Sometimes I think that I am pretty wise, but when I compare myself to the truly wise one, I am much like Agur. I am confronted that I am finite and that much is beyond my grasp. You alone O Lord are all knowing. Since you are the fount of all knowlegde, I run to you.
Proverbs 30:2-4
"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. 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!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Rebuke, Dishonesty, and Compassion
Proverbs 29
Doesn't it seem that some people never learn? Even after they are corrected time and time again, they continue in their stubborn rebellion. Don't envy them, for there will come a point of no return.
A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be
destroyed--without remedy. (1)
If our spouse, children, or co-workers are dishonest, make sure we are not the ones causing them to stumble by tolerating dishonesty in our affairs.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. (12)
I have been staying in an inexpensive motel in Washington, D.C. I have to admit that some of the other clients are a bit sketchy. Rooming for one night, smelling of alcohol, and using colorful language. I was convicted that I didn’t have compassion for my hotel mates. Have I been away from poverty for so long that I run away from it? The Lord cares for the poor and marginalized. He taught yet once again that so should I.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The
LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor
with fairness, his throne will always be secure. (13-14)
Doesn't it seem that some people never learn? Even after they are corrected time and time again, they continue in their stubborn rebellion. Don't envy them, for there will come a point of no return.
A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be
destroyed--without remedy. (1)
If our spouse, children, or co-workers are dishonest, make sure we are not the ones causing them to stumble by tolerating dishonesty in our affairs.
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. (12)
I have been staying in an inexpensive motel in Washington, D.C. I have to admit that some of the other clients are a bit sketchy. Rooming for one night, smelling of alcohol, and using colorful language. I was convicted that I didn’t have compassion for my hotel mates. Have I been away from poverty for so long that I run away from it? The Lord cares for the poor and marginalized. He taught yet once again that so should I.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The
LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor
with fairness, his throne will always be secure. (13-14)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Reap What You Sow
Proverbs 28:1,8,9,13,19,22,26
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous
are as bold as a lion.
Those who have confidence in God do not need to fear man for God is their defender.
He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for
another, who will be kind to the poor.
Those who become wealthy on the backs of the poor, will lose it all.
If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are
detestable.
Those who ignore earthly laws will find their prayers ignored as well.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses
and renounces them finds mercy.
Those who are transparent and remorseful will be blessed.
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who
chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Those who work will eat and not suffer lack or poverty.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is
kept safe.
Those who are their own doctors have a fool for a patient.
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous
are as bold as a lion.
Those who have confidence in God do not need to fear man for God is their defender.
He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for
another, who will be kind to the poor.
Those who become wealthy on the backs of the poor, will lose it all.
If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are
detestable.
Those who ignore earthly laws will find their prayers ignored as well.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses
and renounces them finds mercy.
Those who are transparent and remorseful will be blessed.
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who
chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Those who work will eat and not suffer lack or poverty.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is
kept safe.
Those who are their own doctors have a fool for a patient.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
God Will Speak For Us
Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not
your own lips.
Bragging is ugly. I think we talk about ourselves so much because we have a need to be significant or at least to be noticed. In some cases, if you don't speak up for yourself, others may get a position or recognition that you deserve. In this proverb we all called to let others do the talking for us, believing that if we do good work, it will eventually be noticed.
You might ask, "What do I put on my resume or job application?" The truth. Many people lie or neglect to make full disclosure in fear of not getting a job. As people of wisdom we must trust that God will plead our case. We do not need to make our case; God will make it for us.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not
your own lips.
Bragging is ugly. I think we talk about ourselves so much because we have a need to be significant or at least to be noticed. In some cases, if you don't speak up for yourself, others may get a position or recognition that you deserve. In this proverb we all called to let others do the talking for us, believing that if we do good work, it will eventually be noticed.
You might ask, "What do I put on my resume or job application?" The truth. Many people lie or neglect to make full disclosure in fear of not getting a job. As people of wisdom we must trust that God will plead our case. We do not need to make our case; God will make it for us.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Who is Worse Off Than a Fool?
The fool receives the most scathing rebuke in the Proverbs 26. The fool is unfit for honor (v.1), deserves to be whipped (v.3), is impossible to have a rational conversation with (v.4-5), cannot be trusted with a message (v.6), a proverb is useless in the mouth of a fool (v.7), shouldn't be hired (v.10),and repeats his folly (v.11). The only thing on earth worst is a proud man.
The proud man receives greater condemnation because, more times than not, he is conscious of his actions and does them anyway. The fool isn't always aware of what he is doing. The proud does not listen to counsel because he thinks he is right. Humility leads to a greater hope and future.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool
than for him.
The proud man receives greater condemnation because, more times than not, he is conscious of his actions and does them anyway. The fool isn't always aware of what he is doing. The proud does not listen to counsel because he thinks he is right. Humility leads to a greater hope and future.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool
than for him.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Fun With No Regrets
Proverbs 24:1-2, 19-20
Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their
hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. Do
not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the
evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be
snuffed out.
It may seem that the wicked are having all the fun. When I was in college, it seemed like those who did not follow God’s instructions seemed to be having all of the fun. They partied, drank, and explored their sexuality to the fullest. When it came to studying I had friends tell me that they cheated freely and had a higher GPA for their efforts.
Fortunately I found a band of friends who loved God and lived according to his precepts. We hung out until the late hours of the night enjoying each other's company without sexual frivolity. We studied together and supported each other. We had fun without regrets. We have little to be sorry for and can enjoy our memories and friendships today, almost 25 years later, freely. Obedience to God’s law today gives hope for the future.
Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their
hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. Do
not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the
evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be
snuffed out.
It may seem that the wicked are having all the fun. When I was in college, it seemed like those who did not follow God’s instructions seemed to be having all of the fun. They partied, drank, and explored their sexuality to the fullest. When it came to studying I had friends tell me that they cheated freely and had a higher GPA for their efforts.
Fortunately I found a band of friends who loved God and lived according to his precepts. We hung out until the late hours of the night enjoying each other's company without sexual frivolity. We studied together and supported each other. We had fun without regrets. We have little to be sorry for and can enjoy our memories and friendships today, almost 25 years later, freely. Obedience to God’s law today gives hope for the future.
Friday, April 23, 2010
On Good Zeal
Proverbs 23:17-18
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.
Being a Christ-follower is more than just intellectual ascent to facts, it is an emotional investment as well. I have friends who have been regularly criticized for being too emotional. "Stop being so emotional." "You need to grow up and face the facts." "Prince Charming is a fairy tale." "Be a man, stop being so sensitive." The message is that grown-ups are realists and emotions are secondary at best. When life-decisions have to be made, the intellect is what really is important.
Yet in this proverb we are called to be zealous - "to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength." Emotions are not the problem, it is what they are attached to that can benefit or hurt us. When we expend our emotional energy on what is important to God, we find a future and a hope. When we invest our heart into things that are not substantial, our hope fritters away.
Be zealous for God, he will not disappoint you.
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.
Being a Christ-follower is more than just intellectual ascent to facts, it is an emotional investment as well. I have friends who have been regularly criticized for being too emotional. "Stop being so emotional." "You need to grow up and face the facts." "Prince Charming is a fairy tale." "Be a man, stop being so sensitive." The message is that grown-ups are realists and emotions are secondary at best. When life-decisions have to be made, the intellect is what really is important.
Yet in this proverb we are called to be zealous - "to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength." Emotions are not the problem, it is what they are attached to that can benefit or hurt us. When we expend our emotional energy on what is important to God, we find a future and a hope. When we invest our heart into things that are not substantial, our hope fritters away.
Be zealous for God, he will not disappoint you.
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