Historically Politically Correct

(Pro 27:12 KJV) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

There are times when I wish I could go back and get into the mind of an ancient Jew so that I could read a verse in Hebrew and feel the assumptions of that culture.  If you are looking at the KJV you will see that the word “man” is in italics.  That means it is not in the Hebrew.  This is a common occurrence as you read through the Bible.  The translators assume the word and put it in.  Without that assumption this becomes “the prudent sees evil...”  In our modern, politically correct, virtue signaling culture some people are very sensitive to this system of “patriarchal oppression”.  They would be glad to know that the original did not include it.

So?  The Bible seems to clearly infer that God is not feminine.  He is called Father, not Mother.  Jesus was the Son, not the daughter.  At the same time it is clear that the principles are applied to all, not just one group.  I guess that includes me and you. 

Fool Dogs

(Pro 26:11 KJV) As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Why does a dog “vomit” (6892)?  I would imagine there are a number of reasons.  One is that it ate too much and the body is relieving the pressure.  I think when dogs eat grass it can lead to a purging.  However you want to look at it the reason has to do with the dog’s body being smarter than the dog.  Yet the dog goes for it again.

This does not say much for the fool.  You may have noticed that they keep coming back to the same arguments and positions.  It does not matter how many times you bring them the facts.  They continue on their way to death.

So?  Dogs vomiting is not an eternal issue.  Fools refusing to respond to the truth of God is. 

Word Alert

(Pro 25:11 KJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Good timing can be everything.  Think of the medications people take.  Usually there are timing requirements.  Some are to be taken at bedtime, others when you rise.  The one I take is supposed to be taken with food.  One I used to take prohibited grapefruit.  Our words and actions can be the same way.  Here the focus is on what we say.

Think about the verbal expectations we are presented with.  We are to witness.  We are to rebuke and encourage.  Timing is very important.  That is why the “fitly” of the KJV and the “right” (5921) “circumstances” (655) of the NASB are so important to remember. 

So?  Since you may only get one good chance to say what needs to be said, be alert.

Safety Not First

(Pro 24:6 KJV) For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

I think the NASB does a better job with “victory” (8668) rather than the “safety” of the KJV.  There is a sense in which winning can lead to staying safe but that is not always true for the warrior in the front lines.  The safety is a relative thing.  Their job is to protect the safety of the others and sacrifice themselves if necessary.

I guess this should remind us that there may be casualties in our spiritual battles.  If we follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and operate by the principles of God we can be assured of final victory.  Sometimes it doesn’t look that way but it is the focus of the promise.

So?  Keep the God’s eye vision in place.  God is still God and will remain on the throne. 

A Rod for a Rolex

(Pro 23:14 KJV) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Yes, this is talking about corporal punishment.  It is talking about spanking.  It is approving it as a way of dealing with defiant children.  Yes, this goes against modern theories of child rearing.  If you advocate this you will be rejected by most of your peers and possibly face court action. 

Deal with it.  The reality is that much of what the Bible advocates goes against what is politically correct today.  You don’t need to do a lot of reading to begin to sense the conflict. 

So?  Ultimately you must decide whether you are going to follow the Creator of the universe and His owner’s manual or the guy trying to tell you he is willing to sell you a real Rolex for $100. 

The First Half of the Formula

(Pro 22:22 KJV) Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

The most common pattern in Proverbs is for each verse to stand alone.  There are a few places where a longer section holds together.  Here we need to look at the next verse in order to get the full impact.

(Pro 22:23 KJV) For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

This is one of those cases where we are told the consequences of ignoring what we are told.  We need to remember that if we take advantage of the disadvantaged then the counsel for the other side will be God Himself.

So?  You may get away with playing it fast and loose for the day, week, year or even a lifetime.  You need to remember that eventually you will meet the Judge. 

Mouth Watch

(Pro 21:23 KJV) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Watching your mouth protects the “soul” (5315) from the many “troubles” (6869a) that are waiting.  Our spiritual side represented by the soul is always tied in with our temporal side.  These troubles fit in that category.  In looking at the word the most terrifying trouble is found in childbirth.  To multiply the problem it is a first child.  These are things that we must go through but wish could be dealt with more gently.

The implication is that we will see trouble in our lives.  Try to avoid people who tell you that life will be a bed of roses or if you have problems it is because you don’t have enough faith.  If you have trouble with that think of David, a man after God’s own heart, being chased from his palace by his son.  Or think of Jesus in the Garden wishing there was another way to save mankind.  Then you have Paul asking that the thorn of flesh be removed.  If you got problems, you also got good company.

So?  Rejoice because there are ways to reduce the suffering.