Planned Behavior

(Pro 21:5 KJV)  The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

In this section of Proverbs we see a discussion of the many ways in which people try to live their lives and get ahead.  We have arrogance and pride.  We have lies and violence.  In the midst of that is the recommendation to being “diligent” (2742a).  

For the past several months I have been looking for the actual behaviors that will lead to wisdom and the righteous life.  It is amazing how much of Proverbs is praise for wisdom and clever little observations and how rare the clear standards are.  I think that diligence may be one of those standards.  It speaks of being faithful in applying yourself to the tasks of the day.  It reminds us to stop and look ahead so that we can do a bit of planning.  It means you don’t stop work just because it is 5:00 and you can.  Diligence is the behavior that has you get to an appointment a few minutes early to make sure everything is in order.  I remember faculty meetings when I was teaching when the principal would walk in a minute late and then begin to get set up.  It is no wonder that the teachers were late all the time.

So?  A path to wisdom is not paved with good intentions but due diligence.  Something to act on for the day.  You have probably already done enough thinking. 

Basic Thanksgiving

(Pro 20:12 KJV)  The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

I think that Solomon was having his morning devotions when he wrote this.  He was going over all the things that he had to be thankful for.  It suddenly occurred to him, or the Holy Spirit whispered in his ear, that he was overlooking some of the basic stuff.  

I often do the same thing, so this morning I asked the Lord to remind me of some of the blessings I tend to overlook.  I regularly thank Him for His grace, for Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross, my overworked guardian angel and such as that.  Today He reminded me of such mundane things as electricity, inexpensive steel and weaving.  What would life be like without such basics?  I guess the answer would look a lot like the stone age.

So?  Rejoice in the bounty God has given us.  If you are having a hard time with that try to start a fire with no modern devices. 

Nuance Your Anger

(Pro 19:11 KJV)  The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

I was wondering if “discretion” (7922) was the same as discernment.  The answer seems to be “no.”  Discernment is a bit deeper and I think focuses on the difference between good and evil.  A good synonym for “discretion” is “understanding.”  This comes from a thoughtful person growing by their experiences.  Toddlers are not known for their patience.  I have seen my granddaughter melt down over a button hole.  I have seen people punch walls.  Some people learn eventually because of the pain.  Others can watch another person make a fool of themselves and have an “aha” moment.

We are called to pause, consider and usually take the gentle path.  It is called wisdom.

So?  If you need to get angry, and at times you do, tomorrow will usually be soon enough.  A righteous, nuanced anger will be much more effective than blowing off steam.

Name that Loon

(Pro 18:10 KJV)  The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

One of the blogs I visit fairly regularly has a feature that involves taking the birth announcements from the local paper and sharing what people are naming their children.  He does not focus on what have been considered common names in the past such as John or Samantha.  He does not comment on obvious ethnic names such as Jose or Ingrid.  What he does is lift out the names that have obviously been manufactured by parents needing a bit of creativity in their lives.  There doesn’t seem to be any thought about the handle the kid will have do deal with the rest of his life.

He also makes some comments about the marriage relationships in these namings.  It is amazing how often there is no father on record.  That does not come as a surprise.  On the other hand, when I find someone named Zedekiah or Ezekiel I have a strong suspicion they have parents who attend a church that uses the King James Bible.  If I were forced to make a choice based on names of whom to trust, I would throw my vote with Obadiah rather than a handle that only God knows how to pronounce.

So?  Names can’t be counted on in every day life but the one people label us with behind our backs can tell a lot about how they view our character.  It might also indicate what they think of our God.

Molding the Mold

(Pro 17:21 KJV)  He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Being a parent is one of the most powerful positions in life.  While it is true that tyrants with absolute political power can kill and coerce, it is the parent who actually molds a personality.  There are many personality traits that we are born with.  Others are learned.  I am not sure I am in a position to determine which is which.  Are we born extroverts or is it taught?  Are we quiet my nature or is it learned?  I have two children and each was different from birth.  I have two grandchildren and the same applies, in spades.  

We influence the lives of others.  Parents have that frightening reality from conception on.  People with no children of their own touch the children of others.  We have friends and neighbors.  We work with people.  Are we moving them towards being fools?

So?  I guess the first issue is to make sure we are not fools ourselves.  Keep in mind God is actively redeeming and restoring human beings.  Maybe you can get Him to take some celestial sandpaper to you. 

Wind Alerts

(Pro 16:3 KJV)  Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

As part of my morning worship I was in Psalm 16 this morning and a verse stood out to me that is similar to this.

(Psa 16:8 KJV)  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Both verses remind us that it is important to purpose ourselves to keep the presence of God in the front of our mind and lives.  We have been having a lot of wind recently.  If you are not paying attention it is easy to have your car moved into a dangerous position.  The same is true of walking.  

So?  Be alert.  Be in tune with the things of God.  It really helps in our stability. 

Marbling

 Pro 15:30 KJV)  The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

It is amazing how our current culture molds our concepts.  Today fat is something to be avoided.  We are into the slender, lean look.  People who obviously have a reason to dislike this are calling out those who do something they call “fat shaming”.  Too bad they did not live in the Middle Ages or Renaissance periods where chubby thighs were a sign of prosperity instead of gluttony.

The references in Proverbs tend to be more Renaissance than Post Modern.  Fat is good.  It is a case of fat cat as opposed to fat head.  You may not be a connoisseur but may have heard that expensive cuts of meat taste better because of the marbling.  Marbling in meat is another word for fat content.

So?  May your day be marbled with good news.