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, January 17, 2013

Bosom Gifts

(Proverbs 17:23 KJV)  A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
As I was reading this month I was struck by the phrase “out of the bosom (2436).”  Adam Clarke says this refers to the way in which people of the area carry their wallet or purse tucked up close to their stomach area.  I like a little more figurative understanding here. 

As I look at the definition of the word, one of the nuances is “hollow.”  I think this is reflecting literally on the chest cavity but theologically it is a picture of the inner nature of human beings.  We are born in sin and inclined to evil.  This is what motivates us when we do things like accepting bribes or allow ourselves to be seduced by flattery.

When we listen to the sinful core, we produce wickedness.  As believers we can be freed from this body of sin.
(Romans 6:6 KJV)  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Jesus has promised us deliverance from this wickedness in our bosom. 

So?  Look to your heart, your “bosom.”  Is it in submission to the Holy God?  If not, seek a cure given by the Holy Spirit. 

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