A Spoon Full of Sugar...

(Psa 141:5 KJV)  Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

Notice the phrase, “it shall be an excellent oil.”  This will tend to slip past us because we don’t think of oil the same way the ancients did.  For them it had medicinal uses.  The Living Bible paraphrases it as “If they reprove me, it is a medicine!”  

We need to wrap out minds around that.  Reproof and correction from those who care about us should be looked at as a medicine.  I might go so far as to suggest that even the criticisms of our enemies can do us good if we filter them through the Holy Spirit.

So?  May your day be full of good medicine.  

School Has Started

(Pro 29:15 KJV)  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

There are times when we adapt some of the wisdom of our culture and there are other times when that is a real danger.  This is one of those areas where we need to give the evil eye to culture.  What I am looking at here is our philosophy of education.  One of the big forces is the Montessori school method.  It is very popular and I don’t think we stop to consider why we should avoid it.  Read the verse again and ask yourself which is Montessori and which is Biblical.  

For those who don’t know the Montessori method stresses letting children explore and guide their own education.  The problem is not letting children explore.  It is in not giving them any foundation to guide that exploring.  The idea here is not to beat children because you have had a bad day.  The idea is to discipline to help them focus and instill a sense of right and wrong.

So?  Think twice before you put your children in even Christian schools.  Talk with others who might be thinking of doing so.  Do not turn over your children to people with a free style philosophy.  

Do You Invite a Lion for Dinner?

(Pro 28:15 KJV)  As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Let this be a warning to people who think that leaders who reject the standards of God will bring them prosperity.  I must concede that the role of political leaders does not bring hope in this regard.  That is the nature of humanity but we are in a unique position in history.  We have a voice in whom our leaders will be without getting violent.

We have an election coming up.  If you are a believer, and I assume if you take the time for a blog like this you are, then don’t fall for the lies of socialists, Marxists and those who advocate that people can get ahead without effort.  Don’t fall for the lie that we can have prosperity by taxing the rich.  Look at the people who advocate such things.  History is full of them.  Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, Gavin Newsome.  Our day is also full of them.  People who reject principles of God, who advocate abortion and undermine the family, are not people who will bring God’s blessing on us as a people.

So?  You may only be one vote but you are one vote.  Use what you have.  

Look under the Bed

(Psa 139:7 KJV)  Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

(Proverbs 27 also read)

Is this a praise or a complaint?  Think about it.  Do you rejoice that God is always present or do you find it a thought that cramps your style?  This could be an indicator of our spiritual condition.  God should be like that friend or relative that is always welcome at your house.  When you see them pull up you gladly drop what you are doing and go greet them.  Compare that to the gossipy neighbor who fills you with dread when he comes in sight.

Which is it?  It may be that you don’t sense the presence of God because you don’t want to be bothered.  It could be you don’t want Him to know what you are doing.

So?  The Psalmist is rejoicing and I think we should be doing the same.  

Drowning in Love

(Psa 136:15 KJV)  But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

The phrase that is repeated in every verse of this chapter is “for his mercy endureth for ever.”  We like that concept.  We don’t want to look at the entire context.  I lifted out this verse because most of us would have a hard time equating “mercy” (2617) [chesed] with drowning Pharaoh and his entire army.  It gives us a nuance that we probably missed.  

Mercy is a common translation in the KJV.  I prefer the “loving kindness” of the NASB.  Either way we resist this application.  We have this fantasy that love is gentle and long suffering.  It is.  It is also a reality built on God’s holiness.  In our compassion we are not to suffer fools gladly.  We are not to throw out discernment.  

So?  Read the context of your favorite quotes.  They may surprise you.  They will hopefully mold you.  

Muddy Waters

(Pro 25:26 KJV)  A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

As a kid it was fun to stomp in puddles or wade in small streams.  Part of the fun was stirring up the silt and mud.  It would make instant clouds that would take serious time to clear out.  What is fun for a child can be a problem for adults.  If you had been moving west in a wagon and came to a spring or creek, how would your parents have responded if you ran ahead and started muddying the water?  I think we both know.

The same is true for those of us seeking to live righteous lives.  We will obviously make mistakes.  There will be times when we will muddy the waters.  We can mess things us for others as well as ourselves.

So?  Perfect performance may be impossible but being aware that your actions effect others might be helpful in curbing your enthusiasm for stirring up the mud of life.  

Happy, Happy

(Psa 135:6 KJV)  Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

I sometimes wonder if God ever gets bored.  What does He do in His spare time?  Does He have any spare time?  Here we are told that He does whatever “pleased” (2654) Him to do.  The root of the word indicates delight.  If you read through the rest of the chapter you find that His pleasure ranges from lightning bolts to destroying pagan kings.  Maybe He never gets bored.

This is another indication of the nature of God.  He is not an impersonal force.  He is not a hand carved, gilded rock.  He is a person.  He is the great I AM.  The really strange part of all this is that He seems to care about us.  That caring is not only corporate but individual.

So?  Rejoice when you see a lighting bolt or watch the trees dance in the wind.  Also be glad that you are not a pagan king.  

Put It in Your File

(Psa 130:1 KJV)  A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

Not today, thankfully.  This morning I have had a great time with the Lord.  He has reminded me of His glory and how beyond comprehension He is.  At the same time He has given me glimpses of what I can’t understand.  It was glorious.

So?  Take this verse and store it away for the day when it is an echo of your soul.  We all have them.  It might help us to remember that even Bible writers have those moments.  Let that build your trust and your awareness that God will answer the cry.  

Another Chicken or Egg Question

(Pro 22:14 KJV)  The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Here is where my presuppositions settle into my interpretations.  Reading this simply and in isolation one would get the idea that the only people who fall into sin are those whom God has already written off.  In this thinking God becomes the cause of your sin.  He has abandoned you.  He has left you to fall into the pit.

I think that is skipping a significant part of the reality.  The Psalms and Proverbs are full of descriptions of people who have made the decision to either pursue evil or seek righteousness.  One does his own thing.  The other seeks to obey God.  In some theology God is the one who decides which way you go.  In my understanding God responds to the desire of your heart.  He makes it possible for you to respond correctly.  The choice is yours.  

So?  Yes.  He that is abhorred by God will fall into the pit but before you go too far down that path repeat to yourself John 3:16.  Once you reject Him you fall into this category.  

Be a Calamity

(Pro 21:15 KJV)  It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

We are in a battle for the direction of our country.  If you stop to look at history you will realize that this is nothing new.  The forces of evil have always been out to destroy the things of God.  To look at it another way, yes, they are out to get us.  We believe in justice.  It is a justice based on the standards and holiness of God.  That is why they fight so hard.  The Living Bible puts the last part of this as, “...it is a calamity to evildoers.”

So?  Live a holy life.  Expect opposition.  It is the nature of the beast that seems to be in control of our culture and neighborhoods.  

Quiver as a Noun

(Psa 127:5 KJV)  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

I read this verse the day after we had a house full of children.  True, they were not my children.  Two of them were my grandchildren.  The point is the same.  Children are a blessing.

Yes, they can be a burden.  Proverbs also contains awareness that much of the blessing depends on the type of children they are but the ones we had over were all home schooled and vitally involved in a church that supported home schooling as well as teaching the Bible.  What is the key to raising wonderful children?  I am still waiting to write my book but the first ingredient is living a life that demonstrates what you are trying to teach.

So?  Be aware that for Christians children are a precious resource not a burden that keeps you from living at the style in which you would like to become accustomed. 

Bait and Switch

(Pro 19:27 KJV)  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Think of all the ways in which we ignore this advice.  Sometimes it is blatant.  We go to a movie that we know focuses on prurient interests.  We attend a meeting designed to promote ungodly behavior.  Sometimes it is more subtle.  We might read books that start off on a high level and then degenerate.  I remember a series I started by a popular author.  The first couple of books were aboveboard and I was looking forward to the rest of the series.  Then things started getting polluted.  Questionable lifestyles began to enter the lineup.  Degenerate characters were portrayed in a positive light.  It saddened me but I stopped reading.  I knew where it was going.

A big reason for ignoring this is pride.  We tend to think that we are impervious.  We think we can take a bath in polluted water and come out clean.  Too bad it doesn’t usually work out that way.

So?  Be wise.  Avoid the contamination of evil.  Be willing to walk out.  While you are at it, ask for a refund.  Hit them where it hurts and be a good steward at the same time.  

The True Rebel Yell

(Pro 18:2 KJV)  A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Again the Living Bible hits a home run.

(Pro 18:2 LB) A rebel doesn’t care about the facts.  All he wants to do is yell.

Does that make you want to hang your head?  Does it make you embarrassed when you look back and see some of the things you have done and said?  Maybe I am the only one.  I don’t think so but I can accept that if necessary.

An interesting thing about facts and fools is that they think they have them and they don’t have a clue.  Facts are often elusive.  It isn’t because they can’t be found but because we tend to accept whatever agrees with our opinion.

So?  It is funny how often the cure for an illness is the same thing.  Saturate yourself with the word of God.  Know His truth.  It will help you know facts when you come across them and might even assist in keeping your, or my, mouth shut.  

Target Practice

(Pro 17:16 KJV)  Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

The Living Bible brings this into modern culture,

(Pro 17:16 LB) It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth.

Think of all the young people going to college and coming out ignorant.  You see it in man-on-the-street interviews.  You experience it in your own conversations.  Does that mean there was no truth available?  Not necessarily.  Many of them spend their time trying to figure out the easiest major and least demanding classes instead of looking to be challenged.

We see the same thing in our churches.  We have some people who leave worship revived.  We have others who just can’t wait to get to lunch.  I would guess that one had his Bible open and the other was checking his e-mails.

So?  Be open to invest your life and energy in others but it might be a good idea to look for someone who is actually seeking truth.  

Another Voice Heard

(Pro 16:2 KJV)  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

There are times when a paraphrase hits a home run.  This is one of them or else I am just in the mood for a pithy saying,

(Pro 16:2 LB) We can always “prove” that we are right, but is the Lord convinced?

One of the great functions of reading the word of God is to knock us off of our high horse.  It is so easy for us to be filled with ourselves.  God loves to deflate our egos when it is a step toward righteousness and upright living.

So?  Read another translation at times.  Look for insights that have escaped you before.  Trust me, they are there. 

Wrong Word

(Psa 126:1 KJV)  A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

There are times when the KJV just does not communicate.  This is one of them.  Compare this to the statement in the NASB,

(Psa 126:1 NAS77) A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.

The phrase “brought back” (7725) or “turned again” is a very common Hebrew word, 1339 times, and is translated “again” most frequently with an English verb that is supplied often by context.

Make it a habit to compare translations.  Also note that a simple reading of this tells us it was written after the return from captivity.  The nonsense of theology comes from commentators who have a theological system that demand this to refer to the end times.  Beware of such nonsense.

So?  Read and compare.  Become your own Bible commentator based on what the Bible says rather than what the guru on the internet tells you. 

Whose Children

(Pro 14:26 KJV)  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

To see both the weakness and the strength of a paraphrase compare this to the Living Bible,

(Pro 14:26 LB) Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.

As I read this today I found a resounding “Yes” developing in my heart.  I think there is some real truth in what the Living Bible says, yet it is just a paraphrase.   Is it a sound principle?  Obviously.  The idea that parents having a deep reverence for God will give their children an atmosphere to thrive in is solid.  

Do you notice the part that is assumption?   Read the KJV or NASB again.  When I read it that way it seems that the “children” are the Lord’s.  That is an encouraging understanding but it assumes that the “his” refers to God.   That is literal but the nuance picked up in the paraphrase could also be the emphasis.

So?  Let the Holy Spirit speak to you as you read.  This is an example where looking a little deeper, thinking a little broader and letting your imagination go to work can bring you greater truth.  It is a matter of addition, not substitution.  

Extreme Choices

(Pro 13:13 KJV)  Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

(Pro 13:13 NAS77) The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

These two translations agree on the problem as despising the word.  The results seem to be different.  Before I look at the Hebrew I am reminded of another question I have of the use of words like “destroy”, “never”, “always” and other extreme statements.  These words are often used as hyperbole because in the next verse there are contradictory statements.  That is a question for another platform.

Which is better, “destroy” or “be in debt.”  I would suggest that both are to be avoided.

So?  Focus on the gold standard.  

A Twist on Advice

(Pro 12:15-16 LB) A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others.  A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.

There are times when a paraphrase can dig out insight.  What struck me here, and spoke to me, is that insults, which are meant to destroy, can actually build us up.  I know that does not make sense but think of an insulter as someone giving you advice for your life.  It is true they did not mean well.  They were hoping for the worst, but much depends on how we take it and whether we are open to what might be the helpful message.

Suppose that someone told you that you talk too much and no one wants to hear what you say.  Ouch.  I am not saying I speak from experience but if I were I would be able to decode that as a simple message:  I talk too much and no one wants to hear what I say.  See how that works?

So?  God can take anything negative and make it useful is we living in wisdom and humility.  Don’t forget the humility.  

The Adjectives Have It

(Psa 125:4 KJV)  Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

(Proverbs 11 also read)

There are times when I like to drop the words of italics out and see what the simple Greek and Hebrew actually says without the interpretation of scholars.  The italics are not in the original language but are added to make things coherent and understandable.  At least so goes the popular wisdom.  What happens when you drop them out here?

“Do good, O Lord, unto good and upright in their hearts.”

What adds to my confusion is that both “good” (2896) and “upright” (3477) are adjectives and not nouns.  

Why does this confuse?  Because popular interpretation and theology says that we can do no good.  We cannot be upright.  My question would be a paraphrase, “Who you going to believe, the theologian or your lying eyes and ability to read?”

So?  Wherever you fall on the theological framework, be good.  Be upright.  Even if you don’t believe it is possible, be good and upright anyway today.  

Stay Attached

(Pro 10:25 KJV)  As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

The Living Bible infers that this “whirlwind” touches both the “wicked” and the “righteous”.  That would conform to the observations of life.  It is the source of the book “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People.”  God seems to allow His chosen ones to go through hard times.

But the results are different.

If you watch your trees during the high winds of spring you will notice two responses of the leaves.  At least I see this in the oaks in my yard.  The dead leaves are shaken loose and blown across the landscape to rot and become fertilizer.  The leaves that are still alive and well attached shake a bit but remain to provide life giving photosynthesis.  

So?  This is the picture given to us of our place in creation.  Hard times will come.  Israel was warned about the desolation coming.  In the midst of those predictions there was usually a word of hope for the faithful.  Be one of the faithful.  

Schooled on Prayer

(Mat 6:9 KJV)  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

I would assume that most people would recognize this beginning to what is called the Lord’s Prayer.  Take a moment and see if you can recite it.  It is also found in Luke 11:2.  

Most of us have a goal to talking to God, praying, on a regular basis.  Also most of us don’t live up to that as we would.  It is a common problem.  Paul tells us to pray without ceasing.  To take that literally would make most of life impossible if we pray in the way the pastor does on Sunday morning.  Fortunately Jesus gives us more specific guidance.

I think that what Jesus does not mention is as important as what He does.  He does not mention prayers for health.  He does not mention our concerns for our nation or its leaders.  He does not mention our families.  That does not mean we ignore them.  Think of it as more a priority list than an inclusive list.

So?  Set aside all the books you have on how to pray and spend some time in the school that Jesus left us in two gospels.  

Reach Out

(Pro 8:34 NAS77) "Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts.

The Living Bible phrases this in an interesting way.  For doorposts it says, “waits for me outside my home!”  

As an introvert I am generally willing to let people come to me.  I can handle social contact when it confronts me but I would rather sit in my Lazy Boy with a good book.  As much as I try to get myself to reach out I find it very hard to pick up the telephone.  In my daily social activities it is just a blip of my personality.

In relation to God we need to overcome this.  While it is true that God reaches out to us and sent His Son to die for us there is still an aspect of growing that requires us to seek His face, or as it says here, His doorpost.

So?  I know it gets monotonous but this needs to be a daily priority.  Notice the word “daily”.  That is not just filler.  

A Matter of Opinion

(Psa 124:2 KJV)  If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

(Proverbs 7 also read)

This brings to mind a quote that I heard attributed to Abraham Lincoln.  He is reported to have said something to the effect that “It isn’t so much that God is on our side as whether we are on His side.”  There is a real difference even though the results should be the same.

We need to careful about putting our priorities in God’s mouth.  I was reading recently about how in the Civil war, as in many wars, both sides were praying to the same God and claiming His protection and victory.  It can’t work that way.

So?  The only way to avoid this is to be aware of our pride and how it often dictates our thinking process.  Know the truth if you want it to set you free.  

Comfort and Red Lines

(Psalms 121:8 LB) He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you.

(Proverbs 6 also read)

How about a word of comfort for the day.  This ought to do it for you.  God is not our servant.  He does not jump through hoops or feel a need to earn His salary.  He is more like a parent who is always aware of what His toddler is up to.  He is almighty God and He is constantly in multi-function mode.  If a poisonous snake is coming through the fence to get you He will zap it.  If you are going to step in a fire ant mound He will nudge you aside.  Usually.

This is also a word of challenge for the day.  God has a peculiar way of guarding us.  It does not mean that you will face no issues or experience no failure.  It means that He will keep things out of the red zone.  You know about the red zone if you have ever driven a motor vehicle with a tachometer.  The needle tells you when the RPM’s are safe and when they forecast danger.  

So?  Don’t red line your day.  While God will protect us from many things our deliberate violation of His will is not on the list.  

Ancient Alarm Systems

(Psa 123:2 KJV)  Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

This describes a mental attitude that is totally foreign to us.  The word “servants” (5650) is sometimes translated “slave”.  That is because in ancient times there was a social position that did not have much difference.  The power of the masters was almost absolute.  

Why would the “maiden” (8198) be fixed on the hand of her mistress?  Because she was expected to understand that her place in society demanded subservience and instant obedience.  If the boss-lady picked up her coffee cup and looked inside the servant should already be on her way with a refill or fresh cup.  In the process the servant was not allowed to express any annoyance or sloth.  The signals were clear.

So?  We should be attuned to what God has to say to us.  That may come obviously in a sermon or a Bible verse.  It may also come from that inner voice that becomes alert when we see something that sets off an alarm in our soul.  

Evangelistic Evil

(Pro 4:16 KJV)  For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

I read this verse every month.  I think the idea is repeated another place in Proverbs.  It would do many Christians good to pay attention to it.  It isn’t just that evil exists.  The point is that there are people who are unhappy if they are not able to drag someone else down to their level.  Evil is evangelistic.

Keep that in mind when you watch commercials.  Review it when you listen to talking heads.  You might even consider it when you spend time with people you think are your friends.  The enemies of God are all in and are out to get you.  It is not your imagination.

So?  When I was teaching, students would come up and deliberately cough in my face hoping to make me sick.  In a way it was childish nonsense.  In a way it was a manifestation of this verse.  Eventually my immune system developed so that their coughing was in vain.  Build up your immunity to evil. 

Hope Day

(1Pe 3:15 KJV)  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(Proverbs 3 also read)

This verse came to mind in the early hours focusing on the word “hope” (1680).  I think I was pondering the condition of the world and discussions I had listened to.  One question that came up in regard to the condition of society was, “Is there any hope?”  My instant response was, “Yes.”  Their instant response was, “No.”  

You may not have noticed but those are two different answers.  They would not understand that the different answers are based on a different reference point for our hope.  The talking heads were reflecting on the ability of us as individuals to bring about change in the system.  It was based on a knowledge of human nature and a lack of moral fiber.

We acknowledge those points but come from a different reference point.  Our hope is not based on a dependence on society and politicians but on our hearts and our God.  We can look at history, see the suffering and chaos and still realize that God has preserved His people.

So?  We have a hope.  By that we don’t mean a desire but an assurance.  We need to be ready to share that.  If we exhibit our hope people will wonder and if we have been a faithful witness they will want to know if we are crazy or know something they don’t.  

Know Your Temptations

(Pro 2:16 KJV)  To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

The Living Bible combines this verse with the next and, if you carefully clip, it starts off with a warning about flattery.  It tells us that only “the wisdom from the Lord” will keep us from disaster.  Since I have never been approached by a prostitute, at least in my knowledge, I don’t need advice to avoid them but other temptations are always present.

So the heart of the reminder is still beating strong.  The best defense we have against defeat and compromise is being saturated with the things of God.  I seek that daily in Psalms and Proverbs but you can find it almost anywhere in scripture.  I say “almost” because I am currently skimming through a portion of I Chronicles which lists off the names of officials in David’s government.  I am sure that even the Holy Spirit would be challenged to find something inspiring there.

So?  Fill up your tank with God’s wisdom and drive your life for the most effective mileage.  

Does He Need to Shout?

(Pro 1:15 KJV)  My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

Today I begin reading through Proverbs in the Living Bible.  Not the NLT, but the original.  I always enjoyed it and, because it admits it is a paraphrase, feel it has a place on my Bible shelf.  

Today the phrasing is slightly different.  It starts with a plea, not an order.  “Don’t do it, son!”  This tells me that God is addressing us here as adults, or at least older children, and not toddlers.  If a two year old reaches for a hot stove you might move quickly to slap his hand away or scream bloody murder to get him to stop.  If he is 25 a simple reminder that the stove has been on might be enough.

How does God talk to you?  Does He need to shout or is the still small voice enough to get your attention?

So?  Listen and apply in whatever way is necessary.