A Proud Parent

(Proverbs 14:31 KJV)  He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

The right attitude and actions to those in need “honors” (3513) God.  This is an interesting word.  It has the sense of being heavy.  We show that we are taking God seriously by how we treat those below us on the pecking order.  It means to put more weight on something.  It has to do with making God a priority.

It is easy to look at people and powers that are above us and show a little respect.  Most of those people would not take it as an insult to them if you mistreat your waitress.  They might think you are lacking in manners but would not be personally affronted, unless it was your father.   If your father sees you acting like a self-centered fool, he would take it personally because he is the one who raised you.

God looks at it that way.  We are a reflection on Him and His kingdom.

So?  Be classy.  It doesn’t matter if it is the president of the United States or the bag lady on the corner.  How you treat them is a reflection on your Heavenly Father. 

Fool’s Gold

(Proverbs 13:16 KJV)  Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

Am I losing my mind to the process of age?  Am I losing my hearing?  I jokingly tell people I will be the last to know.  The same is true of the “fool” (3684).  He thinks he is being clever.  He thinks he has pulled the wool over people’s eyes.  In reality he is living in La La Land.  You don’t see them much any more, at least I don’t, but remember the old guys that used to walk around with their shirts open to their naval, a large medallion on a gold chain and a comb over?  They thought they were cool.  Everyone else was laughing.

People try the same thing spiritually.  Sometimes they are really good at it but people who want to know will know they are fools.  Of course other fools don’t want to know because that would make them take off their medallions and button their shirts.  It would force them to face reality.

So?  Where do you fit in?  Are you on Happy Highway in Oz or the Highway of Holiness?  Is your life based on knowledge or folly?  Don’t be the last to know. 

Theological Myopia

(Proverbs 12:14 KJV)  A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

Many Christians have a blind spot rooted in the orthodox doctrine that we are saved by grace.  They will quote a proof text.

(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

So far all believers are on the same page.

Then they take a leap of theology and conclude that since God is sovereign there is nothing we can ever do that will effect our salvation.  They ignore verses, like this one, that point toward the importance of living in obedience.  Our “recompence” (deeds NASB) (1576) shall be “rendered” (return NASB) (7725) to us.

Jesus Himself puts this out before us.

(Matthew 16:27 KJV)  For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

So?  We are saved by grace.  We could never pay the price of our sin.  Only the Perfect Lamb of God could do that.  At the same time, call it a paradox is you want, obedience is required.  Don’t ignore either side of the paradox. 

This Tree Does Not Grow in Brooklyn

(Proverbs 11:30 KJV)  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

The  “tree (6086) of life (2425b)” is an interesting phrase.  In the Hebrew there is disagreement on the correct word for “life” but the thrust is the same.  In the English it occurs in three books of the Bible.  It is at the beginning of Genesis, the first book, Revelation, the last book, and Proverbs in between.

In Genesis it is the tree in the Garden of Eden that is being denied to the rebellious Adam and Eve.  That same tree is growing in John’s vision and is related to eternal life.  In between we have references to how our actions and attitudes put us in contact with that tree.

So?  We accept the fact that salvation is through faith and grace.  That is God’s gift because we cannot possibly earn our salvation.  That being said we see an litany of examples that demand a life of righteousness.  Don’t ignore either clear teaching. 

Avoid Ad Hominem

(Proverbs 10:6 KJV)  Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

When you don’t have an answer, attack.  That seems to be the way our culture is moving.  Maybe it has been that way a long time.  We have a phrase, ad hominem, which is a Latin term that says you are attacking the person instead of the problem.  It involves character assassination and insulting remarks which may be true but have nothing to do with the topic under discussion.  It is conversational bait and switch.

This should be a tactic only used by the “wicked” (7563).  It is interesting that in the defining of the word it comes up with the idea of being guilty.  Beware of this if someone goes for your jugular.  Armor up with grace and the fruit of the Spirit.

So what about a self check?  We are supposed to be the “righteous” (6662).  We are supposed to be different.  With a little thought and prayer we can avoid this danger and avoid becoming wicked.

Cause and Effect

(Proverbs 9:6 KJV)  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Why do people get in destructive ruts?  We do things that make life worse and we continue to do them.  From my perspective that would include people that voted twice for Bill Clinton and Barak Obama.  From yours it might be people who voted twice for George Bush.  People don’t seem to learn.

I have tried manudo three times.  Have I learned my lesson?  I hope so, but hope springs eternal.  People who have diabetes keep eating and living like couch potatoes.  Then they wonder why they are going blind and having a foot amputated.  Parents let their kids watch any TV, play any game, download any app, and listen to any music.  Then they wonder why they are lazy and disrespectful. 

So?  Do a little thinking.  When you find behavior that is destructive now or damning later, “forsake” (5800a) it.  Change.  Walk away.  This verse says such decisions lead to life.  The remote control is in your court.

Levels of Wisdom

(Proverbs 8:14 KJV)  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

It would seem that there are different levels of wisdom.  The Hebrew word used here is different from the one used in verse 12.  Actually it is “sound wisdom” (8454).  It seems to imply results and not just theory.  This is the wisdom that is the product of wisdom.

We start by taking in some of the obvious teachings of the word.  Take for example the basic teachings about retaliation.

(Romans 12:19 KJV)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

(Matthew 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Those are simple and direct wisdom.  When you put them together with prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit you come up with the “sound wisdom” (8454) that is flexible enough to deal with a host of different situations.

So?  Begin to invest in your future by laying a foundation of wisdom.  It will pay major dividends in time.