By now it seems that the writer of the Proverbs is obsessed with sex. I think he knew what Paul would write years later, sexual sin reaches deep inside of us and diminishes our ability to honor God. If we are not faithful to our spouses, then how will we be faithful to our God? In the words of the Benedictine Handbook in its prayer on rising, we pray, "May we at all times avoid sin, and in thought, word, and deed do your holy will".
Proverbs 7:21-23
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Creditors, Procrastination, and Adultery
Proverbs 6:1-5 - Don't avoid creditors, do all you can to satisfy your debts immediately
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself…Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.
Proverbs 6:6-11 - Take initiative to provide for yourself, flee procrastination
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… A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a bandit
Proverbs 6:27-29, 32 - Adultery always leads to ruin
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.
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself…Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.
Proverbs 6:6-11 - Take initiative to provide for yourself, flee procrastination
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… A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a bandit
Proverbs 6:27-29, 32 - Adultery always leads to ruin
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.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Cultural Seduction and Dave the Banker
Dave became an internet sensation after he was caught on live television viewing images of scantily clad supermodels on his computer. How many of us thought it was just a funny, harmless news story? What's the big deal! It wasn't hardcore and there's just too much political correctness in the world. Well, the writer of the Proverbs doesn't see it that way.
Proverbs 6 tells the story of a young man who is led astray by sensuality. In the end the son cries out, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly." We have bought into a worldview that says that open, unrestricted sexual expression is healthy and that any boundaries amount to political correctness or religious fanaticism. Let's stop drinking the cultural "kool-aide." Instead…
Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Enjoy sexuality in the God-ordained context of marriage. Or in the words of the great cultural theologians TLC, "Don't go chasing waterfalls, stick close to the river and the streams you are used to."
Proverbs 6 tells the story of a young man who is led astray by sensuality. In the end the son cries out, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly." We have bought into a worldview that says that open, unrestricted sexual expression is healthy and that any boundaries amount to political correctness or religious fanaticism. Let's stop drinking the cultural "kool-aide." Instead…
Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Enjoy sexuality in the God-ordained context of marriage. Or in the words of the great cultural theologians TLC, "Don't go chasing waterfalls, stick close to the river and the streams you are used to."
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Choose Wisdom, Choose Life
Proverbs 4:13
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
This Proverb depicts a battle for the heart of a son who has been reared to love and pursue wisdom versus the counsel of the wicked which leads to destruction. The father pleads with his son, because he understands that gaining wisdom is not a once in a lifetime attainment. Wisdom must be constantly nurtured and chosen over the cries of the wicked that seek to take the young man down the wrong path.
Whichever voice is listened to, whichever voice is followed, will reach to the deepest recesses of the human heart. The heart filled with wisdom will bring life to those who drink from its well. The heart filled with wickedness will be death to the bearer and to the one who drinks from its well.
Choose wisdom, choose life.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
This Proverb depicts a battle for the heart of a son who has been reared to love and pursue wisdom versus the counsel of the wicked which leads to destruction. The father pleads with his son, because he understands that gaining wisdom is not a once in a lifetime attainment. Wisdom must be constantly nurtured and chosen over the cries of the wicked that seek to take the young man down the wrong path.
Whichever voice is listened to, whichever voice is followed, will reach to the deepest recesses of the human heart. The heart filled with wisdom will bring life to those who drink from its well. The heart filled with wickedness will be death to the bearer and to the one who drinks from its well.
Choose wisdom, choose life.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
God's economic recovery plan
Proverbs 3:9-10
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.
I was taught as a young boy and later became convinced myself in adulthood to give the first 10% of my income to support the work of my local church. The teaching of the firstfruits is to give to God's work before you satisfy any other needs or obligations as a sign of faith that God will provide your needs in the good times and bad. I must confess that when times get tough, I may be tempted to give to other things before I give to the Lord. This teaching reminds me that I cannot be truly rich if I do not follow commands as my first priority.
Perhaps giving is God's economic recovery plan.
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.
I was taught as a young boy and later became convinced myself in adulthood to give the first 10% of my income to support the work of my local church. The teaching of the firstfruits is to give to God's work before you satisfy any other needs or obligations as a sign of faith that God will provide your needs in the good times and bad. I must confess that when times get tough, I may be tempted to give to other things before I give to the Lord. This teaching reminds me that I cannot be truly rich if I do not follow commands as my first priority.
Perhaps giving is God's economic recovery plan.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Treasure Hunt
Proverbs 2:1-11
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. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
In today's difficult times everyone is looking for the best ROI (return on investment). Proverbs 2 instructs us that the pursuit of wisdom yields a great return on our investment. The pursuit of wisdom brings a wealth that cannot erode, nor become devalued.
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. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
In today's difficult times everyone is looking for the best ROI (return on investment). Proverbs 2 instructs us that the pursuit of wisdom yields a great return on our investment. The pursuit of wisdom brings a wealth that cannot erode, nor become devalued.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wisdom Trek
Proverbs 1:1-3
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
Daily reading and meditation on the Proverbs will add to your wisdom and encourage discipline. Discipline that will lead to a prudent life, actually doing what is right and fair. The reason I have embarked on this daily trek through the Proverbs is that there is so much good counsel to follow that can only come about through daily reflection, meditation and practice. I also find that each time I read a chapter in the book of Proverbs, something new calls my attention.
I am looking for follower wisdom trekkers. Consider adding your own original post as well responding to my post whenever you can.
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
Daily reading and meditation on the Proverbs will add to your wisdom and encourage discipline. Discipline that will lead to a prudent life, actually doing what is right and fair. The reason I have embarked on this daily trek through the Proverbs is that there is so much good counsel to follow that can only come about through daily reflection, meditation and practice. I also find that each time I read a chapter in the book of Proverbs, something new calls my attention.
I am looking for follower wisdom trekkers. Consider adding your own original post as well responding to my post whenever you can.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)