(Proverbs 14:32 KJV) The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Are you a believer? You have a “hope” (refuge NASB) (2620). This is an interesting word that the KJV translates consistently different than the NASB. The definition can go either way. We do have a refuge but it is based on our hope, or trust, in God. We have assurance facing “death” (4194) based on the trust we have in the sufficiency of the blood of Christ to cleanse us from sin.
Some would call this pie in the sky. Maybe, but pie in the sky is better than Brussel sprouts on earth. That is doubly true if both are assured.
So? Death is certain. What comes after is based on how we respond to the offer of a refuge. As the sign in the window says, “Sale ends tomorrow”. It just might.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Making Waves
(Proverbs 13:17 KJV) A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
What kind of a wake do you leave behind you? Sometimes I think my wife wishes I had a care-giver to follow me around and straighten up the mess I leave. She considers me a messy. She is right and I need to do something about it. Someday.
Some people are messy in their lives. If it is just unfinished business then solutions can be found. Unfortunately it is often moral. They leave broken lives and shattered hopes behind them. They are “wicked” (7563). This is a common concern in Proverbs. The Hebrew word is used 84 times just in this book. It is bad enough that they destroy themselves but they also tend to spread the damnation to those around them.
So? Jesus blessed the peacemakers. It is one of those areas of life where we have something to say on the issue. What are people hearing from your life?
What kind of a wake do you leave behind you? Sometimes I think my wife wishes I had a care-giver to follow me around and straighten up the mess I leave. She considers me a messy. She is right and I need to do something about it. Someday.
Some people are messy in their lives. If it is just unfinished business then solutions can be found. Unfortunately it is often moral. They leave broken lives and shattered hopes behind them. They are “wicked” (7563). This is a common concern in Proverbs. The Hebrew word is used 84 times just in this book. It is bad enough that they destroy themselves but they also tend to spread the damnation to those around them.
So? Jesus blessed the peacemakers. It is one of those areas of life where we have something to say on the issue. What are people hearing from your life?
Friday, February 12, 2016
A Habit of Hearkening
(Proverbs 12:15 KJV) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
We should be our own worse critic. I know it is hard. We are inside our own skin. Our thinking is molded by our experiences and limitations. We might be color blind or tone deaf. We might be mentally deficient. We might never have been out on our own. With all that, how can we make the right decisions?
At school I have kids ask me, “How do you know so much?” Now obviously, I am older and that should count for something but there are other ingredients to my knowledge pool. The one I always point out is that I am one who “harkeneth” (listens NASB) (8085). When I am at a faculty meeting and the chances of anything worth hearing are minuscule, I still listen. You never know. When I am listening to a boring sermon, poorly delivered, I still pay attention. You never know. When I get nagged, I consider what is said. You never know.
So? One of the things we don’t want said about us is that we never know because we never listen. Try it. You might find it handy in a Trivial Pursuit game. You might find it handy in a crisis.
We should be our own worse critic. I know it is hard. We are inside our own skin. Our thinking is molded by our experiences and limitations. We might be color blind or tone deaf. We might be mentally deficient. We might never have been out on our own. With all that, how can we make the right decisions?
At school I have kids ask me, “How do you know so much?” Now obviously, I am older and that should count for something but there are other ingredients to my knowledge pool. The one I always point out is that I am one who “harkeneth” (listens NASB) (8085). When I am at a faculty meeting and the chances of anything worth hearing are minuscule, I still listen. You never know. When I am listening to a boring sermon, poorly delivered, I still pay attention. You never know. When I get nagged, I consider what is said. You never know.
So? One of the things we don’t want said about us is that we never know because we never listen. Try it. You might find it handy in a Trivial Pursuit game. You might find it handy in a crisis.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Righteous Reward Multiplied
(Proverbs 11:31 KJV) Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Do you think eternal life will be wonderful? Do you think that there will be rewards even in this life? I agree, but that is not what this is pointing out. This is a comparison. Say on the scale of life heaven will be 100 points of blessing. This is saying that the payment for the “wicked” (7563) will be -200. It won’t just be the opposite but will “much more” (637/3588). That sounds like a party I want to miss.
It doesn’t matter if you think Hell will be a literal lake of fire or not. The point is that eternity for those who have rejected God and refused to bend their knee will be one of unmeasurable misery.
So? Life is full of choices. Some make a difference in the color of your sox. Some are a bit more important. Choose wisely.
Do you think eternal life will be wonderful? Do you think that there will be rewards even in this life? I agree, but that is not what this is pointing out. This is a comparison. Say on the scale of life heaven will be 100 points of blessing. This is saying that the payment for the “wicked” (7563) will be -200. It won’t just be the opposite but will “much more” (637/3588). That sounds like a party I want to miss.
It doesn’t matter if you think Hell will be a literal lake of fire or not. The point is that eternity for those who have rejected God and refused to bend their knee will be one of unmeasurable misery.
So? Life is full of choices. Some make a difference in the color of your sox. Some are a bit more important. Choose wisely.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
By Lines
(Proverbs 10:7 KJV) The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Notice that the “name” (8034) is linked with the “wicked” (7563). All the “just" (righteous NASB) (6662) leaves is a “memory” (2143). This is a way of saying “it is amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit”. One of the tendencies of the upright is that they do what is right even when someone else gets the award.
Everyone gets at least a little pleasure out of being recognized. The believer does not demand it. He takes the high road even when no one is looking. As a result we see the quality of life rising. When everyone is out for themselves things “rot” (7537). We complain about how hard it is to get anything done when we run into the incompetent, self-centered clerk but think about how many times things are done right and on time.
So? Be a blessing. Be one of the supporting cast and let the egotist go for the leading role. People may not remember your name but they will be blessed by your life.
Notice that the “name” (8034) is linked with the “wicked” (7563). All the “just" (righteous NASB) (6662) leaves is a “memory” (2143). This is a way of saying “it is amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit”. One of the tendencies of the upright is that they do what is right even when someone else gets the award.
Everyone gets at least a little pleasure out of being recognized. The believer does not demand it. He takes the high road even when no one is looking. As a result we see the quality of life rising. When everyone is out for themselves things “rot” (7537). We complain about how hard it is to get anything done when we run into the incompetent, self-centered clerk but think about how many times things are done right and on time.
So? Be a blessing. Be one of the supporting cast and let the egotist go for the leading role. People may not remember your name but they will be blessed by your life.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Correct Me if I Am Wrong
(Proverbs 9:7 KJV) He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
He who “reproveth” (corrects NASB) (3256) is looking for trouble. We all know this. People do not like to be confronted with their errors. I know I don’t. Maybe you are different. The tension comes when we realize that we are responsible to do what we hate. Jesus Himself tells us,
So? Part of love is correcting those in error. If you have children, it is part of being a parent. If it is overlooked there are those who will ruin their lives when it could be avoided. Do you care enough to take the risk?
He who “reproveth” (corrects NASB) (3256) is looking for trouble. We all know this. People do not like to be confronted with their errors. I know I don’t. Maybe you are different. The tension comes when we realize that we are responsible to do what we hate. Jesus Himself tells us,
(Matthew 18:15 KJV) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.It is to be done with care and in love, but it is to be done. This verse is pointing out that we need to brace ourselves for the response.
So? Part of love is correcting those in error. If you have children, it is part of being a parent. If it is overlooked there are those who will ruin their lives when it could be avoided. Do you care enough to take the risk?
Monday, February 8, 2016
The Dangers of an Isolated Verse
(Proverbs 8:15 KJV) By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
This verse is a good one for showing us the danger of proof texting. Proof texting in one sense is a legitimate pursuit of truth. In this sense you are looking for texts that prove a point of doctrine or teaching. It is valuable when done without an agenda and for people of good will doing honest research.
Unfortunately it doesn’t usually work out that way. The term has become a description of a method of finding the truth you are looking for at the cost of real truth. In this form of “research” the “scholar” will take one verse that says what they want and make it the basis for all kinds of applications that are alien to its context and intended meaning. To do good proof texting requires ignoring the clear teaching of large sweeps of scripture. Thus if you were trying to justify your political position as dictator you can simply read this and silence the opposition.
So? Be careful when you try to base a big statement on a little verse. The key words above are “good will” and “honest”. You may fool some people but God is not that gullible.
This verse is a good one for showing us the danger of proof texting. Proof texting in one sense is a legitimate pursuit of truth. In this sense you are looking for texts that prove a point of doctrine or teaching. It is valuable when done without an agenda and for people of good will doing honest research.
Unfortunately it doesn’t usually work out that way. The term has become a description of a method of finding the truth you are looking for at the cost of real truth. In this form of “research” the “scholar” will take one verse that says what they want and make it the basis for all kinds of applications that are alien to its context and intended meaning. To do good proof texting requires ignoring the clear teaching of large sweeps of scripture. Thus if you were trying to justify your political position as dictator you can simply read this and silence the opposition.
So? Be careful when you try to base a big statement on a little verse. The key words above are “good will” and “honest”. You may fool some people but God is not that gullible.
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