Daily Sightings

Proverbs 4:27 (KJV) Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

As we celebrate the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed it does us good to develop the habit of a captain of a sailing ship of 1776.  They would take daily sightings to determine their exact location.  They would do it at high noon because the location of the sun directly overhead was important for accuracy.

We should do the same thing.  Have we as individuals drifted to the right or left?  We know the direction of the country and it is not promising.  Keep in mind that the nation is made up of individuals who either go with the flow or check their compass setting.  We cannot revive our country unless we revive ourselves.

So?  What a great time to make sure we are on target.  You can’t do it for me and I can’t do it for you but together we can do it for the nation.  

The Entrance

Proverbs 8:35 (KJV) For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

The thing being found here is wisdom.  You could interpret this to mean that wisdom will allow you to experience the best of life.  It would bring completeness and make you sensitive to the good things.  That is certainly part of it.

I think the inference goes a bit deeper.  The result of wisdom is a love that reflects the “favor” of the Lord.  I am looking at that as the blessing of being born again and attaining the assurance of eternal life.  I think this infers that genuine wisdom will lead us toward the Lord.  False wisdom will help us win game shows.

So?  Go for the gold.  Embrace the foundations that God has laid out for us.  

Action vs Knowledge

Proverbs 2:11 (KJV) Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Earlier in the chapter we read about discernment.  Now the narrative switches to “discretion”.  This is a maturing of the message.  Discernment is a mental process.  You look at the facts and carefully analyze what you see.  You come to a conclusion.  This is where discretion comes in.

There is a saying about things like atomic energy and AI:  “Just because you can doesn’t mean that you should.”  What applies to technology also applies to our actions each day.

So?  As usual, start with the foundational truth, think and pray, and finally act based on what has gone before.  Too often we act and then pick ourselves up.  

Foundational Principles

Proverbs 1:11 (KJV) If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

I have been coming across a number of videos that have Christian apologists interacting with Muslims.  Since the aggressive nature of modern Islam and the pushing of Sharia law is so front page today, I have been paying a bit more attention to this than normal.  I have also read the Koran and am in the process of slowly reading the Hadith.

This month as I begin reading through Proverbs again I am starting at verse eleven so this was the first verse that hit me.  My thought was that this tended to reflect the teachings of Mohamed in certain sections of the Koran.  That made me realize how different the basic principles of Islam are from Christianity.

So?  Know the difference when you see it and hear it.  If you are paying attention it will be obvious.  Build your life on the truth of God not the distortions of other religions. 

A Voice of Despair

Psalm 42:10 (KJV) As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

(Proverbs 30 also read)

I am currently reading a book about the Crusades.  As the last Christian stronghold fell to Islam and a few managed to escape they left behind their despair.  Their cry was the same as that from this Psalm.  If you are feeling that sense of hopelessness be aware that you are not the only voice in the night.

The part we might miss if we only looked at this verse is that there are other places in this Psalm that talk about God’s loving kindness and mercy.  Why the sudden chasm of hope?

We need to be encouraged to take the larger vision of life.  There are ups and downs.  We are not given specifics about the feeling of failure in this verse but if you look at the overview of Jewish history you see that the times God allows disaster are a result of large parts of the nation thumbing their collective and individual noses at Him.

So?  We do not live in isolation.  The effects of other people’s sin and degradation will often spill over onto our surroundings.  Keep the faith and trust that God will preserve His remnant.  Make sure you are part of that. 

Waiting for the Hunter

Proverbs 29:25 (KJV) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

I have never set a snare but in my mind the snare does not necessarily kill the rabbit it catches.  I think of a snare as something that stops your freedom of movement and leaves you to become part of the harvest.

Fear does that to us.  It keeps us from moving freely through life.  It limits our options, not because we can’t see them but we are immobilized.

So?  God wants us to be free from those crippling limitations.  He wants us to learn to avoid the dangers of life, not life itself.  Trust and rejoice.  

Pit Stops Win Races

(Pro 28:9 KJV)  He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

This is not about keeping the law.  This is a foundation for disobedience.  This talks about not even listening.  Extend it to your personal spiritual discipline.  Do you spend time reading the word?  Do you spend daily time reading the word?  How can you know anything about the God you claim to worship if you are not paying attention?

In my worst moments I think about pastors who preach without studying and praying about what they are going to say.  I realize there are times when life rears up and absorbs all your time but if there is no specific goal to seek truth in the word, it will never happen.

And we as layman have a similar struggle.  How will you know if what your pastor tells you is valid unless you have your Bible open during the sermon and go to it during the week?  The obvious answer is you can’t.

So?  Pay attention to the second part.  If you are not listening your speaking becomes evil.  Lay the groundwork.  

What Is Modified

Psalm 47:9 (KJV) The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

My first reading put Israel into the driver’s seat but on reading it again I promoted God Himself.  Notice it is not the people of Abraham but the people of his God.

To a Jew in the days this was written this would be assumed to be the DNA descendants of Abraham.  Paul gives us more insight for today.

Galatians 3:29 (KJV) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

So?  I think there is ample evidence when you put the whole Bible to the test to say that many of the promises that seem to be given originally to Israel have been inherited by the body of Christ.  

Zion Paradox

Psalm 46:5 (KJV) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

This verse is referring to Jerusalem, Zion.  It’s in the middle of a great passage that we all love to quote.  As you can see, this seems to be a promise that desire will be eternal.  Recently, I read another passage where God basically said that He was going to do away with Zion.  This brings to mine that old question, “Can God make a rock big enough that He can’t move it?”

We see these kinds of things fairly frequently.  Of course in things like this much of the answer is that figurative language is not to be taken literally.  The other side of that is that literal statements are not to be taken figuratively.  We love to do both.  When we read scripture, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to make it clear to us if it is speaking figuratively or literally.  Sometimes it can be taken both ways.  Sometimes we are allowed to spiritualize it for applications to us today.

So?  Read and study.  Keep your mind open to what God has to say to you.  Be honest in your application.  The rewards are not only great, they are eternal.  

Tongue Watch

Proverbs 25:9 (NASB95) Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another,

We are currently entertaining family members and having a great time talking about memories.  My brother died about a year ago and we have a lot of great things to share.

While we’re doing that sharing, I noticed that there are times when things come up.  It probably should not have been shared.  We’re not talking about the arguing part of this first, but we are talking about the caution that we need to have and what we say, and what we reveal.

Enthusiasm of the moment often gets us carried away.  We need to guard our tongues when we are feeling comfortable.

So?  Enjoy family.  Enjoy friends.  Be careful that you don’t cross the line.  

Step One

Genesis 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

This is the first verse that came to mind as I was hovering over my coffee and inhaling.  It was a bit dark so I could not see the horizon but the inner light was adequate for seeing.

This is where it all starts.  This is the dividing line between creation and evolution.  It is where real science and the modern cult of scientism part ways.  It is the attitude of historians that makes it possible to put the puzzle together or not.

So?  Start at the beginning.  If you don’t get this step right it is hard to make it to the next one.  It is like making your morning coffee without any coffee.  

There Will Be Pruning

Psalm 37:22 (KJV) For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

I am in constant dialogue with a friend who is big on eschatology and has charts and graphs to prove his position.  All I have to respond with is the consistent word of scripture.  This is one example that you find saturating this chapter and sprinkled through the rest of the Bible.

There are two groups mentioned here.  In reality they are one group with two destinies.  Both the “blessed” and the “cut off” are part of genetic Israel.  Both groups are descendants of Abraham and Jacob.  Even here in the days of David the point is being made that the people of God are not a DNA module but a spiritual body.

So?  It does not matter if you were born a Jew.  It does not matter if you were born with a Christian silver spoon in your mouth.  What matters is whether you respond in faith and obedience to the one who is writing in the book of life.  

Help

Psalm 33:1 (KJV) Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

Recently I heard someone quoting the man who said to Jesus, “Lord, I believe. Help Thou my unbelief.”  That, in combination with this verse, reminds me that I need constant assistance in having the right attitude.

In this case it is the attitude of praise.  It is so easy to get caught up in the pressures and conflicts of life.  We seem to adopt worry as our default.  If our desire is to live upright lives then we need to resist that.

Praise can come automatically.  We have all been in worship services where the presence of the Lord overwhelms anything else that might be on our mind.  Often it is a matter of discipline.  That is why I make part of my morning worship a time of thanksgiving.  Thanks and praise are bedfellows.  I find that when I look for things to be thankful for the byproduct is praise.

So?  Focus.  God has a way of helping us along the way when we take the first step.  Take a chance.  Trust Him.  Thank Him.  Praise Him.  See what a difference it makes in your day.  

Familiarity Causes Blindness

Psalm 31:16 (KJV) Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

As I was reading this Psalm I found myself falling into the trap of the Old Shoe.  We get so used to the love of God and the glorious attributes He displays that we forget how unique He is.  He comes across as one of a kind, which is appropriate, since He is one of a kind.

Consider the supernatural creatures you have experienced in horror movies and products of the fantasy genre.  They generate fear, but the fear they are out to create is not the fear of awe and respect but the fear of terror and panic.

Yahweh is capable of tremendous wrath and can dispense calamity but that is not who He is.  Those actions are the result of degenerate behavior on the part of people who should know better.  The gods of fantasy inflict pain because they enjoy watching people squirm.

So?  Get serious about knowing the living God.  He will give you a foundation in life as well as eternity.  

One Sword, Two Edges

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

The basic point here is a demand for honesty in buying and selling.  I think the Hebrew is literally “a stone and a stone” meaning two sets of weights.  There is also a principle involved that spoke to me today.

We are looking here at one of the principles behind the rule of law.  The rule of law has two basic points.  First, you agree ahead of time what the rules are.  Second, you apply them the same to everyone.  It is a bedrock of our legal system.  Too often it is ignored.

So?  We need to apply the rule of law, or one set of measuring stones, to all areas of our life.  Yes, we are special in the eyes of God but that is not license to cheat.  It is expectation to live to a higher standard.  

Be Glad You Are Not Them

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

Our default setting for “false witness” is a verbally spoken statement we know is not true.  I think God has a little wider definition of the term.  There is a principle here.  Apply that principle to government officials, advertising executives, pastors, teachers, the list goes on.

The promise is one we do not want to hear.  Deception will be punished.  That is something to fear if you think you are more clever than the average bear.  It is a promise if you are the one lied to.

So?  God will not be mocked.  His people will not go unavenged.  

Keep the Balance

Psalm 26:11 (KJV) But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

This entire Psalm is a statement by David of his faithfulness and walk of integrity.  I wonder if Paul ever read this verse and what kind of spiritual gymnastics he needed to get through it.  The focus is not on the law but on a life of obedience.

Don’t fall into the trap of ignoring the place of faith and grace.  Those words do not appear but the need for them is found in this plea to be redeemed.  It is clear that David is not saying, “You need me on your team.”  He is saying, “It is still all up to you, Lord.”  And that is the truth.  It is the right balance.

So?  Righteous living is not a choice, it is a demand.  God’s grace is not plan B.  It is the only plan.  Spread your arms wide and embrace them both.  

Define Enemies

Psalm 25:2 (KJV) O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 

(Proverbs 17 also read)

I hope you have had the experience of singing the chorus based on verse one and two.  That dates me.  A later generation would call it praise music.  There might even be a few young people who call it contemporary but my suspicion is that they would label it old fogies music. 

Call it what you want, it is a great way to praise God.

This morning I found myself wondering who my enemies were.  For David it could have been Saul, pagans around him, intrigue at court or even his own sons.  For you the list might be long.  I don’t know that I would have anyone to put on the list.  There might be enemies but they have been good at covering it up.  That makes this a doubly important prayer. 

It might also be simple things like a busy schedule or a preference for certain music.  It could be addiction to video games or gluttony. 

So?  This is a one size fits all prayer.  It works whether you know the target or not because you are bringing it to the one who knows all.  

Constant Adjustment

Proverbs 16:9 (KJV) A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

There are two levels of thought here that we need to consider.  The first level of thought is that God through the power of His Holy Spirit helps our heart devise its way.  We should be constantly listening to what God is saying to us, considering what scripture has told us, perhaps looking back to something we heard in a sermon in the past week.  Our heart is directing us, but it needs to be a heart that’s listening.

The second level is that as we go there may be constant course corrections as we get off track.  I’ve never flown an airplane, but I have driven a car, and I know that there are constant adjustments that go on when you’re driving a car.  If you’re ever out on the road and there’s no one else visible sometime, try not moving your steering wheel at all and see how far you get down the road before you start to runoff into the ditch.  You’re constantly making adjustments.  You may not think about it but, you’re doing it.

And then on the big scale if you’ve got your GPS on and you are consulting what the phone tells you, you may find that there is an obstruction ahead.  In fact, I don’t know how many times when I’m driving somewhere and listening for directions they will offer an alternate route based on current conditions.  That’s kind of useless because I can’t really read what they have to say and watch traffic at the same time but it’s a nice gesture.  However, if you do have the time to consult, you may find that you want to go a different way when you’re halfway there.

So?  Be sensitive and listen.  Never stop being sensitive and listening.  Bon voyage.  

Even the Little Things

Proverbs 15:9 (KJV) The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

It is easy to associate the term “abomination” with sodomy and child abuse.  What we often forget is that God is also watching the small things of our lives, or the things that we might consider small.  Notice the mention of “way”.

A synonym for “way” might be road.  You could even wax poetical and call it a game plan.  People who live in rebellion and disobedience have a life style that reflects where they want to end up.  Daily decisions are based on their priorities.  The assumptions they make are basic.

We are expected to be different.  God has given us the knowledge and the ability to be different.

So?  Plan your way based on the holiness of God and not the current mores of our culture.  Don’t be surprised if they clash.  

Mock at Your Own Risk

Proverbs 14:9 (KJV) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

A casual reading of this gives one impression.  Our popular culture will tell us that the problem in society is not sin but society itself.  We are all victims.  The Bible would call such thinking foolish.

A little deeper you get an offshoot of that.  The Bible teaches that we are born in sin.  We call it the sin nature or original sin.  To deny that makes you a fool.

When you look at the word “sin” you find that the most common translation is “trespass offering”.  This is the public confession of sin and seeking forgiveness from God.  In the OT this is through the ritual of sacrifice.  In the NT we look to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, confess our sin and trust Him for forgiveness.

So?  We are fools if we live in denial . Be one of the righteous by confessing and trusting. 

The Pay-Off

Psalm 19:11 (KJV) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

As I continue to say, the Law gets a bum rap.  We hear legalism condemned.  Paul has a constant rant about the Law.  We hear about the 613 that can’t be kept.  The Law gets a lot of bad press.  That is to our detriment.

We cannot be saved by the Law, true, but even in the OT that is the case.  The point of the Law was not salvation but teaching people how to live like civilized citizens of God’s kingdom.  Those principles are still very effective when used for their intended purpose.  For most people it is like trying to use a wrench to hammer a nail or, even worse, using a hammer to remove a nut. 

So?  The Law is a tool.  As this says, following God’s rules has a reward.  It is there waiting for you.  

The Ego Balloon

Proverbs 12:9 (KJV) He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

I have a lot of reasons for being satisfied with an old car.  Some of them are solid.  I don’t like the technology that wants to control me and report to the government.  I feel that the repairs on an old car are a lot more thrifty than loans and taxes on the latest.  An old roomy LTD is a lot more comfortable than the new cars designed for people who are short.

Then there is the ego factor.  I am not sure it is so noble.  I would rather be the one with money in the bank than owing the bank.  That is okay but the sense of superiority that it generates might not be the best.  That being said, I think what this is saying it puts me on the side of angels.

So?  Look at your bottom line financially.  Look at your attitude spiritually . Make sure the latter is right and the other will probably take care of itself. 

Scholar for a Day

Psalm 18:1 (KJV) [[To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,]] I will love thee, O LORD, my  strength.

(Proverbs 11 also read)

My recent meeting with this Psalm was in II Samuel 22.  It is repeated there word for word as far as I can tell and is very confusing if you don’t stop and consider . It is a bit clearer here and gives us an opportunity to be Bible Scholars. 

When you interpret scripture you always have certain questions that you need to ask.  Who is writing?  When is he writing?  What are the circumstances that are being addressed?  There are more but those can be answered by you the reader without doing a lot of digging.

The thing that might pass under or over your radar is that David wrote this around the time that he was being hounded by Saul.  This was in that time between being a shepherd boy and sitting on the throne.  Read it in that understanding.

So?  There are a lot of things you can figure out for yourself without a Ph.D or a commentary.  Read, think and allow God to speak to you.  

Silent Benefit

Proverbs 10:9 (KJV) He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

There is a subtle way in which this principle will play out in your life.  We get skeptical and recognize that there are times when people take advantage of us because we are honest.  The opposite also happens but you might miss it when it blossoms.

There will be times in life when people who have been around you for awhile will give you a benefit that they don’t usually give.  An example that comes to mind in my life was the time the school librarian was busy and told me to just take the book I wanted because she knew I would bring it back.  Have you ever asked someone to borrow a tool and they hand it to you without hesitation?  You may not think much of it because you were not there when they refused the same request from someone else.

So?  Live in such a way that people recognize they can trust you.  They are not actually trusting you as much as the Jesus that lives within you. 

Stay on the Road

Proverbs 9:9 (KJV) Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

There is another place where we get the phrase, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.”  This is another approach to that principle and gives us some insight into why the principle is true.

There is an attitude at work here.  This person assumes that there is more to learn.  A know-it-all usually will not admit that evaluation but if you talk to them they always assume they have the final picture.  The wise person on the other hand is willing to listen because he knows that an infinite God always has something else to add.

So?  I trust you have started your journey of faith.  Now the goal is to stay on the road and keep moving.  Keep one eye on the path in front of you and the other on the horizon for the breaking insights.  

Eternity Promise

Psalm 16:10-11 (KJV) 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

This is an interesting part of Psalms.  We see prophecy about the “Holy One”, which would be Jesus, mixed with the promise of eternal life.  It is a seamless mix that is jarring if you don’t know all that is going on.

The first phrase could apply to the Messiah or to David, and thus to us.  Then we have the line about the Holy One which could not be David or us.  Finally we have the promise.  I imagine that you could find other ways to put it together but that seems the simplest to me.

So?  Don’t buy the line that the OT does not teach eternal life.  Read it for yourself and keep thinking as you read.  

The ID Card Doesn’t Matter

(Pro 7:27 KJV)  Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

If you read through this narrative of a young man being seduced into adultery you probably don’t stop to think about how both he and the woman were members of God’s chosen people.  They were part of Israel. They had the promise of God in their heritage. They were descendants of Abraham.  All of that is wonderful.  It is awesome.  The problem is not whether you have a Platinum card but does the scanner refuse to honor it.

You have all been there.  You have your purchases rung up and even bagged.  You put your card in the slot or tap your phone and the computer says, “No.”  Usually, if you are paid up, the second try works and you go your way but it isn’t the plastic that says you are chosen.

So?  You are not more spiritual because you are not a part of a liberal denomination.  You are not on the road to heaven because you are too in touch with God to find a church to attend.  The “way to hell” is real and is on the wide gate that Jesus said is so easy to find.  Find the narrow gate.   

Look Back

Psalm 15:1-2 (KJV) 1 [[A Psalm of David.]] LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

(Proverbs 6 also read)

All through the Bible we see statements that are ignored because they don’t fit in with the theological demands of a system.  Notice the emphasis of this verse which continues through the whole Psalm:  Behavior.  Two words appear in verse two that give people trouble:  Uprightly and righteousness.  This is in the context of people who like to quote the previous chapter that claims there is no such thing.

When you try to understand the Bible then you need to read the whole thing.  There is too much to remember it all but give it a try.  How can you claim that none can be righteous and yet it is demanded?  Grace and the work of the Holy Spirit fit in between the two and make the second possible.

So?  If you are a believer you should not be focusing on what can’t be but on what is.  If you are a believer God makes it possible for you to live a righteous life.  Don’t focus on the naysayers but on the promise.  

A Word of Caution

Psalm 11:5 (KJV) The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

We live in a time of chaos.  We have political leaders who seem to care only about power and wealth.  Some would say that is nothing new.  They have a point.  The statement of Lord Acton about power corrupting is a solid insight.  At the same time things seem to be moving in the wrong direction.

Some worry about civil war or nation wide insurgency.  Much of that is hype from media sources.  Satan would love to see the United States devolve into that kind of free for all.  To that thinking we need to look at verses like this and understand what is being said and what is not.

This is not forbidding violence.  It is condemning those who love violence.  It is a misunderstanding like that of people who say, “Money is the root of all evil.”  No, it is the love of money.  If extreme measures ever become necessary then we need to carefully monitor our attitude.

So?  Pray for peace.  Be an island of stability.  Make sure that your heart is right.  Remember that in the book of Esther the Jews were given the right to defend themselves.  That is just one example of godly behavior.  

Footwork

Proverbs 4:26 (KJV) Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Before I got to Proverbs I was thinking about the armor of God in Ephesians 6.  I noticed that one of the concerns was one we might not think about and that is having our feet shod.  In this case it said with the preparation of the gospel.

Preparation would involve pondering.  That means to think about.  It would be like coming to a stream when you are out on a hike and examining the placement of the rocks to see what is the best route across.  Not only do you need to consider the distance between the rocks but how slippery they are and their stability.  I don’t just start across.

So?  Consider your day.  Most days that won’t take long but it can’t hurt.  Some days it may be key to feeling like the day was a success.  

It Is a Secret

Proverbs 3:32 (KJV) For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

My first indication for today came from a footnote in the NASB.  It indicated that the word “secret” meant “private counsel”.  I looked at my software and found that the concept was counsel and in some cases secret counsel.

Think of a meeting with your lawyer before a trial starts.  You do not broadcast to the world what you are going to do.  Consider a football team going into the huddle.  They do not announce to the other team what their play is going to be . In the same way, God meets with His people.  That is you and me.  I don’t need to know what He tells you.  I may choose to not inform you of my insight.  There are many times when that is the right path to follow.

So?  God has directions for His people.  Much is ignored or rejected.  It is still available.  It seems like a sensible thing to do to follow His advice.  

Then…

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

The first part of this chapter lays out a long list of “if’s”.  As a conclusion to that it gives a couple of “then’s”.  Too often we want to get to the results without considering the causes.  They go together.  One sets the foundations and parameters, while the other lays out the application and goals.

Notice the qualities that God expects to see in our lives.

So?  It is a package rooted in the character of God Himself.  We are expected to be extensions of Him.  It is a genuine honor.  Then… 

The Two Sides of Freedom

Proverbs 1:10 (KJV) My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

I discovered a new type of verb today.  It is called the “jussive”.  It is similar to the imperative in that it is a command but it has the sense of responding to another.  When this says to not “consent” it is not talking about an inner decision.  Well, it may start there but that is not the emphasis.  This is talking about giving the “sinners” a stiff arm, rejecting them in a very clear way.

Combine that with the sense of “entice”,  which is a continued and ongoing action, it tells us that people are going to continually try to drag us down and we must be very decisive in our rejection.

So?  Part of being free creatures is being confronted with moral decisions.  In many cases the temptation and pressure does not just go away but continues to drag us down.  That is the price of being free to make decisions.  

Celebrate the Day

1 Corinthians 15:13-14 (KJV) 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

(Proverbs 31 also read)

The formal date for Easter is past.  The celebration is an annual celebration of the resurrection.  I am not sure the early church focused on that yearly date.  I think they actually remembered the resurrection every Sunday.  I believe that every Sunday was Easter in the early church.  To my thinking that is why the church began to worship on Sunday rather than the Saturday Sabbath.  As the church became more Gentile it was a natural transition.

So as I enjoyed the sunrise on this Sunday my mind went to the resurrection.  It is possibly the most important understanding that we have.

So?  Rejoice in Him.  Start with His death on the cross but don’t stop there.  Go on to the next step where Jesus conquered death.  He is still risen.  

Being Middle Class

Proverbs 30:8 (KJV) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Historically there have always been two classes that dominated civilizations.  You had the top, what we might call the one percent.  They had wealth and luxury that was obscene.  At the other end you had the unwashed masses.  Most of these were either slaves or peasants with the rights of a slave.  There was little in between.

Solomon is calling to be a part of the middle class.  This is a bit amusing coming from him.  It was rather expensive taking care of all those wives and concubines but his heart was in the right place, at least when he wrote this.

The point for us is that the concept of a middle class is spiritually strong.  Christian civilization has developed the idea that it is possible to live with enough food and shelter to be comfortable.  Of course there is also the idea of hard work but the ideal is to be someone who can stand on their own two feet.

So?  Are you middle class?  Rejoice.  You are just where Solomon wishes he could have been.  

Cut Through the Cultural Norms

Proverbs 29:7 (KJV) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

The underlying point of this verse is a corrective we need today.  It involves the attitude we should have toward the “poor”.

When the Bible talks about the “poor” it is talking a different language than what we are using today.  Today we say poor as a comparative term in the light of the materialistic affluence of our society.  We consider someone poor if they have less than some arbitrary standard conceived by a social worker concerned about the latest grant request or politician out for votes.  It is a floating standard created for manipulation.

Those kind of poor are also addressed in Proverbs but the word used is sluggard.

Biblical poor are people who missed their last meal and don’t know where the next will come from.  The righteous are to used discernment in considering their situation.  The word used there is “yada”  which means to know well.  The phrase has the idea of judging.

So?  We are to be concerned for the genuine poor.  We are also not supposed to waste the resources which could be used to help them on people who just want someone to pay for their cable.  

Always the Promise

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (KJV) 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

This passage is buried in the heart of Jeremiah preaching a message of condemnation.  It is sent to the portion of Israel from the southern kingdom who ended up in captivity.  Exactly how it applies to us is debated in some theological traditions but I think the principle applies today.

God does not turn His back on His people.  For that matter, He is always willing to listen to the cry of repentance, even from the pagan.  The sad reality is that He does not hear it often enough.  The promise is that when we genuinely seek Him we will find Him.

So?  That can be either a simple reminder that encourages us or a breathtaking new idea that has the potential to transform our lives.  Apply as needed.  

One Timers

Psalm 8:5 (KJV) For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

I read this verse with comments in mind that I heard at church.  The point being made involved angels and how in God’s hierarchy they are above human beings.  There was some great principle being expounded and this was proof of that point.  I don’t remember if the parallel statement in Hebrews was brought up.  It doesn’t matter to my observation.

In comparing the KJV and NASB I saw that the KJV says “angels” and the NASB has “God” with a footnote.  What gives?  I did a little homework.  The Hebrew word in question is Elohim.  This is the standard, common word used for God in the OT.  It is one you are familiar with,

Genesis 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

It is used over 2,600 times and “God” is the translation 2,346 times with small “g” god another 244.  It is only translated “angel” one time and that is here.

So?  What does that say?  I am not sure about the whole field of discussion but one caution I would offer is to be careful about making major statements based on a 1/2600 translation of a word.  

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Psalm 1:1 (KJV) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

(Proverbs 26, also read)

Just as the Bible has many synonyms for the Law it also has them for evil.  We see three of them in this verse.  In this time before the crucifixion there was still a dividing line between saints and sinners.  You could tell who was on God’s side and sought to walk in righteousness.

That leads us to the ability to make decisions about whom we spend our time with.  Notice there are also three images of how we spend our day.

So?  No matter what you are doing you have the responsibility to pick your companions carefully.  

Walls Are Good

Proverbs 25:28 (KJV) He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

In politics we have a lot of chatter about walls and borders.  People who live in gated communities seem to think that walls are a bad thing.  That one I can’t figure out except that there are many people who can’t put two clearly related facts together if it goes against what they believe.  Witness the divisions in theology.

Here walls are a good thing.  I think that the description is not of a city that is dysfunctional, just a city that has it first line of protection removed.  In the same way we may be able to live a normal life in many ways but not have the protection of God around us.  We might get along well until the barbarians arrive. 

So?  Make sure that the spiritual and moral walls are solid around you and yours.  It will keep much destruction at arms length and give time to call out the guard.  

What Is Your Foundation?

Proverbs 24:8 (KJV) He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

As I continue to cycle through Proverbs and Psalms I keep seeing that there are different types of people and personality types.  I think we would all agree.  The question I have is in the area of choice. 

The words used to describe the person in this verse, “mischievous” and “schemer” don’t in themselves carry a moral character.  That is in the first part.  This evil person is using his natural ability to plot things that are against God.  He could have just as easily pushed the other direction.

So?  Which way do you intend to go?  I don’t think God will be impressed by you quoting your sociology professor about how society made you do it.  

The Hidden Man

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Sometimes it is impossible to figure out where people are coming from.  They tell a good story and talk a good line but there seems to be something that is not fitting.  While there is a danger in being judgmental in the wrong way, trust the nudging of the Holy Spirit.  There may be a danger you are unaware of.

I would add that this is also a plea for our own introspection.  It doesn’t hurt to question our own motives.  Remember the call to “judge not” in Matthew 7 is not a call to allow sin but a reminder to check your own eyes for beams.

So?  Just like we check our blood pressure, it is a good idea to look to our spiritual health.  

You Don’t Have to Like It

Proverbs 22:7 (KJV) The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Beware of the standards of the intellectuals.  One of the rallying cries of the agitators today is equality.  They want to “redistribute” wealth until everyone is equal.  That is a very cozy dream but it does not fit life or the world God has created.

There will always be levels of income and influence.  Some will have power, some not.  Certain people will rule.  There is a reason for that.  Some people demonstrate their right to be in charge because they are successful.  Would you want to work for a poor man?  What kind of wages do you think he could pay?

Also found in these Proverbs is the responsibility placed on those who have power.  It is not to be self-seeking or oppressive.  That is where people go wrong.  They think they are rich because they are better.  The message is that the rich are to be better servants.

So?  If you have any authority, use it wisely and in keeping with the standards that 
God has given you.  That can be the authority of a parent, a policeman, a teacher, an employer or simply a supervisor of a new hire.  It applies at all levels.  

Unsavory Options

Proverbs 21:7 (KJV) The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

Life often puts us in situations where we must choose.  Those choices determine our path.  Often we are faced with what we don’t like.  It brings no joy.  How do we respond?

Think about how this is being played out today.  We see incomprehensible graft and fraud going on in government circles.  If we can believe the reports, and that is never a sure thing, then much of the misery and scarcity in our life is because of people in power abusing that power.

We also see violence being the default of certain elements of society.  We have been taught that violence is not the answer and we abide by that.  The wicked are always willing to resort to physical attacks if they don’t get their own way.  That is part of what defines them as evil.  We are called to justice, what the KJV labels as “judgement.”

So?  There may be times when we are compelled by justice to use force but we are not allowed to do so for our own personal gain.  Leave that to the wicked.  

Prayer Request

Proverbs 20:26 (KJV) A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

We don’t have kings but we have people in authority. It occurred to me that this would be a good prayer request for those people. You do pray for the president, governor, members of congress and so forth, don’t you?  Of course you do.  This will help target those prayers and make them less general.

It is important to appoint and nominate the right people. What this is reminding us of is that it is also important to winnow the wicked.  Pray that the president will get rid of people who are not living up to expectations.

So?  Pray for discernment and action.  

Retribution

Psalm 143:12 (KJV) And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

As I write, our church is going through one of those times caused by a carnal minority.  It remains to be seen how it will work out.  Of course the question to start with is aimed at ourselves instead of the ones who disagree with us.  It is so easy to be the carnal one if we are not constantly seeking God’s face.

But here, in the last verse of this chapter, the tide starts to recede and David calls for what he sees as a solution.  He calls for the other side to be “cut off” and for God to “destroy” them.  It is not clear whom he is talking about or what exactly they have done but he is still calling the wrath of God down on them.

Is David out of line?  Is this a justified response to persecution?  I am not ready to make a statement of doctrine on this but both options are on the table.

So?  It could well be that there are times to call down the wrath of God.  I am not sure He will respond the way we want but we need to be aware that a smile is not always the response demanded. 

Flying Solo

Psalm 142:4 (KJV) I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

The lesson to be grabbed hold of is the no “man” is concerned for David’s soul.  While that may be hyperbole the point is that God does care and takes action.

We live in an age that is big on group dynamics and sharing with others.  It is part of the emergence of psychology.  Remember Bob Newhart and the group therapy sessions he would lead?  Too many look at the church that way.  It is not the final model.

While it is important to be part of the body and we are to support each other, ultimately the source of our hope and strength is God Himself.

So?  Keep your focus.  Check your spiritual compass which is found in the word and the living God.  He is the only one you can always count on.  That should be a comfort, not a frustration. 

Defining Wisdom

Proverbs 17:28 (KJV) Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

It would seem that silence is wisdom.  This can be interpreted as a deception to observers.  It assumes that people have not been paying attention and so think the person in question is thinking deep thoughts.

It might also be a recommended course of action.  I think we would all concede that people talk too much and often have nothing to say.  I know that often when I am fooled into watching some click bait on the internet I quickly realize that if they have something to say they are not saying it.  You know how the video is fifteen minutes long, which I figure I can endure, and after five minutes they have said nothing that reflects the topic.  Often our conversation is that way.

So?  I am looking at this as a recommendation for me today rather than an observation about others.  It would be beneficial if I took more lessons that way. 

Way to Not Go

Proverbs 16:25 (KJV) There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

There are many ways this subtle reminder is expressed.  The general idea is that we are not to walk in the ways of the world.  There is a poetical expression that could be repeated almost daily about “walking to a different drummer.”  That should be us.

One of the distinctions of our modern woke culture is the seeking of consensus.  We see this echoed in the misuse of the call and praise for democracy.  Majority rule may work when you are deciding what kind of pizza to order but even there I have noticed that the appeasers always seem to get that pizza that no one eats.  Why?  To appease.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.

We are not to be contrary just to be contrary.  I know it is rare and hard to believe but sometimes the majority is right.  Feel free to fit in at those times but don’t do it just to get along.

So?  We are always going to be a minority when it comes to moral issues.  In the OT it was referred to as being the faithful remnant.  The concept is still true.  

Another Great Phrase

Proverbs 15:31 (KJV) The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

I first read this today in the NASB.  It talked about “life-giving reproof” which is good enough but I like the KJV’s way of saying it, “reproof of life.”  They both convey the same idea but to me one is more memorable.  Maybe you see it differently.

Being corrected is an important part of life.  The one who is never corrected has a great chance of not making it to adulthood.  He also has a definite destination of conceit and living in a fantasy world.

So?  Treasure correction.  Reflect on it.  Of course there is the chance it is off base but an even greater possibility that it could make your life better.  Also treasure the one who cares enough to speak up.  

Influence

Proverbs 14:34 (KJV) Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

I have often heard this quoted.  Usually it is to contrast the direction in which our country is going.  There is little evidence that righteousness is in demand today.  Maybe it is because we don’t understand the word.

We, or at least I, tend to equate righteousness with morality.  That is not a bad comparison but it goes deeper than that.  One of the roots of the word has to do with justice and judging.  It refers to the rule of law.  What that means is that the rules are agreed to ahead of time and applied equally to all people. 

If you look at countries that have had long term prosperity you will find the concept of the rule of law.  If you look at countries that are currently chaotic and broken down you see elites living in incredible wealth and the masses being manipulated without regard to justice.

So?  In this area you need the personal application in your own life and a political influence that goes beyond being politically correct and demands a blind justice.  Most of our influence will be in our families but you never know how God can use your obedience.  

Pick Your Role

Proverbs 13:7 (KJV) There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

Which of these personalities is the one we should strive after?  I would say that the first is obviously not the winning answer but I wonder if the second is either.  Maybe that is the wrong answer. 

So often we look at a situation and think we are locked into the choices offered.  I would accept that there are times when God lays things out to us in that way.  Turn or burn?  Forgive or not be forgiven?  Obey or rebel?  Most of the time those are obvious.  The choice is clear.  Which side are we on?

Other times it is more confusing.  In the question about this verse I would submit that neither is offered as the optimal attitude.  Acting poor is not the same as being a good steward by driving your old car that is running just fine.  Wearing out your clothes instead of going for the latest fashion is not acting poor.  The answer is not a choice of either/or but a third path that is laid out in the principles that God has given us.  How about honesty and humility?

So?  Keep your mind turned on.  Keep seeking God’s guidance.  He will provide.  

Embrace the Mystery

Psalm 139:6 (KJV) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Have you ever scratched your head because you could not understand something you had just read in the Bible?  You are in good company.  Here, in this verse, David is confessing the same limitation.

That does not mean that we don’t try to understand.  That is the glory of meditating on God’s word.  It is the reward of contemplation.  You never know when God will decide to let you in on a little insight.  Of course, that does not diminish what is left because His wisdom is infinite.

So?  One of the reasons He is God is because He is so far beyond us, but if you go back and read the whole chapter, He still meets with us as He met with David.  What a reason to look forward to the lessons of the day.  

Fat Praise

Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Yes it really says this like it is a good thing.  Keep in mind the obesity has always been with us but historically the rolls of fat were an indication that you were doing very well in life.  Skinny was for poor peasants.

Don’t miss the point being made.  The concept being taught here is that we do not impoverish ourselves by being generous and sharing what we have.  The obvious application is in our finances but the principle extends to areas like investing our time and energy.

So?  Christian culture is rooted in the idea that we are givers.  Anything else is the residue of the expulsion from the Garden.  

First?

Proverbs 10:31 (KJV) The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

As I read this I have a question of priorities.  Do we find people who are “just” and ask them for a bit of wisdom or do we listen for wisdom and assume the speaker is “just”?  The NASB translates “just” as “righteous”.

I assume that the order will be different in different situations.  While we may not know the inner nature of the speaker we will hopefully have some clues by past behavior.  We may also have quiet people who speak rarely.  That in itself may be a mark of wisdom.

So?  The best way to recognize wisdom when you hear it is to have a working knowledge of the basics.  If you are reading your Bible with your brain turned on then you will know the principles of wisdom and sense when it is being applied.  

Thinking Cap

Psalm 137:1 (KJV) By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.  

(Proverbs 9 also read)

It is time to pay attention.  Most of the time we have a default position that David wrote the Psalms and Solomon wrote the Proverbs.  The only problem with that is that it is not true.  It is okay for kindergarten Sunday School but not for grown up believers.  Read with your mind turned on.

When would the author have been sitting by the rivers of Babylon remembering Zion?  Not during David’s life.  This is clearly the time of the captivity, 500 years after David.  It could have been written by Daniel or Ezekiel.  Jeremiah could have written it, but not David.  It is still scripture and God can speak to you through it.

So?  Be aware.  Someday a non-believer may claim that David didn’t write this.  Agree with him and your honest knowledge might open doors to his heart. 

Much Needed

Proverbs 8:7 (KJV) For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

I rotate my starting point in Proverbs to try to give a fresh insight each month.  Today I started on this verse and the word “truth” immediately jumped out at me.  How often have you been in conversation and commented on how hard it is to find out the truth when it comes to the news and what is going on in our world?  I would say almost daily.

But this is more personal than that.  This is talking about our contribution to the flow of information.  This is about what comes out of our mouth.  One of the characteristics of true followers of the One who called Himself “the Way, the Truth and the Life” is that we are committed to truth.  It should be reflected in everything we do and say.

So?  You can’t purify the internet but you can make your environment a place where people can feel like what they hear is not spin but an anchor.  

First Impressions

Proverbs 7:7 (KJV) And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

The narrator is doing some people watching. If this is just casual then he comes to some startling conclusions about those he observes. When I looked at the basic definitions of some of the words I was impressed by his insights. He sees a bunch of naive, inexperienced young people. He could tell much about them by the way they dressed. They seemed to be the lower classes and young.

What I found interesting was the word for “understanding” or “sense”. The actual Hebrew word is commonly translated “heart”. This refers to the inner man. In this group was one who could be recognized as having no inner strength. I don’t know if this implies that we should have the ability to discern such people or not but it is clear that the evidence was there.

So? There is always the question of what people see when they watch us. That is scary enough but there is also the implication that we should be aware of the shallow people around us.

The Overwhelming Attribute

Psalm 136:1 (KJV) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 6 also read)

If you just glance down this Psalm, one thing that stands out is the final phrase that talks about God’s mercy. It is in every verse. “Mercy” is my favorite Hebrew word. I prefer the translation of “loving kindness”. This is like the statement in John that “God is love.”

Does God have other attributes? Of course. He is not a caricature. He is the living God. Loving kindness is the repeated attribute that governs all the others. Keep in mind that you must not define this with pagan understanding but with a Biblical view.

So? Even though God is holy and righteous, He is essentially a God of love. One does not rule out the other in the culture of heaven.

Seems Backwards

Psalm 130:4 (KJV) But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

Look at that verse. It seems that the order is wrong. Wouldn’t it make more sense if our fear would lead us to seeking forgiveness? That seems logical to me, but it is not what is proclaimed.

Forgiveness is necessary for salvation. Our sins need to be negated. They need to be cancelled. As people living after the cross and resurrection we know that is tied in with Jesus on the cross. The OT saints seem to have had a similar assurance based on their trust in God.

I think it is implied that forgiveness is available. The result that is lifted out here is not sin’s penalty being cancelled but the arrival of fear, the fear of God. It would seem that is a good thing.

So? Think about that. Meditate on it. What does fear mean in this context? How is that a blessing. When you dwell on it you get a whole new perspective about what it means to fear the Lord.

Be Not Conformed

Psalm 127:4 (KJV) As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

My mind is focused on preparing a sermon based on Romans 12:2 which starts off, “Be ye not conformed to the world…”. As I read this today in my normal routine it jumped out at me that one place where we see Christians conforming is in the area of having children.

Our culture has been going through a time when Satan was lying to us about the world becoming overpopulated. Just like the circular lies about climate change that mantra is now being rewritten to be panic about the falling birth rate. When I look at my generation it is shocking how many either have no children or only two. Obviously that is sometimes just the natural way things worked out but the consistency reflects an acceptance of the world’s values more than providence.

So? Beware of the leaven of the world. On this issue the Bible is clear. It is also clear on many other issues. Consult the owners manual for daily maintenance.

It’s Everywhere

Proverbs 3:8 (KJV) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

This verse catches my attention every month when I read it. Some of the expressions of the KJV have the rich flavor of the archaic and in the spice of the age makes us think.

Also this week I had a final consult with my podiatrist. In the conversation he told me that all bones have “marrow”. I was under the impression that was true of the long bones but he said there is some in all bones. Here we have a promise that living a life of obedience will contribute to the health of our bones.

So? A good question. It makes no sense to me in the world of medicine but it does seem like a promise that makes sense in a world that is controlled by by Almighty God.

Partial Protection

Proverbs 2:7 (KJV) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

In English a “buckler” is a small shield that is more mobile than the larger ones like the Romans carried. The Hebrew word here is not as selective in meaning. The KJV usually just translates it “shield”. Either way it is a protective device.

The other aspect of a shield is that it requires some movement to be effective. If you were in the Roman Legions you might be commanded to raise them because a flight of arrows was on its way. You might be told to form the tortoise formation. If you were being attacked from the right then you might need to move it.

So? Wisdom, our shield, is there to protect us but it requires some attention and application. To me that sums up our spiritual walk or at least one aspect of it.

A Place to Start

Proverbs 1:7 (KJV) The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the Lord is a vital foundation for our journey of life if we desire to live righteously. But notice that word “beginning”.  Fear of God is not the goal, although many people act like it.  It should be the place we start.

Because of that it bears repeating.  Indeed, Proverbs repeats similar formulas several times during the compilation.  I would imagine that the thought kept coming back to Solomon and the other authors.  It would be good if it would keep coming back to us also.

So?  Spend some time thinking about what Biblical fear means.  Focus on words like “awe” and “respect” more than secular concepts like terror.  God is only a terror to those living in disobedience.

Well Established

Proverbs 30:5 (KJV) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

As I compare translations of this verse I am not satisfied with most. I am reflecting on the word the KJV translates “pure” and the NASB of 1977 and 1995 as “tested”. My software tells me this is a verbal adjective. That speaks to me of a process, not a final result. Although I don’t disagree with the idea of pure, I don’t think that is the point here.

It is also in the passive voice. In this place it is reflecting on the process that mankind has gone through over the centuries. We have tested God’s word and found it pure. Past generations testify to that. I hope we can join that chorus and proclaim that we have also found it adequate.

So? We can find the answers to the big questions of life in God’s word. Count on it.

Motivation

Psalm 116:1 (KJV) I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

When I first read this I felt like it was a poor motivation to love the Lord. It seemed a bit selfish and self-centered.

Yet, is that true? Think of the different emotions that are mentioned when it comes to how we relate to almighty God. We have fear. How about petition. I know awe and reverence. Yet it would seem that in the midst of all those responses the one that He really seeks is love. John points this out to us.

1 John 4:8 (KJV) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

That seems pretty simple. Is He holy? Yes. Is He omnipotent? Without question. But at the basic level, He is love.

So? While we might not be able to relate to omniscience we can certainly know love. Rejoice in the God we serve.

Odd in Adversity

Psalm 112:7 (KJV) He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

Here the author is talking about the righteous man. There is a lot that goes before this verse but this seems appropriate for today. We are deluged with information and opinions that spell doom and gloom. We wonder where the economy is going and if the fiber of our society is totally frayed and unraveling. These are real concerns and we need to live with our eyes open, but…

As we fear the Lord, that tamps down the fear of other things. Does this verse promise that evil tidings will never come? No. It tells us how we are to respond. Raise your eyebrows when you hear things. Lock your doors. Buy some extra toilet paper if that is a need. Take the evil tidings as information to consider as you plan your day but not a reason to panic.

So? There are repeated statements about how God will care for His people. What we overlook is that His people is not a general statement for the majority but a promise for the remnant. Make sure you are one of the faithful and trust in His word.

On the Upswing

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 27 also read)

This morning as I sat on the porch this verse came to mind. I was thinking about all the scripture I used to have memorized that has faded. It is tempting when you get into retirement to take a lot of naps and develop mind numbing rituals such as watching the tube. This reminded me that God is not through using me and my gifts. Will I change the world?  Not before the Day of Christ Jesus. Will anyone notice? Don’t count on it. Will I know and will God know? Definitely.

How many others things have I allowed to fade from my daily life? Music comes to mind. I used to be able to sit in the dark on the shores of Maui and play with great worship for a couple of hours, just from memory. Now? Maybe one or two songs. I am reaching back to retrieve that and there are many other areas I am searching.

So?  I intend to get back into stretching my personality and joy of life. The guiding rails will be worship and praise of God. The condiments will be family, friends and community. Let the good work continue.

Peace Question

Jeremiah 23:23-24 (KJV) 23 [Am] I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? 24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

Here in the middle of this chapter about the anger of God and His threat of retribution, we find this question. It is a question that was aimed at Israel. It was a question which was intended to remind them of the nature of God.

The answer, of course, is, “No”. He is not a god who is far. He is a god who is intimate and involved. Two theological words that keep coming back to my mind about the nature of God. One is transcendent and the other is eminent. Both of those are addressed here. And they applied to us because we serve the same God that had revealed Himself to Israel.

Yes, God is transcendent. He is out there. He is the creator of the world and the universe. Earlier the chapter talks about the whirlwind and imminent refers to God speaking to Job out of the whirlwind. God is also imminent. He is here with us just as He was there with Israel.

So? Embrace the truth. Embrace the One who is truth. While you’re at it, let Him embrace you.

Stand Quietly

Proverbs 25:6 (KJV) Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

I will never be near a king and I don’t tend to rub elbows with the great. I am surrounded by normal people. The world being what it is that means that at least half of them are below average. What this is saying to me today is that I need to spend a lot of energy keeping my mouth shut.

The closest I will come to great people would be some of the saints in the church. In reality, they don’t need to hear my opinions about a lot of things. If we’re discussing the scripture, I can put in my two cents worth, but I need to realize that it’s only worth two cents and the penny doesn’t go as far as it used to.

So? Feel free to think, research, study, all those things, but be aware that you don’t really need to share everything you know, at least I don’t.

The War Will Come to You

Proverbs 24:6 (KJV) For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

I did my time in the Army.  No one asked me anything about how to win a battle or conduct an operation.  I did make coffee and type documents.  I don’t have any plans to make a war.

But I am involved in spiritual warfare.  So are you.  The enemy is basically spiritual but he works through real people and situations.  We need to learn to deal with those even if we want to be pacifists.  That option is not open to us.  Well, actually I guess we can think it is but it is one of those situation where no answer is an answer of “no.”

So?  Pay attention to the lessons of wisdom.  The best source is your Bible and your eyes.  Another good source could be your ears if you have wise people around you.  The war is not coming.  It is already here.   

What It Does Not Say

Proverbs 23:5 (KJV) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

When I see advice like this my mind goes into extremist mode. I take a simple statement, apply my imagination, distort the message and run with it. How would that happen here? I would make this a statement that I do not need to work hard and save because it will all fly away in a moment.

While it is true that “chance” happenings can destroy the plans of a life time that is not the point here. The key is in setting our eyes on quicksand goals. I think of the stock market. Some people say it is a gamble. Only in the sense that life is a gamble. Only in the sense that marriage and family are gambles. If you are speculating then you can lose your shirt. If you are in for the long haul you will probably be okay. This was true in the stock market crash of 1929 and it is true today.

So? Make your foundation the God of the universe. Apply His principles and live according to His owner’s manual. You may have bad days but will have good years.

Detour

Proverbs 22:5 (KJV) Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Life is full of traps. Most of us know not to go looking for trouble. Such advice as, “Don’t go down dark alleys” should be common sense. Too often we tend to think we are smarter than the average bear and such advice does not apply to us. I predict a future of thorns and snares for such clever people.

On the other hand there is a promise here. Stay away from things that have an evil smell or appearance. It really begins that basically. If you do that then the traps of life will be on a road you do not follow.

So? Does this guarantee that you will never face a temptation? I don’t think so but it is clear that living in thoughtful righteousness can keep us away from most tragedy.

Golden Thoughts

Proverbs 21:5 (KJV) The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.

The word “diligent” is translated “gold” more often than diligent. I personally find that a bit confusing. It will come across as “fine” gold or “refined” gold. That might give us an indication of what is going on here.

We are talking about people who are willing to apply the thought process to come to a valid conclusion. Too often we go off half-cocked and are surprised when we can’t hit the target. I think the term “half-cocked” comes from the safety on certain types of firearms that set the safety when the hammer is pulled half way back. You can fire it before you pull it back. You can fire it when it is all the way back. The first click means that all you can do is wave it around.

So? With a revolver, half-cocked is a good thing. When making decisions it makes your thinking useless. Think with focus and without haste. Give God a chance to cut through the fog and supply a path.