Have you ever heard the old adage “haste makes waste”? That’s right, it comes from Proverb 19. I wonder what else is in there?…
19:3 How many times have I seen this? Someone loses a job because of addictions and is angry with the Lord because they default on their bills and lose the house, or the car, or etc. Or their marriage falls apart. This single verse describes a whole segment of society today! What’s really amazing is that the problem isn’t anything new! Solomon saw the same thing in his day. That’s truly incredible.
19:11 I have some friends who can’t let any infraction pass. If you are wrong, they have to point it out. If you disagree they will go to the “ends of the earth” to prove they are right…even if it’s a small thing. If they happen to be wronged in any way, they will not excuse it. One such person calls the city officials every time someone steps on edge of their lawn. This passage reminds me that sensible people don’t act like this. Wisdom helps us overlook the minor things so that we can focus on achieving more together.
19:14 I don’t say this often enough, but choosing the right mate is the difference between poverty and wealth, between success and failure. If you choose the right person the two of you will be better together than either of you could ever have been otherwise. Finding a person who understands you, and appreciates you (anyway) is worth more than a fortune. I should know, because I’ve done it.
19:18 this must be “spare the rod, spoil the child” in another translation. Discipline is vital in any adult/child relationship, I think we can all agree on that. Speaking of which, in our Christian lives we are the children, and if the Lord didn’t discipline us we would be ruined. Thinking that way, we can be mature about our times of discipline, even when they aren’t pleasant to endure.
19:21 I wonder how much impact our decisions have on the future? If the Lord’s purposes prevail regardless of my plans, do I need to evangelize? What if the Lord’s purpose is to save all nations? Would missionaries still be necessary? What if God intends to destroy a nation for something they did thousands of years ago, should we send missionaries there anyway? This whole argument is the basis for two different theological beliefs. One group believes that God intends to save all people, and that some will only perish if the insist on it. The other group says that God has selected who will perish and who will be saved, and any efforts to change that are futile. As Methodists, we belong to the first group. God’s purpose is to redeem the human race, and all people can be saved. God’s plan for this is simple: you enter into forgiveness and heaven by believing in His Son, Jesus. That’s His purpose, to bring salvation and forgiveness, and His purpose will prevail. As a second part of His purpose, all who believe will be saved, and all others will be sent into hell. That’s also God’s purpose, that we interact with. The only people in hell will be the ones who refused to believe in Jesus. That’s also God’s purpose.
20:1 And here we have it. The wisest man to live says that those who allow alcohol to affect their judgment cannot be wise.
20:3 reminds me of 19:11. The principle being shared is to remain in control of your emotions when your rights are infringed upon. This is hard to do, but I have seen wonderful examples of it, that have allowed this church to grow. In fact, this principle alone could be largely responsible for the continued growth we see. As we mature in our faith, we don’t allow minor infractions to draw us into arguments and quarrels. We have a greater purpose that requires all of us.
20:9 Every time we think we have eradicated the last bit of sinful nature from our lives, another sliver shows up. Is it possible to be completely free from sin in our fallen human form? John Wesley believed that it was possible to be completely motivated by love, but he wouldn’t go so far as to say we would be “sin free”. For him, Christian “perfection” had more to do with motivation and heart condition than “perfect practice”.
20:22 I think this ties into 19:11 as well.
20:24 Is this the biblical version of “Don’t worry, be happy”? I didn’t know that was biblical!! (now the tune is stuck in my head)
21:3 How you behave outside of church is more important than how you behave inside. Hmmm
21:11 I’ve read this earlier today. It must be important.
21:14 Solomon is talking about bribes again! I mused over this yesterday as well. It really makes me wonder if Solomon felt it was okay to bribe people. You know, there are cultures where bribery is considered normal. The police and government officials don’t perform their functions unless you bribe them.
21:19 to be fair and honest, Solomon has a lot to say about quarrelsome wives too. I wonder how he knew this? Ha Ha!
21:26 Generosity is a learned character trait. Practice giving things away to those who could use them. Not just the things you can’t use anymore (I mean, you can start with them) but then move on to giving away things that could still be useful to you. Have you become mature enough in your faith to give away money? Time and Resources? Are you mature enough to donate your time and talents without reimbursement? This is a hallmark of the growing Christian…generosity.
21:30 takes my mind back to the 19:21 discussion. There are apparently “fixed points” in human events that we cannot avoid or change. However, where we spent eternity is fixed ONLY by our decision. God hasn’t created anyone that He will give an opportunity to accept Him. That wouldn’t be fair or just, and above all things, God is fair and just.
Faithfully,
PR