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.