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.