A Bubbling Brook

For Friday, June 16, 2006
Proverbs 18:4

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

I think the proverb is presenting a contrast between the words of sinful man that hide motive, like the deep waters which hide what is underneath, and the words of the wise which is refreshing and clear like a bubbling brook. We are as likely to use words to miscommunicate than to communicate. We use words to hide our true feelings, to camouflage our real intentions. We sometimes use words to disguise our ignorance. So-called intellectuals and scholars will at times rely on esoteric (hard to understand) words merely to seem deep.

How refreshing to hear clear wisdom spoken. We've been in "discussions" that only grow more confusing, and then, some word of reason is spoken, and the answer so difficult to discover becomes so simple that we marvel we did not know it all along. A question is raised that brings light to what seemed a complex dilemma.

And so Jesus' words must have been like a bubbling brook to so many ears as he cut through the verbal entrapments of the religious leaders; as he spoke "with authority"; as he taught truth. The paradox of Jesus' teaching is that many turned away from him, claiming, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" And yet others attested, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." And so wise words reveal the wisdom of the speaker and the wisdom of the hearer; for only those so tuned to truth can recognize it, so that even if they do not understand all they hear, they nevertheless recognize when it is spoken and desire to hear more. They find its cool stream delightful and refreshing.

Delight in the bubbling brook of God's Word today, especially in the words of Christ which are words of eternal life.

What Wickedness Brings

For Thursday, June 15, 2006
Proverbs 18:3

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.

One would think that a truth so obvious would have a sobering affect on the wicked. And yet, far from avoiding behavior that leads to disgrace, they all the more pursue their immoral and wicked ways, even basking in the notoriety that results. For the wicked are also fools who mistake shame for honor and contempt for respect. They value the praise and respect of other fools and disdain the opinion of the wise and honorable. They also value being in the spotlight for whatever reason. If it must take wicked behavior to stand out, then so be it. Indeed, that is the behavior they enjoy most.

But we should desire an honorable reputation earned by exhibiting integrity, love for our neighbor, and devotion to our Lord. As Christians, we can expect to be slandered, but it should be just that - slander, and not a true report. Our neighbors ought to be perplexed by us, finding our beliefs odd and yet acknowledging that we are trustworthy, caring neighbors.

But the reputation most important is our reputation before God. He alone knows fully our hearts; he alone judges rightly; before him alone we will stand to give an account for our lives. Desire now to live in such a way that honors our Lord; for truly no better reward can we gain than to hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

The Opinionated Fool

For Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Proverbs 18:2

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.

It is hard to get in a word in a conversation with a fool. Even when he asks you a question, he interrupts before you can say much. He must give his opinion, tell his story, listen to his voice. And all the while he thinks that he is earning your good opinion of him. Surely he must be wise to be able to have an opinion about everything; certainly he must be intelligent to know so much. Of course the truth is that he has revealed how foolishness and ignorance. If only he would heed the counsel of Proverb 17:28 and keep silent; at least then some may mistake him for being intelligent.

It is difficult to help such a fool due to being wrapped up in himself. He finds himself entertaining. He likes listening to his voice; his pleasure is in expressing his opinion. If you contradict him, he only talks more in self-defense. If you stay quiet, he interprets your silence as being enrapted by his speech.

Again, the problem of the fool regardless of his type of folly is that he loves his folly. He doesn't need education; whatever information and skill he gains he only turns into means to further his folly. He simply does not like what is wise, what is sensible. Wisdom does not appeal to him. He cannot be reformed. You cannot change him by reasoning with him or scolding him. The only hope is that, like the prodigal son, he will come to his senses on his own. Or rather, that the Holy Spirit will do what is necessary to convict him. Pray for the fools you know. Have pity on them and lift them before the Lord.

Isolation

For Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Proverbs 18:1

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.

The thought here is not that it is wrong to seek solitude or even to work alone. Rather, it speaks to the person who has fortressed himself against companionship. He may be like the hurt lover of Paul Simon's song "I Am a Rock," who isolates himself from relationships so that he might not be hurt again. He may be the disenchanted idealist who gives up his dreams and loses respect for his neighbors. Or he may be the epitome of the American hero - the person who "goes it alone," who lives for himself.

Whatever may be the motivation, to isolate oneself either physically or emotionally goes against the way God made us, which is to be communal creatures. We are made to desire companionship. Our dreams are meant to be shared with others. This is especially true for us as Christians, who when we come to faith in Christ are made members of his one body. To isolate ourselves from one another is like the eye wanting to isolate itself from the head or the hand from the arm.

Whatever experiences you may have had that would lead you to isolate yourself from the body of Christ, know that the true help for you is not isolation, but connection. The hope for us all in living productive lives for the Lord is to be attached to him through his people.

Silent Value

For Monday June 12, 2006
Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

I can attest to the truth of this proverb. There have been embarrassing times in a group discussion where I've been turned to for words of wisdom because I appeared to be in deep thought. In actuality I was daydreaming!

The point of this proverb and the previous one is that the best use of words comes from a measured restraint, or to use a common phrase - think before you speak. The problem with the fool is that he speaks quickly without considering his words. He speaks on impulse. He does not consider how others perceive him as he is speaking.

Think through what to say and how to say it. And if you can't think of what to say, then be silent. You will be considered wise until you prove otherwise. Indeed, your silence can be a very tool for communicating that you have something to say. It is better to have others cajole you into sharing your thoughts, than for you to impose them on reluctant hearers. Words that are not readily given become more sought after than the words spilled out quickly.