Three or Four

(Pro 30:18 KJV)  There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

Several times in Proverbs we see this pattern of “three, no four”.  I am guessing it is a literary device to get your attention.  We see a lot of this type of thing in the Bible and we often turn off our understanding of the world around us and the nature of literature when we try to understand.  One of the problems with Bible interpretation and translation is in these type of figures of speech.  Most people will agree that the Bible has both figurative and literal passages.  Where they run into problems is in agreeing on which is which.

This comes up in such Phrases as “forty days and forty nights”.  It is a problem when you look at the first chapter of Genesis.  How about the references to “the whole world”?  There is more than one way to understand things and we need to accept that.  Your understanding may fit well in your system but not in mine.  And don’t tell me you don’t have a system.

So?  Keep your mind turned on and your judgmental attitude turned off.  Remember how much of our ignorance God has to overlook.  I know Jesus got frustrated with the disciples and He was working face to face. 

A Basic Breakdown

(Pro 29:10 KJV)  The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

As I watch the world around me I see that there is a breakdown of the rule of law.  Part of that is in the streets.  A more important part is in government and the courts.  There was a time when I believed it was enough to obey the law and live an upright life and all would go well.  That is not the case any more.  We see an increasing number of powerful people twisting the system to grind down the average person and gather the benefits to themselves.  They are attacking the “blameless” (8535).  They are the enemies of justice and righteousness.

We already see in some locations that the government is trying to muzzle the voice of the Bible.  Pastors are being threatened if they say certain things which go against current social dogma.  Fines, arrests and other coercions are being applied to the “upright” (8535 KJV).

So?  First, recognize it is happening.  Second, we need to understand that when it comes to it we are going to be persecuted for righteousness sake.  Jesus warned us.  Continue to have faith in God, keep your spirits up and rejoice that you are found worthy. 

Not a Good Ratio

(Pro 28:2 KJV)  For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

Do you ever look at your choices on a ballot and feel nothing but despair?  I think part of what is being stated here is that having a majority of self-centered egotists running for office or being in power is not unusual.  It is something we can expect.  Then when we find someone of “understanding” (995) we tend to wonder if it is true.  

Sometimes we need to look past the surface or the screaming of the media.  I think we have all met people who look suspicious on first meet but in time show a depth that we need.

So?  Do your homework, vote and speak up.  If you believe someone has the qualities needed then let others know.  Keep in mind that applies to the church board as much as the president of the United States.

Moving away from the Honeycomb

(Pro 27:7 KJV)  The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Israel went through a constant cycle.  I have seen it presented as an observation in general.  Bad times bring repentance.  Repentance brings changes in behavior.  Changes in behavior bring about good times.  Good times make people stop doing the good things and bad times result.  Israel went from disaster to blessing and back again.  We in the United States have been going through some really good times if you consider history and the rest of the world.  Now the debauchery sets in.

So?  God will notice.  He will respond.  We are not His chosen people but He has blessed us as a nation because we had a sizable minority that believed and lived what they believed.  As that minority becomes ever more minor there will come a point where it all falls apart.  God is watching.  Each of us need to be doing our part before it falls around our ears. 

Do an Agenda Check

(Pro 26:9 KJV)  As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

As I read this I thought of some of the people I have heard in pulpits and Bible studies who teach some of the most ridiculous things.  Actually it is worse than that.  Many teach nonsense.  Others are undisguised heretics.  

In some cases it is a matter of not listening or not being mature enough to understand.  I think of how Jesus taught in parables.  That is the word used in the KJV for “proverbs” (4912).  He had to explain them in great detail to the chosen disciples.  It is no wonder the multitude did not understand.  

There are others like the magician Simon in Acts 8:9 who wanted the power of God for their own purposes.  That is getting closer to what we are talking about here.  Some people are feeding their own ego or desire for power when they step up to preach and teach.

So?  Beware.  If you are in a church that has that kind of leadership and you can’t do anything about it, I would suggest finding another church. 

Time to Stand

(Pro 25:26 KJV)  A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

I am a city boy.  I have camped out and enjoyed the forest but at heart I am an A/C and microwave kind of guy.  That means I don’t really know what it means when someone messes up a natural source of water.  Just open another bottle or turn on the tap, right?  That is not the point.

The point being made here is that if we don’t stand up for righteousness we are pretty much useless.  I don’t like it.  It doesn’t ask me to like it.  It is a statement of fact.

So?  Stand up for righteousness.  Speak truth.  Vote morals.  Live above the line. 

Be on the Right Side of History

(Pro 24:24 KJV)  He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

So often it seems like the author of a particular verse in Proverbs has been listening to our modern news programs.  It is very common for the talking heads to be in total denial about reality.  Actually it is worse than that.  They know the truth but refuse to express it.  We live in an age when people who hold to the standards God gave us in the Bible are labeled with a long list of pejorative adjectives.  Those who believe in morality are labeled immoral.  In fact, morality is totally redefined.  

If you have been paying attention, the dictionaries available on line are changing the definitions of words.  They are able to do this because they deny truth as an objective reality.  Truth is whatever advances their agenda.  This is why it is so important for us to keep in contact with the source of truth.  It is time for us to admit that we are under attack and need to see to our defenses and training.

So?  One of the first steps in a cure is to admit it is needed.  Then the solution must be sought.  Be strong and trust in God.