Judge or Plead?

Proverbs 31:9 (KJV) Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

When I read verses like this I tend to sit up and take notice.  I also squirm a lot.  We live in a day when a person with air conditioning, a cell phone and food on the shelf will cry “Poor” because someone else has more than they do.  I remember being exposed to a video clip where a young woman was in despair because she was too pretty to have to work.  She thought she should be able to sit around on a yacht and have money thrown at her just because she was so good looking.  She would claim to be poor and needy.

At the same time the phrase “plead the cause” is usually translated “judge”.

So?  For me this requires a lot of soul searching.  I need to make sure that my evaluation of others is done “righteously” and not be based on my own prejudices.  

Get the Focus

(Psa 79:9 KJV)  Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

I am not sure how to take this idea of being concerned for the “glory” (3519a) of God’s name.  They know God’s name, Yahweh but they only use it once in this chapter in verse 5.  In reality, God’s glory does not depend on the survival of Israel.  That is even more true today.  The only people who would blame God for the destruction of modern Israel are some hard-core Christians who think it is the proof of prophecy.  The Zionists are mainly atheists so they would not care about God’s glory.  The Muslims worship Allah so they would not care about Yahweh’s name.

This can be another way of trying to manipulate God.  I don’t know that I have ever used it but I am sure it is common.  We need to understand that God is more concerned about His holiness than about someone’s concern that He look good.

So?  The important part of this verse is the second part, repentance.  Don’t forget that.  

Leaning into Truth

(Pro 29:12 KJV)  If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

The term “hearken” (7181) or “pays attention” seems to sometimes have the idea of leaning toward.  In fact, part of the definition is to incline.  This is a major quality that we need to seek in our leaders and it is hard to prove.  Talking heads always portray the people they disagree with as dishonest and their own favorites as pure as the driven snow.  Obviously things can’t be that clear.

We can easily find places where people have been deceived.  We can find evidence that they have been quoted out of context.  What we need to look for is a general desire to know truth.  When I look at one of our current races I see one candidate making the most atrocious statements, having them shown on video and then denying that they said it.  We see this all the time in elections.  

So?  They cannot change their spots but they can buy a can of paint that looks good on camera.  Our job in a free society is to do our homework.  One of the requirements of homework is keeping our memory on the job.  Pray that God will guide us in the influence we have.  

Telling God What to Do

(Psa 75:7 KJV)  But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

Serious Christians would agree with this statement, at least on the surface.  Underneath they begin to waffle a bit.  This is usually done by stuffing God into the box of their theological system.

You have some systems that read this and have a glory fest.  They point out the sovereignty of God and how He predestines whom shall be saved.  Usually they include themselves on that list but say it is a mystery how God chooses whom He will save.  They might quote this verse as verification but they are making an assumption.  While it gives God the power and position of Judge it overlooks the fact that judging involves justice, not just mercy.  The fact that we all deserve hell and can’t earn our salvation does not mean that God does not look for certain attitudes or applications in order to make His judgement.  There is a big difference between a God who says, “I see the desire of your heart and will honor it” and a God who closes His eyes and says, “Eeny, meeny, miny moe...”

The second distortion is just the opposite.  They would claim since God is love that none will really be put down.

So?  Develop your theology by reading the whole scripture and letting God be God. 

There Is an Answer

(Pro 27:11 KJV)  My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

We all come across times when others “reproach” (2778) us for one reason or another.  That is life but we don’t need to enjoy it.  Neither do we need to let it drag us down.

The obvious qualifications should be noted.  When someone criticizes you start by listening to what they are saying.  Consider it as objectively as you can.  Ignore or implement change as required.  That should be part of our basic response.

With me the emotional pressure is what mounts and does not want to go away.  When criticized unjustly I can acknowledge that it is unjust, but it still inflicts pain.  How do I deal with it, or more accurately, how should I deal with it?  The suggestion here implies that there are areas of our lives where we have done well.  The example here is a son who has shown wisdom.  The idea is to keep reminding yourself of your successes to keep the negatives in check.

So?  I think we have all done some good.  It may take a bit of thinking when we are being attacked but give it some time.  Just as you relied on God’s grace to do well now you need to call on the Holy Spirit to bring those times to mind.  

A Timely Reminder

(Pro 26:12 KJV)  Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Recently at a monthly men’s meeting I expressed a number of thoughts.  They found no traction, to put the best spin possible on it.  Another way is to say that I didn’t even get a nice pat on the head.  I have been thinking about that for the last few days.  I wasn’t sharing anything of great depth but I felt it was a good time for my input.  As I read this today I thought it summarized me at that moment.  No one thought my counsel was wise.

One of the painful truths about life is that we tend to think our thoughts are deeper than others do.  I needed to be reminded of this.  I must continue to be willing to answer questions and express my opinion if someone asks but realize that they will seldom ask really wanting an answer.

So?  It is reassuring the way that the written word can keep talking to us and hitting home.  I can’t say I enjoy it but I do need it.   

Hiding in Thee

(Psa 71:3 KJV)  Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

Put aside your yearning to emulate John Wayne.  We are not stand alone giants, defying everything that the world throws at us.  Sure, we stand tall but we also get worn down.  This is a time for heading for our “strong” (6697) “habitation” (4583).  Here the NASB is more literal with “rock of habitation”.  The idea is a fortress where we can get out of the storm.

“Continually” (8548) does a good job of getting across the expectation that we are going to need to make this a lifestyle, not the exception.  What surprised me when I look at the software was that this is a noun.  It is continuity rather than continually.  

So?  Seek Him and rejoice that He shelters us.  He will send us out again but the assurance of a fortress behind us adds strength to our stance.  

Be the Straw

(Pro 24:11 KJV)  If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

This is another place where it helps to compare other translations.  In the KJV this is an incomplete thought.  In other translations it stands alone.  

The point is that we are to be working to keep people from destroying themselves.  This has so many application in our culture today.  It goes far beyond just the need to evangelize.  Think of the ways in which people are heading for destruction.  Start with the standard one of alcohol.  That has been with us since the beginning of time.  Move forward to all the drugs that are turning minds in mush and bodies into wastelands.  Add the most resent atrocities of using surgery and drugs to encourage confused children to try to change their sex.

So?  We have a calling to stand up and speak out.  For most of us it will be almost a surprise when we find someone willing to listen.  Keep on the alert.  It could be that you will be the straw that breaks the devils back.  

The Days Are Gone

(Pro 23:25 KJV)  Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Now that we are past Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day we can get past the emotional moments and remind ourselves of the ongoing principles.  The context of this verse is a son who shows wisdom.  This is not just being glad you have children but rejoicing in how they turned out.

It is a reminder of what you have invested and what is called ROI, or return on investment.  It often takes years to pay off.  I remember well the times I wondered if it had been a mistake to have children.  I stuck to my guns and God has honored that.

For those who have no children or came to the Lord too late to raise godly children I relate a note that our pastor read last Sunday.  It was from a young man who was going off to college.  He related how the people in the church had been such an influence on him during his life and wanted to thank them.  This was in addition to godly parents.  You can contribute.

So?  Take a moment to rejoice in the family investments you have made.  Like most investments it often means going short on other areas but the payoff is worth it.  

Dream Busters

(Pro 22:29 KJV)  Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

I don’t think I was feeling sorry for myself.  I am not depressed at all.  Life is full of blessings.  With all that said this verse put me in my place this morning.

I have never stood before kings.  I am not sure I have ever been in personal contact with anyone who plays a significant role in our society.  I am not sure that I even stand before the mean men in my area.  I know that I am above average in most ways.  That is not something to be arrogant about.  My son points out George Carlin’s observation that half of the population is below average.  Even they don’t think I have much to say.

So?  Rejoice.  I keep reminding myself that God does not call all of us to be CEO’s or celebrities.  We are called to be faithful.  When we realize that our goal is to be like Jesus and not John Wayne it changes the perspective.  He will help us in one and just shake His head at the other.  

Fool Me Once...

(Psa 66:3 KJV)  Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

The KJV totally misses the point here.  It would seem that God’s enemies are actually coming in surrender but the actual wording of “submit” means that they are giving “feigned obedience” (3584) as the NASB has it.  It looks good but it is a total fraud.

If you continue reading you find evidence of genuine worship.  We need to understand that God always knows the difference.  We can know the difference in our own hearts but we need to understand that we can’t usually see through the facade that others offer.

So?  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  This is easy to say but hard to do.  We look around for affirmation instead of focusing on what God expects.  We try to live up to the charade that others are acting out and will usually fail miserably because that is not what God has for us. 

Facades

(Pro 20:29 KJV)  The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

We live in the age of the buff dude.  Working out at the gym is a religious ritual for many.  Even the click bait tries to get the elderly lifting weights and building strength.  That is reflected in this.

We are not in a time when age is assumed to bestow wisdom.  We tend to link it with dementia, feebleness, being out of touch and stuck in our ways.  That is definitely not reflected in this verse.

In either case this might be a case of damning with faint praise.  Neither big muscles or gray hair guarantee anything of value.  Many athletes die early because they put so much into big muscles.  One of the marks of foolishness is a Ph.D. from an Ivy League school.

So?  Put your trust in the Lord.  If you want to lift weights, fine, but don’t let it substitute for prayer and studying the word. 

He Has Your Back

Psalm 63:7 (KJV) Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Another place talks about sheltering under God’s wings.  This is a bit of a different picture, at least for me today.

When I read this I asked myself when we would be under this shadow and came up with the idea of a young bird out learning the ropes and having the adult flying above.  The purpose would be to shelter me from an attack in that direction.  As a novice I might forget to check that direction.  I would be a sitting duck.  The parent protects the young from the foolishness of immaturity.

In the same way we can count on God to be taking care of the things that would not even occur to us.  What would those things be?  If I knew I might not need the shelter.

So?  Develop awareness but while you are working on it trust that the Lord is hovering in the areas that you are not even sensing.  

Haughty Destruction

(Pro 18:12 KJV)  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

I sense another both/and reading.  I find myself wondering if the destruction in the first part of the verse is the source of the humility or is humility something we can achieve without total disaster.  It is clear that humility comes before honor but what is the means?

I like to think that the Holy Spirit can bring about humility.  It is hard to measure because part of the problem is that thinking we are humble is often a sign of a lack.

Followers of Jesus are expected to put others first.  Even that is to be done with the right attitude.  It can be achieved.

So?  If you are learning the hard way, embrace the lesson and grow on.   If you are blessed enough to grow without the pain then give God the praise.  

Vice Versa

(Pro 17:11 KJV)  An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

(Pro 17:11 NAS77) A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?  When you see these two translations side by side you see that the order of rebellion and evil are reversed.  If you compare multiple translations you find this repeated.  I don’t know enough about Hebrew to make a case for either so I will work with what I can figure out.

The evil is clear.  No matter how you define it, evil is bad.  That is by definition.  Not so with rebellion.  Most of us would accept that there are times when rebellion is necessary and the responsible thing to do.  The problem comes when rebellion is your default mode.

We often talk about children going through their rebellious stage.  Some never get over it and move on.  That is the person referred to here.  When your go-to response to any direction or correction is, “Well, of yeah?” you are this person.

So?  There may be times when God wants us to reject something being presented to us or forced upon us.  We don’t do this in the spirit of rebellion but in the desire to reject evil.  See the difference?  Think about it and see if it makes any difference in your day.  

Working It Out

Psalm 62:12 (KJV) Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

(Proverbs 16 also read)

Last Sunday the pastor was in Romans 4 and waxing strong on how we are not saved by works.  Well and good.  If you have read your Bible you know that your skill, hard word and talent will never be enough to pay for your sin and bring you eternal life.  Only the death and shed blood of Jesus on the cross are adequate for that.

At the same time you come across this statement by David about our “work”.  Jesus makes the same type of statements.  It seems a contradiction but it isn’t.  If you read Paul when he is condemning, you will notice that he seems to usually us the plural, works.  He also seems to focus almost exclusively on circumcision.  You need to understand that he is not saying obedience is not necessary.  He is saying that slavishly followed rituals will not save you.

So?  Live in righteousness as an expression of your love and faith.  Neither faith nor obedience are options.  

Investment in Life

(Pro 15:27 KJV)  He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

My mind went to possible applications of this that are necessary to use cautiously.  My thought was that “greedy” (1214) of “gain” (1215) can be understood as an attitude that rejects consistent moral behavior or acts correctly to cover up the hypocrisy of the heart.  

I am aware of many people who’s house has been “troubled” (5916).  It might not be obvious to the casual observer.  All may seem wonderful.  All the motions are there.  Go back 30 years later and find divorce, drug addicted children and bankruptcy.  That is a bit extreme but I am still trying to figure out why people who seem to be walking spiritual lives can have children that go down the path of rebellion and rejection.  I hear of children who will not talk to their parents because they voted for Trump and I wonder what path led to this.

I do not have an answer and I am afraid to look too close.  One reason is that there is nothing I can do to help.  I rejoice that my children seem to have turned out right.

So?  Be consistent.  I have to believe that my example is still being examined.  I also have to believe that God will honor a change of heart.  

Notice the Fence

(Pro 14:30 KJV)  A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

The KJV sounds much more scientific than the NASB.  The NASB has “tranquil” (4832) for “sound”.  The Hebrew, as far as I can tell, has the idea of healing and being cured.  

Where do we get this cure?  There are frequent references in Proverbs to the fear of the Lord.  A reminder: Fear in Proverbs is not the phobia of the Greek but a sense of awe and reverence.  Read the rest of the chapter and you will find it several times.  It tells us to take a step back and put things in perspective.  When I am out walking I will occasionally have a dog start barking from close by and get me to jump.  When I stop and think I realize that the dog is behind a fence.  I might even notice that its tail is wagging.  That is where our confidence in God produces the tranquility mentioned here.

So?  A momentary spike in adrenaline is not a mark of doubt or danger.  It helps us focus on what the real problem is and get a better understanding of the security we have in Christ.  

Wealth vs Riches

(Pro 13:11 KJV)  Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

As I read this today I began to think about the possible difference between wealth and riches.  In modern economics they are not the same.  Wealth can be used as a synonym but has more of an attitude of the total amount of value in society rather than just what you have in your bank account.  

What seemed to resonate with me is that the uncountable dollars accumulated by a few people who manipulate paper in places like the stock market are not real wealth for society.  It may line their pockets but the self-centeredness, or vanity, of such focus actually has the potential to suck the life out of a country.  Real wealth is the result of producing not manipulating.

So?  This does not mean we don’t invest but it does mean that we keep a perspective on what will actually make the physical world a better place for all men.  If hedge fund managers all disappeared tomorrow the world would go on.  If all the plumbers were raptured it would be almost instant chaos.  

What Is Your Major?

(Pro 12:11 KJV)  He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

I keep hearing people complaining about how there are no jobs and no future.  I have been hearing this for years.  I heard it when my children were starting out but it was not their experience.  One of the reasons is they did not go out expecting the world to honor their vanity.  Many of their contemporaries did.  How many jobs are there for people with a BA in philosophy?  Even though philosophy is important, it does not teach you how to wire your air conditioning or diaper a baby.

This is a large part of the frustration today.  The current generation has been told to follow their dreams.  They might have wanted to be designing the layout of the next ride at Disneyland.  They find that the only opening available is for the guy who runs around in the Goofy suit.  We recently went to the high school graduation of a wonderful young lady.  She wants to go to college and major in communications.  My advice to her would be that the local Mediterranean restaurant has a sign out that they are hiring.  But she would not listen.

So?  I hope you have made wise decisions.  If you are still alive you will have more to make and people who need your advice.  Beware of vain dreams.  

Be a Holy Rivulet

(Pro 11:11 KJV)  By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

A straight reading of this verse seems to infer a type of prayer that we would call a blessing.  The mouth is involved.  I think there is a less obvious principle here and that is that our way of living makes the difference.

We are supposed to be a blessing by our very presence.  Of course that doesn’t mean much unless our presence reflects the holiness of God.  The way in which we do business reflects on our God.  The way we keep our property clean and orderly says something to people around us.  The behavior of our children is observed.

So?  Be a blessing.  Our cities need it.  Our country needs it.  You may only be a drop of water or a rivulet in a drain but it all comes together to fill the reservoir or cause a flash flood.

Counter Culture

Psalm 119:63 (KJV) I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

This is a good reminder of what we should look for in others and demonstrate in ourselves.  In a time of divisive politics that sort us by superficial characteristics, we need to remember that what we believe and whom we obey should define whom we consider brothers.

God’s people are not divided by physical traits or social declarations.  We are either part of the body of Christ or we are not.  Our brothers are people who fear God and act like it.

So?  I may not like the spices in your food but I embrace the savor of your soul.  

Living Reminders

Psalm 59:11 (KJV) Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

David is in the crosshairs.  Later he will reverse his request but this is an interesting insight into the role of the evil people around us.  They are there as a reminder.

Have you had those times when you are driving and not paying enough attention and you hit the biggest pothole in sight, or since you hit it, out of sight?  Assuming your car survives, it wakes you up to pay more attention.  Even if it blows a tire you come out of it more aware of the dangers you face.

Politicians can do that for you.  They can remind you of the dangers of falling asleep politically.  David seems to be wanting just enough pain to keep people on their toes.

So?  This gives you a reason to be thankful for the hard times.  It is like sticking your head out the front door to see if you need a coat.  Make use of God’s warnings. 

More Than Your Imagination

Psalm 56:5 (KJV) Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

David is lamenting the number of his enemies and their enthusiasm in attacking him. We are not kings.  We are not in positions where powerful people attack us with weapons and violence.  This verse reminds us that all of the opposition we face is not of that nature.

When we stand for righteousness people attack us in many non-physical ways.  Here we see that they can attack us for what we say.  Have you spoken openly in praise of Jesus?   Then the sad truth is you can expect someone to react.   Remember that that Greek for witness is our English martyr.   They can become obsessed because you are a constant irritation to what they want to be.

So?   Look at persecution as a verification that you are living the way God wants. 

Reasons to Wander

(Pro 7:11 KJV)  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

We have a lot of different reactions to this verse.  The feminists scream and declare the diabolical nature of the patriarchy.  The macho man says, “Yes.”  The believer looks at what it says and considers the whole of scripture.

If you look at the Hebrew for “abide” (7931) (KJV) or “remain” (NASB) you see that both are rare translations.  The basic meaning of the word is to dwell.  Let’s put this together with the ideal wife in Proverbs 31 who buys vineyards and deals with merchants and you can see that the ideal is not a matter of where you spend your time but what your priorities are.  

In this verse the intent of the woman is to betray her home and family for a bit of momentary fun.  In chapter 31 the woman is building up her family and making it secure.

So?  So much of what we do is defined by what the intent of our heart is.  Others may not know but God sees all.  Live with enthusiasm and confidence in the One who made you in His image.  

Sneaking in Plain Sight

(Pro 6:11 KJV)  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

I keep hearing mantras about how many elderly are living hand to mouth.  They don’t have enough income to pay the bills.  My favorite was the bit about eating cat food to stay alive.  I like that because, if it were true, it would underline the problem:  Bad choices.  

The previous verse talks about taking a nap when you should be working.  This expands in a different direction.  The picture here is that “poverty” will just casually walk in and sit down.  It won’t be a calamity like a stock market crash.  It will be the result of unnumbered days of refusing to save a nickle because “life is too short”.  For many people it is long enough to make you run out of nickles.

My parents went into their retirement years with little income except for Social Security.  They managed to get by.  They did a lot of driving.  They visited and were visited by family.  They had their medical needs taken care of, which involved surgery and chemo.  How did they do it?  They made sure their house was paid off and bought things on sale.  I know it can be done because they did it.  When I hear about people who have nothing I know that the usual reason is because they never denied themselves anything.

So?  Poverty is real.  Some people are genuinely the victims of tragedy.  Most people are victims of leaving the door standing open and wondering how the flies got in.  Give God a chance to provide. 

Time for a Heel Check

Psalm 49:5 (KJV) Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

(Proverbs 5 also read)

My thinking went two ways when I read this verse.  The first was the assurance that God offers.  We live in evil days.  Because we trust in God we are not to fear.  Lock your doors.  Stock up on food.  Don’t go down dark alleys.  That is rational preparedness.  Do not prepare out of fear.  Prepare out of obedience.  And do not fear.  Islam is on the march.  Corporate greed is contagious and a reflection of our personal sin.  In the midst of that, do not fear.

Read the rest of the Psalm to remind yourself of the promise of eternity.

The second thought I had in reading the KJV was what kind of sin can my heels commit.  This is the only place the word is used.  The scholars think it is a corruption of the actual word “heels” which is almost identical.  Either way, keep your heels in check.

So?  Providence has our backs.  God watches out for His faithful remnant.  

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.