The Depths of Hatred

Proverbs 26:28 (BES) A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.

Proverbs deals repeatedly with the evil around us.  I hope you are able to understand and accept that.  Here it gets more specific in how evil works.  Lies, lies, and more lies.  We are surrounded by people who hate, literally hate, truth.

We think of the media.  I hope you have come to learn that you cannot trust what you read in most newspapers or magazines.  I hope you realize that the Internet is not much better and that is doubled down as AI comes into the mix.  AI may not be able to deliberately lie but the problem is it doesn’t know the difference often between truth and falsehood.

One of the problems with truth is that you cannot mold it and manipulate to meet your needs.  You wonder why journalist lie so much and why politicians love to tell their side of things?  It’s because if they were honest, they would not win and they’re out to win.

So?  Be an agent of truth.  Be a candle of righteousness in a dark room.  Keep in mind that one of the things that Jesus said about himself was that He was the truth.  

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.   

My Place

Proverbs 26:3 (KJV) A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

My first reaction to this verse this morning is that none of these categories encompass me, right?  When I stop to consider, I wonder.  This is not going to be read by a horse or a fool so there must be a target audience.  I look around.  I am the only one paying attention.

What keeps me from being the fool?  It might be like the unpardonable sin for people who wonder what it is.  If you ask the question, you don’t need to know.  You are automatically exempt, at least for the moment.

So?  Am I a fool?  Like dementia, I would be the last to know.  Unlike dementia there is something I can do about it.  I can continue to read and consider what I have read.  I can listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit to direct me.  I can keep alert for indications of complacency.  Hang on.  It will be a wild ride.  

Target Resolutions

Proverbs 26:5 (KJV) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Now that we’re past Christmas and I’ve had to turn off my Christmas music, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s.  I don’t spell New Year’s resolutions in capital letters.  I look at the new year as a spot to stop and think about what I want to do different this year.  I don’t seek any big commitments.  There’s nothing mystical or magical about the date.  At the same time it is a good time to stop and think .

As I looked over this chapter, much of it doesn’t directly apply to me because it deals with deceit and deliberate lying.  This verse however, points out something that I think we have been guilty of as we have this go-along, get-along philosophy in our day and age.  As Christians, we are so concerned about being courteous and kind and not offending people that we often tend to reinforce their foolishness.  I was listening to a podcast, where a man was explaining his conversion, and he said one of the things that helped him come to faith was running into a Christian, who would actually argue with him.  He said most Christians will back off and not get into things because they don’t want to offend.  He said this brother just met him head on.

So?  One of the things I would like to see change in my life is being more aggressive about truth.  That doesn’t mean getting hostile.  It doesn’t mean getting angry.  It means standing up and declaring what I know.  We keep forgetting that they need to know that we already are sure.  

Don’t Play Their Game

Proverbs 26:4 (KJV) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

As I read this morning, a dialogue came to mind that I am having with a friend.  Since I would not call him a fool I had to change that word to perhaps “naïve”.  The message that came through to me was that I need to be careful in responding to people in the same spirit that they are addressing me.  My attitude should be one of seeking truth, not winning an argument.

I think that’s a worthwhile thought.

So often we get into these arguments and try to win.  What I decided to do with the scripture that he was pounding me over the head with was not to pound back, but to simply focus on the written word of God and allow it to speak to my heart.  I find that leaves my heart in much better condition than absorbing someone’s anger.

As a result, I’ve had a great morning of worship as I meditated on keywords in the versus he he thrown at me.  I’m not sure he will be happy because it wasn’t the intention he had, but we will both be better off.

So?  Focus on the word.  Go into the presence of God with Thanksgiving.  Do things His way instead of in the way of a fool.  

The Depths of Fools

Proverbs 26:1 (KJV) As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

Reading through this chapter, there are repeated references to fools.  I found myself wondering, “Do I actually know anybody that I think is a fool?”  I drew up a blank slate.  I couldn’t think of anybody that I would just assume was a fool, at least not in my personal circle.  I could think of a lot of politicians, celebrities, reporters, authors, and so forth, but not in my personal circle.

So I looked a little deeper into what is a fool?

I’m looking at the definition of the Hebrew word it seems to focus on people who are shallow, stupid, and lacking in understanding of anything.  I think there’s a nuance that says that this is a choice and not a condition.  So who are these fools?

I think the people we need to be careful of are the ones who think they know a lot, but are really empty sacks.  We might also consider that there needs to be a bit of caution in our own hearts about sharing great wisdom, which we don’t really possess.

So?  This is where it comes home to me.  I’m not so much worried about other people being fools as I am about avoiding the condition myself.  And this is where you bring in other references, which talks about listening more than talking or being slow to speak.  Growth can be painful, but it’s better than the opposite.  

They’re Everywhere

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

This chapter has a long section on the subject of fools.  Think about the things that keep coming up in the book of Proverbs.  The foolishness of adultery.  Listening to your parents and to the wise adults around you.  Many topics, one of them is fools.

I think we get uncomfortable with us, because of what Jesus told us about calling someone a fool.  Keep in mind that Jesus was not addressing calling someone a fool. He was addressing anger and temper, and used calling people fools as an example.  He was not saying there are no fools around us.  The reason we know that is because this chapter repeatedly warns us about fools.

I understand that they are everywhere.  There was some cartoon character that had the phrase “He’s everywhere, he’s everywhere.”  Fools are everywhere.  That tells us two things. First of all be aware that you are surrounded by fools.  They deny the wisdom that God lays out in front of them.  They can’t tell truth when it bites them on the nose.  And the main reason that they can’t tell the truth is because they don’t want to know the truth.

Which brings me to the second issue and that is that we need to be very careful that we ourselves are not fools.  It is so very easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have the answers.  As Christians, we do have the answers.  That does not mean that we cannot twist them to our own advantage.

So?  Don’t get cocky.  Keep calling on the Lord and reading his word, and listening to his admonition to be obedient and humble.  Don’t be one of the crowd around you. 

Fools, Pro and Con

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

This verse is the last time in this chapter that the fool is mentioned.  It’s quite a display of knowledge and wisdom about fools.  Every time I read this, though, I think of what Jesus had to say about calling people a fool.

Matthew 5:22 (KJV)  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

I have had this statement by Jesus thrown at me as a proof having something to do with the place of the law with Jesus supporting the law.  That I can deal with.  The issue to me is this seeming contradiction.  Jesus seems to be saying, don’t call people a fool, while Solomon in Proverbs has a long section about fools.  How do we work this out?

Just a quick observation is that Jesus is really not dealing with calling people fools.  He is dealing with controlling your anger.  Solomon is dealing with a general awareness of where people are coming from.

So?  Have the discernment to recognize fools when you see them.  Adjust how you deal with them.  That’s what Solomon is saying.  At the same time, don’t stand there and scream in their face, “Fool!”  It’s how wisdom works.  It’s how discernment works.  It’s how interpreting scripture works. 

Trigossipides

Proverbs 26:22 (KJV) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

This verse is about gossip and how it affects the person who is passing it on.  When I read it, it struck me as reflecting on how we get fat.  My wife got some See’s candy for Christmas.  It’s almost a sin for us to buy it for her, but she asked for a very little.  This morning she casually stated that she had eaten five pieces.  I don’t need to tell you where all of those calories go.  They don’t go into a little cup beside the bed that you can throw away.  I know this because if you put a bag of potato chips within my reach it goes straight from the bag to my belly and from my belly to my belly fat.

We know that “triglycerides” is a fancy name for fat.  We know that too much fat resides in our body for too long and causes long-term damage.  The same is true of gossip, but today I was reminded about how the damage settles in and resides in the person doing the gossiping.  Possibly the damage to the poisoner is worse than the one poisoned.

So?  If you are the one being poisoned, then lean on the Lord for the antidote.  If you are the one passing on the gossip, then you need to repent and ask God for forgiveness.  It’s dangerous. 

Equal Access

(Pro 26:7 KJV)  The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

This verse seems very unkind, but it is not a mocking of the handicapped.  At least it is not mocking the physically handicapped.  It is in a sense, it is mocking of the morally and mentally handicapped.  Some people reject the truth.  That means that they are “lame”.  It means that they’re not capable of walking in an upright manner with a regular rhythm and good balance.

Truth still exists.  In this case, the truth is wrapped up in a “parable.  There is no lacking in knowing what is right and wrong, and knowing what is moral and immoral.  People who complain they can’t know what is right are like people who go to a church potluck and say there’s nothing good to eat or someone who opens the refrigerator and claims there’s nothing at all to eat.  Or it’s like a woman who might have a closet full of clothes, but says she has nothing to wear.

It’s not that there is no truth it’s just that it is truth they don’t want.

So?  These people are called fools.  One of the reasons that we are looking at Proverbs is so that you, and I, can avoid being fools.  Consider the truth it is offered to you. 

Don’t Be Gullible

Proverbs 26:24 (KJV) He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

The church in America today is very weak.  It is becoming infiltrated with heretics.  In addition to that it’s being diluted with people who want happy feelings and warm fuzzies.  They hate the idea of being holy and not conforming to the world.  It makes people shudder.

In addition to that we run into people who are really know how to get us, and they are so good at manipulating that.  We do not respond correctly.  That’s why I like this Septuagint translation of this verse.

Proverbs 26:24 (BES) A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.

I think we are so anxious to be accepted by the world that we refuse to use any discernment when it comes to people who made a clear purpose of destroying us.  We tend to always think that they mean it when they apologize and say it will never happen again.  Generally speaking, it will happen again

So?  We are not living in a day when the gift of mercy is at a lack.  It is discernment that we don’t have.  Pray that God would make you wise in the decisions you have to make.

Useless

(Pro 26:7 KJV)  The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

When I read about a lame man, I tend to think of someone who is hobbling along with a cane or a walker or something like that.  They are able to get around, but it doesn’t go very well at all.  Now when I read the NASB, it tells me that the actual word for lame means hanging down, which is much more serious.  It means legs that are utterly useless.  That brings me to how Moffett translates this verse which I like,

    “Like the limbs of a lame man,
    so maxims limp on the lips of a fool;”

This tells us that wisdom is not only weakened in the hands of a fool, but is made totally useless.

So?  Don’t waste your time trying to pass on deep truths to people who are total fools.  Of course we have to be careful whom we consider fools because Jesus warned us about just casually calling people that, but at the same time Proverbs makes it very clear that some people are total fools. 

June Fool’s Day

(Pro 26:1 KJV)  As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

Now begins an extended statement about fools.  We know that Jesus told us not to call people fools.  We know that there can be a real attitude problem on our part for calling people fools.  Yet this chapter focuses on the reality of fools.

Might I suggest that a little bit of thought could go into making sure that we do not fit into this category.  We know that things need to begin with a fear of God.  Wisdom begins with the fear of God.  Knowledge begins with the fear of God.  I’m sure that we could add a lot more areas to our life that need the influence of the fear of God.

So?  Are you a fool?  Am I a fool?  Don’t answer that.  Actually, you can answer that.  As long as you don’t type it in the comments, I will never know.  I would hope that I am fearing God enough to be grounded in wisdom and knowledge.  I would hope that the love of Christ will control me.  The adventure continues. 

Salty Listening

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

My mind was already dwelling on this verse this morning but a conversation with my wife reinforced the message.  In between being regaled with the life stories of people I don’t even know I was informed that my comments were totally off base because I did not know what I was talking about.  In one sense she was totally right.  We were discussing kidney dialysis and I have never gone through it.  In a deeper sense she was to be listened to because it is very easy for me to assume I am right, I have correct information or I am smarter than the average bear.

None of which might be true.  Of course there is always the possibility that all are true but that goes against the warning given here.  

So?  It doesn’t hurt to take what you say with a grain of salt.  The other person will be using a whole spoon full.  This is humility we are talking about.

Fair Hatred

(Pro 26:25 KJV)  When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

Although the word does not appear in this verse the focal point is on people consumed with hate.  We live in a day when the accusation of “hater” is common but as so much goes today it is deceptive in itself.  What most people talking about as hate is simply someone who disagrees with them.  By the very nature of the deception they become the object they vilify and part of the charade.

The warning here is to understand that people filled with hate remain filled with hate no matter how smooth they start talking.  They are well schooled to deceive, twist and distort.  They have an aversion to righteousness and truth.  That is one of the key ways in which our modern culture is working against Jesus:  They reject absolute truth and embrace relativity.  

So?  Saturate yourself with the word of God.  Let it guide your decisions and your acceptance of the decisions of others. 

Day of Revelation

(Pro 26:26 KJV)  Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

How do we detect people who are filled with hate?  It is not easy and it may not even be possible in the short run.  They are very good at “covering” (3680) what is in their heart.  Their hatred is not based on evil that has been done to them.  These are people who are an intimate part of the church, family or community.  They have all the opportunities and blessings of those around them, but are consumed by hatred.  They are stealth members of the body.

This verse tells us that they will eventually be “revealed” (1540) and in a public way.

So?  Be prepared for the shock of revelation.  Make sure your heart is right. 

Why or What

(Pro 26:25 KJV)  When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

Solomon was a king.  He had been given the gift of wisdom by God and for a time he exhibited that gift.  One of the painful parts of that wisdom was the realization that just because people talked nice to you it did not mean they were sincere.  It also did not mean that their compliments were justified.  I think we like to believe compliments because we want them to be true.  Solomon is saying to walk carefully.

We have just celebrated Christmas.  One of the songs that I have tried to delete from my Christmas music is one entitled “I’m Getting Nothing for Christmas.”  “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” has the same weakness.  People tend to be on their best behavior because they think there will be a payoff.  We aware.  Don’t be one of them.

So?  It is a good time of year to look at how we have been acting.  Are we looking for a payoff or are we seeking to really be different.  Why is often more important that what.

Laugh It Off

(Pro 26:19 KJV)  So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

I don’t have any specific quotes from John Wesley to give you but from reading in his journals I get the feeling that he would have said “Amen” at the reading of this verse.  He comes across as a very serious, shall we say sourpuss, gentleman who had much more on his mind than “sport” (joking NASB) (7832).  The actual root of the word means “to laugh”.  Wesley was death on levity.  It worked for him but seems to go over my head.  I often have to decide whether to laugh or cry.

I find this poking at my innards and asking, “Are you listening?”  I tend to joke a lot.  Recently when I was in a long dialogue with a friend we would respond to our conflict differently.  He tended to get mad and consider walking out.  I tended to crack a joke and bottle up my frustration, which made him madder.  I need to draw down my joking without giving up my sense of humor.

So?  A bit of discernment is in order.  Sometimes a bit of humor can relieve tension and make a point.  Other times it can be part of the problem.  Lord, help me. 

Words Have Meaning

(Pro 26:4 KJV)  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

One of the contemporary terms we are all having to deal with is “woke”.  There is a lot of debate about what it specifically means.  Understand confusion of definitions is part of the strategy of the post-modern psyche.  The school of philosophy is called Deconstructionism and the way to sum it up is to divorce clear meaning from the discussion so you can win with power instead of truth.  

We are under a lot of pressure in public to turn off our minds, shut our mouths and walk away from God’s truth.  Consider the public claim of 72 genders.  My three year old grandson knows that there are only two but most talking heads will repeat the nonsense with a straight face.  We cannot do it and keep a straight soul.  Do you see the danger pointed out in this verse?  If we accept their terms and use there terms we become like them.

So?  My response is, “No thank you.”  When Jesus said He was the way, the truth and the life He was not talking about the truth as it is brought to you this week by confused servants of Satan.  He was talking about eternal truth.  Walk in wisdom. 

Defining a Fool

(Pro 26:1 KJV)  As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

How do we know a “fool” (3684) when we see them?  One way might be to shut our eyes and listen to them.  We find this twice in Psalms.  Here is the first,

(Psa 14:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

It might be hard to hear if he only says it in his heart but his actions will reflect what his heart is saying.  He acts as if there is no God because he does not believe there is.

It is even more clear when they admit it openly.  The world is full of people who deny the existence of God.  They run our schools and government agencies.  The church is full of people who say there is a God but in their hearts they don’t mean the God of the Bible.  Him they reject.

So?  They may be nice people in a sense.  In reality they are tools of evil and will be used to advance the goals of evil.  Be alert about whom you chose to listen to.