Cross References

(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 verse should bring a number of other scriptures to mind.  The first part is reflection of the conversation God has with Job.  It is used to remind you about who God is.  Strangely enough, we have reference to His name.  That refers to another place where God and Moses were having a discussion, and the name of the Yahweh comes up.

So far any upstanding young Jew would know what is going on.  So far it’s clear.  And then you throw in this bit about the name of His Son.  His Son?  God has a Son?  That doesn’t make sense to the average Jew.  But it makes sense to the average Christian.

So? Are we dealing here with the Trinity?  Are we dealing with something we’ve never heard of before?  Isn’t it amazing the things that you find when you read and pay attention? 

Ultimately

(Pro 29:16 KJV)  When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

In the circles I run in there is a lot of concern about what is happening in our country and in our world.  Things do not look like they are going well.  It looks like the forces of evil are on the advance and attacking.  What is worse is they seem to be winning.  What are we to do?

Notice the two words here, first “multiplied” (7235a), and then “increase”(7235a) in the KJV, then “increase” twice in the NASB.  That doesn’t sound good for our side.  But then noticed the last part:  We will see their “fall” (4658).

So?  Continue to trust.  Continue to live in a righteous way.  Continue to do justice, love, kindness, and walk humbly with your God.  He is watching more carefully than we are. 

Riots

(Pro 28:7 KJV)  Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

I continue to ask myself what is this law that was talked about in the Old Testament.  What is this body of rules that David praises up one side and down the other and that much of the Psalms think of as being glorious and grand?  I think this verse gives us an indication of the kind of standards that are being talked about when they mention the law.

Paul seems to be concerned about picky, little nonsense rules, like boiling a kid in its mothers milk.  The Old Testament seems to be concerned about the moral and ethical standards portrayed by the law.  Notice here the wise son is not the one who does not mix the material in his coat, but one who does not participate in loose living.

So?  Think about what you read.  Think about all that you read, not just the quotations from Paul that support you’re theological system.  The Bible should interpret itself.  Paul is an inspired writer, true.  However, we need to understand that David and Solomon, and the other authors of the Old Testament were also inspired writers. 

Which came first?

(Gen 1:1 KJV)  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

This makes me think of that old question of which came first the chicken or the egg.  In this case, however, it’s a question of what was in God’s mind first, the world or man.  If you are familiar with the discussion of intelligent design, and the fine-tuning of the universe, it would seem that everything was put together with the idea is it man would come along.  That would also fit with the nature of God and the fact that he doesn’t do things by chance, or accidentally.

Keep in mind that man was told to subdue and cultivate the Earth.  It was not ready out of the box, some assembly required.  Which again brings up the question of which was created for the other.  Or I guess it could be that both were created with the same goal in mind.

So? Keep in mind that you are here for a reason.  God had a plan and still has a plan that’s bigger than just you or me.  I’m glad to know that there’s something more going on than me getting the lawn mowed. 

June Fool’s Day

(Pro 26:1 KJV)  As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

Now begins an extended statement about fools.  We know that Jesus told us not to call people fools.  We know that there can be a real attitude problem on our part for calling people fools.  Yet this chapter focuses on the reality of fools.

Might I suggest that a little bit of thought could go into making sure that we do not fit into this category.  We know that things need to begin with a fear of God.  Wisdom begins with the fear of God.  Knowledge begins with the fear of God.  I’m sure that we could add a lot more areas to our life that need the influence of the fear of God.

So?  Are you a fool?  Am I a fool?  Don’t answer that.  Actually, you can answer that.  As long as you don’t type it in the comments, I will never know.  I would hope that I am fearing God enough to be grounded in wisdom and knowledge.  I would hope that the love of Christ will control me.  The adventure continues. 

Majesty

(Psa 89:12 KJV)  The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

I am guessing that this idea of creating the directions to the north and south is a word picture, and an illustration of a great greatness of God.  That would make sense.  But that brings up the question of whether something is good because God declares it that way or whether God declares it good because it is that way.

Do virtues and principles and, as it’s given here, directions exist outside of God or are they the result of God.  Christian believers of course would say that nothing exists outside of God.  That would mean that North and south are arbitrary creations of Him.

Even there you have to be careful.  Is anything arbitrary in the sight of God?

So?  It’s always good to stop and think about what we read.  God is worthy of our contemplation, meditation, and our love. 

Generic

(Pro 24:1 KJV)  Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

The first verse of this chapter sets the mood for the rest.  Here Solomon has a lot to say about the “evil” (7463a) “men” (376) that are so common in our world.  I would like to say “in our modern world” but this was written thousands of years ago and has remained true on a daily basis.  

It is interesting that in this location the actual Hebrew for “man” is used.  Often the “man” is understood and the comment would be more about generic evil.  

So?  Just another reminder that we do not live in a benevolent world.  Keep in mind that it is out to get you and your greatest protection is the presence of the Living God residing in your heart.