Little Strays

(Proverbs 7:25 KJV)  Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

Proverbs has different styles.  Most of the book is short, pithy comments that stand alone.  Here we have an unusually long passage that goes together.  This verse comes toward the end of a discussion of the path to sin.  It warns us that it is dangerous to “go astray” (stray NASB) (8582).

This word has a moral nuance to it.  Most of us know what is right and wrong.  We are human beings created with the image of God.  We make choices.  This word implies making the wrong choices.  It also is sometimes used to the staggering of a drunk.  That would imply that we have made choices which impair our judgement and cause increased danger.

So?  Little errors become major disasters.  I want to pay attention to the little things because that may mean I won’t need to make hard decisions later on or right some grievous wrongs.  Now is a good time to start. 

A Lie, by Any Other Name, Be It Oh So Sweet...

(Proverbs 6:19 KJV)  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Again we see a concern about “lies” (3577) and the person who “speaketh” (utters NASB) (6315) them.  This is a different word for “lie” than verse 17.  This verse is an incomplete statement.  It is in the context of a list of actions that God “hates” (8130) found in verse 16.

We get so used to politicians, advertisers, celebrities and children that are constantly bending the truth beyond recognition that we are desensitized.  We see no problem with a president standing in front of the nation and telling a big one.  We shrug and call it spin.  We see products distorted and laugh and call it sales.
God does not shrug or laugh about lies.  He sees what they do.  He sees what we do.  Too often we take the standards and values of those around us and adopt them, after all, “Everyone is doing it.”

So?  We march to a different drummer.  We are expected to live different lives.  Don’t drift off into being like the world around us because when we stand in front of the judgement seat of God He won’t care what everyone else was doing. 

Say It Again, Sam

(Proverbs 5:4 KJV)  But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

What is this fascination with a “two-edged” (6310) “sword” (2719)?  In reading the different commentaries I found that “two-edged” means mouth.  The Greek word used in Hebrews has the same meaning.  If you look at how this is used in the Bible it seems to usually be related to some kind of speech.

Words have power.  They cut and penetrate.  Here it is the words of the adulteress.  Other places it is used of the righteous. 

So?  What have you said so far today?  What will you say next? 

(Psalms 19:14 KJV)  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Enough said. 

On Auto-Pilot

(Proverbs 4:1 KJV)  Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

As I began reading I asked myself, “Why does God cause things to be repeated?”  I come to this frequently in Proverbs as well as the rest of the Bible.  I had it as I read that I was supposed to “attend” (give attention NASB) (7181).

Then I proceeded to demonstrate why it needs to be repeated.  Have you had those times in driving when you suddenly realize that you have not been aware of what you are doing for some time?  After driving a while we tend to go on auto pilot.  Our bodies take over, just using enough brain to keep things going.  I don’t know about you but I have those days when I am in the Word.  I read.  My eyes track.  I turn pages.  I come to the end and ask myself, “What did I just read?” 

So?  Join me as I again try to give attention to what God is trying to say to me.  Believe me, it is more important than not hearing when my wife tells me to take out the trash. 

Envy Thou Not

(Proverbs 3:31 KJV)  Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

“Envy” (7065) is more of a problem than most of us want to admit.  I wonder how “envy” relates to “covet” (2530)?  They seem synonymous.  If anything envy is more focused on anger at the person who has what you want while coveting is just the desire.  It is such a feeling that it is mentioned in the Ten Commandments.

Where has envy struck at me lately?  I envy those who are in a financial situation that they can retire from the rat race and pursue their own interests.  I envy my brothers who have grandchildren.  I envy those of you who don’t live in California.  None of this cripples me or brings life to a halt but if I focus on what others have it takes the joy from the day.

Instead I try to focus on the incredible blessing God has heaped on my plate.  That is why Paul said,

(Philippians 4:8 KJV)  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This is not playing mind games, it is making decisions.

So?  Count your blessings.  The number might surprise you and envy fades in the process. 

A Spiritual Breakfast

(Proverbs 2:9 KJV)  Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

As I was reading over this chapter this morning I found it connecting with my soul.  I saw a pattern of living based on seeking the face of God and listening for what He had to say to me.  As I read I was reminded of why I study this book and listen for what it has to teach.  It was connecting with me today. 

I finally focused on this verse as the spiritual breakfast of the day.  It may just be another day in a steady “path" (course NASB) (4570) of days but this reminds me it can be one of the “good” (2896a) ones.

But every day is not perfect.  Life tends to intrude.  What then?  The promise is still there.  That brought to mind another passage, in the New Testament.

(2 Corinthians 4:7-10 KJV)  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

So?  That gives me that balance I need.  The Bible promises persecution if we walk in righteousness.  It also promises victory.  It is a formula I can live with today.  I will leave tomorrow in His hands. 

Security Basics

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

There are a couple of promises here.  The first is that we can “dwell” (live NASB) (7931) “safely” (securely NASB) (983).  What a marvelous promise.  How hard to accept.  How hard to sync with all of the issues of our day.  I don’t know what you are worried about.  Some people read about Korea testing missiles and worry about nuclear destruction.  Some look at the current headline about the GDP contracting and worry about their ability to pay their bills.  Some are concerned about the flu season.  It always seems to be something.

If we let it.

Here is where security comes in.  “Safely” (983) has a root meaning of trust.  The context in this verse is listening to the wisdom of God.  When we listen and believe, we apply.  This creates an attitude in us of trust and confidence.  Attitude is everything if we are to feel secure.  The attitude needs to be based in something or it is just empty, finger-crossed, hope.

There is a hymn that used to be sung in our churches that had these lines,

I know not what of good or ill May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days Before His face I see.

And the chorus starts this way,

But I know whom I have believed,

So?  Do you believe?  In what?  Or better in whom?  Believe, listen, trust, rest.