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.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

A Cause for a Heavy Heart

(Proverbs 25:20 KJV)  As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

Where does music fit into our lives?  The Bible mentions a number of musical instruments such as the harp, drums and the lyre.  We are given three clear types of songs to sing,
(Ephesians 5:19 KJV)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (also see Colossians 3:16)
So it would seem that singing and music are a blessed part of our worship.  Then you come across verses like this.  What gives?

There are times when I wish the translators were more literal.  “Heavy” (troubled NASB) (7451a)  means “evil” according to the marginal reading.  If you look it up in Strong’s Concordance you find that it is translated “evil” in the KJV 440 times and “wicked” another 26 times.  That makes much more sense of this verse.

You have heard the quote, “Music soothes the savage breast.”  This would seem to be saying just the opposite.  Music has the ability to stir up evil hearts and possibly stir up the evil in hearts.

So?  Does your music aid in worship or stir up trouble in your heart?  Only you can know and only you can make the obvious changes. 

6 comments:

buddeshepherd said...

And that is why I post videos of the Legendary Stardust cowboy on my blog. The next time someone complains I'm sending them to this post!

Pumice said...

Of course since you mock Peter, Paul and Mary I wonder about your since of music.

I was also singing the ballad of Davy Crockett to my students the other day. No one dialed 911 which just means they weren't listening.

Grace and peace.

Gorges Smythe said...
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Gorges Smythe said...
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Gorges Smythe said...

Music has been used in Satanism the same as in Christianity. Maybe it's the choice of music that is being referred to, like "ho" slappin', cop killin' rap.

buddeshepherd said...

It is true that music can set your frame of mind. I've found an internet radio station that plays old bluegrass and traditional Christian songs and instead of Peter Paul and Mary and the alternative Country station I've been listen to spiritual music.
It is the same style of music but I don't have to change the station should my daughter walk in. AND I don't think about drinking and who done who wrong all afternoon as I attempt to do mechanical work on out-of-date farm equipment.