Every morning when I get up I have to take my medicine. I have a prescription from my rheumatologist that determines which drugs and how much of each to take.
I came across a verse the other day that leaped out at me with new meaning !!
The verse was an old familiar one.
Prov. 30:8, "Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food prescribed to me."
I have always liked this verse which offers such a balanced key to happiness!!
Not tooo rich and not too poor!! Juuusssst right !!
But what caught my eye this time was the last part of the verse “Feed me with the food you prescribe for me “
The word translated ‘prescribe’ in my NKJB is the Hebrew word ‘chok’ and it means “an appointment of time, space, quantity, labour, usage”.
I had never considered the revelation contained in this word.
Obviously, in context this verse is not talking about physical food, although of course God provides that too!
This verse is talking about life- the things that determine your day and consequently the things that determine your life path.
It is talking about the ordinary and extraordinary things that fill our days, both the good and the not so good - things that give us joy, cause us sorrow, the expected things as well as the unexpected things, happy occurrences and even things that annoy us, people we connect with .. people we interact with and react to!
Did you ever think of God writing a prescription for your day? Every morning before you get up His prescription for your day is waiting for you!
It is not for an ‘over the counter drug’, or a common drug. It is a carefully written out prescription that will ‘feed’ YOU … and only you!
‘Food’ is that which gives life -- “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3)
To 'feed' someone implies that they contribute nothing toward the provision of the food! According to my verse, God feeds … providing exactly what we need!!
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Php. 4:19)
I love the depth of meaning in the Hebrew word, "chok".
It means an appointment that is pre-determined regarding .....
1. time -God is involved in the ‘timing’ of the events of my day... Nothing happens randomly, no room for co-incidents. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecc.3:1)
2. space - God is involved in the ‘where’ things happen. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” (Psa. 37:23)
3. quantity - God is involved in how much is allowed. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (I Cor.10:13a)
4. labour – God is involved is how taxing our day is, how difficult – “but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it”
(I Cor.10:13b)
5. usage – God is involved in why and for what purpose He allows the things in our day.
“All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purposes” (prescription) (Rom. 8:28)
I was thinking about my prescription. Although I trust my doctor and know that she knows what is good for me .. I still have freedom of choice ......
1. to ignore the prescription So also we have the freedom to rebel against walking the path that God has ‘prescribed’ for us and 'wander' according to our own fleshly desires and make choices contrary to the way God would have us go.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way." (Isa.53:6)
2. to have a ‘complaining’ attitude in my taking my meds…. So also we can grip and complain and grumble about things in our day .. or we can walk through our day thankful that Someone with infinite wisdom has prescribed for us just exactly what we need.
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(I Th. 5:18)
3. to not take my meds because they taste bad …. Taking medication may not be pleasant at the moment , it may actually taste bad !! but I trust that it will have ‘good’ results … that it will work good things in my body …. So also somethings in our day are hard to take, they cause us concern or worry or anxiety or even anger….. but God is working behind the scenes and He has promised that if we but quietly trust Him, He will cause our life to glorify Him !!
"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Heb.12:11)
Sometimes my rheumatologist sees fit to change my medication …..but I don’t see her very often and sometimes the medication is adjusted too late !
God is ever watchful and every present ! He prescribes anew EVERY morning !!
His compassions fail not. “They are new every morning . Great is Your faithfulness!” (Lam. 3:23)
Are you not thankful today that God is the One who orders your day ?
Can you not from your heart affirm ….
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. To the sould who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord!” (Lam. 3:24-26)
The Lord, the Great 'I AM' , who writes out the prescription for my day !!!!
How confidantly, with what security, I can walk through my day !!!
Showing posts with label Proverbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Proverbs. Show all posts
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, June 15, 2007
Need Some Good Advice?
We live in a fast paced society where books are on the shelf one day and outdated the next. Opinions change as fast as we can click channels or change magazine covers on our news stands.
And yet the book of Proverbs, though it was written thousands of years ago, has advice as relevant and up to date as the day it was written.
Check out the wisdom of the advice given under the following samplings of current headings.
The Latest Diet
Are you listening to the current debate on the carb versus protein diets? Are you wondering which way to lean?
Well, it seems too many carbs are not soooo good!
Prov. 25:16 “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit!”
Prov. 25:27 - “It is not good to eat too much honey…”
Social Skills
Technology allows us more interaction with more people than ever before. Our social skills are important. Want some good advice?
Prov. 25:17 – “Withdraw your foot from your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you.”
“He who has friends must show himself friendly…” Prov. 18:24
“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”Prov. 26:17
“A man who isolates himself seeks his won desire, he rages against all wise judgment.” Prov. 18:1
“…where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Prov. 26:20
Animal Rights
Yes, the bible is on the side of the animal lovers!!
“A righteous man regards the life of his animal but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. “ Prov. 12:10
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds..” Prov. 27:23
Psychology
We are a society addicted to couch analogy. But Proverbs has some advice on the subject too.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”Prov. 13:12
‘Modern’ researches have ‘discovered’ that the rise in teenage suicides is directly related to their lack of ‘hope’.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression…” Prov. 12:25
Haven’t we heard a lot lately about the mental and physical health issues caused by worry and stress?
Diplomacy
We recognize the importance of diplomacy in business or personal relationships. Seminars on how to “Resolve Relational Conflicts” abound.
Yet Proverbs has some straight forward proven-to-be-successful answers.
”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (of contention) Prov. 25:15
On Seeking Advice
We all need advice on a daily basis, but do we ask for it when we need it? Do we seek advice from a wise source? And do we listen when we are given advice?
“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prov. 15:22
“Every purpose is established by counsel, by wise counsel wage war.” Prov. 20:18
“Where there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14
"He who gets wisom loves his own soul." Prov. 19:8
Lending Money
How many family relationships and friendships are damaged because of money.
Apparently this is an age old problem for which Proverbs gives obvious advice!
“My son, if you become surety for your friend…. You are snared!” Prov. 6:1,2
“The borrower is servant to the lender…” Prov. 22:7
Honesty in Business Dealings
“Buyer Beware!” is the catch phrase of modern society. We are constantly on guard against being conned or cheated or caught in a dishonest business transaction. Too often people simply look out for their own best interests, even if it means being less than forthright. Proverbs points out that God demands honesty in all our financial dealings with each other.
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished and he who gathers by labour will increase”. Prov. 13:11
“Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 20:10
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1
“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” Prov. 15:27
Work Ethics
Proverbs extols the value of a good day’s work, of an employee being faithful and diligent and honest.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! And consider her ways.” Prov. 6:1
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.” Prov. 12:24
Moral Ethics
One of the most serious deteriations in our society is the whole idea of right and wrong. Moral ethics are becoming more and more a personal thing and the standard is constantly being lowered. But not according to Proverbs wisdom.
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness deceit.” Prov. 12:12
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than on perverse in his ways though he is rich.” Prov. 28:6
“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, - he who does so destroys his own soul” Prov. 6:32
“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling and whoever is led astray by is not wise.” Prov. 20:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Prov. 22:1
The Courts
More and more people are choosing to resolve their conflicts in the courts.
Yet Proverbs declares it is better to settle things privately.
“Do not go hastily to court for what will you do in the end when your neighbour has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbour himself ….” Prov. 25:8, 9
“It is not good to show partiality to the wicked or to overthrow the righteous in judgement.” Prov. 18:5
And On Overall Health
The advice on health issues today is endless, but Proverbs puts the finger of wisdom on the central things that contribute to our overall health. Listen to what it says….
"A merry heart does good like a medicene but a broken spirit dries the bones." Prov. 17:22
“My son, give attention to my words…. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh.” Prov. 4:20,22
“…The tongue of the wise promotes health……” also “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 13:17, 16:24
And the final word that sums up all the wisdom of Proverbs….
“Fear the Lord and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” Prov. 3:8
And yet the book of Proverbs, though it was written thousands of years ago, has advice as relevant and up to date as the day it was written.
Check out the wisdom of the advice given under the following samplings of current headings.
The Latest Diet
Are you listening to the current debate on the carb versus protein diets? Are you wondering which way to lean?
Well, it seems too many carbs are not soooo good!
Prov. 25:16 “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit!”
Prov. 25:27 - “It is not good to eat too much honey…”
Social Skills
Technology allows us more interaction with more people than ever before. Our social skills are important. Want some good advice?
Prov. 25:17 – “Withdraw your foot from your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you.”
“He who has friends must show himself friendly…” Prov. 18:24
“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”Prov. 26:17
“A man who isolates himself seeks his won desire, he rages against all wise judgment.” Prov. 18:1
“…where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Prov. 26:20
Animal Rights
Yes, the bible is on the side of the animal lovers!!
“A righteous man regards the life of his animal but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. “ Prov. 12:10
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds..” Prov. 27:23
Psychology
We are a society addicted to couch analogy. But Proverbs has some advice on the subject too.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”Prov. 13:12
‘Modern’ researches have ‘discovered’ that the rise in teenage suicides is directly related to their lack of ‘hope’.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression…” Prov. 12:25
Haven’t we heard a lot lately about the mental and physical health issues caused by worry and stress?
Diplomacy
We recognize the importance of diplomacy in business or personal relationships. Seminars on how to “Resolve Relational Conflicts” abound.
Yet Proverbs has some straight forward proven-to-be-successful answers.
”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (of contention) Prov. 25:15
On Seeking Advice
We all need advice on a daily basis, but do we ask for it when we need it? Do we seek advice from a wise source? And do we listen when we are given advice?
“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prov. 15:22
“Every purpose is established by counsel, by wise counsel wage war.” Prov. 20:18
“Where there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14
"He who gets wisom loves his own soul." Prov. 19:8
Lending Money
How many family relationships and friendships are damaged because of money.
Apparently this is an age old problem for which Proverbs gives obvious advice!
“My son, if you become surety for your friend…. You are snared!” Prov. 6:1,2
“The borrower is servant to the lender…” Prov. 22:7
Honesty in Business Dealings
“Buyer Beware!” is the catch phrase of modern society. We are constantly on guard against being conned or cheated or caught in a dishonest business transaction. Too often people simply look out for their own best interests, even if it means being less than forthright. Proverbs points out that God demands honesty in all our financial dealings with each other.
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished and he who gathers by labour will increase”. Prov. 13:11
“Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 20:10
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1
“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” Prov. 15:27
Work Ethics
Proverbs extols the value of a good day’s work, of an employee being faithful and diligent and honest.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! And consider her ways.” Prov. 6:1
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.” Prov. 12:24
Moral Ethics
One of the most serious deteriations in our society is the whole idea of right and wrong. Moral ethics are becoming more and more a personal thing and the standard is constantly being lowered. But not according to Proverbs wisdom.
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness deceit.” Prov. 12:12
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than on perverse in his ways though he is rich.” Prov. 28:6
“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, - he who does so destroys his own soul” Prov. 6:32
“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling and whoever is led astray by is not wise.” Prov. 20:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Prov. 22:1
The Courts
More and more people are choosing to resolve their conflicts in the courts.
Yet Proverbs declares it is better to settle things privately.
“Do not go hastily to court for what will you do in the end when your neighbour has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbour himself ….” Prov. 25:8, 9
“It is not good to show partiality to the wicked or to overthrow the righteous in judgement.” Prov. 18:5
And On Overall Health
The advice on health issues today is endless, but Proverbs puts the finger of wisdom on the central things that contribute to our overall health. Listen to what it says….
"A merry heart does good like a medicene but a broken spirit dries the bones." Prov. 17:22
“My son, give attention to my words…. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh.” Prov. 4:20,22
“…The tongue of the wise promotes health……” also “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 13:17, 16:24
And the final word that sums up all the wisdom of Proverbs….
“Fear the Lord and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” Prov. 3:8
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Profile of a Virtuous Woman
Proverbs 31 contains the oft quoted description of the virtuous wife.
The chapter credits are given to King Lemuel’s mother.
Who is King Lemuel?
The name is most probably one of Solomon’s aliases since this is the only time in scripture this name is mentioned and history records no king by that name. Lemuel means ‘belonging to God’. When Solomon was born, it is the only time we are told that “God loved” a baby and he was consequently named Jedidiah (loved of the Lord). This name is also never mentioned again. Chapter 30 of Proverbs is credited to Agur, son of Jekah - which would translate to “words of the wise from the son of obedience”.
The most reasonable consensus is that both Agur and Lemuel are fanciful names for Solomon along with ‘The Preacher'. Solomon never refers to himself as Solomon.
Accepting that, we would have to conclude that ‘King Lemuel’s’ mother is Bathsheba. Interesting, is it not?
I would think that the first 9 verses of chapter 31 are the words Bathsheba taught Solomon, but then I think the last part of the chapter describing the virtuous woman are once again reverting back to being Solomon’s words.
When it came to women Solomon put more stress on quantity than on quality so I doubt this description would be his observation from a marital position. So to me it seems most likely that Solomon was describing his mother – through the eyes of a loving and adoring son!
When I read the description of the virtuous woman it focuses on the things that she does. But I like to read between the lines and envision the kind of person she was.
The first thing observed about her is that “the heart of her husband safely trusts her”. I think that is the highest praise a wife can receive.
What is it that makes a husband feel secure? It is his wife’s respect for him. It has been said that a man will choose respect over love….while a woman will choose love over respect. Obviously, this virtuous wife respects her husband enabling him to excel in all he does. She continually has his well being in mind, yet she is an independent woman who thinks for herself.
The list of all the virtuous woman accomplishes is tiring even to think about but the sense given is that she does it all out of the joyful exuberance of boundless energy rather than out of drudgery or duty. Never once is there any hint of her complaining or feeling unappreciated.
The virtuous wife is a woman in control of her world and loving it!
She is the inventer of the word 'multitasking'. She juggles her business ventures with her other duties and it seems none of them suffer. She is well organized.
She is not one to waste her time…. She is not given to idle window shopping; when she goes to town she knows what she wants and gets it – be it wool or flax or real estate.
She manages her finances well and invests her profits wisely.
She is talented and creative, working with her hands and finding pleasure in the finished projects. She weaves fine linen and makes belts which she sells to the merchants.
She sees to the needs of her family, her staff and the poor in her community.
Yet, though all her focus is outward with everyone else’s needs in mind, she does not neglect herself. She still finds time to present herself as a fashion plate.
She is sought out for her wisdom and advice and is known for her kind and gentle ways.
She never seems to suffer from fatigue or stress nor becomes disgruntled with her life or upset with her children. They all think she is the greatest mom and her husband cannot stop singing her praises in his influential circles.
It appears that all who know her admire her – not from afar but from within the intimate circle of her caring heart.
Her outward beauty is outshone by her inner beauty that is lit by her love for God. And there is her secret….
“A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own words praise her in the gates.”
What a high example to follow!!
It seems impossible to attain even for us technologically advanced and enlightened women of our modern times. But her secret has not changed.
If we want what she had – an undeniably blessed life – it starts with our relationship with God.
“If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then all these (other) things will be added unto us!!” (Matt. 6:33)
The chapter credits are given to King Lemuel’s mother.
Who is King Lemuel?
The name is most probably one of Solomon’s aliases since this is the only time in scripture this name is mentioned and history records no king by that name. Lemuel means ‘belonging to God’. When Solomon was born, it is the only time we are told that “God loved” a baby and he was consequently named Jedidiah (loved of the Lord). This name is also never mentioned again. Chapter 30 of Proverbs is credited to Agur, son of Jekah - which would translate to “words of the wise from the son of obedience”.
The most reasonable consensus is that both Agur and Lemuel are fanciful names for Solomon along with ‘The Preacher'. Solomon never refers to himself as Solomon.
Accepting that, we would have to conclude that ‘King Lemuel’s’ mother is Bathsheba. Interesting, is it not?
I would think that the first 9 verses of chapter 31 are the words Bathsheba taught Solomon, but then I think the last part of the chapter describing the virtuous woman are once again reverting back to being Solomon’s words.
When it came to women Solomon put more stress on quantity than on quality so I doubt this description would be his observation from a marital position. So to me it seems most likely that Solomon was describing his mother – through the eyes of a loving and adoring son!
When I read the description of the virtuous woman it focuses on the things that she does. But I like to read between the lines and envision the kind of person she was.
The first thing observed about her is that “the heart of her husband safely trusts her”. I think that is the highest praise a wife can receive.
What is it that makes a husband feel secure? It is his wife’s respect for him. It has been said that a man will choose respect over love….while a woman will choose love over respect. Obviously, this virtuous wife respects her husband enabling him to excel in all he does. She continually has his well being in mind, yet she is an independent woman who thinks for herself.
The list of all the virtuous woman accomplishes is tiring even to think about but the sense given is that she does it all out of the joyful exuberance of boundless energy rather than out of drudgery or duty. Never once is there any hint of her complaining or feeling unappreciated.
The virtuous wife is a woman in control of her world and loving it!
She is the inventer of the word 'multitasking'. She juggles her business ventures with her other duties and it seems none of them suffer. She is well organized.
She is not one to waste her time…. She is not given to idle window shopping; when she goes to town she knows what she wants and gets it – be it wool or flax or real estate.
She manages her finances well and invests her profits wisely.
She is talented and creative, working with her hands and finding pleasure in the finished projects. She weaves fine linen and makes belts which she sells to the merchants.
She sees to the needs of her family, her staff and the poor in her community.
Yet, though all her focus is outward with everyone else’s needs in mind, she does not neglect herself. She still finds time to present herself as a fashion plate.
She is sought out for her wisdom and advice and is known for her kind and gentle ways.
She never seems to suffer from fatigue or stress nor becomes disgruntled with her life or upset with her children. They all think she is the greatest mom and her husband cannot stop singing her praises in his influential circles.
It appears that all who know her admire her – not from afar but from within the intimate circle of her caring heart.
Her outward beauty is outshone by her inner beauty that is lit by her love for God. And there is her secret….
“A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own words praise her in the gates.”
What a high example to follow!!
It seems impossible to attain even for us technologically advanced and enlightened women of our modern times. But her secret has not changed.
If we want what she had – an undeniably blessed life – it starts with our relationship with God.
“If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then all these (other) things will be added unto us!!” (Matt. 6:33)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Flood Alert Notice
Proverbs 22:3 “A prudent man foresees evil (or calamity) and hides himself. but the simple (or foolish) pass on and are punished.”
We received our “Flood Alert” notice today.
This year, because of an exceptionally heavy snow fall, there is fear of a repeat of the 1948 flood in the communities that live in the flood plains of the mighty Fraser River.
There have been advisories issued as to what precautions and preparations are prudent for those whose homes are in danger or for those who would be affected by secondary issues such as being stranded, or being without hydro or drinking water. .
I have watched and listened over the last few weeks and found that people’s reactions fall into four groups.
1> There are the people who take the threat very seriously and do all they can to be prepared.
I got into a conversation with a young lady who stood behind me in the line up waiting for a bank teller. She told me about her friend who has taken every precaution she could, to the extent that she has purchased polyurethane to wrap her house in. She has moved all her belongings to the top floor, including the motorcycle. All emergency supplies have been purchased. She is ready for the worst case scenario!
2> Then there are the people who listen to the warnings and consider the facts and decide to make bare minimum preparations. They buy some bottled water, stock up on a few staples, such as canned food and batteries and hope the flood doesn’t happen.
Their preparations may be enough, they may not.
3> Many people have decided they will just wait and see. If the flood begins to happen, they will go out and quickly get what they need. Waiting until the last minute may be too late, especially if too many other people had the same idea.
4> Lastly, there are the people who scoff at the whole possibility of a flood and refuse to take the threat seriously. They have no intention of taking any precautions, not even planning for emergency necessities.
It struck me how the reactions of people facing the threat of a disaster parallel the reactions of people facing certain death and eternity.
We don’t like to think of death. God has given us a will to live which is normal and good, but we all know that “it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgement” (Heb. 9:27)
No one lives forever on this earth. It is a fact no one can deny and yet the reactions vary.
1> There are the people who, recognizing the fact that death and eternity are a sure thing, search out what they must do to be ready and make all the necessary preparations. They make sure that they know their salvation is secured and that they are living in such a way that they are ready to face God at any moment. They, like the five wise virgins, have their lamps trimmed and have extra oil with them.
2> Then there are the people who recognize that one day their life here will end but they really don’t want to do more than the bare minimum to be prepared. They go to church fairly regularly and have a short list of things they do to appease their consciences hoping it will be enough.
The five foolish virgins also thought they had enough and by the time they realized their mistake it was too late.
3> There are also those who do not want to ‘cramp their style’ and while they know what they must do to be saved, decide that they will just wait until the last minute and then quickly make things right then.
But it is almost impossible to get ready in a crisis moment.
A friend of mine lost her brother this past month.
He owned businesses in two cities and sold one to use the cash flow to enlarge and upgrade the business in the other city. He was excited to carry out his plans. Four days after the sale was finalized he was killed in a car accident. He was not prepared for death and eternity.
Leaving things for the last minute is taking the ultimate risk ….. with all eternity at stake.
3> Then there are the ones who simply refuse to acknowledge the facts.
They deny the evidence proving that God and eternity are real and that one day they will answer to the Judge of all men. They prefer to believe that they can write their own reality to suit themselves; they will live and die on their own terms.
God has sent out his “Alert Notice!”
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says;
Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…..
Beware, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God….
exhort one another daily while it is called ‘today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin..
For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said,
Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
(Heb. 3:7-15)
What is YOUR reaction?
We received our “Flood Alert” notice today.
This year, because of an exceptionally heavy snow fall, there is fear of a repeat of the 1948 flood in the communities that live in the flood plains of the mighty Fraser River.
There have been advisories issued as to what precautions and preparations are prudent for those whose homes are in danger or for those who would be affected by secondary issues such as being stranded, or being without hydro or drinking water. .
I have watched and listened over the last few weeks and found that people’s reactions fall into four groups.
1> There are the people who take the threat very seriously and do all they can to be prepared.
I got into a conversation with a young lady who stood behind me in the line up waiting for a bank teller. She told me about her friend who has taken every precaution she could, to the extent that she has purchased polyurethane to wrap her house in. She has moved all her belongings to the top floor, including the motorcycle. All emergency supplies have been purchased. She is ready for the worst case scenario!
2> Then there are the people who listen to the warnings and consider the facts and decide to make bare minimum preparations. They buy some bottled water, stock up on a few staples, such as canned food and batteries and hope the flood doesn’t happen.
Their preparations may be enough, they may not.
3> Many people have decided they will just wait and see. If the flood begins to happen, they will go out and quickly get what they need. Waiting until the last minute may be too late, especially if too many other people had the same idea.
4> Lastly, there are the people who scoff at the whole possibility of a flood and refuse to take the threat seriously. They have no intention of taking any precautions, not even planning for emergency necessities.
It struck me how the reactions of people facing the threat of a disaster parallel the reactions of people facing certain death and eternity.
We don’t like to think of death. God has given us a will to live which is normal and good, but we all know that “it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgement” (Heb. 9:27)
No one lives forever on this earth. It is a fact no one can deny and yet the reactions vary.
1> There are the people who, recognizing the fact that death and eternity are a sure thing, search out what they must do to be ready and make all the necessary preparations. They make sure that they know their salvation is secured and that they are living in such a way that they are ready to face God at any moment. They, like the five wise virgins, have their lamps trimmed and have extra oil with them.
2> Then there are the people who recognize that one day their life here will end but they really don’t want to do more than the bare minimum to be prepared. They go to church fairly regularly and have a short list of things they do to appease their consciences hoping it will be enough.
The five foolish virgins also thought they had enough and by the time they realized their mistake it was too late.
3> There are also those who do not want to ‘cramp their style’ and while they know what they must do to be saved, decide that they will just wait until the last minute and then quickly make things right then.
But it is almost impossible to get ready in a crisis moment.
A friend of mine lost her brother this past month.
He owned businesses in two cities and sold one to use the cash flow to enlarge and upgrade the business in the other city. He was excited to carry out his plans. Four days after the sale was finalized he was killed in a car accident. He was not prepared for death and eternity.
Leaving things for the last minute is taking the ultimate risk ….. with all eternity at stake.
3> Then there are the ones who simply refuse to acknowledge the facts.
They deny the evidence proving that God and eternity are real and that one day they will answer to the Judge of all men. They prefer to believe that they can write their own reality to suit themselves; they will live and die on their own terms.
God has sent out his “Alert Notice!”
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says;
Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…..
Beware, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God….
exhort one another daily while it is called ‘today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin..
For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said,
Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
(Heb. 3:7-15)
What is YOUR reaction?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Coals of Fire
“If your enemy is hungry give him bread to eat, And if he is thirsty give him water to drink for so you will heap coals of fire on his head.” (Prov. 25:21,22)
Paul quotes this verse from proverbs in Romans 12:19,20 saying, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves but rather give place to wrath for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine I will repay’, saith the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers feed him, if he thirst give him a drink for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”
There are differences of opinion as to what ‘heaping coals of fire’ on someone’s head means.
I was taught that treating my enemy with kindness would somehow allow God to pronounce just punishment on the evil doer.
Some tell of an eastern custom that in the morning those who had let their fire go out in the night would run through the streets with a clay pot on their head and neighbours would fill it with burning coals for them to restart their fire.
Others tell of an Egyptian custom of people demonstrating their repentance by putting coals of fire on their head.
Yet others insist that neither of these claimed ancient customs have any validity, and are in fact untrue.
But we do not need to guess at the meaning or search out ancient customs when we can find the true meaning simply by searching the pages of scripture.
The first reference to burning coals of fire is found in Leviticus 16 when God instructed Moses on the rituals concerning the altar. To makes atonement for the people Aaron was to take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar and bring it before the Lord in the holy of holies , then sprinkle the coals with incense causing a cloud to rise up and cover the mercy seat in the holy of holies.
The burning coals of fire had to do with the sacrifice for sin and forgiveness.
This is confirmed in Isaiah 6:5 where Isaiah, when he sees the Lord, recognizes his sinful condition and cries out…“Woe is me for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips…” In response to his cry an angel flies to him having in his hand a coal of fire from the altar. The angel touches Isaiah’s mouth with it and declares that his “iniquity is taken away and his sin purged”.
Burning coals of fire have the purpose of cleansing from sin.
Therefore, to heap burning coals of fire on someone’s head is to bring them to repentance so that their sin may be forgiven.
When someone sins against us, it is not vengeance we are to seek but rather seek to ‘overcome evil' with good deeds that will make our enemy ashamed and burn his conscience, filling him with ‘godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation’. (II Cor. 7:10)
My parents and forefathers came from one of the Mennonite villages in the Ukraine.
There was a time where they lived in terror, never knowing when their lives would be in danger. They were at the mercy of bandits and marauding gangs who raided and killed at will with no authorities to stop them.
In one of these Mennonite villages, a man and his family were asleep in their beds one night when the father awoke to the sounds of someone on his roof.
Slipping outside in the dark, he found his fears confirmed.
Several young men were tearing his house apart.
He calmly went back inside and called his wife to prepare a meal.
When the table was set and the food prepared he went outside and called to the young men who had torn a good part of his roof off the house.
“You have worked hard. You must be hungry. Please come inside and partake of some refreshments.”
Hesitantly, the men came into the house and sat down at the table.
The man of the house calmly bowed his head and thanked the Lord for the food and asked him to bless those that sat around the table.
After the prayer, he filled the men’s plates and encouraged them to eat.
They picked up their forks and started to eat… but after a few minutes, without a word, got up from the table and went back outside.
The sounds resumed on the roof.
But this time their intent was different. They worked until they had restored all the damage they had done and then quietly left.
The kindness of the gentle godly couple had heaped coals of fire on their heads that burned repentance into their souls.
When someone insults us, or offends us in some way is our first reaction to want to retaliate - to strike back, to wish that they get what they deserve?
Or is our heart concern for their soul, and our desire to react in such a way as to bring them to feel sorrow and regret for their actions?
Do we yearn for them to be forgiven before God?
I remember a time I was put to shame by the example of my granddaughter.
Shortly after she started her kindergarten year, she began to tell me about a girl in her class named Danielle.
This girl was mean tempered, angry and had no friends.
Elise, who wanted everyone to be her friend could not understand why this girl was so difficult. She tried and tried to be her friend, to no avail.
Elise would tell me, "Nanna, we have to pray for Danielle."
And she herself would pray for her every day.
One day Elise was again telling me about Danielle and struggling to define her problem asked me, "What do you call it, when she, when she..." I understood what she meant and gave her the words, "has a broken spirit?"
"Yes, yes, that's it, " Elise said.
Always after that she asked me to pray for Danielle's broken spirit.
Elise would make Danielle cards and think of ways to be nice to her - she even asked to go shopping to buy Danielle a really nice present, which she choose with great care. But all of her efforts went unrewarded and Elise agonized all year over this child that rejected all her kind gestures.
Not once did Elise take her meaness personally, the meaner Danielle was the greater Elise's concern for her and the greater her struggle to understand her.
There were times when Elise was hopeful that finally her efforts were paying off but then they would be dashed once more.
The year ended with Danielle still being mean and angry. The coals of fire did not produce the desired result.
But I still think of her and hope that perhaps one day she will remember the little girl in kindergarten that would not give up being kind to her.
Watching Elise's childlike purity of heart and motives gave meaning to God's words, "A little child shall lead them". (Is. 11:6)
Paul quotes this verse from proverbs in Romans 12:19,20 saying, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves but rather give place to wrath for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine I will repay’, saith the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers feed him, if he thirst give him a drink for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”
There are differences of opinion as to what ‘heaping coals of fire’ on someone’s head means.
I was taught that treating my enemy with kindness would somehow allow God to pronounce just punishment on the evil doer.
Some tell of an eastern custom that in the morning those who had let their fire go out in the night would run through the streets with a clay pot on their head and neighbours would fill it with burning coals for them to restart their fire.
Others tell of an Egyptian custom of people demonstrating their repentance by putting coals of fire on their head.
Yet others insist that neither of these claimed ancient customs have any validity, and are in fact untrue.
But we do not need to guess at the meaning or search out ancient customs when we can find the true meaning simply by searching the pages of scripture.
The first reference to burning coals of fire is found in Leviticus 16 when God instructed Moses on the rituals concerning the altar. To makes atonement for the people Aaron was to take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar and bring it before the Lord in the holy of holies , then sprinkle the coals with incense causing a cloud to rise up and cover the mercy seat in the holy of holies.
The burning coals of fire had to do with the sacrifice for sin and forgiveness.
This is confirmed in Isaiah 6:5 where Isaiah, when he sees the Lord, recognizes his sinful condition and cries out…“Woe is me for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips…” In response to his cry an angel flies to him having in his hand a coal of fire from the altar. The angel touches Isaiah’s mouth with it and declares that his “iniquity is taken away and his sin purged”.
Burning coals of fire have the purpose of cleansing from sin.
Therefore, to heap burning coals of fire on someone’s head is to bring them to repentance so that their sin may be forgiven.
When someone sins against us, it is not vengeance we are to seek but rather seek to ‘overcome evil' with good deeds that will make our enemy ashamed and burn his conscience, filling him with ‘godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation’. (II Cor. 7:10)
My parents and forefathers came from one of the Mennonite villages in the Ukraine.
There was a time where they lived in terror, never knowing when their lives would be in danger. They were at the mercy of bandits and marauding gangs who raided and killed at will with no authorities to stop them.
In one of these Mennonite villages, a man and his family were asleep in their beds one night when the father awoke to the sounds of someone on his roof.
Slipping outside in the dark, he found his fears confirmed.
Several young men were tearing his house apart.
He calmly went back inside and called his wife to prepare a meal.
When the table was set and the food prepared he went outside and called to the young men who had torn a good part of his roof off the house.
“You have worked hard. You must be hungry. Please come inside and partake of some refreshments.”
Hesitantly, the men came into the house and sat down at the table.
The man of the house calmly bowed his head and thanked the Lord for the food and asked him to bless those that sat around the table.
After the prayer, he filled the men’s plates and encouraged them to eat.
They picked up their forks and started to eat… but after a few minutes, without a word, got up from the table and went back outside.
The sounds resumed on the roof.
But this time their intent was different. They worked until they had restored all the damage they had done and then quietly left.
The kindness of the gentle godly couple had heaped coals of fire on their heads that burned repentance into their souls.
When someone insults us, or offends us in some way is our first reaction to want to retaliate - to strike back, to wish that they get what they deserve?
Or is our heart concern for their soul, and our desire to react in such a way as to bring them to feel sorrow and regret for their actions?
Do we yearn for them to be forgiven before God?
I remember a time I was put to shame by the example of my granddaughter.
Shortly after she started her kindergarten year, she began to tell me about a girl in her class named Danielle.
This girl was mean tempered, angry and had no friends.
Elise, who wanted everyone to be her friend could not understand why this girl was so difficult. She tried and tried to be her friend, to no avail.
Elise would tell me, "Nanna, we have to pray for Danielle."
And she herself would pray for her every day.
One day Elise was again telling me about Danielle and struggling to define her problem asked me, "What do you call it, when she, when she..." I understood what she meant and gave her the words, "has a broken spirit?"
"Yes, yes, that's it, " Elise said.
Always after that she asked me to pray for Danielle's broken spirit.
Elise would make Danielle cards and think of ways to be nice to her - she even asked to go shopping to buy Danielle a really nice present, which she choose with great care. But all of her efforts went unrewarded and Elise agonized all year over this child that rejected all her kind gestures.
Not once did Elise take her meaness personally, the meaner Danielle was the greater Elise's concern for her and the greater her struggle to understand her.
There were times when Elise was hopeful that finally her efforts were paying off but then they would be dashed once more.
The year ended with Danielle still being mean and angry. The coals of fire did not produce the desired result.
But I still think of her and hope that perhaps one day she will remember the little girl in kindergarten that would not give up being kind to her.
Watching Elise's childlike purity of heart and motives gave meaning to God's words, "A little child shall lead them". (Is. 11:6)
Friday, June 8, 2007
The Gospel according to Proverbs?
I think of the Bible as God’s house of Truth.
The books of the Bible are its windows.
Each book provides another view into God’s Truth, just as walking around your neighbour’s house and looking into the windows allows you to view the inside of the house from different angles.
All views together give you a complete understanding of what the ‘house’ looks like and what it contains.
Proverbs is typically thought of as a collection of wise sayings, practical advice for successful living.
But it is a 'window' into God’s ‘house of Truth’ , and therefore looking into Proverbs we will see the same truths we see looking into the other 'windows'.
If you were looking into the Proverbs window would you expect to be able to present the gospel message to the non-believer standing beside you?
No?
Let’s see.
The first step toward salvation is recognizing that we have a choice to make.
God allows man to choose between good and evil, for Him or against Him.
“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the habitation of the just!" (Prov. 3:33)
Every man must make a choice. Even if he does not actively CHOOSE evil, it is the default decision. Each choice carries with it life-defining consequences.
“For the upright will dwell in the land… but the wicked will be cut off from the earth.” (Prov.2:21,22)
The first step toward God is ‘to humble ourselves’ (James 4:10), recognizing that we cannot be saved by our own works, salvation is only by God’s grace. “For the grace of God that brings salvation….” (Titus 2:11)
Proverbs agrees.
“Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives GRACE to the humble.” (Prov.3:33,34)
In humbling ourselves we recognize our own unworthiness. We recognize that we have gone our own rebellious way. “There is a way which seems right to a man. But its end is the way of death.“ (Prov. 14:12)
We cry out to God acknowledging our sin before Him. “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?’ “ (Prov. 20:9)
Filled with remorse , we obey God’s call to repentance.
We can confess our sin to a merciful and forgiving God. “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper. But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” (Prov. 28:13)
In coming to God we must believe that He is who He says He is and that He will hear us and accept us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” (Prov. 3:5-7)
There is only one way to reconciled to God, by accepting His free gift of salvation.
The sin debt we owe we can never pay off – our only hope is the free gift of God.
“The one who despises the word will be in DEBT to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be REWARDED!” (Prov. 13:13) "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and LIFE” (Prov. 22:4)
The one who refuses God is responsible to pay his debt, but the one who chooses God is ‘rewarded’ – a free gift.
Do the above Proverbs verses not remind you of Romans 3:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life,” ?
And in Prov. 3:35 we are told that “the wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.”
See the parallel between this Prov. Verse and the verse in Romans 2:7,8, “…those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory… but to those who ,,,…obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.”
When we know that we have freely received the gift of God are encouraged to ‘grow the fruit of the Spirit’ in our life. If we do, our desire will be to share the good news with others. “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8)
Prov. 11:30 also encourages us to do just that. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise.”
God’s heart desire is for man to be saved, to be reconciled to Him….and this theme is repeated over and over again throughout scripture.
Is it surprising then, that Proverbs , the ‘how-to’ book for sucessful living, would include the gospel message?
The books of the Bible are its windows.
Each book provides another view into God’s Truth, just as walking around your neighbour’s house and looking into the windows allows you to view the inside of the house from different angles.
All views together give you a complete understanding of what the ‘house’ looks like and what it contains.
Proverbs is typically thought of as a collection of wise sayings, practical advice for successful living.
But it is a 'window' into God’s ‘house of Truth’ , and therefore looking into Proverbs we will see the same truths we see looking into the other 'windows'.
If you were looking into the Proverbs window would you expect to be able to present the gospel message to the non-believer standing beside you?
No?
Let’s see.
The first step toward salvation is recognizing that we have a choice to make.
God allows man to choose between good and evil, for Him or against Him.
“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the habitation of the just!" (Prov. 3:33)
Every man must make a choice. Even if he does not actively CHOOSE evil, it is the default decision. Each choice carries with it life-defining consequences.
“For the upright will dwell in the land… but the wicked will be cut off from the earth.” (Prov.2:21,22)
The first step toward God is ‘to humble ourselves’ (James 4:10), recognizing that we cannot be saved by our own works, salvation is only by God’s grace. “For the grace of God that brings salvation….” (Titus 2:11)
Proverbs agrees.
“Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives GRACE to the humble.” (Prov.3:33,34)
In humbling ourselves we recognize our own unworthiness. We recognize that we have gone our own rebellious way. “There is a way which seems right to a man. But its end is the way of death.“ (Prov. 14:12)
We cry out to God acknowledging our sin before Him. “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?’ “ (Prov. 20:9)
Filled with remorse , we obey God’s call to repentance.
We can confess our sin to a merciful and forgiving God. “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper. But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” (Prov. 28:13)
In coming to God we must believe that He is who He says He is and that He will hear us and accept us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” (Prov. 3:5-7)
There is only one way to reconciled to God, by accepting His free gift of salvation.
The sin debt we owe we can never pay off – our only hope is the free gift of God.
“The one who despises the word will be in DEBT to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be REWARDED!” (Prov. 13:13) "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and LIFE” (Prov. 22:4)
The one who refuses God is responsible to pay his debt, but the one who chooses God is ‘rewarded’ – a free gift.
Do the above Proverbs verses not remind you of Romans 3:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life,” ?
And in Prov. 3:35 we are told that “the wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.”
See the parallel between this Prov. Verse and the verse in Romans 2:7,8, “…those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory… but to those who ,,,…obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.”
When we know that we have freely received the gift of God are encouraged to ‘grow the fruit of the Spirit’ in our life. If we do, our desire will be to share the good news with others. “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8)
Prov. 11:30 also encourages us to do just that. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise.”
God’s heart desire is for man to be saved, to be reconciled to Him….and this theme is repeated over and over again throughout scripture.
Is it surprising then, that Proverbs , the ‘how-to’ book for sucessful living, would include the gospel message?
Thursday, June 7, 2007
"Met a Fool Lately?"
In the seventies it was the era of mini skirts and high heels and wolf whistles.
I was leaving work one summer evening and when I pulled off the mall parking lot onto the street I saw a car pull up beside me with a young man at the wheel. I heard him whistle at me and I determined that I was not going to give him the satisfaction of me acknowledging his attention. We were stopped by a red light and he continued to whistle and tap his horn. I was embarrassed and pulled quickly into the turn as soon as the light turned green, careful to keep my face averted. He stayed abreast with my car and continued whistling.
I paid him no heed!
To my annoyance we were again stopped by a red light.
He rolled down his window and said something. When I still did not even glance in his direction, he stuck his head out and hollered, “HEY STUPID, YOUR LIGHTS!”
Turning beat red, and feeling extremely foolish I turned on my headlights.
A fool is defined in our English dictionary as “one who is deficient in judgment, sense or understanding, one who acts unwisely on a given occasion”.
The Hebrew word is stronger. It gives the meaning of “Stupid, wicked, vile person”.
We rarely hear someone described as a fool anymore. I would like to think the species has gone into extinction but I think the truth is that when we meet one we simply turn the other way.
And yet God has a lot to say about ‘fools’. The book of Proverbs dedicates 39 verses to the subject of a fool.
Do we know one when we see one? Are we careful to avoid the ways of a fool in our own life?
While it is embarrassing to be called a fool by a fellow human being… it would be infinitely worse to be called a fool by God.
According to the book of Proverbs who does God consider a fool?
King David, the father of the author of Proverbs defined the ultimate fool …“The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God’.” (Psalm 14:1) and this thought is echoed in Pro. 28:26 which says, “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool”.
A fool is someone who sets himself up as his own standard, blind in his own conceit and does not recognize wisdom when it is presented to him.
Prov.23:9 says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”
A fool is also described as someone who has no discretion as to when to speak or when to keep silent. Prov. 29:11 says “A fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.” And also in Prov. 18:7 we read, “A fool’s mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul”.
A fool is also described as one who is unteachable. There is no point in giving good advice or instruction to a fool. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,” (Prov.12:15)
“A fool despises his father’s instruction.” (Prov.15:5)
A fool always thinks his way is the only way and no one can tell him what to do.
My brother is a builder who takes pride in his work and is known for his skill and knowledge. He recently hired a man to work for him. When my brother pointed out that he was not following the chalk line to align his boards in a straight line he responded, “I will not be told what to do, I know what I am doing.” And he quit. A fool?
There is interesting language used to describe fools. One such verse is in Prov. 17:24. It says, “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.”
On first reading the intended meaning escapes us. But think about it.
Have you as a parent ever sat a rebellious child down to explain why you are insisting on certain behaviour and his eyes are everywhere except on you? Do you, realizing he is not paying attention, not say “LOOK AT ME!” ?
That is what this verse is saying. That while a wise man focuses and pays attention to wisdom the eyes (and attention) of a fool are everywhere but where they should be.
Solomon also has an interesting turn of words to warn against trusting a fool. In Proverbs 26:6 he says, “He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet and drinks damage.” He is saying that to trust a fool with any of your business, even something as small as delivering a message, is to invite disaster upon yourself. A message given to a fool to deliver is so unlikely to be delivered with any compitance that you might as well cut off his feet…. Hiring a fool will cause your business to suffer and you will be judged by your messenger.
Proverbs describes a fool as someone who cannot be serious. Their focus in life is to do whatever it takes to attract attention, act foolishly, get into trouble, be the practical jokester - “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief...” (Prov. 10:23). He seems incapable of doing anything worthwhile. “Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.” (Prov.27:22) The picture here is of grinding grain to separate the wheat from the chaff, but grinding a fool would present no hope of separating the chaff (foolishness) from him.
To give honour to a fool is like “snow in summer, and as rain in harvest “ (Prov. 26:1)
It is like “binding a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honour to a fool.” (Prov. 26:8).
It is dangerous to give honour to a fool, he will use it to his own and others’ hurt - just as a stone flung from a sling will injure someone in its path, or rain will destroy the cut grain.
He will be puffed up with himself, bragging and spouting worthless advice to anyone who will listen. He will be "perverse in his lips” (Prov. 19:1)
A fool is someone who “hides hatred with lying lips and slanders another” (Prov.10:18) and someone who “enters into contention and his mouth calls for strokes” (Prov. 18:6)
A fool stirs up trouble, encourages strife and conflict and attacks anyone in his way.
When we read about what a fool is like the language is so strong that we find it hard to even think of someone who fits the description but if we think about it, letting the words sink into our hearts we realize that maybe we are a little bit guilty ourselves, that perhaps at times we even see the foolish ways of a fool lurking in the shadows of our own mirror.
Perhaps we are not always quick to take advice, at times we think our opinion is more important than someone else’s, we talk before we think, we react with anger when we are criticized.
If we do recognize the shadow of foolishness in our own hearts, we know we are not ‘fools’, for fools cannot see the error of their ways.
“A wise man fears and departs from evil, but the fool rages and is self-confident.” (Prov.14:16)
I was leaving work one summer evening and when I pulled off the mall parking lot onto the street I saw a car pull up beside me with a young man at the wheel. I heard him whistle at me and I determined that I was not going to give him the satisfaction of me acknowledging his attention. We were stopped by a red light and he continued to whistle and tap his horn. I was embarrassed and pulled quickly into the turn as soon as the light turned green, careful to keep my face averted. He stayed abreast with my car and continued whistling.
I paid him no heed!
To my annoyance we were again stopped by a red light.
He rolled down his window and said something. When I still did not even glance in his direction, he stuck his head out and hollered, “HEY STUPID, YOUR LIGHTS!”
Turning beat red, and feeling extremely foolish I turned on my headlights.
A fool is defined in our English dictionary as “one who is deficient in judgment, sense or understanding, one who acts unwisely on a given occasion”.
The Hebrew word is stronger. It gives the meaning of “Stupid, wicked, vile person”.
We rarely hear someone described as a fool anymore. I would like to think the species has gone into extinction but I think the truth is that when we meet one we simply turn the other way.
And yet God has a lot to say about ‘fools’. The book of Proverbs dedicates 39 verses to the subject of a fool.
Do we know one when we see one? Are we careful to avoid the ways of a fool in our own life?
While it is embarrassing to be called a fool by a fellow human being… it would be infinitely worse to be called a fool by God.
According to the book of Proverbs who does God consider a fool?
King David, the father of the author of Proverbs defined the ultimate fool …“The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God’.” (Psalm 14:1) and this thought is echoed in Pro. 28:26 which says, “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool”.
A fool is someone who sets himself up as his own standard, blind in his own conceit and does not recognize wisdom when it is presented to him.
Prov.23:9 says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”
A fool is also described as someone who has no discretion as to when to speak or when to keep silent. Prov. 29:11 says “A fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.” And also in Prov. 18:7 we read, “A fool’s mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul”.
A fool is also described as one who is unteachable. There is no point in giving good advice or instruction to a fool. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,” (Prov.12:15)
“A fool despises his father’s instruction.” (Prov.15:5)
A fool always thinks his way is the only way and no one can tell him what to do.
My brother is a builder who takes pride in his work and is known for his skill and knowledge. He recently hired a man to work for him. When my brother pointed out that he was not following the chalk line to align his boards in a straight line he responded, “I will not be told what to do, I know what I am doing.” And he quit. A fool?
There is interesting language used to describe fools. One such verse is in Prov. 17:24. It says, “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.”
On first reading the intended meaning escapes us. But think about it.
Have you as a parent ever sat a rebellious child down to explain why you are insisting on certain behaviour and his eyes are everywhere except on you? Do you, realizing he is not paying attention, not say “LOOK AT ME!” ?
That is what this verse is saying. That while a wise man focuses and pays attention to wisdom the eyes (and attention) of a fool are everywhere but where they should be.
Solomon also has an interesting turn of words to warn against trusting a fool. In Proverbs 26:6 he says, “He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet and drinks damage.” He is saying that to trust a fool with any of your business, even something as small as delivering a message, is to invite disaster upon yourself. A message given to a fool to deliver is so unlikely to be delivered with any compitance that you might as well cut off his feet…. Hiring a fool will cause your business to suffer and you will be judged by your messenger.
Proverbs describes a fool as someone who cannot be serious. Their focus in life is to do whatever it takes to attract attention, act foolishly, get into trouble, be the practical jokester - “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief...” (Prov. 10:23). He seems incapable of doing anything worthwhile. “Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.” (Prov.27:22) The picture here is of grinding grain to separate the wheat from the chaff, but grinding a fool would present no hope of separating the chaff (foolishness) from him.
To give honour to a fool is like “snow in summer, and as rain in harvest “ (Prov. 26:1)
It is like “binding a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honour to a fool.” (Prov. 26:8).
It is dangerous to give honour to a fool, he will use it to his own and others’ hurt - just as a stone flung from a sling will injure someone in its path, or rain will destroy the cut grain.
He will be puffed up with himself, bragging and spouting worthless advice to anyone who will listen. He will be "perverse in his lips” (Prov. 19:1)
A fool is someone who “hides hatred with lying lips and slanders another” (Prov.10:18) and someone who “enters into contention and his mouth calls for strokes” (Prov. 18:6)
A fool stirs up trouble, encourages strife and conflict and attacks anyone in his way.
When we read about what a fool is like the language is so strong that we find it hard to even think of someone who fits the description but if we think about it, letting the words sink into our hearts we realize that maybe we are a little bit guilty ourselves, that perhaps at times we even see the foolish ways of a fool lurking in the shadows of our own mirror.
Perhaps we are not always quick to take advice, at times we think our opinion is more important than someone else’s, we talk before we think, we react with anger when we are criticized.
If we do recognize the shadow of foolishness in our own hearts, we know we are not ‘fools’, for fools cannot see the error of their ways.
“A wise man fears and departs from evil, but the fool rages and is self-confident.” (Prov.14:16)
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
A Wise Father's Advice
A Father’s Instruction
Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs as a legacy of wise advice to his children.
It is interesting to note that even though this book was written about three thousand years ago it is as up-to-date wise today as it was the day Solomon penned the words.
In the first chapter of Proverbs Solomon is addressing a young son who is just stepping out from the safety and protection of his parent’s home into the world outside.
Solomon’s heart desire was no different than that of godly parents today who want the best for their children, hoping that when they leave home they will build on the foundation they as parents have laid, that they will live by the moral and spiritual standards they have been taught.
”My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.” (1:8)
It seems it was no different then than now… children tend to cast off the ‘wisdom’ of their parents and insist on making their own mistakes. They so often see their parents’ ‘rules’ as a pain and out of touch with reality instead of an “ornamental and beautifying chain about the neck”(1:9)
The wise father recognizes the appeal of the world and warns his children against the danger. There really is nothing new under the sun.
The lure of temptation was as inviting in Solomon’s day as it is in ours.
While his advice is relevant for our children today , it is also a good reminder for us as adults to recognize the deceptive glitz of the tempting offers of the world we live in.
The first pitfall is the fact that it is so alluring. See in verse 10 Solomon puts his finger on it… “If sinners ENTICE you”
It sounds good, it looks like fun, it feels harmless.
Lets try it, everyone is doing it.
A powerful ‘hook’ that entices and lures its vitims into the pit is the need we all have –the desire for acceptance, significance and security.
When a child is tempted to take drugs are these not the things offered him?
And even for us as adults do we not still want and need to feel included and valued? Think about the last time you were tempted to compromise your standards – did the temptation not involve to some degree the promise that these needs would be satisfied if you partook of the offered morsel or with held if you didn’t?
I remember a night we invited to a young Christan couple’s home to watch a movie in their new ‘media room’. The movie turned out to be filled with offensive language. Had we been at home the movie would have been quickly turned off and returned to the video store. But because we were in someone else’s home we did not feel it was our call to tell them what to watch or not watch, we did not want to offend them by being ‘holier than thou’. What they thought of us was important to us. So while we commented on the language we stayed and watched.
I wished we hadn’t -- and in talking to the couple some time later they felt too that the movie should simply have been turned off. Had we taken the initiative of saying the language in this movie was unacceptable they would have agreed and we would all have been spared being subjected to the violence against our spirits.
The second thing Solomon warns his son about - the empty promises of ‘wicked men’ is found in 1:13,14. Do not listen to those who say, “We shall find all kinds of precious wealth. We shall fill our houses with spoil: Throw in your lot with us. We shall all have one purse.”
Solomon warns his son against ‘get rich quick schemes’. Seems they had them even then. How often have your been tempted by someone to join in some activity that offers some reward or business deal that promises big dividends with little or no effort on your part?
All we have to do is listen to the news or daily conversation and we don’t have to listen long before we hear of someone’s hope of personal gain dashed .
We have all experienced the consequences of not heeding our modern adage, “Buyer beware!” or “If it sounds too good to be true , it probably is!”
It is surprising to read the intensity with which Solomon warns his son to stay away from violence….”My son do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path, for their feet run to evil and they make haste to shed blood...”(vs.16) and they “lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.” (vs. 11)
What is there in human nature that is attracted to violence? It seems the difference over the generations and years is not in human nature but in the limits a given society will allow violence to be expressed.
I am always horrified when I walk up and down store aisles of computer games displays. I know the children today are all obsessed with playing them but it takes me a long time to find one I consider suitable or desirable to buy for my granddaughters.
We are surrounded by a ‘violent’ society. Solomon warned his son against following the ‘violent’ crowd, because they themselves will pay the price, they will be caught in their own violence. “They lay in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives … So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, it takes away the life of its owner.” (vs18,19)
How do we keep our children innocent today? How do we as adults keep our eyes and ears from being inundated by ‘violence’?
Solomon understood all the things that appeal to not only young people but to human nature in general. So his instruction is good for all of us to think about.
His words are inspired not by man’s wisdom but God’s.
How remarkable is it that we have written out in practical words we can understand and apply to our daily lives , the wisdom of God.
If we choose to live by it then we will be a partaker of the promise in Prov.1:33.
“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil”
Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs as a legacy of wise advice to his children.
It is interesting to note that even though this book was written about three thousand years ago it is as up-to-date wise today as it was the day Solomon penned the words.
In the first chapter of Proverbs Solomon is addressing a young son who is just stepping out from the safety and protection of his parent’s home into the world outside.
Solomon’s heart desire was no different than that of godly parents today who want the best for their children, hoping that when they leave home they will build on the foundation they as parents have laid, that they will live by the moral and spiritual standards they have been taught.
”My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.” (1:8)
It seems it was no different then than now… children tend to cast off the ‘wisdom’ of their parents and insist on making their own mistakes. They so often see their parents’ ‘rules’ as a pain and out of touch with reality instead of an “ornamental and beautifying chain about the neck”(1:9)
The wise father recognizes the appeal of the world and warns his children against the danger. There really is nothing new under the sun.
The lure of temptation was as inviting in Solomon’s day as it is in ours.
While his advice is relevant for our children today , it is also a good reminder for us as adults to recognize the deceptive glitz of the tempting offers of the world we live in.
The first pitfall is the fact that it is so alluring. See in verse 10 Solomon puts his finger on it… “If sinners ENTICE you”
It sounds good, it looks like fun, it feels harmless.
Lets try it, everyone is doing it.
A powerful ‘hook’ that entices and lures its vitims into the pit is the need we all have –the desire for acceptance, significance and security.
When a child is tempted to take drugs are these not the things offered him?
And even for us as adults do we not still want and need to feel included and valued? Think about the last time you were tempted to compromise your standards – did the temptation not involve to some degree the promise that these needs would be satisfied if you partook of the offered morsel or with held if you didn’t?
I remember a night we invited to a young Christan couple’s home to watch a movie in their new ‘media room’. The movie turned out to be filled with offensive language. Had we been at home the movie would have been quickly turned off and returned to the video store. But because we were in someone else’s home we did not feel it was our call to tell them what to watch or not watch, we did not want to offend them by being ‘holier than thou’. What they thought of us was important to us. So while we commented on the language we stayed and watched.
I wished we hadn’t -- and in talking to the couple some time later they felt too that the movie should simply have been turned off. Had we taken the initiative of saying the language in this movie was unacceptable they would have agreed and we would all have been spared being subjected to the violence against our spirits.
The second thing Solomon warns his son about - the empty promises of ‘wicked men’ is found in 1:13,14. Do not listen to those who say, “We shall find all kinds of precious wealth. We shall fill our houses with spoil: Throw in your lot with us. We shall all have one purse.”
Solomon warns his son against ‘get rich quick schemes’. Seems they had them even then. How often have your been tempted by someone to join in some activity that offers some reward or business deal that promises big dividends with little or no effort on your part?
All we have to do is listen to the news or daily conversation and we don’t have to listen long before we hear of someone’s hope of personal gain dashed .
We have all experienced the consequences of not heeding our modern adage, “Buyer beware!” or “If it sounds too good to be true , it probably is!”
It is surprising to read the intensity with which Solomon warns his son to stay away from violence….”My son do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path, for their feet run to evil and they make haste to shed blood...”(vs.16) and they “lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.” (vs. 11)
What is there in human nature that is attracted to violence? It seems the difference over the generations and years is not in human nature but in the limits a given society will allow violence to be expressed.
I am always horrified when I walk up and down store aisles of computer games displays. I know the children today are all obsessed with playing them but it takes me a long time to find one I consider suitable or desirable to buy for my granddaughters.
We are surrounded by a ‘violent’ society. Solomon warned his son against following the ‘violent’ crowd, because they themselves will pay the price, they will be caught in their own violence. “They lay in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives … So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, it takes away the life of its owner.” (vs18,19)
How do we keep our children innocent today? How do we as adults keep our eyes and ears from being inundated by ‘violence’?
Solomon understood all the things that appeal to not only young people but to human nature in general. So his instruction is good for all of us to think about.
His words are inspired not by man’s wisdom but God’s.
How remarkable is it that we have written out in practical words we can understand and apply to our daily lives , the wisdom of God.
If we choose to live by it then we will be a partaker of the promise in Prov.1:33.
“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil”
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Poetry in Proverbs
I love studying my bible… It is the only book I know of that each time I pick it up I can see something new!! And yet what amazes me is that it has remained relevant for the last six thousand years when today we hardly have time to learn something before it is already outdated!
I love the wisdom in Proverbs and I decided I will in my next few posts focus on some of the themes that run through the book. Since it was written by the wisest man who ever lived… who received his wisdom from God Himself…. it should be a book that we consult often for our life choices and decisions, should it not?
The original language of the book was of course Hebrew which is naturally a poetic language.
In case you have never heard of the poetic patterns it employs or just need to be reminded I will use this post to refresh your memory and then tomorrow begin my posts on the themes of Proverbs.
Understanding the poetic patterns used especially in the book of Proverbs but not limited to it … is a tool in your hand to make the meaning more clear.
While in English we are used to poetry that is organized according to parallels in sounds (rhyme), in Hebrew poetry is arranged according to parallels in thought.
One thought parallel is called ‘antithetical parallelism’ which is simply the contrasting of two ideas – ‘anti’ meaning opposite and ‘thetical’ meaning laid down.
One idea is stated and then the opposite idea is stated along side, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the idea presented.
Often these two ideas are connected by the word ‘But’.
For example….
In Prov. 10:27 the statement is given “The fear of the Lord prolongs life.”
Then the ‘antithetical’ idea is expressed ….“but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”
Another example is in Prov. 11:1.
The statement is made… “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord”
Then the opposite laid down beside it, “But a just weight is His delight!”
Two opposite expressions used to drive home the meaning of the idea that God demands honesty in business!
Another thought parallel is called ‘synonymous parallelism’, which of course is restating the same idea using different words. The two thoughts are often connected by the word ‘and’.
For example….
In Prov. 22:17 the statement is made, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise.”
In case you aren’t clear as to the meaning let it be put another way…..
“And apply your mind to my knowledge.”
Another example in Prov. 8:21 states..”That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance.” Don’t get it? Then listen to it put this way….”And I will fill their treasures.”
A third thought parallel is called ‘synethetic parallelism’ which means making a statement and then adding to it a statement that expands the meaning. The second line gives you more information than you were given in the first line. ( 'syne' having the meaning of before and after and 'thetic' being laid down)
An example is in Prov. 3:30. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due” is the first or before statement. The second or after statement adds more information… “if he has done you no harm.”
The first statement on its own is open ended but with the information given in the second statement there is a qualifier in place, “if’ the person has done you no harm.
Another example is in Prov.16:4. The before statement is “The Lord has made all things for himself”, then the after statement leaves no doubt as to how inclusive this statement is, “Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”
The Hebrew language also used numbers in an expressive way to structure lists.
When we who speak English say ‘there were two, no maybe three’ it suggests a memory lapse and suggests uncertainty. In Hebrew it is used not to suggest uncertainty but rather the opposite as an emphasis of certainty!
And example is found in Prov. 30:21-23.
“Under three things the earth quakes and under four, it cannot bear up!” By stating there are three before stating there are four is to the Hebrew mind saying “This is important – there are FOUR things I am going to list!”
Next time you read Proverbs see if you can pick out these poetic patterns and if you are paying attention you will also find this poetic tactic used in other books of the bible.
Tomorrow - "Wise advice to a Son"
I love the wisdom in Proverbs and I decided I will in my next few posts focus on some of the themes that run through the book. Since it was written by the wisest man who ever lived… who received his wisdom from God Himself…. it should be a book that we consult often for our life choices and decisions, should it not?
The original language of the book was of course Hebrew which is naturally a poetic language.
In case you have never heard of the poetic patterns it employs or just need to be reminded I will use this post to refresh your memory and then tomorrow begin my posts on the themes of Proverbs.
Understanding the poetic patterns used especially in the book of Proverbs but not limited to it … is a tool in your hand to make the meaning more clear.
While in English we are used to poetry that is organized according to parallels in sounds (rhyme), in Hebrew poetry is arranged according to parallels in thought.
One thought parallel is called ‘antithetical parallelism’ which is simply the contrasting of two ideas – ‘anti’ meaning opposite and ‘thetical’ meaning laid down.
One idea is stated and then the opposite idea is stated along side, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the idea presented.
Often these two ideas are connected by the word ‘But’.
For example….
In Prov. 10:27 the statement is given “The fear of the Lord prolongs life.”
Then the ‘antithetical’ idea is expressed ….“but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”
Another example is in Prov. 11:1.
The statement is made… “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord”
Then the opposite laid down beside it, “But a just weight is His delight!”
Two opposite expressions used to drive home the meaning of the idea that God demands honesty in business!
Another thought parallel is called ‘synonymous parallelism’, which of course is restating the same idea using different words. The two thoughts are often connected by the word ‘and’.
For example….
In Prov. 22:17 the statement is made, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise.”
In case you aren’t clear as to the meaning let it be put another way…..
“And apply your mind to my knowledge.”
Another example in Prov. 8:21 states..”That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance.” Don’t get it? Then listen to it put this way….”And I will fill their treasures.”
A third thought parallel is called ‘synethetic parallelism’ which means making a statement and then adding to it a statement that expands the meaning. The second line gives you more information than you were given in the first line. ( 'syne' having the meaning of before and after and 'thetic' being laid down)
An example is in Prov. 3:30. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due” is the first or before statement. The second or after statement adds more information… “if he has done you no harm.”
The first statement on its own is open ended but with the information given in the second statement there is a qualifier in place, “if’ the person has done you no harm.
Another example is in Prov.16:4. The before statement is “The Lord has made all things for himself”, then the after statement leaves no doubt as to how inclusive this statement is, “Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”
The Hebrew language also used numbers in an expressive way to structure lists.
When we who speak English say ‘there were two, no maybe three’ it suggests a memory lapse and suggests uncertainty. In Hebrew it is used not to suggest uncertainty but rather the opposite as an emphasis of certainty!
And example is found in Prov. 30:21-23.
“Under three things the earth quakes and under four, it cannot bear up!” By stating there are three before stating there are four is to the Hebrew mind saying “This is important – there are FOUR things I am going to list!”
Next time you read Proverbs see if you can pick out these poetic patterns and if you are paying attention you will also find this poetic tactic used in other books of the bible.
Tomorrow - "Wise advice to a Son"
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