Anger Management

Psalm 120:7 (KJV) I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

In our current political situation with people attacking conservatives and Christians, we sometimes have a feeling that if we don’t stand up and start fighting back that we’re going be overrun.  There may come a time for that, but we need to be very, very careful.  This verse specifically tells us that we are to be for peace, not war.

Now, obviously, David was a man of war.  That was one of the reasons he wasn’t allowed to build the temple.  We have many cases in the Old Testament, where war was part of the program.  We look at Romans chapter 13 where it tells us that the government is supposed to bear the sword to punish evil.  There is a place for the use of force.

We are, on the other hand, supposed to be advocates of peace.  That does not mean that we do not expect justice.  It does not mean that we just allow anybody to trample on our culture, but it means that we go overboard in trying to act with grace and love.

So?  Things may change.  There may come a time when the government which is supposed to bear the sword against evil becomes evil itself.  But we are a long way from that.  Keep praying and trusting and hoping that there are enough believers in our society, enough salt, to bring God to our rescue.  

Take a Deep Breath

Psalms 37:1 (KJV) [[[A Psalm] of David.]] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I have been getting agitated.  I’ve been focusing on the plans that others have made for me for the day interfering with what I had planned.  In a word I have been “fretting”.  What a theme to start my reading with.

We tend to look at obstacles as barriers.  They’re almost like a stop sign where I am expected to come to a full legal stop.  Actually more like a red light than the stop sign because of stop sign I often look both ways and then proceed.  Have you ever been at a red light where the signal is stuck and it just refuses to cycle?  Eventually, I have learned when I am convinced that’s the case, I look both ways very carefully and then get on with my life.  We need to do that with the barriers that people put in front of us.

So?  Plan your day.  Stay flexible.  You never know when a detour will come up.  Usually there’s more than one way to get to Rome.  

Inner Piece

Psalms 36:1 (KJV) [[To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD.]] The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

One of the truths I have been coming across repeatedly is how God looks at the heart.  Our outward actions are vital.  Obedience is necessary.  We are expected to live lives that are exemplary . All that is required, yes, but beyond that is the necessity of having the right heart.  It must start in our inner-you.

I like the way the NASB phrases the first part of this.

Psalms 36:1 (NASB95) For the choir director. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes.

There is a process that goes on inside the heart, which tends to drag people away from the righteousness of God.  I rejoice that I do not know that leaning within me.  I think a large part of the reason I lean the other way is because of the work of the Holy Spirit and my calling upon Him.

So?  Check your leaning.  If you tend to be going the wrong way, it’s time to call upon God to work a miracle within you.  It is a part of our spiritual journey, a vital part.  

A Dove, Not a Chicken

Psalms 68:13 (KJV) Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

I have speculated on how some people think that God is a chicken because there are places where it talks about being covered by his wings.  I even think it talks about being chicks running under those wings, but that could just be my addition.  Here we see specifically that God is a dove, not a chicken.

Actually, I don’t think that is the point of this verse. What David is trying to get across is that God sheltered us in the past, shelters us today and will shelter us tomorrow.

So relax. He’s in charge and you are one of His concerns.

Near Death Loving Kindness

Psalms 63:3 (KJV) Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

OK, I wasn’t near death.  All I was was in the ER trying to figure out why I was out of contact with my sense of balance.  But at my age, you never know when that other shoe will drop and the end will come.  I find great reassurance in the knowledge that even in the midst of a CAT scan or an MRI I am reveling in the loving kindness of God.

Like many small churches, mine has a large number of people who are elderly.  And by that I mean more elderly than I am.  Some people say, “Oh no, just old people”.  I say what a rejoicing atmosphere to see people who are still in love with the Lord, after all those years and all those trials.  Why?  Because they know the love and kindness of God.

So?  You may just have a splinter in your finger.  You may have a major tragedy in your life.  And all those situations just remember how this Psalm was adapted to a song and sing it to yourself, “Thy loving kindness is greater than life,...” 

A Tall Cool One

(Psa 63:1 KJV)  A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

(Proverbs 5 also read)

What a beautiful word picture to greet me as I stare out the window into the pre-dawn darkness and see it is already 78 degrees.  I live in the hill country of Texas and I think it has a lot in common with much of Israel.  It is hot.  It is dry.  It is forbidding.  I have also driven across the deserts of the West.  The terrain between Barstow and Las Vegas is some of the most desolate you will find in America.  

This verse reminds me of leaving a pit stop with the air conditioning blasting and a large, cold drink in my hand.  Outside it is deadly.  Inside it is quite comfortable.  I hesitate to call it glorious because that seems to take the glory David is talking about and make it common.

This is a picture of our lives.  We live in a world that is “dry” (6723) and “weary” (5889).  You don’t have to look too far outside the oasis God gives us to see it.  Times are desperate.  Culture is decayed.  Even the church has lost its way.  Yet we live in the spotlight of God’s love.

So?  Look around you and admit the chaos.  Look inside you and sense the peace that comes from having what Jesus called the flow of living water.  Take a drink and rejoice. 

At Ease!

(Pro 1:33 KJV)  But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

This first chapter of Proverbs has some real extremes.  It opens with some glorious language about wisdom.  It then has a strong warning about being seduced by evil temptations.  Then you have a call to wisdom followed by some dire consequences for refusing.  Then at the very end it brings us back with a reminder of the hope that is available.

We are told that by paying attention to the lessons of wisdom we can be “at ease” (7599) NASB or live “quiet” KJV.  I think a combination of the two gets us to the meat of the promise.  It has the idea of secure rest, of being able to relax without crippling fear.

So?  The promise is offered.  It is up to us to pick it up and apply it. 

The Spoiler

(Pro 22:23 KJV)  For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Many of the conversations I have come around to the state of our country.  Most of the people I talk to feel like our liberty is being curtailed and an oppressive government is taking over.  We watch the way in which big business is falling in line and shake heads.  We keep saying, “Why doesn’t someone do something?”  We wonder if the only answer to such people will be violence.  

I admit I don’t get out much.  There must be masses of people that think all this is just wonderful.  The worst dictatorship in the world can’t survive without the support of a sizable part of the population.  It could be that it is only the people I know that are unhappy.  Either way, the path of violence is not one we should be taking.  Although the context here is God warning us against becoming oppressors, His follow through applies to all.  God will deal with the evil people.  He may do it through the courts.  He may raise up people of violence.  It may be pestilence or natural disaster.  We might not even be aware of it when it happens, but God says to trust Him when it comes to vengeance.

So?  I don’t like it.  I don’t understand it.  At the same time we follow a savior who told us to turn the other cheek. 

Fire Alarm

(Pro 26:21 KJV) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

What do you “kindle” (2787)?  In our modern world we are used to lighting a fire with a match and a gas log.  Whoof.  It is done.  It doesn’t work that way in the Solomon world.  If you have ever tried to start a fire while camping you know what a challenge it can be.  You need to start with small, dry pieces of wood.  That is why it is called “kindling”.  When it starts to char and turn black you know you are close.  The actual flame may come as a surprise.

Some people may be able to cause trouble with a word but most of the time it is the result of a consistent picking and stirring.

So?  If your intent is dissension then you don’t need to be reading Proverbs and you will probably have a special place reserved for you in Hell.  If you desire is to glorify God and build up His people then examine your speech patterns and make adjustments. 

Be a Cooler

(Pro 15:18 KJV) A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Although it does not say it specifically, it is implied in this verse that we are to be peacemakers instead of agitators.  It does not mean that there will not be time for action or even anger.  It means that our general outlook is to be one who “appeaseth” (pacifies NASB) (8252) a “strife” (contention NASB) (7379).  It is interesting that the NASB Update changes these words to “calms a dispute”.  I wondered if there was some textual considerations, but no, it seems that the translators just needed something to justify their salary. 

One reason we don’t calm the waters at times may be that we enjoy watching people fuss with each other.  Notice that this also does not say this is to apply only with our issues.  It means that we are to be a calming influence on others with their contentions.

So?  Be what Jesus called “peacemakers”.  Obviously it starts at home but needs to spread once we get out the door. 

Orderly Sleep

(Pro 19:23 KJV) The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

A healthy “fear” (3374) lets us “abide” (sleep NASB) (3885a) “satisfied” (7649).  It makes sense.  Not only are we safe, but we are sound.  A greater fear minimizes our minor fears.  When I am worried about cancer I don’t spend a lot of time focused on a late library book.

I wonder if this is the “sleep” (3885a) of death.  One reason that might be the reference is that “satisfied” (7649) is predominately used of someone who dies at an old age and with a satisfying life behind them.  It would be saying that the fear of the Lord is necessary for eternal life.  If we fear God we do not need to fear death.

I still prefer it as a reference to our daily routine though. 

So?  Fear of God puts things in perspective and in order.  That can give a foundation of peace in any situation. 

Peace Applied

(Pro 14:30 KJV) A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Before I spend any time looking into the Hebrew, I find that I like the NASB better than the KJV on this verse.  As usual, when I look a little deeper it is a mixed bag.  Although you might stretch the Hebrew to mean “tranquil” (4832) the KJV’s “sound” is much better.  The word means healthy and being made well.  A good example is,

(Mal 4:2 KJV) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing (4832) in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

This would have obvious applications about the spiritual healing that comes through regeneration and is thus applied to our physical well-being. 

The second part I give to the NASB.  “Passion” (7068) is better than “envy”.  The picture given by the NASB does a better job of putting the picture together.  God wants us to be calm and secure in our minds because we trust Him.  We are not to go off in wild flights of temper. 

So?  For some the change is instant.  For some it is a life long discipline.  Some people are just born easy going.  It is part of living a righteous life.

Violent Times

(Proverbs 21:7 KJV)  The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

I am asking myself if we have ever seen a time in history where “robbery” (violence NASB) (7701) as we see it defined here has been so prevalent and accepted in a culture.  We see the fascist thugs of Antifa and the left attacking anyone they disagree with.  We have rap “music” that glorifies brutality and pounding on women.  We have video games that repeatedly destroy everything.  Actually we do have historic examples but we tend to think of them as barbaric and uncivilized.

There is a place for war in the Bible.  The punishment of criminals is a given.  At the same time we are told to treat our enemies well and forgive those who wrong us.

So?  Sometimes it seems that all we can do is keep peace in our corner of the world.  That should be reassuring.  God may call on us to be more active but we can rest assured that the real power plays are in His hands.

Be a Peacemaker

(Proverbs 15:1 KJV)  A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Again we see free will at work.  We are often confronted with situations that we do not create nor do we desire.  How often have you run into someone who is having a bad day and they are determined to pass it on.  You may have done everything you could be avoid the situation.  It still faces you with no escape.  Now the choice is yours.

Notice that it doesn’t say you will calm the anger.  All you can do is “turn it away” (7725).  There is another verse that this brings to mind. 

(Proverbs 25:21-22 KJV)  If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:  For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

The possibility offered is that your refusing to return the anger will get them to think and maybe get a little embarrassed.

So?  Whether it “works” or not we are still required to follow the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.  That involves the other cheek and the extra mile.  Be a peacemaker. 

Even Keel

(Proverbs 3:17 KJV)  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

“Peace” (7965) [shalom] is a basic to wisdom.  Notice that this is one of those Hebrew words that are familiar to a lot of us.  It is one of those words, like “aloha” which can be used in many contexts and always has a positive connotation.  It also requires some understanding.  This is not the peace of no conflict.  This is not the god of the peacenik. 

Shalom may be expressed in our environment and our culture but ultimately it is an inner assurance.  We live in troubled times.  We have “wars and rumors of wars”.  We have seen earthquakes and hurricanes.  The corruption and perversion that we are seeing in the news is at flood levels.  In the midst of that we can have Shalom.  We can know peace.  It is because we know, and fear, God, which is the beginning of wisdom.

So?  I cannot assure you that the next big storm won’t take away your electricity.  I can assure you that you personally will never lose the power to keep an even keel. 

Pray for the Peace of Israel

(Proverbs 21:18 KJV)  The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

One type of promise that is hard to understand and apply is the repeated idea that God’s people will be blessed and see prosperity.  I think of it as a principle of promise not a law.  If you look down through history you can see how this has applied to the people of Israel.  They have gone through some terrible suffering.  We are all familiar with the Holocaust generated by Hitler and the Nazis.  That is just one chapter in centuries of persecution and hostility.  Israel has suffered.  We see anti-Semitism on the rise, not only in Islam and neo-pagan Europe but in the secular American society. 

In spite of that the Jewish people have continued to be blessed by God.  They have been massacred through history and still are a numerous people.  They have been persecuted and faced death for their beliefs and yet they still identify as Jews.  They have been driven from country after country and after 2,000 years have a homeland again.

And what has happened to the nations and people that persecuted them?  They have been a ransom.

So?  Get hostile to the Jews at your own peril.  Keep in mind that the United States is not now, nor has it ever been, the chosen people.  We have been blessed but not chosen.  Pray for the peace of Israel. 

Peace, Bro

(Proverbs 3:2 KJV)  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Promise or principle?  There is a difference and I am not sure if there is a sure-fire way to figure out when each applies.  If you look at the surrounding verses you see Christian character described:  Following the law and commandments, mercy and truth.  That kind of living has results.

The results are expressed in two ways, quantity and quality.  Christian character produces longer lives and it produces lives that are more peaceful.  That gives you the whole package.  Who wants to live longer if you are only experiencing misery?  I think this also promises that we can find that peace in the midst of any situation.  How many Americans are happy about their choices for president this year?  How many are happy with the economy?  What are the prospects for avoiding violence on our streets and in our world?  In the midst of that God’s people can know “peace” (7965) [shalom].

So?  We have read the book.  We know who wins.  Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to you?  Have you understood that walking by faith means trusting that God is in charge?  Peace, brother. 

Boast Not

(Proverbs 27:1 KJV)  Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Boasting should be passive not active.  By that I mean that it should be done about you, not by you.  The word means to praise and when we praise ourselves we are being a bit self centered.  When it comes to “tomorrow” (4279) what kind of things do we usually boast about?  I would think it is expectations we have for our own performance.  So it is a preemptive patting ourselves on the back.

Boasting is contrasted to faith and trust.  We are to walk quietly in faith, praising God and lifting Him up.  We are not to be loud and assertive. 

So?  We face tomorrow with confidence.  That does not mean we are to try to talk ourselves or others into believing that all will be well.  It means that we are to act like all will be well.  You have heard the saying about how the person who is calm doesn’t understand the situation?  In this case we don’t need to understand the situation because we serve the one who controls the situation. 

Bellowing

 (Proverbs 29:8 KJV)  Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

“Scorners” (582/3944).  Not a pretty word.  In this context it is not meant to be pretty.  When you look at the context you see that these are people who “set aflame” (6315) your neighborhood.  Does that sound familiar?  This is not the person who lights the fire but the one who blows on the coals to cause it to get bigger.  This is the bellows, not the match.  That may be a quality that gets you a following in a mob but it is not the way Christians should act.  How did Jesus put it?

(Matthew 5:9 KJV)  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

So?  We have many people trying to start riots and cause dissension among the population.  Who knows their motives.  It could be anything from genuine desire to see justice done to mental illness.  I do know what our actions should be.  Be a peacemaker, not a sparkplug.

Peace unto Me

(Proverbs 16:7 KJV)  When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

This is a verse I need to read today.  I am facing hostility at work.  I have one of those meetings that can go well or be ugly.  This tells me that if I have attitudes and actions which “please” (pleasing NASB) (7521) Him, He will extend “peace” (7999b) to those involved. 

One of my questions is, does “he” refer to God or to the believer?  Is this saying that God is the one who steps in and makes “peace” (7999b) or is it simply a result of our behavior being Godly and righteous?  The translations that follow the convention of capitalizing pronouns referring to deity capitalize “He” meaning that they think if refers to God. 

So?  I am going to go with that today.  I am already assuming that He will give me an inner peace.  I will commit to leaving the other parties in His hands.  If I never post again it will because I did not survive the encounter.