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Psalms & Proverbs To Live By
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The day of death is better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
(Ecclesiastes 7;1-4)
This proverb from the wisdom book
of Ecclesiastes on first reading appears counter-intuitive. Yet it makes the
truthful point that happy times generally teach us less than hard times.
Having preached hundreds of funerals I can attest that death brings us to
think about life. Mourning is taken very seriously. A party has no such
effect. Human superficiality is halted in the face of death.
One's own death is not an event in one's own life. We can only experience it
vicariously.
Every funeral anticipates our own and we are forced to face the big
questions: Will this loved one we bury today live again? When I die will I
live again? Is there a God? How does God want me to live? What is the
purpose of life? These and other serious thoughts course through our minds
as we face the reality of death. In the big picture, these moments teach far
more than a rowdy birthday party. Humanly, we seek to avoid mourning and
sorrow and we dread funerals. Entertainment, mirthfulness, and parties
provide needed human enjoyment, release, and escapism. They have their
important place in life and without them life could be drab.
James Madison replied to Thomas Jefferson's notion that "the earth belongs to the living and not to the dead," by wisely replying, "the improvements made by the dead form a dept against the living, who take the benefit of them." I believe Madison's reply reflects a biblical perspective. Joseph Bottum notes "that the significance of life derives from our awareness of the future, while the richness of life derives from our awareness of the past."
The way the Hebrews treated the
dead is revealing. The first part of the Promised Land possessed was a
burial place purchased by Abraham for his wife Sarah. Moses could rescue
Joseph's bones for transport to Canaan because they had been revered and
safeguarded for generations. Gerald Nora observes that Jewish tradition
holds that care for the dead is a great command that, given the practical
demands of time and the impossibility of gratitude from the dead, outranks
giving money to the poor.
Births are occasions for genuine celebration although the newborn has
achieved nothing and its character is a blank slate. At death, however, one
has reached his completed form. His character and achievements are set at
death. When a righteous man or woman dies, we can celebrate his life, fondly
remember his personality, and in our sadness consider
mortality, including our own. Ken Westby
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
(Psalm 43:5)
This short little psalm (5 verses) begins, as so many do, with a lament but ends on the upbeat. The last verse of the psalm (above) returns to the frequent contest between faith and doubt and the contrast between the present and the future. It ends hopefully looking forward to a time of praise and not lament. These psalms were written by real people who similarly suffered from the "human condition." These were not such pious persons so as to be immune from discouragement and doubts. The psalmists laid out their feelings honestly--complaints, doubts, laments and all. To them, the God they worshipped was approachable and had an open ear to what was troubling their hearts. Their God, the one and only true God whose revealed name is Yahweh, said that He was "a God near and not far off." And He alone holds your future. Your life is hid in his hands.
You can see how the psalmist got his attitude and emotions back on the right track. He lifted his eyes above his negative feelings of depression and distress and the specifics that occasioned them. He looked up at his God who could save him out of his troubles, save him from himself, save him from his enemies, and cause him to smile again. Knowing his loving Father and reaching out to him for help was his salvation. Putting hope in God is not empty talk. It is not escaping reality to cling to myths, as some might suggest. It is quite the opposite. Real hope is not weak wishful dreaming. Biblical Hope is tangible. It is reality--"real" reality. It is as real as God is real and His creation is real. The hope of all mankind is that one day we will live again beyond our present troubles, beyond the grave that will too soon claim us. God is our Savior from all our troubles, from our sins, and from death itself.
The psalmist's spirit changes at such uplifting and powerful thoughts of God and a better future. He breaks into praise toward God and joy at having a Father in heaven who cares for him and has such a marvelous plan for his future.
The ultimate expression of hope is described in the New Testament as the Resurrection of the Dead and living forever in the Kingdom of God--Paradise. God appointed his firstborn Son, Jesus, to be the first to rise from the dead to eternal life. He declared his Son to be a Savior to all His children and installed Jesus as Savior and Christ (Messiah) and King in His coming reign. Our hope is now even more plain that it was to the psalmist who had never known of a man who came from the grave to eternal life. When your soul is downcast, do what the psalmist did, put your hope in God.
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will be like him yourself.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.
(Proverbs 26:4-5)
These twin sayings are not inconsistent but speak to the wisdom of reacting differently according to differing circumstances. Many stupid people and their stupid talk should be ignored, not dignified with a response, and not respond to at their same foolish level. Many people let themselves get sucked into worthless debates and wrangling over silly issues. Wisdom says avoid fools and their foolish arguments.
However, there are circumstances where the foolish statements of fools cannot be left answered, lest they think your silence is agreement; lest listeners believe the unanswered arguments. Even smart people can make foolish statements. The apostle Paul applied these dual proverbs in his dealings with the unreasonable (see 2Cor 12:11; 11:16) knowing that if he didn't answer the foolish accusations of his enemies, they might be believed. The market place is full of foolish theories, doctrines, and ideologies. They must be challenged, contradicted, exposed and proven false, lest they be accepted as fact. For example, foolish theories like man-caused global warming, evolution, etc., and foolish non-biblical doctrines like going to heaven, immortal soul, ever-burning hell, predestination, etc., should be challenged and answered.
How do you know when to answer and when not to answer fools or foolish statements? This is the purpose of these two proverbs. Consider the circumstances. Wisdom is properly applying principles. The fear of God and the study of Proverbs impart wisdom.
Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD--
how much more the hearts of men!
Proverbs 15:11
Even death and the netherworld are accessible to God. He has power over death (the grave, Sheol) and Destruction (Abaddon, the Hebrew name for Hades)--knowing all the secrets they hold including the names and life details of all who have gone there. Arguing from the lesser to the greater, it is logical that he also knows the secrets of man's innermost being. Sheol and Abaddon represent the remote (at least for man) "underworld" including the graves of mankind and the unseen, destructive demonic powers of Satan's kingdom. If all these secret and forbidden areas are clearly open before God, how much more the hearts of the people! Our motives and thoughts are not hidden from Yahweh for "he knows the secrets of the heart" (Ps. 44:21).
What is the practical worth of such an understanding? For one thing, there is no use in "hiding" from God since that is impossible. Yet many of us live our lives as if God were blind or just didn't care about us. He cares about each of us individually: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jer. 29:11). And because he knows our hearts it makes sense to be totally honest with him. Honest about our sins, our fears, our need for help and wisdom, and our hope of eternal life. If we seek him with a sincere heart, God says "I will be found by you" (vs 13). Finding and coming to know God are the two most important things you will do in life. --Ken Westby
In
his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord directs the steps
(Proverbs 16:9)
This proverb accepts the reality that the God of Israel is a God who can and does act on behalf of his people. The human mind can reason, evaluate, plan actions and directions and is free to pursue them. God gave mankind autonomy and holds him accountable for how he decides to use it. God is free and he made man free to chose his own way. It isn't that God is ambivalent about man's choices. To the contrary, he has strong opinions on the right and wrong ways to use the gift of freedom of choice. Much of the content of Scripture is directed toward pointing man in the right direction and away from the wrong. The reasons are simple: one direction leads to sins of every sort and the pain, unhappiness and misery that eventually can lead to eternal death; the other path leads to righteousness, peace, happiness and eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Wisdom calls for us to chose the good path.
Choosing to follow the right course is only the beginning of the journey--though the most important first step. This proverb suggests that after making that right decision God joins us on the journey of life. He helps us stay on the path and retrieves us if we stray. He word is like a lamp that lights the way through the surrounding darkness. Like a father leading a child along a difficult and at times dangerous trail, God promises to help us get to where we want to go. A morning prayer we can offer and confidently know that God hears is: "Lord, help me live this day to please you. Help me to move Godward by choosing to love you with all my heart and to love my neighbor as myself. Lord, direct my steps today."
A dog returns to his vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly
(Proverbs 26:11)
A drunk returns to his drink
(23:35) and a fool does what we've all seen a dog disgustingly do--eat his
vomit. The Apostle Peter quotes this proverb in the context of people who
have been exposed to truth, but return to the pathetic comfort of their
previous error. He adds another proverb, "A sow that is washed goes back to
her wallowing in the mud" (2Peter 2:22).
Actions give a person away. Tastes that a
dog does not share with a man stamp him as unmistakably dog.
The test of a fool is that he/she will return to error or sin even after
tasting truth. Does not the sluggard see that those who work diligently
prosper and are happy? Then why does he remain a sluggard? Does not the
drunk see that sobriety is a better way to live? Then why does he persist in
his drunkenness? A fool repeats his disgusting mistakes although they had
previously harmed him. Liars and gossips who have caused no end of trouble
for themselves and others persist in their lies and gossip and by doing so
earn the biblical label of a fool.
No matter how many time a fool is warned,
he never learns, not even from his bad experiences, but "repeats his folly."
Returning to our previous sins is likewise a fool's behavior. God calls us
to walk in the light, live righteously, and become like Him in heart and
character. Wisdom is fulfilling our calling to become "made in God's image."
The antonym of "wise" is "fool." The wise move Godward, the fool returns to
his vomit. --Ken Westby
Go eat your food with gladness,
and drink your wine with a joyful heart,
for it is now that God favors what you do.
(Ecclesiastes 9:7)
The wise Teacher of Ecclesiastes includes this refrain continually in his book to express God's concern that we enjoy life on earth. Enjoying our work, our marriage, our food and drink is the will of God. The statement that God already approves (favors) these basic experiences is not, of course, a blanket approval of anything a person may do. The point is that God does not require us to be ascetic. He intends man to enjoy a contented life and it is considered a gift from God (3:13). These modest pleasures of living, however, are not goals to live for but bonuses or consolations to be gratefully accepted from a gracious God. There is a higher aim for our physical life.
These joys, however innocent, are passing, like all else that is "under the sun." They are "vanity" in that they, with life, will cease at the grave. The Teacher has been accused of writing a pessimistic book, but it isn't pessimistic--it is honest with reality. The Teacher is positive, encouraging us to reap the riches that God designed for man to experience and enjoy on the beautiful earth he made. But there is so much more to the purpose for which man was created and that greater purpose centers on God himself. Physical life is here and gone but it remains that we are made in God's image. Our life is a gift from God; when it is gone we cease to exist except in the mind of God. He alone has the power to raise the dead to fulfill his eternal purpose for each of us. God is powerful and active on our behalf beyond the "vain" days of this life. With this in mind the Teacher concludes:
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man; for God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (12:13-14)." Enjoy life as you live it but know that the reason you live is to become like God in mind and character--to become like your heavenly Father, in his image. Jesus fulfilled God's purpose and has marked the path for us to follow into the eternal Kingdom of God. --Ken Westby
The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in men who are truthful.
(Proverbs 12:22)
Can't we agree with God on this one? Who likes liars? Don't we all want to hear the truth? Even liars want to be told the truth. So why is lying so common if no one likes it and everyone wants to be told the truth? Recent surveys of employers reveal that the typical employee can be caught in at least one lie a week on the job. Does a week go by that you don't lie about something? Clearly, lying is a serious weakness of the human condition and I think most of us are ashamed that we too frequently yield to it.
How different would be our politics, judicial system, commerce, religion, and media if there were no lies--everything said was straightforwardly true. Why, institutions might crumble! Maybe some should, but there would be a most pleasant reformation. The Jim Carrey movie Liar, Liar humorously illustrated that truth works best in personal relationships, but if you are a lawyer, it could ruin your practice.
One of the qualities most important to the character of God is that his word is true. He must be trusted. His promises he will keep. The apostle Paul said, "Let God be true, and every man a liar" (Rom 3:4). Trust is built upon truth and lying destroys trust and causes a world of pain and misery. It isn't easy to tell the truth when a lie might cover a mistake and protect your pride. As one moves Godward through repentance and character development, lying, like other sins, is replaced with truth and honesty. God is calling us to become like Him and like his Son for in the truthful he delights. --Ken Westby
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
(Psalm 103:12)
These encouraging words of David reflect his deep insight into the character of God. David truly was "a man after God's own heart," but was also was well acquainted with sin. He had a closet full of skeletons--violence, adultery, deceit, murder. For his many sins he suffered mightily and was left with permanent scars. His own memory would retain until death the sorry mess his sins had caused. But along the way David had repented many times for his various sins. Through the years he had spiritually grown out of the lusts of his youth, the ego of power, and had taken on the righteous character of God. In David's up and down life his faithful God had not forsaken him. When David took the low road into sin, his Father patiently waited and encouraged him along the way to come to himself and get back on the high road. David pick himself up--many times--and returned to his pursuit of God.
David did get relief and peace from his sins knowing that he stood clean before God. While he himself was stuck with the memories, he knew that when God forgives he forgets and that his guilt could be flushed along with the sins. God removes sin as far as the east is from the west and, of course, the twain do not meet. God erases all memory of our sins and can view us as his righteous, perfect sons and daughters. This is a jewel-like, merciful quality of God's divine character. He is a kind God (Jer 9:24) who loves to forgive, to pardon, to offer compassion and to "tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea!" (Micah 7:18-19). This quality alone should draw us close to his side and encourage us to openly confess our sins and seek his help. God also encourages us to have his forgiving attitude in our relationship with others. --Ken Westby
Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
(Proverbs 23:23)
Wisdom embodies Truth and though it cost all you have, buy it! It ranks first and is supreme (Pro 4:7). True wisdom, which is the fear of God, leads directly toward the Kingdom of God--the "pearl of great price" that Jesus said a wise man would sell everything to buy (Mt 13:45-46). Once one comes to know God, submit to his guidance and disciplines himself to follow it, understanding follows. The most precious truth is: To know who God is; To know who you are; and to know how you should live.
If in life God has blessed you with such priceless wisdom and truth, could you ever turn you back on it? To know that you have been made in God's image and called to become like him in spirit and character is such high knowledge that nothing compares. To further realize that you have been given God's forgiveness and the gift of eternal life is truth precious beyond description. This proverb counsels to hold fast what God has given you and continue to grow in "grace and knowledge." Becoming like God is a life-long growth process that requires truth, wisdom, discipline, understanding, and the help of God. Jesus showed us the way of truth and bids us to follow him into his Father's kingdom.
The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge [wisdom],
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
(Proverbs 1:7)
Proverbs isn't a book of light weight throw away one-liners. Its pithy sayings are jewels, concentrated riches. The wisdom it speaks of is the kind that must engage the whole man; not only his power to think straight, but his management of affairs, his sensitivity to people, his character and his morals, and above all (or rather at the root of all) his relation to God.
For "the fear of the Lord"--that fatherly reverence which the Old Testament expounds from first to last--is not a mere beginner's step in wisdom, to be left behind, but the prerequisite of every right attitude. Only so will the world be seen the right way up, and life begin to reveal its intended pattern. Those who deny the existence of God and ridicule those who believe in him deprive themselves of a compass and map that could lead them to discover their purpose of existence. They can only be regarded as self-deluded fools.
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to his death.
Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.
(Proverbs 19:18, 20)
Parental discipline has become a dirty
word in our permissive, politically correct culture. Behavioral discipline
in the class room is a joke. However, great effort is made to teach kids all
about the gory details of alternative lifestyles and the need for
non-judgmental acceptance of them--if kids don't go with that program they
will be disciplined! However, the discipline referred to in the
proverb above, which can include corporal punishment (spanking), primarily
has in view instruction in life (torah means "instruction" in the Way
of God). This would include moral instruction, respect, behavior, hard work,
study, kindness, justice, etc. The construction ground for stable,
balanced, happy and productive children is the home. The prime teachers,
parents. The daily molding and developing of good character are the most
important accomplishments done in our world. It should not be left to
others. This is a hands-on task that takes a total commitment from parents.
Parents are not mere caretakers who function like zoo keepers who feed,
contain, and call the vet when there is a problem. Parents are to rear their
children, not just to get them through school, on a schedule and out of
their hair, but for the kid's future life--to function as complete adults of
good character with coping skills to get the most joy out of life as they
live into their 30s, 40s, and for life. Children should not be viewed
or treated as burdens, but as treasures and a prime purpose of physical life
itself. To ignore our responsibility to teach and model good character for
our children is to contribute to their confusion, troubles, and
unhappiness--becoming a willing party to their destruction. In a culture
where among some populations 70% of children are born "bastards," the
nuclear family is disappearing and with it the prime nurturing ground to
discipline and properly instruct little humans, made in the image of God.
How will God judge us parents? By the size of our bank account or number of
our garages or our fame and career accomplishments? Or by how we have
lovingly nurtured and reared our children.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
...The Sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:10, 17)
Today (4/22), we begin the 2005 Passover season. The above is from David's prayer of repentance to God in the wake of his adultery with Bathsheba. He pleads for God to forgive him, clean him up, and restore him to God's favor. David typifies sinful man/woman as he or she turns to God. Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice on behalf of all mankind when he was crucified on Passover almost 2000 years ago. Isaiah wrote of God's suffering servant, "...He was pierced for our transgressions...and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (53:5, 6). When a sinner turns to God with a repentant heart (like David's), the perfect sacrifice of Christ is mercifully accepted by God in his stead. The sinner is forgiven, and made clean and white as freshly fallen snow.
Many seek the favor of a ruler,
but from the LORD a man gets justice.
(Proverbs 29:26)
The word "favor" is literally "face" as in the case of someone trying
to secure a favorable verdict by getting the decision maker to look kindly
on his case/proposal. This is usually done by bribery, flattery, barter, or
self-humiliation to curry favor (although it could be done honestly and with
good motives). The contrast here is with the justice of God and the
injustice of the way business is done before those in charge of the
important affairs of commerce and government. Back door business of this
sort is common in government, the courts, congress. and private enterprise.
In some nations all business is conducted on the basis of getting face time
to bribe or soften up the one in charge. But such practices do not guarantee
justice or honesty. Often the guilty prosper or go free and the innocent
pay. Getting justice through the system is a hit and miss proposition rife
with corruption. The ruler and petitioner are pictured as self-seeking
servants of appetites and pleasures who act irrationally without concern for
fairness and justice.
By contrast, the humble and non-self-seeking person who
trusts in God can be assured of true justice tempered with mercy. Seeking
favor of God inclines one's mind toward doing the right thing while seeking
favor of man can lead to mischief. When seeking the help of one in
authority, ask only for honesty or justice or mercy and God will bless your
request.
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
(Proverbs
15:22)
There is wisdom in courting the advice or criticism of others
before proceeding with a project, business venture, or important policy that
can have serious impact on others including one's self. When we want to do
something or buy something we often fear asking counsel lest the counselor
disagree, criticize, or try to talk us out of our plan. So we bull-headedly
plow ahead, often with disappointing results. Get all the advice you can and
take what is worthwhile and discard or ignore the rest. Of course, a proverb
is a generalized point. No one maxim is the last word on a subject: "Many
hands make light work" and "Too many cooks spoil the broth" can both be true
in different circumstances. Proverbs is not afraid to put two clashing
counsels side by side as in 26:4-5. Proverbs are like tools to be used with
common sense and wisdom.
A man's steps are directed by the LORD
How then can anyone understand his own way?
Proverbs 20:24
The emphases fall on the Lord and man.
This restating of Ps 37:23 is here given a different sense. The statement
does not deny the freedom of man's will, but points out that however much he
may apply himself to the discovery of the principles of right living and put
them into practice, he can never attain to a complete understanding of why
things happen they way they do. Man's proper course is, therefore, to think
of his life's experiences as directed by God. Our improvising cannot compare
with his composing and to his overruling of us. We cannot see how He can
bring order from our confusion. Therefore our prayer should be: Lord guide
me in The Way that I should go.
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
(Proverbs 31:10-11)
This section of Proverbs immortalizes the ideal woman (vss
10-31). These verses are an "A to Z" of wifely virtues and are organized in
a Hebraic alphabetical acrostic. "Here is a woman who leaves nothing to
chance; who uses her organizing ability, her skilful hands, her business
sense and every minute of her time, to create a ménage
where nothing is second-rate or insecure, where wisdom and faithfulness
abound; where help is at hand for the hard-pressed and where family bonds
are affectionate and strong. At the root of it all, we are told, is the fear
of the Lord. It is the picture of a godliness that is severely practical, of
values that are sound and humane, and of a success that has been most
diligently earned" (The Wisdom of Proverbs,
Derek Kidner).
This paragon, this ideal Eve, many men have been
fortunate to marry--myself included!
--KW
Like snow in summer or rain at harvest,
honor is unseasonable in a stupid man. (Proverbs
26:1, NEB)
Rain in harvest suggests that damage, not only incongruity, comes from
promoting fools. Through the popular culture's PR machines, vain,
lightweight, and "empty suits" are idolized and promoted instead of
receiving the medicine they may deserve (vs 3). "Honor" means an office of
honor and responsibility in a community--usually an elected politician in
our society.
Are they picked
because of their good looks, (empty) promises, smooth lies or slick
promotion? If one is unsuited for a position of honor his tenure of it will
damage the welfare of society. Character, experience, competence, and a
sound worldview are essential in a leader. As a nation we will suffer for
choosing a foolish (stupid) candidate--one that lacks the qualities
necessary for receiving responsibility. We the public bear responsibility
for the damage caused by the people we select for positions of honor.
Train a child in the way he should go
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
(Proverbs 22:6)
The stress is upon parental opportunity and duty. Train means elsewhere to "dedicate" a house (Dt 20:5), temple (1Ki 8:63), etc. Possibly a trace of this meaning clings to it. The verb train is derived from the Hebrew word for "education." The "way he should go" is not primarily righteous behavior, but the preparation in his early years for how the child will spend his entire life. It certainly implies skills and training for an occupation as well as skills for living. In the formative years habits are developed which influence conduct into adulthood. Parents must rear children with this end in view--for the long term. Too often parents function as custodians instead of molders of adults who will live for 70-85 years. All efforts of teaching discipline, grooming, manners, work habits, honest character, kindness, emotional control, positive attitude, etc. should be considered a parent's highest duty and honor. The wisdom parents need to be effective parents is gleaned from other successful parents and from our heavenly Father's word.
The execution of justice is joy for the righteous,
But is terror to the workers of iniquity.
(21:15)
A preferred translation might be, "the doing of justice is a joy to the innocent." A stable society can only exist when justice is strictly administered. Justice is one of the three core qualities of Yahweh (Jer 9:24) himself and he requires those in authority to practice it and will judge them if they don't. The law abiding innocent have no fear of authority or police in a mostly just nation like the USA, but can live in terror in places like N. Korea, Iran, Sudan, or even Saudi Arabia. The corrupt know they will be put out of business if justice prevails so they fight against it. Witness what is happening in Iraq as a just government is struggling to take root--the innocent welcome it, the wicked seek to destroy it.
Like Clouds and wind without
rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
(25:14)
The big talker is not only full of bull he is full of himself. False teachers are also included among those who promise but don't deliver. "Clouds without water" is what the Apostle Jude call these self-centered blowhards who use religion to merchandise, yet are ignorant of the true Way of God (Jude 12). These embarrassing "Christian preachers" fill our airwaves with airy, content-less boasts of spiritual deliverance. Peter calls them speakers of "arrogant words of vanity...promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption" (2Pet 2:19). This proverb counsels caution when encountering the dogmatic, the smooth, the charismatic, the "oh! so smart" talker. Check them out according to their fruits whether from the tree of the truth of God, or from their windbag of empty promises. Look for the rain.
The Refining pot is for silver,
and the furnace for gold:
But the LORD tries the hearts. (17:3)
The last line by itself would make God only an examiner; but the first lines imply that his trials are constructive; not for finding a person out but for sorting him out. When things reveal their relative worth under "fiery trial," it is our part (since we are not inert metal), to pick out, with him, "the precious from the worthless" (see Jer 15:19), for the benefit is not automatic (Jer 6:29-30), (Tyndale OT Commentary, Derek Kidner). Man has the ability to test silver and gold, but when it comes to the human heart, God alone truly sees what is right or wrong, good character or bad, truth or deception. He sets the criteria for testing human worth and achievement (see Jer 9:23). (4/04)
As a ring of gold in a swine's
snout.
So is a fair woman that turns aside
from discretion. (Proverbs 11:22)
Picture some beautiful, fine female jewelry hung about a pig's neck as it sits in its smelly muck. It's a jarring incongruity as is that of a beautiful woman/girl without taste, behaving like a slut, dressing like a tramp, and without good judgment. Pop stars like Britney Speers and Madonna, and the silly woman who mimic them, come to mind. Beauty is more than a well proportioned physiognomy. True attractiveness must be framed with discretion, with refinement, with good taste. It's a pity these qualities are not commonly taught, in our culture, to young girls. This proverb pictures "beauty and the beast," a monstrosity, cheap and disappointing. In contrast see verse 16, where charm is not skin-deep, and 1 Samuel 25:33 where Abigail is praised for the discretion, or right judgment, which this proverb counts all-important. Genuine beauty requires a beautiful spirit and discretion. (1/31/04)
I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence
and I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
and the perverted mouth, I hate.
(Proverbs 8:12-13)
Wisdom is here personified as a woman
speaking for herself. Whoever is associated with wisdom will become familiar
with the desirable quality of prudence. True wisdom is canny, resourceful
and shrewd. Wisdom doesn't abide with ignorant people who speak without
knowing either of what they speak, or of what is the proper place, time, and
duration of their speaking. But wisdom isn't just being proper and savvy, it
draws from a true worship of God. Men who claim to worship God but live a
lives of unethical deeds haven't attained to the beginning of wisdom--the
loving, reverential fear of God. Humility is a fruit of wisdom as is
truthful and kind speech. Throughout Proverbs we are continually invited to
seek wisdom, and God is always portrayed as anxious to impart it to us. (1/9/04)
Deceit
is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:20
A surprise contrast between deceit and joy can be seen in that the plans you shape, shape you. Devisors of evil create social disturbance and with hearts of deceit no tranquility of mind is possible, hence no happiness. On the other hand, pursuing the welfare of others with goodness and peace is to enjoy its by-product, joy, for ourselves. What we pursue for others will leave its mark on our cast of mind.(12/26/03)
A
merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
(Proverbs 17:22)
(11/7/03) We feel better, mentally and physically, when we are happy. So why do we find it so hard to be of a merry heart? One reason is that we let our minds feed on the wrong things. Negativity is the prevailing scent in our cultural air. Media news is largely pessimistic and a steady diet of it can put us in the same frame of mind. Materialism and entertainments don't produce lasting happiness of heart, only temporary pleasures or escapes from various emptiness in our lives. This verse deals with the effects of a cheerful disposition and its opposite, the broken spirit of depression. A preoccupation with self, its needs and lacks promotes depression. But a humble, happy, optimistic spirit can heal most of what ails us. The Godly path to a merry heart is paved with faith that God knows us and loves us; with hope in the glorious, eternal future God has for us; with the practice of kindness toward others; and with genuine appreciation for all the beautiful blessings we've received. Our over-medicated society would get better results from using the medicine this proverb describes.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
(Proverbs 3:3)
(10/25/03) These two qualities are central to the character of God and are
to be internalized by his followers. To keep them an active part of our
character we need to treasure them and bind them around us like a necklace.
We sometimes put a necklace with key around our children's neck to insure
they don't lose it and get locked out of their home. Writing truth and mercy
on our heart means etching them into our character. This process is
accomplished by: 1) intellectual agreement that these are excellent ideals;
2) personal desire/will to seek them; 3) acting/practicing with mercy and
truth, which then move these virtues into character--they become part of who
we are. (The literalism with which later Judaism understood the similar
language of Deut. 6:8,9 is countered by these verses as well as 13:9.
The intent is spiritual--not a command to hang physical objects from one's
body.)
He
that trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.
(Proverbs 11:28)
(9/30/03) Here are two types of prosperity: One true the other false. The first man is precariously propped up by his investments, wealth, and the influence they command. Sometimes we mistakenly acquaint financial success and wealth with rightness, with victory, with having made it, with superiority and privilege. But such riches matter not with God and they will not keep one from falling from God's grace. God is not against riches, but they carry no bragging rights with him and can buy nothing of what he has to give, nor do they merit special favor. See Jeremiah 9:23-34 to learn what about you will impress God. Those who walk humbly before God are in the end destined to bloom with great beauty
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
(Proverbs 3:27)
(9/15/03)
This proverb and the one following ("Do not say to your
neighbor come back later, I'll give it to you tomorrow.") govern obligations
to our neighbors and those in need. The Hebrew for "those who deserve it"
is, "it's owners." God considers our obligation to those in
need as real, not merely an option. If you can help, help! The positive
aspect of this maxim is, "he gives twice who gives promptly." Don't put off
doing good until later. Do it now. If someone comes with a need (or you
observe the need) and you can help, do it promptly. And if you owe someone,
don't postpone paying if you have it to pay.
A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
(Proverbs 19:11)
(9/10/03) There is an overview that wisdom and experience impart that can
give one patience. Patience is not an easy virtue to develop for it requires
a level of tolerance and acceptance of disagreeable people, actions and
circumstances. Wisdom helps us keep people and events in perspective in
light of God's big scheme of things. We know that "this too will pass" and
that in life there are stages, cycles, peaks and valleys--times for joy and
times for tears. Wisdom understands human nature and is neither shocked by
its sinful manifestations nor frustrated by attempts to remake it. Wisdom
accepts that our responsibility is to manage ourselves and deal with others
in kindness--and with their sins and stupidity, cutting them some slack in a
spirit of forgiveness. Don't we want others, including God, to be patient
and forgiving of us?
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
(Proverbs 25:21)
(8/27/03)This proverb doesn't discuss self-defense, but personal relationships with one who could be called an enemy. Many assume Jesus invented the command to "Love your enemies." He didn't. He preached and practiced the Faith of his father in heaven--the same Faith or Religion taught in the Old Testament. Jesus' father, the creator God, taught his people to "Love your neighbor as yourself..."(Lev 19:18), and Jesus taught the same truth. The God of Israel was not, as commonly portrayed, a hard God of rules, wrath, and of impossible demands; He was and is a God who commands his people love others, including even their enemies. Another proverb states, "Do not say, 'I will repay evil'" (Pr 20:22). Paul quotes these proverbs as guides to Christians on overcoming evil (Ro 12:20). People who treat their enemies with kindness will bring remorse to them and blessing from God.
The
Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
(Proverbs 15:8)
(8/23/03) What you are speaks loudest. The spiritual condition of the worshipper will determine if God accepts his worship. Throughout the Bible sacrifices of wicked folk are rejected because they are insincere and blasphemous. Our regular behavior intensely matters to God. Prayer and sacrifice can be seen as parallels since they are both directed toward God, but the outwardness of sacrifice (various religious acts) allows for its being faked, whereas the private inward act of prayer is not usually fabricated by unbelievers. God's great joy is to hear the prayers of his faithful sons and daughters.
If
you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
(Proverbs 9:12)
(8/21/03) Perhaps the strongest expression of individualism in the Bible. The ultimate gainer or loser is the man himself. Your character is the one thing you cannot borrow, lend or escape from, for it is you. Wisdom's rewards are many (see 3:13-18; 8:35) as are those of the proud, arrogant and foolish mocker (1:22-32). We can benefit or suffer from the character of others, but it is our own that determines our fate. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God.
For a man's ways are in full
view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.
(Proverbs 5:21)
(8/15/03) No matter how careful we might be to conceal sin, God sees. He also evaluates the direction our life is taking and will hold us accountable for it. We command our life by a continual flow of decisions--some good, some bad--and bear responsibility for where they have brought us. Happily, the God who has a clear view of our habits, is the same God who loves us and invites us to allow Him to direct our paths to a better Way--one which leads Godward, delivering immeasurable benefits.
Even a fool is thought
wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
(Proverbs 17:28)
(8/18/03) Do you talk too much? Many of us do. Talking much is tolerable if you know what you're talking about and listeners are eager to hear your thoughts. Unfortunately, the loudest and most verbose talkers are often the empty-headed knowing little of their subject and lacking the wisdom to realize it--they are fools. Wisdom says be quiet until you know what you're are talking about and are sure listeners want to hear from you. Even a fool if he keeps his mouth shut can be misunderstood to be profound--better for him and those in his company. An old Norse saying is a close parallel: "An unwise man when he comes among the people had best be silent; no one knows that he nothing knows unless he talks too much."