Why Believers Should Fear Hell

(Proverbs 7:27 KJV)  Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

A lot of people who call themselves Christian would reject this verse or play Thomas Jefferson and cut it out of their Bible.  They don’t want to believe in the existence of “Sheol” (7585).  The big problem is that it would require a lot of cutting, the word is used at least 66 times.  Why the different translations?  The transliteration for the Hebrew word is “sheol.”  It means underworld or hell.

I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about hell.  Maybe I should.  Not because I am going there but because so many people I care about might be on their way.  Maybe we are guilty of living like it doesn’t exist even when we believe it does.

So?  Live like Hell is real and we want to keep people out of it.

Happy Importuning

(Proverbs 6:3 KJV)  Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

I wonder why the translators of the NASB chose “importune” (7292) instead of the “make sure” of the KJV.  It is not a common word in modern English.  When you compare the English with the Hebrew you see it is a good choice.  “Importune” is defined as “harass with persistent requests.”  The Hebrew definition includes “storm against, beset.”

We get ourselves into problems with people around us.  It is real.  There will be consequences.  We are here told not to let it go.  Do not expect someone else to come to the rescue.  Go to the person, make it an issue.  Resolve it.

So?  Not what you wanted to hear today, right?  Me neither.  That doesn’t mean it isn’t needed.

Situation Ethics

(Proverbs 5:6 KJV)  Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

Being “movable” (unstable NASB) (5128) fits in well with the philosophy of the world.  It fits in well with the post-modern idea that there is no wrong way to do anything, that everything depends on the situation.  It is the idea that is at the root of popular understanding of situation ethics.

I say “popular understanding” because up to a point the situation does determine if something is right or wrong.  If you have someone in the car having a heart attack, most people would say it is acceptable to run a red light.  If you are late for a party, not so much.  What is being adopted is the idea that things are only wrong because you feel they are wrong.  That is the road to hell being described here.

So?  God’s word gives us a stable, unwavering foundation for making the choices of life.  It may not make any difference to your favorite actor or musician, but it makes a difference to God.

Real Life Perfection

(Proverbs 4:27 KJV)  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

I like the way the KJV expresses the second part of this verse.

By using “remove” (5493) rather than “turn” (NASB second time) you are reminded that there will be times in life when you will step in it.  You can be as careful as is humanly possible.  You can plan and focus.  You can be going in the right direction.  You still get it on your shoe. 

In the defining of the word you find the suggestions of “leave undone” and “retract.”  We are reminded that God has built in allowances for those times when we find ourselves touched by evil.  Our part is repentance and revival.  God’s part is forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.

So?  If you suddenly wake up to where you are and say to yourself, “This is wrong.”  Admit the same thing to God, retract and move ahead.  That is the kind of real life perfection God desires. 

Just Because It Is a Cliche Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t True

(Proverbs 3:5 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

As I drive the freeways to work I sometimes ponder how to respond for the day to the question, “How are you?”  I rarely use “fine.”  I like the way that I have heard Dave Ramsey respond with, “Better than I deserve.”

Today I am suspended between an awareness of how blessed I am and a lack of enthusiasm about the day.  It is like driving the ultimate car but being low on gas.  The Lord came through by having me read one of the most familiar passages of Proverbs.  The Holy Spirit reminded me of it at a key time.  It is like saying, “Stick with the obvious.  It works.” 

So?  I am reminded today to trust, to avoid depending on myself.  It is a good place to start.  It is a good place to finish.  Join me in the experience. 

Bread, Beverages and Beliefs

(Proverbs 2:5 KJV)  Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Discernment is an important quality to God.  Proverb is considered wisdom literature and the Hebrew word is used 39 times.  It was vital to Solomon as he tried to teach about being what God wanted us to be.  Mindless autobots are not what God has in mind.  Most translations use “understand” (995).  The Bible in Basic English says “will be clear to you.”  The Good News Bible simply says “know”.

Anyway you put it, God wants us to engage our minds and think.  He told Isaiah,

(Isaiah 1:18 KJV)  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

We are supposed to develop a discerning mental palate.  That comes from exposure to the best, not from being saturated by the worst.  You might think you are eating good bread until you taste really good bread.  You might think your coffee is good until you sample some that is great.  You might think that an idea makes sense until you listen to the inspired word.

So?  Plug your brain in.  Become one who can tell the difference between truth and foolishness.  Wisdom waits in the wings. 

Limitations of God

(Proverbs 1:26 KJV)  I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Beware.  God is much more complex than you are comfortable with.

We have such a warm fuzzy idea of God.  We think of Him always having this look of intense concern on His face when we wander.  We think he is a perpetual Ricky to the constantly erring Lucy.  It seems to me that the final episode of “I Love Lucy” should have been in a lawyers office with divorce papers being written up. 

Here it says He will “laugh” (7832) at the “calamity” (343) that comes our way when we ignore Him.  This verse is talking about God.  The infinite God does have His limitations.  He does not give up on us in a moment.  He is incredibly patient.  He forgives.  But He also knows our heart and does not play games.

So?  It may not be an issue with you but it might be with someone you love.  God will not be mocked.  He is not into your self esteem.  Count on it, hopefully from the right side of the cross.