The Need for Braces

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

Every time I come across this word “perfect” I think about how modern Christians seem to get offended by it, or repelled might be a better word.  We shouldn’t be.  It’s a wonderful insight in how God works with his people.

Notice that the “weakness” is in us.  We can’t avoid it.  It is reality.  We are inadequate for what we face in life.  If you think you’re adequate then you’re probably missing what the real challenge is.  But the promise is that God will make us adequate, that His strength is made perfect as He acts as a brace for our withered limbs.  Or you might even think of it as a prosthetic device.

We have a lady at church who walks funny.  I thought she was having hip problems or something along those lines, but it turns out that she had a leg amputated and she’s walking on a prosthetic.  She’s able to get around quite well as long as she keeps in mind that she has this perfection making her weakness adequate.

So?  What are our weaknesses?  I tend to find that I forget I’m getting old.  Sometimes I move too fast.  So far the Lord has kept me from major catastrophe, but in life, we need to be aware of our limitations and learn how to lean so that God can compensate.  

Applied Wisdom

Psalm 111:10 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

We need to be mindful of a constant reminder by the word that it is not enough just to have head knowledge, or even just heart knowledge; we must apply the knowledge that we have.  Notice the simple little verb “do”.  There is some correlation between applying truth and just believing it.

We’re familiar with the concept of muscle memory.  By doing things repeatedly, we learned to do them by habit without thinking.  It speeds up the process quite a bit and allows us to focus on higher level thoughts and applications.  The same thing can be said about spiritual issues, about wisdom.  This might also in a bit of a stretch apply to why Jesus had to come and live as a human being.  There’s something about actually experiencing life that brings it a depth and richness that is not understood any other way.

So?  Believe it.  Apply it.  Get the full benefit of what God is offering. 

We Forget

Proverbs 2:22 (KJV) But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

In reading these last two verses, it came to my mind again.  Eternity is going to have an element of the physical in it.  We have that popular conception of floating around on clouds.  Some people imagine the masses of elders and saints, bowing down before the throne on the sea of glass and chanting, “Holy holy holy”.  You need to read the rest of Revelation.  You need to read about the new Jerusalem descending to earth.  You need to read about the river of life running out of Jerusalem and the tree of life growing on both sides.  Remember the wolf lying down with a lamb?

We will not be cut off from the Earth.  We are to be established.  I like to think that we still have access to flowing through the cosmos and diving into the center of massive stars, but our focus and our home is always going to be on earth.

So?  Get used to it.  Enjoy it.  Imagine what it will be like when our sin caused limitations are removed totally.  

What Was That?

Proverbs 1:23 (KJV) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Reproof without response is a waste of breath.  That doesn’t mean God won’t keep trying to reach us and get us to listen, but there comes a point where we are expected to respond.  Notice the first word “turn”.  God gives us insight in His word, through preaching, our reading, our meditation and expects us to take it and apply it to our lives.  The result is that we are supposed to do things differently.

When we practice obedience, the promise here is that God will “pour out His spirit” on us and then He will bring us a deeper understanding of what it is that He’s trying to say.

So?  It’s a new month.  It’s getting close to a new year.  Those are days we highlight but there are no days when it’s a bad idea to start changing our direction if God is speaking to us.  

Does Creation Continue?

Psalm 104:30 (KJV) Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

I almost breezed over this because of all the figurative language and great word pictures in this chapter.  Then I noticed the word “created”.  Now keep in mind that this is written in David’s time or later, and the author is probably not thinking about the seven days of creation, yet he uses that same word that is used in the first verse of the Bible.  It is also used about halfway through the creation account with the large sea animals, and then about man being created.

One of the mysteries of the people pushing evolution is something called the Cambrian explosion where suddenly a vast number of new species appeared.  They seem to have come from nowhere.  There is no fossil record of them developing.  Add to that the fact that all the links are missing when someone talks about the “missing link”.  All the links are missing.

This verse may be the reason why the links are missing because God continues to send forth His Spirit and create.  I’m not looking for a doctrine here or an article of faith.  This is just an observation of the creativity and continued involvement of God in His world.

So?  Man is still the only one that was created in His image.  Don’t forget that.  Honor Him. Worship Him.  

Happy Law

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

As Christians, we tend to look at the law in a negative way.  The apostle Paul certainly goes out of his way to make sure that we’re not trusting the law for our salvation.  That’s fine.  One of the things, though, that I’ve noticed is that the Old Testament does not promised eternal salvation through the law.  The promises of the law in the Old Testament have to do with Israel being guaranteed the promised land, that their cows would have healthy calves and their harvest would be adequate.  All of those are every day realities.

So how do we respond to the law?  In a general sense we still follow it, but we don’t follow it for the same reasons.  We don’t refuse to steal or commit adultery because we think we’re earning our way into salvation, we do it because it makes for a better life here on earth.  Following God's principles goes a long way towards establishing happiness in your life.

So?  Get right with Jesus.  Trust Him and His death and resurrection and God's grace as it extends towards you.  Having established that foundation, live a righteous and moral life.  It will pay off.  

Grace Applied

Psalm 103:10 (KJV) He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

Just in case you’re one of those people that gets hung up on the difference between the law and grace, you need to take another look at this verse.  I don’t think the law was mentioned at all in this chapter.  But I do see grace at work here.  I see God extending His patience, forgiveness, and yes, grace towards us as He watches us and follows our activities.

What better way to express the idea of salvation than to admit that God does not deal with us as we deserve.  He is ready, willing and able to forgive our sins.  He sent His son to die on the cross so that the justice that is in His heart could be fulfilled.  What a balance of love and justice.

So?  Don’t relax in your sin, relax in your forgiveness.  Enjoy the knowledge that God will not deal with us as we deserve.  

Details, Details

Proverbs 27:20 (KJV) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

I was listening to a podcast where a Bible teacher named Stephen Gregg was talking about the different historical views of hell.  Evidently before Augustine there were various views that are still around today, but are not quite as popular.  It was interesting.  Here though we get some insight into what hell would be like.

The keyword here that I’m looking at is the word “satisfied”.  What doesn’t come through in the KJV, but is there in the NASB, is that the word “full” is the same word in Hebrew as "satisfied".  This is giving me an insight into what hell will be like.  Excepting the lake of fire and the torment this would give an explanation of a part of the torment.

Just as we as human beings in this life seem to be never satisfied, we always want more, so it will be if we spend an eternity in hell.  In addition to the torment, there will be this unremitting sense of incompleteness.

So?  Anyway you look at it, eternity without Jesus is going to be utter misery.  This just makes it a little worse.  Of course the alternative is to trust in Him and have eternal life.  It seems an easy choice to me  

It Is Not Supposed to Be Easy

Romans 1:17 (KJV) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

How glibly we quote this verse and toss it off.  It is used so often in terms of evangelism or just in the matter of now you’re saved, don’t worry about things from here on out.  It is often used as an excuse to live in unrighteous ways.

Today is a reminder to me that I am to walk every day with the kind of trust that trump’s the vicissitudes of life.  Life keeps throwing us curve balls, then a change up, then that fast ball down the middle.  We need to remember that living by faith means that we understand that we are part of the team that is going to win the World Series.  We may not be the one who gets a home run.  We may go 0 for 4.  But we’re on the winning team

So?  God is with me even when the water gets deeper.  He’s with me as it comes up to my neck.  He’s with me even if I go under because He is a lifeguard who will pull me out when I need it.  I walked today in faith.  I walked today in trust.  

Refined, Not Carved

Proverbs 25:4 (KJV) Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

The Bible has numerous spots where it talks about how we mature and grow spiritually.  One of the things that occurred to me about this recently was shown in this verse.  When God talks about molding our character or deepening our spiritual strength, He uses the illustration of smelting precious metals.  I don’t see any place where it talks about carving things or sanding things down.

In fact, when it talks about adjusting the outward looks, it usually is referring to man-made idols.  God works on the inside, which then is reflected on the outside.  The world tends to look at the outside and make it adjustments there and not worry about the core.

So?  This doesn’t mean that we don’t work on our discipline and our behavior but we need to be focused on allowing God to change our heart.  

Incongruence

Psalm 99:8 (KJV) Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

We see two sides of God in this verse.  On one side, we see forgiveness.  On the other, we see vengeance.  God is the same in both cases.  Israel also seems to be the same.  Are both necessary?  How serious is the vengeance in the company of forgiveness?

One of the clues I see for this is in how many of the Psalms I have read where the writer is calling upon God for His mercy, but is not expressing confession or repentance.  I think that’s really key.  God wants to forgive.  He does forgive.  The problem is if we don’t repent sincerely then what is in store for us is the vengeance God.

I would guess if the vengeance comes on different levels the first level of God’s wrath would be designed to bring us to repentance.  God’s patience is very real and He continues to try and turn us.  When we refuse repeatedly, it’s time for vengeance.

So?  Walk and live in repentance.  Be willing to listen to what God has to say.  He really wants to forgive.  Take advantage of that.  

Subtle Thoughts

Psalms 94:19 (KJV) In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

There is a nuance to this verse that does not come through in the KJV.  It centers around the word “thoughts”.  I thought this was a generic word and it seems that way, but when you look it up, it’s only used one place in the Bible.  The nuance is that these are “anxious thoughts”, as it says in the NASB.

Do you have knots developing in your soul?  Do you have times where you look out at the horizon and wonder if those dark clouds mean storms ahead?  This is a natural condition which God is acknowledging.  This is what the psalmist is talking about.  There are times when we are overcome with worry.  What is being said here is that God is capable of bringing His comfort in the midst of that trial.

What is necessary to access that comfort?  Trust.  Confidence in God.  A knowledge of God.

So?  Work on spending the time with God when the water is smooth so that when the waves rise up, you will already be repaired or what’s coming.  There is a promise here.  It’s up to us to access it.  

Keep Looking

Proverbs 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?

In this day and age of AI, we are constantly asking ourselves, “Can we believe our lying eyes?”  When I do a search, I tend to skip over the AI answer at the beginning, but I’m noticing that more and more of the individual sources listed below also seem to reference AI.  AI may have a grain of truth, but it is easy to use it for total deception.

In the mist of this we are reminded that we can know “words of truth”.  And see that word “certainty”.  We may not know if the celebrity in the video is real.  We may not know if the quote in the news article is accurate.  There are many things in this world that we cannot know.  Many times the only way we can tell what is real and what is artificial is by having our feet solidly on the ground and asking ourselves, “Does that make sense?”

So?  Often it won’t make sense because we know with certainty the words of truth.  Focus on those words.  Think about those words.  Apply those words.  It will help us discern the false from the real.  

Read On

Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Once again this week, I heard people expanding on Paul’s statement in Romans 3:10 that there are none righteous.  Once again, I agree with that verse in the context in which it is written.  I could do no less, believing that the Bible is the word of God.  But my thinking and my understanding do not stop with that verse.  It expands into the entirety of scripture.

We are incapable in our own strength of dealing with our sin and becoming righteous.  Having said that, though, I have to deal with the continual statements through the entire scripture about how we are to live upright, holy, righteous lives.  For most of the people that I hear quoting Paul I’m not really worried.  I see them living in such a way as if they actually understood the entire scripture witness.  I see them not living like what they say implies.

My concern is with that person on the borderline who thinks that once he has prayed a set prayer, he’s good to go and nothing else will be required.  We are saved because God extends his grace toward us when we believe.  That is not a matter of putting a quarter in the machine and getting out of candy bar.  It’s a matter of going through a door and beginning a journey with the living God.

So?  Pursue righteousness.  Seek to be the same that God has declared you to be and has given you the power through the Holy Spirit to develop.  

The Key

(1Sa 7:6 KJV)  And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

I have made a number of observations while reading through Psalms.  The writers are repeatedly pointing out how God has judged them and times are hard.  They are continually pleading for God to restore them and punish there enemies.  What is missing so often in Psalms is present in this verse:  Repentance.

Notice that they are confessing their sin.  They are pleading for God to have mercy on them.  Because they confess, God answers.  If you keep reading you will see that happening.

So?  Don’t fall into the trap of asking for blessing if you are not willing to confess and repent.  

The Pay-Off

Proverbs 19:20 (KJV) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

What caught my attention today is this phrase “in my latter end”.  I guess that pretty much sums up where I’m at.  We are told that our number of years is 70 and if we’re really strong, it will be 80.  I’m approaching that.  I expect to make it beyond that but you never know when the Lord will call you home.  I’m good with that.

I hope that during my life I have listened to council and been willing to have people teach me.  It’s always hard to know this for ourselves.  We’re really good at seeing things in others but lack insight when it comes to who we are and what we are doing.  God is blessing me at this point in my life so I assume that I must’ve done something right.

God is gracious.  God is always looking to reach out in His loving kindness.  At the same time God is not arbitrary.  There are plenty of verses to talk about the blessings that come with obedience.  I have so many blessings that I know I didn’t earn or don’t deserve, but I have to believe that somehow God took my willingness to listen to Him and magnified it through His glory and passed some of the leftovers down to me.

So?  Listen.  Learn.  Let God work His miracles in your life.  Keep in mind that the end is coming.  That’s something to rejoice about.  

Looking Back

Psalms 90:17 (KJV) And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I think most of us could repeat this prayer of Moses.  We all hope that when we come to the end of our time, we will be able to look back and see that all of the blood, sweat and tears that we put into life has been rewarded.

There are many areas of life that I have questions about.  I often wonder why my life didn’t follow one path and instead went another way.  I will have questions with God about that, if it’s still a concern in eternity.  I am content to know that God has taken the path that I followed and used it for His glory.  I can see ways in which it really was the best way.

I can look back on my children and remember all the times that I wondered how come I didn’t know what I was doing.  The glory is that God knew what I was doing and that He knew that I was doing my best.  As a result of that, I can look at the work of my hands in that area and be satisfied.

So?  Put your hands to the plow and your shoulder to the wheel, or is it the other way around?  Either way, I believe that God will take our limited abilities and confusing efforts and sanctify them for his glory.   

The Long-Term

Psalms 89:4 (KJV) Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

This is a prophecy.  It is a prophecy which was not understood by the people of that day although they thought they had the idea.  God is speaking to David, or about David.  He is promising something for all generations.  The problem is that history does not see this working out the way the Jews thought it would.

I’m not sure when this was written.  Obviously it was after David’s reign.  How far in the future, I don’t know.  What I do know is that David’s throne was destroyed after the fall of Jerusalem and the people of Israel being moved to captivity in Babylon.  Since we believe that God is sovereign, and we believe His word that means that the original understanding of this prophecy was incomplete.

When you stop to think about the fact that Jesus is considered to be the seed of David, it falls into perspective.  When Jesus returns, He will reign.  I would assume that means that His throne or throne of David would be established for all ages.

So?  Don’t be too quick to interpret.  Don’t be too quick to think you have the answers.  God may have some quirks that you don’t know about.  

I’m So Happy, Here’s the Reason Why

Proverbs 16:20 (KJV) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

There is a slight difference between the NASB and the KJV.  The difference is between the word “happy” and the word “blessed”.  Either one is a legitimate way to translate this Hebrew word.  As I glanced down through the different translations I have in my software, I saw that these were the two common translations.  And yet they are different.

Happy is an emotional state.  It comes and goes and is totally based on inward feelings.  Blessing is a different matter.  I can be blessed and not even be aware of it.  I think many people are in this category.  If you live in America, you’re probably more blessed than most people in the world in liberty, security, and prosperity.  You may not be aware of it.  You may gripe all the time, but you are blessed.

That’s why we need to bring in this concept of blessed.  We’re talking about an inner strength that comes from trusting in God.  When we trust in God, it does something to our attitude.  It changes our responses.  It molds our whole outlook on the day.

So?  Take your pick.  You can be happy.  You can be blessed.  Or even better you can be both.  It all goes back to genuinely trusting the Lord.  

Modeling Behavior

1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

(Proverbs 15 also read)

It’s strange being caught between the witness of the love chapter and the retribution of Jeremiah chapter 9.  Both speak of the nature of our God.  We often hear about how violent the Old Testament is and how God is so full of wrath while Jesus is love.  It’s a phony contrast.  Keep in mind that the Old Testament covers over 1000 years and you are witnessing centuries of God’s patience before He finally acts.  In the New Testament you’re talking about decades.  Patience requires time to be demonstrated.

I actually like the KJV here in the sense that it says that patience means “long suffering”.  God has definitely suffered long.  He endured the disobedience and rebellion of Israel year after year after year.  He sent prophet after prophet.  He pleaded with them.  They went merrily on their way and eventually they paid the price.

God is also patient with us.

So?  Again, I say don’t push your luck.  God is patient.  He has long suffering.  He will give us every benefit of the doubt.  Eventually, we will force him to move.  I pray that He would move in the direction of salvation.  

A Forgotten Verse

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

(Proverbs 14 also read)

I was sitting this morning thinking about the difference between the direction I thought my life was going to go 20 years ago and where it actually is.  We could go back much further than 20 years.  I always wanted to be used by God.  I thought I knew what that meant, but God seemed to have other ideas.

I remember a long time of wondering why things were going the way they did.  There were times of despairing, especially when I thought of my first born and how he had such a strong personality.  I joked about taking him back to the hospital and getting a refund.  It was only partially a joke.

Looking back now, I can see how the glory of God has worked in my life.  My children have turned out well.  My mind is still clear.  I can still afford my coffee in the morning and have a great view from my front porch.  God meets with me like clockwork and relates to me like the Great I Am.

In the midst of that, I am reminded by this promise that He will continue to work in me until the day of Christ Jesus.

So?  As they say, “What’s not to like?”  The journey continues and I imagine that when we get to stand in the presence of God, there will be another verse that takes this promise further down the road.  

After the Curtain Comes Down

Psalms 88:10 (KJV) Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

One of the things that scholars can’t seem to agree on is the teaching of the Old Testament in regard to what happens after we die.  My understanding is that even in the days of Jesus the Sadducees and the Pharisees disagreed on whether there would be a resurrection.

This is the kind of thing we run into time and time again.  The assumption here is that these questions are answered with a “no”.  There are other verses, which seemed to cry out for an answer of “yes”.

Which is it?  I need to do some research but I’m wondering if this is another area where greater detail of God’s plan is revealed in the New Testament.  Jesus talks about the resurrection.  In Matthew 24 He talks about coming in the clouds and gathering His people together.  Paul of course makes it a major issue.

So?  You can rest assured that the issue was clarified.  There are going to be a number of mysteries or shadow areas that may seem to appear in the Old Testament but are clarified in the new.  Keep reading. 

Keep Your Lips Tight

Proverbs 12:23 (KJV) A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

This verse spoke to me this morning because of recent conversations.  I had a long “conversation” with someone and I found that my opinions were not really desired, nor were they listen to.  I was there to be an ear, not a mouth.  You may have been in a situation like that.

There are times when you don’t need to share your knowledge or your wisdom.  A large part of that is based upon the fact that other people are not usually willing to listen.  Keep in mind that’s not on you, it’s on them.

So?  I guess a blunt way to say it is to keep your mouth shut.  Keep it shut more often.  It won’t hurt you.  He won’t explode.  And there may come a time to share.  

Self-Selecting

Proverbs 11:20 (KJV) They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

There are two words in this verse which we don’t use much today.  One would be totally misunderstood and the other is just avoided.

We avoid the word “abomination”.  I doubt if it comes into our conversations very regular, but we probably have other synonyms we use for it.  Nowadays, with the way our culture is going, we just call somebody a Nazi or a fascist.  Maybe abomination would be better.  It would certainly be more honest because an abomination to one person might be the delight of the other.  But what causes something to be an abomination in God‘s eyes?

That’s where we get to the first word, “froward”.  No, that is not a misspelling.  I’ve actually seen it used in a book in the last 10 years.  I don’t know how old the book was, but I did see it used.  It means twisted, warped, perverted.  It’s talking about the condition of your heart.  What is not made clear here, but I think is clear other places is that this twisting is a deliberate choice that you make.  There are consequences for our choices.

So?  Are you seeking a straight heart or a twisted heart?  Both of them have long-term effects.  Make sure you consider that before you get too excited about getting away with something.  God knows your heart and He knows what happens in your secret rooms. 

Heart Unity

Psalms 86:11 (KJV) Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

That phrase “unite my heart” resounds within me.  My first thought was that it had the idea of gathering all the parts and assembling them into a unit.  When I looked at the usage of the word, I found a bit different idea.  It’s only occurring three times in the OT.

It has more of the idea of uniting us with God or having us join a group than doing something within us.  So when David calls to have his heart united, he is calling to become closer and more obedient to the God of his fathers.  That involves fear.  That involves walking.  That involves truth which must be taught.

So?  This could almost be a daily prayer.  It could also be a prayer of times of great turmoil.  Either way it still resounds.  

Still Missing the Point

Psalms 80:3 (KJV) Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

This is a wonderful prayer.  On the surface, it reflects an awareness that salvation only comes from God.  If all you read was this, you might wonder why God is not responding.  If you have your Bible, try reading the entire Psalm and asking yourself, “What is missing?”  Again, or is it still?

What’s missing, as I pointed out before, is an admission of their own sin and rebellion.  At this point in time, Israel has centuries of spitting in God‘s face, ignoring His law and following other gods.  Now, for some reason, they are finally running out of other avenues to follow and they are calling on God again.

How did we get here?  I don’t know.  I don’t know exactly where this fits in and I don’t know what God did after this.  I do know that God honors the faithful remnant so even at this point there are probably some who have been faithful.  They would have the right to pray this prayer.

So?  Are you one of those who thinks you’re going to wait until you’re on your deathbed and then pray the sinner’s prayer?  My analysis is that it probably won’t work at that point because God knows your heart and He knows your sincerity.  We both hope I’m wrong.  

Today’s Investment

Proverbs 8:20-21 (KJV) 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

If you are old enough to have anyone who could or should look up to you then this is a direction for your life.  You are to lead.  You may not think you lead but somewhere there is someone who is watching you, someone who is wondering why you do what you do and thinking of imitating you.  For those with children that is pretty clear.  For those who either never had children or whose children are out of the home, there are other people looking at you.  It may be children at church.  It may be young married couples.  There are people watching.

And the direction you lead is in righteousness.  Just ignore those foolish people that say that we cannot live upright lives.  Read your Bible.  Make up your own mind.  If we can’t live righteous lives then what’s the point of all this instruction.?

So?  You are building an inheritance with those that love you.  Give them a strong foundation. 

The Best Defense

Proverbs 7:21 (KJV) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

When I first read this today, I thought that the King James was once again throwing in a word that had changed its meaning.  I refer here to the word “forced”.  The NASB talks about this young man being seduced.  That misses the point.  The word means exactly what the King James says.

There are forces out there that will try to compel us into sin.  They are clever.  They have many tools.  They have great resources.  Don’t think you’re going be able to walk close to the fire and not get burnt.

So?  What do I take from this?  Do everything you can to avoid situations of compromise.  Here it’s the compromise of fornication and sexual attraction.  You might be more susceptible to financial compromise or to the seduction of materialism.  There are many possible ways in which evil can try to penetrate your soul and force you to sin.  Do your best to avoid it.  Check your path carefully.  Look under your bed before you go to sleep.  And trust that God will give you the grace you need.  

Beware the Low Road

Proverbs 6:21 (KJV) Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

One of the disagreements between different people is how literal to take the Bible.  Evidently there are some in the dispensational camp who claimed that they take everything literally. Others back off a bit and are selective, which puts us immediately into the problem of who gets to do the selecting.

Is this to be taken literally or figuratively?  My understanding is that the Jews have taken it literally and they actually wear little bits of scripture bound to parts of their body.  They put scripture by the door nailed in little capsules.  I’m sure that the ones who originally did this would stop and read those scriptures every once in a while and call them to mind but what tends to happen when we get this literal is we are satisfied with following the law and we ignore the spirit behind it.

When you take this figuratively from the start, you may still find something around your neck, but you understand that the point is you need to be meditating on these things and focusing on these things.

Often times following the letter of the law is the low road instead of the high road.  It means that as long as you dot your I’s and cross your T’s then you can spell everything else however you want.

So?  Let your spirit be that which seeks to be most obedient to the holy God.  We are not under the law, true.  But God looks at our heart and sees if our desire is to bring Him joy and to be obedient.  

Were They Answered?

Psalms 79:1 (KJV) [[A Psalm of Asaph.]] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

When was this Psalm written?  Notice that it has the temple being defiled and Jerusalem being destroyed.  The only time that I can think of before this Psalm has to be written would be when the Babylonians deported the southern Kingdom.  Whoever is writing seems to looking back instead of forward.  I guess it’s possible this could be a prophecy, but I don’t see it.

Did God answer this prayer?  We would automatically want to say yes, but that’s if we don’t stop to think about the historical context.  For a brief time the exiles were allowed to return and rebuild the temple, but the nation of Israel was not really reestablished until 1948.  We still have no temple.

As I have noted before the piece that is missing in this Psalm is confession and repentance.  They’re willing to admit that their ancestors were not obedient, but I don’t see them confessing their own sins.

So?  God listens.  God responds.  But keep in mind He has His standards also and one of them is that we must bend our knee before Him and not just pass the buck for failure to other people.  

Even Kings

Psalms 76:12 (KJV) He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

Most political leaders would reject the idea that they are submissive to the God of Israel.  When you figure in the atheists, animists, pagans and psuedo-Christians there are not many left who actually think about God.  That does not mean they are not aware on some level.

Think of what it means to be terrible.  The word can mean awe or fear.  Every leader on earth has something to be afraid of even if it is nothing less than being betrayed by their servants.  God has the ability to channel and manipulate that fear.

So?  Sometimes it is good to be one of the little people.  We also have our fears but it seems easier for us to turn to God in His majesty.  

Curses and Blessings

Proverbs 3:33 (KJV) The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

This morning, I struggle with this concept.  I don’t struggle because I’m not blessed.  I am.  I’m so blessed that I have quit asking, “why?”  I’ve stopped trying to figure out why God has been so good to me.  I accept that I haven’t earned it.  That’s not the issue.

The problem I’m having is when I look at other families and other individuals who to my eyes seem to be living righteous lives, and following Jesus, and yet there are major “curses” that have caught up upon their houses.  In my present mood, I’m not satisfied with just looking at the eternal blessings.  I don’t think that’s what this Proverb was talking about.

A curse can take many forms.  It can take the form of disease.  It can be financial crisis.  How many Christians through the ages had their children sold into slavery?  It can be your children going off and following pagan lives.  I see that every day in people that I know well enough to know that they have tried to live the way Jesus wants them to.

So?  I’m glad that God does not slap me down for my inquisitive mind.  Perhaps someday I will understand this.  Until then, I am filled with thanksgiving for the blessings that God has directed toward me.  Wouldn’t it be great if I actually deserved it?  

There, if You Want It

Proverbs 2:9 (KJV) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

There is a promise here that goes beyond just knowing what decision to make at work or with your family.  It’s more than just understanding right and wrong.  There’s a promise here that we can understand righteousness.  That’s kind of one of those gestalt words.  It’s a word that goes beyond just the ordinary and the every day.  It embraces a world view.

It doesn’t just happen.  This knowledge is available, but if you read the whole Proverb it’s clear that it comes from listening to the wisdom to us in God’s word.  We don’t have the privilege of sitting around at dinner with Solomon and listening to him expound on things deep and meaningful.  We have to listen to what the Bible tells us.  We have to listen to what the pastor tells us.  We have to listen to others who are wiser and older than us and using discernment, come to a place of understanding.

So?  Now is a good time to begin.  Get your Bible read the rest of the chapter.  Listen to what God is saying to you not just some guy who writes a blog.  

In Plain Sight

Proverbs 1:20 (KJV) Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

One of the things that Christians tend to forget because we are so aware of His existence is the presence of wisdom and truth that is readily available.  God does not hide in a corner and cover up what is right and ignore what is wrong.  He has been, and still is, very vocal.  You can’t even go to a cheap hotel without finding His word in the drawer. Thank you, Gideons.  Every radio in every car across the nation as they scan the dial will come across at least one station with someone preaching.

God is crying out.  The pagan world has plenty of opportunity to hear.  If you look through the rest of this chapter you’ll find that there is a deliberate rejection of the things of God.  God notices.  God is not amused.  There will be a literal hell to pay.

What we need to do is keep paying attention, listening, thinking and pray.  We need to be able to stand up and declare wisdom.  Part of the way in which God cries out is through us.

So?  What a time for hope.  You have Bible software free over the Internet that you can put on your phone and your computer.  It is available to anyone and can be accessed almost anywhere.  We have the written word.  We have the Holy Spirit.  Rejoice.  

That Is Us

Psalm 102:18 (KJV) This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

I have a friend who claims that Jesus only came for the Jews, and only died for the Jews.  He would probably say that the church was never found in the Old Testament.  I’m willing to guess that he either never read this verse, or he read it with blinders on.

This is a promise found back in the days of ancient Israel.  God is saying that He is going to create a new people.  That would be the church, the body of Christ, the believers of today.

So?  Are you part of that new nation?  Are you a part of those which are going to be made and which have already been made?  If not, you are welcome to become apart.

Being a Know It All

Proverbs 30:18 (KJV) There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

If you look at the things listed in the next verse, we in modern times can explain at least the first two.  We know about Bernoulli’s principal and how an airplane flies, let alone a bird.  If you’ve seen scientific videos, you’ve watched the underside of a snake as it slither across the surface.  Knowledge is a wonderful thing to have.  We can assume that as time goes on that more knowledge will be available.  Will all the knowledge be worth investing the time in to learn?  I doubt it.  I really don’t need a catalog of all the different shapes of snowflakes that have fallen in the history of the world.

The point here. though. is that it is better to have wisdom than just knowledge.  Another point that you could infer from this is that it is better to be an ancient without certain knowledge and know the principles of God then to be a modern scientist living in arrogance, or for that matter a theologian.

So?  Research the things of God.  Know His principles.  Know Him.  You will be better off than Solomon, even though Solomon did not write this Proverb. 

Dating Scripture

Psalms 74:7 (KJV) They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

Today you get to play scholar.  As you read this verse, what period in the history of Israel fits what you are reading?  Put aside your pre-conceived ideas.  Suspend your assumption that all Psalms are written by David.  When was God’s sanctuary burned to the ground?

It would seem to be speaking of the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians.  That would mean that the book of Psalms had additions at least that late in Israel’s history.

So?  Take the Bible as it presents itself, not as others interpret it for you.  Be your own scholar. 

Traditional Mistakes

(Pro 28:24 KJV)  Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

One of my theories is that the Jewish teachers of Jesus’ day had largely abandoned the written law of Moses and were running on full tanks of tradition and man-made wisdom.  This would tell me that it was also that way in the days of Solomon.  Remember one of the discussions Jesus had with the scribes and Pharisees. 

(Mat 15:3 KJV)  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
(Mat 15:4 KJV)  For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Be careful that what you believe is actually in the Bible.  We have a lot of traditions that are harmless.  We have some that are silly.  Some might have taken the place of doctrine.

So?  It cannot be said too much.  Keep seeking the truth the Bible offers.  Keep your eyes open and your mind in gear.  

Stop Braying

Proverbs 27:22 (KJV) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

First a word for you King James enthusiasts.  Do you know what it means to bray?  I have to guess that most people under age would have no idea.  Those who are a little bit older might think of the noise a donkey makes.  Neither one of those is satisfactory here.  You need to find a modern translation and do a little research.  Modern translations come up with “pound”.

What caught my attention this morning was this idea of trying to convince a fool of truth.  Since I’m reluctant to call people fools in the biblical sense, in my mind I insert something less damning.  I just think of someone who’s naïve or possibly uninformed.  It does apply though to a certain mentality that refuses to listen or to seek deeper truth.

This seems to imply that there are some people who are just not open to the truth.  Not only do they not listen but even if you get them to repeat your words, one at a time they don’t get beyond the wax in their ears.  I think the idea here is to stop beating the dead horse.

So?  I hope this type of fool never applies to me.  What it does tell me is that I need to find more positive and different ways to try and get around the obstruction in other people’s minds and hearts.  May God guide me and make me sensitive to where other people are.  

Don’t Play Their Game

Proverbs 26:4 (KJV) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

As I read this morning, a dialogue came to mind that I am having with a friend.  Since I would not call him a fool I had to change that word to perhaps “naïve”.  The message that came through to me was that I need to be careful in responding to people in the same spirit that they are addressing me.  My attitude should be one of seeking truth, not winning an argument.

I think that’s a worthwhile thought.

So often we get into these arguments and try to win.  What I decided to do with the scripture that he was pounding me over the head with was not to pound back, but to simply focus on the written word of God and allow it to speak to my heart.  I find that leaves my heart in much better condition than absorbing someone’s anger.

As a result, I’ve had a great morning of worship as I meditated on keywords in the versus he he thrown at me.  I’m not sure he will be happy because it wasn’t the intention he had, but we will both be better off.

So?  Focus on the word.  Go into the presence of God with Thanksgiving.  Do things His way instead of in the way of a fool.  

The Perspective of Eternity

Psalms 73:13 (KJV) Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

One of the things I appreciate about the teachings in the Bible is the balance that makes pie in the sky a false accusation.  We have multiplied promises that God gives us.  We know them to be true.  At the same time we have clear statements about how things will look on the surface.

If you look through this chapter in Psalms, there is a long list of what are considered benefits of the selfish, powerful, and greedy.  The Bible does not deny that there are people like this, and that they are often successful.  But that success is in the terms of the world and of what we can see.  This verse even acknowledges the feeling that his righteousness and faithfulness has been in “vain”.

But keep reading.  You always need to get to the end of the story to find out how the plot works out.  The author is vindicated.  God is trustworthy.

So?  Hang in there.  God will balance the scale.  In fact, He won’t just balance it, He will put His finger on the side of righteousness.  Make sure you are on that side.  

Without Number

Psalms 71:15 (KJV) My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

I think I can identify with this statement.  When I sit and worship and think about the attributes of God, my mind gets expanded to the point where I can almost not think anymore.  How do you contemplate infinity?  How do you wrap your arms around everlasting?  It can’t be done.

God is beyond our comprehension when you come down to it.  That doesn’t mean we don’t try.  It doesn’t mean we don’t look at the parts that we can come close to understanding.  It does mean that the parts we know and interact with point beyond the limits of our imagination.

So?  Worship with enthusiasm.  Worship with devotion.  Just don’t expect to get any of the final answers about who God is or what He’s got planned.   

Heads Up

Proverbs 23:18 (KJV) For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

I first read this today in the NASB.  It said that there would surely be a “future".  When I looked at it a little deeper, it seemed that the word used meant latter days.  OK.  You can go with that.  And it’s still a two edge sword.

The literal concept is that eternity is taken care of.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I know Whom I have believed in.  I know He is able.  I’m also aware that Proverbs was not specifically talking about Jesus, so relax.

Also involved in that is the fact that I can expect tomorrow to be immersed in the broth of hope.  There is a future.  I don’t know what that future is.  As I look at what’s happening politically I wonder how it will work out.  I wonder if I will be one of those who will go through persecution or will I be spared?  But either way I know that there is a future.

So?  Lift up your head look to the future know that it is in God’s hands.  Live in hope.  

Basics

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

It has struck me lately how often I hear preachers and Bible teachers mentioning the word “gospel”.  They go on talking and don’t explain what they mean.  They just assume everybody knows.

Sunday I heard repeated references to the gospel and how important the gospel was, and how we need to keep presenting the gospel.  Not once was there an explanation of what he meant by that and the sermon itself didn’t explain it.

So what is the gospel?  That’s been going through my head this morning.  In trying to break it down and summarize it John 3:16 finally came to mind.  Here in a nutshell, summarized by Jesus Himself, are the basics of the gospel.  It’s all you really need to get started following Jesus.

Now I would be the first to concede that there is much more involved and that this is the beginning of a life of study and growing and grace.  You can get into the Greek, you can get into the theology, you can get into the history, you can get into the application, but the basics are there.

So?  The gospel is the good news that God loved us enough to send Jesus who died for us and gives us hope of eternal life.  

Use Your Canines

Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

As I was looking at the definitions of these words and focusing on “follow” I came across an interesting definition.  It doesn’t appear anywhere in the Bible itself, but the idea of following has a determination and a focus that we don’t often see in our own lives.  The definition was “dog".  Now this is not the noun; it is a verb.

To dog something means to follow with total attention.  It means to be so committed to following that you never give up.  The dog will drop in its tracks before it quits.  It is basically very determined.

So?  Dog it.  Go after righteousness and mercy with everything you have.  The payoff will be awesome.  

Aware of Influence

Psalms 69:6 (KJV) Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

If I was writing a sermon or a Bible commentary I would need to bring the entire Psalm into consideration because it involves messianic prophecy.  Since I am doing a devotional reading I will take the verse out of context.  What did it say to me today?

I see here a plea that my actions have the potential to turn others away from seeking God’s face.  It is a concern in my daily life.  It was a fear I had when I was raising my children.  What kind of example am I giving to people about what it means to serve God?

So?  This is always a good prayer to have.  Make it a prayer.  

Diet Plans

Psalms 67:6 (KJV) Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

There are a lot of different diet plans out there.  At one end we have the vegans.  At the other end we have the carnivore diet.  I’m here to say that both of them are unbiblical.  By that I don’t mean to say that they are necessarily sinful, just don’t look to the Bible for vindication of your position.  So a believer can do either one as long as they don’t claim it as a spiritual position.

Being vegan may have been the original plan in the garden of Eden.  I will concede that, but as I’ve said before, after the flood Noah was told to eat meat.  It wasn’t quite that blunt, but that was the point.  The carnivore diet is refuted as beneficial for all humanity by verses like the one we’re looking at.  The increase of the Earth is plants not beef in a previous chapter.  There was reference to the harvest of barley and wheat.  Bread is recognized as a main foundation of a diet.

So?  Have fun with your dieting.  You may have one of those unique metabolisms that requires certain concessions.  I accept that, but don’t try to lay that on everyone else.  God is a little bit bigger than that. 

Another Chance to Listen

Proverbs 18:17 (KJV) He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

I know this verse is meant in a way to caution us.  The idea is that we can be really cocky until someone confronts with our errors.  That doesn’t have to be negative.

As I’m looking at this this morning and thinking about some of the good discussions I’ve had with people, I find that one of the helpful aspects of these discussions is the way in which I run into different opinions.  Even better than different opinions I may find someone who has been reading a different portion of scripture and bring something to the light that I had not considered before.

There are so many things that I either have not considered at all or have forgotten about.  There are so many verses that I’ve read, but the spirit was directing me in another direction and so they just slipped past my radar.  We are constantly in need of input from other sources.  Sometimes we can get that from reading.  Sometimes we can get that from listening to recordings.  Sometimes it takes a “neighbor”.

So?  Listen when people talk.  There’s a chance they might actually have something to say. 

The Silence of Love

Proverbs 17:9 (KJV) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

My first reading of this verse would seem to indicate that we seek love by not speaking, by being deceptive.  We don’t tell people about our weak spots.  We don’t criticize their failures.  We set all of our standards in order to be accepted and loved.

That is not what this is saying.

What this is saying is going along with the definition of love that Paul gives us and he starts off with the fact that love is patient, or long suffering.  Or if you take the end of that passage where it says that it does not keep an account of wrong suffered.  The idea is that love does not throw things in people’s face.

So?  Bite the bullet.  Stifle yourself.  Turn the other cheek.  Seek loving relationships.  

Parallel Thoughts

Psalms 65:1 (KJV) [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm and Song of David.]] Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

(Proverbs 16 also read)

It doesn’t come across very clearly in the KJV.  That translation says that praise waits for God.  The idea that comes through in other translations is that it is a wait of silence. That reminds me of this Psalm from the KJV,

Psalms 46:10 (KJV) Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

We went to praise God. We have Joy in our hearts that we went to express.  There are times when God wants us to sit and listen quietly to what He wants to whisper. That’s probably a double truth when we have a burden on our heart and want to share a prayer request.

God says wait quietly.

So?  Is there another way to say it?  Spend more time, listening to what God might be whispering into your ear, or causing to bubble up from your heart. 

Even in the Rug

Proverbs 15:19 (KJV) The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

I have been known to take shortcuts in my life.  Now that I live in Texas, I find that there are often down sides to shortcuts.  If I’m going for a walk, instead of going down the way that is made plain toward the street, I might cut across the lawn, or what I call lawn here in Texas.  It works well.  It gets my lazy nature where I want to go a little faster.

However, often there are hidden treasures that join me on my journey.

I don’t discover these hidden treasures until I am in the house walking in bare feet down the hall.  Suddenly there is a pain in the bottom of my foot.  I know what it is.  I know that the source of that pain will be hard to find.  If I am still feeling slothful, I keep going and act like it never happened.  If I’m concerned about my future walking, I get down on my hands and knees and look for that little horny seed pod that came from a weed in the yard.

So?  Are you being careful about finding what it is that God wants you to do or are you figuring you can ignore it and it won’t happen again?  I’m here to tell you, that prickly object will still be there.  Do something about it now.  

Which Came First?

Proverbs 14:18 (KJV) The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

This is another example of the chicken and the egg.  Which came first?  Does folly make you simple and knowledge make you prudent?  Or as this seems to say are the simple, naïve, empty headed heading toward folly?  Are the prudent rewarded with knowledge?

Which comes first?  In one sense it’s another one of those puzzles that are hard to answer.  The reason it’s important is that this entire chapter is pointing out that we have free will.  We make choices.  We make decisions.  Those decisions are established by the direction of our heart and our mind.  What is it you want to achieve in life?  Are you out for yourself?  Are you selfish self-centered and narcissistic?  Then folly is ahead of you.  It’s not because God throws folly at you until it sticks; it’s that you insist on living a selfish life and will reap the rewards.

So?  God deals with you as an individual.  God in a sense, is a respecter of persons.  He wants you to make the choices so that He can reward you with His grace and eternal life or give you what you really want, which is a throne in hell.  In reality, the choice is yours.  You make it every day.  

It Has Its Moments

Proverbs 13:25 (KJV) The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

I’m sure I have said it before but my favorite translation is the NASB.  I am even picky enough to specify NAS77.  That being said, there are times when I have to put in a good word for the KJV.  This is one of those times.  If you look at the New American Standard you’ll see that it is different in what it says.  It takes a literal translation, which it offers in the margin, and puts its own spin on it .

Proverbs 13:25 (NASB95) The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need.

I think the key that comes through in the older translation is that this is a spiritual satisfaction, not a physical.  I would like to put them together and take the fact that the new translation doesn’t speak about eating, and the old translation talks about satisfying the soul.

So?  Read and compare.  There is really something to be gained from looking at different translations and in this case the translation from the past.  God speaks in many ways and He is not limited to one group of men trying to convey that truth.  

On the Other Hand

Psalms 64:10 (KJV) The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

(Proverbs 12 also read)

If you have time to read through this chapter, you’ll find that much of it is lamenting the evil in our society that seems to be out to get the righteous.  It’s a good reflection of what it’s like today, as well as in Solomon’s time.  The forces of evil, selfishness, the power-hungry, and anarchy are out to get us.  We are surrounded.

But then, at the end, we are reminded of the hope that we have.  We can be “glad”.  That depends on us trusting.  But we have this promise.

So?  Evil exists.  Evil is all around us.  Evil would love to drag us down and destroy us.  God can be trusted.  And because of that, we can “glory”.  

Give Me That Old Time Religion

Psalms 62:8 (KJV) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

(Proverbs 11 also read)

Is it any wonder that people love to read the book of Psalms?  Often we get the wrong idea about the Old Testament when we spend our time brooding on the law that people seem so upset about.  We get confused by the pounding prophecies that come to us in so many books and are so confusing as to how to understand and how to apply.  People in our secular world get us distracted by cries of genocide with the Canaanites.

And then we read a verse like this that reminds us what our relationship with God is all about.  When I read this verse, I don’t think of the law.  I think of the fact that Jesus came.  He died on the cross, so that I could get forgiveness of my sins.  He walks with me on a daily basis, and I have learned to trust Him because of who He is.  Because I trust Him and know Him, I can pour out my heart to God.

So?  Relax and rejoice in the refuge that is offered to us in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; in the father God of the Trinity and the Son who died for us.  

Communication

Psalms 61:1 (KJV) [[To the chief Musician upon Neginah, [A Psalm] of David.]] Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

I wonder how useful it is for us to plead with God to hear our prayers.  Somehow I get the feeling that He is listening all the time and hears what we have to say.

Of course, there are some qualifiers on getting answers to our prayers.  The New Testament gives us a number of things such as praying within the will of God and other things like that.  Those are qualifiers on answers, though not on whether God hears us.

Actually, the only qualification or limitation that I see on God hearing our prayers is whether we are believers or not.  There are several places where God tells us that He does not hear the prayers of unbelievers.  Of course, He hears the prayer of a repentant sinner but that’s not the same as, “Heal my cancer.”

So?  If it makes you feel better, ask God to listen.  More important, live in repentance.  

Opening Expectations

Psalms 119:1 (KJV) ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

As I begin reading through this Psalm, I am confronted with two of the assumptions that will come up again, and again, not only here, but in the entire book.

The first assumption is that it is possible to walk “undefiled”, or “blameless”.  You’ll run into people who will tell you this is impossible.  You might recommend that they go back and read their Bible again.  Yes, we are all sinners.  That is clearly stated in both the Old and New Testaments.  In spite of that, by the grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for us to live upright lives.

Secondly, we are to follow the law of the Lord.  I understand the point of the law in the Old Testament and the New.  The law does not save you.  It never could.  It never says it would.  Salvation comes from God.  Again that is an Old and New Testament truth.  The point of walking in the way is to show our devotion and to exercise the gifts that God gives us to go find Him and build His kingdom.  People living righteously are glory to God.

So?  Once again, it is not the law nor your efforts which save you.  That is a gift that God extends to you when you believe in Jesus.  At the same time, God expects you to live, according to His standards, not the standards of the world.  

The Real Issue

Psalms 59:3 (KJV) For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

I doubt if many of us have people surrounding our house and crying for our blood like David seems to feel was happening.  It could happen in this day and age with the political environment the way it is, but it is doubtful.  Most of us aren’t that important.  However, you’ll notice that it says they lay and wait for his soul.

The people and forces that are out to get us are after more than just our assets and our security.  No, the problem goes much deeper.  They are out to destroy that which is at the center of our soul.  They want to remove any allegiance or trust that we have an almighty God.  I would suggest that we will often find people like this in pulpits and in media.  We will find them sounding pious and caring and sensitive.  Their whole goal is to pull us away from the living God, and get us to trust in them or ourselves.

So?  Righteousness has a penalty.  There are those who will be out to get you simply because you are still walking in an upright fashion.  We need to stand firm.  We need to stand for truth.  We need to trust God for our victories.  

OT Romans

Psalms 58:3 (KJV) The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

(Proverbs 7 also read)

Does this sound familiar?  Compare it to this found in Romans,

Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Are they similar thoughts?

The verse in the OT causes me concern because it seems to say that some people, not all, are born already “wicked”.  This isn’t just talking about the fact that they have sinned.  This is talking about how much deeper disposition.  It’s talking about a few not all.

I wonder what could cause this kind of thing.  I wonder if the attitude of the parents and the environment of the mother might contribute to the direction of the child even before they’re born.  I know that we used to talk to our children while they were still in the womb.  I didn’t expect them to understand my great wisdom, but I did think that they could get used to the sound of the voice.

So?  There are a lot of questions that I don’t have answers for, but I do see this as an indication that we have influence in the lives of our children even before they’re born.  

Which Feet?

Proverbs 6:16 (KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

First, notice that God is capable of hate.  Yes, God is love.  The Bible tells us that.  He is also capable of hate.  If you read the next few verses you will see that He is focused on certain actions.

What I want to point out is that those actions do not perform themselves.  The eyes, hands, mouth and feet are attached to a person.  The body parts are not what is being condemned.  It is the person they are attached to.

So?  Don’t think you will be able to hide behind excuses.  Each of us is responsible for what our body does.  Live in righteousness. 

Bible Correlations

John 10:10 (KJV) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

I don’t know why it’s still surprises me when I come across consistent thoughts down throughout scripture, but I ran into another this week.  I’ve been preaching for five weeks and filling in for a church that was between pastors and this week I was preaching on the above scripture, on abundant life.  Today as I get up, and I’m reviewing what I’m going preach on, I find this in my reading in the NASB.

Proverbs 31:25 (NASB95) Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.

One of the attributes of the abundant life is that it allows you to smile at the future.  That smile is not based on your own abilities or your own strength.  That smile is based on a confidence in the providence of God.

So?  Live in joy.  Live in abundance.  Live trusting in the sovereignty of God.  

Dawning on Me

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

As I was reading this verse in the NASB this morning, I noticed an exciting “coincidence”.  The NASB talked about the dawning and how the righteous are living in the dawn light.  As I was reading it, the sun was peeking its way over the horizon off of my porch.  Orange.  Pink.  Gray.  Blue.  Radiance.

As the sun comes up the colors of the rest of the world began to take on depth and contrast.  It’s amazing how a little bit of light can change your perspective and that’s the way it is when you walk in righteousness.

So?  Every day examine your heart.  Every day open yourself up to the voice of God and the witness of the Holy Spirit.  Let it dawn upon you what God has for you.  

A Tree of Fear

Proverbs 3:18 (KJV) She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

The “she” being talked about here is wisdom.  This makes me think back to the garden of Eden when there were two trees that got singled out.  One was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the other the tree of life.  God removed Adam and Eve before they could access the tree of life.  My suspicion is that in that case the tree of life had to do with how long you would live rather than how rich your life would be.

Here I think the tree of life is more in line within enriching the time that we have.  Wisdom helps us to grasp at what’s of real value and avoid the traps that Satan keeps throwing in front of us.  Wisdom helps us set priorities.  Wisdom gives us discernment.

I noticed that it tells us to “lay hold of”.  We are the ones who reach out to this tree of life.  We are the ones who have to trust.

So?  Start the day by reminding yourself that God will supply wisdom, but that that wisdom starts with a fear of Him.   

Look Back

Proverbs 2:20 (KJV) That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Notice how this verse starts with the word, “that”.  If you just look at the previous verse, that doesn’t make any sense.  What it’s wanting you to do is look all the way back to the beginning of the chapter where you are told to listen to the Commandments and follow what your father has told you.

We need to keep looking back to the beginning, to the basics.  We always want something new, something fresh, something revolutionary and exciting.  Unfortunately for those of us with that mind set the best thing to be looking at regularly are the basics.

So?  Ask yourself what are the basics of life that God wants us to know about.  You can find the answer, but you’ve got look back to the beginning.  

Twisted Love

Proverbs 1:22 (KJV) How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

I often wonder why people reject things which seem so obvious.  As you look at the weird trends in our culture, embracing the transvestite, advocating the mutilation of children, pushing for abortion on demand, you wonder what makes people so willing to embrace the evil in life.

You have this concept of simple ones or naïve.  But you notice how they love their simplicity.  There is a real affection for the deviant things of life, and much of it comes from a willingness to ignore the obvious.  Many times if we see there’s a problem we are expected to do something about it.  If I have a pipe in my yard that has sprung a leak I can ignore it and depending on how bad the leak is, I may be able to get away with for a long time.  I’m just not willing to put the time or money into fixing it.  Eventually, that leak could wear away the soil, undermine the foundation of my house, cause dangers for walking.  But I love my simplicity.

So?  There comes a time when we have to grow up.  It may just be a small area of your life that needs adjustment.  Only you and God know.  

Frugal?

Proverbs 30:8 (NASB95) Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion,

Every time I read this, I want to make it my prayer also.  On reflecting this morning, I feel that God has honored this in my life.

I was at dinner with the old fogies at the church and as we were leaving, we were talking about leaving a tip .  As a rule, we tend to be a generous bunch because we realize God is blessed us.  As we walked out one of the guys confessed that he tended to be cheap.  His wife said maybe a better word is frugal.  I will go with either one for myself.

I tend to be cheap.  Often, I will buy something that is not up to snuff simply because it’s a few cents cheaper.  I need to get over that because there is a big difference between being cheap and being frugal.  Frugal gets a good buy.  Frugal makes your money goes as far as possible.  Frugal is capable of being generous.

And that’s where I want to be.  I want to be frugal and make conscientious, responsible purchases.  I want to be generous when it comes to things like tipping . These people get up and go to work on jobs that I could not survive on.  They make dining a pleasure and increase the value of our lives.  It’s only right that we share the wealth.

So?  I don’t think this is what Solomon had in mind, but tip the people who bring you refills on your drinks and that extra napkin that you need because you were sloppy.  They work hard and God has blessed you.  That’s a blessing.  

Right Face

Proverbs 29:26 (KJV) Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

One of the disadvantages of living in a republic, and believing that we have freedom of speech is that we tend to express our concerns to the government and think they’re going to do something about it.  That works more here than it does say in Soviet Russia, but it doesn’t work the way we want it to.

I wouldn’t say don’t keep trying to go through channels, but I would say, as this verse seems to say, is that the justice that we want in the form of proper judgment is ultimately going to come from God and not from our local officials.  They may be the ones who will actually sign the papers, but it will be God demanding the signature.

So?  Seek what God wants.  Share with him your concerns. Do what you can on a human level. Ultimately trust him.  

Attribute or Action

Proverbs 28:16 (KJV) The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Yeah, we have another one of those chicken or the egg scenarios.  Which comes first, being an oppressor or lacking understanding?

People are very quick to attack free enterprise and capitalism because they see the disparities of wealth.  My belief is that many of the early capitalist, the ones often called robber barons, were very much aware of the difference between building wealth and oppressing the poor.  Some point out the attitude or philosophy of zero sum economics as opposed to the ability to generate wealth.

The one who has understanding, the one who has wealth, the one who has power understands that it will be better for everyone, not just himself, if he is not an oppressor.  Henry Ford understood that if his workers could not afford to buy his car, then he would not sell very many cars.

So?  As you pursue life, pursue wisdom.  Pursue understanding.  And of course, that starts with the values and balance shown in the scripture.  

Reason to Fear

Psalms 56:4 (KJV) In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

If you are awake when you read this verse the last part of it will strike home.  The question is what can other people actually do to me?  The answer is quite a lot.  They can attack me physically.  They can sabotage my reputation.  They can threaten my children.  They can steal my possessions.  The list is almost endless of what people can do to me.

The question is how important is the damage.

This is another point where we need to get the big picture.  We need to understand that God is the one in which we trust.  We don’t trust in our ability to defend ourselves although we do our best.  We don’t trust in our reputation because that is so fragile.  Possessions can be replaced.  Ultimately we have to believe that God is going to limit the damage.  In most cases, unless we force the issue, He will find ways to help us avoid the damage.  Face it. usually the biggest threat to our peace of mind is our lack of trust.  Worry causes more damage than reality on a regular basis.

So?  We need to learn to trust and believe in the trust.  We need to find ways to set aside the worry and concentrate on Him.  We need to take setbacks and put them in perspective.  Just think about all the things you’re worried about through your life would’ve never come to fruition.  

Safe Garden

Psalms 52:8 (KJV) But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

I just finished a book dealing with the history of Greece, and one of the things the author pointed out in their constant warfare was that invading armies would cut down all of the olive trees.  Because of the poor soil, and other factors olive oil was the major source of income and wealth for many of these cities.  When you cut down the trees, you cut down their source of olive oil and money.  That was only the beginning of the problem.  Evidently olive trees are very slow to grow.  At least that’s what the book said.  I don’t set myself up as a authority on olives.  The author did.

That means that one of the points of this verse is that in order to grow healthy it’s going to take a long time to mature.  We need protection.  God offers that protection.

So?  That should be encouraging.  It also means that we have to stay in the garden instead of wandering around engaging people swinging axes in conversation.  Stay safe.  

Joyful Triumph

Psalms 47:1 (KJV) [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.]] O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

I began reading this in the NASB.

Psalms 47:1 (NASB95) For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.

And as I moved into the next verse, I noticed that it went from joy to fear.  The KJV goes from triumph to terrible.  The contrast struck me.  I looked at the footnote in the NASB and it had the idea of shouting with great enthusiasm.  So it wasn’t just rejoice in the sense of having beaten down someone else, but it is trust Him in the sense of joyful victory.

There’s a very real sense in which God wants us to live in victory but I think that the nuance presented by the word “joy” might give us a better insight into our attitude toward that victory and the nature of that victory.  Every day will not seem like we are winners.  Often it will feel like we were given the short end of the stick.  That’s when we need to realize that God is on the throne and that He’s watching what happens and He’s working things out for His glory and His purpose.

So?  Live in the joy of knowing the things that happened to you can have glorious outcomes.  It may not happen today or tomorrow.  

Unexpected

Psalms 46:6 (KJV) The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

One of the bits of advice that we get at different times is, “Be careful what you ask for.”  We see a little bit of that in this verse.  The author or his nation are being threatened by evil people.  He wants to be delivered.  That’s mainly what he wants, to be delivered.  When God responds, he doesn’t answer the need the way the victim feels is necessary.  He tends to go at times what we would consider overboard.  It would’ve been enough if he had made the armies of the enemy fall on their face.  Instead, God melts the Earth . We kind of get the result we want, but with much more power than we had planned on.

Make allowance for figurative language.  Make allowance for poetic expression.  Make whatever adjustments you want to make to bring this down to where you can understand it.  God moves.  God has the ability to do whatever it takes to get His will.

So?  Make sure that you are on God’s side.  He’s not going to melt the Earth just because you’re having a bad day, but He might do things you don’t expect to bring about His will.  

Testimony Time

Psalms 40:10 (KJV) I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

First, it seems strange to me that I was going to hide God’s righteousness.  Because it seemed strange, I read it again and thought about it.  Then became clear that the contrast to hiding was sharing or what we like to call testimonies.

I don’t think this is talking about witnessing to the world.  Notice the last word.  It is to be in the congregation.  This is a call for us to have a part of our worship time being testimonies.  Last time I taught Sunday school, instead of starting right out with prayer requests, I asked for words of praise.  It almost ran away with the time.  When people were given opportunities to share the things they had to praise God for they opened up and we were blessed by all the ways in which our prayers have been answered, and which God was touching our lives.

So?  You may not be in charge.  You may not set the agenda.  But if you get a chance be ready to share the blessings.  

The Ism’s at Work

Proverbs 22:16 (KJV) He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

People with one track minds or petrified understanding of economics might see in this verse a condemnation of capitalism or free enterprise.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  This is not a condemnation of working hard and gaining wealth.  If you need a balance on that look at the Proverbs 31 and see how the perfect wife is praised for starting a business and selling merchandise.

This is a condemnation of both the capitalist and the communist.  The condemnation comes not because of an abstract economic theory, but because the way those theories tend to work out in our sin burdened cultures.  Socialism and communism are really good at talking about equality and the people.  In reality it ends up with the elites oppressing the poor while they live in great luxury.  They are literally living off of the blood of the poor.

So?  We are free to buy and sell at a profit.  We are free to enjoy the fruit of our labor.  We are not free to take unfair advantage of those who may be a little bit less aware of economics than we are.  Live in righteousness, even when it comes to your bank book.  

The Façade of Righteousness

Proverbs 21:27 (KJV) The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

I noticed that there seems to be two levels of abomination.  The first one is simply bringing a sacrifice is not righteous.  He may not even be thinking about it.  He may be living in rebellion and so used to that lifestyle that he doesn’t even seriously consider the things that God expects of him.  He brings a sacrifice.  It is an empty ritual.  It is an abomination.

Then you go to a deeper level.  This speaks of someone who comes consciously thinking wicked things.  He still goes through the motions.  He still offers sacrifices. He may work overtime to make people think he is living a righteous life, but underneath he knows exactly what he’s doing.

So?  I would hope this does not apply to me or you.  But what it does tell us is that we need to be aware of people who know how to go through the motions and are either not thinking about it or are deliberately being deceptive.  Discernment is a quality that God wants us to develop.  

Investing

Proverbs 20:17 (KJV) Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Most of us avoid what we would consider deceit.  I’m not sure that everyone who deals with us feels the same way.  So one of the things that comes across here is we need to be more critical of our own motives and our own methods.  I would suggest bending over backwards to make sure that we are standing in the place of righteousness .

It is so easy to compromise.  It is so easy to make excuses.  What we need to understand is that the ultimate judge of our transactions and positions is God himself.

So?  Believe me you don’t want God filling your mouth with gravel.  That doesn’t mean you won’t have time to recover or that God won’t forgive you in the long run, but it’s not great finding a piece of sand in your spinach.  

Still Required

Proverbs 19:16 (KJV) He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

If you’re looking for a bone to pick, you might lift this verse out and have issues with it because you claim it teaches works righteousness.  You might claim that this is a statement where we earn our salvation.  You might have a dissertation to write on dispensationalism and how we’re no longer under the law.

If so, you’ve missed the whole point.  This doesn’t say that you earn your soul by keeping the commandments.  It says you keep it.  All through Proverbs and Psalms I keep coming across statements about faith and trust in God’s favor being extended towards us.  That’s a simple statement of salvation.  It is grace through faith.  What this does is remind us that there is also the element of obedience, of walking in the faith, of being faithful.

So?  Keeping the Commandments should be automatic to us by this time.  I assume that when this talks about the Commandments, it’s talking about the Decalogue and the basic moral standards that are given in the Old Testament.  I don’t think He’s worried about us not boiling a kid and his mothers milk.  Rejoice in a God who is morally upright, and expects us to live the same way. 

Take a Deep Breath

Psalms 37:1 (KJV) [[[A Psalm] of David.]] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I have been getting agitated.  I’ve been focusing on the plans that others have made for me for the day interfering with what I had planned.  In a word I have been “fretting”.  What a theme to start my reading with.

We tend to look at obstacles as barriers.  They’re almost like a stop sign where I am expected to come to a full legal stop.  Actually more like a red light than the stop sign because of stop sign I often look both ways and then proceed.  Have you ever been at a red light where the signal is stuck and it just refuses to cycle?  Eventually, I have learned when I am convinced that’s the case, I look both ways very carefully and then get on with my life.  We need to do that with the barriers that people put in front of us.

So?  Plan your day.  Stay flexible.  You never know when a detour will come up.  Usually there’s more than one way to get to Rome.