(Pro 14:2 KJV) He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
Here we see a different approach to the fear of the Lord. We don’t just talk, we show. We show by the choices we make and the paths we follow. A person chooses how he “walks” (1980). Sometimes we have no choice. Unfortunately life is like that. Usually we make choices. It can be the tone of voice we use. It can be the restaurants we pick to frequent, the books we read, the style of close we wear. The list could go on. Many of them seem like minor issues but they reflect what is going on in our heart. Do we dress modestly or to make a statement? What is the statement?
Many of our choices show our “uprightness” (3476). Or not. Take a simple choice like a T-shirt. I have discovered Shaka and Pro-Club. I discovered them because they have features I want. (I almost said need). They are heavy cotton. They have a tight neck. They are long. They are made in USA. They also have a feature I don’t like: They are expensive. I made the choice to buy them. I did not understand this would make me a celebrity at school. I have had kids say, “Is that a Shaka?” When I say yes they start telling all their friends that I am wearing a Shaka. For me it is a choice made on utility. For them it is a status symbol. I can wear them and be upright. They can’t. This is a silly example, but a real one. If it was a choice of a great T-shirt or paying my tithe, I would wear the “5 for $10" shirts. If it were a matter of paying off my credit card, I would go without a T-shirt. Uprightness is important to me. Righteousness should color every decision I make. It is all a part of fearing the Lord.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
No Pain, No Gain
(Pro 12:1 KJV) Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
The idea that learning must be fun comes from the devil. We see repeated references in Proverbs that “instruction" (discipline NASB) (4148) is the way to “knowledge” (1847). The word for “instruction" (4148) is defined as “discipline, chastening, correction.” It is translated as “discipline” fifteen times in the NASB and as “instruction” fourteen times. Whether we talk about discipline as a verb meaning correction or a noun meaning a course of study of self control, it still is not something that comes easy. It is work. One of the reason so many children are coming out of school with no skills is that the educators have been sold the bill of goods that all learning is fun.
Proverbs is certainly not politically correct. We continue to see then when people are called “brutish" {stupid NASB” (1198). It seems to mean “like an animal.” The KJV seems to get it closer to the mark. Notice that this accusation can be applied to both the person who receives “reproof” (8433b) and the person doing the reproving. Today few adults are willing to accept the burden of being the giver of discipline. We are see the result on the streets.
The idea that learning must be fun comes from the devil. We see repeated references in Proverbs that “instruction" (discipline NASB) (4148) is the way to “knowledge” (1847). The word for “instruction" (4148) is defined as “discipline, chastening, correction.” It is translated as “discipline” fifteen times in the NASB and as “instruction” fourteen times. Whether we talk about discipline as a verb meaning correction or a noun meaning a course of study of self control, it still is not something that comes easy. It is work. One of the reason so many children are coming out of school with no skills is that the educators have been sold the bill of goods that all learning is fun.
Proverbs is certainly not politically correct. We continue to see then when people are called “brutish" {stupid NASB” (1198). It seems to mean “like an animal.” The KJV seems to get it closer to the mark. Notice that this accusation can be applied to both the person who receives “reproof” (8433b) and the person doing the reproving. Today few adults are willing to accept the burden of being the giver of discipline. We are see the result on the streets.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
In a Pig's Nose
(Pro 11:22 KJV) As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
I have to love this.
I wonder what this would say if it were written by a woman.
The desired quality is not outward appearance but “discretion” (2940). I think we can assume that this is a concept that cuts across sexual lines. Outward adornment is not to be our focus. I don’t know if you ever shop in big malls, but I do it once in awhile to remind myself of why I don’t. I can do a very large mall in about 20 minutes. One thing I notice is that most of the stores are focused on snout decorations. I may be shoes and it may be health food but it is all designed to decorate the pig in us. God wants us to exercise inner beauty in things such as discretion.
I have to love this.
I wonder what this would say if it were written by a woman.
The desired quality is not outward appearance but “discretion” (2940). I think we can assume that this is a concept that cuts across sexual lines. Outward adornment is not to be our focus. I don’t know if you ever shop in big malls, but I do it once in awhile to remind myself of why I don’t. I can do a very large mall in about 20 minutes. One thing I notice is that most of the stores are focused on snout decorations. I may be shoes and it may be health food but it is all designed to decorate the pig in us. God wants us to exercise inner beauty in things such as discretion.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Hatred's Results
(Pro 10:12 KJV) Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
I see “hatred” (8135) causing all sorts of problems. I see it in politics. People are willing to destroy the country because they hate a certain person. On the international scene I see this. Americans have no concept of real hate. In the Middle East generations are being taught to hate. I had a conversation with a young man who’s family came from Lebanon. He was born here and was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. One day the conversation led to Israel and he made a calm statement that they all needed to be killed. The women had babies and the babies grew up to be soldiers. They all needed to be killed. He was totally serious and saw no problem with the statement. I repeat, he was a great guy. He was the kind of guy you would bring home to meet your daughter, except when it came to Jews.
This is how the world hates. We in America have been so saturated with the gospel that we don’t understand this. We think the world looks at things like we do. Not so.
This attitude “stireth” (5782) “strifes” (4090). When a person is motivated by hate instead of love it causes no end of problems.
I see “hatred” (8135) causing all sorts of problems. I see it in politics. People are willing to destroy the country because they hate a certain person. On the international scene I see this. Americans have no concept of real hate. In the Middle East generations are being taught to hate. I had a conversation with a young man who’s family came from Lebanon. He was born here and was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. One day the conversation led to Israel and he made a calm statement that they all needed to be killed. The women had babies and the babies grew up to be soldiers. They all needed to be killed. He was totally serious and saw no problem with the statement. I repeat, he was a great guy. He was the kind of guy you would bring home to meet your daughter, except when it came to Jews.
This is how the world hates. We in America have been so saturated with the gospel that we don’t understand this. We think the world looks at things like we do. Not so.
This attitude “stireth” (5782) “strifes” (4090). When a person is motivated by hate instead of love it causes no end of problems.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Fear Is the Beginning
(Pro 9:10 KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
This is the verse people remember when they hear “the fear of the Lord.” It is one of many in Proverbs. Each one seems to have a different focus.
“Fear” (3374) is like many other conditions and actions. It is not the emotion itself, but its target, that determines if it is right or wrong. In many situations fear causes our body to ramp up and helps in self-preservation. In some cases fear keeps us from doing something stupid. When it comes to God we need to start with a healthy foundation of fear. That means we have begun to see who God is and what His character is. At least we have enough fear to move ahead.
This is the verse people remember when they hear “the fear of the Lord.” It is one of many in Proverbs. Each one seems to have a different focus.
“Fear” (3374) is like many other conditions and actions. It is not the emotion itself, but its target, that determines if it is right or wrong. In many situations fear causes our body to ramp up and helps in self-preservation. In some cases fear keeps us from doing something stupid. When it comes to God we need to start with a healthy foundation of fear. That means we have begun to see who God is and what His character is. At least we have enough fear to move ahead.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Hating
(Pro 8:13 KJV) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Most people are familiar with Proverbs 9:10.
(Pro 9:10 KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
We have another definition of what it is to “fear” (3374) the Lord. Too often we have Mercy Christians who want to understand and support rather than judge. If that is done with our eyes open it is possible to do it spiritually. It is exercising the spiritual gift of mercy. But if we refuse to see evil as evil, we have a problem.
One of the repeated truths in Proverbs is the recognition of evil. We are to “hate” (8130) “evil” (7451b). In order to hate it, you have to recognize and acknowledge it as evil. Too often I hear people claiming to be believers who don’t want to call evil by its name.
Evil is defined. It is not just some general value that might be out there somewhere. Evil is ever present in the people around us and possibly in ourselves. We can see it, and, if we have the courage, identify it. This is important in dealing with other people. It helps us know who to trust and cooperate with. This is important in ourselves. It helps us to see the seeds of behavior that can be weeded out. I think this infers we can see evil and do something about it.
Evil is “pride” (1344). Evil is “arrogance” (1344). Notice this is the same word. Strange.
There is an evil “way” (1870). When you see these characteristics, recognize it as a way of life, not a temporary quirk. It is not cute or needing understanding, it is evil.
Evil is a “perverted” (8419) “mouth” (6310).
Proverbs will continue to define evil. It exists.
Most people are familiar with Proverbs 9:10.
(Pro 9:10 KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
We have another definition of what it is to “fear” (3374) the Lord. Too often we have Mercy Christians who want to understand and support rather than judge. If that is done with our eyes open it is possible to do it spiritually. It is exercising the spiritual gift of mercy. But if we refuse to see evil as evil, we have a problem.
One of the repeated truths in Proverbs is the recognition of evil. We are to “hate” (8130) “evil” (7451b). In order to hate it, you have to recognize and acknowledge it as evil. Too often I hear people claiming to be believers who don’t want to call evil by its name.
Evil is defined. It is not just some general value that might be out there somewhere. Evil is ever present in the people around us and possibly in ourselves. We can see it, and, if we have the courage, identify it. This is important in dealing with other people. It helps us know who to trust and cooperate with. This is important in ourselves. It helps us to see the seeds of behavior that can be weeded out. I think this infers we can see evil and do something about it.
Evil is “pride” (1344). Evil is “arrogance” (1344). Notice this is the same word. Strange.
There is an evil “way” (1870). When you see these characteristics, recognize it as a way of life, not a temporary quirk. It is not cute or needing understanding, it is evil.
Evil is a “perverted” (8419) “mouth” (6310).
Proverbs will continue to define evil. It exists.
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