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.  

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. 

Pit Stops Win Races

(Pro 28:9 KJV)  He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

This is not about keeping the law.  This is a foundation for disobedience.  This talks about not even listening.  Extend it to your personal spiritual discipline.  Do you spend time reading the word?  Do you spend daily time reading the word?  How can you know anything about the God you claim to worship if you are not paying attention?

In my worst moments I think about pastors who preach without studying and praying about what they are going to say.  I realize there are times when life rears up and absorbs all your time but if there is no specific goal to seek truth in the word, it will never happen.

And we as layman have a similar struggle.  How will you know if what your pastor tells you is valid unless you have your Bible open during the sermon and go to it during the week?  The obvious answer is you can’t.

So?  Pay attention to the second part.  If you are not listening your speaking becomes evil.  Lay the groundwork.  

It Makes a Difference

Proverbs 28:5 (KJV) Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

At dinner a group from the church were struggling to understand news they had seen about parents murdering their children and children murdering their parents.  For them it was hard to wrap their heads around.  I think a lot of people are in that mind set.

I shared that I did not believe that the pagan world loves its children the same way that Christians do.  I did not have this verse at my fingertips, but when I read it this morning it reinforced my position.  When you have a foundation in the living God your attitudes toward the world around you are different because of that link.  That goes even more for your family and your fellow believers.  We used to sing that song, “We are one in the bond of love.”  We sang it with feeling because it was true.

So?  Don’t expect the world to understand you.  If they ever agree with you it will because one of you doesn’t understand the situation.  Focus on Him and the one who said He was the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Putting It All in Perspective

Proverbs 28:5 (KJV) Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

We like to find categories such as wisdom, the law and righteousness.  We like terms and theological concepts, such as grace and justification.  Most of these concepts get watered down and lose their meeting when we start trying to deal with the world around us.  That’s because we forget what our real focus and our real target should be.

Notice here our understanding is dependent upon us seeking the Lord.  I haven’t looked at the Hebrew tenses and I’m not that good at Hebrew, but I have a feeling that this concept here is a continual, ongoing, unrelenting seeking of the Lord.  When we have a situation that we do not understand, when we have to make a judgment, if we’re just going on our college classes or our articles of faith, we are doomed to failure.  Everything is to be based on us continually seeking the Lord.

So?  There are the subjective aspects of the seeking such as prayer and meditation.  There’s more important the objective foundations of the seeking in the word of God and our study of the word.  Seek God on all fronts and He will grant us understanding.  

Values

Proverbs 28:6 (KJV) Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

We have a unique definition of poverty in our day and age.  The recent social unrest over the cutting off of EBT has really demonstrated how out of balance we are.  Numerous videos would comment on how people with gold nose rings and thousand dollar phones were complaining because they didn’t have money for food.  I guess one of the lessons is that poverty is a relative thing not absolute.

What the Bible is telling us is that while poverty is relative, uprightness is absolute.  It’s telling us that the goal we should be setting for ourselves as we come into a new year is to live upright lives, not to get rich.  The biblical standard is moderation, balance, and adequate resources to meet our needs.  If we go beyond that at the cost of living moral lives, it will damage us as well as those around us.

So?  Set your goal on the eternal values of life not on the transient ones.  When April gets here you’ll be glad you did.  

Traditional Mistakes

(Pro 28:24 KJV)  Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

One of my theories is that the Jewish teachers of Jesus’ day had largely abandoned the written law of Moses and were running on full tanks of tradition and man-made wisdom.  This would tell me that it was also that way in the days of Solomon.  Remember one of the discussions Jesus had with the scribes and Pharisees. 

(Mat 15:3 KJV)  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
(Mat 15:4 KJV)  For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Be careful that what you believe is actually in the Bible.  We have a lot of traditions that are harmless.  We have some that are silly.  Some might have taken the place of doctrine.

So?  It cannot be said too much.  Keep seeking the truth the Bible offers.  Keep your eyes open and your mind in gear.  

Attribute or Action

Proverbs 28:16 (KJV) The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Yeah, we have another one of those chicken or the egg scenarios.  Which comes first, being an oppressor or lacking understanding?

People are very quick to attack free enterprise and capitalism because they see the disparities of wealth.  My belief is that many of the early capitalist, the ones often called robber barons, were very much aware of the difference between building wealth and oppressing the poor.  Some point out the attitude or philosophy of zero sum economics as opposed to the ability to generate wealth.

The one who has understanding, the one who has wealth, the one who has power understands that it will be better for everyone, not just himself, if he is not an oppressor.  Henry Ford understood that if his workers could not afford to buy his car, then he would not sell very many cars.

So?  As you pursue life, pursue wisdom.  Pursue understanding.  And of course, that starts with the values and balance shown in the scripture.  

Open Eyes

Proverbs 28:14 (KJV) Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Fear makes us flexible and helps us adapt when we understand it correctly.  Keep in mind that this kind of fear that is being talked about is not the craven, quivering phobias that everybody likes to accuse you of.  This is the fear and respect that we have for things of great power and dominance.  Ultimately, this is talking about fear of God.

Fear can bring happiness.  That is the statement that is made here.  Actually, it’s the results of the fear that seem to be so beneficial.  When I am afraid to sit on a fire-ant nest, I find that I am a happier person.  In fact, I don’t even have to sit on it.  All I have to do is stand not moving when someone else is yelling, “Get away from the fire ants.”  That will rapidly make me unhappy.  A healthy fear will make my lunch go down better.

So?  Don’t try to pull a John Wayne when you’re surrounded by Indians and you have a back door to get out of.  Show intelligent, healthy fear.  Be aware of who God is and the fact that He loved you enough to send Jesus to die for you.  

Do You Need an Umbrella Today?

Proverbs 28:3 (KJV) A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

Rain is good.  Too much rain is destructive.  A very light rain is useless.  So much of life depends upon the quantity of product that is needed compared to what we receive.  Here the image is rain.

The weatherman loves to get us excited about rain.  My wife is constantly telling me not to go out driving because there are going to be flash floods that will wash me away.  As I drive across the road that goes east and west above our home, it has numerous dips through which at one time or another water channels.  The one that amuses me the most is the one that is called the Dry Comal Creek.  We have had some real gully washers since we’ve been in Texas.  We have a metal roof and the sound can be very dramatic as it pounds down.  We can watch the water running down the driveway and down the roads.  I have yet to see it come over any dips on that road.

On the other end we have forecasts of rain that keep getting moved back a day at a time until they disappear.  I don’t know if it’s a vain hope or just needing to hype up peoples’ enthusiasm so they keep watching, but the rain doesn’t come.

We don’t have any control over the rain, but we do have control over many areas of our life.  We can decide whether to eat too much or practice moderation.  We can decide to drink too much and need a designated driver, or we can practice moderation.  We can spend money on gifts using our credit cards and shake our head in despair when the bills come in, or we can practice moderation.

So?  I guess it should be obvious.  Practice, moderation, but you knew that. 

Dangers of Paraphrase

(Pro 28:2 KJV)  For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

As I have said, I am reading Proverbs in the NIV this month.  Often what I read sounds good and speaks to me as well as the King James.  At other times I read something in it jumps out, bites me on the nose and I say, “What?”  This verse today is one of those. Notice what the NIV says,

Proverbs 28:2 (NIV) When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

My first reading, which may be all some people give, is that the rebellion is against the rulers, or against the government.  That is one possibility from this translation.  But that’s not what it’s talking about.  How much better word is that used in the King James and other translations of “transgression.”

This is not a warning against starting a revolution.  You can go other places to find that.  This is a warning that if the people of a nation refuse to follow the laws of God and live in righteousness, then chaos will be our reward.

So?  We are called to live righteous lives.  We need to understand that it makes a difference, not only in our salvation, but in the society in which we live. 

Get a Job

Proverbs 28:19 (KJV) He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

One of the traditions of the Jews was that a rabbi had to have training in some trade.  I’m not sure if that’s an actual part of the law or just tradition, but you think of how even the apostle Paul had the trade of a tent maker.  This was so they could support themselves if it came down to it.

I wonder if this verse in the book of Proverbs is leading us in that direction.  There are so many things that we think are wonderful.  The problem is they don’t pay the bills.  The CSB makes us a little more clear,

Proverbs 28:19 (CSB) The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

I have known men in the ministry who are this way.  They are called by God.  They are going to change the world.  So they put their wives to work and let their children go hungry.  It is very noble.  It is chasing fantasies.

So?  God calls us to many things, but in the process of calling us does not abandon the basic responsibilities of life.  Don’t allow infatuation with grace and glory to make you abandon the basics of the law.

A Man’s Castle

Proverbs 28:4 (KJV) They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

I continue to wonder what the translators of the Septuagint were using as their text.  If you look at how they translate this and the differences from the King James, it gives different ideas.

Proverbs 28:4 (BES) so they that forsake the law praise ungodliness; but they that love the law fortify themselves with a wall.

I think I said it before, but it’s almost as if they have the philosophy of modern translators of dynamic equivalence, and they’ve been drinking heavily before they came up with their dynamic equivalence.

Don’t give me wrong here.  I like their insight or their opinion, depending on which way you look at it.  I look at the idea of the law being a wall and I like it.  I like the idea that if we build a certain moral structure, it will be like a guard rail that keeps us from falling off the top floor of the building.  It’ll be like those rumble strips along the edge of the road when you aren’t paying attention.  It will wake you up.  It will protect you.

So?  Always look to the actual literal meaning of passage, but don’t be afraid to apply it in ways that make it possible for you to live a more righteous life.  Of course, our ultimate confidence is in God’s gracious love, and His willingness to forgive.  That is multiplied by the gift of the Holy Spirit and the guidance and strength that He provides.  Meanwhile, build a wall. 

Riots

(Pro 28:7 KJV)  Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

I continue to ask myself what is this law that was talked about in the Old Testament.  What is this body of rules that David praises up one side and down the other and that much of the Psalms think of as being glorious and grand?  I think this verse gives us an indication of the kind of standards that are being talked about when they mention the law.

Paul seems to be concerned about picky, little nonsense rules, like boiling a kid in its mothers milk.  The Old Testament seems to be concerned about the moral and ethical standards portrayed by the law.  Notice here the wise son is not the one who does not mix the material in his coat, but one who does not participate in loose living.

So?  Think about what you read.  Think about all that you read, not just the quotations from Paul that support you’re theological system.  The Bible should interpret itself.  Paul is an inspired writer, true.  However, we need to understand that David and Solomon, and the other authors of the Old Testament were also inspired writers. 

Understand?

(Pro 28:11 KJV)  The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

We live in a day of the oppressed.  Our cultural elites want to make us feel guilt over every good thing in our lives and make us give up our sense of self worth for the downtrodden and “poor” (1800b).  God also has a concern for the poor but His main concern, I think, is for the righteous poor.  That is why this modifier of “hath” (has NASB) is so important.  It isn’t enough to be poor.  You need to also have insight into the things of God and His principles.  Proverbs also teaches that this wisdom is available to anyone regardless of income or social status.

So?  Don’t get all weepy eyed over those who are down and out.  There may be something you can do to help but often their condition is a result of their own decisions and a refusal to live upright lives.  You also need understanding to have the discernment to know the difference. 

Never too Early

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

Notice the different guides and results represented here.  On one side you have what would have to be defined as your emotions.  How do you feel about that?  We often hear that question.  Unless your feelings are based on more than your emotions you are in deep trouble.

The contrast is wisdom.  What is wisdom?  The entire book of Proverbs was preserved to answer that question.  It is not simple or short.  It is knowable.  It is also something that does not come out of thin air in a moment of crisis.  It demands input and contemplation.

So?  Get started.  They say it is never too late.  A better bit of advice is, “It is never too early.” 

The Biblical Diet

(Pro 28:25 KJV)  He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

You got to love the KJV.  This verse is one reason that modern, fitness conscious suburbanites are not in love with the KJV.  The old English insisted on giving a literal translation.  It may have fit their culture but it offends modern minds.  To be “made fat” (KJV) (1878) is to “prosper” (NASB).  

This calls to question our modern assumptions.  I just read a book about the controversy over eating fat and it health consequences.  The general feel of the book was that we would be healthier eating fat and lard than we are with hydrogenated oils and trans fat.  I found it interesting that such an idea could be verified Biblically.  The modern phobia is not really about fat, it is about beef.

So?  Might I suggest that you consider the Bible as you contemplate your diet.  What foods are mentioned in the Bible?  Which are forbidden and which are presented in a positive light?  I am not a doctor nor do I give medical advice, but I do like to make people think.

Correction

(Pro 28:23 KJV)  He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

I don’t like correcting others.  I also do not like being corrected.  Might I suggest that we change that kind of thinking.  We have been so brainwashed by the concept of “seeker friendly” and trying to win people by being like them that we forget we are not to be conformed to this world.  Part of that picture is rebuking, and being rebuked.  Let me respond to the second part.

We, or should I say “I”, need to learn to be thankful when someone cares enough to tell us we are wrong or misguided.  We need to practice the discipline of listening and hearing.  Take what is said and run it through some prayer time, reading and contemplation.  It may be just noise or gaslighting.  It may be a word from the Lord.

So?  Only you can decide if the word you hear is needed.  Make it a habit to seriously consider it.

Today’s Headlines

(Pro 28:21 KJV)  To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

If there is any place in the Bible that would get you rejected, or cancelled in today’s jargon, it is this verse.  With all of the politically correct nonsense going on the believer should be standing up repeatedly and saying, “Not on my watch.”  Instead we seem to be going to sensitivity training and buying the whole litany of preferences.  The word for the day is intersectionality.  What it means is that you check off all the boxes that represent repression in your life and the more checks you get, the more worthy you are of special privileges.  

This is the opposite of God’s way of looking at things.   This literally means not to take into consideration the face of the person you are dealing with.  It is about treating each other fairly and honestly according to standards that do not change based on melanin or sexual confusion.

So?  Stand up and be counted before you no longer have a place to stand. 

Good and Plenty

(Pro 28:19 KJV)  He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

On a recent drive the topic of money came up and the question is how much does it take to make some people happy.  I often remember and quote a statement attributed to various rich people:  “How much money does it take to make a man happy?  Just a little more.”  That comes into play when we look at the word translated “plenty” (7646).  There are two elements in this equation.  One is absolute and the other is relative.  

The absolute has to do with needs.  In order to be healthy we need a certain amount of food.  It helps to have the right balance of nutrients but one “expert” in the field once pointed out that with all the additives in modern foods, the odds of having a real lack are pretty slim.  We know what hunger is.  We know that we reach a point where the hunger is satisfied.

Which brings us to the second element.  Many of us keep eating when our body is aware it has had enough.  This is where the “just a little bit more” philosophy crosses over into our diet.  It effects every area of our life.  If you allow it to reign you will never reach the finish line because it will be like the carrot on a stick in the cartoon.  It will always be just out of reach.

So?  One aspect of our thinking and meditation should focus on what we really need and be satisfied when God provides it.