A Proverb A Day

2009-03-12T07:39:00.002-04:00

A Proverb a Day devotions are now posted at DMC Resources.

Conclusion

2008-04-29T09:04:00.002-04:00

We have reached the end of Proverbs, 613 postings in all. The blog will remain on line, though I will not be adding more. My intention is to eventually repost the devotions on a website and will post a notification of when that is done. To find a specific proverb devotion, type in the verse reference in the Search Blog window at the upper left hand corner. Enclose the verse in quotations, for example: "Proverbs 12:22".

My prayer is that these meditations on the wise sayings of Scripture will enhance your growth in knowledge and wisdom, and aid you in your walk along the path of righteousness.

The Fear of the Lord

2008-04-24T06:24:00.004-04:00

For Thursday, April 24, 2008
Proverbs 31:28-31

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

In the praise of the wife by her husband and children, we learn the real source of her virtues. She is a person "who fears the Lord." And so the end of Proverbs leads us back to the beginning: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." (1:7).

Do you desire to possess the wisdom of Proverbs? Then fear the Lord. You may study philosophy; you may gain much experience; you may learn from many wise people. But if you do not fear the Lord, you remain a common fool.

For the Lord is your Maker. You exist and continue to be sustained in life by him. He has made you for himself, to glorify him. To live without this knowledge is to live in ignorance and purposelessly.

And the Lord is the one Redeemer. Others may save you from foolish choices and from wicked people, but only the Lord can save you from your sinfulness. To live "wisely" in this world and yet die in your sinful state is the greatest folly of all. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can save you from such a fate.

As we have learned from Proverbs, the Lord will judge the wicked. Because he is righteous and just, he will not let sin go unpunished. As we have learned, he sees everyone and everything. Fear the Lord.

Fear the Lord and know the joy of that fear. For it brings blessing. It lifts one's eyes to the glories of God; it puts our lives in true perspective so that we see God's holiness and majesty which humbles us. It then fills us with the wonder of God's mercy and love. And so we are then moved and enabled to live wisely as this excellent wife. And so we are to know even the more amazing praise that will be given us from the Lord whom we fear on the Day of his return - "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21).

Good Purpose

2008-04-23T08:48:00.002-04:00

For Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Proverbs 31:20-27

20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

The woman of wisdom engages in productive work for good purposes. Many people are productive so that they may enjoy wealth for themselves. Many work hard so that they can attain fame, wealth, and power for themselves. The wise woman works that she may help the poor and needy; that she may provide for her household. She is a blessing to her husband. Furthermore, her good work is not limited to the ability of her hands, but she teaches with wisdom; she teaches others what she has learned, what it is to be kind; she teaches the joy of doing good for others.

Do you work with the right motivation? Do you work so that you might bless others through your productivity? Are you kind? Do those who work with you or for you attest to the good spirit in which you work and treat them? Is your family blessed by your work - both in benefitting from your productivity and in being touched by the spirit in which you labor for them? Can your family trust you to provide, whether that "provision" be income or managing the home? Can people who depend on you know that you will come through for them, and that you will do so with a kind spirit? Such is the model that the excellent wife presents for us.

Productive Work

2008-04-22T07:51:00.002-04:00

For Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Proverbs 31:13-19

13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.

What is the excellent wife like? She is industrious. She works with willing hands, making good use of her time to provide food and be productive. How different she is from the sloth who declares, "There is a lion in the street!" and so does not get out of bed.

And so she is a model for us. How do you use your time? Are you productive? Are you able at the end of the day to look back with satisfaction at the work you have done. For work - productive work - is good. The work will be based on your circumstances. You may be delivering products or making products. You may be teaching or writing. You may be raising children or training to perform. Whatever the case, you are using your time wisely so as to be productive.

Again, your circumstances affect what productivity may mean. If your health is poor, if you are limited with a disability, if restrictions have been placed around you, you may not be able to accomplish what you could otherwise. But still, you cannot avoid the question of whether you have used what you have to be productive, even if that "productivity" is doing what you can do heal or maintain your strength.

What about rest? There is a place for rest and for recreation. However, unlike the pop philosophy of today which says that we work in order to rest and "have fun," the wisdom of the proverbs teaches that rest and recreation are meant to restore us to work productively. Productive work itself is pleasurable. Productive work is what gives a person a true sense of being valuable, of having a purpose. And it is feeling that what one does has a purpose which gives the person a joy in living even through the most difficult circumstances.

An Excellent Model

2008-04-21T07:33:00.002-04:00

For Monday, April 21, 2008
Proverbs 31:10-12

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

Proverbs, which presents lesson after lesson about the way of wisdom and righteousness, closes by presenting the example of a wife living such a way. She embodies the attributes of wisdom, also depicted as a woman in chapters 3, 8, and 9. As wisdom is declared to be more precious than jewels in 3:15, so is an excellent wife. As a man may trust in wisdom and profit from her, knowing that good comes from her, so a husband may trust the wise and righteous wife.

Many women are praised for their appearance, and, indeed, many men choose wives for that reason alone. But it is the inner spirit that she possesses which is of true worth, as this chapter will show. And the excellent wife serves as a model for us all - male or female, married or single. For it is God's purpose that we all be "excellent." We all should be such persons who can be trusted, who do good all our days.

May there be those who know us who can say, "An excellent wife/husband/parent/ friend/boss/teacher/coach - whatever our status - may we be praised because we have taken the proverbs we have read and applied them to our lives.

The Role of a Ruler

2008-04-18T09:43:00.002-04:00

For Friday, April 18, 2008
Proverbs 31:1-9

The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to take strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
and wine to those in bitter distress;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

A ruler is placed in his position for the purpose of serving those under him, judging rigtheously, and defending the rights of everyone, especially those who are vulnerable to oppression. As such, he is to see his advantageous position of power and wealth as a responsibility to all the more act soberly and maintain integrity, both of which these very possessions dangerously tempt him to lose.

Power corrupts. It leads to arrogance. It takes the powerful man and breaks him so that he has no power to control his sin and folly. The same is true with wealth. It also corrupts him, weakening his moral resolve. It attracts leeches who gather around to suck his money and favor. And when the two are combined in the life of a ruler, the results can be devastating for himself and all who are under him.

Note the two likely temptations - drink and sex. The ruler with power and wealth can have as much drink and sex as he likes. Indeed, he not only has to restrain his own lusts, but he has to resist those who would try to foist these things upon him. For they desire to see him give way because of the advantages they receive - namely, to get his money and his favors.

The ruler - and the ruler may be a government official or a boss or some other kind of leader - must keep before him the high responsibility of his position. It is for doing good, not for gaining personal advantage. The one who understands his purpose and keeps to it is one who obtains nobility. The one who gives into the lusts his position can afford becomes a slave to others and a tyrant over those whom he should be serving.

Give thanks for our Ruler Jesus Christ who resisted all temptation and kept his eyes on the purpose of his calling.

Pressing Anger

2008-04-17T08:27:00.002-04:00

For Thursday, April 17, 2008
Proverbs 30:32-33

If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,
or if you have been devising evil,
put your hand on your mouth.
For pressing milk produces curds,
pressing the nose produces book,
and pressing anger produces strife.

The surest mark of a fool is his boasting. He betrays his folly and his ego through exalting himself - exaggerating his deeds, putting himself above others, drawing attention to himself, delighting in the abasing of others, such is folly and evil. The remedy for such boorish behavior is to stop speaking. It is better to be silent than to reveal one's foolishness; it is better to hold one's tongue than to use it to produce strife, which is the point of verse 33.

The effect of such speech is compared to the act of physical "pressing." Such pressure on an object forces it into another mode. Pressing milk through a strainer produces curds. We may think such pressure, then, to be good, but the image of pressing the nose reminds us of the negative point.

Walk into a room where there is already some tension. Begin to boast. The result will be anger pressed into outward strife. The will be anger expressed against you; anger against others in the room; anger against whatever seems to be a cause for grievance.

In life, there is always an element of tension, however happy the occasion may be. We are sinners, and so there is always in us a readiness to be angry. Sin is all about us and has impacted us, and so there is always a cause to get angry. Anyone can mar a happy occasion, and the easiest manner is to exalt oneself as the expense of another. Someone will get offended. Someone will make a remark or express a facial disapproval. The boasting will press inner anger so that it comes out in strife. All the reason then to control one's tongue. It is better not to be thought of than to receive such attention that produces strife.

The Noble

2008-04-16T08:48:00.003-04:00

For Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Proverbs 30:29-31

29 Three things are stately in their tread;
four are stately in their stride:
30 the lion, which is mightiest among beasts
and does not turn back before any;
31 the strutting rooster, the he-goat,
and a king whose army is with him.

They feel a sense of nobility who feel confident in their position. The lion, by virtue of his strength and size; the rooster who protects his hens; the he-goat who heads the rest of the flock; and the king who possesses might - each of these carry with them a sense of nobleness which comes from their sense of confidence or security. And that noble bearing has the added effect of increasing their courage so that when a threat comes upon them, they will defend the den, territory, or home for which they are responsible.

These examples before us are not viewed for their aggressiveness. Even the lion is not depicted as an aggressor but as one who will "not turn back from any" who threatens. He is king wherever he walks, not fearing an attack. Likewise a king with his army. He need not fear. Rather, he and the lion and the rooster and the he-goat may be attentive to their responsibility to watch over and protect those under them.

Thus, they do not walk about in a hulking manner, trying to intimidate anyone they meet. They are not bullies who feel that they have something to prove or who are mean-spirited. They are strong, but strong with the knowledge of their responsibility. That is what makes them noble even if they are no more than a rooster or a goat.

And you? Does responsibility ennoble you or debilitate you? Does power fill you with a sense of responsibility to exercise it wise and for good purpose, or does it lessen your sense to care for the weak and any under your authority? Whether you are a mighty lion or a strutting rooster, a king with an army or a he-goat with a flock, it is the spirit of your inner being that ultimately determines whether your outward bearing is noble or ignoble.

Small and Yet...

2008-04-15T08:27:00.003-04:00

For Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Proverbs 30:24-28

24 Four things on earth are small,
but they are exceedingly wise:
25 the ants are a people not strong,
yet they provide their food in the summer;
26 the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
27 the locusts have no king,
yet all of them march in rank;
28 the lizard you can take in your hands,
yet it is in kings’ palaces.

Observe nature and learn. We are quick to blame our failure to succeed on a "defect" that gives us decided disadvantage. "I am too small to go against big opponents." "I am not strong enough for the work." "I am not smart enough; I don't have the education needed."

The examples given from nature in this proverb all have disadvantages. They are small and thus could not survive a fight with a larger opponent. They are weak and could not lift heavy objects. But where they are "small" in comparison to other creatures and weak in comparison to the task required, they are nevertheless wise to overcome their supposed weakness, even to turn their weakness into their strength.

The ant and the locust are wise enough to work as a group so that the ant more than provides for himself, and the locust becomes even a fearful adversary. The rock badger, as small as he may be, uses his size and ability to dwell in impregnable fortresses in the clifts. The tiny lizard who is regarded as common and unclean is able to live in palaces precisely because of his size.

Even in sports, where talent is matched against talent, the less talented athlete often emerges as victor because he uses his wits to outsmart his competitor, even to make the competitors greater talent a liability.

The battle belongs not so much to the strong but to the wise and to the great of heart. Determination, matched with wit, is powerful in both the large and the small. Do not let your "small defect" determine what you can and cannot do. Do not be quick to give in to your weakness. Turn, rather, to the strengths you have. You do not know what they are? Then use your wit to find out. You have more wisdom than you know. All you need to do is observe. Observe nature; observe what goes on about you; observe yourself. It will not be long before you learn and profit from what you see.

Trembling Occasions

2008-04-11T08:41:00.002-04:00

For Friday, April 11, 2008
Proverbs 30:21-23

Under three things the earth trembles;
under four it cannot bear up:
22 a slave when he becomes king,
and a fool when he is filled with food;
23 an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.

In our modern democratic age, we might take issue with this proverb. Our stories of success are the very things held up here as troubling. We admire the slave who overcomes his circumstances to become king. We may not admire the fool, but at least appreciate the wit he uses to get his food. Is not the story of an unloved woman finding a husband who loves her romantic? And as for the maidservant, we think of the servant girl mistreated by the arrogant mistress who lives out a Cinderella story and displaces the mean mistress. Indeed, we regard all these instances as Cinderella stories.

But here is what the proverb is speaking about. It looks at the slave who obtains his position by leading a rebellion and sits on a royal throne, which his ignoble spirit demeans. The fool should be receiving what he needs - discipline, and yet through the folly of life gets rewarded for his foolish behavior. The unloved woman is not one who has found a husband to love her; rather, she is unloved because of her own critical, unloving ways, and woe to the man who is forced or beguiled into marrying her. And as to the maidservant, like the slave, she has used deceit and probably her sexual prowess to displace her mistress.

Cinderella stories are nice, and it is good to see those who are good and who possess noble spirits rise above their circumstances. But for all such stories, there are many others in which the wicked and the ignoble have used evil means to displace those who are in rightful places of authority and in circumstances that befit their character. Such persons turn noble positions into opportunity to bully. The slave bullies all those for whom he holds perceived offenses, raising the wicked to power and humbling the noble. The unloved woman turns the role of help-meet into opportunity to bully her husband. The handmaiden as mistress struts arrogantly before the household. And the fool feels like a clever man because his stomach is full.

The Way

2008-04-10T08:39:00.002-04:00

For Thursday, April 10, 2008
Proverbs 30:18-20

Three things are too wonderful for me;
four I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a serpent on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of man with a virgin.

This is the way of an adulteress:
she eats and wipes her mouth
and says, "I have done no wrong."

The proverb contemplates the mystery and grace of "ways." There is the graceful flight of the eagle in the sky, moving its way through the air and the winds seemingly with ease. There is the serpent without legs sliding along easily over rock. There is the way of the small ship navigating over high waves. And then there is the way of the "man with a virgin" - the way of a man wooing a maiden or a husband intimate with his new bride, a picture of the mystery of love that brings physical intimacy.

These "ways" have a sacredness about them as one contemplates the physics and the beauty about them. How repugnant, then, it shows the way of an adulteress, who treats sex as nothing more than having a meal. The eagle is nothing more than a bird flapping its wings, the snake a wiggly creature, the ship but a boat floating on water, and the man with a maiden - well, that is nothing more than a man giving way to lust. There is no mystery, no beauty, no sacredness; there is just creatures getting around and carrying out their instinct. Nothing is good, nothing is bad; the "ways" are simply creatures going through the motion.

The adulteress can make a decent living with such an attitude. So can anyone doing what they do merely for the profit. But what they lose is their soul, their ability to see mystery, to sense the sacred, and ultimately to know real joy.

Dishonoring Parents

2008-04-09T08:27:00.002-04:00

For Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Proverbs 30:17

The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother
will be picked out by the ravens of the valley
and eaten by the vultures.

Disrespect of one's parents clearly is not a modern phenomenon. This is the second time in chapter 30 that the matter has been raised (see v 11). There is the tendency of youth and, perhaps more so, adult children to denigrate their parents. Among youth, there is there natural tendency to want to assert independenc, and that often comes through questioning one's parents. Nor is it unusual for youth to resist what they feel are restraints on their intincts for pleasure and acceptance among their peers.

It is the adult child who never grows out of that youthful attitude who is most troubling. As he grows into adulthood, he should be learning the trials and temptations that have beset his parents, thus making him more understanding of whatever defects they possess. He should be learning from his own failures the frailty of the human spirit, and so identifying with his parents as fellow sinners needing grace.

How else will he handle being a parent himself? Like Peter who swore to his Lord that he would not be like the other disciples who would forsake his master and then sinned beyond them, so is likely to happen to the adult child who swears he will be a better parent than his. It is not self-confidence, but rather humility that will make the difference. And once we understand that we are no different from our parents, however poor they may have been in raising us and still treat us - once we understand that whatever we do right is done by the grace of God, it is then that we have a chance ourselves to raise children who will not mock and scorn us.

Bless your parents; honor them by doing whatever is for their good. Act according to the principle of grace and not out of your hurts. Perhaps you cannot help them (though you have more of a chance to do so than if you act of resentment and pride); but what is really at stake is your heart. Do not let it be filled with pride; do not let scorn come to life in it.

Craving

2008-04-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

For Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Proverbs 30:15-16

The leech has two daughters;
“Give” and “Give,” they cry.
Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”:
16 Sheol, the barren womb,
the land never satisfied with water,
and the fire that never says, “Enough.”

We are given vivid imagery of the spirit which is never satisfied. The impression being made is that such a spirit feels a true hunger that cannot be satiated, not so much out of greed but out of an inability to receive or maintain nourishment. This is made clear in the last three examples - the barren womb (that feels the emptiness of being able to bear a child), the barren land (which would be the common condition in the Middle-east), and fire (which ceases to exist the moment its fuel runs out). They crave to receive, like the leech and his family that must have "blood" to survive. And so Sheol is represented. No matter how many dead it receives, it has an unending appetite for more. Again, their problem is not being greedy, but being unable to benefit for long in what they receive.

Such a spirit is pitiable. He craves for fulfillment but cannot attain it. Like the Teacher of Ecclesiastes, he explores the different ways to find it - in work, in pleasure, in entertainment, in riches. He may seek it by exploring philosophies and religions. He may try to find it in noble and sacrificial work. And at times he seem fulfilled, but then the craving comes again, only stronger. "Give, give," he cries.

The saddest position is when he cannot profit even from hearing the gospel. His heart does not possess the proper soil, because in his pursuit to find fulfillment through other means, he has left his heart hardened and incapable of receiving the seed of the gospel. Like hardened barren land which cannot profit from the rain, so is his heart to the gospel.

Let us pray for our neighbors who are in such a state. Who crave for fulfillment and, yet, by the very means they seek to satisfy their cravings, they are hardening their hearts to make it all the more difficult to attain. Pray for them, that the Spirit will touch their spirits and satisfy them with the blessing of the gospel.

There Are Those

2008-04-07T07:51:00.002-04:00

For Monday, April 7, 2008
Proverbs 30:11-14

11There are those who curse their fathers
and do not bless their mothers.
12There are those who are clean in their own eyes
but are not washed of their filth.
13There are those—how lofty are their eyes,
how high their eyelids lift!
14There are those whose teeth are swords,
whose fangs are knives,
to devour the poor from off the earth,
the needy from among mankind.

We are given four observations of probably one type of person or generation. It is of the arrogant whose pride and self-absorption lead to spite and self-deceit. They despise their parents (and others in rightful authority) whom they regard as fools. They regard themselves as being clean, i.e. without fault, while in truth they are most defiled. They look down upon everyone, whom they regard as lesser beings and fools. And they are especially severe with the poor and needy, whom they despise precisely because of their poor position.

They only admire the powerful who are also ruthless, for they believe sincerely in the law of survival of the fittest. They despise their parents because of their parents' attempt to instill a moral code, which they regard as oppressive and unrealistic. Like the fool, they think they have life figured out; indeed, that they are among the few who understand the ruthlessness of life and the rules that one must play to survive and succeed.

And what is required to deal with them is a righteous use of discipline. For their problem is not a lack of education, but a lack of heart. We cannot change another's heart. We can curb the behavior, and we can point in the right direction, using reason and a charitable spirit. But what is truly needed is the work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, pray for those whom you know following the path of arrogance. Pray for their being brought low, that they might recognize their poverty and folly, rise in humility, wash off their filth by the blood of Christ, and bless their fathers and mothers and everyone who persevered in pointing them along the path of God.

Slander

2008-04-04T08:32:00.002-04:00

For Friday, April 4, 2008
Proverbs 30:10

Do not slander a servant to his master,
lest he curse you and you be held guilty.

This is a warning to us not to be quick to "get someone in trouble." We can slander by fabricating a lie; we can slander by exaggerating a supposed offense; we can slander by accurately telling what happened without considering the circumstances. We can be quick to slander when we ourselves are in a bad mood and are unforgiving; we be quick to slander if our pride has been wounded; and we can be quick to slander to cover up our own guilt.

We can be quick to slander a "servant" because he is in a vulnerable position. He cannot get even; he has less standing and his job security is on the line. By complaining to the "master," we have an easy means of attack without endangering ourselves. We let the master carry out our vengeance for us.

But let us be wary of the servant's curse. The proverb does mean simply angry or profane words. Rather, the servant is calling upon God to bring justice against his offender. He may not have recourse to earthly justice, but he does have the ear of the Judge who sees all and weighs the human heart. No one gets away with anything. Let us remember that before we are quick to slander. If we have been ill-used, remember that God will provide justice, and, thus, we do not need to take sinful actions to get satisfaction. Don't be in position where another person must call upon God to get satisfaction against us.

Two Requests

2008-04-03T08:49:00.002-04:00

For Thursday, April 3, 2008
Proverbs 30:7-9

Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.

If you were given two wishes to be granted, would these be the two you would choose - to be kept from committing falsehood and to given only what is needed so that you would not be tempted to sin?

Truly this is a request coming out of wisdom; for it is the wise person who recognizes his moral frailty and dependence upon God to sanctify him and to "deliver me from evil." The best of us are prone to falsehood, and the one we are most likely to deceive is ourselves. The best of us have our prejudices and fears that keep us from hearing and accepting the whole truth, whether it be about God, ourselves, or others. As the movie line goes, "[We] can't handle the truth."

Then there is the recognition of our susceptibility to temptation. If we have an abundance, we tend to take what we have for granted and to credit ourselves for what we have. Our religious fervor declines or we become like the Pharisee who turns religious faith into an opportunity for self-exaltation. If we are poor, we are likely to lose confidence in God and trust to our own means - even unethical means - to provide for ourselves. There real crime, then, becomes the disgrace we lend to God's name, because of being known as believing in him.

Recognition of such dangers as expressed here is not meant to lead us to be fearful, but, rather to turn to the Lord who alone can save us, preserve us, and lead us along his righteous path. It is meant to keep us from pride and false confidence in ourselves. It is meant to lead us to glorify God and give him the due honor that is his alone.

Every Word True

2008-04-02T08:27:00.002-04:00

For Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Every word proves true - every promise, every warning, every instruction. What we are commanded to do is to study every word in his Word. Because every word is true, we need to systematically study the scriptures, not skipping over the portions that seem uninteresting and with no application. Because every word is true, our one intent is to understand what the words are teaching. We are to let the words determine what we are to learn; for if we do not, we will become guilty of adding to his words.

It works like this. I have a topic I am interested in, so I "search" the scriptures finding verses that may have a word I am looking for or seem to speak to my topic. I then pull those verses out of their context and make them say what they do not actually mean. Thus one "health and wealth" preacher twisted 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" - to mean that God intends physical prosperity for those who love him. In its context, the verse is a rebuke to those who prefer the wisdom of the world over the wisdom of the cross.

Or to take another example of a preacher who took the story of sinful woman washing Jesus' feet (Luke 7ff), which teaches the mercy of God towards those who repent, to be a lesson that it is okay to cry. Or yet another example of a preacher taking the story of the paralytic being lowered through a roof to speak disapprovingly of people who damage other people's property.

Such addition to God's words will result in rebuke and the verdict that the speaker is a liar. For perverting God's Word - whether it be to contract scripture or misapply or misinterpret - is to add what is not true. We undoubtedly will make our mistakes in understanding, but let it not be because we will not submit ourselves to hearing whatever it is that God wants us to hear, and all because we have our own agenda.

What Do We Know?

2008-04-01T08:39:00.002-04:00

For Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Proverbs 30:1-4

The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.
The man declares, I am weary, O God;
I am weary, O God, and worn out.
2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
I have not the understanding of a man.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
Surely you know!

We enter into a new section of Proverbs, the last two chapters being the words of other sages. Chapter 30 presents the observations of Agur, son of Jakeh. He begins with an observation about man's ability (and himself) to uncover the secret knowledge of God. Compare his thoughts with those in Job 38. Here is a sampling:

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

In brief, man cannot by reason nor by exploration know God truly. He can, through natural revelation, deduce some basic traits of God; but he cannot delve into the great mysteries. For that, divine revelation is needed. Without such revelation, who could have begun to think of the Trinity? Who could have thought through his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence? His eternal nature, his immutability? Who could have explored with depth his holiness, his justice, and his mercy? Who could have grasped grace?

And who could have anticipated and understood such love by which the divine Father sent the divine Son to die for his enemies, and then to adopt such enemies to be his children and be united with them through the divine Holy Spirit?

What divine revelation reveals is enough to overwhelm our powers of reason. What more is left out because we could not handle such mystery? What is given is enough for us to spend all our lives, even in eternity, contemplating and then living in response to. And let us begin by giving the answer to the last question of verse 4. It is God the Father and his son's name is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Give praise that our God has revealed such wondrous knowledge to us!

Of Abomination and Abomination

2008-03-28T08:30:00.002-04:00

For Friday, March 28, 2008
Proverbs 29:27

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

We understand the first line. The unjust, who deceive, scheme, cheat, steal, and murder - of course they are an abomination. A whole justice system is set up to punish them. And certainly the righteous, those who follow the moral, straight path, who believe in fair play and who are bent on doing what is good and right - surely they would be antagonistic against the wicked.

But we fail to understand the very real antagonism that the unjust feels against the righteous. They are not so much angry that the righteous oppose them, but rather, they really do despise the ways of the righteous, whom they regard as hypocrites. The unjust do have a code by which the strong and the clever exercise control over the weak and simple. They recognize that all humans have natural desires for power, for wealth, and to indulge their physical desires. They, thus, despise the righteous, who, in their minds, either are weak persons deluding themselves or practicing outright hypocrisy, using the public righteousness to hide their inner cravings and activities.

The unjust see themselves as bold men who are willing to take risks and endure the spite of others in order to indulge in their natural ambition for power and for pleasure. They see the righteous as rigid and frigid weaklings who oppose them out of secret envy or smallness of mind.

The unjust do not understand persons who delight in righteousness, who protect others against the unjust because they actually love their neighbors, who understand and value an inner code that exalts fair play and kindness. The unjust do not understand a self-denial that produces deeper and long-lasting reward. And the unjust certainly do not understand the freedom of a humble spirit that allows the righteous to promote the welfare of others, even to seek the reform of the unjust.

The Face of the Ruler

2008-03-27T08:13:00.003-04:00

For Thursday, March 27, 2008
Proverbs 29:26

Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.

We seek the help and favor of "rulers," those in position to see that we receive justice and favor, who will protect us from the wicked and the oppressor. We look for those who "have connections," who know those who can do something. Such connections can help and much depends on the favor of those in authority and with means to help.

But remember, whatever such persons possess, they have received those things from the Lord to do his will. Even their hearts are under the power of the Lord. It is God who caused Pharoah to show favor to Moses and to harden his heart against Moses, as well. It is God who creates the "connections," God who determines if the ruler will be in a good mood or poor one. It is God who controls the timing and even the "chance" circumstances. And it is God who gives you the words to say to the "ruler," who gives you discernment, who guides your very manner before the rule so that he listens to you and grants your petition.

So, if you want justice, then go to the top and submit your petitions to the Lord who raises and brings down rulers, who alone carries out his will, who is your Father and cares for you. Seek the face of this Ruler.

Fear of Man

2008-03-26T08:30:00.002-04:00

For Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

One would think that by fearing man, he could avoid the snares of man. But this proverb says that such fear actually lays a snare. How so? Isn't man dangerous? Does he not possess evil intention? It would seem prudent to have a healthy fear of those who can do harm.

The second line helps put the first into perspective. Yes, we should be wary of man, but that very caution should then turn us to the Lord to be our safeguard. But more to the point, we are to find our safety in living for the Lord and according to his commands for us. We often lose our focus on living for the Lord because of the fear of man - fear of what man thinks of us, fear of what man may do to us. We often swerve off the path of God's commands because of the same fear, not trusting God to safekeep us. Keeping the commands of God and living for him is the prudent way of keeping safe.

Jesus' comments in Luke 12:4-7 serve as a commentary of this proverb: "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."

The Cursed Life

2008-03-25T08:30:00.002-04:00

For Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Proverbs 29:24

The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

The curse is possibly a legal pronouncement made in general against unknown lawbreakers or against witnesses who will not reveal the truth. Here is a person who has joined up with a thief as an accomplice of some kind. Either he has helped to commit the crime or knows about the crime. In either case, he keeps silent, allowing the criminal to go unpunished and the crime to be unresolved, even after a curse is invoked.

Does he think he will escape with impunity? Does he think to mock God, who is called upon by the invoker of the curse to bring about justice? If so, then he in truth acts as one who hates his own life, for he is condemning himself to judgment. He will live under the fear of being found out. If he has a conscience, it will plague him. And what awaits him after death is the final judgment that will expose all crimes and deliver perfect justice.

Perhaps this person joined up with the thief because he thought the thief to be clever. Perhaps he joined in out of fear from the thief. Perhaps he had in a moment of folly committed himself and feels that he cannot break his word. Whatever the case, he shows that he fears man more than God. The day will come when he will rue such a mix-up in whom to fear.

High and Low

2008-03-20T09:27:00.003-04:00

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

2008-03-19T08:28:00.003-04:00

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

2008-03-18T09:06:00.002-04:00

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.

Hasty in Speech

2008-03-14T08:25:00.002-04:00

For Friday, March 14, 2008
Proverbs 29:20

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

This is a harsh indictment against a person "hasty in his words," considering the low opinion the proverbs have for the fool. What is it that is so terrible about such a person?

He stirs up trouble. When a fool acts up, he mostly is holding himself up for derision. The person who speaks hastily stirs the water, causing others to become troubled. He makes a smart-aleck remark that cuts. He throughs out an opinion that embarrasses. He draws a quick, false conclusion that slanders. He pretends to have knowledge that in truth is false and misleading. He is hasting with harsh words that wound and offend.

Thus, he continually offends and stirs up trouble. At least a fool is seen for a fool and his behavior has limiting impact. The "hasty" speaker will likely be spotted for a fool but only after the trouble he has caused. And even when his reputation is established, his words remain offensive.

There is little hope for him because he does not connect the trouble with his tongue. He blames others for misunderstanding him, for being overly sensitive, for being judgmental and biased. Even if he does acknowledge the connection, he still does not curb himself. He accepts that he causes misunderstanding, but he "can't help himself." What he really wishes is to be accepted for who he is.

Meanwhile, he talks and talks and talks...

Necessary Discipline

2008-03-12T08:29:00.002-04:00

For Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Proverbs 29:19

By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.

There are those with a "slave mentality" who take opportunity to slouch on the job and steal from their employers and fellow workers. Such persons do not respond to instruction nor to reasoning. Rebuking them as no effect. Their problem is not a lack of understanding nor the need for more training. Their problem is that they are lazy and self-serving. Then, to defend their behavior, they complain about too hard of work given, bad conditions, and unfair treatment. Teachers see this in certain students, as well.

Again, to reason with them will not suffice for they do not want to work. Thus, discipline is needed. They cannot be reasoned with, nor motivated positively. Because they are self-centered, they will at least avoid the negative consequences of punishment. That's the way it is.

Wisdom is then required to discern what is effective with different persons. We are a society of second and third and fourth chances. It is good to keep trying with individuals who are troubled, but we must be careful not to harm them by withholding discipline. A lazy person is headed for disaster if he is never allowed to be disciplined or receive consequences for his behavior. If we keep giving chance after chance to change without consequences, we reinforce in his mind that he deserves his good opportunities that come without having to work.

Prophetic Vision

2008-03-11T08:39:00.002-04:00

For Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.

The prophetic vision is the word of the Lord given to instruct people what God requires of them, as well as giving knowledge about himself and his promises. When there is no such word, people will naturally do what is "right in their own eyes." There are no warnings by which to restrain their behavior. There are no promises to motivate them to do what is right. There is no instruction to give them understanding as to what is right and wrong.

To give such a word was the role of the prophet - from Moses to Nathan to Elisha. But it was also the role of Aaron the priest, of David the king, and of Ezra the scribe. They exercised their role not in receiving new revelation, but by carrying out, enforcing, and teaching the prophetic word, which once given became the law.

As this proverb points out, a people need prophetic vision. They need revelation from God to know him and to obey him. But they also further need the will to obey. And so they need prophet to reveal the vision, priest to enact the vision, ruler to enforce the vision, and teacher to instruct on its full implications. And they need to become the keepers of that law. Such a people will be blessed.

We are such a people in Christ. For Jesus Christ is the Word revealed; he is the prophet who presented the vision; he is the priest who carried out his own visionary sacrifice; he is the king who now enforces his word; and he is the teacher who explained his visionary work. Now he calls on us to be a people who keep his commandments. Let us do so today.

Of Discipline

2008-03-07T09:32:00.002-05:00

For Friday, March 7, 2008
Proverbs 29:17

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.

The purpose of discipline is not to keep your child under control, but to give him opportunity to develop the good character that he is capable of. He is born in sin. If left to his own devices he will develop selfishness, rebellion, meanness, and other such traits. Discipline is the means to correct these tendencies and help him to find the blessing of virtuous traits.

According to the child, discipline will vary. Some children are more self-willed than others. Each child has peculiar tendencies. Some are fearless in their behavior, while others are fearful. The wise parent will take time to understand each child and discipline accordingly.

Oftentimes parents will avoid discipline for the sake of avoiding conflict or avoiding making their child sad. But this shows a lack of discipline in the parent, who looks only to the moment and does not consider the long-term future. It also shows selfishness, as the parent cares more for his or her own feelings at the moment than what is best for the child. The irony is that such a parent is working against himself. He is setting up his child to be a source of contention and
anguish over the years. If he truly values rest and wants to delight in his child, he will discipline himself to exercise fair, consistent discipline with his child.

When the Wicked Increase

2008-03-06T09:31:00.002-05:00

For Thursday, March 6, 2008
Proverbs 29:16

When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

When the wicked increase in number and power, transgression increases. As the wicked rise, they are more embolden to sin, as well as having the liberty to sin. Furthermore, their transgression encourages others to sin who had felt restricted under the rule of the righteous. Their transgression leads others astray who follow their example because of their being the leaders and because they seem to demonstrate that their transgression will go unpunished. Indeed, not only does the transgression seem to go unpunished, but the wicked seem to prosper precisely because of their transgression. Others fall into sin by fighting against the wicked in an unrighteous manner. They lie and cheat, claiming the ends justify the means.

But the downfall of the wicked will come. God will not be mocked. He will not allow wickedness to go unpunished. Then, those who did not give was to sin will look upon the wicked's downfall.

Will you, then, persevere through the reign of the wicked? Such a reign may take place in your community, in your workplace, even in your home. Will you refrain from taking on the traits of the wicked? Will you refrain from unrighteous retaliation? Will you wait patiently for the vindication and the salvation of the Lord according to his timetable and his measure of justice? Will you remain among the ranks of the righteous who will see justice prevail?

The Rod and Reproof

2008-03-05T09:17:00.002-05:00

For Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Proverbs 29:15

The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

It would seem that reasoning and instruction would give wisdom to a child. Such things do give wisdom when the heart is inclined to learn. But a child is not so inclined because he is born with the malady of being a sinner. As such, his heart is inclined to do as he pleases, which leads to rebellion and/or folly. Children are born with varying dispositions. Some show strong self-will, while others are even temperament and ready to please others. Whatever the disposition, they act according to what pleases themselves, and they will carry their dispositions to sinful extremes.

Thus, they need early on to receive appropriate discipline, which includes punishment for wrong-doing coupled with expressions of disapproval. Parents must be careful not to be harsh, fathers in particular because they are more likely to be so. But there is equal danger in harming the child by not providing appropriate discipline. A child left to his own devices will bring shame because he will act shamefully. He will not learn how to discipline himself. He will not learn how to set appropriate boundaries for his behavior. He will fail to learn how to discern the character of friends and associates. With no consequences to check his behavior, he will lead himself astray.
Wisdom is a trait that must be desired; it must be chosen. But if one has not learned discipline, he will choose the way of folly because folly appeals to his surface desires. It is the way of what seems pleasant at the moment. By its very nature, it keeps the individual from looking to the future, even the near future, and discerning consequences. No child naturally discerns future consequences. All he understands is immediate consequence. That is where discipline comes in - giving the child an immediate consequence by which he learns to discern what is good and bad for him. Over time, he develops discernment and learns to discipline himself for his good. But it all begins with the discipline rendered in the home.

The Poor and Security

2008-03-04T10:03:00.002-05:00

For Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Proverbs 29:14

If a king faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will be established forever.

There is a consistent message throughout the Bible that the measure of a person's integrity, of his faith even, is found in the way he treats the poor. God hates the oppression of the poor; indeed, he is their defender against oppressors. The righteous person is one who gives to the poor and, as noted here, a righteous king is one who treats the poor with justice.

How are we to measure those in authority? Consider their attitude towards the poor. How are we to measure ourselves? What is our attitude? Are we concerned that the poor receive justice? Are we desirous to extend mercy?

Note the result of faithfully judging the poor. The king's throne is made all the more secure. This seems to go against logic. For every ruler and politician knows that it is by giving attention to the rich and the powerful that a position is made secure. Rocking the boat by being attentive to the poor places one in a precarious position. But the proverb is not considering how to secure favor with the affluent, but with God. For it is God who secures a throne, God who raises and brings down princes. It is God who gives life and takes it away. Follow the heart of God who cares for the poor. Only then can one know eternal security.

Using Light

2008-03-03T09:24:00.003-05:00

For Monday, March 3, 2008
Proverbs 29:13

The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

This may be the case of a debtor meeting with his creditor. Whatever the case, one person has control over the other. The oppressor or creditor "owns" the poor man, who is under his power. It is the prerogative of the oppressor to extend or withhold mercy.

But now comes the reminder. Both men are under the Lord, and it is the Lord who is the Giver, who has the prerogative to extend or withhold mercy. It is the Lord who gives light to the eyes of both. He may cast both into darkness at his whim. Jesus said, "For [God] makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). In that context, he is instructing us to love our enemies. But it is a further reminder that it is God who controls our fortune.

This proverb reminds the poor man what he does have and in what sense he is as rich as the oppressor. It reminds him of the same advantages he holds. God has also given him light. Indeed, perhaps the poor man would fare better if he made better use of that light insteading of bemoaning what he does not have.

It is a warning to the oppressor, that nothing he possesses is of his own making. God may easily remove his very sight. It is a warning of the misuse of his light. Using light to see how to take advantage of the poor will result ultimately in being cast into the outer darkness. Nor will he be without excuse for not seeing with a right perspective. God has given him light; if he does not see God and God's justice, he has no one but himself to explain.

Whatever our present lot in life, let use that light which is common to all to see our God at work and follow him.

The Ruler's Responsibility

2008-02-29T09:13:00.002-05:00

For Friday, February 29, 2008
Proverbs 29:12

If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.

If a ruler listens to falsehood, then he is listening to wicked counselors. And if he cannot distinguish the false from the true, then the wicked will rise and multiply. Much depends on the ruler's ability to discern.

Much also rests on the ruler's commitment to the truth. He should not be willing to listen to falsehood. It is one thing to listen to opposing points of view; it is another to listen to those who are wicked and who lie. A ruler should not test himself against such persons. He should ban them from his presence. Much also rests on the ruler's righteousness. His discernment will only be as great as his inner integrity. Likewise, he will be as committed to the truth according to how much he is committed to righteousness.

Much rests on a ruler. As he goes, so does the sphere that is under his control. If he becomes corrupt, so will those who serve him. If he is negligent, even though he may desire righteousness, it will be injustice that prevails through those serving under him. To whom much is given, much is expected because much rests on his shoulders.

Venting

2008-02-28T09:07:00.002-05:00

For Thursday, February 28, 2008
Proverbs 29:11

A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.

This is not a distinction between being demonstrative and reserved, as though the one who expresses emotions is foolish and the one who expresses little is wise. Rather it is a distinction between one who does not exercise discernment and the one who does.

The characteristic trait of the fool is that he does not think; he merely reacts to his circumstances like a knee-jerk response to the tap of a hammer. He is like the infant who laughs when happy and cries when discomforted with no thought given to anyone else. Unlike the infant, the fool, when questioned, will reflect that his reactions are quite appropriate. How so? Because he is expressing what he truly feels.

The wise man quietly holds back his inner feeling as he assesses the situation. He knows there is a time for everything, including giving full vent to his spirit, but the key is in understanding the time. Jesus, at times, gave full vent to his spirit, including anger (overturning tables at the temple), grief (before Lazarus' tomb), and even fear (in Gethsemane). But as a wise man, he discerned the right time.

Are you a knee-jerk reactor, who gives full vent to your spirit at anytime or are you a discerner who holds back and give full vent according to the appropriate time?

Bloodthirsty Men

2008-02-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Proverbs 29:10

Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
And seek the life of the upright.

Why such hatred? Because the blameless reveal the depravity of the wicked’s souls. Simeon said of Jesus that he would be a “sign that is opposed…so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-5). This is why the bloodthirsty men of Jesus’ day put him to death. He exposed and pronounced judgment against their hypocrisy and cruelty. His own blameless life shamed their pretensions. His purposeful life showed up their fruitless lives. They hated him for being what they were not.

They hate because hatred is in their nature passed down from their father, the devil. Listen to what could be considered Jesus’ commentary on this verse:

“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God” (John 8:42-47).

Foolish Argument

2008-02-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Proverbs 29:9

If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
The fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

The fool has no interest in wisdom. He may enjoy words, but only as toys in which to enjoy foolishness. When a person tries to reason with him, the fool treats the effort as nothing more than a game of words which he believes he always wins. And he does. For if the purpose of an argument is to win over the other, the man of reason always loses against the fool. The fool is not only unconverted but believes he has out-done the wise man, for it is the wise man who always gives up first in frustration.

That is why other proverbs recommend discipline as the only effective means in controlling the folly of a fool. Corrective discipline, rather than corrective reasoning, is what can quiet the fool. And that is at least one credit for the fool. Unlike the wicked, his heart is not bent on evil. He is merely foolish in his thinking, and if he cannot comprehend what is reasonable, at least he will avoid what is painful.

Wisdom understands this principle. The wise man may first try argument, i.e. use rational thought with the fool. But when the raging and laughing come, the wise man will turn away if he has no authority in the matter or use appropriate discipline. In a similar manner, God so uses reason or discipline with us. As much as we like to think we are rational, the truth is that corrective discipline is needed to deal with our foolish ways.

Dousing Scoffers

2008-02-25T14:57:00.003-05:00

For Monday, February 25, 2008
Proverbs 29:8

Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.

Like a pyromaniac, scoffers like to stir up trouble. They get their kicks out of causing a commotion. It is fun to them to see a city aflame with angry words, gossip, and slander. Somehow their ego is stroked to think that they started it all. They are the perverted image of the artist and the builder who delight in what they construct. Scoffers delight in what they destroy.

The answer to the scoffers is the wise person. To fight back against a scoffer is to play his game. People who call in or write-in to talk show hosts, for instance, thinking that they can reason with or even make scoffers feel bad, merely serve as kindling wood for scoffers. The wise understand this, and so they think through carefully how to bring the scoffers' flames under control. They use discernment, rather than anger, to guide their actions. They are able to use discernment because they keep their goal before them, which is to bring peace.

Do you let scoffers set you aflame? Are you frustrated by your inability to "turn away wrath" or to put a scoffer in his place? Remember the goal of the wise, to bring peace. Turn to discernment rather than anger. You will be surprised at how easily discernment can come if you remember your goal.

Getting It

2008-02-20T10:54:00.002-05:00

For Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Proverbs 29:7

A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

The wicked man just doesn't get it. His brain does not comprehend the concept of justice. To him, the winnings go to the rich and the powerful. Life is about getting to the top and staying on top. To him, this is the ways things are. Indeed, it is his code. He does not complain about not being treated mercifully. He doesn't expect anything to be given him. He doesn't assert his rights. Instead, he tries to play the system of beating rivals. He might get angry if he loses, but he doesn't think of appealing to justice.

The righteous man knows there is a code determined divinely under which all creatures are to live - great and small, rich and poor. The "rights of the poor" are divinely instituted. Furthermore, he understands that in relation to God everyone is poor. There is no strong man who can assert himself above anyone else and certainly not God. To respect the rights of the poor is a concession that God is the one who sets the code and that we are all under obligation to obey him. "Rights" are not about asserting what we have coming to us, but of asserting that there is such a thing as justice that does not bend to anyone's power or position.

The righteous man gets it; the wicked man does not. The result is seen in the way they live and treat others. One will bear good fruit as a result, the other will bear sour fruit. One will inherit the kingdom of God, the other will go to his destruction. Such are the stakes for "getting it."

To Sing and Rejoice

2008-02-18T08:32:00.003-05:00

For Monday, February 18, 2009
Proverbs 29:6

An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

The wicked create their own trouble. Because they deceive, steal, and commit violence, they expose themselves to the same troubles. They create enemies. Even the traps they lay for others, often end up being their undoing.

But the righteous are often free of what plagues the wicked. They typically do not make enemies. There may be enemies, but such foes exist because of their own wickedness, not because the righteous had done them wrong. The righteous has friends and the just arm of the law on their side, providing further protection. They do not worry about what the law will do to them.

Their greater reason for being able to sing and rejoice without fear is the peace of their conscience. They do not wake up in the morning worried about the repercussions of their actions from the night before. They do not worry about what friend has turned into an enemy. Indeed, their sing and rejoicing is done in the presence of their many friends.

The greatest reason for the singing and rejoicing is the status they have before God. For righteousness is not ultimately about keeping all the rules, but of walking with one's Lord, and to know him, to walk under his blessing is to be blessed indeed. Do you have a song to sing today?

Flattery

2008-02-15T08:30:00.002-05:00

For Friday, February 15, 2008
Proverbs 29:5

A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.

Flattery, as used here, is a tool by which to deceive. It is the tool by which to earn favor or to hide real intentions. In this case, an unscrupulous neighbor uses flattery to set up the downfall of his unsuspecting neighbor.

The proverb raises the matter of how seemingly good words can be used maliciously. Praise, which should be a means of showing due honor and encouragement, is twisted into shallow, even devious speech. Words intended to build up others are used to either make fools of them or tear them down.

The further harm of flattery is that it spurs its opposite to take place - rudeness. If flattery lays nets, then should we not avoid praise altogether? Should not our greater concern be to tell the truth? Truth does matter, but we are commanded to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are commanded to build up one another. The Apostle Paul, who clearly did not avoid speaking what needed to be heard, also took the time to praise the very people he corrected.

The cure for flattery is not rude "truth-telling," but speaking the truth in love. It is looking for what is truly good to praise in a person. The protection against flattery is to find one's value in the love of God, not in the praises of neighbors, even if the praises are true and sincere.

By Justice

2008-02-14T09:42:00.002-05:00

For Thursday, February 14, 2008
Proverbs 29:4

By justice a king builds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

The "gifts" could be bribes or, as suggested in one translation, heavy taxes. The point is that such a ruler is unjust. Furthermore, his very injustice tears down the land by which he is sustained. This is a principle that the unjust somehow cannot understand. By exercising justice, a ruler builds up the land so that his people prosper. Because they prosper, they are able and more willing to support the ruler. If they would seek first the welfare of the kingdom, everything else will be provided for them.

Does that sound familiar? "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). The context is somewhat different in which Jesus spoke these words, but the essential truth remains. If a ruler concentrates on what really matters - the belonging to and serving the kingdom of God, seeking and promoting righteousness - then he is likely to find many of the things he worries about falling into place. He is more likely to find his physical needs met.

God blesses the ruler who is just, and he has in his providential care seen that the very work of justice produces good fruit. See what the King he sent was able to accomplish with his justice.

Instead, their very greed leads them to be unjust and eventually cause their downfall.

Loving Wisdom

2008-02-13T08:52:00.002-05:00

For Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Proverbs 29:3

He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prositutes squanders his wealth.

One is led to think of the parable of the prodigal son. He took his father's inheritance and "squandered his property in reckless living" (Luke 15:11ff). He would have thought he was spending his money to enjoy life, to experience pleasure. But his problem was not that he loved pleasure too much but that his love was misguided.

Note the opposing person in the proverb. He is not described as being a stoic, one who chooses wisdom over enjoyment. He is one who loves wisdom. Wisdom is not a discipline to endure in order to keep secure. Wisdom itself is pleasurable. Recall the earlier proverbs:

13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.

The double bonus of loving wisdom is experiencing the joy of one's father, but even more so, one's heavenly Father. Because his Son excercised perfect wisdom, the Father delighted in him. And if we follow along the same path, choosing wisdom over sinful pleasures, we also shall know the blessing of delighting our Father.

Righteous Joy

2008-02-12T08:32:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Proverbs 29:2

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 28:28 says:
When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Today's proverb makes clear the impact of the righteous when they increase. It brings rejoicing. People may rejoice in the concept of righteousness and justice, but what brings out the rejoicing here is their own freedom from oppression. The wicked, in advancing their own pleasure, exact money and labor from the people. To protect their wicked endeavors, they repress any attempt to exert freedom or vindication or even to be left alone. The wicked have one goal - their own happiness - and will do whatever is needed to obtain it.

The righteous also have the goal of happiness. The difference is what makes up that happiness. For the righteous, having a people who are happy and contented makes them all the more contented. To see people who are fulfilled makes them feel fulfilled. And the righteous are most righteous according to how much they share in the joy of their heavenly righteous Father. So we see this in the Son whose greatest delight is to delight his Father. And so he brings forth justice at the greatest of cost, knowing that an even greater joy awaits in what his work will produce - joy to his Father and the re-making of sinners into righteous children.

And so he has established a kingdom in which the righteous increase and the people who belong to it rejoice. And so that joy will be made complete when the King returns and consummates his kingdom, bringing a day in which there will be no more groaning.

The Stiffened Neck

2008-02-08T07:05:00.000-05:00

For Monday, February 11, 2008
Proverbs 29:1

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

It is the stiffening that produces the break. As painful as reproof may be, it should make the person stronger; it should condition the spirit and train the mind, molding the individual to be a person of perseverance and wisdom. If received properly, reproof will shape a mind that is foolish and give that mind discernment; it will turn a rebellious spirit into one that blesses and builds up others. Reproof is healing.

Stiffening - resisting reproof - is destructive. Like the arm that stiffens and refuses the healing medicine of a doctor's syringe, so the stiffening person of reproof denies what is for his good. Like the neck that stiffens against pressure, it will suddenly break. The very reproof intended to heal can be made destructive. Or more likely, the rebellious spirit learns to become deaf to it and deny its healing intention. He trains himself so well to be deaf that he misses the warnings leading to his sudden calamity.

Reproof is never pleasant to receive. But if we will learn to learn from it, however it may be painful to take, then it will have the effect that God intends. For he does intend that every experience, every reproof, regardless of how it comes and from whom, to make us stronger, to make us wiser, to sanctify us for godliness. Will we bend and receive such reproof or will we stiffen?

The Wicked vs the Righteous Reign

2008-02-07T07:26:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, February 7, 2008
Proverbs 28:28

When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.

When the wicked rise to power, people think in terms of protecting themselves. They hide; they take cover; they try not to draw attention to themselves, for they know that the wicked delight in mischief. The wicked think first if a person will benefit them; if not, then the wicked will be entertained by hurting that person. The wicked also are obsessed with looking for rivals. Anyone who gives the impression of being a rival is destroyed.

Interestingly, the proverb does not then give an exact comparison of what happens when the wicked perish. Instead of saying that people come out of hiding, it speaks of the righteous increasing. The argument is thus: Either the wicked or the righteous take power. As one rises, so the other must descrease. They cannot exist together. As the wicked perish, so the righteous increase, and so the people do come back out and flourish. They know that the righteous think first about the welfare of others. They know that the entertainment of the righteous is to see others happy. The righteous are obsessed with seeing that justice takes place.

What a difference in the atmosphere by which one lives. Under the wicked, the atmosphere is that of fear and distrust. Under the righteous, it is of peace and harmony. All the reason then to work for the rule of the righteous and to oppose the wicked, whether this be in the arena of government or business or other. All the reason then to give glory to our righteous King who reigns over us. All the reason to remember the hope we have of living in his everlasting kingdom to come.

Giving to the Poor

2008-02-06T06:51:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Proverbs 28:27

Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Giving to the poor seems a bad investment if your concern is to grow wealth or maintain your present financial status. The poor cannot return money with interest, and indeed are likely not to return money at all. They have no influence with powerful or wealthy men who could befriend you because of your generosity. The money given to them or for them does not return. And so it seems preferable to avoid noticing them. Let others help.

But this proverb makes a guarantee - provision for the giver and curses for the miser. On what basis can this be made? On the basis of the guarantee of God. It is God who watches over the poor; God who provides. Indeed, it is God who provides for everyone - both rich and poor. This is what the "haves" fail to recognize. We have money because our Father has provided for us, not because we were clever enough or hard-working enough to obtain it. Unforeseen circumstances have ruined the fortune of many gifted persons. And they have made the fortune of many not expecting such a boon.

It is true that wisdom and hard work will typically lead to security, and that folly and idleness to poverty. But it is also true that circumstances play a critical role. God is in charge of those circumstances. And it is he who gives wisdom, who gives strength and the gifts to do well. As he gives, so he can take back. Understand that we are all poor of ourselves. We have what we have because God gives to us; he can just as easily "hide his eyes" toward us, leaving us destitute and without hope. He wants us, though, to have his spirit of generosity and to leave the business of worrying about our future to him. Seek first the kingdom, which is about the generosity of the gospel, and everything you need will be added. Trust your heavenly Father. That is what giving to the poor is really about - trusting your Father and loving with the heart by which he loves.

Of Trust and Wisdom

2008-02-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Proverbs 28:26

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

The proverb does not equate trusting in one's own mind with wisdom. Then in whom or what should we trust? Are we not to think for ourselves? We are to develop the ability to do our own thinking, but that very skill entails listening to others and knowing who to trust. The wise person listens to the counsel of others, especially those whom he knows to be knowledgeable and discerning. He has to make his own decision, but he does so in the context of having listened well.
More to the point for Christians is that the wise person will listen carefully to God's Word. It is Scripture that he trusts foremost.

This is all in direct contrast to the modern perspective that one ought to follow one's heart irregardless of what others are saying or is acceptable teaching passed down. Such a perspective is foolish for it leads a person to trust in his small knowledge and in his feelings, both of which are insufficient and even dangerous.

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, trusting God to know what is best. It grows with reliance on one's fellow man, both past and present, to share knowledge and wisdom. Trusting God and cooperating with one's neighbor will provide deliverance through the trials and challenges of life. To trust only in one's self is the way of folly that leads to downfall.

Greediness vs Trust

2008-02-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

For Monday, February 4, 2008
Proverbs 28:25

A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.

Note the contrast - greediness versus trusting in the Lord. The greedy man lacks trust. He does not trust God to provide, but more to the point, he does not trust God to give him everything he desires. Perhaps God does provide the necessities, but he wants more. He feels he is entitled to more. And he wants it now. He is impatient with the teaching that wealth should be accumulated by patient hard work and steady saving.

So what does he do? He acts rashly and foolishly. He goes after wild schemes. He resorts to unethical means to obtain his ends. He lies, he steals. He imposes on others. He mistrusts others, seeing his neighbor as a competitor or obstacles to his quest after more things and money. Thus, he stirs up strife.

But the one who trusts in the Lord to provide what he needs and what is good for him so as to be happy and content, such a person will be enriched. He will be patient and content in his labor, thus over time enriching himself financially. He will win friends since he is free to think of their welfare and not be competing against them. He will receive the blessing of the Lord who shows favor to those who glorify him by trusting in him.

Parent Robbers

2008-02-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

For Friday, February 1, 2008
Proverbs 28:24

Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, "That is no transgression,"
is a companion to a man who destroys.

How would such a person justify robbing his parents? One way is to justify his motivation. His parents are unfair to withhold support; he justifies that he is taking what they owe him. His parents are unjust in the way they treat him; he argues that he is giving back the same mistreatment they give him.

He minimizes his crime. He is taking only a small amount of what his parents have. They will never notice. They are not using it anyhow.

Another way is to redefine his robbing. He is borrowing and intends to return what he has taken. He is borrowing against his inheritance. He is investing for his parents, using their money and belongings to invest for greater gain.

And then, he fails to recognize the broader definition of robbing. What Jesus said to the Pharisees about how they break the commandment of honoring one's father and mother is true of breaking the commandment to not steal.

"You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.' But you say, 'If a man tells his father or his mother, Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban' (that is, given to God) - then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down" (Mark 7:9-13).

Likewise, we rob our parents when we fail to support them when they need us and when we rob them of the honor due them. And so, we are partners with those who destroy.

Rebuke and Flattery

2008-01-31T09:14:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, January 31, 2008
Proverbs 28:23

Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.

The contrast here is between rebuking and flattering. That is essential to note, for one may think that the proverb is exalting the person who is quick to rebuke as opposed to being an encourager. The flatterer is essentially a liar; his motive is his own advantage. He flatters to win favor or to appease anger. He is thinking of himself. The rebuker's motive is advancing the cause of truth and justice AND in saving his neighbor from calamity. The very reason he will find favor is that his motive is pure and eventually becomes recognized as such.

The rebuke may be gentle; it may need to be harsh. The one who rebukes well gives thought to the occasion. Consider Jesus who at times is gentle as a lamb in the correction he gives and at other times is like a roaring lion. He speaks with discernment - discerning the occasion and the person to whom he speaks.

Again, the motive is essential and it is what controls the tongue. Just as flatterers may confuse their fair words with encouragement, deceiving themselves about their motives, so arrogant rebukers may confuse their harshness with honest admonition. "I am only speaking the truth." "I am only saying what needs to be said." And then they leave a trail of the wounded, blaming the results on the persons they have wounded.

Better to rebuke than to flatter. But use rebuke for what flattery pretends to do - to help, to build up, to save a person from downfall.

Partiality and Bribes

2008-01-29T08:27:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Proverbs 28:21

To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

This proverb is speaking against the taking of bribes. The second line points to the triviality of the bribe. A dishonest person is willing to take anything. His one motive is his own gain. He has no interest in fairness. Indeed, justice is a game to him. Like the board game of Life, his object is to finish with the most money.

This mindset is particularly appalling because it denies human dignity. There is no sense of giving to another his "fair due." Even the wicked at times will acknowledge a person earning a reward, even respect. But the bribe taker cynically reduces everyone to an economic pawn used to serve his end. Whether he ruthlessly demands from the poor or bows before the rich, he treats everyone as mere means to his own ends. The bribe taker respects no one.

He even reduces himself to a calculating machine. His one attribute is knowing when, where, and how much to extract from others. Everyone has something to give and everything has a measure of value, even a piece of bread. All he has to do is calculate whose gift has the higher value.

We should be careful lest we fall into a similar mindset, calculating whose favor is more advantageous to us. It is easier to do than we suspect and usually we fall into such a mindset before we realize we have.

Faithfulness vs Get-Rich-Quick

2008-01-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

For Monday, January 28, 2008
Proverbs 28:20

A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

The contrast between the character of the faithful man and the get-rich man lies in integrity. The faithful person's priority is to carry out his responsibility well. Whatever the task before him, his concern is to complete it and to finish well. Thus, he is one to be trusted to keep his word, trusted to act ethically and do quality work.

The get-rich person has one over-riding desire - to get rich. That desire controls his mind and heart. Thus, it clouds his thinking, pushing him to move from one get-rich-quick to another. It clouds his moral judgment so that he resorts to lying, scheming, manipulating, even stealing to accomplish his purposes.

It is easy enough then to see how blessings come to the faithful person. He is well thought of by his neighbors. His supervisors and those whom he supervises praise him. His faithful work will overflow into blessing others and thus result in blessings returning to him. Because he has remain faithful, he is likely to see monetary reward from his labors. He earns respect as a worker; he nurtures his business through the difficult times into prosperity.

The get-rich-quick person may experience quick riches, but is just as likely to quickly lose them. He is more likely never to achieve his dreams, because he lacks staying power. He lacks the necessary discipline to carry his labors through to harvest. He earns distrust from his neighbors; indeed, he is likely to earn their enmity so that they work against him. They desire his downfall.

Two persons with the same abilities. One possesses integrity; the other does not. So then their destinies are set.

Worthless Pursuits

2008-01-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

For Friday, January 25, 2008
Proverbs 28:19

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits
will have plenty of poverty.

Whoever goes to work each day and labors diligently will see the produce from his labors. Whether he be the farmer who works his land or the office worker who manages his projects, if he works conscientiously he can expect fruit from his labor.

What of the one who "follows worthless pursuits"? He also may expect a return for his labors - poverty. Why? The primary reason is that he has shifted his energies from productive work to fruitless labor. The hours that could have been devoted to productivity are wasted in the other pursuit. Furthermore, what he pursues is likely to cause him to lose what he has. He invests money in pursuits that not only fail but create greater debt.

What are these worthless pursuits? They are pursuits that seem worthwhile. They may be get-rich schemes that promised quick returns. They typically promise good income with minimal labor. They promise to be fail-proof. They promise to work for anyone. They make the same pitch that Satan made to Jesus - gain the world without the cross. Gain wealth without the labor.

Jesus did not distain the world. Indeed, he did gain the world but did so the right way. He labored, even suffered, to gain his rule. Likewise, the proverbs do not distain wealth, just the means by which we go for it, such as through worthless pursuits or unjust means. Wealth should be the byproduct of a productive life, not the goal for which we live. Or we should have a broader understanding of wealth, which rests not so much in possessions as in quality of life - a life blessed with a good name, that is respected and experiences love, that blesses others. That is true wealth which can only be gained by worthwhile pursuits.

Of Integrity and Crookedness

2008-01-24T08:26:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, January 24, 2008
Proverbs 28:18

Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

This is a common lesson in proverbs. Walking in integrity/righteousness carries with it the protection of the Lord who watches over those who fear him. The crooked/wicked will fall suddenly, disastrously because the Lord will bring judgment.

More often than not, this is played out in one's lifetime. The wicked are setting their own traps because of creating enemies, associating with like-minded evil-doers who are quick to turn against their own, raising the opposition of the righteous who will bring justice, being blinded by pride and greed, and so on. The righteous, on the other hand, create friends, associate with like-minded individuals who respect one another, win the support of the community, and grow in wisdom.

But the main matter is as previously stated - the righteous who walk in integrity have the blessing of the Lord; the wicked who are crooked in their ways have his wrath. Whatever one receives in this lifetime, what really matters in the life after, where one receives either eternal blessing or an eternal curse. The latter is a sudden fall than never ends.

No Interference

2008-01-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Proverbs 28:17

If one is burdened with the blood of another,
he will be a fugitve until death;
let no one help him.

Let no one interfere with the hand of God in bringing just retribution to a murderer. As we are told to leave vengence to the Lord, so we are not to interfere with his vengence. The burden placed on the murderer is from God and used by God to drive him to "the pit," translated here as death. Such an end may very well be his sentence, though it could include any form of retribution, whether it be in this life or afterwards. The point is that he must bear the consequence of taking innocent life. Justice cannot be denied.

And if there is to be any hope for the murderer, justice must be rendered. It is in facing the consequences of one's wickedness that the wicked is most likely to come to grips with his sin, and if he does not, then all the more reason justice needs to be fulfilled.

This is a sobering proverb, especially because of the last line. How can we say not to help? We can do so when we learn to trust God more than ourselves. Too often our help is nothing more than interference. We interfere with justice, even with grace. For grace shines best when justice is rendered. When a sinner bears consequence for his sin; when he accepts the consequence; it is then he sees clearly the grace that is shown him. No man turns to Christ while he feels no conviction for sin. It is conviction and consequence that will drive him to his knees. It is experiencing the pit of punishment and despair that is likely to turn him from the eternal pit.

Prolonged Days

2008-01-22T10:01:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Proverbs 28:16

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

The contrast here is between lacking understanding and hating unjust gain. It seems that what the ruler lacks understanding about is the privilege of rule. He regards power primarily as a means to advance his interests. And so he uses his position to gain more wealth and power by oppressing those unable to stand up against him. The righteous rules understands that the position of ruler is one of privilege, granted to him to advance the interests of his people. He is measured by how well he protects and promotes the welfare of those under his rule.

It is such righteous rule that is blessed by the Lord who rules over life and death, and thus possesses to power to prolong or shorten our days. From human experience, such rule often does result in a prolonged reign, because the ruler wins the support of his people who in turn protect him and willingly serve him, thus promoting his welfare.

Perhaps this is the fundamental misunderstanding of the wicked ruler. He believes the key to staying in power is to ruthlessly grab more and just as ruthlessly protect it. Thus, he is always creating enemies and forfeits the support of his people. There is a reason why it is common for ruthless rulers is to be violently removed from their position.

The same holds true in the workplace. We may not conduct violent coups, but it is common for leader who flexes his muscle to find himself being pushed out by the muscles of others and often to the support of those working under him. To seek any position for the sake of wielding power and grabbing more wealth is likely to lead to a shortening of days. But to use one's position to promote the good of the company and the welfare of the employees is likely to lead to a prolonging of days.

Lions and Bears

2008-01-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

For Friday, January 18, 2008
Proverbs 28:15

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

The ruthlessness of a wicked man can be measured by the amount of his power. A wicked ruler's evil is more devastating than that of wicked person with no or little power. The wickedness of a ruler over a poor nation is greater than that over a wealthy nation precisely because there are fewer rivals capable of standing up against him. Like a school yard bully, he is more ruthless when all the kids on the playground are smaller than he, than he would be if there were a number of strong kids standing about.

It is being among the weak and the poor that the nature of a ruler is tested. Does he use his position to nurture his people or take advantage of them? Does he act in their best interest when they are not a threat to him or unable to reward him? Or does he squeeze what he can from them?

A system of checks and balances are needed in the government and the workplace to help those in power curb their tendency to abuse power. And all of us have such a tendency because we are sinners. We desire power so that we may do good, but once we receive it; once we get into our position, we then face temptations we have not faced before - the temptation to use our position for our own advantage, and the temptation to use our power to exploit those under us and carry out our frustrations. A poor people can be just as difficult to rule or manage as those who are wealthy and strong. All the more tempting then, to use our power in sinful ways to "help" them become more manageable. It is easier to become a "roaring lion" than we may think.

Blessed Fear

2008-01-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, January 17, 2008
Proverbs 28:14

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

The one who fears the Lord is blessed because he has the true perspective on reality and because God will bless him for his faithfulness. Fear of the Lord is not about living in terror of the Lord, but about knowing God for who he is - Creator, King, and Redeemer. To fear God is to understand (as much as a human is able) God's attributes - his holiness, his eternal nature, his power, his mercy, etc. It is understanding that one's purpose is to glorify him. As one grows in understanding, so his fear of the Lord enriches his relationship with his Lord, so that he is filled with awe and filled with love.

To harden one's heart so as to reject God, or to think of limiting who God is, will lead to calamity because of a skewed view of reality and because God will withhold his blessing. God will not be mocked. He is jealous for his glory. And the one who refuses to live for God's glory will inevitably stumble into the pit of destruction. He cannot escape it, for God will accomplish his purposes.

And hardening one's heart will be the verdict for all who do not embrace his redemption, specifically the Redeemer he has provided. Whatever protests anyone may give, whatever excuses they may offer, the verdict will be the same - hardening one's heart. There are only two options - to fear the Lord or to harden one's heart.

Obtaining Mercy

2008-01-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Proverbs 28:13

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
For when I kept silent,
my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin (Psalm 32:1-5).

What can we expect of God when we confess our sin before him? Mercy. Why? Why not rebuke? Unlike us, God already knows the sin. He has already been dealing with it before we confess it. That is why we experience heaviness of heart and guilt. That is why we experience the discipline of trials and consequences. He is bringing us to repentance. Our confession is the result of his loving discipline. His forgiveness is the result of the work he has already done in stirring our hearts.

If in Christ, we can know that all discipline, including the grieving of our hearts, is done out of God's mercy that we may experience God's mercy.

Glorious Triumph

2008-01-15T08:23:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Proverbs 28:12

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

When the righteous triumph, it results in good being accomplished for others. A righteous ruler is a good ruler who blesses his people. Contrariwise, when the wicked rise to leadership, then trouble goes forth. The wicked ruler uses his power to oppress, to take advantage of others for his own gain.

As Jesus said, a person is known by his fruit. This is all the more evident in a leader. The less power, the less harm one does. But as a person rises in power, so the consequences of his actions - both good and bad - have a wider effect on others.

So we see this played out spiritually. Satan, the Prince of the World, has a deadly reign, bringing despair and death through his rule. And yet, we glory in the triumph of our King Jesus Christ who has triumphed over him, over sin, and over death. What glory, what joy flows from the triumph of our righteous King.

Found Out

2008-01-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

For Monday, January 14, 2008
Proverbs 28:11

A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

Wealth can deceive the one who possesses it. Because he has money, he thinks he is wise, especially if he earned his wealth. His success with money gives him the illusion that he is wise in general. Thus, he may very well lose a case brought against him by a poor man. It does not occur to him that one who is poor could be clever enough to win.

It also does not occur to him that one who is poor could understand him. He thinks his wealth defines. He thinks his wealth conveys that he is wise and happy. As Proverbs 14:24 says, "The wealth of the wise is their crown." Therefore, he must be wise. Wealth can bestowed upon the wise, but wealth can also come to the fool who then is ruined by his very wealth. Wealth can be earned by the wicked who likewise will come to destruction.

It is not wealth itself that measures a person's wisdom nor his happiness. It is the fruit of his life - the blessing that he is to others - that provides a more accurate measurement. It is the joy in that fruit that measures his wisdom and his happiness.

The Inheritance

2008-01-11T08:27:00.000-05:00

For Friday, January 11, 2008
Proverbs 28:10

Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

Consider the consequences of our actions. This is where the wicked miscalculate. He digs his pit and cleverly leads the upright to fall in it. Perhaps he does so through temptation causing the upright to walk off the righteous path; perhaps the concealment of the pit causes the upright to fall in even as he is walking in obedience. Either way, the upright who possess the righteousness of Christ will be delivered and the wicked will find himself trapped in the very pit he prepared.

The blameless in Christ will receive his goodly inheritance. It is an inheritance "that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [him]" (1 Peter 1:4). But can he be waylaid from receiving that inheritance by the pit dug by the wicked? No, for he is "by God's power guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5).

Can he stumble and fall into a pit? Yes. For he can be lead into temptation. He can rest from being alert to the "adversary the devil [who] prowls around like a roaring lion" (1 Peter 5:8). And so he needs to be delivered out of sin and trouble. Thank God that receiving the promised inheritance lies in the strength and faithfulness of our Savior to carry us through. All the more then, we are to strive to walk in obedience to our Lord, looking to him each day to guide us, protect us, and deliver us from evil. Let us be thankful to the "God of all grace, who has called [us] to his eternal glory in Christ [and who] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish [us]. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5:10-11).

Prayer as Abomination

2008-01-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, January 10, 2008
Proverbs 28:9

If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.

This lesson is taught elsewhere.

Consider Isaiah 1:11-17:

11 "What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
says the LORD;
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
and the fat of well-fed beasts;
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
or of lambs, or of goats.
12 "When you come to appear before me,
who has required of you this trampling of my courts?
13 Bring no more vain offerings;
incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—
I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers, I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
17 learn to do good; seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.

Consider 1 Peter 3:7:
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

To break God's law, to ignore God's law and then to presume that he will hear our prayers is an abomination to him. Yes, we are always sinners and always guilty of sin when we pray. But this proverb addresses the attitude that one can consciously sin and then expect God to listen to one's prayer as though no wrong had been done. It is good to pray aware of God's mercy; it is an abomination to pray presumptious of God excusing our sin.

Exploitation

2008-01-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Proverbs 28:8

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

The first line depicts the individual who charges interest to his poor neighbor who is in need. The neighbor perhaps needs money to buy seed for his crop or to purchase food. He is in a difficult circumstance and needs help for the moment to get by. The rich individual exploits that opportunity to increase his own wealth and charges his neighbor in the same way a commercial institution would charge clients.

The intent of such a person will be thwarted, so that he ends up supporting the wealth of another - the person who is generous to the poor. Compare this proverb with 11:24:
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give,
and only suffers want.

God blesses generosity to the poor. He disapproves of the miser who withholds blessing to others, and punishes the oppressor who uses his wealth to exploit the poor. We can apply this to ourselves literally in how we use our money, which we should examine closely. Furthermore, apply this principle to how we use all that we possess - our time, our friendship, the gospel, etc. Is our focus on protecting what we have or being as generous as we can be? And if our focus is on self-protection, do we not easily cross the line into exploitation? We do favors expecting favors in return. We give, expecting to receive back. We calculate the investment we will receive in whatever we do.

There is only one investment that should be on our minds - investing in the pleasure of God. Seek first the kingdom and whatever else we may need will be provided.

Of Lawkeepers and Gluttony

2008-01-08T08:58:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Proverbs 28:7

The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Here is a contrast of two sons - the one who keeps the law and the one who is gluttonous. Note though the descriptions of the law keeper and the glutton. The former has understanding; the latter is a companion of gluttons, i.e. he is swayed easily by his worthless companions. This understanding, or lack of it, is at the heart of the father's pride in one and shame in the other as can be seen in Jesus' parable of the "Prodigal Son" (Luke 15:11-32).

The younger son is reckless and squanders his money in gluttoness living. He eventually "came to himself," i.e. he came to his senses. He acquired understanding, which led him back to his father. The older son was a law keeper, yet also without understanding. He kept the law out of duty. That is good to do, but what the father really desired is a son who kept the law out of desire to please him; who kept the law because he understood how good the law was in blessing his life.

Keep the law, but with understanding. Understand that the law is summarized by the commandments to love God and to love one's neighbor. Understand that the law is good and that by keeping it you are blessing yourself. Then you will give your heavenly Father delight. Then he will not be shamed by either your hypocritical lawkeeping nor your gluttony.

Better a Poor Man

2008-01-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

For Monday, January 7, 2008
Proverbs 28:6

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

This is a concept that the evil men of verse 5 would not understand. To them, and to most people, being rich is what matters. The wicked are blatant about this and thus will commit crime with impunity to get money. Most will do whatever is within "reasonable" bounds to attain wealth. What happens is that their greed inevitably corrupts them.

The blessing of the poor man who walks in his integrity is the very integrity itself. It provides him with peace of mind. It protects him from the anxiety of having to hold on to his riches or keep up with his neighbor. It allows him to focus on real pleasures, such as enjoying good relationships. He has clearer perspective about what matters. Most importantly, he is in good standing with his Maker and gains eternal riches (understanding that walking in integrity is walking in Christ).

The crooked rich man has only momentary pleasure in his riches, which he has to continually protect. He cannot be sure of his friends, nor they trust him. It is difficult for him to see what is truly good. He is blind to his need for God. When he dies, he loses all. Pray for the crooked rich who are the poorest on earth.

Justice

2008-01-04T09:19:00.000-05:00

For Friday, January 4, 2008
Proverbs 28:5

Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.

The wicked don't get it about justice. They despise the weak who, in their minds, deserve their fate of being oppressed. They despise the righteous who must be either hypocritical or repressive. They follow the logic of natural evolution - we are animals controlled by animal instincts for self-protection and self-satisfaction, and the more clever and stronger animals will dominate the weaker. Justice is a man-made idea (enforced by religious hypocrites) that has the semblance of protecting the weak, but in reality is another way for those in power to stay that way.

The righteous who seek the Lord understand justice as the law of God springing from his character. Justice is good because it comes from the God who is good. Justice is needed to control the animal instincts that have been corrupted by the fall. If the fall had not occurred justice would not be a means of enforcement but the very nature of the universe. It is justice, not fallen animal instinct that is eternal. The righteous understand further that justice is not so much about bridling passion, as it is directing passion to what is good - to delighting in what is honorable, pure, and loving. The righteous delight in justice, and it is a truer delight than that of the wicked who delight in their base desires; for it is a delight that will only grown into eternity, while that of the wicked will only lead to their destruction.

Forsaking vs Keeping

2008-01-03T08:29:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, January 3, 2008
Proverbs 28:4

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.

The heroes of the wicked are the wicked. Lawbreakers admire successful lawbreakers. They think their fellow transgressors are clever and brave. To them the wicked follow their passions, which is what gives real fulfillment in life. They are those who truly follow their heart. And they are realistic about life. They understand their fellow man, that he is not to be trusted, and that the fool deserves his treatment.

Lawkeepers do not merely disapprove of the wicked; they strive against them. They work to foil the efforts of the wicked to break the law. They recognize such transgressors for what they are - selfish to the point of being cruel, heartless, and reckless. They know that real fulfillment does not lie in trampling the weak and disrupting order. They know the difference between cleverness and ruthlessness, between bravery and defiance of the good. They also understand their fellow man, and so bind the wicked and protect the weak and the foolish.

Society tries to blurr the line between the two, but Scripture is clear. On which side do we stand? If on the side of the lawkeepers, take note that we are not merely to shake our heads at lawbreakers, but strive against them. We are to work for justice; we are to be our brothers' keepers. We are not to turn our gaze from the evil about us, but strive against it.

Beating Rain

2008-01-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Proverbs 28:3

A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.

The first line is a bit unclear. It may be as the translation reads or be translated as "a poor man and an oppressor of the poor." Either way, the primary message is the effect of oppression, whoever commits it.

We look to rain to nourish the ground and to provide water to drink. Rain is welcomed, especially in an arid country such as the Middle East, and especially to the poor who need the rain for crops and quench their thirst. All the more disheartening then that when the rain does come, it comes with such force as to actually destroy the crops. It seems cruel to receive destruction by the very element intended to bring life.

So it is with the oppressor who is in position to help, whether he be a neighbor who can provide mutual support or the person of power and wealth who could use those same resources to strengthen the needy. To turn around and use those resources to oppress is cruel.

Are we using what we possess, however great or small, for the good of our neighbor? Do we leave "food" for our neighbor when he is with us, or do we leave nothing? Apply this to the great wealth that we do have - the Word of God, the Gospel of Christ. Do we use the Word and the Gospel to produce fruit or use those very same resources to beat down with the law? Do we use the Gospel in our hearts to show grace or do we withhold it, so that our neighbor receives no food from the very people who have the Bread of Life?

What will you do with your wealth today?

Stability

2007-12-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, December 27, 2007
Proverbs 28:2

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.

Interestingly the proverb notes that it is when a land trangresses - not a ruler - that it will experience the rule of many rulers. The people are difficult to manage, and so many "rulers" are required to keep order. These rulers may be local chiefs taking advantage of a weak central ruler to form their own little rival kingdoms. They may be government agents using their positions to oppress the people under their authority. Under such conditions, the rulers inevitably battle with each other, trying to undermine one another to gain more power. Thus, there are not only many rulers, but many have reigns cut short through violence and intrigue.

What is needed is a person of understanding and knowledge, a person of integrity who understands people and how to govern them for the welfare of the land. He needs to understand how to deal with his enemies so as not to be undermined. He must be fair, but not naive. He must have ideals, but works towards them in a practical way. He must be aware of the temptations of power and keep his integrity.

The task is difficult, but if he succeeds in maintaining his rule and is patient with the process of establishing just conditions, then he will bring stability to his land. Are you willing to weather the course in your position of leadership? Are you willing to go through the arduous task of patiently observing and then acting with understanding and knowledge? Let us be thankful for our King who faithfully remains on his throne and rules us. Even though we are guilty of transgression, he remains our ruler, keeping stability throughout his kingdom until the day he returns in his glory.

Boldness

2007-12-26T09:35:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Proverbs 28:1

The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.

The wicked flee when they believe the odds are against them. Much of their bravado lies in the unfair advantage they exploit. They lie; they cheat; they strike behind the back; they rely on greater numbers and greater strength to fight their battles. Thus, because their confidence lies in what they can see and exploit; when they are alone or cannot see clearly; when they perceive they have no unfair advantage over their enemy, they run away.

David, a man known for courage, expressed well in his psalms the reasons for why the righteous may be bold. Psalm 18 is a prime example. Consider the first three verses:

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

The righteous may be bold because their confidence rests in the Lord. David understood this and tested it. Under such confidence he killed Goliath. Listen to his words before battling his foe.

"For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?... Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:26, 36-37).

Where does your confidence lie - in your ability to calculate the odds or in your faith in the "living God"? Only in the latter will you find a steady peace that weathers the trials of life and keeps you even keel. Only in the latter will you find wisdom to know what to do when faced with dilemmas. for much of our quandaries about how to live are not based on lack of knowledge, but lack of faith. When we peacefully trust the Lord to be our stronghold, then we are free to focus on doing what is honorable.

Keeping Vigilant

2007-12-17T09:23:00.000-05:00

For Monday, December 17, 2007
Proverbs 27:23-27

23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
24 for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26 the lambs will provide your clothing,
and the goats the price of a field.
27 There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
for the food of your household
and maintenance for your girls.

Do not rest on your present riches or your present success. You must continue to be vigilant with maintaining how you receive your income and be caring of those who serve you. Verse 24 indicates that this proverb is to be applied to the shepherd-king. He is to regard his people as his flock, tending to their needs. Through such care he is actually assuring his own prosperity.

Two lessons we can learn. One, we are to be always vigilant. Many a successful entrepreneur has lost what he earned because he thought he had "made it" and could now rest. It is true that one can alter his work, but he cannot rest from work. He must be diligent in looking over his enterprise, even if he turns it over to trustworthy stewards.

For - the second lesson - if he does not give proper care to his stewards, and they do not give it to the workers, then the system will break down. Just as the farmer must provide nourishment to his flock to assure that they produce, so an employer or manager must nurture their workers. It is through nurturing, not through threats, that employees do their best work and remain loyal.

One other lesson is to remember our Shepherd-King who keeps watch over us, who feeds us with his Word, who nourishes us in the gospel. Here is one who gave up riches to make us rich. And as a result his crown will endure to all generations.

The Fool

2007-12-14T08:27:00.000-05:00

For Friday, December 14, 2007
Proverbs 28:22

Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
along with crushed grain,
yet his folly will not depart from him.

It is difficult to change a fool. Try explanation. The fool nods as though understanding; he then acts as if he had received none. Try reasoning with a fool. He argues irrationally so that you become befuddled. Try education. He will take in little, and what he does take in, he will misapply. Try discipline. He may behave better, but still without understanding and likely with resentment.

A likeable fool will at least try to please others and even acknowledge his defficiency (thus being wiser than many a "wise" man). But especially troublesome is the fool who is angry with everyone else for getting it wrong. He goes his whole life offending others and bothered by the reaction of everyone else.

Like a disease that cannot be cured but instead managed, so one must accept for the fool. We will only frustrate ourselves in attempting to change his way of thinking and behavior. We need to think, rather, in terms of setting boundaries so as to restrain his offending behavior and to protect him from his own folly.

And then pray. For though we cannot change a fool, it is the specialty of the Holy Spirit to do just that. After all, consider what he has done in us. Without the Spirit, we also are fools easily going the way of the world. It took the "folly" of the cross to make us wise in Christ.

Of Praise and Testing

2007-12-13T08:33:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, December 13, 2007
Proverbs 27:21

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise.

The crucible and the furnace serve to both test and purify their metals. If there are impurities, they will surface and be removed. If there are none, then their purity will be proved. Either way, the fiery process produces good character.

So praise works in similar ways. Typically, a person will not receive public praise without proving himself through some sort of trial. Oftentimes the very praise will invite scrutiny to see if there are impurities. Many a praised idol has been brought down through the scrutiny brought on in the light of attention.

But another test for a person's quality is the quality of the praise. We can test a person's quality by who gives him the praise and by what he is praised for. Thus, the praise of one's peers is valued more than that of those who know him little or understand the work he has done. The praise of persons known for their integrity and wisdom reveals more than that of the fool who "blesses his neighbor with a loud voice" (v. 14). To be praised by fools and the wicked reveals troubling impurities.

The proverb may also be speaking of testing the person by what he praises. This certainly is a good test. What does he value? Of what and of whom does he speak highly? He who praises a fool is likely to be a fool; likewise, he who praises the wicked reveals the wickedness of his own heart.

Whom do you admire? For what reasons? Answer the question truthfully and you may discover more about yourself.

Craving Eyes

2007-12-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Proverbs 27:20

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
and never satisfied are the eyes of man.

The grave is never satisfied. No matter how many bodies it receives, it is always craving for more. So are the eyes of man, as advertisers know well. No matter what a person may have, when he sees something desirable, he craves it and will spend himself into deep debt or turn to wicked ways to obtain it. He cannot be satisfied.

Tolstoy illustrates this truth well in his short story, "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" The peasant Pahom keeps moving, keeps acquiring more land, until it leads to his death. "If I had..." drives him acquire and acquire, never being satisfied.

It is a fine balance between desiring to improving our lot and being unable to obtain contentment. Because our eyes see what we can obtain if we labor diligently, we can raise our lot and produce good fruit, as verse 18 notes. But it is easier than we realize to step off that fine line and become gluttoness. Balance is what we need, and it is what we cannot attain as long as we are not contented in the love of Christ. That seems a cliche but it is a profound truth that few have known.

The Apostle Paul knew it and learned to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:12). Oddly enough, his very contentment in Christ led him to be extremely ambitious in his life's service. Is there a connection between contentment in what is of true value and motivation to achieve? That may be a good thought to contemplate today. In what are you contented? What motivates you? How do they relate? Knowing that answer may be the difference between restless craving and true fulfillment.

Reflection

2007-12-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Proverbs 27:19

As in water face reflects face,
so the heart of man reflects the man.

This seems simple enough. To know ourselves, we merely need to look at our heart. But peering into a still pool of water to see one's face is much easier than looking into one's heart. Indeed, it is the most difficult task for anyone. Why?

The heart, of course, is a figure of speech and difficult to define. Is the heart what I intend or what I do? Many times I do the opposite of what I intend to do. I discourage when I mean to encourage. I take when I intend to share. I want to do good but end up doing wrong. In my mind I have a good heart; it's just that my behavior distorts the heart's true reflection.

Or the actions may be reversed. What many see as reflecting kindness is really an attempt to earn advantage for myself. If people only knew the real reason for the good things they see, they would be appalled. I know my behavior is covering my heart's true reflection.

As one who's face has been scarred loathes to look into the mirror at his reflection, so we all have an aversion of looking fully into our own hearts. It is not overly complicated to see our true reflection, which can be seen in both behavior and thought-life; rather, it is painful to see, and we lack the will to stare into the heart-mirror.

And the only way we can possess the will is to first possess the grace that allows us see both the scars and the beauty of remade in Christ. We are afraid to get below the skin and see a wicked heart; but if you are in Christ, there is yet another level deeper that reveals true beauty - the beauty of our Lord which is growing within us through the action of the Holy Spirit. Look into the mirror to the wickedness and then through it to the beauty of Christ Jesus in you.

Reward

2007-12-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

For Monday, December 10, 2007
Proverbs 27:18

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and he who guards his master will be honored.

There is reward that comes with conscientious, faithful service. The farmer giving such care to his fig tree will eat of its delicious, nourishing fruit; the servant protecting his master will receive honor.

Does it not see so for you? Perhaps you have been conscientious for awhile but need to be patience with time. Perhaps you have labored long in your mind, but the quality of your service in truth has been sporatic. You have allowed disappointments impact your work. In your mind you are working hard, but others hear your complaints and observe weaknesses that you will not allow yourself to see.

Perhaps the fruit you seek is not the fruit God has prepared, which will be sweeter than you know. It may be the unexpected fruit that comes when you become content with what you have. It may be the fruit that comes from other labor that you have not given much thought to, such as befriending someone in a time of need, of being an encouragement to others, or other acts that you do by second nature and therefore do not consider the reward the comes. Perhaps the fruit will be the consequence of feeling barren and even stripped of fruit, such as our Lord experienced, and who because he did was rewarded with honor and many "offspring."

Remember what is promised to those who belong to Christ - the weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Every other earthly reward should pale in comparison. No matter what we receive here, it will pass and we will be forgotten. Remember where our true hope lies - in the return of our Lord and the inheritance that cannot be lost, nor we can lose because we ourselves our guarded by our Master (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Iron Sharpening

2007-12-07T08:37:00.001-05:00

For Friday, December 7, 2007
Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.

The image is that of a sword or some tool being sharpened by a whetting iron. Unlike the neighbor of verse 14 who shouts out shallow blessings or the quarrelsome wife of verses 15-16, the "iron" friend is one who listens and then has the good hardness to give constructive counsel, even if it needs to be critical.

The iron friend's goal is to sharpen his friend, to make him a useful tool for service or a good weapon for battle. He himself must be hard, not in the sense of being uncaring but of having strong enough character to a couple of ways. One is to be strong enough to care more about telling his friend what the friend needs to hear, rather than saying only what the friend wants to hear. He must be one made strong from having going through his own difficult struggles, so that he has good counsel to give.

Do you have such a friend? Are you such a friend? It is not easy. Iron hitting iron can produce sparks and at the least be grating (pun intended). But that is what friends are for. To be there for one another to support and to sharpen one another.

Bad Shelter

2007-12-05T09:08:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, December 5, 2007
Proverbs 27:15-16

A continual dripping on a rainy day
and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
to restrain her is to restrain the wind
or to grasp oil in one's right hand.

One purpose of a home is to find shelter from the storms. To enter a home on a rainy day and find the roof leaking is discouraging at best. Being powerless to stop that leak during the storm stirs feelings of frustration. So it is to come home to a spouse who is quick to complain. There is no rest. But of particular frustration is the impotent feeling of being unable to stop the complaining. To restrain her, or the meaning may be to shelter her from her own storms, is like restraining the wind. Imagine standing in a strong wind with arms out trying to make the wind stop. Or imagine holding on to oil being poured into your hand. It can't be done, and it is particularly frustating to watch precious oil, meant to a soothing balm, slip through your fingers and fall wasteful on the ground.

The home is meant to be a place of rest. A marriage is meant to be a place to build up one another, to shelter one another. All the more reason then that tempers explode and patience is broken when storms enter into the home. All the more reason then to do whatever is necessary about yourself. If you cannot restrain the wind, then you need to think how to find the shelter you need.

God's Word tells us what that shelter is to be:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:1-2).

Our complaining and our frustration says more about our failure to find the real Shelter than it does about the terribleness of the storm. A quarrelsome wife is a woman who does not find contentment in her Lord. A husband who retaliates does not turn to the Lord for his shelter and strength.

Do what is necessary - i. e. do what the Lord gives instruction about finding your peace, your shelter in him, so that you will be a wife who is a true helpmeet to her husband, and be a husband who is a true head sheltering his wife.

The Cursed Blessing

2007-12-04T08:33:00.001-05:00

For Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Proverbs 27:14

Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.

There is the "friend" whom we wish would not be so friendly. He may think that he is sincere in his friendliness, but it is evident that he acts either out of neediness or of self-promotion. He does not think of what we truly need, but of what he wants to do. In this case, he blesses loudly early in the morning, disturbing us and our neighbors. If rebuked, he replies that he only wants to bless us.

And so, out of this "desire" to bless, this friend will impose himself upon us at all times of the day and night and in all sorts of manner. He will embarrass us and inconvenience us out of his perceived motive of love. A true friend loves by taking the time to observe us and know what pleases us and does not please us. A true friend thinks through what is a true blessing. In brief, true friend is respectful of his friend.

We can think of such persons who fit this description of the self-absorbed friend. Are we able to examine ourselves for such traits? It is difficult to separate acting for the good of a neighbor and acting to fulfill our own neediness. The key element is taking the time to observe our friend or neighbor before we act. It is taking the time to observe his body language, to listen to the tone of his voice, and to hearing from him first how he is doing. The true friend, the good neighbor observes first, then acts accordingly so that he blessing does not become counted as a cursing.

Cautious Loans

2007-12-03T08:31:00.000-05:00

For Monday, December 3, 2007
Proverbs 27:13

Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.

The simple message here is to be cautious in loaning money or costly resources. It is one thing to give generously; it is another to freely loan or make risky agreements. To do the latter is to create troubling situations for everyone involved. Consider the three parties above (considering "adulteress" as synonomous with "stranger").

You have loaned money that you need back and now must depend upon your neighbor to be true to his word and pay up if the stranger (whom you do not know and cannot trust) does not come through on his end. If that stranger does not come through, the neighbor must somehow come up with money he evidently does not have (thus the reason he has approached you). Your neighbor is caught in the middle, having made his own risk. He has vouched for someone you have reason to suspect will not come through. Thus anxiety is created for at least you and your neighbor, and possibly hard feelings if the stranger does not pay up, which will only magnify if the neighbor then must come through and is unable. Even if the neighbor does cover the stranger, there will some difficult feelings between you and him.

How does taking your neighbor's garment as security help? First, if you are uncomfortable asking for such a security, then don't make the loan at all. You are doing no one a favor by making loans that you cannot afford nor freely give as a gift. But asking for a security of some kind does have the affect of making clear at the outset to the neighbor and the stranger the seriousness of asking for the loan. People will glibly promise to pay back, thinking all the while that the lender really doesn't care or at least can afford not to recoup the money. Asking for security impresses upon the receiver how serious you take his paying you back. This is especially important for the neighbor, as he will cause him to count the cost of the risk he is taking. It can be too easy to say, "I'll vouch for him." To make him prove his confidence in the stranger, will motivate him to be more sure of what he is doing.

It is good to be generous with what we have; it is also good to be wise. Indeed, it is only because we are wise with our money that we can afford to be generous. Give freely; loan cautiously.

A Time to Hide

2007-11-30T08:28:00.000-05:00

For Friday, November 30, 2007
Proverbs 27:12

The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.

This proverb is similar to a common one we know: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. What may be taken as bravado or perseverance may in truth be mere folly. God may call us to risk danger; he may call us to persevere through trial. But that is far different from entering into dangerous trials out of our own folly. Many, if not most, of our trials are brought on because of our own doing.

We may be lazy and not prepare properly for the task before us. We may be simple and not discern the consequences of what we do. We may be wicked and let our desires overrule what is proper. We may be prideful and prefer suffering if we think we keep our independence and pride. We walk into danger unnecessarily and wrongfully. We ought to suffer for such foolishness.

The truth is that hiding is sometimes the appropriate response to danger. We should hide from temptation when possible. We should hide from whatever temptation strikes us at our weakness - be it pornography or alcohol or whatever we easily are addicted to. We should hide from needless confrontations that draw out our anger. We should count the cost of venturing forth in a risky venture. It is not shameful to admit our limits and our weaknesses.

The shame comes in acting as a Peter and boasting of bravery that we do not have. There is no shame in confessing our frailty and casting our security on God to provide, which includes turning to others to accomplish what we cannot. Hiding from responsibility is shameful; hiding so that we can carry out our responsibility is honorable. There is a time to hide and a time to step forward into danger. It takes godly discernment to know what is needed. Seek such discernment.

The Wise Son

2007-11-29T09:33:00.001-05:00

For Thursday, November 29, 2007
Proverbs 27:11

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
that I may answer him who reproaches me.

This proverb may be regarded as a transitional verse. Similar ones appear throughout the book indicating a change in subject. But taken by itself, it impresses upon us that our acting in wisdom or in folly impacts more than ourselves. The parent does, and must, care about the behavior of the child, regardless of age. The teacher should care whether his teaching is making a diffence in the lives of his students. And so the mentor for his disciple, the craftsman for his apprentice. Solomon is not writing and collecting proverbs as a hobby. He intends for them "to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth" (1:4). It matters, then, if youth do learn knowledge and discretion.

Think of a case in which God was questioned about the behavior of a "son" - that of Job. Satan "reproached" God, saying that Job only lived a righteous life because of the good he received. God allowed Job to be put to the test in order to answer Satan.

How well Job handled the test can be questioned, but there is a better story, the story of God's Only Begotten Son. He also was put to the test. He proved himself wise through his complete obedience, so that God was able to say, "With you I am well pleased." Let us be thankful for this son who was and is wise, and who will be able to answer for us on the day of judgment when our accuser comes with his reproaches.

The Nearby Friend

2007-11-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Proverbs 27:10

Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house
in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.

This proverb is not denigrating the value of family relations. But it is promoting the value of friendship, especially of friends who are with us. How guilty are we of bemoaning that we are far from family or old friends, all the while ignoring or discounting the friends God has placed around us? How guilty are we of keeping our neighbors at a distance?

But when immediate needs arise, when a calamity occurs, we will find it so much better to have a friend who is next door to aid us, than to depend upon a relative or friend who is far away. Let those who are near to you physically become those who are near to you relationally. Develop those friendships. Assume that God has placed you where you are to be a friend to those who are near. Perhaps your neighbor needs a good friend.

Sweet Counsel

2007-11-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

For Monday, November 26, 2007
Proverbs 27:9

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

There seems no solution to your problem. You stay awake with worry. Life could not be worse. Then a friend appears. You share your trouble. He provides an insight into the problem that you had not seen. Yes, that's it! How wonderful is his counsel!

You are embarking on a new venture. It seems a bit risky, but you are excited about the potential. Everything seems to be falling into place. You share your plans with your friend. He reminds you of a weakness you have that would lead to trouble. It is hard to receive but as you consider what he says, you realize that he has saved you from disaster. How good it is to have such a friends.

The scenarios vary, but the lesson is the same. The counsel of a friend who is wise and truly loves you, of a friend who is godly is real pleasure. The counsel itself is good because it is true, but receiving it from a friend who gives it out of earnestness, because he feels love for you - that gives the counsel its sweet aroma. For you leave not only wiser, but having felt loved. That is good friendship.

Straying

2007-11-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

For Friday, November 23, 2007
Proverbs 27:8

Like a bird that strays from its nest
is a man who strays from his home.

The bird that strays is alone; he is lost and in danger. So is the person who strays from his spiritual home and often his physical home. He is alone. At home he had the support of family and trusted friends. Now he is alone, trying to learn who to trust. Now he is lost, trying to get a sense of direction. He is in danger, no longer living to be fulfilled but merely to survive.

There may come a time for a person to leave his home, to make his way into the world. But that is different from straying. To move forward is the result of having matured, becoming well grounded, so that he in a sense takes home with him. He keeps his faith; he keeps in good communication with his family and trusted friends.

Straying is moving, but with no direction. It is the result of getting diverted, of losing focus, of forgetting home. Where are you now? You could be hundreds of miles from your physical home, but have "home" with you in the faith and values you have kept. You could be living at home but have in truth strayed, forgetting and rejecting that faith. Do you need to come back home? Don't know what you will find? The story of the prodigal son should clue you in.

Extremes

2007-11-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Proverbs 27:7

One who is full loathes honey,
but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.

In the extremes of life, everything we experience takes on an extreme flavor. When we are full, we despise what we normally enjoy; when we are hungry, we relish what we typically would reject as bitter. The need dictates the experience.

The one who is full has no one to blame but himself. He makes himself full by giving into his impulses. Because he cannot resist the honey, he satiates himself until he loathes the honey he craved. The who is hungry finds sweetness in what is normally is bitter because he his body craves nourishment. His tastebuds acclimate to the bitter in order to satisfy the hunger.

Neither state is good. Though the satiated person has only himself to blame and the hungry person perhaps has circumstances to fault, neither are in good positions. It is better that the hungry person obtains nourishing food, and it is good to be able to enjoy honey. And it is better not to be overly stimulated and satiated with rich food. What is most desirable is disciplined enjoyment of what one earns. It is best to work for one's food and obtain the sweet, and then to enjoy it in a measured manner that keeps the sweet from turning bitter.

Thus, the proverb cautions against the philosophy of eat, drink, and be merry that leads to bitterness, and that of the sluggard whose laziness leaves him ever hungry.

Faithful Wounds

2007-11-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

For Monday, November 19, 2007
Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

A friend cares about our good. Thus, as a doctor who will inflict some pain to heal, so a friend is willing to do the difficult task of "wounding" for our good. He will tell us hard truth; he will not flatter us about what is false. He will not cater to our vanity. He will speak the truth in love, and he will be there for us when we fall, even if he must let us fall to awaken us to our senses.

The enemy is only too happy to greet us with kisses, to spill out flattery, whatever he takes to stoke our vanity and lead us astray. As a friend is single-minded in desiring our good, so an enemy is single-minded in our destruction.

"Why would he lie?" "Why did he pretend to be my friend?" Because he hates you.

"Why did my friend not speak as well of me?" "Why did he say things that would hurt my feelings?" Because he loves you.

Both act in keeping with their motive. What we need to do is exercise discernment to understand, which is easier to do than we admit. The only reason we are not discerning is when we let our vanity cloud our thinking. We are blind to what others easily see because of our pride. But if we love our friends, we will listen to them and consider carefully what they see. If we desire honoring God, we will be cautious of flattery and kisses from strangers or those who have not proven their friendship.

HIdden Love

2007-11-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

For Friday, November 16, 2007
Proverbs 27:5

Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.

Open rebuke is painful and shameful. It is difficult enough to receive rebuke well, but to receive such in the presence of others naturally leads to shame. We then want to defend ourselves, and especially prove the rebuker wrong. Whether we are able to or not, we no longer trust him or regard him as a friend.

But as painful as such an incident may be, even worse is to withhold love, to keep it hidden. Hidden love does not shame or offend; it discourages. It does not shock; it quietly demoralizes. Open rebuke, as painful as it may be to receive, can awaken us to what has been lacking or offensive in us. It can spur us to change that is good. Hidden love reinforces our faults because it is love that motivates us to good.

Hidden love is offensive, for it is a lie. To love someone and keep that love hidden is deception. How then does one display love? God gives the model. He showed his love by sending his Son to be an atoning sacrifice for us. Christ showed his love to the Father by willingly obeying. Jesus has told us that we show love to him by obeying his commandments. We know that the Father delights in our worship. And so then, we learn to show our love to one another - when we gladly make sacrifices for one another; when we listen to one another and do what matters for the other; when we praise one another. And even when we rebuke (privately) each other, for the other's good. Love is to be displayed, as God displayes his love to and for us.

Jealousy

2007-11-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Proverbs 27:4

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?

A person can be jealous about us. He is jealous of our good fortune - the money we earn, our popularity, whatever it is that he perceives we have and he wants. In that jealousy, he become our enemy, or, rather, makes us the enemy. We have what he does not, and he will act, not merely to attain what we have, but to take it from us. Indeed, more important than getting what we have is to see that we lose it. He wants us to feel the loss that he feels.

A person can also be jealous for us. He wants us, and he does not want to share. He is resentful of the attention others show us. Nor does he want us sharing. He cannot abide us being friendly towards others. He certainly cannot abide us loving others. He would rather us feel his pain than be happy with others.

How dangerous then is such a person. An angry man loses his anger when his attention is diverted to other things. Cruel wrath often is not personal. We experience harm while we are in its way, but it will pass. The jealous man, though, is obsessed with the person about whom or for whom it is jealous. His happiness is tied up in the fortune of the person with whom he is obsessed.

We are in danger of becoming that jealous person if our joy is not found in God alone. For as much as we love God, then as much we will rejoice in the fortunes of others, especially in their standing with our Lord. Because the love of God is so satisfying, we cannot be jealous of what others have. Jealousy, then, becomes a good measure of our satisfaction with God.

Heavy Weight

2007-11-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

For Friday, November 9, 2007
Proverbs 27:3

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

It is odd how much a fool's provocation weighs upon us. We may exhaust ourselves carrying stone or moving sand. But we may put either down whenever we desire; we can then rest and recoup. But the provocation of a fool weighs upon us and we cannot lay it down. Indeed, the weight only seems to grow.

Perhaps someone has taunted us; perhaps has teased us; perhaps has simply acted foolish in front of us. We cannot get it out of our minds. We keep thinking about it. We begin to fume about it. Perhaps something was said that has an element of truth, and we argue in our minds about it. Perhaps we were embarrassed. The problem is that we cannot get it out of our minds.

How do we get rid of such a weight? The simple answer is to turn it over to God. But how is that done? Through prayer of course, but specifically through Scripture informed prayer. To get the words of the fool out of our minds, we need to fill our minds with the words of God. All Scripture is good to read, but especially effective is to read that which speaks of the character and works of God. If we turn our minds to the praise of God, then there is not room to carry the provocation of a fool.

Self Praise

2007-11-08T08:31:00.000-05:00

For Thursday, November 8, 2007
Proverbs 27:2

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.

"See what I have done!" That is a cute phrase from a young child. We smile and respond how impressed we are. But as one grows older the cute phrase becomes increasingly irritating to hear. We judge the speaker to be immature at best or egotistical. When the self-praise is patently off base, we consider the speaker to be delusional and he is scorned as a fool. When the self-praise actually has merit, then all the more that praise is resented as being prideful and arrogant. Whatever may be the case, self-praise reveals a character that is self-centered.

But the same praise, when it is spoken by others, not only is acceptable but regarded as the right thing to do. "See what he has done!" That is an apt phrase from an objective outsider. We don't merely concur with the words; we find them pleasing to be spoken. We want to join in on the praise. We will even urge the recipient of the phrase not to be modest.

But what if the praise does not come? That is the egotist's real worry. What if others do not notice his accomplishments? Or perhaps they do, but are not the type to give praise? How then will others take notice? How will he get his due acclaim?

That very line of thinking reveals the small-mindedness and self-centeredness of the thinker. It reveals that his accomplishments are little more than attention getters. He has not strived to achieve great things, but to achieve greatness. He has not performed for love of the game or love of the deed or love for others, but for the acknowledgement of others. The irony is that his very attempt at gaining praise through his self-praise, causes him to lose the admiration he would have likely received. His very zeal to make himself admired destroys his goal.

Christians, of all people, should have little concern about being praised, not because praise is bad, but because of what lies before us - "an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparision" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Is that not enough to satisfy?

Tomorrow

2007-11-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

For Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Proverbs 27:1

Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.

James provides a good commentary for this proverb: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

The sooner we grasp how little control we have of the future, then the better prepared we will be for it. We become flustered and lose our temper because our plans are interrupted. If we know that tomorrow is in God's hands and not ours, we will then be better prepared for what will actually take place, whether or not it goes according to our plans.

It is good to make plans; but understand that our plans are nothing more than that - plans. We are not God whose plans are fixed. Nor do we want them to be. For we lack God's knowledge and his goodness. Do not boast about tomorrow. It is the humble attitude to take and the wise attitude that will lead to contentment and to true readiness.

The Revealing Liar

2007-11-06T08:46:00.000-05:00

For Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.

The lying tongue and the flattering mouth - weapons of deception - are the true revealers of the heart. The liar may consciously despise his victim or regards the victim indifferently; so the flatterer. He has one aim - his advancement. He may want money or power or pleasure. Whatever the case, he will lie and flatter for that one goal. He is single-minded.

And he is a hater whose real love is to ruin others. Deny as he might, his very lying reveals his heart as a hater. He hates his neighbor. Most of all, he hates God. Like his father Satan, his character is expressed through his deception.

Such a person cannot be happy with mere advancement of his own situation. He must see that others experience disappointment. He delights not only in their being deceived, but by their misery over the deception. Ruin - the ruin of others - is what satisfies their inner craving.

How comforting it is to know the intent and the power of our Father who is Truth, who intends on building us up even to glory, and who will not fail. The world is filled with lying tongues, but it is also under the sovereign control of our God who cannot be deceived, who is advancing his kingdom, who is turning liars into truth-bearers, even us. There is one who seeks our ruin; but there is a greater One within us who seeks our victory and will attain it.

The Pit and the Stone

2007-11-05T08:28:00.000-05:00

For Monday, November 5, 2007
Proverbs 26:27

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

He who starts trouble will get caught up in his own making. Typically he underestimates the response of others. He expects them to cower when they instead get angry. He expects them to get upset when instead they remain cool. He may good at pit digging or stone rolling, but he is poor in calculating the human heart. He may anticipate the initial reaction, but he does not think further. He does not anticipate how the victim will eventually retaliate.

Nor does he consider the One who is watching his every step and who will see that justice is done. Understand that however large the pit may be that the wicked digs, there is a greater, more terrible pit that awaits him. However large the stone may be that he sends rolling, there is a greater stone that will crush him. For his own good, he will hopefully fall into his own pit and be hurt by his own stone so that he might be brought to his senses.

Pray for the wicked to now say, "What have I done?" Pray for the wicked to come now to his senses, look beyond his little pit, and see how his mischief will engulf himself. Pray now for the wicked to repent as we have done for our own wickedness.

The Disguise of Hate

2007-11-02T08:57:00.000-04:00

For Friday, November 2, 2007
Proverbs 26:24-26

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
and harbors deceit in his heart;
when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
for there are seven abominations in his heart;
though his hatred be covered with deception,
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Let's follow the train of thought. There is the type of person who, though he in truth is hateful, he covers it up by speaking graciously. He is the illustration of verse 23's "the glaze covering an earthen vessel." This phenomenon is seen on all levels: the entertainer who tells his audience he loves them, while he actually despises them; the politician who speaks admiringly of his constituents whom he regards as fools; the hired worker or salesperson who behaves respectfully to the one controlling his paycheck and yet is filled with envy; the "friend" who wants to be considered "one of the guys" but can barely tolerate the same.

We are not to believe him because of the condition of his heart. It is the heart that must be dealt with. Knowing how to speak graciously does not signify a good heart. It signifies merely cleverness. Indeed, to speak graciously to those whom one hates signifies a wickedness that goes deeper than that of the man who does not hide his hate.

The third point is that a person's hatred will be revealed. Hatred will come out. Indeed, if one gives time to observation, a hateful heart is detectable. Like a movie set of a town made up of facades that shake or fall when buffeted by wind, so the "gracious" facade of the hateful heart is shaken and revealed. It takes effort to keep up appearances, and even then it is difficult to coordinate the artificial words with the artificial mannerisms. The hateful person is merely reading lines.

What then are we to do? Be on our guard. Don't be taken in. But all the more befriend such a person. Most persons like that believe they are doing what everyone else is doing. They do not believe in a true loving heart. Perhaps you will be the one to prove that not all is a disguise.

Fervency

2007-11-01T08:58:00.000-04:00

For Thursday, November 1, 2007
Proverbs 26:23

Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel
are fervent lips with an evil heart.

In a way, the glaze hides what is underneath while giving the appearance of revealing its inner makeup. We can see the clay, but the glaze covers over the imperfections and causes the clay to have a shine that it really does not possess of itself. In the same way, we may use our lips to deceive what is underneath. I think now of a friend in seminary who spoke ardently of his faith, but who in truth turned out to be living a double life that was exposed when he married. I have also learned that the ardency by which one speaks has no bearing on that person's spiritual maturity or commitment.

Some speak fervently with the intention of covering up their evil. Others speak fervently merely out of their nature. In both cases, the fervency does not measure the sincerity of their hearts. It is not speech that ultimately reveals the heart. It is the long-term obedience in both speech and action that provide the best test. And that obedience is not a mere performance of duty, but one that bears the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfuless, gentleness, and self-control.

Look at their fruit - the fruit born in them and the fruit of their lives, i.e. the impact on others around them. Fervency is not bad; just don't use it to measure the heart. That is not its purpose.

Delicious Gossip

2007-10-30T08:45:00.001-04:00

For Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Proverbs 26:22

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Simply put, we enjoy gossip. That is the reason it spreads easily and quickly. We enjoy receiving it, and we enjoy passing it on. When we receive news that excites us, our natural inclination is to share the excitement. News about someone else's discomfort somehow arouses our interest to hear and "share." As Christians, we mask our sinful interest by telling ourselves we are interested out of Christian concern.

The whispering of gossip, notwithstanding "Christian concern," typically adds to the pain of the person or trouble to situation that is being whispered about. Word gets back to the person filling them with same and stirring up anger. More "solutions" are offered to the problem situation, creating more complexity to deal with.

What is the solution to whispering gossip? Proverb 26:20 has already given it. Stop whispering. Don't go on a diet of whispering. Go on a fast. It may be difficult at first. But as the person discovers, who seriously cuts out foods that seem sweet but are harmful, the very denial opens up the taste buds to more natural, enjoyable tastes.