Only Two Curtains

Proverbs 10:17 (KJV) He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

My memory tells me that there was a game show, and the contestants would have to choose between three windows or curtains.  It was exciting, but since the person making the choice had not invested any money, it wasn’t exactly earthshaking.  Here Proverbs points out to us that we actually don’t have three curtains to choose from we only have two, obedience to the instruction given to us or rejecting those instructions.

For those who are steeped in the concept of grace the idea of choice may seem strange.  For the rest of us, we understand that God offers us forgiveness and salvation because Jesus died on a cross, and if we trust in Him, we have eternal life.  They are really only two choices.

On a regular basis we face the same kind of choices.  Even if you are one who believes that you are sealed, and can never be unsealed, you still face the consequences of decision you make on a daily basis.

So?  Make sure that you are well grounded in the truth and principles that God has given us.  It will make a difference.  

A Difficult Choice

Proverbs 9:4 (BES) Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me: and to them that want understanding she says,

The LXX here uses “foolish” compared to the “naive” of the NASB and the “simple” of the KJV.  It is a condition that most of us suffer from when we’re talking about the wisdom of God.

What struck me here is the fact that in our present condition, whichever of these words you choose, we still have to make decisions.  Further down in the chapter you have evil making the same invitation.  Again, the choice is offered to people.  One of the things that I noticed reading in the Old Testament is this matter of choice is very clear.  Contrary to the understanding that we have in some traditional theology, we have choices.  We decide which way we want to go.  God responds to our decision, but He doesn’t force it on us.

So?  Choices start in every day decisions.  Our motivation and our priorities decide which way we go.  Ultimately we have to decide and make a choice on whether we are going to respond to the offer salvation found in Jesus Christ.  God’s grace is waiting for our decision.  

Course Correction

(Psa 119:176 KJV)  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

We are often quick to judge people who go “astray” (8582).  The first part of this verse makes that confession.  What is interesting is that this is set in a context of remembering God’s commandments and, I assume, seeking to obey them.  While it is discouraging when we get off track it is encouraging that it is not always a sign of gross sin.

I assume this means that there may well be times when we get so focused on the next blade of grass that we forget to lift our head and check our location.  I would assume that such situations are a part of everyone’s life.  If so, don’t be defeated.  You could add to this the picture of the good shepherd going and seeking until He finds you.

So?  Life is full of distractions.  I know it helps if I develop habits which make me look up and see if I am still in the green pastures I was led to.  

Spiritual Ear Buds

(Psa 150:5 KJV)  Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

(Proverbs 7 also read)

Have you ever heard someone complain about how loud the music was?  Has that someone ever been you?  I would suggest you use the technique my son had developed:  Ear plugs.  It may not look classy but it will bring things down to a manageable level.  

This passage lists just about every known instrument from that day.  They are all on the approved list for worship.  The decibel level is also approved, whatever it may be.  It almost seems the louder the better.  That may be because God is spirit and has no ear drums.

So?  Enjoy the enthusiasm that others are expressing.  Don’t rain on their joy.  

Target of Condemnation

Proverbs 6:32 (NASB95) The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; He who would destroy himself does it.

In our confused age there are people who like to talk about the patriarchy.  One of the distortions they pick out is how women caught in adultery were treated unfairly.  That may be so in some places but that is not the entire story.  This passage acts as a balance.

Notice that the condemnation is toward the man.  He is the one who is not forgiven.  He is the one who is targeted in the day of vengeance which is referred to in a later verse.

So?  Keep in mind that the world is full of people who either are ignorant or deliberately falsify the message of the Bible.  Do you own reading and thinking.  

Welcome Strangers

(2Ch 6:32 KJV)  Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;
(2Ch 6:33 KJV)  Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

(Proberbs 5 also read)

The “stranger” mentioned here is a foreigner.  It is someone who is not of Israel.  It is a Gentile.  The historical context here is the dedication of the temple.  It is the glory days of Israel.  It will never get any better.  Israel is God’s chosen people.  In the midst of that there is a clear statement that God will pay attention to the prayers of the Gentiles.

When it came to celebrating the Passover there was a different standard,

(Exo 12:48 KJV)  And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Keep in mind that the original temple did not have the outer court of the Gentiles and court of the women.  Access was more direct but it seems to have been possible.  

Carnal Breakfast

Proverbs 4:17 (KJV) For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

I noticed that the Septuagint has an interesting spin on this verse,

Proverbs 4:17 (BES) For these live upon the bread of ungodliness, and are drunken with wine of transgression.

I don’t know enough Hebrew and Greek to tell how much of this is just a paraphrase like the living Bible and how much is in the original languages, but I like the idea that they don’t just eat on wickedness, but they live on it.  It is the essence of what keeps them going.

We have a hard time, a very hard time, accepting that people are this way.  One of the reasons why the church has gotten so weak and insipid is because of those people who want to be nice to everyone and expect the best of everyone.  The problem of original sin has been rejected by so much of the church, or what used to be the church.  I’m not sure how far you can go away from the teaching of scripture and still consider yourself part of the church.

So?  Trust God.  Assume that He will work things out to His glory.  Don’t assume that the person selling the car, serving your meal, or cleaning your house has your best interest at heart.  

Trademark

Proverbs 3:29 (KJV) Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

Somewhere in my reading, I came across the concept of “trust culture”.  The United States is a trust culture because our way of dealing with each other is based on biblical principles.  This is an expression of one aspect of that culture.  We should be able to live together with other people, and they should know that we are not going to do evil against them.

I remember talking to someone who shared that in the Asian country that he was familiar with home improvement stores never rented out equipment.  Instead, they would put you in contact with someone who would come and do the work you wanted to do with that equipment.  The reason for that was that if somebody rented a saw by the time they brought it back to you it would be totally ruined and they would not stand by paying for it.  The only way you could guarantee getting your equipment back in decent shape was to rent out the worker rather than the tool.  This kind of behavior would be totally unacceptable in the United States.

So?  Rejoice in the remnants we have of Christian culture.  Most of the points are still strong and are generally followed by people, even if they do not embrace the God of Christianity.  Be one of those who demonstrates this kind of behavior.  

Love Is Long Suffering

(Psa 145:8 KJV)  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

(Proverbs 2 also read)

God is capable of great wrath.  We know that He came down hard on Israel.  What we often forget when people are talking about the violence of God is that little phrase in this verse, “slow to anger”.  Remember that God is love.  Remember the first quality of love in I Corinthians, patience or long suffering.

Imagine if we actually received justice for our actions and attitudes.  The world would not be concerned about over-population.  There would be even more “Help Wanted” signs.  God is patient but keep in mind that He does have His limits.

So?  Live with an attitude of obedience, confession and repentance.  You will have nothing to fear.  

Laying the Tracks

(Psa 1:1 Brenton)  Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of evil men.

(Proverbs 1 also read)

This month I am reading in the Brenton translation of the Septuagint (LXX).  One difference that stands out is the tense of the verb.  In the Hebrew based translations the walking, standing and sitting are all in the present tense.  In the LXX they are in the past.

The basic message is the same but the LXX points out that our past actions have an influence on where we are today and how we can expect God to interact with us.

So?  Just as yesterday laid the track for today, what you do now will influence and direct the options for tomorrow.  God can work miracles.  Why make it hard on Him?