Pure Doings

(Proverbs 20:11 KJV)  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Our “doings” (deeds NASB) (4611) are important.  The attitudes need to be right.  The heart needs to be right.  The mind needs to be right.  The “deeds” must also be “pure” (2134).  Obedience is not an option.  Remember the words of Jesus,

(Matthew 7:21 KJV)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus talked about believing and faith.  Jesus talked about obedience and doing.  Jesus did not talk about grace.  Paul explained the importance and place of grace.  Both are important to understand but only obedience is under our control.

So?  Don’t live in disobedience thinking that grace will make it okay.  God will not be mocked, but He will be obeyed.  Do you need to turn a corner today?

Perseverance of the Old Saints

(Proverbs 19:27 KJV)  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

As I have recognized, I am now officially and old man.  I get senior discounts and offers to help me take my groceries to the car.  I can live with that.  Sometimes I also get a bit of respect for my experience and knowledge.  Sometimes wisdom is assumed.  There is a danger in that for me, and I would assume others.

We can never stop learning or in the words of this verse, “cease” (2308) “to hear” (listening NASB) (8085) [shama].  There is a real temptation to rest on our laurels and coast.  I think that may be one of the reasons why people go down hill when they retire, they turn their brains off.  They retire intellectually.  The real tragedy is when we retire spiritually.  That can happen at any age.

So?  I wish I could get your attention with a cattle prod or something.  Read the word for yourself and, for eternity’s sake, listen.  Contemplate.  Assume that God has something to say to you.

Useful Trumps Sharp

(Proverbs 18:15 KJV)  The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

We live in a day and age that glorifies the flashy and the obvious.  Celebrities, the rich and the beautiful are looked to for their opinions.  What else could cause millions to hang on the words of a movie star when they talk about politics or world hunger?  They are known for being able to take a script and make it connect with you, not for their intellectual insight.  Perhaps our generation isn’t really different from the past.

To God the “heart” (mind NASB) (3820) is important but it is even more important to be “prudent” (995).  It isn’t your IQ but what you do with that IQ.  It isn’t your grades in school.  Can you tie your shoes?  Do you understand the importance of perseverance?  Do you discipline your food and alcohol intake?  Are you wise?

So?  You don’t need to be the sharpest tack on the block.  What you need to do is learn to use one of those cute little hammers to set the tack instead of a sledge hammer.  It saves fingers.  Figuratively it could save your future. 

Household Cleanser

(Proverbs 17:13 KJV)  Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

How far does your influence reach?  In this verse it talks about your “house” (1004).  A literal reading would picture the building you live in.  The definition of the word includes that but can also mean your body or your extended family.  If a person in your family does you evil you are both in the same house.  It effects everyone. 

Think of how it has been used in the positive.  Remember the Philippian jailer?  Remember what happened when he asked about salvation.

(Acts 16:31 KJV)  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

His act changed everyone.  In the same way evil can effect everyone in a family.

So?  Do it for the children.  Do it for the spouse and cousins and everyone else in you family.  Live a righteous life. 

Now Is the Time to Listen

(Proverbs 16:13 KJV)  Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

This verse continues to mystify me.  It helps to look at the context although in Proverbs that does not always apply.  From the surrounding verses and the feel of this section I think we must assume that Solomon is talking about righteous kings. 

Perhaps we can use this to decide whether a king is righteous or not.  How does he respond to words of righteousness.  Does he mock or embrace?  The same standard could be applied to our political leaders in a free society.  How do they respond to the ideas, words and values that are consistent with the Word of God.  Usually you can figure this out if you watch.  A simple and obvious example in our current culture:  When someone embraces gay marriage, they are not embracing God’s word.  This would apply to the city counsel as well as the presidency. 

So?  We have no elections in progress but we will.  Now might be a good time to start listening to what the people are saying who might run for office.  Don’t wait for the sound bites of the last week.  Who they have been is who they will be. 

How You Phrase Fear

(Proverbs 15:33 KJV)  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

How can “fear” (3374) provide “instruction” (4148)?  The key here is to understand that it is the phrase and what the fear modifies that is important, not the word itself.  Every time this noun is used in Proverbs it is part of this phrase.

The attitude toward the teacher and the material has a lot to do with learning.  I know I have a hard time paying attention to someone once they demonstrate ignorance or hypocrisy.  I think of one pundit I used to listen to on the radio.  I considered him a reliable source.  Then I got my I-pod and began to download his complete show.  When I heard the whole thing instead of the snippets I got on the radio it became clear that he was a fraud.

God will never let us down.  His word will never leave us hanging.

So?  Make sure you have the right attitude when you read a good book or the Bible or listen to a trustworthy pastor.  You will never learn if you don’t listen to something. 

Are the Critics Right?

(Proverbs 14:35 KJV)  The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Have you ever asked yourself if they really do understand?  Maybe they are right.  Maybe you were wrong.  Maybe you did deserve the criticism you received.  I ask that because I could easily substitute “I” for “you.”  I must confess, I am not always the one who is a "wise servant" (acts wisely NASB) (7919a). 

Of course we all like “favor” (7522) more than “wrath" (anger NASB) (5678), but there are times when we deserve both.  I tend to reject both criticism and praise, at least on the surface.  Usually they don’t know enough about what they are talking about for me to worry about their negative comments.  On the other hand, I am a bit cynical about people’s motives and taste when they tell me I have done well. 

So?  I know I need to give more attention to positive and negative criticism.  I can learn from both.  Are you in the same boat?