Proverbs 26:17-28

Proverbs 26:17-28

This chapter might be entitled "The Three Kinds of People." First is the fool, then comes the slugger, but the most contemptible may be the provoker. This character is introduced and summed up in verse 17; the rest of the chapter is best read as an evaluation of this miscreant. The key word is the word "meddle" (NASB) or "argument." (NIV). It means to get excited and to take sides in a fight. In our time, we see this with people who get offended on behalf of another person. These folks are sometimes called social justice warriors. These are not people who actually serve someone else but merely agitate and excite conflict to signal their virtue. Their methods of protest, riots, and agitation of emotions accomplish nothing real or worthwhile but make matters worse while giving them a sense of moral superiority. Verses 18-28 describe their various actions, deception, gossip, whisper campaigns, and the ruin they bring with them.  If we are wise, we will reject these meddlers, not take up their protestations, and recognize them as sinful in the extreme.

“Help me, Lord, to stay in my lane and do good. "AMEN" 

Proverbs 26:1-16

Proverbs 26:1-16

Two groups of people fall under Solomon's verbal assault. In verses 1-11, Solomon levels his verbal attacks on ‘fools’. Most of the parables are fairly straightforward, but a couple have unique challenges. Verses 4-5 seem to be contradicting if we take them separately, but together they teach us it is useless to try to teach a fool. Verse 8 shows us that honor has a great use, but with the fool it is useless. Verse 9 shows us that fools actually hurt those to whom they would give advice. What is wrong with the fool? It is not a lack of knowing but rather a resistance to learning to do what is right. No one is so stupid as the person who knows it all. Add to this attitude of moral compromise, and you have a fool, as seen in verse 12.

One rung down from a fool is the slugger. versus 13 to 16. Rest is good and holy, but the slugger is not pursuing rest; there is a self-satisfied presumption of having arrived at the apex of life. It is that the world will not cooperate. Self-satisfaction is a grave moral failure.

"Lord, keep me from being a fool or a sluggard. AMEN."

Proverbs 25:15-28

Proverbs 25:15-28

As I write this, it appears that the US is rushing headlong toward its own destruction. It seems that each of these proverbs could apply to both sides of our conflict. Perhaps none better than verse 28. The primary defense of a city was its walls. No matter how great the city, if its walls were ruined, the city’s situation was hopeless. We seem to be a nation without self-control. Certainly there are places or moments of self-control, but excited by our own desires and hurt feelings, we are prepared to protest, scream ugly things, and act in ways that are godless. With a lack of self-control we are susceptible to the manipulations of evil people driven by evil spirits. These evil spirits would tell us, and we are eager to believe them, that our just cause demands we voice our positions. We have become a nation of useful idiots, useful for both sides, for the elites, but worst of all, useful to the powers of darkness.

“God, help us to learn self-control. AMEN."

Proverbs 25:1-14

Proverbs 25:1-14

We have entered another subsection of the book. Chapters 25-29 are a collection of Solomon's proverbs collected and written down by “men of King Hezekiah”. Hezekiah was the 13th generation after Solomon and ruled about 200 years later. Hezekiah was one of the best kings of Judah, and as such, Israel had a spiritual and moral revival. There is an important but subtle lesson. There is little dynamic link between a heart that turns to God and minds that are full, fruitful, and creative. During Hezekiah's reign there was a revival of learning. These “men of Hezekiah” may be described as scribes, literary researchers, scholars, or men of learning.

In our own national history, the flowering of our intellect and intelligence has grown out of a God-focused worldview and has been highly productive. As our education system offers a focus on stupid things, our nation has spiraled toward riotousness and useless entertainment. To know the world, you must first know God.

Lord, help us to understand the link between knowing You and knowing about the world and life. AMEN”

Proverbs 24:23-34

Proverbs 24:23-34

Having come to the end of “The 30 Sayings”, what follows are the additional sayings of the wise in which two themes are developed. Of all the things Solomon could have talked about. It is worth noting that these two themes are brought up. Without these two societal commitments, no culture will last for long. As our nation seems to be rushing headlong toward ruin, we would be wise to pay attention. These two themes are so closely related that Solomon intermixes them. The first is Justice; the second is hard work. 

At an official level, justice must be a priority (verses 23-26). Where once our legal system was held in very high regard by the citizenry at large, it is now often held with disdain. While there are numerous reasons for this change, we must not forget that personal behavior and character are critical for any sense of justice (vs. 28-29). 

The ethic of hard work is expressed in verses 27 and 30-34. The value of hard work and thrift is lost on a society in decay.  It is worth noting, as evidence of how these are related, that often protests against injustice turn into riots, and the riots become occasions for looting.

When the citizenry loses its respect for justice and for the value of hard work, the society is in a downward spiral toward collapse.

“Lord, grant us a justice system that is worthy of respect, and may we work as a people who respect You. AMEN”

Proverbs 24:1-22

Proverbs 24:1-22

It is interesting that the grouping of these sayings has verses 10 to 12 as one saying. This passage links the strength of our character in a crisis with our part in the life-and-death struggle for the innocent. For example, Germany, for all her greatness, will never escape the ignominy of her failure to thwart the efforts of the Nazis. The rise of evil people and groups is always the result of pseudo-righteous people failing to stand up to evil. The ascension of evil in our generation is the result of the failure of the church to take on the burden of the conflict when the demonic ideas of free love, abortion, LGBTQ, etc. were in their infancy. The church as a whole lacked the strength to oppose them then. So now these are the dominant views in our nation. God's judgment will come on us, but do not doubt that it will come most directly on those who could have and should have opposed this gross immorality and did not. On the day of distress, they were found wanting and weak, and that weakness revealed their true character.

“Lord, develop in us the character to stand strong for the innocent. AMEN."

Proverbs 23:19-22

Proverbs 23:19-22

There is for us in this section, a fascinating contrast that would be well-heeded by those in leadership positions. It is a contrast that might actually surprise us. It is the contrast between self-indulgence and family life. We might expect a contrast between self-indulgence and self-discipline. Or  a contrast between family life and social or business life. But this contrast actually goes to the root of good governance or leadership.

In verses 19 to 21, those who would serve are warned against the life of self-indulgence in food and wine. Followed by an admonition to be faithful to one's parents. In verses 26 and following, there is the warning of self-indulgence again, but it is in this case the matter of sexual gratification. This chapter concludes with another warning about self-indulgence and the use of alcohol.

It is worth noting that a man who is self-indulgent with wine, women, and food is very likely going to be incompetent as a leader at home. But the man who is a quality leader at home will inevitably be a quality leader in any organization or nation.

“Lord, give us leaders who are truly focused on what is good for the family and not their own self-indulgence. AMEN." 

Proverbs 23:1-18

Proverbs 23:1-18

If the 30 sayings of Proverbs 22:17–24:22 are an orientation to life in the royal court, we see something that is missing in much of American political life. To serve in the court of Solomon, a man was trained in both statecraft and personal moral character. In America, from both the left and the right, we have heard the argument that a leader’s character doesn't matter as long as he does a good job with policy. What we see in these sayings is the character does matter, both in personal life and public policy. Here are two examples. First, self-discipline in private life is foundational for leadership in the public eye. Self-control in the pursuit of short-term personal advantages, such as currying favor with a powerful political ruler over a meal (vs. 1-3), is put on par with leading well at home (vs. 13-14). Another example is he temptation to use positions of power to expand wealth, which runs amok in the US Congress and Senate, is warned against in verses 10-11 and is in contrast to the wisdom of verse 12. In any place where we would lead or look for leaders, there must be character and competence. If there isn't both, you don't have a leader.

“Lord, raise up leaders with both skill and moral strength. AMEN”

Proverbs 22:17-29

Proverbs 22:17-29

The break between verse 16 and 17 is more significant than we might first notice. Beginning in verse 17, there is a series of 30 sayings that will conclude near the end of chapter 24. Sometimes these sayings are a single verse, some are a few verses long. Verses 17 to 21 seem to be an introduction to the section of sayings. These sayings are, in a way, a summary of the Proverbs which began in chapter 10.

As we look at this section, we see what might be called, in our terms, an orientation for someone who would be serving in the court of the king. What we see in this orientation is, not so much a list of rules, but rather the inner character of a good worker whose inner life is being expressed in specific behaviors. Generally the pattern we see is the description of a specific behavior, followed by a supporting truth or principle. For example, in verses 22 to 23, the behavior is ‘don't take advantage of the poor’. Followed by the principle, “the Lord will take up their cause”.

“Lord, help me to shape my life by godly principles so that on every occasion I will understand how to serve You. AMEN."

Proverbs 22:1-16

Proverbs 22:1-16

So many of our societal issues would be resolved if we could or would apply the wisdom of this proverb. The issues of racism, poverty, and social inequity have been a battleground for our nation for generations. But after years of effort by the left and right political systems, we haven't made much or any progress. But there are four verses in this passage that have the potential to resolve much of our strife. The equality of all men is rooted in their creation by God. There is no place for racism or superiority and certainly no place for pride if we are all created in God’s image. Equality is not man-ordered or court-established; it is God-given. As such, it is an absolute. 

To the wealthy verse 9 explains that generosity is the enviable way to live; that is what "blessed" means. The accumulation of wealth gives us an enviable life when we are generous. This is not the same as confiscation by the government but the result of a heart shaped by what we see in verse 2. 

To the poor, there is a lesson about hard work. If poverty is the result of laziness, it is an indication of weak character and is shameful. Verse 13 tells us that lazy people will always have a lame excuse for why they can't get out and work. Lions and the wilderness are a possibility; lions in the street are a useless person's excuse. In verse 16 we see the dangers of making money as the objective of life. In contrast to the enviable life of the generous man, the one who plans to be a social climber by stepping on the poor and schmoozing with the rich will end up ruined.

Sadly, we train our children in the two vices of greed and laziness. In verse 6 we see the positive possibility. To teach children the enviable life, but it is rarely taught in a full-spectrum measure kind of way. Instead we train our children to be cranks and verbal pugilists. We see this happening and reflected in verse 10. We are a contentious society because we are allowing the scoffers from each side to be the primary voices. Until our conversations and society are shaped by people of good conscience, it will only get worse.

“Lord, help me to shape the society to come by shaping children today. AMEN."

Proverbs 21:16-31

Proverbs 21:16-31

Charlie Brown comes to Snoopy at his doghouse with two bowls of food, telling him one is for today and the other is for tomorrow. Snoopy eats both, thinking to himself, “I would hate myself if tomorrow never came." Like Snoopy, we all have the capacity to be shortsighted in our planning. Much of this passage is a warning of the dangers of shortsightedness.

Not planning for eternity is the most perfect and, at the same time, the most dangerous example of shortsightedness. Verse 16 warns that there is only one end for the shortsighted spiritual plan. In verse 17 consumption and living for pleasure are shortsighted. There is always more opportunity to spend than resources available. In verse 19 one needs to ask, “Why marry such a woman?” Perhaps she became a vexing woman after marriage, but that is not generally the case. Marriage makes us more of what we already are. Could it be that prior to marriage the young man was so enraptured by her beauty that the short-term excitement caused him to overlook her disposition? To say “love is blind” is not a compliment.

In the short term we want to rest and to find the easy way, but in the long term hard work now pays off later. That is the point of verses 25-26.

The short view of worship is seen in verse 27. Too many times the modern church has prostituted its worship for the short-term advantages. Great attendance and slick productions may please our clientele, but in the long run they are not pleasing to the One we came to worship. The most egregious example of short-term planning is the thinking that is found in verse 30. From false religions to heretical Christianity to atheism to agnosticism (which often is the plea and hope that we can ignore God out of existence), nothing is a worse plan than to try to make a plan against God. Such plans may in the short term achieve their goals. But in A Thousand Years their stupidity will be evident.

“Lord, help me to always plan for the long term. AMEN." 

Proverbs 21:1-15

Proverbs 21:1-15

There are always unintended consequences for our actions. We set out on a course of action toward a desired goal, and along the way we experience events or realities that were not part of our plan. They were the byproducts or secondary effects of what we were doing. They were wholly unintended, but they were not entirely unexpected. This passage gives several examples.

In verse 3 the person who is focused on doing what is right and fair may not have expected that it would be a time of worship, but God sees it this way. The burning lamp in verse 4 was indicative of prosperity and wealth, as olive oil was expensive. The person in pride and arrogance who has an ostentatious display of their wealth might not think that these very symbols of wealth are sinful, but it is an unintended consequence of their action.

Consider the actions of the conscientious and thoughtful person who is motivated by doing a good job and the right thing. The byproduct they experience is advantage. Notice Solomon doesn't limit it to strictly financial gain; the advantage might be something else entirely. In contrast to diligence is the person who tries the shortcut. The unintended but not unexpected opposite of diligence is poverty.

When a person attempts to get rich by deception, they expect to make substantial gains to be enjoyed. It never occurs to them that this wealth is like a fog, always there but also forever out of reach. Rather than a substantial life, they only get death for their efforts.

We cannot know with certainty all the second- or third-level effects of our decisions and actions, but we can know that they will be there. We can know the generalities of our actions. If we walk through a spring meadow, we may not know the specific flowers we will find, but we know there will be at least one there. The same is true if we walk in a garbage dump

“Lord, help me to walk circumspectly and anticipate unintended consequences. AMEN."

Proverbs 20:16-30

Proverbs 20:16-30

The moral of the story is found in verse 16. We do not know the original story, but the theme is repeated over and over in human history. One example is the subprime mortgage crisis of the mid-2000s. Banks lent money to people who had no business borrowing. Building a house of cards, massive amounts of debt were incurred, and those who couldn't pay defaulted, and the house of cards fell. It was a massive financial crisis hurting almost everyone. The judgments handed down were painful. In verse 16 we see that the one who makes loans to unworthy persons will have even their garments taken from them to cover their losses. Lending is generally frowned on in the Bible, especially lending with interest. It is especially condemned as a means of becoming rich at the expense of the poor. There is no pity for the person lending for that purpose. When the house of cards falls, they will lose all they have without pity. Since our entire economic system is based on lending and interest, one is wise to wonder about our supposed security. 

An even harsher judgment is expressed in verse 17. We often consider our course of actions with a very short vision. We imagine what we gain immediately as the only consequence of our choices. By dishonest or false means we gain what we desire but fail to consider the long-term effects. The thrill of porn, the profit of dishonest investment, and the delight of empty calories are all examples. At the moment we tend not to consider the addiction, the arrest, or the morbid obesity. Instead of eating a pastry, we find we are breaking our teeth on stones. While this principle and proverb applies to every circumstance, the context and proximity to verse 16 need to be taken into account. When the allure of easy financial gain of a dishonest nature is presented to us, we need to remember human economic theory falls apart before Divine justice.

"Lord, help me be scrupulously honest in all of my financial dealings. AMEN." 

Proverbs 20:1-15

Proverbs 20:1-15

Sometimes conflict comes to us, but not as often as we pretend. In the midst of conflict, we like to present ourselves as innocent victims, but how often is that the case? Solomon gives us three proverbs about conflict in verses 1 to 3.

In verse 1 we see the horrible effects of drunkenness. To be a mocker is more than to insult our fellows. The mocker is mocking the things of God. The mocker or scoffer is picking a fight with the Almighty. The brawler is merely in a fight with his friends. How many times do we hear about people getting drunk and having a fight? It accomplishes nothing but is so costly. How much more is the cost of fighting with God?

Picking a fight with the king is a shortcut to misery. Not living in a monarchy, the application isn't so clear, but this may help. Have you ever seen the videos of people escalating an argument with a peace officer? It never happens that the officer responds to aggression by saying, "I give up; go on your way." Picking a fight with authority never goes well, as the song says, “When I fight authority, authority always wins.”

So why do we pick fights we can't win? On very rare occasions it is because an important principle is at stake. Generally we get into conflict because our ego has been bruised and our pride moves us to attempt to make a point. Verse 3 gives a different perspective on the conflict. Our English translations often fail to catch an important nuance of the verse. While we generally see this as advice to avoid conflict, which is true, there is also the advice to stop or interrupt the disagreement. Conflicts or disagreements are inevitable, but our ongoing continued participation is entirely our choice. We see here it is an honor to walk away. That word "honor" means “glory” or "splendor." While our pride wants to fight on, in reality it is a mark of glory to take a rest or Sabbath from the fight. This is truly an inversion of our fallen nature. But any fool can pick and keep on fighting.

“Lord, give me a mind and a heart committed to peace. " AMEN 

Proverbs 19:15-29

Proverbs 19:15-29

It is tempting to read the Proverbs as individual wise sayings, but they were collected and set down in such a way that we can notice general themes. It is as if one proverb reminds Solomon of another dealing with the same issue but from a different perspective.

One such theme is that of being a lifelong learner. Often the appetite to learn new things, which is more common in our younger years, begins to fade. We become set in our ways and are convinced we know what we need to know, and we stop learning, engaging, or exploring. For example, the second line of verse 16 warns that the one who is careless or contemptuous of his way will be ruined. We are never too old to learn the way of the Lord more fully.

Verse 18 gives the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of the Lord. It even tells us that when we are lax about the training or discipleship of our son, we are actually desiring his death. While we might not say, “I want my child to ruin their life and die," when we do not do the hard work of spiritual formation, we are saying, "I would rather my son die morally, spiritually, and physically than be inconvenienced by engagement."

Verse 20 is about the early foundation of lifelong learning. The early foundation gives a great advantage so that you avoid the trouble of “stupid early, stupid late." 

Verse 22 is a bit of an enigma. The best understanding is that the character trait we most want to see in a man is that he has a character that is kind, merciful, beautiful, etc. The word used here can express almost all of the great virtues. But these virtues are actually expressed in actions of benevolence, help in tragedy, and even correction of error. But the second part of the verse seems to be an odd contrast. The point Solomon is getting at is that it is better to be a poor man unable to offer tangible practical help but would like to than to have the means to express tangibly these virtues but be unwilling to do so even after making a promise. Many people would love the reputation of being a great-hearted, philanthropic person; they just don't want to live it out.

“Lord, help me to develop the desire to serve and the willingness to serve. AMEN."

Proverbs 19:1-14

Proverbs 19:1-14

In response to a tragic turn of events, people will sometimes say, “There's a reason for everything," implying that there was a secret council that caused this tragic turn. That may be, but there is the truth that sometimes the reason for tragedy is that people can be stupid. That is the message of verse 2. The NIV gets the concept of this verse well with "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge." This text includes the Hebrew word "Naphash," which means "soul," "vitality," or "appetite." Put another way, it is not good to have a wonderful and glorious plan without the knowledge or the cunning to see it through. We all have stories of great plans and failed follow-through. Knowing what to do and how to do it are equally critical. The absence of either will lead to sin. Here are the classical words for sin: “to miss the mark” and “to bear the blame." Verse 3 is related in that poor planning for the great plan results in ruin, literally “perverts his way." Creative sorts sometimes struggle with getting input. Their plans go off the rails, and then they blame God. Their grandiose plans become a dumpster fire, and they accuse God, “Why did this happen, God?” The answer may be, “Because you were too stupid to listen to good advice. ”.

As one reads verses 13 to 14, one might wonder if these words are autobiographical for Solomon. The word "ruin" or "destruction" in the first line of verse 13 carries the implication of an “evil that is rushed after or into." Did Solomon see the stupidity of Rehoboam before he wrecked Israel? Did the brawling or contentious wife bother Solomon like water torture? He would leave his son a palace and great wealth, just as he had received them from David. But the circumspect wife who is a gift from God may have been absent. Is there a link to this in our story? Perhaps Solomon looked back at his rash plan to marry, by which he ended up with 900 women and now has a foolhardy son, but he still doesn't have a wife that is filled with righteousness and godly counsel. 

“Lord, give me wisdom to keep close to me those who are righteous and wise and to seek from them wise counsel. AMEN."

Proverbs 18:14-24

Proverbs 18:14-24

One is apt to wonder if Solomon was a lonely man. Beyond all the regal trappings, the multitude of officials and courtiers was he emotionally isolated? Some of his sayings seem to speak wistfully of good times and experiences as if they were observed but not experienced. Then there are the sad realities that he may have had to carry.

Verse 14 reminds us of ‘the facts of four.' A man can go 40 days without food, four days without water, and 4 minutes without air but will not last four seconds without hope.

We tend to think of verse 16 from the perspective of the lesser man bringing the gift. But what about the greater man who receives the gift? Did Solomon ever want to be approached by someone who didn't come to him with a gift or a bribe and an agenda?

Verse 17 is fundamental to all matters legal. But beyond the legal system, it ought to be part of our daily discernment. As a judge, Solomon would have seen the claims and cases of a plaintiff fall apart under cross-examination. The context of verses 18-19 is interesting. The second part of the proverb is typically translated “and decides between the mighty” or “keeps strong opponents apart." The word "decide" literally means "divide." There is more than a judicial rendering, but an end of a connection. Perhaps two parties that were once friends from now on are never going to speak to each other. This gives us a fuller meaning to verse 19. The word ‘offended’ in the first line can be translated as ‘rebellion’ or 'rebel.' The picture here is not a difference of minor opinion or even a heated argument; this is a picture of warfare. The contention has advanced to the point of open warfare. The harsh words are like iron bars on a castle; they can be removed, but the building must be torn down. Verse 24 seems to be forlorn and may have been Solomon's self-reflection. How does a man of many friends come to destruction (NASB)?  Maybe because his standard for friendship was too low. His friends didn't share what mattered most to Solomon. But there is a friend, literally a lover, who is closer than a brother. Was Jonathan on Solomon's mind, or perhaps Jesus?

“Lord, never allow me to lose my commitment to having quality people in my life. AMEN”

Proverbs 18:1-13

Proverbs 18:1-13

There's a myth that seems to cross all cultural and historic lines. The myth of the lone self-sufficient hero. There is something in our fallen nature that seems to want to be or to idealize the loner. Generally, those who try to be the lone ranger sort don't do so for altruistic reasons. The first three verses of this chapter are descriptive of the motives, the nature, and the end of the self-proclaimed isolationist. In verse one he is only concerned with his own agenda and will hear no other opinion. In verse two he is so convinced that he is right that all he can do is talk about his great plans and capacity. In verse 3 he leaves a legacy of scorn, and at his passing people will not recall his great selfish accomplishments as much as the reprehensible life. The poem “Invictus” is perhaps a good example of such a hopeless life.

The next five verses, while ancient, seem to be most applicable to the age of social media. The theme of “our words” is developed between the positive in verse 4 and several examples of negative use of words in verses 5-8. In verse 4 what comes out of our mouths is, for the most part, reflective of the depth of our hearts or souls. The words of wisdom are like a fresh-flowing, refreshing, and life-giving stream that comes from an artesian spring. In verse 5 we see the typical response of the wicked is to support the wrong side. As a society, we seem to be in a hurry to share or post our opinions. Such people are fools, and verses 6-7 describe what they do to themselves. We all know that those who talk too much are foolish. Everyone admits that. However, we are all susceptible to being shaped and influenced by this sort of blather. In verse 8 we see that rumors, innuendos, and gossip have a tendency to be gobbled up. We love to hear it, and, more than we would like to admit, we are shaped by it. So in addition to what we say, we need to be careful of what we hear. 

“Help me, Lord, that all my words will be a life-giving blessing to those who hear them. AMEN."

Proverbs 17:15-28

Proverbs 17:15-28

Perhaps you have noticed that there are some people who are always in the midst of conflict. These folks enjoy the conflict for their own perverse reasons. Conflict is a part of life and maybe unavoidable. But there are some people who love a fight: such a person loves sin (verse 19). The person who loves conflict has found that in some way they can manipulate people by conflict to their advantage. What is the sin they love? Perhaps it is a financial gain; it could be the psychological power to control. In this context it is classically pride. The second half of the proverb doesn't make much sense to us because of culture. The raised door, exalted gate, or high wall, as this word is translated, is about ostentatious intimidation. For us, the picture might be the regal trappings and attire of executive privilege for a CEO. More than a few business leaders have used their executive suite environment to bully their way and will in the company. Anytime someone uses appearance to get their way, they set themselves up for destruction.

There is more than one kind of fool. The nuanced difference is presented for us in verse 21. The word "fool" appears in both halves of the proverb, but they're entirely different words. In the first half, the fool is "Keseel," and in short, it means "fat, dumb, and silly." It means a person who is lazy of mind and body and is lacking the self-discipline to expand their capacity. They are content with cynical mocking humor to respond to the challenges of life. Since people are not born this way, how does one beget or bring forth this kind of fool? This is a picture of a spoiled grown-up child. 

The fool in the second half is “Nabal.” This is not a mentally deficient person; in fact, they may have a high IQ. But when it comes to ethics, morals, and especially virtues or piety, they are without any understanding. They like any sense of righteousness or even right and wrong. It is only and always about them and their desires. Such a son leaves a hollow place in a parent's heart.

“Lord, protect me from both kinds of foolishness. “AMEN

Proverbs 17:1-14

Proverbs 17:1-14

Sometimes the depth of the Proverbs is lost on us because we may not grasp the cultural background of the original context. Such may be the case with the first proverb of this passage. In some translations, there is a footnote that reflects a literal translation, “a house full of sacrifices with (of) strife.” We live in a day of almost constant feasting. The caloric intake in our nation and the epidemic of obesity indicate we feast almost all the time. In the world of the Bible, most people had a more subsistence diet. Feasting occurred rarely, and even what they called a feast would seem meager to us. In that time, feasting was, for most people, reserved for the sacred feast, where the sacrifices were central to the meal. This gives us the context to understand this passage. We might expand or paraphrase this proverb this way: “It is better to have a small, humble religious meal with hearts that are content and peaceful than to be part of a great religious mealtime production and show while in conflict with God and others.” This has special application for our day, where we have received the idea that big churches with big productions and big personalities are inherently superior to less grandiose congregations. We must be careful of the outward trappings that are appealing but may not reflect an inner righteousness.

Verse 3 is an occasion for us to think of things a little deeper and a little more carefully. We look at the end results of the refined gold or silver and admire and appreciate their beauty. We say we want the same thing in our hearts; agreed! But have we considered the refining process from the perspective of the raw ore? Every part of the process of refining silver or gold into the finished metal would be what we call unpleasant. From pulverizing to a blast furnace to chemical treatment, every step is harsh. If the ore could speak, it would, no doubt, plead to stop the process at every step. Do we want to be genuinely pure and good and have a righteous heart? Be prepared for refining. It is painful but so worth it.

“Lord, grant that my sincere worship expresses a pure heart. “AMEN