An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Swap Meet Spirituality

(Proverbs 20:14 KJV)  It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

Flea markets have been around a long time.  Swap meets are the stuff of history.  Do you see it here?  Actually this type of business transaction is common in much of the world.  We are used to going to a store and paying whatever is asked but in many places the first price the seller gives is just a dream and the first amount the buyer offers is just a shot in the dark.  And of course in the negotiations the buyer points out all the flaws and the sellers extolls the virtues.  Some people love the process.  I hate it.

But it points out that hard bargaining is not lying.  There is no condemnation here.  It is part of culture.  Keep in mind that other places, like verse 23 in this chapter, actual deception is condemned. 
(Proverbs 20:23 KJV)  Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
What this means is that if you are selling a car you don’t need to point out every dent but you are not supposed to put sawdust in the transmission to cover up a major problem. 

So?  Honesty is God’s way.  Integrity is required.  Bargaining is recreational.  Getting a better price is good stewardship.  Find the balance.  The Holy Spirit can show it to you.

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