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, March 18, 2016

Poor Excuses

(Proverbs 18:23 KJV)  The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

If you look for figurative or symbolic meaning here this is a verse that points out a bit of Christian character.  Compare it to such teachings as the Sermon on the Mount and you see principles like,
(Matthew 5:3 KJV)  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Add things like turning the other cheek and you get a picture of someone who is not trying to dominate and control their world for their own profit.  The contrast is “roughly” (5794) which is a personality trait that we are to discard. 

As Americans we are at the rich end of the economic spectrum.  As a nation with few truly poor people we have a tendency to think highly of ourselves.  There is a warning here for us to demonstrate the love of Christ in all encounters.

So?  The work of the Holy Spirit is to take us with all our rough edges and make us into jewels for His crown.  Don’t hide behind, “Well, that’s just the way I am.”  Maybe you were but hopefully you won’t be.  We are to grow spiritually. 

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