We Need to Stretch

(Pro 29:1 KJV)  He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

This hits home as I shuffle through old age.  As we get older we tend to get less flexible in our joints and our opinions.  Physically that is made worse by a sedentary life style.  That is why seniors are urged to learn some stretching exercises and then actually put them in practice.  Spiritually there are parallels.  

The spiritual exercises don’t really change when we get older.  Personal and corporate worship are key.  The worship elements of prayer, scripture and contemplation are never out of style.  

So?  No matter what age you are you need exercise.  That goes double with us elderly citizens. 

Giving a Hand

(Pro 28:17 KJV)  A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Does this relate to the demand for forgiveness?  Possibly but I want to look at what it means to “stay” (support NASB) (8551) someone who has committed first degree murder.  Be aware that the Bible does differentiate between calculated murder, murder of passion and accidental murder.  This seems to be focusing on the cold blooded type.  But it says we are not to support such a person.  What does that mean?

As I look at the possible definitions and the way it is used in Proverbs it seems to have the idea of taking hold of something to help it achieve its goal.  When we look at it here that would mean that we are not to do anything to support such violent people.  Of course that is complicated by the question of whether that means in their violence or in their rush to damnation.

So?  We need to be careful to be on the side of the angels.  That means personal righteousness, righteous donations and righteous support for others.  I get frustrated at how much thinking I seem to be forced to do as I attempt to walk upright. 

Manly

(Pro 27:17 KJV)  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Sometime in the past year I was in a discussion with a group of men where this verse came up.  Someone expressed the view that this applied to all.  While I would agree that the principle is universal I had to point out that this is one of the places in scripture where the word “man” (376) is actually specific and not a generic interpolation.  

Often in translation the scholars insert the word “man” when it is not in the original language.  For some reason they feel this clarifies the meaning.  Part of their thinking is the patriarchal mindset that the feminists like to ridicule.  Part of it is the arrogance that comes with educated people thinking they can say it better than God.  Part may be a genuine attempt to get at the principle.

Here the word is present.  That means this is specifically directed toward men.

So?  As men we need to be reminded that we are not John Wayne or Cincinnatus.  We have a need to run our opinions by other men who can hone off the brads and nooks.  We can make it to heaven without it but the sharpening will make us better servants. 

Inclinations

(Pro 26:4 KJV)  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

I wonder if this isn’t a back door approach to conformity.  There are many things that we do to fit in and they are harmless.  Many clothing styles are just a matter of not looking a different strange than those around us.  One year sushi is in.  The next year it is probiotics.  That one my spell-checker doesn’t even recognize.  

Other times we endorse, support and perpetuate foolishness.  Certain behaviors become ingrained in our personality and effect our character.  I am convinced a glass of wine with dinner does not send you to hell.  Hanging around in a bar with your drinking buddies could also be survived but the tendency that is developed in us can make us open to other problems.  It can make us less resistant to temptation and gradually dull out minds to the things of God.

So?  Each is an individual.  We must make our choices.  Some choices tend to direct us to the next choice.  Be thoughtful and prayerful. 

Timing

(Pro 25:9 KJV)  Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

I think we have the seed of the teaching of Jesus about conflict in the church.

(Mat 18:15 KJV)  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Too often we complain about what others do before we talk to them about it.  The point is not to avoid the issue, just the opposite.  We are to be proactive in conflicts but the point is to go to the source.  The hope is to be reconciled.  Sometimes the reconciliation comes because a misunderstanding is cleared up.  Sometimes it comes with confession and repentance.  If personal contact doesn’t work you can continue reading what Jesus said.

So?  Keep problems small and contained if it is possible.  There is always tomorrow to up the ante.

Just Wait

(Pro 24:15 KJV)  Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

When I see government leaders turning their backs on Israel I shake my head because God has promised He will respond to nations based on how they treat His people.  Here we have the same idea extended to all the “righteous” (6662).  If you are one of those people who don’t believe it is possible to be righteous then you have my sympathy.  Much of the Bible is meaningless to you.  This promise passes over your head.

If you are, or know, one of those who don’t believe there is a God you are in for a rude awakening.  God may have His reasons for delaying but He always delivers.  Here the promise is that He is watching the homes of the righteous and if you attack them your days are numbered.

So?  That should offer some of us a bit of comfort and to those who are out to get us a moment to pause and think.  God will not be mocked to His face or through His people. 

A Reason for Joy

(Pro 23:15 KJV)  My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

How old do your children need to be for you to relax and feel like you have done your job?  Probably the age at which your mind sinks into dotage.  Being a parent is a never ending job but there are times in life when you can take a deep breath and thank God for the success you see.  I regularly thank God for my children.  Part of the reason is just the general joy of their being.  Much of it is because I watch their lives and choices and feel like things are working out.  

To be honest this is stronger when I open my eyes and ears.  I see how other people’s children are turning out.  I hear the complaints of other parents.  I think of stories of children denying access to grandchildren unless the parents get vaccinated.  I shudder.  I know of one family that has only one grandchild who is one and a half and they have not been allowed to see or hold him.  I shudder.  At the same time I thank God.

So?  If your children are a source of joy then rejoice and thank God for His blessings.  Much of it is because you have been obedient.  If they disappoint you then double down on your example and your prayer life.  Blessings.