High and Low

For Thursday, March 20, 2008
Proverbs 29:23

One's pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

The person of pride seeks to be exalted. He desires honor. He wants to be on top. That very desire which spurs him on is what will bring him low. The more we seek to exalt ourselves, the more likely we will be humbled.

There is the person who does not think of himself but rather seeks to promote the welfare of others and the glory of God. He thinks not about how he will be exalted but the good that can he can accomplish. That very desire which spurs him on is what will lead to honor.

It is the same principle that Jesus expressed: "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 8:35). If we focus on ourselves - our pleasures, our pride, our security - we will lose the very things we crave, for nothing of this world is permanent or secure. If we focus on God - glorifying him, living for him and for his kingdom - we will obtain what is permanent, for what belongs of God is eternal and secure.

Seek first the kingdom of God and whatever else is needed for your happiness and welfare will be provided by God who is the only one who can carry through on his promises, and the only one whose regard truly matters.

Man of Wrath

For Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Proverbs 29:22

A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Anger is a particularly difficult vice to have because of its impact on others. People may laugh at or sympathize with a person struggling with various vices and sins, but they are offended by anger. In anger a person will lash out at others; he will say hurtful words or even physically strike. In anger he will scheme against others. In anger he will seek vengence; he will intentionly stir up strife.

In anger he will commit other transgressions - lying, slandering, stealing, etc. Anger causes him to lose his ability to think straight. In anger he throws caution to the wind; he does not consider the consequences of his actions. In anger he harms the very persons he loves.

If you have a temper problem, make it your priority to deal with it. Seek the counsel of others. Get friends to hold you accountable. Examine your heart. Do whatever is necessary. It is the one sin you cannot hide, the one sin that will nullify all your good works and intentions. It is the sin that will plague you with broken relationships and hurt feelings, that will cause others to mistrust you and to hold grievances against you.

Seek help.

Fair Play

For Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Proverbs 29:21

Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.

The final word of this proverb is difficult to translate. But the common understanding of all translators is that the pampering of a servant leads that servant to become spoiled. Instead of growing in devotion to his master, he becomes insolent. Indeed, the roles become reversed; the servant expects special treatment from the master. This is especially true if there are other servants who are not pampered. But then, there is the opposite problem of masters who are harsh with their servants, who in the end find such servants to be rebellious and surly.

What then is the answer? (And this applies, by the way, to all relationships in which one person is in a position of authority over another.) Paul gives the answer in Colossians 4:1: "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."

The person in authority makes his mistake by either acting as though there is no leader-subordinate relationship, and thus tries to be a mere "friend," or he accentuates the leader-subordinate relationship, emphasing the exercise of authority. His focus needs to be on justice and fairness. Each - the one in authority and the subordinate - has a role to play and job to do. Ignoring the distinction between the two will only create misunderstanding as expectations are not met. One works under and for the other. That needs to be understood.

But all the more important, then, for the one in authority to treat the subordinate fairly by not being harsh, by giving clear direction, by make expectations understood, by rewarding in a fair manner good work, as well as disciplining in a fair manner. Fairness is the key concept here. You can harm the subordinate by being too harsh and by being indulgent. What is needed is fair play.