Not Always

Proverbs 27:13 (KJV) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

At other places we are told not to borrow or loan.  We are told to return someone’s coat at night so they can stay warm.  Here it seems to be totally different advice.  What is different?

The Bible differentiates between the deserving and the undeserving poor.  One is poor through no fault of their own.  The other has generally made of lot of bad decisions that put him in his situation.  Here we are confronting the one who has violated God’s directions and we are told to let him be cold tonight.  These two situations have people taking the resources that God has given them and turning them over to the undeserving.

So?  We are told be generous, yes.  We are also to be discerning.  We are not to be motivated by the touchy feely values of the world.  Share with those in need but not if you know they will use it for a life of dissipation and rebellion. 

Sources

Proverbs 18:4 (KJV) The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

This morning I see two different sources or, shall we say, description of sources.  What is identical is the fact that thoughts are coming from us.  What is contrasted is the way in which they go from us and possibly how we come by them.

We should make it a point that when our mouth speaks something that we have seriously thought about it.  That takes time.  It takes effort.  Yes, thinking is an effort.  It takes focus and energy.  Often we’re not willing to put it in.  I wonder how many times I have been reluctant to spend the time looking into what the Bible actually says instead of just sharing off the top of my head.  We need to keep digging deep.

But also, we need to be willing to share.  I know, I know people don’t want to listen.  That’s a fact of life.  It may be that we have to earn the right to speak but at the same time, we need to be willing to speak up when it’s time to speak up.  Just as too often we spout off without thinking out of the times, we keep silent when we know a word is needed.

So?  Keep replenishing the resources of wisdom you have and, when appropriate, be willing to share it.  We live in a world that is shallow and ignorant.  We have something to share.  You may not believe that, but it’s true. 

Introvert or Arrogant?

Proverbs 18:1 (KJV) Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

I am an introvert.  I do not have a high need for company.  I am quite content in my room with a good book and a bit of music in the background.  That’s my basic personality.  My basic personality was also that of a sinner.  I was rebellious against God.  I was totally self-centered.  I was on my way to hell.

The point is that we are expected to change, grow, respond.  Just as the grace of God saved us from a life of sin and the Holy Spirit enables us to walk in righteousness, it might be a good idea to get out more.  At least that’s what this is saying to me today.  I need to get out more.  I need to interact with other human beings.

On one sense it’s my need.  In another sense, I have a responsibility to share, to give.  I often said that I never looked for a church based on what it would give me but a church in which I could give.  I always wanted to be in a place where my gifts could be used.  Part of the reason why I enjoy preaching so much is that listening to preaching tends to put me to sleep.

So?  Don’t be separated.  Join in.  Share the blessings of who you are.  Share the blessings of what God has made you.  It may be that you have a unique perspective on life with someone else needs to fill in the gaps with in theirs.  

Questioning Cultural Norms

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

As I read this this morning in the NASB, I found myself realizing that it is contrary to much popular advice.  I watched some Clickbait recently talking about the five things that caused men to die early.  It was interesting but had a lot of nonsense involved.  I have a suspicion it was generated by AI.  One of their points was that isolation is a major cause of early death in men.  In the course of the discussion they talked about how when you’re younger you have many friends but then when you get older, you might just be down to two involvements.

A note was the two involvement they chose.  First was family and second was yourself.  In some families, I could see how a person in that situation might be very isolated.  In some families, there is no contact, no bonding, in a word no love.  Most of the families I know are interacting enough that no one person would consider himself isolated.  As for the second thing, counting yourself as an involvement is rather strange.  I noted that they left out the church.  They obviously had no sense of contact with God himself.  It was rather a short list.

But my point is that what Proverbs is saying here is there’s a real danger in having too many friends.  That’s counterintuitive in our culture.  We are told we need to get out and relate to people.  I’ve always wondered when popular figures talk about how this person was their good friend and then a few paragraphs later, they’ll talk about someone else who was their good friend.  When you read through everything they have to say it seems like they have more really good friends than it’s possible to spend time with.

So?  Don’t feel like you have to keep up with your friendly local counselors advice about finding new friends.  If you have a few good friends that will probably take up all the extra energy you have.  If you have family, they qualify.  Build your standards on what the Bible says not on psychology advocates.  

Bedrock Economic Principle

Proverbs 11:24 (KJV) There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

I don’t know if you would call it a principle of capitalism or laissez-faire economics, but there is an important foundation here for why some cultures work and prosper and others stagnate.  The so-called robber baron understood this.  For all of the criticism they receive the overall effect of what they did benefited the nation and mankind.

Why is it important to pay your employees an adequate salary?  The God-given principle is that when you distribute profits fairly it will benefit everybody including yourself.  An example of that it would be that a person like Henry Ford knew that if his employees could not afford to buy his car, then he wouldn’t sell many cars.

One of the features of Third World countries and one of the results of socialism is that most of the wealth ends up in just a few hands and everybody else lives in the gutter.  In free enterprise you still have the wealthy but everyone benefits.

So?  You may not run a big company, but you might employ someone to do some house work for you, to mow your lawn, to wait on you in a restaurant.  Make sure that you are sharing the wealth that God has blessed you with.  It will benefit everyone, including yourself.  

Frugal?

Proverbs 30:8 (NASB95) Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion,

Every time I read this, I want to make it my prayer also.  On reflecting this morning, I feel that God has honored this in my life.

I was at dinner with the old fogies at the church and as we were leaving, we were talking about leaving a tip .  As a rule, we tend to be a generous bunch because we realize God is blessed us.  As we walked out one of the guys confessed that he tended to be cheap.  His wife said maybe a better word is frugal.  I will go with either one for myself.

I tend to be cheap.  Often, I will buy something that is not up to snuff simply because it’s a few cents cheaper.  I need to get over that because there is a big difference between being cheap and being frugal.  Frugal gets a good buy.  Frugal makes your money goes as far as possible.  Frugal is capable of being generous.

And that’s where I want to be.  I want to be frugal and make conscientious, responsible purchases.  I want to be generous when it comes to things like tipping . These people get up and go to work on jobs that I could not survive on.  They make dining a pleasure and increase the value of our lives.  It’s only right that we share the wealth.

So?  I don’t think this is what Solomon had in mind, but tip the people who bring you refills on your drinks and that extra napkin that you need because you were sloppy.  They work hard and God has blessed you.  That’s a blessing.  

Testimony Time

Psalms 40:10 (KJV) I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

First, it seems strange to me that I was going to hide God’s righteousness.  Because it seemed strange, I read it again and thought about it.  Then became clear that the contrast to hiding was sharing or what we like to call testimonies.

I don’t think this is talking about witnessing to the world.  Notice the last word.  It is to be in the congregation.  This is a call for us to have a part of our worship time being testimonies.  Last time I taught Sunday school, instead of starting right out with prayer requests, I asked for words of praise.  It almost ran away with the time.  When people were given opportunities to share the things they had to praise God for they opened up and we were blessed by all the ways in which our prayers have been answered, and which God was touching our lives.

So?  You may not be in charge.  You may not set the agenda.  But if you get a chance be ready to share the blessings.  

The Business of Good

(Pro 11:26 KJV)  He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

The Septuagint at this place says that the person “gives” the grain.  A quick rundown of the other translations has the word "selling" used consistently.  I think this is an important distinction.  I have no idea why the Septuagint does their own thing, but they do.

According to my tools of research, the word in Hebrew clearly means to buy and sell.  As I look down the way in which the word was used, I noticed that it seemed every time to also include the buying and selling of food.  I would say in our modern society of trying to weaken people and make them dependent on the government, the idea of giving things away has a certain appeal.  We ignore the fact that often by giving something to someone that they should have earned or paid for we just just weaken them and make them a ward of the court, so to speak.  It would seem that this is not a new idea.  It would seem that the translators of the Septuagint had the same problem.

So?  Be careful in your charity.  I know it feels good to do good by our definition, but we are called to do what is best for the other person not what makes us feel good.  They are not usually the same thing. 

Who Supplies the Lemons?

(Pro 4:11 KJV)  I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

I started reading today in this verse.  Two things hit me.  One was a question and the other was a realization.

The question was, “Who is giving me this advice?”  I was thinking it was a personification of Wisdom which would be good but as I finished reading the chapter I realized that this was Solomon’s Father, David.  There is not mystery of spiritualization here.  This is not mystical.  This is dad talking to you.

I realized that we all have a responsibility to pass on what we have learned.  Accept that people may not listen.  Be aware that your timing and attitude need work.  Admit that you still have the duty to share truth.

So?  Look around you.  There are people you influence.  It may only be the clerk behind the Covid shield but remember that you have the Holy Spirit on your side.  He doesn’t even need lemons to make lemonade.

A Winning Plan

(Act 11:27-29 KJV)  And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.  And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

(Proverbs 29 also read)

If you are involved in a church that believes in missions then you probably just went through a push for the Thanksgiving offering for missions.  One of the things I noticed from Biblical examples is that we seemed to be getting things backward.  Later in Acts you will see Paul taking a collection on the mission field for the home church in Jerusalem.  We tend to get it backwards.  Another reversal is that in the Bible the missionaries seem to work to support themselves and the pastors are to be supported by the church.

Here we see another example of how the church has historically reached out to help those in need.  The reason that might be a good reminder is the current state of the world.  We are hearing all kinds of forecasts of shortages and famine.  If it is as bad as it sounds then there will be little we can do for the masses in the third world but we need to be aware of our neighbors and community.  

So?  If you have an aversion to the term “prepper” then just think of yourself as building a personal food bank for the hungry.  A worst case scenario is that you will keep people from starving.  A best case scenario is you will be able to be generous.  Win/Win. 

Mine

(John 6:9 KJV)  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

(Proverbs 23 also read)

The feeding of the multitude is in all four gospels but this is the only one that has the detail of the boy providing the loaves and fish.  In this account there were twelve baskets left over.  That is impressive.  My mind goes on a tangent.  

I wonder if the little boy went around trying to claim all the leftovers.  After all, it was his bread to start with.  It would seem like a fair thing to do.  Just imagine how rich he could get selling them in medieval France.  

Then my mind went “Squirrel!”  That is a dangerous thing for your mind to do.  You can go down rabbit holes that lead to all kind of heresy.  In this case I started wondering if we sometimes view our spiritual gifts this way?  We want the benefit.  I don’t think that is the response that God would want.

So?  Tangents themselves are not Biblical but it is possible that they can lead you back to something important.  Sharing and not expecting return as good concepts.  Something to think about next time you have to share your cookies with someone. 

Fear Mongering or Prophecy?

(Pro 11:26 KJV)  He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

As I write I could find all kinds of headlines about the coming shortages because of lack of truck drivers and backed up ships on west coast ports.  There are others that are talking about a coming food shortage for various reasons.  Famine and hunger are not new phenomenon.  They have always been with the human race even if most Americans have never been touched by it.

If food actually becomes scare or so expensive people can’t afford it, what are Christians to do?  This verse talks about sharing but notice that the context is selling not giving away.  There is a good chance that neighbors or family members may show up at our door and want something.  It may because they didn’t bother to prepare.  It could be because the shortages have gone on so long that even preparing wasn’t enough.  

So?  First, I would submit that we be willing to sell some of what we have with the understanding that we don’t get into gouging.  As a second step we may need to consider giving to those in need but in either case remember that you are primarily responsible for your own family  Let us pray that it never gets to that point.

Sharing the Fat

(Pro 11:25 KJV)  The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

This verse and the ones around it contrast two personality types.  One is giving and sharing; the other is tight and selfish.  It is obvious which is the one we should follow.  I would wonder how much of this is natural and how much is discipline.  I have read studies that say people who are conservative in politics give a lot more to charities than the liberals.  The difference is dramatic.  Since in my world view people who are serious about Jesus tend to be conservative politically it would also follow that believers tend to be more generous than pagans.

I would think that some people when they are converted have an automatic change in this area of their lives.  The sad facts are though, that many of us need to work at it.  We need to make a conscious choice to give and share.  I know I am that way.  God is working on me.

So?  It is probably better to give too much than too little.  We do need to be stewards of what we have and find the best targets for our extra giving but at the same time being careful not to use that as an excuse to hold back.  I wonder if I am listening.

Hierarchies

 (Pro 5:10 KJV) Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

Our current cultural enthusiasm is for diversity and equality.  Society is trying to level the playing field in all areas.  Excellence and achievement are suspect.  We hear that such things as being on time and honesty are cultural affectations.  All cultures are supposed to be of equal value.  No one is better than anyone else.  Part of this, of course, is the communistic mantra of redistributing the wealth so that no one is rich and no one is poor.  

To this the Bible says, “Rubbish.”  Here we see one example of this.  The fruit of your life is accumulated to be given to those close to you, not to the one from far away.  Are we encouraged to share with those in need?  Yes.  The point here is that you don’t share with the guy you never met before you take care of your family, church and friends.

So?  Don’t fall for the mantra of the world.  Follow God’s standards and priorities. 

In His Time

(Pro 15:23 KJV) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

The “timely” (6256) “word” (1697) of the NASB is probably more accurate than the “word in due season” of the KJV but the latter is more poetic.  There is a season for things to be said.  Like humor, timing is important in passing on truth.  Face it.  Most people are not ready or willing to hear anything that goes against their preconceived notions.  I would assume that applies to us.

So?  Be alert for the right time to share about salvation.  Now is a good time to share about the hope we have and our lack of fear concerning the virus going around.  If you don’t have a lack of fear maybe it is time for a word to you. 

Time to Give

(Pro 21:26 KJV) He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

There are takers and there are givers.  The strange thing is that it does not have any correlation with how much you have.  I have heard that poor people are much more generous than the wealthy.  Either way it is an attitude.  Some people have a victim attitude and believe that they deserve more.  They don’t think they can be happy without whatever is on their mind.  They miss the whole problem.

It is always interesting when the charitable giving of celebrities is revealed.  It is shocking how often they give almost nothing.  If their selfishness is not repaid in this life then it will be in eternity. 

So?  At the present time we are struggling with an economy that has been red lined.  There are many people that we come in contact with that could use a helping hand.  It is time to be a giver. 

Word Alert

(Pro 25:11 KJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Good timing can be everything.  Think of the medications people take.  Usually there are timing requirements.  Some are to be taken at bedtime, others when you rise.  The one I take is supposed to be taken with food.  One I used to take prohibited grapefruit.  Our words and actions can be the same way.  Here the focus is on what we say.

Think about the verbal expectations we are presented with.  We are to witness.  We are to rebuke and encourage.  Timing is very important.  That is why the “fitly” of the KJV and the “right” (5921) “circumstances” (655) of the NASB are so important to remember. 

So?  Since you may only get one good chance to say what needs to be said, be alert.

The Hunger Football

(Pro 6:30 KJV)  Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

I sometimes wonder if I have ever been really “hungry” (7456).  I have had my stomach growl.  I have had a great appetite.  I have had my mouth water.  I don’t think I have ever been to the point talked about here.

Hunger is a political football today.  I don’t know how many times I have been urged to make a donation to feed hungry children.  We have all heard the spot ads and political chants that tell us how many children will go to bed hungry tonight in America.  In the ancient world starvation was a real problem.  People lived on the edge of it.  There are places in the world today that people are starving.  The problem is not lack of food stores.  Usually it is a political issue, caused by government policy or perpetuated by “religious” leaders.  The real problem is sin. 

So?  If you know of a hungry child then pass on some food.  It may be that the parent is lazy or just spending all their money on cigarettes and alcohol.  You may not be able to do much long term.  Don’t stop with giving food.  This is where prayer and witnessing are important.  The hunger will not go away until the real problem is dealt with. 

More Than a Check

(Proverbs 22:9 KJV)  He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Being generous is not covered by giving to the United Way or some large charity.  Much of what you give goes to big salaries or is wasted in administration.  We are to be generous to the “poor” (1800b) not the executives of large charities.  When it came to an organization like the Red Cross I would not even donate blood to them.  As a general rule the only money I hand over to organized groups goes to the Salvation Army.  I am still confident that most of my gift will go to actually help someone in need. 

We are still expected to help the needy.  One of the elements that we overlook is that in order to really help someone we need to be involved in their lives.  Before the church was expelled by the welfare system of the government we were involved in the lives of the poor.  We would visit them in their homes and if we were giving them financial aid we would also teach them about budgeting.  We would pray with them.  In the process we would not only meet their physical needs but we would also work on their deeper needs.  In the process we were also made better persons.

So?  Don’t write a check and feel like you have done your part.  God wants us involved in people’s lives not just being an EBT card.

Relax and Shut Up

(Proverbs 12:23 KJV)  A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Most of us talk too much or talk at the wrong times.  Often we are trying to share the love of Christ with people and we forget that many of them don’t care.  We think that because something is true and offers hope everyone will be interested.  It doesn’t work that way.  That is why Jesus said,

(Matthew 7:6 KJV)  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

I am sure you have had the experience of mentioning the name of Jesus and watching people’s eyes glaze over as they change the subject.  Proverbs makes it clear that at one extreme there are people who think the wisdom of God is an abomination.  There are also many people who know on a subconscious level that living a righteous life will limit their sinful activities.  They don’t want to hear about it.

So?  Realize that it is the Holy Spirit who does the real convicting and teaching.  We are to be ready and willing to speak and share but sometimes we make it worse by jumping in and trying to take charge.  Relax and let God do His part.