(Proverbs 14:15 KJV) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Notice the different words chosen by the KJV, “simple” (6612a) and the NASB, “naive”. The modern choice is much more gentle. It is also less to the point. Naive can mean someone who is simply not experienced enough to recognize danger when it rears it head. Simple says you can’t learn. It is almost the same difference as between ignorant and stupid. I wonder how it was understood in 1611. It is not a trait that should be associated with God’s people.
As I look at the different translations on my software I see other choices: Stupid, innocent, foolish, fool, unthinking person, and thoughtless. The root word means wide open and spacious.
So? We are to be focused. We are to understand priorities and moral imperatives. We are to be obedient servants of a Holy God.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Participation Trophies
(Proverbs 13:13 KJV) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
Who “despises” (936) the “word” (1697)? The context makes clear that we are talking about the word of God. Who would despise the Bible? The Hebrew is also translated “contempt” and “scorn”. The noun form is once “laughingstock” in the NASB.
Some people demean the word by praising it. How often have you heard someone talk about the KJV being a great piece of literature. It is true that you are not very well grounded in our culture if you don’t know the references that are always popping up from the Bible. That is a long way from accepting it as Truth. I am slowly working through writings of Plato and Aristotle. I am currently half way through the history of Herodotus. I acknowledge that they play a significant part in our cultural history. But they are just books. The Bible is not “just” a book.
Our problem is when we find these kind of people in the church. Sometimes they are pastors. Sometimes they are influential layman. They are the ones who give out the participation trophies to every contestant. They are the ones who don’t want to fail any students.
So? Make sure that you don’t fall for the “yes, but” crowd who don’t really believe that the Bible is the word of God. Proverbs does not think the reward for that is worth dying for. (Posted, January 13, 2017, PP)
Who “despises” (936) the “word” (1697)? The context makes clear that we are talking about the word of God. Who would despise the Bible? The Hebrew is also translated “contempt” and “scorn”. The noun form is once “laughingstock” in the NASB.
Some people demean the word by praising it. How often have you heard someone talk about the KJV being a great piece of literature. It is true that you are not very well grounded in our culture if you don’t know the references that are always popping up from the Bible. That is a long way from accepting it as Truth. I am slowly working through writings of Plato and Aristotle. I am currently half way through the history of Herodotus. I acknowledge that they play a significant part in our cultural history. But they are just books. The Bible is not “just” a book.
Our problem is when we find these kind of people in the church. Sometimes they are pastors. Sometimes they are influential layman. They are the ones who give out the participation trophies to every contestant. They are the ones who don’t want to fail any students.
So? Make sure that you don’t fall for the “yes, but” crowd who don’t really believe that the Bible is the word of God. Proverbs does not think the reward for that is worth dying for. (Posted, January 13, 2017, PP)
Friday, January 12, 2018
Till Then
(Proverbs 12:11 KJV) He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
I start looking at what I know about history and farming when I read something like this. The people of Solomon’s time were mainly farmers. That condition continued up to the industrial revolution and beyond. In 1790 about 90% of Americans were on farms. In 1987 it was 2%. Up until modern times the vast majority of people would understand this. The reference to bread is important because it underlines that this is talking about the basic farmer who grows grain. Although I found some reference to tilling in vineyards and orchards it doesn’t seem to be a big factor.
This is telling us that there are certain basics in life that demand our attention. Each of us has some area that could be considered “his land”. There are ingredients to life that would be considered “bread” (3899). Much of those foundational ingredients are consistent to all of us. Some kind of work is required. Attention to family is important. Civic responsibility is expected.
So? Although we can dream and pursue our dreams we are expected to take care of the basics of life first. Too many people today think that the government or their parents will take care of them while they become something great. It may work for a few but it is not the Biblical model. Get a job before you try to change the world.
I start looking at what I know about history and farming when I read something like this. The people of Solomon’s time were mainly farmers. That condition continued up to the industrial revolution and beyond. In 1790 about 90% of Americans were on farms. In 1987 it was 2%. Up until modern times the vast majority of people would understand this. The reference to bread is important because it underlines that this is talking about the basic farmer who grows grain. Although I found some reference to tilling in vineyards and orchards it doesn’t seem to be a big factor.
This is telling us that there are certain basics in life that demand our attention. Each of us has some area that could be considered “his land”. There are ingredients to life that would be considered “bread” (3899). Much of those foundational ingredients are consistent to all of us. Some kind of work is required. Attention to family is important. Civic responsibility is expected.
So? Although we can dream and pursue our dreams we are expected to take care of the basics of life first. Too many people today think that the government or their parents will take care of them while they become something great. It may work for a few but it is not the Biblical model. Get a job before you try to change the world.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Pig Humor
(Proverbs 11:22 KJV) As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Humor is often based on the unexpected. This is a form of humor that makes a point. We have two contrasts based on the weakness we have to judge a book by its cover. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. If I am checking out a tall stack of books from the library I can afford to get a few wrong. If you are buying a book for a long ride on an airplane you might want to look little farther than the cover.
I am sure that somewhere in the world there is a pig with a gold ring in its snout. I doubt if it will effect the quality of the bacon produced. The point is that precious gold does not change the stereotype of unclean animals into something blessed by God. In the same way, outward beauty does not make up for lack of character in us humans. Not being one of the beautiful people I have no trouble with this.
So? After looking at the cover, dig a little deeper. In selecting friends or spouses keep in mind that the gold ring still has value but the worth of the beauty is questionable.
Humor is often based on the unexpected. This is a form of humor that makes a point. We have two contrasts based on the weakness we have to judge a book by its cover. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. If I am checking out a tall stack of books from the library I can afford to get a few wrong. If you are buying a book for a long ride on an airplane you might want to look little farther than the cover.
I am sure that somewhere in the world there is a pig with a gold ring in its snout. I doubt if it will effect the quality of the bacon produced. The point is that precious gold does not change the stereotype of unclean animals into something blessed by God. In the same way, outward beauty does not make up for lack of character in us humans. Not being one of the beautiful people I have no trouble with this.
So? After looking at the cover, dig a little deeper. In selecting friends or spouses keep in mind that the gold ring still has value but the worth of the beauty is questionable.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
January Implies Looking Two Ways
(Proverbs 10:28 KJV) The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
All right, which is it, “shall be” (KJV) or “is” (NASB)? The key is found when you notice that the KJV put the verb in italics. That means it is not in the Hebrew and is inserted for clarity. It could be rendered in English,
“The hope of the righteous, gladness.”
Or,
“The hope of the righteous? Gladness!”
The problem that the Hebrew inserts that the translators are trying to interpret is the time frame of our “hope” (8431). Do we have hope now or is it to come? Is our hope something that applies in this life or is it for eternity? Of course you know the answer is “yes”. This is a both/and moment.
Hope is an assurance. That starts the day you are redeemed. Hope is an assurance. We have read the book and we know who wins.
So? Is the new year already looking like a disaster? Your hope is rooted in yesterday and extends into forever. Rejoice and be glad.
All right, which is it, “shall be” (KJV) or “is” (NASB)? The key is found when you notice that the KJV put the verb in italics. That means it is not in the Hebrew and is inserted for clarity. It could be rendered in English,
“The hope of the righteous, gladness.”
Or,
“The hope of the righteous? Gladness!”
The problem that the Hebrew inserts that the translators are trying to interpret is the time frame of our “hope” (8431). Do we have hope now or is it to come? Is our hope something that applies in this life or is it for eternity? Of course you know the answer is “yes”. This is a both/and moment.
Hope is an assurance. That starts the day you are redeemed. Hope is an assurance. We have read the book and we know who wins.
So? Is the new year already looking like a disaster? Your hope is rooted in yesterday and extends into forever. Rejoice and be glad.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Package Deal
(Proverbs 9:9 KJV) Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
What is the difference between a gift and a bribe? I have asked myself this question at other times. The two words seem to be used interchangeably in the Old Testament. Here we have the verb “give” (5414). This is the root word. It would seem clear that a gift is acceptable and a bribe is not, at least in our modern, Western thinking. This gives us another clue.
A gift that is a blessing makes the recipient “wiser” (2449). I wonder if there is also an element of the character of the recipient. In addition to being “wise” (2450) he is “righteous” (6662). Personally I wonder if it is possible to be really wise without being righteous. Righteousness is based in a fear of the Lord and that is where wisdom begins.
So? Do you desire the gift of wisdom? Then one of your goals is to live an upright life and allow the Holy Spirit to straighten up your inner life. It is a package.
What is the difference between a gift and a bribe? I have asked myself this question at other times. The two words seem to be used interchangeably in the Old Testament. Here we have the verb “give” (5414). This is the root word. It would seem clear that a gift is acceptable and a bribe is not, at least in our modern, Western thinking. This gives us another clue.
A gift that is a blessing makes the recipient “wiser” (2449). I wonder if there is also an element of the character of the recipient. In addition to being “wise” (2450) he is “righteous” (6662). Personally I wonder if it is possible to be really wise without being righteous. Righteousness is based in a fear of the Lord and that is where wisdom begins.
So? Do you desire the gift of wisdom? Then one of your goals is to live an upright life and allow the Holy Spirit to straighten up your inner life. It is a package.
Monday, January 8, 2018
The Scurry of Roaches
(Proverbs 8:36 KJV) But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Christians are commanded to love. We are told to regard others as more important than ourselves. I struggle with the idea of turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, but I accept it because Jesus wants me to be that way. In the wide spectrum of personalities and dispositions, that is a characteristic of Christians. We embrace life because we embrace Jesus.
It is hard for us to accept that there are people who “love” (157) “death” (4194). They hate life and light. They may deny it but that doesn’t change the facts. Have you ever walked into a dark room and turned on the light and heard the scurrying of tiny little feet as the roaches scurry for cover. They love darkness. When I walk across my house in Texas I am still wondering if I will step on some nocturnal pest. They hate life and light.
So? This helps me understand why so many will be going to Hell. To tell you the truth, they prefer it that way. Their eyes are like yours are in a dark room and someone flashed a bright light. They love the darkness. Jesus is light.
Christians are commanded to love. We are told to regard others as more important than ourselves. I struggle with the idea of turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, but I accept it because Jesus wants me to be that way. In the wide spectrum of personalities and dispositions, that is a characteristic of Christians. We embrace life because we embrace Jesus.
It is hard for us to accept that there are people who “love” (157) “death” (4194). They hate life and light. They may deny it but that doesn’t change the facts. Have you ever walked into a dark room and turned on the light and heard the scurrying of tiny little feet as the roaches scurry for cover. They love darkness. When I walk across my house in Texas I am still wondering if I will step on some nocturnal pest. They hate life and light.
So? This helps me understand why so many will be going to Hell. To tell you the truth, they prefer it that way. Their eyes are like yours are in a dark room and someone flashed a bright light. They love the darkness. Jesus is light.
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