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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.