Faithful in the Small Things

(Proverbs 31:19 KJV)  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

We see an entire spectrum of work in these verses.  At one end we have the wife buying property.  At the other end, here, we see her involved in the basic task of making thread.  This was such a basic activity that even the upper classes would be involved in it in some way.  I am not sure we have anything that would compare with it today unless it is scrubbing toilets.  That is the only thing I can think of that is necessary, boring and undignified.

The example this woman is setting involves being involved in both high and low activities.  She does both with skill and determination.  It is one we should follow.

So?  I am not too good to scrub toilets.  I tend to put it off but eventually even I recognize the need.  This is practical advice for our attitude toward common tasks and being part of a family.  I am not sure what the spiritual application would be. 

Beware Lofty Eyes

(Proverbs 30:12-13 KJV)  There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.  There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

As I read chapter 30 this verse and the next jumped out at me.  I am surrounded by people who have rejected the holiness of God, the sacrifice of Jesus and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  I live in a pagan world.  So do you.  The culture gets more alien every time I walk out the door.  I have chosen to follow Jesus and that puts me on what He called the narrow road and going through the narrow gate.  He said there would be few who followed that path. 

These verses are a reminder to remember that we are redeemed sinners not petrified saints.  It is a reminder that we are still on the journey and victims of the limitations of our minds and strength.  Can we live upright lives?  Yes.  Are we saints instead of sinners?  Yes.  Am I a great example of righteousness?  No.  I need to remember that. 

So?  Be alert to the sin of arrogance.  You may be right.  You may know the truth.  You may actually be closer to God than the guy you work with.  In spite of that, be alert to the sin of arrogance. 

Rot Control

(Proverbs 29:2 KJV)  When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

I have made frequent reference to the talk of evil.  We need to understand that Proverbs also has a big spot for the “righteous” (6662).  In fact, more so.  A quick search in the NASB has “righteous” 66 times and “evil” 56 time in Proverbs.  This is not a scholarly conclusion, just an interesting observation.  You would need to make allowance for the different synonyms and figures of speech. 

The encouraging point is that just as the evil are with us, so are the righteous.  It is one reason that God spares His wrath from modern civilizations.  He loves His people and we are the salt that causes Him to stay His hand.  Too bad the people around us don’t show their appreciation.

So?  Be salt.  Think of yourself as the preservative that keeps the rot from taking over.  That in itself is quite a calling.

Evil Judgement

(Proverbs 28:5 KJV)  Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

What does it mean to be “evil” (7451b)?  In the last election the word was thrown around a lot.  I know I used it.  The problem is that most people don’t understand it, or don’t want to understand it.  For most people evil is simply someone who disagrees with them and has the temerity to express that disagreement.  Thus George Bush was evil but Bill Clinton wasn’t even though one was a paragon of virtue and the other was walking sleaze.  

There is a sense in which sin is sin and all is a rejection of the glory of God.  Got that.  But at the same time the Bible does have a hierarchy of rebellion.  There are different words for sin.  At one end you have failing to hit the mark.  At the other end you have voluntary depravity. 

But this points out there are those who are evil in the nasty sense.  These people often talk about “justice” (4941) and “love” but they do not even have the beginning of understanding because they have rejected the Lord and His values.

So?  Obviously we want to make sure we are on the right path but we also need to develop some discernment when it comes to whom we follow and accept as authority.  Start building your data base of righteousness. 

Poetry in Rocks

(Proverbs 27:3 KJV)  A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

Let’s wax poetical for a moment.  Some of us are rocks.  Some are sand (2344).  Too many are “fools” (191).  A stone is solid and rigid.  It has strength but little flexibility.  We all know people like that.  They will be on time and have their ducks in a row but don’t expect them to know about the latest social media craze.  Sand is flexible but has a hard time standing up on its own.  Sand makes great backgrounds for shooting ranges because it will absorb all kinds of abuse.  It isn’t good for foundations.  Fools are blasting caps waiting to go off unexpectedly.

With the help of the Holy Spirit we have something to say if we are rocks, sand or fools.  It starts with recognizing our traits and being willing to change.  It takes time but that is what spiritual growth is all about.  You might remember the buttons that were briefly popular:  PBPWMGINFWMY.  For the young that was, “Please be patient with me.  God is not finished with me yet.”

So?  The Christian life is a path not a spot.  It is a journey and I have a feeling it will be a journey that continues into eternity.  Right now we are getting ready for the big adventure.

Fools Bold

(Proverbs 26:5 KJV)  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Does this give us permission to use sarcasm?  The problem with that statement is that it is a criticism of sarcasm.  Then again, maybe it is an acknowledgment that some people deserve sarcasm.  It is really sad when someone does not recognize humor that is clear to others.

This flies in the face of the modern concept of respect for diversity.  Diversity can be a plus.  A special forces team wants to have a lot of diversity in the skill sets of it’s members.  If you have a football team, everyone can’t be the quarterback.  When you have a team of committed people they need to be diverse to cover all the needed niches.  Variety is not always a great thing.  If you have a .22 long rifle pistol it really doesn’t do you any good to have 223, 45 S&W, 45 Long Colt and .357 Magnum.  Diversity is just a lot of weight to carry.  Fools fit in that category.  They are just a lot of weight to carry. 

So?  We need to learn to not compliment fools or encourage them in what they are doing or saying.  It doesn’t matter if they are in the pulpit, the lectern or the press conference.  God has given us access to truth and the potential of wisdom.  Don’t water it down with sensitivity. 

History Lesson

(Proverbs 25:1 KJV)  These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

The Bible is a book embedded in history.  History is embedded in the Bible.  Solomon and Hezekiah are historical figures that did historical things.  Writing and editing were two of those historical activities.  Many critics have pointed to some historical reference in the Bible and trumpeted about how the Bible was wrong only to be shown up as more research proved them wrong. 

Yet having said that the Bible is not a history book.  It is a book of salvation.  The story of the birth of Jesus is in the book to proclaim that

(Galatians 4:4 KJV)  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

It is not there for us to declare a national holiday and get off work.  Jesus came to save us for eternity not give us a temporary rest.  That may be why the Bible does not give us a specific date for the nativity.

So?  Enjoy the day.  Enjoy your family.  Enjoy your holiday.  Remember that the baby in the manger came to die on a cross to save us from our sins.  Merry Christmas.