Early Decisions

(Pro 14:22 KJV)  Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

As I meditated on this verse my thoughts went to the old issue of the chicken and the egg.  Which comes first the “devise” (2790a) or “err" (go astray NASB) (8582)?  My thoughts go to my questions about free will and grace.  There is a concept called “prevenient grace”.  My understanding of this is that it describes the working of the Holy Spirit in the unrepentant heart.  It is how God nudges or offers us chances to make decisions that nudge.  Because I believe in free will I think people make decisions before repentance that either move them toward or away from God.  Because I believe in original sin, I don’t think the natural man is capable of knowing where it will lead.  It does reflect he desire of the heart.

So?  God works on us a long time before we read the tract or hear the sermon.  I tend to think that usually our inclinations are what prompt Him to extend grace to us.  There are a lot of pitfalls down this path but it needs to be considered. 

Tax Policy?

(Pro 13:22 KJV)  A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

The standards and values of the Bible should influence our political opinions.  That is just part of living a life of righteousness.  Everything about us is to reflect our salvation and sanctification in Christ.  The reason this hit me is I have been reading a book that touched on the issue of tax policy.  The author was convinced that the best way to achieve social equality was through inheritance and estate taxes.  The reasoning behind his position was that the children of the rich  had done nothing to earn the wealth and it would be better for them if the government made it impossible to pass it on.  He made a very compassionate and impassioned plea but, as you can see, it does not agree with what God is telling us here.

So?  This is not about a debate on tax policy.  It is a reminder that the tax policy you support as a Christian should be grounded in Biblical values not the most current form of income redistribution.  Live in righteousness. 

The Father of Lies

(Pro 12:22 KJV)  Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Our culture seems to have given up on telling the truth.  In fact the intellectual voices of our day would deny that there is any absolute truth.  It is not just a passing fad of a few journalists.  It is a philosophy that has taken hold.  At the heart is a rejection of the God of the Bible.  You may have heard of Satan being called the “father of lies”.  That comes from Jesus.

(Joh 8:44 KJV)  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Everything is not relative and open to interpretation.  Sure, we can have different opinions on what is a beautiful painting.  Some people are inspired by the sea shore, others by forests.  Yet it is clear that lying is an “abomination” (8441).  

So?  Don’t accept the world’s rejection of truth.  We are called to a different standard and we ignore it at our peril. 

Yeah, But...

(Pro 11:22 KJV)  As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Can extremes cancel each other out?  We have gold and pigs.  To the Jew one was of great worth and the other was an abomination.  How often do we try to work out deals with God?  You know the pattern, “God, if I do this will you do this?”  The problem we face is that no amount of precious metal can compensate for defilement.  This is not about grace and forgiveness.  It is about the ways in which we try to work it out our way instead of God’s.

There is nothing wrong with wealth or beauty in themselves.  The problem is when we get them out of balance and try to substitute.  Have you ever been in a restaurant and they have a special that tells you, “No substitutions”?  What that means is you take the whole deal or none at all.

So?  God wants us to walk in righteousness.  It isn’t a negotiation.  It is an offer of more than we have a right to expect.  Go for the gold. 

The Richest Man in America

(Pro 10:22 KJV)  The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

As I sit in worship each morning I have a time of praise and a time of thanksgiving.  When I am focused on gratitude I often start listing all the blessings I have.  I start with Jesus being willing to give up equality with God and suffering death on a cross.  I rejoice in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  I then look around and marvel at how well God has provided for me.  Then the grandchildren come to mind.  I am truly “rich” (6238).

I live in the smallest house on the hill.  I would guess I drive the oldest car in the neighborhood.  I am possibly the riches within shouting distance.  

So?  We live in unsettled times.  Thieves may break in.  The government may push them aside to get their share.  I will still be rich. 

You Know Better

(Pro 9:6 KJV)  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

As I read this chapter today my mind was already on the concept of free will and choices.  This reinforced my thinking.  We are given choices in life.  The Old Testament resounds with the call to make the right ones.  It is not demanding perfection but it does require a mind that leans in the right direction.

This verse assumes that we can tell the difference between “folly” (6612a) and “understanding” (998).  I will grant that there are times in life when there are shades of gray but God knows that and allows for our limitations.  What He does not have a place for is the rebellious heart.

So?  Accept responsibility and seek to make righteous decisions.  It makes a difference. 

Be Very Afraid

(Psa 130:4 KJV)  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

This seemed like an awkward match:  Forgiveness and fear.  My nature position would be that in embracing “forgiveness” (5547) I would be far away from fear.  One lesson for us here is a glimpse into what the Bible means when it says God is to be “feared” (3372a).  

The Hebrew concept of fearing God includes craven fear but it goes beyond that.  It encompasses the aspects of awe and reverence.  This means that when we come to know God and understanding from the point of view of family, we have a healthy respect for His power and screaming justice but also the tempering balm of His lovingkindness.  It works for a powerful combination.  It motivates us for all the right reasons.

So?  Be afraid.  Be very afraid.  And bask in the security of that fear.