Sunday, September 30, 2018

On Proverbs 30

v 7-9 Two things I asked of You,
Do not refuse me before I die:
Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,
That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or that I not be in want and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

An older gentleman recently told me that people seem to get greedier as they get older. I wonder if that is because (in general) they are seeking security in something besides God. The guy who wrote this (Agur) seems to be asking that he be protected from the temptation that too little or too much money might bring. There is no doubt that money brings temptation. It is probably a good idea to pray for strength to overcome that and any other temptation.

Today is the last day of September, so I plan to read chapter 31 tonight. I'm amazed at how the daily reminders in this book have kept so many ideas fresh on my mind. In looking back over the month, I've been reminded about so many key points of wisdom, including:

  • Lots of wise instruction on when to speak and when to keep my pie hole shut,
  • Encouragement to pass along what wisdom I possess to my children and grandchildren,
  • Don't be lazy,
  • Keep trying to learn - especially about how to honor God,
  • Overlook transgressions and don't hold a grudge, and
  • Treat material things properly.


Of course there are many many other wise sayings, but these ideas just keep popping up over and over in Proverbs.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

On Proverbs 29

v27 An unjust man is abominable to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.

I've seen this proverb proven many times. When someone does the right thing, there are always a chorus of nay-sayers ready to attack. This happens too often in the political arena where many people are righteous in their own eyes. No matter what the opponent does, it seems wicked to them. This reminds me of Matthew 7:1, "Do not judge so that you will not be judged". I have to be careful when I'm classifying something as abominable.

Friday, September 28, 2018

On Proverbs 28

v25 An arrogant man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

It's really easy to stir up strife. A comment here or there about someone else's shortcomings, a little remark about how I could have done it better, even the hint that someone missed something. Stirring up strife seems to go hand in hand with a critical spirit. I must be careful to avoid the trap of stirring up strife - I'd rather prosper!

Thursday, September 27, 2018

On Proverbs 27

v17 Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.

This is one of my favorite proverbs. For it to work, I have to be around men that can help me in becoming what God wants me to be. I am blessed to have some godly men I can count as friends, mentors, and brothers in Christ.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

On Proverbs 26

v4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Or you will also be like him.

I like this one because it lets me avoid engaging fools. I've skipped a few meetings because of this proverb.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

On Proverbs 25

v16 Have you found honey? Eat only what you need,
That you not have it in excess and vomit it.
v28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls
Is a man who has no control over his spirit.

These two verses are among the many in Proverbs that encourage self-control. A person who is able to control their appetites will avoid problems for sure. The list of problems that arise from a lack of self control is long indeed.

Monday, September 24, 2018

On Proverbs 24

v17-18 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Or the Lord will see it and be displeased,
And turn His anger away from him.

It is really tempting to smile just a little when someone who has treated me badly has something bad happen. I don't really think I have enemies, but there are a few people who might disagree. I'm sure I've read this proverb many times, but I've not really taken the time to let it sink in. First of all, why would I have an enemy if I can help it? If, after I've done all I can to make a relationship the best it can be, and if it is still so bad that someone is an enemy, this proverb says I need to hope for the best for that person. It's sort of like Romans 12:20 (quoting Proverbs 25:21-22) - Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." Romans takes the idea a little farther, but this proverb seems like the same idea.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

On Proverbs 23

v9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

This one seems dangerous to me. Sometimes it is the fool who needs to hear about God's wisdom and His way of living the most. If I am silent, I may miss an opportunity to guide another into a saving relationship with God. I've seen this truth in action though. I've recently seen people overtly endorsing practices that are contrary to scripture and when challenged, they truly despise the wisdom from the Bible. The public spectacle of embracing same-sex "marriage" and looking on those who hold to biblical values as mentally deficient or at least uncultured is the prime example.
What to do? I try to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and speak when prompted but remain silent unless I get the go-ahead. I'm not 100% sure I always choose the best route.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

On Proverbs 22

v10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,
Even strife and dishonor will cease.

I've heard this verse quoted several times. It is amazing how we sometimes go overboard in trying to exhibit kindness and patience to someone who is bent on contention and strife. This proverb seems to say that it is wise to know when to be kind and accepting, and when to put a stop to strife and contention. I probably err on the side of a lack of patience, but it is good to know that even Solomon advises that there should be a limit.

Friday, September 21, 2018

On Proverbs 21

v9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
v19 It is better to live in a desert land
Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

I think the stereotype of the contentious woman is over done. While these verses are certainly true, in both cases, the word "woman" could be replaced with "spouse" and still be true. I'm blessed to live with a fantastic woman and these verses remind me that I don't want to become contentious or vexing to her.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

On Proverbs 20

v29 The glory of young men is their strength,
And the honor of old men is their gray hair.

Although my hair gets grayer by the day, I don't feel like an old man. I am very aware that I'm not as strong as I used to be. This verse reminds me that wisdom should come with age. I guess that when I look in the mirror and see a few more gray hairs, I should be reminded that I need to continue to seek the wisdom that God wants me to have.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

On Proverbs 19

v11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Somehow I have made my way into a profession where many of my colleagues are quite easily offended. I frequently hear people say how they have been offended by some word or deed. The forgiving spirit that v11 talks about is a great reminder that I don't need to fall into the trap of being offended by every little remark or action. "Overlook it" is some great advice.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

On Proverbs 18

v6-7 A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth calls for blows.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
v 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

These themes of good words and life contrasted with death repeat again and again. Verse 21 is a great connection between these two themes. It is a great reminder of the power of words.

Monday, September 17, 2018

On Proverbs 17

v 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

It is so easy to try to 'out talk' someone. I've seen wisdom demonstrated through silence more often than in any other way.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

On Proverbs 16

v33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.

There is an abundance of wisdom in this chapter. I can see how it would be helpful to read a chapter per day forever. If you just look at one verse, and try to get it to soak in, you would be doing well.

Verse 33 makes me pause to consider choices I am making. I really don't think I'm God's robot, if I were, I wouldn't make so many mistakes. This verse is comforting because I know that God wants to be with me in every decision I make. He wants to guide and direct me. He has given me His word to help me in making the best choices, and that alone is some wonderful guidance. But He has not stopped there. He also gives me His Holy Spirit and access to wise counsel. I like seeing that God loves me enough to be in the middle of decisions I make.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

On Proverbs 15

v1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
v2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly.
v4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
v7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
But the hearts of fools are not so.
v14 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
v23 A man has joy in an apt answer,
And how delightful is a timely word!
v28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

These 7 verses all relate to how we speak. I left off a few verses that talked about prayer (one specific type of speech). There are also several verses that talk about listening. Words are powerful. There are several negative results in these verses to avoid. I love the possibility of all the positive results though. My favorite of all of these is 23b - how delightful is a timely word!

Friday, September 14, 2018

On Proverbs 14

V28 He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Lot's of famous proverbs in this chapter. There are a few issues that can cause me to boil over too quickly. This proverb reminds me that my list should be much shorter. I think it is easier for me to quell my anger if I have a little time to think about almost any issue. It's the gut reaction that gets me in trouble.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

On Proverbs 13

V3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

There are so many references to guarding our speech in Proverbs, it must be important! I can't be reminded too many times of this truth.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

On Proverbs 12

v4a An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

I could go on and on about this verse, but it is really true. Several of the verses in this chapter explain the results of being wicked or being righteous. This verse seems unrelated, other than by the thread of reasoning that the husband had enough sense to marry and excellent wife. Does that show wisdom? Maybe it is just God's blessing. Either way, I win!

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

On Chapter 11

v28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

I do not believe that there is any amount of money that can be trusted. I've seen my bank account go from what I thought would last for a month, to hoping payday would get here tomorrow. Although I've never been rich (in my own view), I know that the largest nest egg can be cracked and brought to ruin. God, on the other hand, can be trusted!

Monday, September 10, 2018

On Proverbs 10
 v1 A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.

No kidding. How blessed it is to have children who seek the Lord. Even when trouble is knocking at their door, and I am unable to help, I know that Tim and Julie, and their spouses, are relying on God. When I see my children seeking wisdom, "glad" is the understatement of the year. Neither of them are perfect, but I consistently see them working to gain wisdom.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

On Proverbs 9

No single verse to quote on this chapter. The whole chapter contrasts wisdom and folly. It is remarkable how often people choose folly over wisdom. This chapter clearly frames the choice in spiritual terms with wisdom leading to life and folly leading to death.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

On Proverbs 8

v10-11Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.
For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

All through Proverbs, wisdom is presented as a treasure. Solomon, who was probably richer than Bill Gates and Warren Buffet combined, says over and over that wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are better than all kinds of material wealth. It seems remarkable that wisdom is available for the taking - offered freely from the Bible and godly sources - but so many people would rather seek after silver, gold and jewels. Chapter 8 is another reminder that wisdom is far more valuable than material possessions.

Friday, September 7, 2018

On Proverbs 7

v 25-27 
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths.
 For many are the victims she has cast down,
And numerous are all her slain.
 Her house is the way to Sheol,
Descending to the chambers of death.

The bottom line - sin leads to death. This Proverb is a clear picture of how enticing sin can be, followed by the clearest possible description of the consequences. We think that we can get away with it, just this one time. It is like v23 says, sin is a snare. Run!

Thursday, September 6, 2018

On Proverbs 6

V 6-11 Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise,
Which, having no chief,
Officer or ruler,
Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.
How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”—
Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man.

This is what I think of every time I try to nap on Sunday afternoon. It's kind of a bummer to try to take a nap with this scripture rolling around in your head.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

On Proverbs 5

V 18 Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.

 I really love to see couples like Calvin and Shirley who just celebrated 50 years of marriage last week. It is evident that they rejoice in each other's company. I know that any couple who stays married their whole lives goes through thick and thin and all kinds of pressure from the evil one to make a ruin of their marriage. I want to enjoy the blessing described in this passage!

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

On Proverbs 4

v1 Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father
v10 Hear, my son, and accept my sayings
v20 My son, give attention to my words

What is so striking is Solomon's desire that his son hear and follow his advice. All of the wisdom of Proverbs is useless if not heeded. God wants me to benefit from all this wisdom as well. What a loving Father!

Monday, September 3, 2018

On Proverbs 3

Lots of famous proverbs in this chapter. One of the best is 11-12.

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.

This one is so much easier to understand once you have been a parent. I am so blessed to have children that responded well to discipline. I remember my Mom telling me that my spanking hurt her worse than it hurt me, but I didn't believe it until I had to spank my kids. Seeing how Tim and Julie responded to getting in trouble used to remind me of this proverb. Discipline is yet another way that God shows how much He loves me.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

On Proverbs 2:6-8

For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success 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.

I think it is important to understand what "success" means in v7. God's definition is often quite different than our society's definition. While wisdom may bring fine homes and fast cars, the verses following v7 more accurately show the success that wisdom will bring. And those successes are so much better than the material comforts and pleasures that seem to be so valued these days.

Saturday, September 1, 2018

On Proverbs 1

Key verse - 7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

As a professor, I see students who are hungry for knowledge and I see those who are more interested in getting by with minimal effort. I really like being around those students who want to learn and share my interest in technology. For me, it's the same way in my spiritual life. I really especially enjoy being with fellow believers who are seeking to better understand scripture and how to live the Christian life.