Category: Proverbs

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Proverbs

To be a woman

Being a woman

In this passage, we find out what it means to be the ideal woman. 

As with men, too often, this world has a warped view of what a woman should be.  Much of it is focused on her appearance.  Being slim, beautiful, and sexy. 

But Lemuel’s mother makes a key point in this passage.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  (Proverbs 31:30)

Women, to be a woman means simply this above all things:  fear the Lord. 

Spending time developing your charm and your beauty is worth nothing compared to cultivating your relationship with your Lord.

Men, if you are pursuing a wife, don’t be deceived by her charms or her looks.  Look instead for a real woman.  Someone who loves her Lord above all else.

If you want to wrap up the whole of this passage, that’s it. 

But there’s also a lot more Lemuel’s mother said of the kind of woman her son should pursue.

She should be someone of noble character  (10). 

Physical beauty fades.  A noble character only grows more beautiful. 

What is a woman of noble character?  It goes back to the first point.  It’s a woman who pursues her Lord above all things.  A woman who does this will grow more and more like her Lord as each day passes.

She is trustworthy (11).  

She’s a person you can trust to be faithful to you.  A person you can trust to be faithful in your finances.  A person you can trust to be honest with you at all times.

She looks to bless her husband (12). 

Put another way, she honors her husband above herself.

She is not lazy, but hardworking to support her family’s needs  (13-15, 21-22, 27).

She is wise with her finances, making good choices (16).  

Though not neglecting her family), she works to support her family financially (13-15, 17-19, 24). 

This is a tough balance to achieve for both men and women.  I, of course, think it’s fine for wives to work, and in this day and age, it’s often necessary. 

But for husbands and wives, we need to be careful that in trying to achieve financial security, we don’t neglect our marriages nor our children.

She is generous (20).

Because of the type of wife she is, she brings dignity to her husband in front of others  (23).  

In contrast with other women who tear down their husbands in front of others, constantly complaining about them.

She has strength and a dignity about her (25a). 

So not only can people respect her husband, they can respect her.

She is confident about her future because she fears the Lord (25b).  

She has utterly put her trust in God.

She is wise, and her from her mouth pours out wisdom (26). 

She pours out wisdom to her husband, her children, and all those around her.

She has the respect of her husband and children (28-29).  

That is a woman, and more namely a wife, by God’s definition.

Two more points before I close this chapter, and the book of Proverbs for that matter.

First, it’s not only women who are supposed to be this way. The men are too. Sure, Lemuel’s mother is speaking of the ideal woman, but an ideal man should be this way too.

Second, remember God’s grace.

Women (and men) can get so pounded down by looking at these ideals, and thinking of how much they fail to measure up.

We compare ourselves to others, and we get discouraged because we aren’t this way. We think we can never be this way, and so we end up beating ourselves up.

But God sent his Son for us because we are imperfect. He doesn’t love us because we meet his standards for the perfect man or woman. He loves us despite the fact we fail so badly.

And because Jesus paid the price for our failures, we can now say, “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

So women, ask yourself, “What kind of woman am I? And what kind of woman can I be because Jesus loved me and saved me? “

Men, what kind of man are you? What kind of man can you become because Jesus loved and saved you?

And can you extend the same grace to the women in your life that Jesus extended you?

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Proverbs

To be a man

Being a man

I suppose I could have called this post, “to be a king,” but I don’t think too many kings are reading this blog.  Maybe zero?

But there are many men out there, and what King Lemuel’s  mother said to him in this passage applies in many ways to men.  (In case you’re wondering, no one really knows who Lemuel is.)

This world sometimes has a warped idea of what a man should be. 

To many people, a “real man” is someone who is strong and virile, and is good with the ladies.  Even in ancient times, you see this kind of thinking, especially among the kings. 

King Solomon, of course, took this to an extreme, taking on 700 wives and 300 concubines.

But Lemuel’s mother told him,

O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.  (Proverbs 31:2-3)

This is not to say that all women are bad.  Indeed, in just a few verses, Lemuel’s mother tells him just the kind of woman he ought to pursue. 

What she is saying is to not make sex the whole of your world.  To make having sex as often and with as many people as possible your life’s pursuit.

For one, it can ruin your health, particularly if you sleep with the wrong woman. 

AIDS is still a very big issue, but so are a number of other STDs. 

Further, if you pursue someone who is already married, you could also have a jealous husband to deal with, as Solomon pointed out in an earlier proverb.  (Proverbs 6:34-35)

But more than that, it can affect your relationship with God, who is to be your first love.  Solomon learned this to his own ruin.  It says of him in 1 Kings,

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been…

The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him. (1 Kings 11:4, 9)

A true man does not pursue women first and foremost.  He pursues God.  And this Solomon failed to do.

Lemuel’s mother also told him,

It is not for kings, O Lemuel — not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.  (4-5)

In other words, a king has responsibilities to the people under him.  And because of that he needs to be sober in order to make sure he can fulfill the duties God has given him.

The same is true with any man.  Whether it’s at work, at home, at church, or wherever it may be, we are not to let alcohol control us. 

When we do, it causes us to forget all the things God has called us to do, and brings us to ruin.  And God will call us to account if we do so.

So the apostle Paul tells us,

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  (Ephesians 5:18)

In other words, don’t be controlled by alcohol.  Let your life be controlled and guided by God’s Spirit.

So in short, what is a real man?

A real man is one who pursues God above all else.  And a real man is a person who is controlled and guided by God’s Spirit in all he does.

If you are a man reading this, are you a real man?

If you are a single woman reading this, are you pursuing a real man?

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Proverbs

To be a leader

What does it mean to be a leader?  I think that we can get some clues from this passage.

Agur writes,

There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:  a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him.  (Proverbs 30:29-31)

To be a leader is to be like a lion which always faces whatever challenges confront it.  

Some people walk confidently about…until something goes wrong.  At which point they hastily retreat, and are quick to cede their authority and leadership to another. 

A true leader, however, walks with confidence.  Why?  Because they know that God is with them.

You see this in Saul and David. 

When Goliath challenged the armies of Israel, saying to send their best man to face him, everyone looked to Saul because number one, he was their king, and number two, he was the biggest of all the Israelites. 

What did Saul do?  He hid in his palace, and instead offered a reward to anyone who would take his responsibility and fight this giant.

David, on the other hand, rose up and took on the giant.  What was his reasoning?

The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (1 Samuel 17:37).

And because God was with him, he took down Goliath.

A leader is alert and prepared for action. 

What in the world does a strutting rooster have to do with being alert and prepared for action, do you ask? 

Nothing that I can think of, but then again, the Hebrew words translated “strutting rooster” are not so clearly translated. 

In other words, no one really knows what they mean.  Literally, they mean “one girt about the loins.” 

Some commentators have said it perhaps means “a man dressed in armor” while others have said it was a warhorse dressed for battle.

There are many possible translations people have put forth.  With the different translations, you can come up with different applications. 

But as I look at the literal meaning, it reminds me of Peter’s words when he said,

Therefore, prepare your minds for action (literally, “gird the loins of your mind); be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  (1 Peter 1:13)

Knowing that Christ is coming back, we need to always be prepared as leaders to do the things he has called us to do.

A leader leads.  

I suppose that should be self-evident.  But as a he-goat will always go before the flock, so should leaders, taking them in the direction that God himself is leading them.

A leader has people that are willing to follow.  

Another seemingly self-evident fact, but one that people don’t always think about. 

My pastor in Hawaii always said, “I can tell if a person is a leader if people follow them.  They may not think of themselves as leaders.  They may not feel qualified.  But they are leaders.”

On the other hand, you can’t consider yourself a leader if no one is willing to follow you. 

But if you have followers committed to you, and willing to go to battle with you as an army with a king, you can accomplish great things.

But Agur warns us there are those that would exalt themselves, and thus play the fool.  Who look down on others, and abuse their power. 

These are not leaders.  Or at least they won’t be leaders for long, because by their actions, they will stir up anger and strife, and all their would-be followers, will soon disappear.

How about you?  What kind of leader are you?

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Proverbs

Learning from the small and weak

It’s very easy for us to look down on people or things that appear small or weak.

But Agur was not one who would make that mistake.  He looked at four small creatures, and from them found wisdom.

From the ant, he learned the wisdom to plan ahead.  To work hard storing up food in the summer, to make sure they would have enough for the lean times in the winter.

So often, people don’t have the wisdom to do this.  They spend all that they have on the pleasures of the here and now, and when trouble strikes, whether it’s a bad economy, a sudden layoff, or whatever it may be, they find themselves in deep trouble.

From the coney, he learned the need to find a place of safety because he realized his own weaknesses.

A coney can do little to protect itself from its enemies, and so it hides out in the crags where its enemies can’t get it.

In the same way, we too are weak.  On our own, we can’t fight the enemy of our souls.

And so we hide ourselves in the “rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2),” and make God our refuge and strength.

In His strength, not only can we survive the attacks of the enemy, we can overcome.

From the locust, he learned the importance of organization and unity.  By operating this way, they are capable of doing great damage.

In the same way, the body of Christ can do great damage to the kingdom of hell if we will just organize and walk together in unity.

Unlike the locust, however, we do have a King, and it is under his orders that we march.

From the lizard, he learned cautiousness and elusiveness.  Though it is small enough to be captured by a hand, it is cautious and elusive enough to avoid being caught.

In the same way, we should be careful to avoid the hand of the devil in all his schemes against us.

Peter put it this way,

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  (1 Peter 5:8)

The thing to remember is Satan doesn’t play fair.  And it’s especially in your times of weakness that he’ll attack.  But we also need to be aware in our times of “strength.”

For it’s in our time of strength that we can become complacent, and unwary.  (Just think about David in 2 Samuel 11).

So let us pray as Jesus commanded us,

Deliver us from the evil one.  (Matthew 6:13)

How about you?  Are you as wise as these creatures?

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Proverbs

A corrupt generation

In this passage, Agur talks about the generation he saw in his own time.

(The word translated “those” in this passage, is actually most often translated “generations” throughout the Old Testament.  I suppose it was translated “those” to soften the sweeping indictment Agur made of the people he saw.)

What kind of people were they?

They were people who cursed their fathers and refused to bless their mothers (Proverbs 30:11). 

The first command God gave concerning human relationships in the 10 commandments was to honor your father and mother.

God himself recognized the importance of this relationship if society is to not only survive, but thrive.

Unfortunately, we see so many who not only don’t honor their parents, but actually despise them.  And God will judge them for that someday (17).

They were people who were self-righteous (12).

They saw all the faults of others, yet couldn’t see the filth of their own souls.

They were people who were proud, and disdainful of others (13).  

While taking a higher view of themselves than they should have, they looked down on others who were also created in God’s image.  As a result of that…

They took to bloodshed, and took advantage of the weak and needy, rather than caring for them  (14).  

They also acted this way because..

They were full of greed.

They were like leeches, always taking and never giving.

And as the grave never has its fill of death, as a childless woman constantly cries out for a baby, as a thirsty land longs for water, and as a fire that will consume anything that gets in its path, so these people are constantly crying out for more, consuming all that is placed before them, and yet are never satisfied (15-16).

They took something God created to be beautiful and turned it into something ugly.

As amazed as Agur was by God’s creation, he was amazed at how God created man and woman to be one in marriage.  (18-19).

But what did this generation do?  They glorified adultery, and made marriage a miserable thing where a wife is unloved and is cast aside for another (20,23).

The unqualified became rulers, and those who were rich lived only to indulge in their pleasures.  (22)

That was the generation Agur lived in.  It’s amazing how little has changed in the millenia that have passed since then.  If anything, things have gotten worse.

Paul himself foresaw our generation, saying,

But mark this:  There will be terrible times in the last days.

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Have nothing to do with them.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

This is the generation that we live in.  But this is not what we are called to be.  That’s not what we are.

What are we?  The apostle Peter tells us.

But you are a chosen people (generation — KJV), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  (1 Peter 2:9)

That’s what we are.  So let us live that way each day.

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Proverbs

Humble before God

We go now the words of a man named Agur.  Who he was, no one knows.  But in his words, we find not only wisdom, but humility.

Verse 1 is  bit obscure in its meaning.  A possible meaning (and held by most translations), is that Agur is speaking to two people, Ithiel and Ucal.

But another possible meaning is seen in the ESV as well as a few other versions.

The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.  (Proverbs 30:1, ESV)

He then goes on to say,

I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man’s understanding.  I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.  (2-3)

In other words, Agur is a man who stands before God in all his weakness.  All pride has been stripped from him.  Pride in his own strength, and pride in his own wisdom.  And in his weakness, he seeks God.

In verse 4, he asks,

Who has gone up to heaven and come down?

Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?  Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?  Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and the name of his son?  Tell me if you know!

In other words, what person has gone up to heaven and come back down to tell us about God?

Who is this person who created everything?  What’s his name, and the name of his son?

These are all rhetorical questions, of course.  For as we see in verse 7, he knows the name of the Creator.

The interesting thing he asks is the name of the Creator’s son.  This he doesn’t know.  But that he would ask the question is very interesting.

And when Jesus came to this earth, he answered that question.  More than that, he told and showed us who God is in a way that Agur nor anyone else had ever been able to do.

As John wrote,

No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.  (John 1:18)

Agur then exhorts us to listen to God’s words and take refuge in him, saying,

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.  (5-6)

He concludes the section with a beautiful prayer.

Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:  Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’  Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.  (7-9)

In short, “I want to honor you with my words and with my life.  So do what you must to keep sin far from me.”

May we all have such a heart.  Humble before God, and seeking to honor him.

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Proverbs

Though we live in the midst of evil

It used to be that you could call the United States a Christian country.  But though there are many people that still claim to believe in God and even claim to be Christians, I doubt you could say that anymore.  We really haven’t been able to say that for some time.  

It does seem, however, that things are even worse than ever.

Solomon lived in a time when things were much better.  But he could look at other countries, and see the evil that was there.

He talks about anarchist societies (28:2), and societies ruled by tyrannical rulers who do evil, and care nothing for justice, nor for their people (28:3, 12, 15-16, 28; 29:2, 4,12).

The States and Japan are not quite as bad as other countries in that sense, but we do see people in government who are more interested in their positions than in serving the people.

And we see lawmakers taking our society off moral cliffs that we’ve never been over before.   (Though more so in the United States.  Japan is still fairly conservative in a lot of ways).

But Solomon also talks about the evil within society itself.  Of those who have rejected God’s laws and praising those who do the same (Proverbs 28:5).  

Of those who because they have rejected God’s law, are now are a law unto themselves, and as a result have become morally corrupt (5).  

And of those who will rise up against those who are righteous (Proverbs 29:10).

How do we live in that kind of society?  Solomon tells us:

Stay the course.  Keep following after God.

Solomon writes,

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.  (Proverbs 28:14)

It’s easy to become callous when surrounded by the evil that we see.  To have our love grow cold, as Jesus once put it (Matthew 24:12).  Love for God, and love for others.

But don’t let that happen.  Keep on fearing the Lord, with a heart that’s softened toward him.

For as Solomon also writes,

If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.  (Proverbs 28:9)

And again,

He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.  (28:18)

So continue to resist what is evil (28:4), continue to work hard (28:19), continue to be faithful in all you do (28:20), and continue to be generous to those around you (28:27).

When you fall, be quick to repent (28:13).  

And teach your children to do the same (29:15, 29:17).

Though everyone else casts off restraint, hold on to the ways of God (29:18).  

And most  of all, continue to trust God.

Solomon writes,

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.  (Proverbs 28:26).

And again,

Fear of man will prove to be snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.  (Proverbs 29:25)

As God once commanded Jeremiah, so he commands us.

“Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.

I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 15:19-20)

How about you?  Are you becoming like those around you?

Or are you being a light in the midst of all the evil in which we live?

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Proverbs

Wounds from a friend

I remember a time in my life when I was still walking with the Lord, and I was still going to church, but I had started to neglect fellowship in a small group.

My small group had broken up amicably for various reasons, and with me considering leaving for Japan soon, I decided not to join another one. 

Time passed, however, and the doors to Japan (for a time) closed.  Even so, I still didn’t get back into fellowship with a small group.

Eventually, the Lord spoke to my heart, and said, “Isn’t it about time you got back into fellowship?”  And so I did.

Later on, I was talking with one of my former small group members and told her I had joined another small group.  She told me, “I’m really glad to hear that.  I was a little worried about you.”

I said, “Really?  Then why didn’t you say anything?”

She answered, “I figured you must be okay.”

I suppose one of the downsides to being a “mature” Christian is that people tend to assume you’re okay even when you’re not. 

And I told my friend, “The next time you’re worried about me, say something.  I may or may not listen at first, but if it’s from God, he will get my attention.”

As I told my friend, I can be hardheaded at times.  I don’t always listen at first.  But time and again, God has used my friends to get my attention.

Sometimes though, that isn’t pleasant.  Our friends point out something in our lives that isn’t right and we become defensive.  We get hurt.  And we think, “How could they say that?”

But Solomon writes,

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.  (Proverbs 27:5-6)

In other words, if your friends truly care about you, they will confront you if you’re wrong. 

People who don’t really care, on the other hand, will just be content to leave you as you are.

It is so important who have friends who will be honest with you.  Who when you are in trouble, won’t just say things to encourage you, but will give you godly advice as well.

As Solomon said,

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. 

Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you– better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.  (9-10)

But this cuts both ways.  Just as friends can help us grow as people, we are to help them grow through our words and our actions.

Solomon tells us,

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  (17)

The question is, do you have those kinds of friends? 

Do you have friendships where you mutually sharpen one another?  Where you can say the difficult things to each other? 

Or do you have “friends” who only tell you what you want to hear?

What kind of friends do you have?

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Proverbs

Living with a fool, living like a fool.

In these two chapters, we see how we should deal with fools, and how to avoid acting like one. 

In this passage, the Hebrew word that is used for “fool” means a person who is stupid and arrogant.  They insist on their own opinions and will not accept correction.

How do we deal with such people?  Solomon tells us in verses 4-5.  I like the NASB here because it’s a bit clearer than the NIV.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. 

Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.  (Proverbs 26:4-5)

In other words, don’t get involved in shouting matches with a fool, because in most cases, they still won’t listen, and you just lower themselves to their level. 

On the other hand, do answer their arguments, but do so with wisdom, and with gentleness and respect.  By doing so, it may be possible to show them the error of their ways. 

But if they refuse to listen, and things start getting heated, don’t waste your breath any longer.  For as Solomon writes,

Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him. (Proverbs 27:22)

Also, while we are to love them, we are not to put our trust in them, whether it’s in listening to their advice (26:7, 9) or in giving them responsibility for a task (26:10).

How do we avoid becoming fools or acting like them?

Learn from your mistakes.  Be open to correction. 

As Solomon writes,

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.  (Proverbs 26:11)

So many people just never learn from their mistakes.  And as a result, they find themselves in the same kind of trouble time and again.

Be humble.  Understand that you don’t know everything, so be open to correction.  Solomon tells us as much, saying,

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.  (Proverbs 26:12)

Also realize that God holds your future.  So be humble and lay your plans before him.  (Proverbs 27:1)

Don’t be lazy.  (26:13-16) 

This is a consistent theme throughout the Proverbs.  Look to your future, by taking care of your responsibilities in the present.  (27:23-27)

Avoid disputes in which you have no reason to stick your nose in. (26:17) 

All you accomplish when you do so, is to get people even more upset and to turn on you.

Watch your words. 

Don’t lie (26:18, 28).  

Don’t gossip (26:20). 

And don’t be a person that’s constantly looking for a fight (26:21; 27:15-16). 

Rather be a person that looks to bring peace to relationships.

Look beyond others’ words to their character.  (26:23-26) 

Some people have tongues that could charm you into doing anything.  But look beyond their words, and test their character.  Know the kind of person you are dealing with.

Be aware that when you make plots against people, your plans often turn back on you.  (26:27) 

Haman found this out when he plotted to kill the Jews in the book of Esther.

Pay attention to warning signs in your life.  (27:12). 

When you get the sense your life is going in the wrong direction, whether in your marriage, in your job, or whatever it may be, stop. 

Start going in a different direction. If you don’t, it could cost you everything.

Be considerate of your neighbors.  (27:14) 

Even if you’re well-intentioned, you can sour your relationships if you don’t consider when and how you try to bless them.

How about you?  Are you living wisely?  Or like a fool?

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Proverbs

Winning favor in the eyes of men

I should say right off that it shouldn’t be our top priority to win favor in the eyes of men (or women).  Our top priority should be to please God.

But I titled this as such because of what the Bible says of Jesus.  Namely,

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.  (Luke 2:52)

How do we find favor in the eyes of men?  Solomon gives us some wisdom about this in this chapter.

First, don’t attempt to exalt yourself in others’ eyes.  Let them be the ones to honor you if they so choose.

Solomon wrote,

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.  (Proverbs 25:6-7)

Jesus alludes to this when talking to the Pharisees in Luke 14.

Further, Solomon writes,

It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.  (Proverbs 25:27)

The interesting thing is that it is when we humble ourselves, that we are often lifted up, both by God and men.

The second thing Solomon says is to not be so quick to accuse people of wrongdoing when you don’t have all the facts.  Solomon notes,

What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?  (Proverbs 25:7-8)

In other words, a person may have a perfectly legitimate explanation for their actions, and if you accuse them, it is you who will be put to shame for your false accusations.

Further, Solomon tells us,

If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.  (Proverbs 25:9-10)

Sometimes, a friend will tell us something in confidence, but in order to prove our case against a person who supposedly wronged us, we quote the friend who gave us the information.  Three things can happen as a result.

First, the friend may repudiate what he said because he’s afraid of what the person you’re accusing may say or do to him, and also because we broke his confidence.

Second, we can lose that friend’s trust by breaking his confidence.

Third, we can lose face because we again accuse someone of doing wrong when we have no proof.

In short, if you want to win favor in people’s eyes, be careful when you accuse them of wrongdoing, and don’t break their confidence.

Solomon also tells us we should give words that help others (11), and on the other hand, be quick to listen to rebuke when they’re trying to help us (12).

In our workplace as well in other parts of our lives, we are to prove ourselves trustworthy with the tasks we are given (13, 19), and to fulfill the promises we make (14).

We are also to be honest in the things we say (18).

When we speak our words of advice, we are to do so with patience and gentleness (15).

When we visit our neighbors, we should be considerate of them and their time (17).

And when people are hurting, we should be sensitive to their feelings (20).

Finally, we are to watch tongues (23), and to be people who have self-control in general (28).

By doing all these things, we can win favor in people’s eyes.

How do others see you?

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Proverbs

Revenge

I once heard Bill Cosby give a comedy routine on Revenge.  And he told a story of how when he was a kid, he plotted revenge against a kid that threw a slushball at him, and how his plan went humorously awry.

But how many times do people hurt us, and we plot how to hurt them back?  To somehow make them pay for what they did?

Or how many times do we rejoice when they take a fall?

Solomon warns us against both kinds of attitudes.

He writes,

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.  (Proverbs 24:17-18)

The thing we need to remember is that no matter how bad the other person may be, they were created in God’s image.

It may be an image that is extremely distorted, but God still cares greatly about them.  And he hates it when anyone rejoices in their suffering.  Because God doesn’t.

When a person goes to hell, no matter how bad they are, God doesn’t rejoice.  He weeps.

We are never to devalue a person made in God’s image, no matter how bad they may be.  And God looks dimly on those who do.

Solomon goes on to say,

Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.”  (Proverbs 24:29)

And again,

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.  (Proverbs 25:21-22)

In other words, we are more likely to cause a person to feel guilty for his actions by showing kindness to them then by retaliating against them.  Even if they never repent, God will reward you.

On the other hand,

Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.  (Proverbs 25:26)

When we let the wicked influence our actions, it muddies and pollutes our witness.  Instead of influencing the world, we become like the world.

Solomon adds,

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.  (25:28)

If we can’t control our anger and our actions when people wrong us, the walls of our very lives break down.  And Satan will send all he can against us to get us to sin again and cause us to drift even further apart from God.

But if we show kindness to those who hurt us, no matter what Satan throws at us, he will not be able to break us down.

And ultimately, we may start turning those very people Satan sends against us into friends, turning his own plots against himself.

Some people think that by taking revenge, it strengthens their walls.  Actually it is the person who shows restraint and forgiveness that is truly strong.

How about you?  How do you treat those who ill-treat you?

Categories
Proverbs

When we fail to warn the lost

Solomon writes some very poignant words here in these verses.

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who guards your life know it?

Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?  (Proverbs 24:11-12)

Every day, people are going to hell.  They’re being led away to eternal death.  They’re staggering toward their own slaughter.  What are you doing about it?

Because hell is such an unpleasant subject, people don’t want to talk about it.  But not talking about something does not make it go away.

And God will hold us accountable if we don’t warn people about where the path they’re taking is leading.

We cannot force people off the path which they were taking.  That’s not our responsibility.  We can’t make people change.  But God does call us to warn them.

He will not accept the excuse, “But I didn’t know they were going to hell.”

Many people try to convince themselves that their loved ones will go to heaven even though they haven’t put their trust in Jesus.

People try to convince themselves because they are afraid to confront their friends and family with the truth.  They’re afraid that they’ll be rejected.  That the people they love will get angry with them if they share the truth.

But deep down, they know what God has said about the matter.  And Solomon warns us that God knows our heart.  We can hide nothing from him.

And so what God told once told the prophet Ezekiel concerning Israel, he now tells us concerning our loved ones.  Paraphrased, here is what he says.

I have made you a watchman for those around you; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

When I say to your father or mother, your brother or sister, your husband or wife, your child, your friend, or your coworker, when I tell them ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their lives, they will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.

But if you do warn them and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.   (Ezekiel 3:17-19)

Categories
Proverbs

Building our house

What kind of house are you building?  No, I’m not talking about your literal house.   I’m talking about your life.  What kind of life are you building?

That’s what Solomon addresses here in chapter 24.

He says,

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.  (Proverbs 24:3-4)

Whether we’re talking about our family specifically (as I think Solomon is talking about here), or our life in general, we can only establish a house that’s able to stand the test of time through the wisdom that comes from God.

Solomon goes on to say,

A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength  (5).

What kind of wisdom does God give that we can build our families and lives on?

Many are things Solomon has mentioned before.

  • Don’t envy the wicked nor make them your companions.  That will only lead you down the path towards destruction.  (1-2, 19)
  • Take the advice of others who are wise.  (6, 26)
  • Embrace wisdom in your life.  (13-14)
  • Don’t live a life of idleness.  (30-34)

But there are a few other things as well.

Solomon writes,

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! (10)

All of us go through hard times.  Sometimes, even when we’re doing God’s will, we find hardship. 

The apostle Paul certainly did.  So did Jeremiah and the other prophets.  Even Jesus himself did. 

But during those times, we need to continue putting our trust in God.

Two people who I greatly admire showed just this kind of strength. 

One of the pastors at my church lost his wife to cancer about a year ago.  It was a painful and hard time for both of them.  But neither of them faltered in their faith. 

To the end, my pastor’s wife was still thinking of others and desired to reach out to them, even when her body no longer allowed her to even get out of bed.

Solomon notes of such people,

For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again  (16).

And when my friend’s wife rose again for the final time, she opened her eyes to her Savior.

If we want to build a life that truly works, we need to build our lives on faith in God.

Solomon then talks of other ways to build our house.

He admonishes us to fear both God and the king.  (21)

In other words, we are to honor God, and all those who are in authority over us, whether in government, in our jobs, or in our church.  For as Paul writes, ultimately, God is the one who put the authorities in place (Romans 13:1). 

To rebel against him and the authorities he has put in place is to put our house on shaky ground.

Finally, Solomon writes,

Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.  (27)

In other words, don’t start something before you’re ready to take it on.  Count the cost of what you do.  If you don’t, Jesus warns you’ll be like the man who starts building a tower only to have to abandon the project later.  (Luke 14:28-30)

Too many people get married without thinking of the financial ramifications and get into trouble because of it. 

Too many people have children without adequately planning for it. 

Other people start a ministry without thinking about all that it involves and all that they’ll need to make it work.

If we don’t count the cost, all we do will be in danger of falling apart.

What kind of life are you building?

Categories
Proverbs

What we pursue

In this chapter, we see warnings concerning what we pursue in life.

Solomon starts by saying,

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. 

Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.  (Proverbs 23:1-3)

In other words, be careful of seeking only material satisfaction, in this case, food.

Solomon notes that when you eat with a ruler, or any person of power or influence, to be very aware of what they are serving, and equally importantly, who they are. 

Consider why they have invited you to dine with them.  If you don’t, they may deceive you into agreeing to something that could lead you to disaster, simply by wining and dining you. 

People who are only concerned with their stomachs are often easily deceived.

Even if they are not, gluttony can destroy their lives.  How many people do you know suffer from health problems because of what and how much they eat? 

So Solomon warns,

Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.  (20-21)

Solomon also notes in these verses the dangers of alcohol. 

He goes into great detail about the consequences of alcoholism and drunkenness at the end of the chapter. 

Alcoholics find sorrow and strife in their lives (29). 

They suffer physically, and their minds become confused (32-33). 

Worse, they become so addicted, they can’t see all the damage that’s being done to their lives.  They only think about the next drink.  (35)

Other people pursue wealth.  All they think about is getting more money. 

But Solomon writes,

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. 

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.  (4-5)

In other words, wealth is a temporary thing.  When you die, you can’t bring any of it to heaven.  Worse, as Paul says,

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Money in itself is not evil.  But so many people, in their pursuit of money, have shipwrecked their marriages, their families, their relationships, and even their very lives. 

But even more importantly, as Paul points out, many have shipwrecked their own faith.

Still other people pursue sexual pleasure.  Sex as God designed it, namely, as something to be enjoyed within marriage, is a good thing.  But so many people pursue it outside of marriage to their own sorrow. 

Solomon warns,

A prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well. 

Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the unfaithful among men.  (27-28)

How many people’s, health, marriages, and ministries have been ruined because they took something good and turned it into something bad by pursuing it the wrong way?

So how should we live?  Solomon tells us.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. 

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.  (17-18)

In short, don’t pursue what the world pursues.  Don’t desire what the world seeks.  Rather, pursue God. 

If we do, Solomon promises that we will have hope for the future.  And that hope will never be cut off.

Categories
Proverbs

A good name

How do others see you?  It’s an issue that Proverbs brings up more than once.  We saw this in chapter 10, and we see it again here.  Solomon writes,

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.  (Proverbs 22:1)

And in this chapter, we see more ways to maintain a good name.

Solomon writes,

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.  (3)

It always amazes me that in Hawaii, there are always people who, when they hear a tsunami may be coming, rush to the beach to see it. (I actually have a friend that sheepishly admitted to doing this.) 

Up to this point, fortunately, the tsunami always fizzles out before actually arriving, but the time may come when people will pay for their stupidity with their lives.

But so many people fail to see other dangers in their lives.  Solomon notes that,

In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.  (Proverbs 22:5)

How many people fail to see how their sin is leading them to the destruction of their marriage, or their health, or to their relationships? 

As a result, they keep living the way they are, and not only suffer pain for it, but suffer a blow to their reputation as well. 

But a wise person sees potential danger to all these things and takes measures to avoid it.

Solomon also adds,

Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. (4)

When we fear the Lord, it does bring us a good name.  This doesn’t mean, however, that everyone will like us.  And as I mentioned in my last blog, it doesn’t mean that we will avoid persecution. 

Jesus was the perfect Son of God.  Yet, while he lived on this earth, there were still people who hated him and eventually put him to death. 

But in general, if we fear God, we will prosper in this life and earn a good name.

Another thing to remember is that if we fail to raise our children right, they can become a stain to our reputation as well.  Solomon wrote,

A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him. (Proverbs 17:25)

and

A foolish son is his father’s ruin… (Proverbs 19:13)

So Solomon admonishes us,

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.  (Proverbs 22:6)

And again,

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.  (Proverbs 22:15)

Solomon then points out the importance of being generous (Proverbs 22:9), of having a pure heart, and speech that is gracious  (11). 

Of avoiding laziness (13)  and adultery (14). 

Of being careful about who we hang out with (24-25). 

Of being careful with our finances (26-27). 

Of being honest (28). 

And of being skilled at what you do (29).

All these things lead to a person becoming favored in the eyes of God and men.  A person like Jesus (Luke 2:52).

How about you?  What kind of name are you building?

Categories
Proverbs

Remembering who’s in control

When we look at this world, it’s easy to wonder if God is still in control.

In verse 1, Solomon writes,

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.  (Proverbs 21:1)

Yet in recent years, especially as I look at the States, it’s hard to see sometimes.  

In Hawaii, a gay marriage bill passed a few weeks ago.  This despite the fact that in 1998, the people in Hawaii overwhelmingly voted on a constitutional amendment that supposedly banned it. 

Now people have looked at the wording of the amendment and realized that it doesn’t say gay marriage is not allowed. 

Rather, it simply gave legislature the power to ban it if they pleased, and at the time they did.  Now the legislature has reversed itself and is allowing it.

Is God still in control?  Are things slipping through his fingers?  Not according to Solomon, who wrote,

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.  (Proverbs 21:30)

Why then is all this happening?  It’s happening because God is allowing our country free choice.  The choice to follow him and his ways, and the choice not to.

God could force us all to be robots and to do things as he wants, but he doesn’t want robots.  He wants people to choose him because they love him.

I think God may also be allowing this for another reason.  We’ve been failing at our call as Christians. 

Our call is not fight legal battles to force people to conform to the moral standards God has set up.  To do so is a losing battle. 

Why? 

Because our legal system is run by people corrupted by sin.  And if people corrupted by sin are running our legal system, they will eventually corrupt that system.  That’s what we’re seeing now.

Our call is not to fight legal battles to force people to conform.  Our call is to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…starting with our own. 

That’s how a nation changes.  Not through legal machinations and maneuvering.  But one person at a time as we bring the gospel to them and God changes them from the inside out.

Am I saying we shouldn’t fight for our rights?  No.  But I am saying that if that’s our primary fight, we’re missing out on God’s call for us as Christians.  We’re called to fight Satan who is enslaving people to sin and destruction.

The church is already seeing persecution because of this gay issue.  And despite the “protections” added to the Hawaii bill, I foresee more of it. 

Jesus never promised no persecution for those who believe in him.  In fact, he guaranteed we’d be persecuted.

But no matter what persecution we may face, always remember that God is still in control.  And ultimately, when Jesus comes back, we and the whole world will see it.

But until then, let us yield ourselves to him daily, and carry out the mission that he has given us to do.

Categories
Proverbs

Being wise with our money

America is a very credit driven society.  Japan, where I live, is much less so. 

One of the major cultural differences I’ve found here is that at grocery stores and supermarkets, the usage of credit cards is quite minimal.  Probably 99% of the people actually use cash.  (Which makes for faster lines).

There are, of course, downsides to using cash all the time, particularly when we think about the safety of carrying around a bunch of cash with you wherever you go. 

But in Japan where the crime rate is pretty low, it’s a common practice.  I would never have thought to carry around as much cash as I do here in Japan while I was living in the States.

Just glancing at a report on the internet (somewhat dated, it was written over 10 years ago), the average American made 60 credit card transactions per year.  The average Japanese made 4. 

I suspect this has gone up somewhat in Japan if only because of some Japanese companies (such as my cell phone company) that charge customers’ bills to their credit cards every month, as well as the growth of internet shopping.

It also pointed out (and I’m pretty sure this hasn’t changed much) that 90% of Japanese customers pay their entire credit bill at the end of the month while only about half in the United States do so.

This is not to say that the Japanese save any more than the Americans.  In fact, the Japanese save less.  Americans save 4.3% of their income, the Japanese only 2.3 percent.

What’s my point?  Both cultures need to be more wise in how they use their money.

One problem with credit cards is that we tend to spend money that we don’t have, which is why Americans are not paying their full credit card bill at the end of the month and are incurring interest charges as a result. 

More than that, far too many people are forced into bankruptcy because of their reckless spending.

That’s why Solomon writes,

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.  (Proverbs 21:5)

How often do we get into trouble because we see something we want and instantly move to gratify our desires, not thinking about the financial consequences?

How much financial pain could we save by taking some time to think through our financial decisions before spending our money?

Solomon adds,

In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.  (Proverbs 21:20)

In Japan, we have less trouble spending what we don’t have.  Our problems is we spend too much of what we do have, not looking toward the future.

How about you?  Are you looking toward your financial future, or only looking to gratify your desires for today?

Are you spending more than you actually have and putting yourself in a pit of financial debt that you may never be able to climb out of?

Or are you spending too much of what you do have, not thinking towards your future?

As stewards of the money God has given us, let us be wise in how we use the resources he has given us.

Categories
Proverbs

Facing our Judge

It’s so easy as we go through life to forget that this life is not all there is.

There is a life to come after we pass out of this one.  And on the day that we leave this life, we will face our Judge.

Solomon wrote,

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.  (Proverbs 20:5)

If a man of understanding can draw out the purposes of another’s heart, how much more can God?

Solomon goes on to say,

Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?  (20:6)

There are many people in this world who claim to love God, but there are so few that actually live that way.  And Solomon warns us,

When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.  (20:8)

Solomon is talking specifically about human kings, but one day, the King of all kings will sit on his throne to judge the earth.

But while human kings are flawed because they lack perfect judgment, knowledge, and wisdom, everything will be laid out before God, and he is perfectly just in all he does.  As a result, all his judgments are perfect.

As Solomon points out,

The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.  (Proverbs 20:27)

And again,

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.  (Proverbs 21:2)

Because we all will stand before him and be judged, Solomon reminds of how we should live.

We are to be honest (Proverbs 20:10, 16, 23).  We are to leave judgment in his hands, rather than taking revenge into our own (20:22).

We are to be more interested in living righteous lives every day, than making the occasional sacrifice to appease God (Proverbs 21:3).

Finally, we are to remain humble before God.  (21:4)

If we do not do these things, Solomon warns us,

The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.  (21:12)

And again,

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.  (21:15-16)

But let us also remember something else that Solomon said.

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?  (Proverbs 20:9)

This of course is a rhetorical question.  None of us can stand before God and claim to be without sin.  None of us can stand before God on the basis of our works and say, “I deserve to go to heaven.”

All of us have failed.  All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.  That’s why we all need a Savior, and that’s why Jesus came.

So let us make our hearts right before God, first and foremost by following his most important commands.  What are they?

And this is his command:  to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.  (1 John 3:23)

How about you?  Are you ready to be judged?

Categories
Proverbs

Lazy

When I was a kid, I could be very lazy, particularly about my schoolwork.

I remember nearly missing out on my 4th grade school trip to the Big Island on Hawaii because I wasn’t doing my schoolwork.

I also got in trouble in fifth grade, and again in 7th grade for not doing my schoolwork.  After that, I finally learned my lesson.

But for some strange reason, I still have nightmares about going to university, and having a test that I’m totally not ready for.

Often times it’s a class that I skipped going to all year, and now I’m facing the final exam.  (This never happened, by the way!)

Anyway, throughout the Proverbs, not just in these passages, we find warnings against being lazy.

Time and again, Solomon mocks the lazy person saying things like,

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!  (Proverbs 19:24)

Or,

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!” or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”  (Proverbs 22:13)

He also makes some rather obvious observations such as,

Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.  (Proverbs 19:15)

Or again (after a particularly graphic story of something he saw),

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest –  and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.  (Proverbs 24:33-34)

But perhaps the verse that strikes me the most is found in chapter 21, verses 25-26.

The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.  All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.  (Proverbs 21:25-26)

God wants us to be a blessing to others.  But not only does laziness destroy us, it also prevents us from being a channel of blessing that God can use.

By our laziness, we waste the gifts that he has given us to touch others’ lives.  And God will hold us accountable for that.  We see that in Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).

How about you?  Are you wasting the gifts that God has given you, from such gifts as a brain to think and hands to work, to the talents and spiritual gifts God has given you?

Let us not be lazy, but let us use our gifts to the fullest, not only blessing ourselves, but blessing those around us as well.

Categories
Proverbs

Who (or what) we put our trust in

Who or what do you put your trust in?

Yourself?  Your money?  Or God?

That’s what Solomon addresses time and again in Proverbs.  He writes,

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. 

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. 

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.  (Proverbs 18:10-12)

So many people put their trust in themselves.  In their own wisdom, or in this case, what they have.  They feel that if they have enough money, they can handle whatever may come their way.

But Solomon writes that it is when you put your trust in God that you are truly safe. 

Many who have put their trust in money still haven’t found happiness or security.  Their marriages fall apart.  They lose sleep worrying about their job or the stocks they’ve invested in. 

And though they may have all they need, they still find it hard to be at peace.

And though others may feel secure, proud of all they have or all they’ve accomplished, often times they see the kingdoms they built crumble around them. 

More importantly, they will find that the day will come when they have to stand before God and give an account before him for all they’ve done. 

And if they’ve been only living for themselves, they’ll find that all they built will mean nothing on the day of judgment.

On the other hand, those who have put their trust in God find rest in him, knowing that as they walk in his will, he will take care of them. 

And on the day of judgment, they will be able to stand with Jesus at their side.

So we need to be careful who or what we put our trust in.

Solomon writes,

It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.  (Proverbs 19:2)

We can have all the enthusiasm for life in the world, but if we are not following God and his leading, we’ll miss the path that he has for us. 

So often, in our zeal, we make foolish mistakes that we later regret.  Yet as Solomon says,

A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.  (19:3)

So many times, we trust in our own wisdom and so ruin our lives, and then we ask, “God, why did you let this happen to me?”

But we fail to realize that we are simply reaping what we sowed.  Had we trusted in God, we wouldn’t have fallen into the pit we are in.

As Solomon said,

He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.  (19:16)

God’s words are the words of life.  If we choose to ignore them, that’s on our own head.

So Solomon admonishes us,

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.  (19:20)

And always remember,

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.  (19:21)

In other words, you can make all the plans that you want, but things will turn out in the end the way that God wants. 

So don’t fight God’s will.  Align yourself with it.  And if you do, you’ll find,

The fear of the LORD leads to life:  Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.  (19:23)

Who or what are you putting your trust in?

Categories
Proverbs

Blessing your husband

I don’t write many things addressing wives very often.  Most admonitions I write concerning married couples, at least up until this point, have been directed primarily at men. 

One key reason for this is that God seems to put more responsibility for the health of the marriage upon the man than the woman.  You see this time and again throughout scripture.

But in these passages, we see some things directed at the wives.

Solomon writes,

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.  (Proverbs 18:22)

I have been married for 8 years and I can say this is true.  I have definitely found something good, and I have been blessed so much because of my wife.

But there are things that wives do that can change them from being someone who is a blessing to their husband to someone who is a curse to their husband.

Solomon notes one of them saying,

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.  (Proverbs 19:13)

And again,

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.  (Proverbs 21:9)

If that isn’t clear enough,

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.  (21:19)

Men are by no means perfect.  And it can be very easy for us to do things that annoy our wives.  I know I sometimes (hopefully, not often) annoy my wife. 

But the way to deal with our faults is not to pick at our faults like a scab. 

I know that’s a nasty picture but the next time you think about nagging your husband, put that picture into your mind, because that is exactly what you’re doing.

Am I saying that if your husband does something to annoy you that you should ignore it completely.  No.  Tell him about it once.  If nothing changes, tell him about it twice. 

If after that, he changes, great.  But if he doesn’t, stop talking about it.  Leave the change up to God.  Pray for him.

You cannot change your husband.  Only God can.

Or maybe I should say, it may be possible to change your husband through your nagging, but it will come at the expense of resentment and anger from your husband, spoken or not.

Only God can change your husband while preserving true peace in your marriage.

Solomon writes,

A man’s (and a woman’s) wisdom gives him (her) patience; it is to his (her) glory to overlook an offense.  (Proverbs 19:11)

But husbands, I’m not letting you off the hook for this one.  Particularly because God never lets me off. 

I’ll tell you the same thing he tells me (and I’ve mentioned this before):  Listen to your wife.

You may think her complaints are trivial.  But if they truly are trivial, then it should be no problem for you to change.  And when you do it, you become a blessing to your wife.

But back to you wives.  God desires that you be a blessing to your husband.  But you can’t do that if you are constantly picking at those scabs. 

If you do, what you’re left with is open wounds that only make your husband feel like attacking.

So don’t nag, pray.  And you’ll be amazed not only in what God can do to change your husband and his attitudes, but in what he can do to change you and your attitudes as well.

Categories
Proverbs

Before we speak

The proverbs are loaded with sayings about our speech. 

I had a friend who once admitted avoiding Proverbs because he knew God would convict him for the things he let come out of his mouth. 

(It didn’t matter, God threw an obscure passage at him to deal with his tongue, anyway.)

And here we see repeated warning to think before we speak.  Not only that, to listen before we speak.

Solomon says in verse 2,

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2)

In other words, there are people that just like to hear themselves talk, and have no interest in learning from others.  But if they took the time to listen, they would gain greatly in understanding.

He then says,

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but a fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.  (4)

And,

A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 

A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.  (6-7)

And again,

He who answers before listening, — that is his folly and shame.  (13)

In other words, when we don’t think before we speak, we can get into deep trouble with our spouses, with our boss, with our friends, and all those around us. 

And as Solomon noted,

An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred city of a citadel.  (19)

How often have you offended someone you loved because you didn’t take the time to think before you spoke? 

It’s very easy to let words slip out.  But it’s impossible to take them back once they’ve escaped.

Solomon notes,

From the fruit of his mouth, a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  (20-21)

In short, we will eat from the fruit of the things that we say, whether for good or for bad. 

The things we say will affect our relationships at home, at work, and wherever we go.  People will either love us for the things that come from our mouths, or hate us.

More than that, our words have the power to give life to a person or to destroy them.

So let us be careful to guard our lips with our spouse, with our children, with the people at work, and the people at church. 

And may our lips be like Jesus’, whose words gave life to anyone who heard.

Categories
Proverbs

True friends

I’ve been fortunate over the course of my life to have found some really good friends.  People who have been there for me during the good times and bad.

Several years ago, I was reminded of just how important such friends are. 

I was involved in a small group at church, where about 5 of us got together twice a month to talk about God, share what was going on in our lives, and pray. And it was a pretty tough time for many of us. 

The company I was working for went through bankruptcy, and I was unemployed, another person was having girlfriend problems, another was breaking up with his fiancee, and another had just found out his wife had cancer.

Needless to say, we were all in need of friendship at that time, and those friendships helped pull us through our difficulties.

Solomon writes about such friendships saying,

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  (Proverbs 17:17)

And again,

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  (Proverbs 18:24)

When I was in high school, my father told me, “I know you’re shy, but you really need to make some friends, close friends that you can really talk to.  You don’t need a lot of close friends, but you should have at least one.”

At the time he said this, I did have friends, but none that I could really open up myself to.  And his words really struck home with me. 

By God’s grace, I was able to find some very good ones shortly thereafter that really helped shape me throughout my high school and college years.

I suppose the question we need to ask ourselves is two-fold. 

First, do we have those kinds of friends? 

And second, what kind of friends are we? 

Are we friends that are bred for helping others through adversity, or do we run at the first sign of trouble?

In chapter 19, Solomon writes of such “friends.”

Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him.  (Proverbs 19:4)

And in verse 7,

A poor man is shunned by all his relatives — how much more do his friends avoid him! 

Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.

How about you?  When your friends are in need, whether physically or emotionally, do you disappear?  Or are you there for them?

This is not to say that we are to bail our friends out of every financial trouble they find themselves in.  But we should do everything we can to help them overcome their troubles and stand once again.

Are you a fair-weathered friend?  Or a true one?

Categories
Proverbs

Even when it works…

I’ve mentioned before that some of the proverbs express truths that God doesn’t necessarily approve of.  Proverbs 17:8 is an example of this.

A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

At first glance, it seems Solomon is promoting bribery.  But later, he writes,

A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.  (23)

In other words, Solomon (and for that matter God) calls those who receive (and give) bribes evil, because in doing so, they disrupt what is fair and right.

We’ve seen this in government corruption on local and national levels.  We’ve also seen this in the courtroom where people were acquitted of crimes they committed through bribery.

Of this, Solomon says,

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the Lord detests them both.  (15)

Most people aren’t in positions where they feel a need to bribe others, but I think all of us face situations where we do something we know is wrong because it “works.”

They tell “white lies” to get out of uncomfortable situations.  Or they illegally download videos or music they want simply because they can.

But while you may “succeed” in gaining what you desire, God knows what you have done and detests it.

Let us never fool ourselves in thinking that just because we can do something and it works, that it is always right in the eyes of God.

Instead, let us weigh our actions by the word of God.  Let that be the measuring stick for our actions, not the “effectiveness” of what we do.

Categories
Proverbs

How to build relationships…and tear them down

In this passage, we see some important principles for building and maintaining our relationships.

One of the key issues is watching what we say.

Solomon writes,

A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  (Proverbs 16:23-24)

Whenever we talk to people, we truly need to consider what we’re saying.

Are our hearts wise enough to know what to say, and when to say it?  Are our words sweet to the souls of others and bringing healing to them?

These things build a relationship.  On the other hand,

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28)

There are people that are always tearing relationships apart instead of bringing healing to them.

In some cases, they stick their noses into the affairs of others, spreading gossip and rumors concerning them, and causing their relationships to fall apart.

In other cases, they themselves are involved personally.  Someone has hurt them, and instead of dealing with them face to face, they start complaining about them to others, and gossiping about what horrible people they are.

But as Solomon says,

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.  (Proverbs 17:9)

This of course does not mean that we should just ignore sin or try to hide sins that are causing great harm to others.

However, every day people do sin against us whether intentionally or not.  Most of the time, they’re minor annoyances.  Sometimes they’re more major.

But small or great, we do not make things better by spreading gossip about others and complaining about them to the people around us.

Rather, if it’s really bothering us, then we should do as Jesus commanded us, and confront our brother or sister face to face.  (Matthew 18:15)

And when the issue is resolved, we then need to cover it over with forgiveness, and never bring it up again.  Don’t say, “I thought I told you not to do that!  How many times do I have to tell you?”

Rather, deal with the issue at hand, without referring to the past.

Sometimes, though, if the issue is really minor, you should just drop the issue, and let it go.  Solomon tells us,

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.  (Proverbs 17:14)

And again,

He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.  (17:19)

Sometimes my wife will get on my back for not doing things a certain way, and I’ll think, “It’s so minor!  Why is she so upset about such a minor thing?”

But then God will tell me, “Yeah, it’s minor.  So don’t waste your time arguing about it.  Just do it!  If you argue, all you’re doing is building a wall in your relationship.  And if over the years you build it high enough, you can destroy your marriage.”

I often have to swallow my pride, but I think it’s one thing that has helped our marriage thrive up to this point.

Frankly though, I think she has to put up with a lot more from me than I do with her, so I’m truly grateful for her patience.  Which brings up another point.

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.  (17:27)

Even when we argue with people, we should use restraint in our words, and be cautious about how we say things.  And we should be even-tempered.  It’s when we lose our temper that we often say things we regret.

How about you?  Are your words building up your relationships?  Or destroying them?

Categories
Proverbs

Aligning our will with God’s

reading the Bible

Often times, we try to invite God to join in with what we’re planning.  But one thing that is crystal clear from this passage is that this the wrong way to go about living our lives.

We shouldn’t be inviting God to join in with what we’re planning.

Rather, we should be asking God what he’s planning and how we can join in with him.

Solomon knew this well, and he wrote,

To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.  (Proverbs 16:1)

And again,

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.  (9)

We can make all the plans we want to, but the final answer belongs to God.  And if our plans aren’t aligned with his, they are doomed to fail.

Solomon goes on to say,

All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (2)

More than that,

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  (25)

Sometimes we even deceive ourselves as to our motives for doing things, and we make our plans because they seem right to us.

But God sees to the very heart of why we do things.  And though we may feel that our plans are good, they can actually cause us great harm.

So when we make plans, we should be asking him, “Search me and know my heart.  Why am I making these plans?  Are they truly from you, or are they merely from me?”

Solomon expounds on this idea saying,

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (3)

Again, this doesn’t mean making our plans and saying, “Okay God, please join in with this plan I’ve made, and bless what I’m doing.”

Rather, in everything we do, we need to submit to his Lordship, asking “Is this your will?  Is this what I should be doing?”

Only when we and our plans are fully submitted to him, can we be assured that our plans will be successful.

For as Solomon said,

The LORD works out everything for his own ends – even the wicked for a day of disaster.  (4)

God is never surprised by anything that happens.  He is never taken aback by the choices we make.

He knows every choice people will make, and has plans for every contingency. His plans are never truly disrupted by ours. 

But ours can be disrupted if they’re contrary to his.

So what do we do?  Humble ourselves and ask God what he would have us do.

So many people think they are wise enough to make their own decisions without God, but Solomon writes,

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  (18)

On the other hand,

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.  (20)

How are you living your life?  Are you making plans and then asking God to bless them?  Are you trying to align God to your will?

Or are you aligning yourself to God’s?

Categories
Proverbs

Is it worth the price?

Jesus once said of being a disciple, “You’ve got to count the cost.”  (Luke 14:28-33)

But there are also other things for which we need to count the cost.  And we need to ask ourselves, “Is what I’m pursuing worth the price I’m paying?”

Solomon wrote,

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.  (Proverbs 15:13)

And again,

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.  (15)

In other words, the state of our hearts will determine the amount of joy we have in our lives. 

If we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts, it will reflect in our faces and will allow us to enjoy the gift of life God has given us. 

But if we are constantly weighed down by the things of the world, and if we’re feeling oppressed by the Enemy, it can crush the very life out of us.

We see an example of this in verses 16-17.

Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. 

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Some people pursue money thinking it can bring them happiness.  But instead of money bringing them the joy they expected, they find trouble.  They’re always worrying about the stock market and the state of the economy.

Or they work ungodly hours to the detriment of their family life.  Their wives are always complaining of being neglected and their children resent Dad never being around.

Not only that, because of the all the time they pour into their work, their health also suffers because of lack of sleep and the amount of stress they go through during the day.

On the other hand, other people don’t have a lot financially, but they’re at peace with God and with their family. 

They may not have all they want, but they have all they need.  They have food on the table, a place to sleep, and clothes to wear.  More than that, they have family that loves them.

What are you pursuing?  Have you counted the cost?  To your health?  To your family?  To your relationship with God?

Is what you’re pursuing truly worth the price you’re paying?

Categories
Proverbs

Pleasing the Lord

How do we live lives pleasing to our Lord?

Solomon writes in verse 3,

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)

We can’t hide from God.  Not only does he see all our actions, he sees our very hearts.

Solomon wrote,

Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD – how much more the hearts of men!  (11)

In other words, if the grave and hell themselves are open to the eyes of the Lord, how much more are our hearts laid open before him?

So if we want to please the Lord, it cannot just be through our outward actions.  We need to have hearts that are fully committed to him as well, because God sees beyond our actions to our very hearts and motives.

Solomon says as much in verses 8-9.

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

You can sacrifice your time by going to church.  But what are you doing the rest of the time?  Are you merely living for yourself?

You can sacrifice your money by tithing or even giving to charity.  But what about the rest of your money?  Are you spending it on things that would please the Lord?

Sacrifices without a true love for God means nothing to him.

As Solomon writes,

The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.  (26)

If God were to look upon your thoughts at this moment, what would he see?  A person whose whole heart is set on pleasing him?  Or on pleasing itself?

And when God brings discipline into your life, how do you respond?

We’ve mentioned this in previous blogs, but the same theme arises in this chapter time and again.  The importance of humility and the willingness to accept God’s discipline.

Solomon warns,

A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. (5)

And again,

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.  He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.  (31-33)

So if you want to please the Lord, remember two things.

First, pleasing the Lord can’t be a once a week thing on Sunday.  It’s impossible to be a part-time Christian.  You either are one or you’re not.

God doesn’t only want a part of us.  He wants all of us.

Second, if we’re going to please him, we need a humble heart that listens to him when he corrects us.

Only in practicing these two things can we truly please him.

Categories
Proverbs

Being wise in our speech

Proverbs has a lot to say about being wise in our speech, and we see a lot of it here.

It starts with verse 1.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  (Proverbs 15:1)

Often times when someone is upset with us, they can say some harsh things.  And it’s easy to return harsh word for harsh word. 

But by doing so we only escalate the situation, generating a great deal of heat, but very little light in trying to resolve the situation.

Most of the time, a lot of the anger can be defused by two words.  “I’m sorry.”

“But why should I apologize if I’ve done nothing wrong?” many people ask.

I’m not saying that you should admit to doing something wrong if you haven’t.  But often times we do things or say things that hurt others whether we intended to or not. 

Sometimes we may feel they’re being too sensitive, and there probably are times when they are being too sensitive.

In that kind of situation, I often say, “I’m sorry that I made you feel that way.  I certainly didn’t mean to hurt you but I did.  I’m sorry.  Can you forgive me?”

In wording it this way, I can apologize with complete sincerity because I can truly say that I never intended to hurt them.

Moreover, I do make it a point in the future to try to avoid making the same mistake. 

I may not feel like I was wrong per se, but I do acknowledge the other person’s feelings when I act that way, and for the love of Christ and the other person, I try to avoid doing so again.

Some time ago, I sent an email where I made a joke that really upset a friend of mine.  She blew up and sent me a really nasty email back.  To this day, I feel it was a harmless joke, and that she massively overreacted.

But to me, our relationship was much more important than whether I felt the joke was harmless or not.  The point was that she felt offended, and so I quickly apologized. 

She immediately calmed down, and we’ve remained good friends ever since.  Since then, however, I have made sure to be very careful about the kinds of “jokes” that I make around her.

I’ve also learned to be very careful in general about who I can make these “jokes” with.

Solomon goes on to say in verse 4,

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit.  (NASB)

What kinds of words come out of our mouth?  Are they words that soothe others’ hurts and wounds?  Or are they perverse words that crush their spirits?

One reason I responded to my friend the way I did was because she had shared with me before how her father had treated her and her mom.  Namely, he would verbally abuse them, and when they got hurt, he would say, “You’re just too sensitive.”

But by doing so, he crushed their spirits and I wanted no part in crushing my friend’s spirit further.

On a more positive note, Solomon says,

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!  (23)

This is the kind of people we should be.  Finding joy not in tearing people down, but in having the timely word that encourages them when they’re feeling down.

Solomon adds one more note concerning our words in verse 28, saying,

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

How about you?  Do you weigh the words that you speak?  Do you make sure that they are words of healing and life to everyone you meet?  Or does evil and perverse speech gush out of your mouth?

What’s coming out of your mouth?

Categories
Proverbs

At peace with others and within yourself

A few more passages strike me as I read this chapter.  First,

Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.  (Proverbs 14:9)

All of us are human.  All of us make mistakes and hurt other people when we don’t mean to.  Hopefully, most of us apologize.  That certainly helps make amends for what we did.

Sometimes, however, mere words are not enough.

If, for example, we promise to spend time with our child, but for some reason we break our promise, it’s well and good to apologize.

But we should then immediately put aside what we’re doing, and do something with them.  That’s what wise, upright people do.

On the other hand, Solomon calls morally deficient (that is, a fool) the person who refuses to do what they can to make amends.  Who make excuses for why it’s not necessary.  Or who try to put blame on the other person by saying they’re too sensitive.

If we want peace with others, we need to make amends with them when we wrong them.

In verse 22, Solomon writes,

Do not those who plot evil go astray?  But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Obviously to plot evil against another is wrong and will destroy peace within a relationship.

But Solomon doesn’t stop there.  He tells us that if we will go out of our way to plan to do good to others, we’ll culture love and faithfulness in that relationship.  When we are kind to others, it tends to cause them to act in like manner.

How often do you actually consciously make plans to bless your friends?  To bless your wife?

It might be by treating your friend to lunch.  Or by buying flowers for your wife for no other reason than that you love her.  That’s the kind of thing Solomon is talking about.

But just as important as being at peace with others, is being at peace within yourself.  Concerning that, Solomon says,

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.  (30)

How content are you?  Are you always looking around at the people around you and envying what they have?  Their job?  Their possessions?  Their spouse?

Solomon says that if you do so, it will rot your bones.  You’ll never be happy because even when you have good things in your life, you’ll be blind to it because you’re be so focused on what others have.

But when you are content with what you have, it allows you to be at peace and to actually enjoy the life that God has given you.

How about you?  Are you at peace with others?  And are you at peace within yourself?

Categories
Proverbs

Despising our Maker

How often do we despise God?

“Despise God,” you may ask.  “I don’t despise God.”

And yet when we look down on those God has created, we do despise him.

That’s what Solomon reiterates several times in the Proverbs.  He starts by saying,

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.  (Proverbs 14:20-21)

Every once in a while in the Proverbs, you’ll see statements like verse 20 that make you think, “Is God saying this is the way things should be?”

The answer is of course, no.  Solomon is merely stating the way things are.

When people are rich, they have many “friends.”  When they are poor, those “friends” tend to disappear.

The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15) is an example of this.

But how things are is not always how God says things should be.  And he makes it very clear that when we despise our neighbor, especially our neighbor in need, we despise God.  But if we bless them, God will bless us.

Solomon goes on to say in verse 31,

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

A big story in the news right now is of a Miami football player bullying another and ultimatey causing the latter to leave the team.

While this passage talks about oppressing the poor, I think we could say that God looks dimly on anyone who oppresses another.

Chapter 17 in Proverbs also reiterates this idea.

He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.  (5)

How is showing contempt for others showing contempt for our Maker?

In two ways.  First, we’re telling God, “What you’ve made is no good.  It’s worth my contempt.”

Second, we’re despising someone who was made in the image of God.  When we spit at someone, we spit into very the image of God.

How about you?  Do you despise the poor or homeless you see on the street?  Do you look down upon the weak, not only the physically weak, but the emotionally weak as well?  When we despise them, we despise Jesus.

But when we show kindness to them, Jesus says we’re showing kindness to Jesus himself.  As our Lord himself said,

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.  (Matthew 25:40)

How do you see the people around you?

Categories
Proverbs

Think!

“Think!”

I’m sure many of us have heard that sentence punctuate the end of a scolding when we were kids. 

We do something stupid, and after railing at us for what we did, our parents tell us, “Think next time!”

I can’t remember any specific incidences, but I do have a vague impression my dad did this to me.

That’s what Solomon tells us in this chapter.  He says,

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.  (Proverbs 14:8)

And again,

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.  (15)

How often do we get into trouble because we don’t think carefully before acting.  Instead we act rashly or impulsively and find ourselves in deep trouble because of it.

Solomon noted,

A fool is hotheaded and reckless.  A quick-tempered man does foolish things.  (16-17)

Other times, we may not be acting rashly or impulsively, but we still rely on our own wisdom instead of God’s.  And then we learn the truth of what Solomon taught when he said,

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  (12)

What then should we do?  Well, Solomon gives us a couple of “don’ts” first.  He warns,

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 

Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.  (6-7)

In other words, don’t be a person that mocks the wisdom that comes from God.  Who looks at the Bible and says, “That was for then, but this is now.  Maybe those morals were fine for that time, but this is the 21st century.”

When we say that, we belittle God and his Word, which he says never changes. 

As a result, we seek for wisdom relevant to our times, and find none because once we depart from God’s wisdom, there is nothing left.

The second “don’t” is to avoid seeking wisdom from fools. 

Some people are simply stupid and arrogant in their ways.  They won’t even consider God’s ways, and they never take correction. 

Because of this, they will often give you “wisdom” that is at cross purposes with God’s.  And if you follow it, it can get you into real trouble.

So how are we to live?  As we give thought to our ways, how do we measure what is best?  Solomon tells us several times.

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil.  (16)

And again,

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. 

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.  (26-27)

Solomon tells us that as we consider our paths, we are to fear the Lord.  We are to ask him, “Which is the best path?  How should I proceed?”

And when we do, God delights in sharing his wisdom with us.

As James once said,

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  (James 1:5)

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Proverbs

Disciplining our children

We’ve often heard the proverb, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.”  This isn’t a direct quote from the Bible, but the idea is certainly repeated fairly often.

In Proverbs 13:24, it says,

He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Sometimes, people say, “I love my child too much.  I can’t punish them when they do something wrong.  It kills me to see the pain they go through when I punish them.”

But what Solomon makes very clear is that it’s the person who hates their child who refuses to discipline them.  Why?

We see the answer in his other proverbs.

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.  (Proverbs 19:18)

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.  (Proverbs 22:15)

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.  Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.  (Proverbs 23:13-14)

The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.  (Proverbs 29:15)

In short, children don’t know everything.  And they will do foolish things that will not only hurt others, but hurt themselves as well.

Not only will they do things that can hurt them, they’ll do things that can also kill them.

All you have to do to see the truth of that is think about what could happen if you don’t train your child not to run out onto the street.

If you have a child trained to respond immediately when you say, “Stop,” it can save their life if a car is about to hit them.

If on the other hand, they have never learned to obey their parents voice, they’ll continue out on to the street, and it will cost them their life.

Punishing your child can be painful, both for them, and for us.  I don’t like disciplining our daughter.  But I do it for her good.

I’m not saying you have to spank your child, although I’m not against it.

In our house, we use a time out system.  We used it quite a bit when my daughter was 2 and 3 years old.  Now, she’s a lot better about obeying us, and we haven’t had to use it in quite some time.

Hopefully, we won’t have to ever use it again, although I’m not counting on it.

How about you?  Do you love your children enough to discipline them?

Categories
Proverbs

Walking with the wise

One of my pastor’s favorite passages is this one,

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.  (Proverbs 13:20)

He points out that it doesn’t say that a companion of fools becomes foolish, although we can certainly make foolish decisions by hanging out with fools.

But it says that a companion of fools suffers harm.  When we hang around people that are foolish, it can get us into all kinds of trouble.

How often in your life can you look back and see the truth of that statement?  You hung out with the wrong crowd, and got pulled into the stupid things they were doing, and paid the price for it.

I’m not saying that we should never spend time with non-Christians.  If we never spent time with non-Christians, we could never fulfill the great commission that God has given us to make disciples of all nations.

But the question is, “Who is influencing who?”  Are you influencing them, or are they influencing you?

One thing that we can do to make sure that it is the former is to consciously make the decision to hang out with those who are not just Christians, but wise Christians.  Christians who are walking with the Lord daily, and are constantly listening to his voice.

Because when we hang out with these types of people, God often speaks to us through them.  And his words bring life.

So who are you walking with?  Are you walking with the wise?  Or with fools? 

Are you getting your advice from those who are walking with God and hearing from him?  Or are you getting it from those whose advice would lead you into disaster?

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Proverbs

Pride

A lot of themes are repeated over and over in Proverbs, and one of them is the danger of pride.

How does pride hurt us?

It hurts us when we refuse to listen to rebuke.  Rebuke can be painful, but it can save us much greater pain in the long run.

Solomon writes in verse 1,

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.  (Proverbs 13:1)

I didn’t enjoy my father’s rebuke.  The sharpest words I ever heard from him were, “I can’t trust you anymore.” 

They were words he said because I had lied to him one too many times.  But they really struck me.  I didn’t want to be a person that people couldn’t trust.  And so I’ve always striven to be honest with the people around me ever since.

Solomon later points out,

He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.  (13-14)

And again,

He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. (18)

When we listen to those who are wise, it gives us life.  Many of them have experiences that we haven’t.  And by listening to them, we can avoid the pitfalls that they themselves had fallen into. 

But by holding on to our pride and ignoring their rebuke, it can lead us to disaster.

Pride also wrecks havoc on relationships.  Solomon writes in verse 10,

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

A lot of our quarrels, especially with our spouse, are bred from pride.  We don’t want to admit we are wrong.  And so we stubbornly defend what we’d realize is indefensible if we were only honest with ourselves.

I know there have been times in my marriage that my wife said we should do something, but I didn’t want to do it.  And God told me, “Drop your pride.  Listen to your wife.”

Sometimes, even though I felt I was right about something, God still told me, “Drop your pride.  It’s not worth fighting about.”

It’s not easy to swallow our pride.  But if we want our relationships to work, and especially our marriages, it’s something we need to learn.  And often times, we find that we’re better off for actually listening to our spouse.

How about you?  Are you in control of your pride?  Or is your pride in control of you?

Categories
Proverbs

Words that wound; words that heal

arguments and hurtful words

These are two verses from chapter 12 that really struck me, and I felt deserved a blog to themselves.

The first comes from verse 18, which says,

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

How often have you said something without thinking, and severely hurt someone you loved?  Or conversely, how often have people done the same to you?

This can happen at any time, but it’s particularly common during arguments.  We need to be very careful even when arguing to fight fair.  What does that mean?

Basically, it means to not get personal with our arguments.  To avoid saying things like, “You’re so stupid.  How could you do that?”

Or, “You always do this.  You never do that.”

Or, “You’re just too emotional.  You’re not thinking straight.”

Or, “You’re too sensitive.”

These kinds of words don’t solve the situation.  It just gets the other person’s back up, and they start fighting back with harsh words of their own.  And as Solomon said, those words can pierce like a sword.

But words spoke in jest or in a sarcastic manner can cut just as deep. 

So often, we make jokes at another person’s expense, never expecting them to actually hurt.  But I can point to more than one time in my life where I have seriously offended people by doing so.

Our words should bring healing to relationships, but how often do our words instead wound the people we love.

Solomon goes on to say in verse 25,

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (Proverbs 12:25)

Like I said, sometimes we tear down people in fun.  But how much better would it be to build people up in love.  That when we see someone hurting or distressed, we speak a word of encouragement.  Or even to just say, “Can I pray for you now?”

That’s the kind of people God wants us to be.  That’s the kind of person Jesus was. 

What kind of person are you?  Do your words wound?  Or do your words heal?

Categories
Proverbs

Blunt pieces of wisdom

You’ve got to love the bluntness of some of these proverbs.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.  (Proverbs 12:1)

It is a theme that you see throughout the Proverbs.  That to be truly wise, you need to be willing to accept discipline and correction.  To not do so, is just…stupid.

It is also unwise to think you know it all, and never need advice.  As it says in verse 15,

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.  (Proverbs 12:15)

Another blunt, but picturesque proverb.

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.  (Proverbs 12:4)

I suppose you can take this in two ways.

From the man’s standpoint, be careful who you marry.  Looks are not everything.  A wife of noble character will enrich your life.  But a wife of poor moral fiber will be like decaying bones in your life.

From the woman’s standpoint, what kind of wife are you?  Are you bringing life and joy to your husband?  Or decay?

Another blunt piece of wisdom:

He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.  (Proverbs 12:11)

So many people, rather than working hard, look for easy ways to make money and end up losing everything.

They waste their money on gambling or lotteries or other follies when they could get all they need just by putting in a decent day of work.

One final blunt piece of wisdom.

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.  (Proverbs 12:16)

Are you quick to show annoyance?  To your husband?  To your wife?  To your coworker?  To your friend?  If so, Solomon calls you a fool.

Reacting with annoyance whenever someone does something you don’t like is a good way to hurt if not destroy your relationships.  A wise person is patient and is willing to overlook people’s faults.

Even when a person purposely does something to insult you or annoy you, it’s often wiser to just overlook it, rather than blow up.  If you know someone who likes to provoke you, you’re only feeding the fire by responding to it.

Am I saying that you should never confront someone?  Of course not.

If your husband or wife or friend consistently does something to annoy you, it’s good to talk to them about it.

Talk to them once.  Talk to them twice.  After that, leave it in the hands of God.  Let him deal with them.  And ask God to give you his patience in dealing with them.

The thing to remember is that you cannot change a person.  Only God can do that.  So don’t try.  Leave it in the hands of the only one who truly can change a person’s life.

As we look at these proverbs, let us not be, as Solomon puts it, stupid.

Let us not be stubborn and make excuses about why they’re unreasonable in our situation.  Let us instead be wise, accepting God’s words of discipline and correction.

If we do, we’ll find a lot less frustration and a lot more joy in our relationships and our lives.

Categories
Proverbs

Being a pipeline of God’s grace

We’ve already touched on Proverbs 11, but I wanted to take a closer look at a few of those verses one more time.

This passage is about the joy that comes from giving.  How when people give, it leads to blessing not only for the person who receives the gift, but for the giver as well.

Solomon writes in verse 24,

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  (Proverbs 11:24)

One thing that God has called us to be is a pipeline of his grace.  As he gives to us, we are to give to others.  And as we give, God blesses us all the more so that we can give even more.

Paul put it this way,

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  (2 Corinthians 9:8, 11)

If however, we withhold what we have unduly, we clog up the pipeline of grace.

Not only do we fail to bless people when we do so, but God is unable to pour any more into our pipeline because it becomes becomes all clogged up and nothing else can pass through.

On the other hand, Solomon notes,

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.  (Proverbs 11:25)

As we give, and become this pipeline of grace, we ourselves will be refreshed.

Nowadays we hear about doing random acts of kindness.  I have heard recently, however, of a person who does planned acts of kindness.

He purposefully thinks of ways to bless the people that he meets, even the stranger on the road.  And he’s finding that as he does that, it makes him feel refreshed.  He finds great joy in sensing the love of Christ flow through him and touch others.

How much joy do we lose out on in our lives by being stingy, and thinking only of ourselves?

How much joy would we gain by being an active pipeline of God’s grace?

Solomon also points out,

People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.  (Proverbs 11:26)

How often do we destroy our witness by clogging up the pipeline of grace?  Instead of seeing Christ in us, and his love flowing through us, they see only a selfish person whose concerned solely about himself.

How about you?  When others encounter you, do they encounter Christ in you?

Solomon says in verse 30,

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

When people encounter us, they should encounter life.  And they encounter life when God’s love flows through us.

It is this love that draws them not only to us, but to the God who lives in us.

Solomon says a winner of souls is wise.  But you can only be a winner of souls if God’s love and grace is flowing in you and through you.

I’ve got to admit…too many times I’ve clogged up that pipeline.  And it’s something that needs to change.

How about you?  Are you being a pipeline of God’s love and grace?

Categories
Proverbs

Looking ahead

If there is one theme that is repeated throughout this chapter, it’s the importance of looking ahead to the consequences of our actions. So many people in this world don’t. 

I was watching part of a sports documentary called “Broke.”  On it, you see many of the foolish decisions that famous athletes made that led to their going broke despite the millions of dollars they had made.

One guy spent 7 million dollars on a yacht, two cars, and a mansion.  Another guy, spent millions on jewelry.  Another guy has been spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the 11 children he fathered by 9 different women.

These guys failed to look ahead to the consequences of their actions, and it has cost them dearly.  Literally.

The examples in this chapter are different, but the lesson is the same.  Not looking ahead can cost you.

When we let pride rule our lives, the pride of who we are, what we have, and what we can do, it will eventually bring us down.  (2) 

The athletes who let the pride of life rule them learned that lesson, and suffered the disgrace of bankruptcy as a result.

Others may be wise financially, but they still let the lusts of their flesh, and the lust of their eyes rule them.  And they’ll find out the truth of what Solomon taught.

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:4)

We can’t buy ourselves into heaven.  God doesn’t need our money. 

Only the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ can save us.  And if we reject it, we will face God’s wrath on the day of judgment.

Many people will also learn that for all the power that they accumulate here on earth, it means nothing in the presence of God if they have not humbled themselves before him.  As Solomon said,

When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.  (7)

Other people think that by indulging in their sin, they’ve found true freedom.  That those who live the way God has told us to are only binding themselves up.  But soon they’ll find that,

The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.  (5-6)

In other words, when we live God’s way, we find a life that works.  But by living our own way, we destroy ourselves. 

We destroy our marriages and relationships.  We destroy all that we worked so hard to build up in our lives.  And worse, we find ourselves trapped by the evil desires we thought set us free.

Though we may come to see how destructive these things really are, we still can’t stop ourselves. 

How many people have been destroyed by gambling, drinking, drugs, or by sleeping around?  And yet seeing how destructive those habits are, they still can’t stop?

Solomon points out other ways people fail to look ahead.

Some people fail to think about who they are talking to, and as a result, have their secrets spilled. (13).

Others rely solely on their own wisdom, without seeking the wisdom of others, and see their kingdoms crash down on them (14).

A person so sets his sights on money, that he fails to invest his life in people.  As a result, he gains no respect nor love, and dies a lonely man.  (16)

A woman has great beauty, but has no discretion in how she lives or who she gives her heart to and winds up getting hurt.  (22)

A person fails to share in his time of plenty, so when he comes upon hard times, no one comes to his aid.  (24).

Still another fails to think how her actions will affect her family, causing her to lose the ones she loves.  (29)

If we fail to look ahead, it will cost us eventually.  In this life, and in the life to come.

How about you?  How are you living your life?  Are you looking ahead?

Categories
Proverbs

What kind of name do you have?

Shakespeare once asked, “What’s in a name?”  Quite a lot actually.

Solomon wrote,

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.  (Proverbs 10:7)

When people hear the name Hitler, for example, there is immediate loathing.  I doubt there are many, if any parents, willing to give their child that name. 

But when people hear Biblical names like Jacob, or Noah, or Abigail, or Elizabeth, they all have positive images of them.  In fact, all four were among the top names for babies in the U.S. last year.

What kind of name do you have?  A lot of it will have to do with the life that you live here on earth.

Solomon wrote,

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.  (Proverbs 10:1)

What is a wise person?

  • It’s a person who is diligent and works hard.  (4-5).
  • It’s a person who is willing to accept authority, and as we mentioned yesterday, to accept correction.  (8, 17)
  • It’s a person who walks in integrity (9).
  • It’s a person who is willing to overlook an offense and to forgive.  (12).
  • It’s a person from whose mouth flows life  (11).

Who speaks wisdom (13, 31), who knows when to speak and when to keep it shut (19,32), and whose words nourish others (21). 

Or as Paul once put it, whose words correct, rebuke, encourage, and teach (II Timothy 4:2).

What kind of person has a name which rots?

  • It’s someone who is lazy (4-5, 26).
  • It’s someone who refuses to take correction, and thus lacks judgment, and even leads others down the path he is going. (8, 13, 17).
  • It’s someone who holds hatred in their heart and allows it to affect his relationships (11-12).
  • It’s someone who has no guard on his mouth, and hurts those around him, and even himself. (8, 14, 19-21)

What kind of person are you?  When people see you, what do they see?  And when you are gone, what will they remember?

Will you leave behind a name that blesses those who remember you? 

Or will you leave behind a name that rots?

Categories
Proverbs

Wisdom: A willingness to change

Some people mistake God’s love and acceptance of us with a license to sin.  They think, “God accepts me anyway, so why change?  Why not live the way I want?”

But in this passage, we see that a wise person is willing to change.

This chapter starts and ends with two calls.  One is a call from Wisdom, who prepares her house for us, and invites us in, saying,

Let all who are simple come in here…

Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.  Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.  (Proverbs 9:4-5)

So many people are living ignorant of the consequences of their actions.  They naively think that everything will work out all right just living the way that they are.

But all the while, the path they’re taking is leading them to pain and ultimately, death.

Wisdom cries out, “Don’t just stay the way you are!  Leave your naive ways.  I’ve got something better for you, that will give you life.”

The woman Folly, however, says,

Let all who are simple come in here…Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!”  (16-17)

In other words, “Continue living the way you are.  Sin is sweet.  It’s tasty and brings delight.”

What kind of person are you?  Are you willing to change?

God does indeed love you as you are.  But he loves you far too much to just leave you in the mud pile that you have been living in.

Solomon writes,

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.  (7-9)

Jesus put it this way,

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.  (Matthew 7:6)

Jesus says don’t give the mocker (“dogs” or “pigs”), the pearls of wisdom you have, because they won’t appreciate it.  Rather, they’ll just tear into you.

If on the other hand, you give your pearls to the wise, Solomon says that they’ll become wiser still.

The question we need to ask ourselves, however, is, “Are we wise?  Or are we mere dogs and pigs?”

When people rebuke you, how do you take it?  Do you take some time to reflect on what they say?  Or do you just throw it back in their faces?

Are you humble enough to accept correction from others?  More than that, are you humble enough to accept correction from God?

Only in humbling ourselves before him, and accepting his correction will we find true wisdom and true life.

As Solomon wrote,

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.  (Proverbs 9:10-12)

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Proverbs

Interpreting God’s word correctly

Sometimes people get into trouble as they interpret the Bible simply because they really don’t know how to interpret it correctly. 

One of the big mistakes people make is when they bring two passages together that have no connection to each other except perhaps a few words that on the surface seem to have some connection. 

Proverbs 8, and I Corinthians 1:24 are an example of this.

Some people, among them the Jehovah’s Witness, see Jesus in Proverbs 8.  Why?

Because “Wisdom” is talking, and in verses 22-31, it talks about how “Wisdom” was with God from the beginning of creation.  How “Wisdom” was the craftsman at God’s side when he made all things.

They then say two things. 

First, in I Corinthians 1:24, they point out that Jesus is called, “The wisdom of God.” 

They then say, “See, Jesus is speaking here in Proverbs 8, and he says he was given birth before the earth was created and that he was the first of all of God’s work.  So he can’t be God himself, he was a created being.”

Of course, the whole argument falls apart when you take a closer look at Proverbs 8.  In fact, you can see it right in the first verse.

Does not wisdom call out?  Does not understanding raise her voice?  (Proverbs 8:1)

I think the problem is quite evident.  Wisdom, throughout this chapter, and throughout the book of Proverbs for that matter, is personified as a woman.  

Since when was the Son of God ever a woman?

But by taking two passages that have no relationship whatsoever, and putting them together with Colossians 1 which talks about how Christ was there with the Father when he created all things, the Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to prove that Jesus was a created being, not God himself.

As one person pointed out, you can prove anything by using that method.

[Judas] went out and hung himself.  (Matthew 27:5)

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.  (Luke 10:37)

As we read the Bible, we need to really pay attention to context as we read, or we can get into real trouble, as do the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

What is Solomon doing in Proverbs 8?  He is personifying an abstract concept.  He’s using a literally tool.  

And he’s saying, “Wisdom is calling out for you.  While the adulterous woman is calling out to seduce you and lead you to your own destruction, Wisdom is calling out to you in order that you might have life.

“She was there when God created the world.  God in his wisdom created the world, and he has made her known to all his creation that they might know how to live.  

“She gives wisdom, counsel, and insight to kings, and by her power kings reign.

“Now, she’s calling out to you who are simple that you might gain prudence as you walk through this life.  That you can know what is right and find the blessing that comes from her.  

“And when you find her, you find something that’s better than all the riches in the world.”

As Solomon puts it,

Nothing you desire can compare with her.  (11)

I have to admit, there’s an old song I like called “More precious than silver”  that is based on this passage as well as on Proverbs 3:15.  

I don’t know for certain the lyricist’s true intent behind these words.   However, it does seem to be based on this faulty interpretation of these two passages, that Jesus is this “Wisdom” personified in Proverbs.

That the Lord is indeed more precious than silver, and more costly than gold, and that nothing we desire can compare with him, I have no doubt.  

But Wisdom in these two passages are personified as “she” not “he.”

Let us seek the Lord.  Let us seek his wisdom.  But let us also be sure to interpret his Word correctly so that we can truly discern what he is saying to us.

Categories
Proverbs

Easy pickings

Recently, my daughter had a sports festival at her nursery school. 

One of the “sports” was running down to a place where she would “fish” for a gift.  She lowered her little fishing pole, and a person there attached the gift to her hook.

And I thought catching goldfish was easy!  My daughter didn’t really have to do anything at all to “catch” her prize.

But some people are as easy pickings for the devil.  And Solomon gives an example here.

He talks of a young man who very swiftly got into trouble.  Why?

Number one, he lacked judgment. (Proverbs 7:7) 

He spent all his time among the “simple,” youths who were as lacking in moral direction as he was.  He was someone who just lived for the moment, never thinking of the future consequences he would have to pay.

Second, he was probably idle, with nothing to do, wandering around at night when he probably shouldn’t have. 

And with no purpose of his own, he was swept into someone else’s plans, in this case, an adulterous woman.  (8-9)

She comes out of her house and goes to him, boldly kissing him where anyone could see. 

And she says, “My husband isn’t home.  He isn’t coming back until tomorrow night.  I’ve seen you around, and I’ve been waiting for you.  I’ve prepared everything in my house just for you.  My food…and my bed.”

(Fellowship offerings, ironically, were sacrifices made as a sign of peace with God and thanksgiving toward him.  Part of the ceremony associated with this, was taking part of the sacrifice home, and celebrating by eating it with their family. 

This woman was taking something meant for her husband and her to enjoy, with a heart of thanksgiving toward God, and was using it to seduce this young man).

And because he was not wise enough to discern her smooth talk for what it was, he went in to her house like an ox to the slaughter. 

Solomon said that it would eventually cost him his life, perhaps because, as Solomon mentioned in chapter 6, when her husband found out, his revenge would be certain and swift. 

Even if he somehow escaped her husband’s judgment, he would certainly face God’s.

So Solomon warns his sons,

Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 

Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 

Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.  (Proverbs 7:25-27)

How can we avoid this man’s fate?

First, seek the wisdom and discernment that comes from God.  Make them your constant companions.  As Solomon told his sons,

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman.  (4)

Second, don’t let yourself be idle.  Don’t wander around town or even around your own house without purpose.  It only leads to trouble. 

Boredom has caused more than one person to fall into sin.  You probably don’t have to look back far into your own life, to know the truth of that.

Finally, flee from sin.  Sin may try to make itself look attractive, but when you have God’s word in your life, it’s easy to recognize. 

As soon as you see it, flee.  Because the longer you linger around it, the more you’ll find yourself drawn to it.

Let us not be simple.  Let us instead walk in wisdom, and in the fear of the Lord.

Categories
Proverbs

Captivated by sin

It’s amazing how often we see adulterous relationships portrayed on TV nowadays.  Nobody even blinks at it.  And yet, one wonders why people never learn from it.

Even on TV, most times there are negative consequences that come from these relationships.  Broken relationships and hurt people at the least,  murder at the worst.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a show where the person said, “Oh you slept with my wife?  No problem.  Please continue with my blessing.”

That’s one of the points Solomon makes here.  He says,

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.  (Proverbs 6:27-29)

He then expounds on this by pointing out that while a judge may be understanding towards a person who steals because he is starving, nevertheless he will pass judgment and the person will have to pay the price.

How much more will a person try to make another pay the price for sleeping with their wife or husband?  They will have no sympathy whatsoever for the person who does so.

Solomon adds,

Blows and disgrace are [the adulterer’s] lot, and his shame will never be wiped away; for jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.  (33-35)

So Solomon says, “Guard your heart.  Don’t go after the adulterous wife, nor the prostitute for that matter.”

For the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.  (26)

In other words, the prostitute will take all your money if she can, and once it’s all gone, so is she.

And if you play with an adulterous wife, you’ll likely pay the price one way or the other.  A destroyed marriage and family.  Or even a destroyed life through murder or AIDS or other STDs.

But from a broadened perspective, I think the same can be said of the results of sin in general.

Don’t be captivated by sin.  Don’t lust after it no matter how attractive it might seem, because you’ll only be scooping hot coals on yourself, and you will be burned in the end.

While sin may look attractive, it will take all we have, and utterly destroy us.

Rather, let our hearts be captivated by the One who loved us so much, that he took the punishment for our sins on the cross.

Let us seek him daily, and as our hearts become more captivated by him, we will find true love and true life.

Categories
Proverbs

Acting as God’s children, or as the devil’s?

In this passage, Solomon talks about the “scoundrel,” or as the NASB puts it the “worthless person.” 

In other words, a man of no use to man or God because they live only for themselves and place themselves under no authority but themselves.

The word here for “worthless” is actually Belial, and is sometimes used to refer to the devil.  So such a person is a “child of the devil.”

Jesus gives us more insight to this in talking about the Jews who were hostile to him.

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. 

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  (John 8:44).

Such people are given to doing evil with their every word, and even with their every movement, whether it’s the wink of the eye, or the motion of a hand, or a signal from his feet. 

And Solomon says God will eventually punish that person. He then talks about the seven things God hates.

Haughty eyes. 

Eyes that are proud, and always looking down on others.  More than that, who look defiantly at the God who made them. 

C.S. Lewis once called it the “Great sin” because it is the one sin that not only puts a distance between us and others, but puts distance between us and God as well.

A lying tongue.  

We sometimes don’t take lying seriously enough, but God takes it very seriously. 

It is the children of the devil that practice lying, because as Jesus said, Satan is the father of lies.  How truthful are you?

Hands that shed innocent blood. 

Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot often said, “I don’t approve of murder.” 

God not only doesn’t approve.  He loathes it, because you are destroying something that he created to be of great worth.

However, it would also be well to remember that when we hate someone, we are murdering them in our hearts.  (I John 3:15) 

When we murder someone, either physically or in our hearts, we are following after the way of Satan, who was a murderer from the beginning.

A heart that devises wicked schemes. 

Sometimes we sin on the impulse of a moment.  For example, something bad happens to us, we get angry, and we respond sinfully.  That’s bad enough. 

But to God, it’s worse when you take the time to plot evil in your heart.  It’s one thing to do evil when you had no intention to do so.  It’s quite another to plot it out.

Feet that are quick to rush into evil. 

These are people that have no hesitation to do what is evil.  They have no battle with their consciences.  They have so subdued their consciences, that they are automatically drawn to what is wrong. 

Not only that, they delight in it, and even take pride in it.

A false witness who pours out lies. 

This is someone who not only lies, but lies about his neighbor.  Who falsely accuses him, if not in front of a court, in front of other people, and damages their reputation and possibly much more.  Gossip also falls into this category.

A man who stirs up dissension among brothers. 

God calls us to be peacemakers.  But some people, instead of trying to bring peace, delight in bringing dissension.  They spread gossip.  They’re always saying, “Do you know what so and so said about you?”

And when they pass messages between people, it’s for the purpose of widening the gap between them instead of bringing them together.  God hates this type of behavior.

How about you?  Are there any behaviors in your life that fall into these categories.  God calls us as his children to repentance.

Are you acting as His child, or as Satan’s?

Categories
Proverbs

Being secure financially

I’m definitely not one to talk about how to improve your finances.  My family’s doing okay, but we’re definitely not rolling in green or anything, so I feel a little weird talking about financial matters. 

But Solomon does, so here we go.

There’s lots of financial advice in the Proverbs, and two pieces of advice are found in these verses.

One is not putting up security for another person, particularly when it comes to loans.

This is a pretty tough one, particularly in Japan.  Real estate agencies always ask for a guarantor when renting an apartment, and immigration also asks for one when someone wants to stay in Japan.

The question is, does this passage mean we should never put up security for someone?  My answer would be no.

However.

It is never wise to put up security for someone if you don’t have the financial resources to pay if they default. 

If God has blessed you with financial resources, and it would not hurt you financially if you actually have to pay, then I would say to go ahead and do it, if God so leads.

But if you don’t have the resources to pay if they default, you should tell the person, “I’m sorry.  I like you.  I trust you.  But you don’t know the future and neither do I.  And if something happens to you, and I have to pay, then I’m going to be dead financially.”

I think the principal is the same for investments as well.  I have some mutual funds (I wish I had more), but if they get wiped out, it won’t kill me financially.  It’ll hurt, but it won’t kill me. 

But if we put all our money into investments that go sour, then we’re dead.  So don’t invest more than you afford to lose.

The other advice Solomon gives is mere common financial sense.  Unfortunately, not everyone follows it.  Namely, work as long as you can, and make sure you save up for your future.

In Japan, we have people called “freeters.”  Basically, these are people without stable jobs. 

Some of them are that way because of their low education, while others simply don’t want to work so much.  I’ve read of some “freeters” that get a job, make some money, quit, and when the money runs out, they find another job.

But Solomon says of such people,

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep? 

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.  (Proverbs 6:6-11)

In other words, to live that way is very short-sighted, and it will impoverish those who live that way in the end.

But just as importantly, it’s dishonoring to God to waste the skills and talents that he has given you.  And he will call you to account for it on judgment day.

So the two pieces of financial wisdom for the day:

  • Don’t put up security for someone when you don’t have the financial resources to back it up, and don’t invest so much of your money that you would lose everything should things go sour.
  • Work while you can, and save for your future.
Categories
Proverbs

Delighting in your wife (and husband)

This is one of several long passages warning against adultery in the book of Proverbs.

In this world, people have lost sight of what marriage is about, and largely because of that, what sex is all about.

Marriage is about two people learning to delight in each other to the point that they become one.  Not just sexually, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

And when two people can achieve that true oneness, there is no other human relationship like it in the world.  You have two people that know each other in every way, and yet totally accept one another.

I read a shirt recently (one of the few in Japan that actually made any sense), and it said that “Love is blind.”

I don’t believe that is true.  True love sees everything, and loves anyway.  It sees everything, and still takes delight in the other person.

And when husband and wife have that kind of relationship, there is an exhilaration in knowing you are completely loved and accepted.

You aren’t constantly being judged, or compared to others.  You are accepted for who you are.

Not only that, despite all your failures and weaknesses, you know that your partner delights in you and in being with you.

But what is an adulterous woman or man like?  There can be no such relationship.

If you know they were unfaithful to their partner in sleeping with you, there’s got to be at least a seed of suspicion that they could be unfaithful to you.

If they are comparing their partner unfavorably to you, what will happen when they find another lover and start comparing them to you?

Even the adulterous person has no idea where their “love” will take them because they’re just unthinkingly going wherever it leads them.  And they have no idea just how warped the path they’re taking is.

As Solomon wrote,

She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.  (Proverbs 5:6)

As a result, you can never have any kind of long-term relationship with an adulterous person.

It may start out “delightful,” but always ends leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.

Solomon put it this way,

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.

Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.  (Proverbs 5:3-5)

Following the way of adultery can lead to eternal death apart from Christ.

Solomon warns us at the end of the chapter that God is watching us and that he will judge us for our sin, namely (in this passage), for adultery.

But adultery can even lead to physical death.  At the hands of a jealous husband or wife.  Or as a result of AIDs or other STDs.

Even if it doesn’t go that far, how many people have been ruined financially because of adultery and the divorce that resulted?

And how many people have gone to that other woman or man, only to find that that person only sought to use them for their body or for their wealth?

So Solomon tells us,

Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.

Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?  Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.  A loving doe, a graceful deer – may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.  (Proverbs 5:15-19)

In other words don’t spend all your time and energy (sexual or otherwise) on relationships that can have no happy end.

Instead, delight in your wife.  Delight in your husband.  Be captivated by their love.  Learn to love them as God does.  And learn to be loved by them as God loves you.

That’s the only way you can find true marital and sexual satisfaction.

Categories
Proverbs

Watching our step

“Watch your step.”

Whenever we’re in a precarious situation, people always warn us to be careful.  And in this world there are numerous pitfalls that can bring us down.

So David warned his son Solomon about the pitfalls in life, and Solomon in turn passed on those lessons to his own sons.

He said,

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. 

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.  (Proverbs 4:10-13)

Just as David and Solomon talked to their sons, so I think God speaks to us here as his sons and daughters. 

He guides us and leads us in the ways that are right, and if we’ll just follow him, we won’t stumble as we’ve seen so many people have. 

If we guard His words in our heart, holding fast to them, we’ll find the path to life.

How many times have we seen Christian leaders fall because they didn’t guard these things in our hearts? 

It’s easy to criticize them, but it can just as easily happen to us if we don’t watch ourselves.  So often we criticize others, but we fail to watch ourselves and fall into the same kinds of sins.

So Solomon tells us to watch our step.  To stay away from the path of sinners who would encourage us to follow them.  To swiftly turn from the path that they walk on, and instead to stay on the lighted path that leads to life.

He said,

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.  (18-19)

In other words, as we follow Christ and do things his way, he reveals to us even more, and the way we should go becomes even clearer. 

But when we reject the light of his Word, we end up stumbling around and falling into every pitfall on the road, simply because we are completely blind to them.

Solomon concludes this chapter by saying,

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  (23)

Put another way, “Watch what you let into your heart.  And watch the places where you let your heart go.  Don’t let it wander off into places where it can destroy you.”

Rather,

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.  

Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 

Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.  (25-27)

Categories
Proverbs

Esteeming wisdom

In this passage, Solomon recalls the words his father David told him when he was a boy, words, that apparently left in a deep impression on him.  David told him,

Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”  (Proverbs 4:4-9)

These words so impressed Solomon that when God offered to give him whatever his heart desired, Solomon didn’t ask for wealth, power, or any of the other things you’d expect a king to ask for.

Instead, he asked that God would give him wisdom.  And God happily granted it to him.

In the same way, God will grant wisdom to anyone who asks and seeks after it.  James wrote,

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  (James 1:5)

The question then becomes, how much do we esteem wisdom in our lives?  Do we actively seek it?  Particularly in his Word?

How often do you spend time in his Word?  For many Christians, it’s once a week on Sunday, while taking a fast on the Word of God the rest of the week.

Then as we face situations in life, we find that we don’t have the wisdom to deal with them, and we wonder why things so often go wrong in our lives.

That’s why Solomon said,

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.  (Proverbs 4:7)

But it’s not enough to merely learn what wisdom says.  We need to follow it as well.  James says in verses 6-8 of chapter 1,

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Some people ask God for wisdom, but when they receive it, they doubt that it’s really the best way.  And so they just go on doing things their own way.

James says that type of person will never find stability in his life.  Instead he’ll always be tossed around by his circumstances and the opinions of others.

But when we truly esteem wisdom, when we seek it and then follow it, Solomon tells us we will find peace, stability, and honor.

How about you?  Do you esteem wisdom in your life?

Categories
Proverbs

Love and faithfulness

Love and faithfulness.  Two things that are sorely lacking in this world.  It’s the reason why relationships, and particularly marriages fall apart in this world.

Solomon writes in verses 3-4,

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

What does love and faithfulness towards God mean?  A lot of it has to do with trusting him enough to obey him.  To be so sure of God’s love for you, that you trust him implicitly, and show it by the way that you live.

Solomon expounds on this in verses 5-7,

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

When we love God, we put our complete trust in him.  In all that we do, wherever we are, we acknowledge that he is the center of our lives, not ourselves.  And we lean on his wisdom and not our own understanding.

That’s hard sometimes.  Let’s be honest.  It’s hard a lot of times.

One area that is especially hard is in the area of finances.  Solomon writes,

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.  (9-10)

Whether you believe in tithing or not, one thing is crystal clear.  Your money is NOT your own. 

Jesus Christ bought you with a price.  And if we are to honor God with our body (I Corinthians 6:19-20), how much more should we honor God with our wealth?

Often times, people that object to the practice of tithing are people that object because deep down, they’re saying, “It’s my money.  I have a right to do with it what I want.”

I would agree that 10% of your money doesn’t belong to God.  Actually 100% of your money belongs to God.  You are merely a manager of the money that God has given you.

So whether you tithe or not, you should be asking, “God, how do YOU want me to use this money?  It’s yours.  How should I use it?”

We are also to submit ourselves to God’s discipline.  Solomon writes,

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.  (11-12)

Sometimes as we read his Word, or as we listen to the Sunday message, we hear things that are hard.  The Holy Spirit rebukes us for something in our lives. 

The way we treat our wives or children.  The way we use our finances.  The way we act at work. 

And it’s painful.  We want to close our ears to it.  But if we truly love God, we will submit ourselves to him, leaning not on our own understanding and following our own ways, but following his.

And God says when we do, we’ll find life and peace (16-18).  And if we cling to his wisdom, fearing him, then we’ll have no need to fear anything else (21-26).

But not only are we to show love and faithfulness to God, but to each other. 

Solomon says that we are not to withhold good from others when we have the power to act.  In other words, whenever you have opportunity to do good, whether at home or work or wherever you are, do it.  Don’t wait.

Solomon also says not to act treacherously against your neighbor either, for God is watching, and he is against such people.

Solomon concludes the chapter by saying,

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.  The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.  (34-35)

When we mock God’s wisdom, and hold to our own ways, he will let us reap what we sow.  What do we reap?  Sorrow, shame, and ultimately death. 

But God gives grace, honor, life, and peace to those who humble themselves, submit themselves to his discipline, and follow him in all his ways.

What will you do? 

Categories
Proverbs

Softening our hearts

In my last post, I noted the dangers of hardening our hearts toward God and his wisdom.  But in this chapter, it talks about what happens when we soften our hearts.

Solomon writes,

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (Proverbs 2:1-6)

What does it mean to soften your hearts to God and his Word?

It means to:

Accept what he says.  To say “Yes, I agree that this is good and right.”

But more than that, it means to…

Store what he says in your heart. 

Too often, we hear something, we agree with it, and then swiftly forget about it.

It’s not enough to hear and agree.  We need to meditate on God’s Word and make it a part of our lives.  We also need to…

Turn our ear to wisdom. 

When God is speaking through his Word or through a pastor or even through a friend, we need to have a heart that’s open to it.

Too often, and I admit I do this too, we just say, “Yeah, yeah.  I know, I know.  But it doesn’t apply to me.”

But a softened heart lets wisdom in and lets wisdom transform it.  How does wisdom transform a heart?

By a person applying themselves to understanding.  By asking, “What does this mean for me?  How does it apply to my life?”

We need to take the general wisdom of God, and apply it to our everyday lives.  What’s more, we need to…

Call out for insight and cry out for understanding. 

In other words, we should ask God to give us the insight and understanding to his words that we need.

When we don’t know how to apply his words to our lives, we shouldn’t just cast them aside, saying they’re irrelevant to our lives.  We should ask him.

And when we do, Solomon says,

The LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (6)

More than that, when we commit ourselves to wisdom, and doing things his way, Solomon says we will find victory, and God will watch over us as we walk through this life.

His wisdom will protect us from falling in with wicked men (and women), and keep us away from the adulteress woman (and man).

In short, while the wicked will pass away because they rejected wisdom, we will find life.

How about you?  Do you have a heart softened toward God and his wisdom?  Are you seeking it actively?  Are you applying it to your life?

Because when you do, that’s when you find a life worth living.

Categories
Proverbs

When we reject wisdom

In this passage, we see the dangers of rejecting God’s wisdom and clinging to our own ways.

As I look at this passage, it makes me think of Noah.  For 120 years before the flood came, he preached to the people, warning them of the disaster to come.

As “Wisdom” does in this passage, he probably cried out in the public squares and the streets, “How long will you cling to your simple ways.  You lack a moral compass, and as a result, you are so gullible to whatever the devil says, and it’s leading you into all kinds of evil.”

(This, by the way, is essentially what the word “simple” means in the book of Proverbs.)

Noah likely rebuked the people further saying, “How long will you mock what God has said?  How long will you hate the knowledge that he longs to pass on to you?”

And God through Noah, probably cried out to the people, “If you would just listen to my rebuke, I would pour out my heart to you.  I would reveal to you my thoughts.

“But instead you reject me and give me no heed though I reach out to you.  You ignore my counsel, and you reject my rebuke.”

Then the flood came.  And when it did, the people finally called out to God, but he would not answer.  Though they looked for him, they could not find him.  Why?

Because they hated knowledge, and refused to fear the Lord.  And so they ate the fruit of their deeds.  Their simple ways killed them, and their complacency destroyed them.

But for Noah and his family, they found safety, and were without fear from harm.

How about you?

When you lack a moral compass, when you consider all values relative, and you live complacently in your sin, it will ultimately destroy you.  It wrecks your life here on earth, and it will ultimately banish you to hell.

And once you’re there, it’s too late.  God will not hear you, and you will eat the fruit of all you did here on this earth.

But while you’re still here on earth, there is still hope.

So repent.  Accept God’s  rebuke in your life.  Open your ears to him; soften your heart to him, and he will open his heart to you.  He will show you the way to life.

Not just the way to heaven, but to a full life here on earth as well.  A life filled with his joy and peace.

Let us be like Noah, constantly listening to and following after God.  And when the storm hits, we will find a place of safety and ease, with no fear of harm.

Categories
Proverbs

Where we get our counsel

Way back when I was in high school, I heard a song called, “Who to listen to.”  And it said,

You’ve got to know who to, who not to listen to.
They’re gonna hit you from all sides,
Gotta make up your mind who to,
Who not to listen to. — Amy Grant

That’s essentially what Solomon is saying here in this passage.

He starts by saying who we should listen to.

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.  (Proverbs 1:8-9)

Inasmuch as our parents teach us what’s in accord with God’s word, we would be wise to listen to them.  Their experiences in life outstrip our own, and they can give us insight that we can lack at times.

I can look back on the things my father taught me, the need for friends, and the need for integrity in my life in particular, and I’m very grateful for the instruction that he gave me.

They weren’t really long lectures either.  Neither conversation lasted more than 10 minutes, although I have to say the one on integrity was pretty painful as it came when my dad had caught me in a lie.

But the things I learned from him helped me grow into the man I am today.  I’m so grateful to and for him.

Solomon goes on to say, however,

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.  (10)

Solomon speaks here specifically of those who would entice you to join them in attacking and stealing from others, and how it will all fall upon your own head if you join in with them.

But the principal holds for any other sins people might try to entice you into.

I had a friend who was invited to go to on a trip specifically for the purpose of engaging prostitutes.  He was wise enough to turn them down.

Others are not so wise, and they end up with AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Sometimes people are even hoping for your best, but give you advice contrary to the Word of God.  Sometimes, for example, they encourage you to sleep with your girlfriend, or to even move in with her, when God clearly says not to.

The result?  Unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and a lot of hurt and pain.

Who are you listening to?  Where are you getting your advice from?

Wherever you get it from, always compare what the people around you are saying with what God is saying.

Where it agrees, follow it.  Where it disagrees, follow the standards God has laid down.

Not only will you avoid trouble by doing so, but you’ll find true joy as well.

Categories
Proverbs

Where wisdom begins

Proverbs

As we start through Proverbs, I must admit to a little uncertainty in how to present this book.  There are a broad variety of themes within Proverbs, even within the chapters themselves. 

I briefly considered organizing this book by themes, but ultimately, I decided to go chapter by chapter as I have with the other books. 

That said, in chapters where there are multiple themes, I’ll probably list “nuggets of wisdom” within the chapter, and very brief thoughts on them within the one blog, rather than a full blog on just one or two verses at a time.

Anyway, the first few verses are the introduction to the book of Proverbs, and in them, Solomon writes the reason for writing this compilation, namely,

To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity…to give prudence…knowledge and discretion…and wise counsel, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.  (Proverbs 1:2-6)

Who was it meant for?  This part is interesting.  It was meant for the naive and the youth first (4).  Namely, to teach them prudence.  In other words, to teach them good judgment as they deal with the “real world.” 

Not only that, but to give them knowledge they don’t have, and discretion in all their affairs whether it’s finances, relationships, or whatever it  may be.

Now this makes sense.  But Solomon also says it’s for those who have already attained a measure of wisdom, that they may hear and increase in their learning.  Not only that, but that they would get the wise counsel that they need.

It’s so easy for us as we get older to think we know it all.  To think we already know all we need to. 

But Solomon says here that it’s important to continue increasing in wisdom and learning.  Because even those who are “wise” can forget and make mistakes that destroy their lives. 

Solomon himself is a great example of this.  He was the wisest man who ever lived, and yet, he wrecked his own life by his own bad decisions.

What is the key to wisdom?  Solomon give the answer in verse 7,

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Solomon also wrote in Proverbs 9:10,

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

People who are wise will fear the Lord.  It is only when we begin to fear him that wisdom truly begins. 

Why? 

Because he’s our creator.  He’s the one who knows how life is meant to work.  When you want to know how something is meant to work, go to its designer.

But when you try to do things your own way, it inevitably leads to trouble.  And God says if you do so, you are a fool.

We often think of fools as stupid people.  And certainly doing things your own way leads to doing stupid things.  But the word fool in the Bible has the idea of a person who is morally deficient and corrupt.

Not only does despising God and his wisdom lead to stupid decisions, it mars us and makes us less than the complete people God created us to be. 

When people look at us, they are meant to see the image of God in us.  But how often do you look at yourself in the mirror and see something less than that because of what you’ve done to your own self?

God wants us to be whole.  He wants us to be complete.  He wants us to reflect his image. 

But for that to happen, we need to embrace him and the wisdom he freely gives to those who ask him.

Don’t be a fool.  Don’t think you know it all. 

As you read the proverbs in this book, open your hearts to them.  Drink them in.  And ask God to speak to you and change you into his image.