Rejoice in the Law

(Pro 31:26 KJV)  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Two great concepts are united in this verse.  Different translations hide one or the other.  The KJV says “law” (8451) of “kindness” (2617).  The NASB says “teaching” instead of law.  If they were trying to please me that would say “law of lovingkindness”.  Let me drop in the Hebrew words and it becomes “torah of chesed”.  

Law gets a lot of bad press because of Paul reacting to Judiasers trying to push circumcision.  We forget that we also have phrases such as “law of love” and this “love of lovingkindess”.  The purpose of the law was not to lower the boom but to mold a people into a civilized society.  The character of God includes justice and holiness but also love and compassion.

So?  We need to put them together in the proper proportions.  Law gives us boundaries that keep us on track.  Kindness modifies the rules with an attitude of mercy.  Apply them both.  

Big Ears

(Pro 30:14 KJV)  There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Personally I think we have too many people with the gift of mercy and not enough with the gift of discernment.  Part of that is because people lather on the mercy without the gift and then attack those who have discernment.  The other part is that discernment knows when to speak out and when to stay silent.  Discernment knows how to express itself to the “poor” (6041) and “needy” (34).  When someone is struggling in the mud you don’t jump on their shoulders.  You give them a hand and then help them wash.

We stand for righteousness.  We must never compromise.  We must speak truth.  Sometimes the tone of voice can destroy the message.  Sometimes refusing to listen can totally distort what the afflicted are saying.

So?  Stand tall but develop big ears to hear.  Truth spoken gently can sometimes be more powerful than a loud voice.  

Partisans

(Pro 29:27 KJV)  An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

I’m sorry.  No, we can’t just get along.  As much as we might want “peace in our time” it is not going to happen.  

We know that as Christians there is a courtesy and concern for the unjust.  It is part of the burden we carry.  At the same time we need to recognize that our ways are not compatible with theirs.  In fact we should accept that they are an abomination to God and thus to us.

What we keep avoiding is the understanding that they hate who we are.  What makes it worse is that there is no real restraint on their hatred other than the laws and justice systems that the upright have established.  Picture the monarchs who think that their will is above the laws of the common rabble.

So?  The power that will bring victory to our lives is not the rational discussions with evil but the power of God that we trust and lean on.  

Dangers of DIY

(Pro 28:26 KJV)  He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

When you have questions where do you look for answers?  Many look in self-help books.  Some talk to a friend.  The problem with these approaches is that you find books that reinforce the inclination of your own “heart” (5315) or you find a friend who will tell you to trust your heart.  That is not walking “wisely” (2451).

To walk wisely means to seek truth instead of trying to assuage your feelings or feed your inclinations.  I know it is possible to find a verse that reinforces what you want but if you are reading consistently and encouraging your mind to be receptive you will find the answers you need.

So?  Read scripture widely.  Don’t just focus on Psalms or Proverbs.  Those offer a lot of wisdom but it may not be the bit that you need today. 

Give Me Context

Proverbs 27:26 (KJV) The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

When you hear sheep and goats mentioned together you think of judgment and Jesus separating them, or at least I do.  Our conception is that sheep, or here lambs, are the righteous and goats are the bad guys.  Notice that does not apply here.

Be careful in your choice of words.  Even more important be careful of your interpretation of words.  They do not always mean the same.  Another example might be milk.  At one place you have the joy of a land of milk and honey.  At another you are urged to grow beyond the milk of the word as baby food.

So?  Never get complacent.  Be aware of the danger of drifting and not thinking.  God speaks but we need to listen.  

Daily Reminder

(Psa 119:125 KJV)  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

I read in Psalms and Proverbs every day.  One of the dangers of regular Bible reading is that it becomes a routine that can dull our edge.  We can read and not understand.  I think we have all had that experience where we find we have read several pages and can’t remember a thing.  Sometimes we read it again and still can’t remember.  Our minds wander.  We can have the same experience with verses we have memorized.

Here the author is calling upon God to take him beyond the ability to read and quicken his mind so that he has understanding.  That is a good prayer for us to start every day and to renew many times.

So?  God puts His truth in writing for us.  He also wants to quicken it in our hearts.  It is not just a book on the shelf.  It is meant to change us.  

Be Neighborly

(Pro 25:17 KJV)  Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

As I write I am applying this in my own life.  I have decided that the period of time here is three days.  It does not say that.  It simply says don’t stay too long when you are visiting.  I take the principle and apply it in a way that seems logical.  I think there is some chemistry that changes after three days but it is just me.

I offer this as a way of suggesting how to apply scripture.  Much of what we read is the transmission of principles.  Because life is complex it is better to understand the principles than the exact words.  This is an example of the comparison made between the spirit of the Law and the letter of the Law.  If demands that we engage mentally and spiritually with what God is trying to communicate.

So?  Think as you read.  Recognize the letter being delivered but go beyond that to the principles at the core.  

Skip the Bananas

(Psa 118:6 KJV)  The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

(Proverbs 24 also read)

The answer to the question is, “Quite a lot.”  That is not the point.  Of course we can be robbed, oppressed and persecuted.  Every time I miss a green light or come to a detour I feel like someone has it in for me.  What the Psalmist is saying is look beyond the immediate.

I know I can have problems.  I also know that God will provide a way out.  I know that there is a bigger picture that I may not see.  It is like going to an art museum to see a famous painting and being forced to look at some kind of modern art like a banana taped to the wall as you walk to the exhibit down the hall.  It may be that not making that green light will keep you from being crushed by an eighteen wheeler that will capsize down the road.

So?  Live in trust and expectation.  God has your back.  And, of course, your front and sides also. 

The Other Fingers

(Psa 120:2 KJV)  Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

When I started reading this verse I was thinking this involved “lying” (8267) lips of other people.   That would certainly be a good reason for God to “deliver” (5337) me, but I kept reading.

There is just as much evidence that the author is talking about his own lying lips.  That perspective is the one we should be most concerned about.  

We tend to focus on the shortcomings of others and ignore our own weaknesses.  You have heard the illustration of how when you point your finger at someone there are three more pointing back at you.  That applies here.

So?  The Bible is written for you to read to see what God wants you to hear.  Listen.  

Selective Reading

(Psa 119:93 KJV)  I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

By “precepts” (6490) this is referring to the law, among other writings.  Out of 24 times it is used, 21 of them are in Psalm 119 and all are in Psalms.  What touched my mind as I read this today is that we could substitute “Bible” for precept or law and get the way we should feel about it.  

Christians read and study their Bibles.  We love the word.  Having said that I must confess that I do not spend a lot of time in the book of Numbers or the genealogies of the gospels.  Why?  Because they are not meant for repeated consumption.  Okay, maybe they charge your batteries some way, but for me they were read 20 years ago and do not need a repeat.  I focus on the parts of the word that help me build my life.  So when the Psalmist says he loves the law, he is not talking about the advice for the clothing of the Levites.

So?  Read and let the word speak to you.  Don’t get hung up on Paul’s criticism of the law.  

An Inclusive Word

(Psa 118:4 KJV)  Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

There are people who claim that since Psalms was written to the Jews it has no application in our lives today and does not speak to us.  To that I say, “It may have been written to the Jews but it is written for us.”   That takes nothing away from God speaking to Israel.  It just expresses a larger view of God and His word.

Why say that here?  If you look back at the previous verses you will see that first the author speaks to the house of Israel and then to the house of Aaron.  He then extends the promise to everyone who fears the Lord.  That includes me.  I assume it includes you.

So?  Read your Old Testament.  Understand what God was saying to Israel.  Do some more thinking and embrace what He is saying to you.  

Some Things Are Forever

Psalm 117:2 (KJV) For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

I memorized this chapter in Psalms when I was younger.  The main purpose involved a contest and this was the shortest chapter in the Bible.  Anyone else with me there?  Now, hopefully a bit more mature I see other values in it.  A great truth is offered.

The truth is about truth.  There are some things that last forever and one of them is the truth of the Lord.  This is a particular type of truth.  It might be a truth that never wears out but it is more than that.  This is a truth that never goes out of style.  A truth that never wears out could be like a pair of shoes that last forever but are in a color that is not considered cool today.  God’s truth is more like a white T-shirt that goes with all attire and all events.  It is always useful.

So?  Put your time into the eternal rather than the fashionable.  Read Moses instead of Plato. 

The Problem of Hands

(Psa 115:4 KJV)  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

I dialogue with several people who have as much exposure to the Bible as I do.  I say dialogue instead of argue although that is often the atmosphere.  In theory we are all seeking the truth but one of the mysteries is how we can come to different positions from the same Bible.  I use the NASB of 1977.  I started with it because I thought it was the most accurate in 1977.  I have stuck with it because my study notes are geared to it.  I like it because the Bible software available makes it easier to study the Greek and Hebrew.  I accept the validity of other translations and really, the differences with others that I experience are not based on the version we are using.  They are based on the traditions of men in regard to the scripture that we have been taught.

Which brings me to this verse.  God has offered us silver and gold in the written word.  We work to mine that in order to know and love our God.  The problem is not in the gold and silver of the idols but the fact that man has molded it with his hands instead of really seeking what it says.  Since I am aware that I have traditions lurking in the recesses of my mind I seek to find truth, not by accepting other traditions but asking what does the Bible actually say.

So?  Keep pouring over the written word.  Keep listening to the Holy Spirit.  Others may help.  They may steer you correctly or simply make mistakes obvious but keep on seeking.  God will work with you, and I hope with me.  

House Keepers

(Psa 113:9 KJV)  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

When I see statements or promises like this I have to scratch my head because it doesn’t seem to match what I see.  First of all, if God makes them fertile and gives them children they are not barren.  Secondly, is there a reason why God has made them barren?

We all know people who have no children.  Many make that choice.  Some choose it because they want to live Mercedes level rather than dented fender mode.  They want the finer things of life.  Culture has even invented the DINK title, “double income, no kids”.  Some choose it because they are going to Libya as missionaries and don’t think kids fit into the danger.  Those are explainable.

What about the people who claim to want children but it isn’t happening.  Is God drying up their wombs?  Why?  Obviously on the individual level we cannot proclaim great authority but as a generalization I have a theory.  I wonder if God keeps some women childless because He knows that their career is going to trump children and family.

So?  I believe God has a reason for the things He does.  We will often have no idea but He sees the deeper picture and fits it into His plan for the universe and you.  Keep trusting.  Keep growing.  He is still God.  

Stepping Down

(Psa 113:6 KJV)  Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

As I was reading this chapter my mind went into “get through it” mode and I just read through this verse.  The Holy Spirit checked me and made me go back.  I had assumed that this was either a question or referring to a man speaking.  No, it was God speaking and that struck me as odd.

When you read scripture, keep your mind engaged including your baloney meter.  I am ot saying you will find baloney in the Bible but the awareness will wake you up to tensions in the text.  The NASB takes this as a question and the KJV a statement of fact.  I imagine you can take it either way so we might have another both/and situation.

How does God humble himself and why does this means He humbles Himself?  I think this is a clue to the difficult question of the relationship between God and time and comes into our daily investigations when we try to reconcile God’s foreknowledge and man’s free will.  The word “humbled” (8213) has the idea of stepping down.  There is a real sense in which God must step down to deal with our universe.  We are familiar with the idea that we cannot look into the face of God without being consumed by His glory.  Is it possible that the same principle applies to all of creation?

So?  However you want to look it it God is involved with His creation I hope we don’t bore Him too much.  

A Further Clarification

(Psa 96:4 KJV)  For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
(Psa 96:5 KJV)  For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

I am sure I have written about this somewhere in the past year but this addresses the question of whether Yahweh is unique or just top God.  

Notice in verse 4 that it is only declaring that He is above the others.  That could leave open the possibility that there are other gods.  Such an opinion is shut off when you read the next verse.  The word for “idols” (457) has the meaning of worthless.  It is a clear declaration that they are just inanimate stone or dead wood.

So?  Rest easy.  There may be demons running around but there is only one God.  Worship Him.

Happy Hearts

Proverbs 15:15 (KJV) All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

I never thought of myself as having a merry heart.  As a skeptic, I don’t walk down the street singing “Pennies from Heaven” or “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.”  OK, actually I may sing that second one.  That should be a clear indication that I might actually have a merry heart.

Now if I don’t have a merry heart I need to develop one.  And actually I think I’m making progress.  Of course, having a happy heart starts with a clear view of reality.  That could be a bit depressing if the clear view of reality was not rooted in a clear view of the God of creation.  Providence rules.  I am a child of Providence,  I must say I don’t say “Praise the Lord” when I stub my toe or knock my head, but I am willing to praise the Lord when the pain goes away.

So?  Work on it.  For some it may come naturally.  For those of us who tend to be skeptics it’s a goal to achieve.  It is also a goal within reach.  

Reject the Calf

(Psa 95:9 KJV)  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

I don’t have as many down times as when I was younger but they still hit.  Usually I understand that they are a bit cyclical and, as they say, “This too shall pass.”  What helps me is referred to in this verse.  There was a commercial once that talked about “the pause that refreshes”.  I think it was about beer so the thought was wasted but it is still a useful tool.  The pause I go to is a time of thanksgiving.

The Psalmist is rebuking Israel for focusing on a current problem and ignoring how God had seen them through so many other hard times.  It always amazed me that the group that crossed the Red Sea on dry land could turn around and make a golden calf.  We do it in our way.  What we need to do is spend a few moments remembering all the blessings of the past and all the blessings that are still in operation in our lives.

So?  Don’t live in the moment.  Live in the scope of eternity.  Since we can’t comprehend that then settle for the memory of God’s actions in your life.  It works for me.  I trust it will work for you.  

Avoid the Traps

(Pro 13:14 KJV)  The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Again we see how David praises knowing the law.  Don’t be confused by the term “fountain of life”.  David is not saying the law saves you.  It is there to give us guidance.  It was given to the newly declared nation of Israel to give guidance to a mass of people emerging from pagan darkness and having no idea about living in an upright and godly life.

The law tells us how to live as God would have us.  It gives a social and spiritual structure to keep us from getting caught up into sin and rebelling against God.  It is part of God’s plan for allowing His people to avoid ultimate death.

So?  Other verses remind you to trust and believe.  This one says, “Watch your step.”  God expects and demands both.  If you have trouble with that then spend more time reading the entire witness of the Bible.   

Different Word, Same Problem

(Pro 12:13 KJV)  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Although the word is not used, this is another reminder of the evil of lies and deceit.  Too often we accept the spin and distortion that we hear without any protest.  I will concede that you can do little in real time about the warped coverage of the news and partisan editing of comments that you see on the screen.  What you can do is turn it off and begin to contact sponsors.  Above all turn it off and urge your friends to do so.

If you hear this kind of thing in church you have more access to the people twisting truth.  If no one will listen then it may be time to leave that church your children were raised in and find a place that endorses truth.

So?  If you expect to come out of the other end of the tunnel of trouble then you need to be one of the small remnant that embraces truth.  

The Assurance of “Unless”

(Psa 94:17 KJV)  Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

(Proverbs 11 also read)

This Psalm is an interesting mixture of accurate social commentary and a shout of assurance.  The author is looking at a culture where the evil men are living out their fantasies in mocking, wild abandon.  Does that sound familiar?  It should.

At the same time there is the assurance that God is there for us.  Here the writer is reminding us that our hope is in the Lord.  My first impression was that I would simply keep my mouth shut.  The Septuagint throws in Scheol somehow.  The message though is that God is quite aware of what is going on.

So?  Go ahead and look around.  The world is falling apart but it has been falling apart for a long time.  God will work His divine will even if we are too blind to see it.  

Make Them Count

Psalm 90:12 (KJV) So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

How do you number your days?  To know that you would need to know how long you’re going to live.  A few verses before this, it tells us that 70 years would be normal and that if we’re strong 80 years would be seen.  That gives us a place to start.  For people like me that are 78 years old that doesn’t give a lot of time to do any planning.

The point isn’t how much time do you have before Jesus calls you home.  The point is what are you going to do with the time you have.  Are you going to be conscientious?  Are you going to redeem the time as it says somewhere?

It also tells us that in a sense God is going to be waiting for us to present Him with the results of our counting.

So?  Make every day count.  I need to hear that, especially at times when I am feeling a bit of sloth, creeping into my soul.  

The Price of Truth

(Pro 9:14 KJV)  For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

You think you have problems.  You do.  The problems you have are nothing new.  One of my problems is trying to find a news source that will actually tell me the truth without the spin.  You all know how hard that is.  Consider this chapter in Proverbs.

We have two women depicted in this chapter.  Much of the descriptions are identical.  They are both sitting calling people to come and partake of their “wisdom”.  They are not the same in spite of the similarities.  The first one’s advice leads to understanding.  This one will lead you to hell.

How do you tell the difference?  The first leads you to greater wisdom.  The second uses the theft.  What did Jesus say?  “By their fruits you shall know them.”

So?  We may not be able to listen to someone short term and know if they speak truth.  The insight comes over time as we watch their patterns and reliability.  This is true of news.  It is true of political leaders.  It is true of Bible teachers.  We can’t get away from paying attention. 

Irritation Check

(Psa 85:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

There is a phrase here that I keep coming across that does not make any sense.  In the KJV it is “brought back the captivity” and in the NASB it is “restore the captivity.”  Neither one makes any sense.  “Captivity” (7622) is a word that means just what it says.  The problem is in the “restore”.  I checked through the translations I have and found they all follow this pattern.

I am sorry.  It does not work.  If you go to your software you find that there are meanings that would work just fine, for instance “reverse”.  Why are they not used?

So?  When you find something that does not make sense spend a little time and look deeper.  You may not figure out what was on the mind of the translators but you should be able to understand what God is saying.  

Where Are the Ways?

(Psa 84:5 KJV)  Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

(Proverbs 7 also read)

I first read this in the NASB which talks about the “highways to Zion”.  I noticed that some other translations have that also.  In the NASB “Zion” is in italics which means it is not in the Hebrew.  The KJV has words in italics too.  Where do they get Zion?  One translation has “temple”.  Interesting but not what got my attention.

What stood out to me was that the ways, or highways, of God are to be established in our hearts.  God is not satisfied with people who learn to go through the motions but are not touched in their core being.  Yes, He wants us to live upright, righteous lives but He wants it grounded in a heart that is on the right path.

So?  Seek to be constantly touched and renewed in your inner man.  God wants a foundation that will endure the trials of life.  

Inner Arrows

(Pro 6:14 KJV)  Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

Let me start with a quick aside for KJV readers.  “Frowardness” (8419) or “perversity” (NASB) represents an inner twisting of the soul.  It is archaic but I have seen it used.

This reminds me that there are people who are twisted in the soul.  Usually we don’t see it.  As our culture degenerates it will be displayed more often, but it is already there.  I think most people will agree on that.  Where I would disagree with popular opinions is that I think people make the choice to send their values in that direction.

Yes, we are all born in sin.  Original sin is real.  My difference is that I believe God has given us free will and we begin at an early age to decide which way we want to go.  Although we cannot save ourselves we can point our heart and desire toward or away from God.

So?  Obviously we need to be aware of the evil around us.  In addition to that I think this is a warning to make decisions that move us away from that and toward the holy God.  

Depressing Reality

(Psa 81:12 KJV)  So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

What a depressing verse.  After again going through all the times that God had demonstrated His love for them He again returns to the fact that they are not responding.  He finally gives up on them.  The depressing part is that God can give up on us.  

But don’t stop there.  Historically He gave up on this group but there are also the places where we are reminded that in the larger group there are always a few who make us the true Israel, the faithful remnant, in today’s terms the Body of Christ.  While God may write Icabod over the door of your church He never departs from those who are listening to His voice.

So?  Rejoice for His personal touch.  Mourn for those who have chosen to go their own way. 

Don’t Text While Driving

(Pro 4:13 KJV)  Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

It is so easy to get sidetracked.  We think we are doing well, we look up and find out the car in front of us has stopped.  There is a time not to text and driving a car is one of them.  There is also a time to text.  Sending a message while the baby is asleep might be an example.  What we are holding fast to is not the texting but the wisdom to know when and where.

I need to be reminded of this today.  I had an encounter which quickly moved me from alert and productive to inert and lethargic.  It had nothing to do with my diet or global warming.  It was purely an emotional response that overwhelmed the wisdom God places in front of me.

So?  Time to take hold.  Time to center my scope.  Time to believe that God does not want me drifting off into La La land.  

Divine Side-Kick

(Pro 3:26 KJV)  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

If you look at this in the NASB “confidence” (3689) has a marginal note that says “or at your side”.  As I look at the different translations I have available I see a number of wordings that have this idea that we have confidence because of the close presence of the Lord.  Although it shows a lot of immaturity, think of the young boy yelling back at the bully when his father is right behind him.  That presence changes your attitude.

We need to develop that awareness or concept.  The previous verse talks about fear.  The idea is not that we become fearless and start doing stupid things but that we have a confidence to face the trials of life without turning to jelly.

So?  Keep reminding yourself that God is with you.  I find that a regular morning time of renewing that focus makes all the difference in the world.  

Who Speaks First

Psalm 80:18 (KJV) So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.

Why did Israel never seem to find revival as a nation?  Individuals came to the Lord.  I expect there to be descendants of David in heaven.  We have a woman in our church who was born and raised a Jew and is now a follower of Jesus.  In spite of those observations, as a group, a people, a nation they have refused to turn to the God who called them out of Egypt.

This verse gives a clue.  They expected God to force them into obedience.  They expected God to “quicken” them and then they would call on Him.  They continued to wait and live in self-centered rebellion as they waited for the big boom.

Too many people raised in Protestant churches seem to feel the same way.  If God chooses them and transforms them, then they will get serious about the things of God.  Remember how that theology worked out for Israel.

So?  I could be wrong.  It seems to me that God expects us to call on Him so that He can respond.  He is God and can force us to faith but somehow that does not seem to match the idea of being created in His image.  

The Pebbles of Tradition

(Pro 1:30 KJV)  They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

I have been listening to a lot of debates in the last month.  Two areas have predominated.  One was between Christians and Muslims.  The other was between Arminians and Calvinists.  Setting aside the reality that I am also guilty, it amazes me how often people refuse to acknowledge clear statements.  I was going to say “clear truth” but that is me making an assumption that I am right.  I would hope that I am but I need to be open to the “counsel” (6098) that the Holy Spirit tries to throw my way.

The context here is people who make it a habit to reject what God is telling them.  They start off with the concrete foundations and must warp everything into that.  We need foundations.  We need rocks to stand on.  The place we fail is when we make those rocks traditions instead of the clear teaching of scripture.

So?  My goal is to listen to what God says.  I need to recognize that sometimes that comes from people I disagree with and not reject everything they say.  Always I need to go back to the clear teachings instead of the loud voices.