money?”  Obviously you need to make a profit but the point they make is the same one Solomon is making.  If your only goal is to make money, you probably won’t.

Instead they say find a need and fill it.  Or I guess they would say create a need and fill it.  When people feel they need that microwave that senses when the popcorn is ready you will sell one to each popcorn lover.

So?  Follow God’s principles and you will get the desires of your heart.  Chase the desires and you will watch them fly away. 

Borrowed Trouble

(Pro 22:13 KJV) The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

Do lazy people live vicariously?  Did a friend see a lion once?  Really, have you ever seen a lion in the street?  In Israel it might have been possible in a small town.  I know that in California they have bears that wander out of the mountains on occasion.  I have heard of joggers being mauled by mountain lions.  I have never seen any of this myself.  So would I use this as an excuse to not take the garbage out at night?  I doubt it.  But I can remember when I was afraid of the boogeyman. 

I have my own 21st century fears: What will the neighbors think, Does this color look good on me, Will they take Discover?  The thing is we are supposed to live fearing God, not social scorn.  If we fear God in the right way then the other stuff become an irritation, not paralysis. 

So?  What are your lions in the street?  They are probably different than mine but no more worrisome.  Trust and obey.

Peace, Bro

(Pro 21:14 KJV) A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

One of our roles is to be peacemakers.  Think of the words of Jesus,

(Mat 5:9 KJV) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

I am still wrestling with the concept of buying people off with rewards.  That requires a careful dance, but the principle that we are to be oil on the waters instead of vinegar on baking soda is clear.  It may require that we do things we don’t like.  It may require humiliation or at least a bit of humility.  It is still our path.

So?  Be a peacemaker.  Leave the agitation for the servants of Satan. 

Fathers’ Week

(Pro 20:20 KJV) Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

As this is posted we are a few days after Fathers’ Day.  I guess you could say we are in Fathers’ Week.  This is a good reminder at this time of year.  As we pause to recognize fathers we can turn this on its head and say that our lamps will not go out if we bless our fathers. 

On the other side, maybe those who are fathers might remember that they are supposed to live up to this recognition.  This is not supposed to be one of those Millennial Summer Camp award ceremonies where we give out trophies for participation and no one comes in first place.  This is hopefully a time where we recognize the daily grind of faithful service that has been slipping under the radar.

So?  I hope you have something to celebrate. 

Adult Pain

(Pro 19:18 KJV) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Once when I was in elementary school I had a boil that had developed on my back.  My mother set up her tools to deal with it.  I immediately began screaming.  I think everyone in the neighborhood thought I was being murdered by torture.  I remember that I put on a great show.  Was I in any danger?  No.  Did the boil need to be lanced?  Yes.  Did my screams stop my mother from doing her duty?  Not a chance. 

Children do not like discipline.  They do not like to be corrected.  I think of the way my granddaughter responds when she is told not to touch something.  Now realize that adults don’t like to be disciplined either.  It isn’t so cute when they throw their little tantrums.  It is one of the reasons for the violence we see with the snowflakes rioting on college campuses. 

So?  Keep in mind that the old saying, “This is going to hurt me more than it will you” did not refer to the physical pain but the pain of being the one forced into the role of adult.  Also keep in mind that the alternative is “death” (4191), not just the “crying” (4191) that the KJV refers to. 

Pantries Trump Walls

(Pro 18:11 KJV) The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

There are a lot of people who look at things through human eyes and make the decision about what is “strong” (5797) and what is weak.  The purpose of the choice is to decide where to invest their time and how to set their priorities.  You work to your strengths to compensate for your weaknesses.  The ancient world was full of great cities that thought their walls would defend them.  As far as I know, they all fell.  One thought I hear repeated is that cities do not usually fall to attacks on their walls but are betrayed from within.

While the world is working to build walls higher and repair cracks, the real danger is in their hearts.  While the ramparts are worked on, the world does not make sure that they have enough food and water to maintain a siege.  It doesn’t matter how high your walls are if you pantry is empty.

So?  Let the world build its walls.  We need to strengthen our inner man, to develop our trust in the Lord and our obedience to His word.