Proverbs 15:18-33

Proverbs 15:18-33

Many years ago there was a young lady who occasionally attended the church I served. Her childhood was bad beyond decent conversation. At this point she was a 22-year-old single mom with one angelic little girl making between $60,000 and $90,000 a year as an adult entertainer, i.e., stripper. She was perpetually broke and would occasionally ask for food help from the church. Being a stripper, according to her, was expensive. You had to buy drinks and drugs for those in the club where you worked in order to get profitable shifts and customers. She was still a stunning beauty but looked closer to 35 years old than her actual 22. That life is hard on a person. 

One day she called and asked for food for her daughter. I was losing patience with her, and when I took over a small bag of groceries, I said to her, “Where are you going with your life? You are still pretty, but when your looks fade, what are you going to do? Will you start turning tricks for a living?” She answered, “A friend of mine tried to pimp me out this week.” I told her, “You need better friends. You need to think and see where your life will take you. If you don't like where you are going, choose a new path.” Thankfully, with the help of a godly lady in our church, who happened to be a former stripper, she made some course corrections. The moral of the story is found in verses 24-25.

The general destination of our lives is not a hidden secret. At some level we can see that our path will either lead us to life or lead us to ruin. By definition the person who is wise chooses the upward path. By doing so they gain real life and avoid Sheol, or ruin. When we are motivated by pride and determined to chart our own foolish course, God himself will bring ruin on our lives. (v. 25) How could a person making $90,000 a year live on the verge of poverty? Because the path of ruin begins to ruin life long before life ends. Once this girl chose the right path, including respectable work as a waitress, she had enough to live on even if she only made about a third of her former income.

“Lord, help me choose the path of life. AMEN.”

Proverbs 15:1-17

Proverbs 15:1-17

As human beings we want to live in an echo chamber, the place where we hear only our own opinions from others. We spout our opinions in hope that others will agree with us. Then we can cite their voice as evidence and proof that we were right all along. Social media has exacerbated this ancient proclivity. Within this text we have wisdom for dealing with our own misguided love for an echo chamber.

First we see two ways we can talk and teach people in verse 1. The question is not one of truth; it is how to present and how we respond. This is expressed in verse 2. Sometimes we need to say uncomfortable things, but it is possible to do this in such a way as to be about the underlying issue so that it does not seem like a personal attack. In contrast, what a fool says is provocative and is designed to bring others into a heated exchange that is foolish.

In verse 4 we see the underlying motivation of the fool's talk. Whereas words from the wise are about healing, the harshness of the fool's comments has its root in an inner perversion. If we provoke for the sake of provoking, there is something perverse in us.

Even if we, with the right motives and the most judicious and proper tones and words, find that someone rejects righteous counsel, the issue is theirs. We must not take responsibility for the behaviors and attitudes of others. In verse 12 we see that the scoffer will not love the one who gives correction. A scoffer is the one who mocks or derides. Interestingly, the word can be used for an ambassador. The one who is the representative of a position may mock those with whom they disagree but will not actually engage them or even go near them.

We see the reason in verse 14: while an intelligent person is seeking to understand even those positions with which they may disagree, the fool only wants to be in their echo chamber—to have their ideas, no matter how foolish, fed back.

“Lord, help me be humble in what I say and hear. AMEN.” 

Proverbs 14:19-35

Proverbs 14:19-35

The life we live is our resume. If someone were to claim to be a good money manager, how could you tell? "Are they wealthy?" is the best answer to the question. How can you tell if someone is a fool? The resume of life tells the story. That is the point of verse 24.

How is it that those who are suffering for Christ have such strength and resolve? Verse 25 tells us that their confidence is in the Lord, and in Him they have a place of refuge. If we lack stability, if we are falling apart, we ought to consider where we have placed our confidence.

Where do we live mentally and emotionally? Verse 30 is a real challenge. The health of the body is the cure that comes from the emotionally sound inner person. We use the word ‘stress’ to describe so much of our lives, and at the same time we are physically ill. How much of our physical ruin is the result of what the King James Version calls “envy,” the NASB calls “passion,” and the Hebrew calls “qinah” (pronounced kee naw)? It means color produced in the face. It can mean ‘anger,’ ‘zeal,’ ‘jealousy,’ or ‘passion.’ We were not made to run on high emotions all the time, and sooner or later our bodies will pay the price.

What causes this constant anxiety with which we live? Verse 26 is descriptive of the person who is not as susceptible to anxiety. Verse 32 gives us a picture of the fragilities and resilience of two groups of people. First we see the evil person is thrust down or driven away by their evil. The word ‘banished’ is a good way to think of this concept. The word carries the implications of ‘chasing off with violence’ and the way smoke is driven by the wind. The evil person's schemes fail, and they are totally undone by that single and momentary failure. In contrast, the righteous facing the greatest challenge possible, their own death, find a refuge. Face any setback without our God, and we will experience stress and banishment and hardship. But face them in faith, and even the most difficult moment, death, we can face in peace.

“Lord, help me find my confidence in You, not in myself nor circumstances. AMEN.” 

Proverbs 14:1-18

Proverbs 14:1-18

With each of the individual proverbs, we get the feeling that there is a history, and the proverb serves as sort of the expected moral of the story. I recall a young lady from early in my ministry. She was married to a really great guy: a smart, talented, devoted husband and engineer. They had two wonderful kids, a lovely home, and a bright future. She was raised in a godly home and was a fabulous vocalist. She was, however, attracted to the “bad boy” image and the wild party life. She abandoned her home, husband, and family to become the ‘old lady’ of a biker type. She ended up living with an abusive motorcycle gang member in a run-down trailer in a dumpy trailer park. The moral of the story is in verse 1.

What was broken inside of her that she would do such a thing? We can never know. But tragically, she didn't know either. If she had discerned her wounds, perhaps by godly counseling and inner healing, what was on the inside could have been healed and saved many people a great deal of hurt. There are some people who understand themselves, especially their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. That self-knowledge is not academic information; it is what makes them wise. But the girl was the worst kind of fool; in her deceit, she deceived herself. The moral of the story is in verse 8.

Her sudden irrational behavior caught everyone by surprise. Those who knew her best—husband, mom, and dad—were completely caught off guard. She played the role of devoted wife and mom until the moment she ran away. The picture I have of her is still of a prim, proper, and modestly dressed young mom holding an adorable baby girl whose hair bow is bigger than her face. The perfect picture of a happy, holy wife and mom. But she had the inner hurt and pain. She thought she could find what she was looking for riding on the back of a bike, dressed like a slut, with a mean man. Why? No one could know her secret heart. The moral of the story is in verses 10 and 13.

“Lord, help me see the condition of my heart and have the wisdom to live holy. AMEN.”

Proverbs 13:13-25

Proverbs 13:13-25

More than a few church leaders, both professional and volunteer, have found themselves in ruin. A young man I know, who had all the potential in the world, is now in jail and will likely be there for a very long time. Verse 13 says the one who “despises the word” (NASB) or “scorns instruction” (NIV) would be better translated, “the one who handles the word, or matter, negligently cannot escape consequences.” When we treat the word of God carelessly, we will not be able to avoid the consequences of wrong moral development. When we take the Word as a quick fix or try to find proof to support our own lives, we end up reinforcing our bad ideas and/or wrong behaviors. In contrast, the one who “fears the commandment” has the opposite outcome. What does it mean to “fear the word”? Simply put, be terrified of getting it wrong because of the dangers involved. When taking a powerful medication, we need to fear taking it wrong. We need to fear improper handling of a firearm. We need to fear improper use of a chainsaw. All of these, used properly, can be extremely beneficial. But in negligence there is death. Even the most bright, talented, and potentially great people who don't take the word seriously will be ruined.

Truett Cathy once said, “It is easier to succeed than to fail.” That seems odd because success requires so much work. But we see this principle expressed at work in verse 15. Wisdom and right choices will produce favor. Favor is more than something we ask for; it is the result of good understanding, i.e., both thinking and doing. Verse 15b says the path or way of the treacherous or transgressor is hard. His is a harsh and forbidding path, as if walking down a stony descent. The choices of green meadows and pastures or barren deserts are ours. So which is the harder place to travel to and live in?

“Lord, help me see the intrinsic value of doing the right thing. AMEN.” 

Proverbs 13:1-12

Proverbs 13:1-12

Without a doubt there are real advantages to having great wealth. But Solomon, one of the richest men in all of history, also points out some real disadvantages of wealth. He even gives a nod to some advantages of humble means.

Note in verse 7 we see the nearly universal condition that we want to appear wealthy. To appear well-off and successful is the point of much of our social persona, but some wealthy people downplay their wealth. Why is that the case? In verse 8 we see a reason. No one ever holds a homeless man for ransom. Lawyers never bring a civil action against someone who is broke and can't pay. The broke person doesn't sweat one more “overdue” notice. They ignore it or can't hear the demand for money. “You want money from me? Get in line with everyone else.”

In verse 11 there is a warning everyone whose wealth is tied to the general economy should take to heart. The English translation struggles with one of the key words. It is the word "habal." It is the theme word for the Book of Ecclesiastes, where it is translated as "vanity." It can also be translated as "breath" or "smoke." Here the word is translated “dishonest money” in the NIV and a little better as “fraud” by the New American Standard Bible. If we read that verse carefully, we may find its meaning clear in an example or two. Remember the S&L crash, the dot-com bubble crash, and the subprime market crash? There were individuals that lost millions and businesses that went under because their wealth was based on a fiat value. Any economy or personal wealth based on speculation or habal is only a bad bit of news away from ruin. In contrast, consider the small local tradesmen who provide essential goods or services. He may suffer some during a downturn, but even in a downturn people will need food from a farmer or repair from a mechanic. If we are forever after the big score of wealth, our heart will never be whole. But if we hope for honest work and to serve others, that hope will be fulfilled.

“Help me, Lord, to do honest work, honestly done, that honors You. AMEN."

Proverbs 12:15-28

Proverbs 12:15-28

We hear much about the great division in our nation. We have not been so divided since the fratricidal war of the 1860s. The near complete absence of civil discourse does not bode well for our country. If you want likes, followers, and a large social media presence, you need to be extreme. So voices of advocacy and opposition on every subject become more shrill and more radical. To be popular in this extreme atmosphere, the message is, “I and my side are right, and if you listen and agree with me, it would be best for everyone.” One example will suffice. A young Black man who was charged with killing a white peer is portrayed as a racist by one side and a victim by the other. A charity raised about $1 million for his family. A white woman yells a racial slur while on a playground. The event is recorded and posted and becomes a flashpoint. Fundraisers are established, and she and her family will receive almost $1 million. This kind of noise is foolish.

In contrast, Proverbs 12 offers wisdom. The advice of 12:15-23, if followed, would offer much help to our sad state. As we read these verses, we shouldn't say, “They are fools and should pay attention.” Rather, we ought to ask, “Am I being foolish?” Could verse 16 apply to us if we read it this way, “If you give a fool your anger, it is immediately posted to social media”? In contrast, a wise man keeps shameful things hidden. Verse 18 could say letting out your frustration loudly is like randomly swinging a sword in a crowd. Keeping your opinions under wraps is productive because if your opinions are right, time will prove them so (v. 19). Verse 23 seems odd to us, but consider thinking about it in a different way: “The fool's heart is in his mouth; the wise man's mouth is in his heart.” We are more influenced, in real terms, by being in real relationships and offering guidance where we say less, but what we say has more value (v 26). Our temptation is to say, “Yea, they ought to do this: talk less, relate more. But this path isn't for sinners or fools; this is the path for the people of God.

“Lord, grant me the wisdom to say less while building closer relationships. AMEN.”

IMPORTANT PIGGY UPDATE

 UNEXPECTED CHANGE OF PLANS

Due to my real-world job, I have to make some changes to the hobby job of pig farming.  

First I have to move the sale date for the piglets up from Sept 12, 2026, to Aug 29, 2026.   The piglets will be 4 and 6 weeks old. That is a little younger than I prefer to sell them, but they will be fine.  The price will still be $75 each for one or two pigs, $65 each for three to nine pigs, and $50 each for ten or more.

Supply is limited!  One of the fat moms sat on, lay on, and stepped on a number of piglets.  We have 20 piglets left. Fat Mom has an appointment with the butcher, in case you wanted to know.  

First-come, first-served basis.  I will start selling at 8:00 AM that Saturday.  To be fair to everyone, I will not take deposits or sell early.  Cash only (Please bring the correct change if possible).  

Location is ¾ of a mile east of US Hwy 231 on AL Hwy 51 (toward Ariton). Turn east and look for the sign that says PIG FOR SALE.  I live in the RV (whatever you do, don’t go to the brick house).

Additionally, I will have 2 pigs that weigh about 100 pounds each.  My plan was to raise them for my own freezer, but I am radically downsizing my herd.  The price is $175 per pig and $300 for both.  Price is FIRM. DM me about picking up or delivering (fee applies).

Finally, someone asked if I had any pregnant sows.  One of my sows is going into heat.  If you are interested in a bred sow, contact me ASAP.  Here is what you need to know.  I will only present her to the boar after I have $200 earnest money in hand, nonrefundable.  She has had 11 piglets on average.  I cannot guarantee conception, but I can guarantee that my boar is a proven performer.  For this bred sow I will charge $650, FIRM.  Do the math; she will likely pay for herself in her first litter.  She is easy to work with except when in heat; then she is very demanding.  

If you have any questions, please DM me with your phone number, and we can text/talk. I apologize for the change in plans, but life is what happens to us on our way to what we have planned.

334-249-5600 Text first

Proverbs 12:1-14

Proverbs 12:1-14

There are unexpected insights and glimpses of wisdom available to us by asking a few simple questions. For example, in verse 6B, who are the “them” being rescued? At first reading we might say those rescued are the "upright." But there may be more to it than that. It might be that the ‘words’ or ‘mouth’ of the upright are rescuing those that the evil plan to kill, but these are not the same people as the 'upright.' An illustration might be that there are wicked people who, for various reasons, advocate for abortions, while the ‘upright’ teach about and prevent these in-womb murders.

Verse 9 offers a dichotomy that we might miss because of translation. The last part of verse 9A might be translated as “but is a servant to himself." This contrast works a little better. The self-employed, hard-working entrepreneur and small businessman (shopkeeper, tradesman, craftsman) is better off than the one who pretends to be a captain of industry or executive who is on the verge of financial ruin. 

The need to supply a noun in English may inadvertently limit the scope of v. 11. In 11b we could, or even should, read “he who pursues vain lacks sense/heart." What could fill that gap where we have placed the noun "things"? Certainly things could apply; we think of foolish trinkets of our life. We could include people who are fans or groupies of low-character entertainers. We could even include various religions or philosophies; think of persons who would rather focus on speculations. From video games to watching sports, people without sense or heart squander their lives.

Verse 12 gives us an odd contrast. Why is a net (the word translated as "plunder" or "booty") contrasted with a tree? The picture here is of patience. A well-set snare may yield game quickly, but a planted tree will take years to be fully fruitful. Wicked people can be very important in the short run, but those who are righteous play the long game.

“Lord, help me to practice the wisdom of waiting. AMEN.”

Proverbs 11:17-31

Proverbs 11:17-31 

One of the challenges we face is, as the saying goes, “to keep the main thing the main thing.” In other words, our tendency is to make the “advantages and benefits” of life the focus of our lives. We fail to realize that these are or should be secondary byproducts. In Proverbs we see a return to ‘the primary’ as the focus of life rather than the less important secondary benefits. This focus is hard to maintain with all the secondary beneficial distractions. In verse 19 we may see the word ‘steadfastness’ in our English translation. This verse speaks of the vigilance needed to live righteously. Righteous living is no fluke or accident but rather the focused agenda of life; it is the consecrated effort of every moment and decision. Life is the byproduct, not the objective. 

An example of the unexpected byproduct is provided for us in verse 21. The Hebrew idiom is difficult to understand. Verse 21 literally says, “Hand to hand, the evil man will not go unpunished.” What does “hand to hand” mean? There are three possibilities: one, the powerful union of evil people will not protect the evil individual. Two, the evil that passes from generation to generation will bring certain ruin. Third, engaging in evil is to be held by the hand that leads to destruction. Whatever the author's specific meaning, the by-product of evil is ruin. 

Verse 30 is unexpected. We might have expected that the righteous man is a tree of life. But it refers to the fruit of his life. The emphasis is laid on the attractive power of his conduct and goodness. Few things are less attractive than a person who is short-tempered, harsh, and arrogant and who blabs a lot of ‘God-talk.’ But the man whose gracious behavior springs from an inner righteousness is powerfully attractive. The English translation of the second part of this verse is a little weak. “Wins” could literally be translated as "seize, take, marry, or buy." This is not a call to coerce conversion, but our lives are so compelling and their total goodness is such that people's souls find them completely irresistible. 

“Lord, let my life be a powerful attraction to draw all men to You. AMEN.”

Proverbs 11:1-16

Proverbs 11:1-16 

So many of the Proverbs have subtle and unexpected twists or conclusions that ought to cause us to pause and think about personal application. Verse 2 is a prime example. The first part is so well accepted that it has become an often-quoted maxim. But in the second part there is an unexpected twist. Read it fast and fail to think about it, and you will miss it. In contrast to “when pride comes, then comes dishonor,” we might expect “but with humility there is respect.” But that's not what we see. What we see is that “with the humble there is wisdom.” There is no promise of honor for the humble. In fact, in this world the humble person may not be honored or even noticed. The benefit of humility is primarily internal and personal. There are no award shows or trophies for the humble. They have a better, hidden, and internal reward: they operate out of and give more wisdom. 

Another unexpected turn occurs in verse 9. It was once believed that the internet in general and social media specifically would somehow promote unity and social concord by giving the average person a platform to hear and be heard. What is actually happening is that the most extreme and evil voices garner the most attention because they are the personification of their given position. Choose any subject, and the rhetoric is driven by those who would most aggressively tear down the other side. “They are destroying their neighbor." The second part of the verse offers a twist. On the surface we may see that by knowledge (righteous knowledge) the godly person avoids the destruction that the godless man brings. But there is a subtle implication here. By the godly knowledge of the righteous man, the hypocrites or the evil man benefit and are rescued. The ruin of a people is prevented by the knowledge or the wisdom of the righteous.

“Help me, Lord, to operate with the humble wisdom that You provide. Amen.”

Proverbs 10:17-32

Proverbs 10:17-32

One of the recurring themes of Proverbs is our words. Verses 18-21 offer worthy insights to our conversations or, as is the case in verse 19, the absence of words. The first part of the issue is word explosion. When there is a multitude of words, there will be sin. We see this in gossip, where each gossiper tries to outdo the other. We see it in heated arguments where people speak before they think. We even see it in the police investigation, in which guilty people talk a lot to explain their innocence. In contrast, the wise person says little or nothing. To add to a conversation, one must have something worthwhile to add. There is an old Latin saying that translates to "He is closest to God who knows how to be silent for a good reason." Verse 24 is historically speaking loaded with irony. Wicked people have a deep fear, and so they will work aggressively to prevent those fears from coming about? But their activity actually brings that which they fear. Let’s look at two examples. In Genesis 11:4 we see the motivation for building the Tower of Babel: “lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” What was the result of their project? That which they most feared. What was the motivation for the religious elite to arrange the judicial murder of Jesus? What the elite feared was that the Romans would “come and take away both our temple and our nation." As a result of rejecting the Messiah, the Jewish leadership led their people to the ruin of 70 A.D. In contrast, the desires of the righteous will be granted. "We must not imagine that this refers to our selfish, worldly desires. What the righteous desire is what God wants for them! When our greatest desire is for God's will to be done in our lives, God will ultimately make that happen. It is tempting to say, "God's greatest desire for me is to have—here you can insert your own agenda." The desires we impose in God's name may be nothing like what He wants in us and for us. 

"Lord, help me make sure all my words honor You. AMEN."

The difference between "What" and "Why"

 Why?

There is a world of difference between “what” we do and “why” we do it. That is especially true for those who are in the ministry.  “What” a preacher does is pretty easy to categorize, list, evaluate, and outline. But the heartfelt “Why” is very different. For many people in ministry, they begin with a “Why” related to a passion to serve God, to serve the church, and to love people. But over time they get bogged down in the “What” they do in ministry. Sometimes because of frustrations, difficult circumstances, and problematic people, they can lose the “Why”. They function by doing the “What” but inside there's no energy, no passion, and no fire.

The reason “Why” Lorie and I have chosen to be a part of the Standing Stone Ministry is because we understand what it's like to lose the “Why” in the midst of the “What”. We know what it's like to conscientiously and faithfully go through the functionality of ministry but to still be a little dead inside. So our goal is to help ministers who are losing their “Why” to refresh and restore. We are excited to see them be excellent at the “What” of ministry, but we want that excellence to grow out of their heartfelt “Why”.

We would like to ask you to continue to help us as we help pastors hang on to and restore the “Why” of their ministry. By your faithful generous support, your prayers, and your words of encouragement, you're not simply helping us do “What” we need to do; you are helping us help pastors hang on to their very precious “Why”.

I came across a video that expresses this idea of “what” and “why”. Please follow this link and see the difference between “What” and “Why”. Know Your Why | Michael Jr.

I hope that today you can move beyond simply “What” you're doing into an excited and energized “Why” you are doing it. Also below is a link to our partnership portal so that if you want to begin to help us financially as we encourage pastors in their “Why” you can do so through our ministry and service. https://standingstone.givevirtuous.org/donate/shepherd-donation?projectCodePreselect=2103.03

In the Cause of Christ

Charlie and Lorie

Proverbs 10:1-16

Proverbs 10:1-16

This begins a collection of proverbial sayings that will continue till 22:16. Each of these proverbs generally provides a two-part antithetical conclusion. It's almost as if we have the moral of the story without hearing the story. But that is okay because we all could supply a story. For those who love to hear, tell, read, or make up stories, these proverbs are a springboard of memory and imagination. The contrast between the parts of the couplets is essential, and each enriches the other. Do not be too hasty to read through these golden sayings. Recalling a story to which these are fitting conclusions, discovering them, sharing them, and chewing them over is when we get the most from them.

It will not be possible to address all of these 376 proverbs individually. So individually we will need to take time to find the story that will stand out to you as a fitting conclusion. There are some proverbs that, for cultural or linguistic reasons, are more obscure. On these we will focus energy and time and hopefully find an event or story to which each proverb is the moral of the story.

In verses 8 to 11 we see a short collection of proverbs that share the theme of open honesty versus evil plots. The phrase "the chattering of fools comes to ruin” (NIV) is repeated in 8 and 10. The meaning of this phrase is more than English translations provide. It carries the implication that the fool's mouth will at any moment bring out and expose the secret plot and cause the ruin of the conspirators. In verses 8, 9, and 11, we see the security of the righteous person. In verse 10a we see the clever conspirator who has secret signals for his companions in crime, but one of them is a fool who will, in one way or another, blab what is afoot. In verse 11 the clever wicked man carefully conceals his evil plans. His problem is he has to have accomplices, and sooner or later one of them will talk too much and let the word out. 

“Lord, keep me innocent so I need not depend on foolish conspirators. AMEN.”

Proverbs 9:1-18

Proverbs 9:1-18

The introduction of the book of Proverbs wraps up with two invitations to a meal. One invitation is from the woman "Wisdom," who was the subject of chapter 8. Following the invitation in verses 1-6, we have a short endorsement in verses 7-12. The woman, "Folly," extends her contrasting invitation in verses 13-17, which is followed by a single verse warning in verse 18.

Wisdom's house is open and has plenty of space. “Seven pillars” expresses completeness but also a wide-open portico; think of a large open picnic pavilion. Wisdom has sent out her maidens, her serving staff, to invite people to come to her meal. This invitation is for the simple and those who lack understanding. Wisdom's invitation is a call to move up to a higher level.

Our response to the invitation of wisdom defines us and gives us a fair assessment of who we are. If we accept wisdom's work in our lives, we are wise and becoming wiser. If we reject it, no matter what we say, we are fools. Verse 12 is elegantly simple and profound. It is about personal responsibility; wisdom and folly are ours. No one can be wise for you, and if you are foolish, you will and cannot avoid the consequences.

The woman “Folly” offers her invitation. Rather than a spacious open pavilion, she is at the door of a house; the author may be implying a brothel. In verse 15 we see her calling to those who are wanting to do what is right, trying to allure them. Her invitation is to slip down to the level of your comfort. In verse 16, instead of the challenge to rise to a higher level of wisdom, Folly suggests that you slip into the easy shortcut. To offer a contemporary parallel expression, why do the hard work of studying the word of God when you can scroll down on your smartphone and be told what to think?

The one-verse commentary in verse 18 is simple and direct. The invitation of folly is the invitation to death—moral, spiritual, social, and physical. Follies' home is the grave's doorway.

“Lord, help me to accept the rigorous challenge and invitation of wisdom. AMEN.”

Proverbs 8:1-36

Proverbs 8:1-36

To meditate comes from the picture of a cow who will crop off grass and store it in one of her stomachs. Later she will bring up this cud and chew it. If ever there was a passage that deserves that kind of rumination, it is this chapter. Here wisdom advertises herself and calls for our attention, expressing her merits. There are four sections to her address.

First is that wisdom is very available. Verses 1-11 show us that wisdom is all around us if we will but see her. It is not mandatory to go on a venture of personal discovery to find oneself in order to gain wisdom. She is everywhere, but because of our foolishness, we reject her. Locally gained wisdom is better than great wealth gained far away. 

The second section, verses 12-21, shows us the moral character of wisdom. Verse 13 draws a dividing line between wisdom and righteousness on one side and evil on the other. It is possible to be brilliant and still a fool. How does one tell the difference? The difference is in the way of righteousness, verse 20. The most brilliant doctor, rocket scientist, or leader who is immoral is a fool notwithstanding their IQ. Wisdom gives us enduring wealth (verse 18). What is ancient or enduring wealth? It is the wealth that transcends death. Wisdom is seen in the one who lays up treasures in heaven; wisdom is inherently moral.

In the third section we have a passage requiring deep meditation. Some have looked at this passage and mistakenly concluded there is a fourth person to the godhead. While all analogies fail eventually, we might find insight to think about wisdom this way: wisdom is to God what software is to hardware in a computer. By His might, God has done wonderful things; it is the operating system of wisdom through which He has acted, bringing beauty, delight, and joy. 

Verses 32-36 serve as a conclusion but also an invitation. The pursuit of wisdom is, or should be, a lifelong endeavor. Wisdom is out there for us, but we must stop our own prattling and talking long enough to hear her.

Lord, work in my heart so that I will seek wisdom. Amen.”

Proverbs 7:1-27

Proverbs 7:1-27

This passage, which is a continuation of 6:20-35, has applications for every age of history. Some believe it is an allegory about the spiritual infidelity of Israel in the vein of the Book of Hosea. But the simple understanding is best: this passage describes the death-dealing effect of sexual sin.

Verses 1-5 describe how holy living and wisdom are protectors from the death of sexual sin. The word "flattering," in verse 5, can be translated as "smooth" but also "divide." Think of a smooth-talking con-man lawyer who talks to someone who is out of their depth. This woman is skilled at her craft of seduction.

Verses 6-23 tell the whole story of the seduction from the first encounter to spiritual ruin. The clarity and detail of the account are so realistic we might imagine that Solomon had heard the story of ruin or may have, in some way, lived it out. Whether adding a woman to the harem, a one-night stand, a high-end wealthy escort occasion, or a sleazy side-of-town hooker, there are certain consistencies in seduction. Several lessons for our attention are in this sad story. First, in verse 8 we learn there are places it is stupid to go. For us this is true both in person and on the internet. Going to a site where there is danger is what stupid people do. Second, the woman is described as ‘cunning of heart.' The word literally means "hidden." Whatever her outward persona, she is disciplined to keep her true self hidden. People imagine they are wise enough to manage sexual temptation and sin. In reality they are babes in the woods dealing with people far more skilled in the matters of seduction. Not to mention all sexual immorality has a demonic component to it. Demons are far more clever and experienced than we are. Third, notice the timing is very important. She mentions “peace offerings," which were eaten at home. She is inviting him to dinner, a lavish dinner. In fact, it is a religious dinner. More often than we care to admit, sexual temptation is described as God's will. She also mentions that her husband is gone for a long trip and that is why he took a bag of money. With the peace offering at the new moon and the husband's return at the full moon, she is offering almost 2 weeks of uninhabited, casual, non-responsible sex and feasting. We don't get the picture of sex for hire as much as having a sexual fling without responsibility. Once engaged deeply in conversation with all the promises of a ‘great time’ with a steamy lover, he will almost certainly say yes.

Four examples of sudden doom describe the one who submits to the seductress. Oxen are unaware that they are about to be butchered. In those days the perpetrator caught in their crime went straight to the stocks. The arrow shot into the liver is sudden. And the snare for a bird takes its prey in an instant. Seduction and doom go together even if the young man doesn't notice the trap.

Verses 24-27 conclude with the warning that her house is Hell's waiting room. The expressway to destruction is the house of the sexual seductress.

“Lord, grant me a passion to be holy and pure in my sexual life. AMEN.”

Proverbs 6:20-35

Proverbs 6:20-35

If there was ever a place that a chapter break was needed but not given, it is here. This section, if followed, will save endless grief in any life.

As parents we are often big on education. From preschool to college, we are very attentive to the value of our children's education. No doubt academic education is important, but marriage and sexual purity are a million times more important. A person with no formal education who has a good marriage and is sexually pure is better off than a triple PhD whose life is marked by immorality. How could someone follow the godly teaching of parents (vs. 20-23) if their parents never gave them these teachings? From an early age, we need to teach our children the priority of pursuit of a godly spouse.

This foundational teaching serves to protect our children from adulterous women. The word “to keep” in Hebrew is “shamar.” It can mean a hedge made of thorns or a guard or sentry on duty. Without this guard in place, our children are unprotected from the flirtations of evil people (vs 24-26). By the time puberty arrives and sexual attraction begins, it is almost too late to begin talking about the importance of a godly spouse.

The man who is pulled away by such a woman has endless grief. He does harm to himself (vs 27-29); he is marked with shame and reproach by the community (vs 30-32); he also faces the fury of an enraged husband, and there is no bribe to solve that problem (vs 33-35).

“Lord, grant me the wisdom to hold as a priority a godly spouse. AMEN."

Proverbs 6:1-19

Proverbs 6:1-19

It is very tempting to look at this chapter as a collection of five sets of warnings about individually unwise people or behaviors. That is true, but if that is as far as we go, we miss a powerful and important progression. This chapter can represent a continuous journey to ruin.

The first section, verses 1-5, is a warning against debt. The time to heed the advice to get out of debt is not when bankruptcy is about to occur. There's no indication of a financial crisis in these verses. While many Christians will advocate for not paying interest or being in debt, they advocate holding debt on others in the form of stocks, bonds, etc. Perhaps this hypocrisy is caused by our love of money and wealth. We claim to have our money working for us, rather than working personally, but in reality we are extracting wealth from others.

Which brings us to the next section, verses 6-11. Let's face it: easy money and consumer debt are two sides of the same coin. The slugger wants to get goods but doesn't want to work. Go to any community of non-working, able-bodied adults, and you will find high debt levels but low-effort people. Do you remember the stories from the past of college students with full class loads and two jobs? Now student loans cover all expenses, recreation included. Apathy about education goes hand in hand with the loans to have the college experience. In many welfare communities where poverty is rampant, you will find easy credit is the norm. Complete with high interest rates. Never doubt easy credit brings debt, and debt enables indolence, which leads to poverty.

Ever been in a community where welfare and government aid are the primary income sources? You see it described in verses 12-15. Without work to do, there is plenty of time and room for drama. It is no accident that crime and welfare always fall on the same community. Able-bodied adults who do not work, who overspend and are in need, will gravitate to plots, schemes, and plans to get ahead.

In verses 16-19, we see the behaviors of the conspirators; it is descriptive of the drama of verses 12-15. The person involved in the drama is described in verse 12 as “worthless.” The word literally means "no" plus "value." We have sentimentalized the poor as if they are all characters from a Dickens novel. We think of them as victims of a “system” or “circumstance” or the "environment." We pour endless resources into solving the economic problem. But economics is not the problem at all. Certainly there are systems that are unjust and unfair, but we must not avoid asking the questions of the moral culpability of the poverty class.

The failure to address the underlying sins that lead to the disastrous condition in the economic condition is not compassion; it is denial. 

“Lord, grant me a work ethic that will honor You. AMEN."

Proverbs 5:1-23

Proverbs 5:1-23

It is amazing that with a failure rate of 100%, sexual misconduct remains such a powerful temptation. In all of human history there has never been a case where sexual sin produces positive results. Nevertheless, sexual sin remains vibrant in our world. Perhaps the temptation is so strong because it is like a rope of three strands. All three of the root sins can be found in this temptation. The World: In lust we desire to possess people. They are no longer humans, but having been objectified, we make people a thing to possess. The Flesh: the desire to experience more. In all sexual sin, from a fleeting moment of impure thought up to full participation with another, there is the desire for experience. The sin of pride: ego is always bound up in sexual sin; either a person says, “I am above the rules that apply to others,” or we imagine we are so great that we could do for a lover what no one else could. 

There's a reason that sexual sin is often called fantasy. When we try to live a fantasy, we always become delusional and disconnected from reality. Reality is described for us in verses 7-14. Perhaps no other sin compares with sexual sin in its capacity to promise much and deliver little or the very opposite of what is promised. Solomon outlines three ways in which sexual sin ruins us. First is the drain on resources vs. 9-10. From the cost of divorce, porn subscriptions, the financial maintenance of a lover, or the cost of a prostitute, sexual sin is costly. Second, the physical toll of sexual misconduct. Sexual sin is draining, not to mention the possibility of STDs. Third, there is the internal psychological ruin. Multitudes of people live with the constant regret that results from sexual sin. And as Judgment Day approaches, these regrets intensify.

Thankfully there is sexual expression with all the joy and thrills promised but never delivered by sexual sin. In marriage we can have all the delights of sexual fulfillment without death, vs. 15-23. Strange as it may sound, while sexual temptation overpromises and underdelivers, the sexual life in marriage promises much and delivers even more. Sexual purity does require attention, focus, and effort, but the promises of verse 19 are all that a person could ever want in a lover. 

“Lord, help me to live a life of radical sexual purity. AMEN.”

Proverbs 4:1-27

Proverbs 4:1-27

One of the harbingers of a collapse of any nation or culture is the failure of men to be godly leaders. We see it when boys become feral; they have no moral compass, no work ethic, and no reason to exist but the satisfaction of their own appetites. They are useless, and they become slaves to their own passions and operate out of a lawless worldview. This occurs long before the more visible breakdown of marriage, education, economic strength, or national or moral framework. 

What is the beginning point of boys becoming feral young men? It is when fathers fail to teach wisdom and righteousness to the next generation. Notice in verse 1 the plural "sons," but in verse 3 it is singular. The father teaches all his sons wisdom, but each boy feels a singular responsibility; he can't count on anyone else, not even his brothers, to hold the standard of righteous wisdom. 

How can you tell when a boy gets it? This may be the most underappreciated marker of the passage into manhood. It is when he wants wisdom. In verse 7 we see the first marker. The fountainhead of wisdom is the desire for wisdom. When a boy develops the intrinsic desire for wisdom, he has marked a change in his life.

This is critical because his dad is not always going to be there, and sooner or later hard times will come. When, not if, difficulty surfaces, wisdom will keep a young man from failure. Verses 13-14 describe this experience of the coming of difficult times. It is easy to walk or make good decisions in flat open spaces, but the moments of hardships make a fall much more likely. Wisdom is an advantage in good times, but it is critical in the hard moments. Without the strong moral foundation of wisdom, it is highly likely that we will fall into moral failure in the company of evil men, verse 14.

This requires lifelong vigilance. The acquisition of moral wisdom/righteousness is never a one-and-done kind of thing. It requires a lifelong commitment to make sure our hearts or will are oriented in the right direction. Failure in later years is possible unless the heart is consistently directed back to wisdom. This begins for a man in his youth.

“Lord, help prepare the next generation with godly fathers who will teach them wisdom. AMEN.”

Proverbs 3:1-35

Proverbs 3:1-35

The simplicity and complexity of this poem are magnificent. Each section is building for what is to come, and each is building on what has gone before. In verses 1-10 there is a call to the advantages of wisdom. Verses 11-12 are a reminder that the Lord brings wisdom by means of discipline. It is easy for us to buck and complain about difficult times. Hardship as discipline seems foreign or even unfair to us. But if we are wise, we will take the unpleasant moments for what they are: opportunities to learn and grow by means of being disciplined. Verses 13-22 show the incomparable place and value of wisdom. We see that God even employs wisdom.

Verse 23 marks a turning point in the poem marked by the word “then.” The peace and wholeness described in verses 24-26 are a result of having found and made a commitment to the practice of being wise. In verses 27-32 there are some practical applications that will come from this life. The conclusion we find in verses 33-35 is a reminder that God is on the side of wisdom.

If truth is ‘that which conforms to reality,’ we could say wisdom is ‘doing things the way God would have them done.’ That means careful and godly deliberation concerning our own actions and behaviors. It also means that a hurried reading of the Proverbs will likely miss much of its value, beauty, and grandeur. 

“Lord, grant that I will have an intentional and deliberate pursuit of wisdom. AMEN.”

Proverbs 2:1-22

Proverbs 2:1-22

No one begins their life by saying, “I'm going to ruin my life and wreck my future.” But we see ruined lives everywhere. From the homeless addict to the highly successful miserable executive, people don't set as a goal a “living death,” but there they are. This chapter provides a road map or an outline to get to a wholesome good life. But it will not happen by accident. The process is specific and must be followed. 

Step 1: you must want it. Verses 1-15 show us that there must be a passionate search for the way of wisdom. People are good at collecting things. We have seen hoarders or collectors of action figures, comic books, cookbooks—you name it. People are capable of being collectors. We must be passionate about storing up wisdom. This is no casual dabbling but rather a driven effort, the way a prospector looks for precious metals. When we have that kind of passion, we will find wisdom.

Step 2: We find wisdom only in the Lord, verses 6-8. Search all you want; you will never find silver and a chicken house or gold in a sewer. You must look in the right place. Wisdom is only found in the Creator. That is the wisdom that keeps us from being really stupid and protects us from false choices.

Step 3: We will experience an internal change. In verses 9-11 we see a change of desires. As we seek godly wisdom, we will learn that as we find some and collect wisdom, then we want more. Verse 10 is a critical turning point in our maturity. We begin to internalize wisdom, see how wonderful it is, and realize, from the inside out, the delight of wisdom.

Step 4 wisdom protects us from two categories of dangers. First evil men see 1:10-15. There is a danger of trying to get ahead by crooked paths or deals. You can never have a good deal with a bad man. It also protects from the danger of immoral women. If evil men draw us into immoral possessions, evil women can draw us into immoral pleasures. The allure of no-obligation sexual experience is the gateway to death. 

The fifth and final step is the good life, verses 20-22. This is what we want but is rarely found because it requires effort, and we tend to take the path of least resistance. 

“Lord, keep me on the path of wisdom, regardless of how long or difficult it may be.  AMEN