(Proverbs 31:4 KJV) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
As I read this verse I am reminded that President Trump does not drink alcoholic beverages. I don’t think that is any proof-text that he is God’s man of the hour, but it is interesting considering how much certain people hate him. I would be willing to bet that everyone who hates him is comfortable having a glass of “wine” (3196). I would venture a guess that most of them use things much stronger and more illegal.
Have you ever been mocked because you don’t drink? I have. I will admit that most of the time it is good natured ribbing but there was also a deeper discomfort. The discomfort was not in me. I am comfortable not drinking and it does not bother me when they hoist a few. The tension is in them. That tension is present any time you take a stand that makes you stand out from the crowd. It is even worse when the stand is clearly Biblical morality and not just alcohol which is a bit more nuanced.
So? I think you would be better off as a teetotaler but won’t condemn you to hell if you aren’t. It is one of those things that has never been a problem for me and I am grateful for that. I just wish I didn’t have a problem with gluttony.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Hindsight
(Pro 30:4 KJV) Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?
This is a verse that the ancient Jews should have been scratching their heads over. Did you notice it was talking about the One who “established” (6965) and then it refers to the establisher having a “son” (1121). This does not make sense to someone who doesn’t have a doctrine of the trinity.
But to us it does make sense. Jesus is God’s Son. He is eternal with the Father. He was involved in creation and actually is holding creation together.
So? Isn’t it great to have the hindsight that explains the unexplainable.
This is a verse that the ancient Jews should have been scratching their heads over. Did you notice it was talking about the One who “established” (6965) and then it refers to the establisher having a “son” (1121). This does not make sense to someone who doesn’t have a doctrine of the trinity.
But to us it does make sense. Jesus is God’s Son. He is eternal with the Father. He was involved in creation and actually is holding creation together.
So? Isn’t it great to have the hindsight that explains the unexplainable.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Judge
(Pro 29:14 KJV) The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Yesterday we looked at a general principle to treat people fairly. Today the verse lifts our focus to those in leadership positions. For most of us it won’t be applied as a king. We will be lucky to get elected to the board of the HOA. What do we look for? I would say that this is a reminder to those of us who can vote for leaders that we should be looking at their character.
We should be looking for leaders who will treat people with equality before the law. Here the emphasis is on how we treat the poor. Other places it is pointed out that we are not to give people the advantage just because they are poor. One of the ways that we could work a lot harder to apply this is in the area of judges. Everywhere I have lived it has been our responsibility to vote to return judges to their seat. It is also hard to know how to vote for judges. Information is hard to find so we don’t look.
So? Take your responsibility seriously. Seek people who can help you make this decision. Also pray for wisdom in this area.
Yesterday we looked at a general principle to treat people fairly. Today the verse lifts our focus to those in leadership positions. For most of us it won’t be applied as a king. We will be lucky to get elected to the board of the HOA. What do we look for? I would say that this is a reminder to those of us who can vote for leaders that we should be looking at their character.
We should be looking for leaders who will treat people with equality before the law. Here the emphasis is on how we treat the poor. Other places it is pointed out that we are not to give people the advantage just because they are poor. One of the ways that we could work a lot harder to apply this is in the area of judges. Everywhere I have lived it has been our responsibility to vote to return judges to their seat. It is also hard to know how to vote for judges. Information is hard to find so we don’t look.
So? Take your responsibility seriously. Seek people who can help you make this decision. Also pray for wisdom in this area.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Law not Fiat
(Pro 28:21 KJV) To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
This is a reminder that Christians are committed to what we call the “rule of law”. That is the opposite of “rule by fiat”. The law is a mutually agreed on and understood statement about what is right and wrong. It is to be applied evenly to everyone. It does not mean there will not be variations in opportunity, ability or outcome. It means that you will not treat people difference because of superficial qualities.
Remember that this is not the same as modern perversions like affirmative action and race politics. Those manipulate the law to gain power. The Bible treats people with the law of love.
So? As we live in the image of God, treat people evenly.
This is a reminder that Christians are committed to what we call the “rule of law”. That is the opposite of “rule by fiat”. The law is a mutually agreed on and understood statement about what is right and wrong. It is to be applied evenly to everyone. It does not mean there will not be variations in opportunity, ability or outcome. It means that you will not treat people difference because of superficial qualities.
Remember that this is not the same as modern perversions like affirmative action and race politics. Those manipulate the law to gain power. The Bible treats people with the law of love.
So? As we live in the image of God, treat people evenly.
Monday, May 27, 2019
Worse than Anger
(Pro 27:4 KJV) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
One question that comes to mind is “Why is ‘jealousy’ (7068) worse than ‘wrath’ (2534) or ‘anger’ (639)?” Is jealousy an emotion or a decision? Does it start with one and become the other? I guess that is more than one question. Maybe it starts as a temptation and becomes a sin.
I think of jealousy as being something that has a target in a quality that cannot be changed. Thus I usually don’t get mad at someone who is better looking than I am but I might be jealous. While the target can’t be changed the attitude can, and must.
So? It might be a time to ask yourself if you are jealous of anyone else. Let us hope it is a vain search.
One question that comes to mind is “Why is ‘jealousy’ (7068) worse than ‘wrath’ (2534) or ‘anger’ (639)?” Is jealousy an emotion or a decision? Does it start with one and become the other? I guess that is more than one question. Maybe it starts as a temptation and becomes a sin.
I think of jealousy as being something that has a target in a quality that cannot be changed. Thus I usually don’t get mad at someone who is better looking than I am but I might be jealous. While the target can’t be changed the attitude can, and must.
So? It might be a time to ask yourself if you are jealous of anyone else. Let us hope it is a vain search.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Harvest Honor
(Pro 26:1 KJV) As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Some types of honor are natural and should be automatic. For instance,
Some types of honor are dependent on deserving it. Too often we get the two types confused. The confusion often comes because we don’t want to make the call. We don’t want to make the decision about whether the honor is appropriate or just convenient.
Sometimes honor at the wrong time is not an issue. A dusting of unexpected snow does not ruin a crop. A light sprinkle does not flatten the wheat. Other times it is disaster.
So? Think before you honor someone. Isn’t it frustrating how often God expects us to think?
Some types of honor are natural and should be automatic. For instance,
(Exo 20:12 KJV) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.This does not have any qualifying tests to receive the honor. It is deserved by the position and we are to reward it the same way.
Some types of honor are dependent on deserving it. Too often we get the two types confused. The confusion often comes because we don’t want to make the call. We don’t want to make the decision about whether the honor is appropriate or just convenient.
Sometimes honor at the wrong time is not an issue. A dusting of unexpected snow does not ruin a crop. A light sprinkle does not flatten the wheat. Other times it is disaster.
So? Think before you honor someone. Isn’t it frustrating how often God expects us to think?
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Resist the Tide
(Pro 25:1 KJV) These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
How easy it is to forget the things that should be remembered. How could Israel forget the wisdom of Solomon? I guess you could ask the same thing about the history of your country. Just as we are watching the intellectuals of our country rewrite our history and ignoring it, I am sure the same could have happened in ancient times. In America how many people are there who have no idea what is in the Declaration of Independence? I would guess the percentages would be similar to those who could not list the Ten Commandments.
I think one of the steps to ignorance is when we allow the professionals to take charge of the truth. Next Sunday let’s assume that you go to church. Look around and see how many people brought their Bible. Watch and see if they look up the passage under consideration. Listen and see if the preacher is actually using the verses he refers to. Does he refer to any verses?
So? Just because the wave has crashed and the water is flowing down hill does not mean that we can’t stand up and keep moving inland. Pay attention and apply what you know. It may keep you away from the sharks.
How easy it is to forget the things that should be remembered. How could Israel forget the wisdom of Solomon? I guess you could ask the same thing about the history of your country. Just as we are watching the intellectuals of our country rewrite our history and ignoring it, I am sure the same could have happened in ancient times. In America how many people are there who have no idea what is in the Declaration of Independence? I would guess the percentages would be similar to those who could not list the Ten Commandments.
I think one of the steps to ignorance is when we allow the professionals to take charge of the truth. Next Sunday let’s assume that you go to church. Look around and see how many people brought their Bible. Watch and see if they look up the passage under consideration. Listen and see if the preacher is actually using the verses he refers to. Does he refer to any verses?
So? Just because the wave has crashed and the water is flowing down hill does not mean that we can’t stand up and keep moving inland. Pay attention and apply what you know. It may keep you away from the sharks.
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