She Earned It

(Pro 31:16 KJV) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

We have a lot of stereotypes about the past.  Many of them have to do with the patriarchal nature of the society and how that kept women in subordinate roles.  Cultures based on muscles and the power of the sword probably fit this pretty well, although there are plenty of stories of women overcoming even those obstacles.  A culture built on Biblical foundations trends more in the way of opportunity and success for women.  Keep in mind the opening chapter of Genesis.

(Gen 1:27 KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

When you start with the statement that women are part of the image of God you need to put some brakes on your Tarzan images.  

The KJV talks about the “fruit” (6529) of her “hands” (3709), which is the translation given in the margin of the NASB.  This is a powerful way of getting the NASB’s “earnings”.  You don’t have earnings unless you are working on something that gives earnings.

So?  Although I support the woman who is a full time wife and mother, you cannot rule out the place of a woman earning.  Nuance is often important.  Flexibility is a part of the spiritual walk as long as it is not violating basic Biblical standards. 

Avoiding Emergencies

(Pro 30:25 KJV) The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Strength can be a relative term.  Here we hear that “ants” (5244) are not “strong” (5794).  If we are in a hurry we agree because they are so small and we have all stepped on a few.  If we stop and think with a critical mind we remember seeing ants carrying things that are bigger than they are.  That tells me that they are very strong.  Which is it?

The point here is that physical strength has limitations.  I can identify with that.  I am getting to the point where opening a jar of peanut butter is a real challenge.  A package of potato chips can defy my fingers.  I find that I need to plan ahead.  You supply yourself with tools to get the job done.  If you don’t, whose fault is it?

So?  God has been known to come through in an emergency.  I am not sure He is too big on bailing us out for our own lack of thinking ahead.  He might want us to learn a lesson instead.

Choice

 (Pro 29:6 KJV) In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

You don’t need to look too far to see people who are trapped in life in such a way that there seems to be no hope.  It could be economical.  It could be health.  It could be family issues.  I always wonder how much of their situation is a result of their choices and how much was beyond their control.  We need to be careful but also aware.  A judgmental attitude can be destructive but making excuses doesn’t help either.

Let’s take the economical traps of life.  We all know people who have their credit cards up to the limit.  Maybe you are one of them.  We know people who have filed bankruptcy.  At the other end we see people who are so addicted to making money that their lives are empty.  You can’t do much about an airplane that crashes on your house.  Unless you are on a golf course holding a club up in the air during a storm, you can’t usually be blamed for lightning striking you.  On the other hand, most of us have bought things with our credit card that we did not need.  Many times it might have been something we don’t even want.  

So?  It is never too late to start making righteous choices.  It is never too late to start digging out.  You may not have time to finish but you can begin.  Be honest with yourself.  I find it very easy to blame others for my mistakes.  I am not saying I blame you, but I might, given a chance. 

Hardly

(Pro 28:14 KJV) Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

I am currently reading through Exodus and the plagues against Egypt.  If you are familiar with the passages you will remember that Pharaoh repeatedly “hardened” (3513) and “hardened” (2388) his heart.  Two different Hebrew words are used in Exodus 9:34 and 9:35.  The word used here, (7185), is again another.  

There are many ways you can harden your heart.  Some words seem to mean to strengthen, like when you clench a fist.  Others mean to make heavy.  Here it means to become severe and harsh.  Although we can recognize times that fear can be beneficial, hardening usually is a sense of being insensitive to what requires sensitivity.   

So?  We often put up our guard because we are afraid of being hurt.  Maybe we need to be more willing to suffer if it will make us more supportive of those around us. 

Foundations of Trust

(Pro 27:24 KJV) For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

“This too, shall pass”.  That is a bit of wisdom that we need to remember.  We also need to remember that is applies both ways.  Are you having a rough time?  This too, shall pass.  Are you flying high?  This too, shall pass.  The only eternal part of existence is God Himself.  One of His attributes is being immutable.  That means He does not change in His character and essence.  It does not mean He cannot respond to us as individuals and we know that Moses argued with Him.

The warning here involves putting our confidence in our material surroundings.  Political situations change.  We are seeing our liberty eroded.  The economy goes through cycles.  What was a source of prosperity can become an anchor on your soul.  

So?  The reminder is here to encourage us to put our confidence in the eternal things, not the temporal.  Look at your coins.  They say, “In God we trust”.  As some wag said, all others will need to pay cash. 

Factor It In

(Pro 26:24 KJV) He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Hatred is real.  Most of the people I rub elbows with are mellow and gracious.  If they were the only people in the world then verses like this would not be necessary but there it is.  So many Christians drift through life denying and ignoring what is going on around them.  They think that if they are nice to pagans then pagans will be nice to them.  Sometimes that works.  Be alert to the fact that often it does not.

It is becoming more clear every day as we watch what is happening politically and culturally that there are a lot of people who hate God and because of that, they hate you and me.  It is only deserved in that God keeps reminding them that they are sinners.  God’s word keeps condemning homosexuality and fornication.  They don’t like it when a holy God won’t change His standards to make them feel good about themselves.

So?  We are called to holiness.  That will never be accepted in the world.  Sadly it is often not accepted in the church either.  It is still God’s expectation. 

A Simple Principle

(Pro 25:23 KJV) The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

What is so hard to accept about the principle of “cause and effect”?  Why is it that so many of us think that we can do something without results that have been around forever?  I recently finished reading Mike Lindell’s autobiography.  One of the observations I had is that people get sucked into the drug culture with so much ease.  All you need to do is look around.  All you need to do is observe the ruined lives.  If you don’t have anyone you know then take a drive through the middle of any large American city and observe the people living on the street.  They did not just wake up one day and say, “I think I will go live in desperation and poverty for the rest of my life.”  No, it started with the simple belief that just because this substance ruined someone else’s life it won’t effect me.

Yes, it will.  It doesn’t matter what the substance is.  It could be just an idea or way of doing business.  Rarely is the first step a death producing overdose of a hard drug.  

So?  Choices have consequences.  In His mercy God has provided a way of escape but that doesn’t mean that your bank accounts and the respect of your children will be restored. 

Relax in Obedience

(Pro 24:19 KJV) Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

A recent headline link told me that a man wearing a dress and claiming to identify as a woman, who has been appointed as Assistant Secretary of Health, is a proponent of giving children access to drugs and operations that will allow them to change their sex.  I try to avoid politics on this blog but this is not politics, this is a moral outrage.  I keep asking myself how to respond to this kind of thing and as I read Proverbs this morning this verse jumped out at me, along with verse 22,

(Pro 24:22 KJV) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

We are to call for justice and stand up for morality.  The point here is that we are not to get consumed with “fret”ing (2734).  The word has the idea of being burned up with passion over the evil we see around us.  We can get so wrought up about what is wrong with society that we become part of the problem.

So?  Be concerned.  Speak out.  Fret not.  The word is that these people will be brought down.  It is not specific about how or when just definite about it happening.  We are going through dark times.  We must insist on walking and living in the light. 

Eyes Right

(Pro 23:26 KJV) My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

I am always a bit jealous of people who can talk about someone who had a life-changing influence on them.  I am sure that I have had many but I have never looked at it that way.  If it came right down to it I would have to say what this verse is talking about:  My father was the big influence on my life.  To many that would seem obvious but I am not sure they look at the right factors.  It wasn’t the verbal lessons.  It wasn’t the discipline.  I think it was the daily faithfulness that you could only see from the inside.  

You need to be careful of your influencers.  To be honest, I am not sure that I would want Solomon to be someone I looked up to.  He seems to have started out well but by the end he had abandoned just about everything that was righteous.  I guess that is why we look to Jesus.

So?  Be the best example you can be and seek people to influence you who live consistently godly lives.  Be slow to become a follower. 

The Answer Man

(Pro 22:21 KJV) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Are you a good test taker?  I am.  I remember on one of the standardized tests I took I found the answer to one of the questions later in the test.  I was talking to a guy last week who was terrible at taking tests.  We could both have the same knowledge and I would do much better than him.  If you wanted it applied to fix something then you needed to talk to him.  Like I said, I am a good test taker.  I am not so good at applying what I know.  

We still need to be able to “answer” (7725).  The root meaning of the word it to return.  I guess that would tell us to answer the question that is asked, not the one we want to answer.  The guy I mentioned above said he was great at essay tests and horrible in multiple choice.  Part of the problem was that the questions on the tests were poorly written and the answers were not clear.  On an essay he could get a better feel of what they wanted.

So?  We are called to witness.  Although they don’t want to admit it, the world around us has a lot of questions they can’t answer.  Be ready and try to hear what they are really asking. 

Where Justice Starts

(Pro 21:3 KJV) To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

It is easy to play church.  It is possible to keep the commandments in public.  Patriotism and citizenship are easy to pantomime.  Going through the motions can become empty habit.  I think most people can agree with the basic idea even if they are afraid the principles might be applied to them.  We are used to it in our daily lives but we usually assume that the one who disagrees with us is the guilty party.

We need to remind ourselves that the standards here are based on God’s eternal word which is rooted in His eternal character.  Our public figures toss around words like “justice” but I urge you to be aware that they do not mean what God means by the word.  I repeat myself.  I will repeat myself again because it is so easy for us to fall under the spell of the talking heads.

So?  You can’t know what is true unless you know the truth.  It must start in your Bible, not in your commentaries, daily devotional books, sermons or Sunday School Classes.  By the time you come to those potential sources of learning you should know enough to filter out the dross.

Business Rocks

(Pro 20:10 KJV) Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

Which is more Christian, capitalism or socialism?  You can find elements of both in the Bible.  If you are trying to define economic systems you would need to do some studies and a lot of prayerful heart searching.  At the core of any business conducted by Christians is a principle that is irrefutable.  It is called honesty.  God would condemn false advertising whether it was an ad on TV or a promise of a five year plan.  Truth is truth, or as the Hebrew actually means, a stone is a stone.  

So?  We are called to honesty as God defines it, not as a used car salesman triages it.  It you say it is a pound, it better be a pound.  If it isn’t, your worry is not the Better Business Bureau but God Himself. 

Promises, Promises

(Pro 19:9 KJV) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

When I read the daily news and listen to podcasts with videos of reporters and politicians I am overwhelmed with the amount of deceit that is being presented.  That does not surprise me.  What disturbs me is that they seem to be getting away with it.  For the moment they are.  Don’t think this will go on forever.  

We like to think about the glorious promises of scripture.  There are also some that are simply panic material.  Here we have God’s promise that liars will be punished.  We want it now but it does not come with a timeline.

So?  Be patient.  Keep living righteously.  One of the realities is that people who skate on thin ice will eventually fall through.  People who constantly draw to insight straights will eventually go broke.  Drunk drivers will eventually kill or be killed.  Stay straight.

Words for the Day

(Pro 18:8 KJV) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

I guess it is time for our monthly scolding on gossip.  If you are reading along you realize that the attacks of gossip in Proverbs are more frequent than monthly.  This is not the only verse that deals with loose lips, not by a long shot.  The reason for that is the simple sins are the easiest sins.  Few of us would know how to rob a bank.  Adultery is more in the imagination and fantasy than in reality.  Gossip is an every day temptation.

Gossip takes many forms.  Sometimes it disguises itself in righteous cloaks, like some prayer chains and Bible studies.  I think it is possible to wander into it simply because we are not thinking.  

So?  Be alert.  Live righteously.  Habits can be changed and attitudes can be adjusted. 

The Law of the Zoo

(Pro 17:19 KJV) He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

Why do sinners love chaos?  It might be the same dislike that barbarian warriors have for the laws of society.  Order and the rule of law put a crimp in their style.  It limits your chances of self gratification.  While we tend to feel constrained by things like speed limits and the banning of fighting in public, they are there to protect the weak members of society.  They are in place to limit the law of the jungle.  

Keep in mind that the animals that provide the source of meals for the predators would be more in favor of bounties on wolves and mountain lions than the wolves and lions.  The problem we often run into is that the wolves and lions eventually get in control and put the deer and antelope in cages so that they can be harvested.  Zoos are generally safe for all the animals but keep in mind that the meat they feed the carnivores comes from somewhere.

So?  Law is your friend unless your goal is to take advantage of others.  Maybe I should reword that a little.  The restraints of righteousness and righteous leaders are your friend.  I don’t think the Nazi law against hiding Jews would qualify. 

Mush or Manna

(Pro 16:1 KJV) The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

This seems a good summary of Godly preaching.  It starts with preparation.  The preacher is at first a student and a seeker.  It is glorious how much you can find in a verse when you focus and listen to the Holy Spirit.  Then when it is time to speak it is amazing how often it doesn’t come out the way you planned it.  One of my constant observations is that I said things I was not planning to say.  Often it was not because of lack of planning but by the leading of the Holy Spirit.  

Too often people use the second part of this as an excuse to not prepare.  I can’t give you a time and date but I believe I have heard people get up and say something to the effect, “I didn’t have any time to prepare so we will just let the Lord fill my mouth.”  Usually it comes out mush, not manna.

So?  Be serious in your time of focused worship.  Study.  Think.  Inquire.  Then trust God to make it come out the way He intends. 

Mouth Editors

(Pro 15:28 KJV) The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

How often has it been that the first thing we think of to say is usually not what needs to be said?  Sometimes it is mean spirited.  Sometimes it is critical for the wrong reasons.  Sometimes it is just stupid.  One problem with words is that they can’t be undone.  It would be nice if we could go back over the day and edit our contributions.  When I write something to post on the internet there is usually an editing and a curing process that goes on.  I write.  Then the next day I edit.  On this blog I try to keep a month ahead.  When I post it I edit it again and I am always amazed at the things I find that I missed before.  Sometimes I need to express my thoughts differently or I find a better word.  And even though I know the difference between their, there and they’re, I still type the wrong one at times.

So?  We need to work at installing editors on our mouths.  Rarely is life worse if we don’t say something critical.  You can’t say the same about compliments. 

Don’t Be Mary Poppins

(Pro 14:14 KJV) The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Here we have an insight into the nature of sin or, in this case, Original Sin.  It is someone who is a “backslider” (5472) in “heart” (3820) [leb].  Notice that the backslider is “have his fill” (7646) of his “own ways” (1870).  He is self centered.  He believes that the world should conform to his desires.  He is quite self-righteous about it.

Part of the message of the gospel is that once you are right with God it changes the way you relate to your fellow man.  It means that you begin to see others as more important than yourself.  It is the kind of attitude that has made Christians the leading founders of hospitals, orphanages and colleges over the years.

So?  You may have seen Mary Poppins pull out her measuring tape that says something like “absolutely perfect in every way”.  In case you missed the point, Mary Poppins was a witch.  Our calling is drastically different. 

The Morality of Farming

(Pro 13:23 KJV) Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

Farming is a skill.  It has a very real learning curve.  Last year when my daughter was staying with us she decided to become a farmer.  She planted tomatoes.  The general impression I get about tomatoes and zucchini is that they will flourish anywhere.  That does not seem to apply by our front porch in Texas.  I have the feeling that a real farmer would have produced a bumper crop.  

I don’t even have a good guess at the skills a farmer develops.  One of the techniques of good farming is letting the land lie fallow.  It is known by farmers around the world, and some of us non-farmers.  Good management means conforming to the laws of nature that God established.  You might not think that moral judgements would have anything to do with farming, but it does.  When you get a greedy farmer, he wears out the soil.  If he is a sharecropper, the owner may demand that he do things he knows are wrong.

So?  God’s justice is rooted in His holiness.  It demands moral behavior.  That means treating the land properly.  Now go mow the lawn. 

Pick Your Heart

(Pro 12:20 KJV) Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

You can pick the kind of heart you have.  You don’t need to settle for the one that was issued.  Eternity will be different based on your choice.  Because we are born with original sin residing in our hearts we start in a losing position.  It is like you are entered in the Olympics but they don’t tell you your race has started until after the gun goes off.  You can’t win.  

The promise that is clear from other scripture is that God has made provision for your sin through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Because God intervenes, you have a choice.  If you are happy with the evil you have then, as the internet notice says, you need do nothing.  

So?  Pick your heart.  Do you want the evil one in door one or the joyful one in door two?  Both are offered.

Divine Pay-Off

(Pro 11:31 KJV) Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

This is about the character of God.  While it is a glorious truth of the Gospel, that we cannot earn our salvation, God is just and holy.  He rewards those who follow the rules.  

(Heb 11:6 KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

This specifically refers to living by faith but speaks to the dependability of God.  

If you pay any attention to all the gods of literature, the pagan gods, they tend to be cruel for no reason but to be cruel.  While God can punish, He does not do it for the jollies.  He does it to pay for sin or to teach a lesson.

So?  We can trust God.  He does not play games.  He is true to His character. 

Two by Two

(Pro 10:32 KJV) The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

“The ‘mouth’ (6310) of the ‘wicked’ (7563)” can only know what is “frowardness” (perverted NASB) (8419).  This is true even when they seem to be speaking truth.  I think the central idea behind this Hebrew word is crooked or twisted.  That means you can have someone making a statement of fact and yet doing so with the intent to endorse evil.  My definition of a lie is “a communication with the intent to deceive.”  It doesn’t matter if you give a speech on “Two Plus Two” and concede the answer is four if the question was, “What is two divided by two.”  

We are surrounded by people and organizations that are experts at deceiving us while telling us what are technically facts.  I have this snack food called Crunchy Rice Rolls.  On the label it proudly tells me it is “gluten free”.  It is also low fat, low sodium and has no cholesterol.  If you are diabetic it is still a bad deal because it has plenty of sugar.  

So?  Know the motive of your source of information.  I trust my Bible because it was prepared to save my soul and prepare me for eternity.  Bible commentaries, not so much.  They all have a slant they are pushing. 

Scoffer ID

(Pro 9:8 KJV) Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

How do you identify a “scorner” (scoffer NASB) (3917b)?  In looking at the many times this word is used I noticed that one characteristic is that they look down on righteousness and righteous people.  It would be easy to simply say that anyone who is negative is a scoffer or anyone who is critical.  No.  Some things need to be criticized, but not the things of virtue.  

The church is missing the boat here.  We are so into being nice that we herd the wolves in with the sheep and call them part of the flock.  Although Jesus was welcoming to the genuine seeker, He was hostile to the hypocrites and self-seekers.  Keep in mind that people who endorse the works of Satan are not going to listen to you.

So?  Learn that all white powders are not sugar.  Be careful what you put on the Cheerios of life. 

Baby Steps to Perdition

(Pro 8:36 KJV) But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

When we are talking about potato chips we can tell ourselves that just one won’t make any difference.  When we say that we are lying.  The effect may be minuscule.  We may not notice it, but every calorie counts.  At one point in my weight loss I noticed that one Life Saver was 10 calories.  To someone my size that isn’t anything to worry about.  It is only 10 calories.  But do a little math.  If everything else stays the same, and I know it never does, over a year that is 3,650 calories if you just eat one a day.  Over a year, one Life Saver a day makes a pound difference.  They add up.

Rejecting wisdom has the same effect.  The little sins add up.  Over time it makes a big difference.  It is also true that, like Life Savers, no one stops with one.  Rejecting the small points of wisdom leads to rejecting the major points.  

So?  Baby steps may be small but they still get the baby across the porch to the place where he will fall off. 

I Was Only Gone a Second

(Pro 7:19 KJV) For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

Have you ever wondered what goes on when you are not there?  Think of the mischief your children got into when you stepped out of the room for a minute.  Think about how long it took to clean up the mess.  There are times when we must be away.  We need to prepare for those moments.  Obviously the man mentioned in this verse had done a poor job of choosing a wife.  Maybe his parents chose her for him.  Either way he still is not paying attention.  

So?  Are there any people that need your supervision or direction?  It could be a family member.  It could be someone you work with.  It might be a casual stranger.  We influence others whether we choose to or not.  It would be better to choose. 

Quick Cure for Sloths

(Pro 6:6 KJV) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

What is the cure for a “sluggard” (6102)?  I guess the first thing is to want to be cured which requires acknowledging your condition.  That is the same problem with salvation.  Before you can repent and trust Jesus as your Savior you need to know you are a lost sinner.  But lets assume you know your are a bit lazy.  How do you get over it.

The clue we are given is to “observe” (7200).  Do a little research.  Look around.  Find someone who is obviously not guilty of your weakness and watch.  Pay attention.  We have a tendency to want the quick fix.  Growth often takes time, or should I say “usually”.  While I know of people who have been instantly set free from addictions, most people are forced to go through withdrawal and discipline.  The cure for sloth is not easy, which is a double whammy.

So?  After you see the need for improvement start getting your mind in gear for the change that must come. 

Disaster Not Waiting to Happen

(Pro 5:9 KJV) Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

Sin is a multifaceted disaster.  It destroys and cripples.  It wastes and withers.  The context of the warning here has to do with casual sexual relationships but the principle is consistent.  Sin will suck all that is worth having out of your life and pass it on to what the NASB calls “the cruel (394) one”.  

Proverbs keeps repeating this pattern.  Righteousness leads to a better life.  Sin leads to futility.

So?  It seems so simple.  I makes me wonder why so many people make the wrong choices. 

The Obviousness of Light

(Pro 4:18 KJV) But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Have you ever tried to find the darkness in a field at noon?  It is pretty much an impossible search.  Picture guessing that there is darkness under a leaf.  The minute you lift it up the darkness disappears.  Now try to find the burning candle in the same field at midnight.  No problem.  

We need to first admit that both “light” (216) and darkness exist in our world.  They exist in our political culture and the media.  Both are in our schools.  The tragedy is that both have found a place in our churches.  Then we need to recognize the difference.  That should be no problem if you believe that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God.

(Joh 8:12 KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

So?  Focus on looking for the righteous course.  It is visible and findable.  Look for the people and policies that follow that path.  Let the evil focus on the shadows. 

Head Turning Value

(Pro 3:15 KJV) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

What makes something “precious” (3368)?  When I pulled up this verse and read it out of context I thought Solomon was waxing strong about the wife of the week.  Wrong.  He is talking about wisdom.  He is setting wisdom above all of the fancy trappings of an ancient monarch.  I have to believe that when he wrote this, he was serious.  He believed it.  If you know about Solomon’s life you know that at the end he turned back to the pagan gods and began to encourage their worship.  What happened?

My guess is that he began to spend more time admiring the wealth he had accumulated than listening to the things that God had to say.  He started to listen to all the syncopates that surrounded him and believe what they say.  It is a caution for all of us today.

So?  Welcome the slap downs of life that remind you how unworthy you are.  God is so beyond our understanding that He can maintain the universe in His spare time.  While doing that He has time to listen to our prayers and mold our world.  That is precious. 

Gentlemen, Feather Your Engines

(Pro 2:10 KJV) When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

“Wisdom” (2451) is not a neutral quality.  It changes what it touches.  What is does not touch is also changed but for the worse.  I have never been a pilot but I have seen sequences in which the real pilot is constantly switching levers and checking dials.  He does not do that because there is an emergency.  He does it to avoid an emergency.  He knows what to look for so he is constantly adjusting all kinds of things that I as a passenger am not aware of.  He increases the fuel load to engine three.  He tweaks the little panels on the wings.  He turns two degrees to port.  He “feathers” the engines, whatever that means.  

The pilot is not guessing.  He is taking action based on “wisdom” he as accumulated by paying attention.  It was part of his training.  We do not need to be guessing either.  We should be growing in wisdom and doing a better job of “feathering” our engines all the time, whatever that means.

So?  Growth is not an option. 

Not So Fast There

(Pro 1:1 KJV) The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

Here is a good place to look again at how to interpret the Bible.  One difficulty is not allowing for all the literary devices.  The Bible has hyperbole, metaphor, word pictures and so forth.  A bigger problem is focusing on one verse and thinking this is the final word.  Understanding a verse in the Bible demands that you make an attempt at understanding the Bible as a whole.  Obviously not everyone is at the same level on this but we can all put on our thinking caps and make a stab at it.

If you were just starting to read the Bible and chose Proverbs, the first verse might give you the impression that the Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon.  Many people who have been reading the Bible for years still think that is the case.  I might suggest that you take a quick look at how the last chapter starts,

(Pro 31:1 KJV) The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

You will find others that are connected to Proverbs besides Solomon.

So?  This is not a trick book.  It is meant to be read, understood and applied.  It is also meant to be studied and meditated on.  Chapter one is a good place for that to start.