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.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Shake on It

(Proverbs 17:18 KJV)  A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

The KJV has the phrase “striketh hands” where the NASB uses “pledges” (8628/3709).   I had to do some looking to figure this one out.  I found the best explanation in the commentaries of Adam Clarke:
“Striking each other’s hands, or shaking hands, was anciently the form in concluding a contract.”
This would be a way of sealing a deal with a hand shake.  We are to have care in the financial commitments we make.

Is your church having a building fund drive?  Are you having an annual stewardship campaign and seeking “pledges” (8628/3709)?  Do you have missionaries coming by to renew your annual contributions.  Stop now and reread the verse above.  Is this just a great verse to quote out of context or could it be that the meaning is clear and we find it inconvenient so we ignore it?

So?  Be careful about the promises you make.  Don’t get carried away by emotional appeals.  Take the time to pray and think before you do something irresponsible. 

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