(Proverbs 7:21 KJV) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
What is the difference between “flattering” (2507b) and complimenting? Is there any difference? Are both condemned? As I look at definitions the main difference seems to be sincerity. Flattery doesn’t have any. So beware of flattery.
“Flattering” (2507b) language is something we fall for all the time. We are sitting ducks for this because we want the world to praise and accept us. It shows we are being good witnesses, right? We also run into it in the church as people try to manipulate or influence us.
One of the ways to guard against falling for this is to consider the source. If you have someone who lives a life of sin and self-centeredness, the chances are they don’t mean a word they are saying. If you have noticed them lying about other items the odds are they are lying to you. I recently had a student tell me I was a great teacher. Right. And he wasn’t talking or eating either.
So? Salt is to be taken by the grain or spoonful depending on how much praise someone throws your way. Enjoy the moment but don’t be seduced.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
Slip Knots
(Proverbs 6:21 KJV) Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
Why would we need to “continually” (8548) “bind” (7194) God’s words to our inner being? It would seem that some things, once done, would not need to be repeated. I am thankful that I only had to go through puberty once. On the other side, how many times did I knock my head on the garage door after I got my bifocals? How much pain was necessary before I learned to duck.
In the same way our inner being can be a slippery customer. Our hearts seem to have a short memory. Things need to be repeated, again and again. That is why the same lessons are repeated throughout the Bible. It is why Proverbs has themes that come up repeatedly. We need to tie God’s words to our hearts and keep checking the knots.
So? It is a living relationship with a living God and in order to not strangle us there needs to be stretch and wiggle room. Stay alert to make sure things are in place. Just a friendly warning about a serious need.
Why would we need to “continually” (8548) “bind” (7194) God’s words to our inner being? It would seem that some things, once done, would not need to be repeated. I am thankful that I only had to go through puberty once. On the other side, how many times did I knock my head on the garage door after I got my bifocals? How much pain was necessary before I learned to duck.
In the same way our inner being can be a slippery customer. Our hearts seem to have a short memory. Things need to be repeated, again and again. That is why the same lessons are repeated throughout the Bible. It is why Proverbs has themes that come up repeatedly. We need to tie God’s words to our hearts and keep checking the knots.
So? It is a living relationship with a living God and in order to not strangle us there needs to be stretch and wiggle room. Stay alert to make sure things are in place. Just a friendly warning about a serious need.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Dream Big
(Proverbs 5:23 KJV) He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
How often do we focus on the “greatness” (7230) instead of the “folly” (200)? We often have big plans or at least big dreams. Too many people today have great fantasies instead of a realistic goal. In this age of electronic virtual worlds we can fight wars, play golf, drive cars and conquer worlds without leaving our recliner. If we fail it is just a matter of rebooting or reloading. How many young boys who are blessed with early development figure they are going to be stars in the NBA or NFL when the only competition they are up against are gangly kids who don’t have any coordination and are not used to how long their legs are becoming. They think that the effort involved in getting an education and developing skills is a waste of time because greatness comes so easy to them.
Such is folly.
We translate it into our spiritual lives. We hear that salvation is a gift, that grace is free and Jesus loves us. Slam dunk. The road to greatness lies ahead of us. Or is it the road to folly?
So? Jesus said ask, seek and knock. We are told to study to be approved. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We can’t do it alone. Jesus won’t force the issue. Dream real dreams and find fulfillment instead of folly.
How often do we focus on the “greatness” (7230) instead of the “folly” (200)? We often have big plans or at least big dreams. Too many people today have great fantasies instead of a realistic goal. In this age of electronic virtual worlds we can fight wars, play golf, drive cars and conquer worlds without leaving our recliner. If we fail it is just a matter of rebooting or reloading. How many young boys who are blessed with early development figure they are going to be stars in the NBA or NFL when the only competition they are up against are gangly kids who don’t have any coordination and are not used to how long their legs are becoming. They think that the effort involved in getting an education and developing skills is a waste of time because greatness comes so easy to them.
Such is folly.
We translate it into our spiritual lives. We hear that salvation is a gift, that grace is free and Jesus loves us. Slam dunk. The road to greatness lies ahead of us. Or is it the road to folly?
So? Jesus said ask, seek and knock. We are told to study to be approved. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We can’t do it alone. Jesus won’t force the issue. Dream real dreams and find fulfillment instead of folly.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Committed to Ignorance
(Proverbs 4:19 KJV) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
The evil do not “know” (3045) [yada]. They live in ignorance and deception. This word has a depth of meaning that we have lost in English. It can carry the inference of deep knowledge. It is used to signify the depth of the marriage relationship. Thus we have the teaching of the virgin birth.
So? Paul said that the relationship of Jesus and the church is like a husband and wife. It takes commitment to start and commitment given anew moment by moment. Happy commitment to you.
The evil do not “know” (3045) [yada]. They live in ignorance and deception. This word has a depth of meaning that we have lost in English. It can carry the inference of deep knowledge. It is used to signify the depth of the marriage relationship. Thus we have the teaching of the virgin birth.
(Matthew 1:25 KJV) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.What does it take to know someone on that level? It doesn’t just happen overnight. It isn’t just a slight adjustment. It isn’t possible without a real investment of yourself. It isn’t possible unless there is a two way street of commitment. So the evil will never have the knowledge of God. They refuse to open themselves to know Him. They are committed to ignorance.
So? Paul said that the relationship of Jesus and the church is like a husband and wife. It takes commitment to start and commitment given anew moment by moment. Happy commitment to you.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Unlimited Partnership
(Proverbs 3:34 KJV) Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
I had the radio on. I did not have my I-pod ready to go so I was forced to listen to a commercial. The Voice wanted me to take my wealth from my storehouses and invest it in something he called a REIT. I think it stands for Real Estate Investment Trust. It would be managed by some of the biggest names in real estate. I am a bit dubious because we once lost a big chunk of change in something that was called a Limited Partnership. Then comes the kicker: Only families with a combined income of $120,000 and $75,000 to invest need respond. Only the wealthy need apply.
God takes a different approach. He only has free grace to give out to the “afflicted” (6035). Think of it as an unlimited partnership. We come in need, He gives out of unlimited resources. Of course there is a catch. We are all needy but we don’t like to admit it. That is the catch. We must admit our lack of ability and need of a savior.
So? Have you applied? Have you kept your certification up to date? God is waiting to hear from you.
I had the radio on. I did not have my I-pod ready to go so I was forced to listen to a commercial. The Voice wanted me to take my wealth from my storehouses and invest it in something he called a REIT. I think it stands for Real Estate Investment Trust. It would be managed by some of the biggest names in real estate. I am a bit dubious because we once lost a big chunk of change in something that was called a Limited Partnership. Then comes the kicker: Only families with a combined income of $120,000 and $75,000 to invest need respond. Only the wealthy need apply.
God takes a different approach. He only has free grace to give out to the “afflicted” (6035). Think of it as an unlimited partnership. We come in need, He gives out of unlimited resources. Of course there is a catch. We are all needy but we don’t like to admit it. That is the catch. We must admit our lack of ability and need of a savior.
So? Have you applied? Have you kept your certification up to date? God is waiting to hear from you.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Red Letter Days
(Proverbs 2:1 KJV) My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
It is very hard to “treasure” (6845) what I have not received. If something is not mine I may acknowledge its value but can hardly add it to my personal inventory. Here it is talking about “commandments” (4686) and “sayings” (561).
For me today this is a reminder of the importance of daily worship. I must have a time to focus on the truths and promises that God has given me in His word. That is why I am meditating on Proverbs every day. I must have a time where I expect to meet with almighty God. He speaks to me by bringing to mind that which I have stored away. I can’t always remember the exact verse and wording but that is another challenge to do a little looking and find it.
So? Today is just another day on the calendar for most of us. For me, and any other believer, it is a red letter day on which we encounter the Eternal and have our eyes lifted to heaven. It is a day to remember and to add to the database for remembering. May it be a red letter day for you.
It is very hard to “treasure” (6845) what I have not received. If something is not mine I may acknowledge its value but can hardly add it to my personal inventory. Here it is talking about “commandments” (4686) and “sayings” (561).
For me today this is a reminder of the importance of daily worship. I must have a time to focus on the truths and promises that God has given me in His word. That is why I am meditating on Proverbs every day. I must have a time where I expect to meet with almighty God. He speaks to me by bringing to mind that which I have stored away. I can’t always remember the exact verse and wording but that is another challenge to do a little looking and find it.
So? Today is just another day on the calendar for most of us. For me, and any other believer, it is a red letter day on which we encounter the Eternal and have our eyes lifted to heaven. It is a day to remember and to add to the database for remembering. May it be a red letter day for you.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Seeker Unfriendly
(Proverbs 1:28 KJV) Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Context, context, context. Compare this verse with the words of Jesus,
Jesus is emphasizing the willingness of God to respond with forgiveness to the repentant seeker. Solomon is pointing out that God is not stupid. He knows our hearts. He knows when we are sincere. He knows our motivation.
In Proverbs you have people who have been mocking God and only get “sorry” when life explodes in their faces. When the pressure drops so will their sorrow. They are only sorry that they got caught. Jesus is talking about those who are genuinely aware that they need a savior.
So? Which are you? Are you waiting for the crisis? Are you planning on buying fire insurance the day after the house burns down? It doesn’t work that way in the insurance industry. Do you expect God to be dumber than your agent?
Context, context, context. Compare this verse with the words of Jesus,
(Matthew 7:7 KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:Talk about a contradiction in scripture. Which are we to believe? Both actually.
Jesus is emphasizing the willingness of God to respond with forgiveness to the repentant seeker. Solomon is pointing out that God is not stupid. He knows our hearts. He knows when we are sincere. He knows our motivation.
In Proverbs you have people who have been mocking God and only get “sorry” when life explodes in their faces. When the pressure drops so will their sorrow. They are only sorry that they got caught. Jesus is talking about those who are genuinely aware that they need a savior.
So? Which are you? Are you waiting for the crisis? Are you planning on buying fire insurance the day after the house burns down? It doesn’t work that way in the insurance industry. Do you expect God to be dumber than your agent?
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