Wisdom Not Wiles

(Proverbs 31:26 KJV)  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

All is not physical work.  The godly wife also teaches with words.  Most of us were not in any doubt but this reinforces the understanding that “wisdom” (2451) is not the exclusive strength of men. 

Another observation hits me again.  Adults are not to be facilitators or buddies.  We are to be dispensers of wisdom.  We come with the benefit of age and experience.  Of course if it is not linked with some solid foundations in righteousness and a bit of discernment, wisdom is elusive, but adults have a better chance of achieving it than children.  This goes in direct conflict with the teachings of our culture.

So?  Are you a source of wisdom or foolishness.  Remember GIGO.  Somehow I feel that should be in the Bible somewhere. 

Know When to Say “No.”

(Proverbs 30:30 KJV)  A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

This must be understood in the context of the previous verse that talked about being “stately” (3190).  It is interesting to me the spectrum of images that are given.  It starts with the “lion” (3918), the king of beasts and ends with a human king when he is backed by his army.  Those are fine but in between he talks about a cock and a goat.  I am not sure what kind of an example we are being given.  I don’t mind the lion and king but to try to get me to identify with a billy goat...?

What do they have in common that makes them praiseworthy?  They “turneth not away” (retreat NASB) (7725).  Obviously this can be a negative trait.  It can speak of arrogance and foolishness, but I think the lesson for us today is different.  I think this is a reminder that we should not be backing down in our conflict with our culture.

We live in a culture that used to have the trappings of Christianity.  More and more that is being usurped by paganism.  The values that God wants to see are increasingly under attack.  We are reminded that we should not be retreating, but standing firm.

So?  Conversations, policies, laws.  All are going to be either anti-Christian, neutral, or supportive of God’s standards.  Know the difference.  Stand up for what is Godly.  Today.  Tomorrow may be too late. 

Regardless

(Proverbs 29:7 KJV)  The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

The “wicked” (7563) “regardeth not” (don’t “understand” (995) NASB) what is going on around them.  They claim to have an exclusive hotline to the needy.  They think they have the answers.  Most of those answers involve throwing money at the problem and having professionals deal with the issues.  The problem is that they cannot understand because they deny the input of the righteous.

Consider a doctor who rejects germ theory.  How much damage would a surgeon do that refused to wash before cutting?  The same is true of educators, psychologists, social workers, politicians and philanthropists that ignore the presence of evil.

So?  You need to understand that you know more about what is wrong with the world than the most educated experts if they deny sin and grace.  Don’t be intimidated by the so-called experts.  Consider yourself that one eyed man in the world of the blind. 

The Us in Usury

(Proverbs 28:8 KJV)  He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

This is one of those verses that makes no sense to me.  Having said that there is one thing that jumps out at me.  God really hates credit.  This hits me because it is a recurring theme.  In our capitalistic system we live on credit.  “Usury" (interest NASB) (5392) is a part of life.  I understand the problem with “usury” (8636), but why would anyone risk loaning money if they could not gain interest?  The NASB translates “usury” as “interest” and “unjust gain” as “usury” (8636).  The KJV puts it much stronger and condemns it even more.

I feel like a revolutionary when I read this.  Maybe it doesn’t make sense because I don’t want to hear.  Should we abandon all types of credit including home mortgages?  Are all people who loan money evil?  Some Christian voices urge us to get out of all debt.  Few of us will be big lenders but maybe we could stop being borrowers.

So?  Something to seriously think about.  I don’t want to hear it.  Maybe I should pay more attention to this. 

Cultures and Courtesy

(Proverbs 27:9 KJV)  Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

“Ointment” (oil NASB) (8081) and “perfume” (7004) give reference to the vast differences between our culture and ancient Israel.  These refer to what we might consider “party favors.”  When you had guests to dinner one of the rituals was anointing them with oil and perfume.  This was common in Jesus’ time and is referred to by him.

(Luke 7:46 KJV)  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

If you walked up to your guest and started pouring smelly oil on his head he might punch you but in those days it showed respect and courtesy.  Jesus was saying, “You showed me what you really thought about me, and so did she.”

So?  Times change.  Courtesy is expressed in different ways.  The attitude is the same and we should be careful to show courtesy in whatever culture we live.

Lips and Hearts

(Proverbs 26:23 KJV)  Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

We start with our sinful selves.  You may not like the picture painted.  “Burning” (1814) “lips” (8193) is not a pretty picture and it probably doesn’t feel good either.  Even worse is a “wicked” (7451a) “heart” (3820).  This is the exact same Hebrew that was used in the verse referenced yesterday that talked about a “troubled heart” (25:20). 

Not much to work with, is it?

Then we dress is up with the praise of the world.  This is the “dross” (5509).  Why are we impressed with the good things that the pagan world says about us?  Being the tallest midget is not exactly something to brag about.  It is like being praised for driving on the right side of the road in North America.

So?  What is your foundation?  Do you have the fire of God in your heart or the tepid flame of a soggy matchstick?  Seek Him while He may be found. 

Sometimes You Can’t Win

(Proverbs 25:20 KJV)  As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

I return to the literal meaning of a word.  What kind of “heart” (3820) are we talking about here?  None of the translations comes even close to the literal meaning of “heavy” (troubled NASB) (7451a).  It means evil, pure and simple, if you can use the word pure to define evil. 

The evil heart.  It exists.  It responds to us.  If we try to adjust to it, we are rejected and despised.  The two pictures are cold and chemicals.  One brings misery the other destruction.  Sometimes the best thing to do is to avoid it.

So?  Pick your friends.  Pick your locations.  Pick your priorities.  Avoid evil.