Cool It

(Proverbs 9:13 KJV)  A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

I like the KJV choice of words here.  It uses “clamourous” instead of “boisterous” (1993).  This is not a positive character trait in scripture and being boisterous is not seen as bad in our culture.  As I look at the word I find that the problem is my understanding, not necessarily the actual meaning of the word.  When I think of “boisterous” I think of someone who is spontaneous and full of joyful energy.  When I look at the definitions I don’t see that.  I see angry tumult and roaring rage.  Much of what we think is being in a “party” mood is much more than casual letting down of hair.  Much of it is a spirit of rebellion that starts in our sinful nature and finds expression in certain occasions.

I think this is one reason why I have a hard time with alcohol.  I do not believe that alcohol is condemned absolutely in scripture.  Drunkenness is a sin.  A glass of wine at dinner is a preference.  I can’t seem to get past all the times I have seen people who have their inhibitions, self control and common sense neutralized by a little bit of alcohol.  Or maybe more than a little bit.  People look for excuses to be “boisterous.”  It may not be fashionable to say “The Devil made me do it” any more but we have substituted things like stress, sugar, ADHD, poverty and the list goes on.

So?  What do you use for excuses in your life?  I have my list.  I am sure you have yours.  Part of what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us is that God is not impressed with our rationalization.  When we stand before the Judgement Seat of God I don’t think we will be able to plead stress.  We can plead the blood but it will ring a bit hollow if we have been making excuses for years.