Meditate on it

Hello, Staying in the truth and walking in middle of the road is the best place to be. It keeps us from being desperately driven to meet basic needs or lost in mindless materialism: "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. -Proverbs 30:7-9 The poor are stressed, depressed, and driven by their need to escape poverty.  The rich are burdened by their money and isolated from real life by their money.  There's a lot to be said for asking, "feed me with the food that is needful for me." xoxo Mom

Hello, I like these two this morning: Pro 29:25  The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.  Pro 29:26  Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.  We can get caught up in our head, and we can look to people to make things right, but Proverbs reminds us we are looking for peace and justice in the wrong places. The Complete Jewish Bible translation of verse 25 has a nice feel to it: Fearing human beings is a snare; but he who trusts in Adonai will be raised high [above danger].  -Proverbs 29:25 I like the Message here too: The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in GOD protects you from that . -Proverbs 29:25 I don't know why we look to people for these things because people disappoint and are imperfect.  Only God is perfect and able.  Jesus tried to point this out to the rich young man, but he didn't get it---too hung up on his works and money: "Why do you call me good?" Jesus an

Hello, A few proverbs on different types of leaderships: "When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue."   -Proverbs 28:2 "When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding." -Proverbs 28:12 "When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase." -Proverbs 28:28 Godly or wicked leadership affects everyone for better or worse. xoxo Mom

Hello, A quick truth this morning: "Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man."  Proverbs 27:20 ESV (KJV)  Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. Our eyes are always on the horizon, often at the neglect of resting in and appreciating the gift of today.  We work hard for something, but once we get it, another goal appears.  God designed us so that we can only find true lasting satisfaction in Him. xoxo Mom ****************************** If you have time, this commentary on Proverbs 27 is lovely and worth contemplating: LIVING DAY BY DAY "Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day will bring forth."- Pro_27:1 "The grave and destruction are never satisfied; and the eyes of men are never satisfied"- Pro_27:20 "Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof, so he that waits on his Lord eats of the honor."- Pro_27:18 HERE i

Hello, Proverbs has much to say about fools, and this chapter is especially full of "fool-related" advice.  The world is full of fools, and we will never eradicate them, so we need to learn how to best deal with them.  We need to be circumspect in our response-- looking around, sizing it all up--so that we don't become foolish too. "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." -Proverbs 26:5-6 This pair of verses does not contradict, but they teach that there are multiple legitimate responses to a fool based on the circumstances.  Sometimes you should answer a fool, but other times, you shouldn't.  Your job is to figure out which response best suits that occasion, and how to go about "answering" him when you do. Verse 5 tells us we should not answer him "according to his folly."  In other words, our answer should not be in the same

Hello again, Here are several verses worth considering from Proverbs 25: "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out." Proverbs 25:2 Man delights in discovery, but remember that God keeps some things hidden.  If we could figure all of Him out, what kind of God would He be? "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear."  -Proverbs 25:11-12 ESV I've always been fond of the picture the first simile creates. The second one goes along with the verse from Proverbs 24 about listening to wise counsel. "Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. " Proverbs 25:13-14 ESV I bet you've already found this true---loyal friends refresh th

Hello, I'm behind again---here's a key concept from Proverbs 24; note how the second verse is an elaboration upon the first: "A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,  for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 24:5-6 "The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.  Proverbs 24:5-6 NLT No wise person wants to go to war, but sometimes war is forced upon us.  War is costly, and you want to be sure you've thought through the particulars to the best of your abilities and resources.  When undertaking any decision of gravity, seek trustworthy counsel first.  What does wise counsel look like?  I look for people who know the Lord, who have discernment (look at their lives for evidence, but not necessarily their "title" or positio

Hello, Ha! This whole "I bore you from my loins" thing started in the book of Proverbs: "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding." -Proverbs 23:22-23 Be nice to your "old" mom, David--it's biblical! ; ) I especially like the Message translation here: "Buy truth—don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight." v 23 It reminds me of Marcus Aurelius' assertion that you can't overspend on education. But, I would qualify that I don't think either are referring to college debt. I think they are speaking more of books, resources, and educational opportunities that require investment but bring wisdom and knowledge. Another one on moderation with regard to wealth--great metaphor: Pro 23:4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. Pro 23:5 In th

Hello, "The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all." Proverbs 22:2 It's good to remember that the Lord is not a discerner of persons with regard to wealth.  As Mrs. Wallis would say, "All God's children...." ; ) xoxo, Mom

Hello, This principle holds true in wartime but also in daily life.  We are called to preparation in our studies and endeavors, but success is determined by the Lord: "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD." Proverbs 21:31 xoxo Mom

Hello, Missed yesterday morning...I remember a version of this one from those songs we used to listen to: "The character of even a child is known by how he acts, by whether his deeds are pure and right." -Proverbs 20:11 I've heard it put another way: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Lots of talk out there that doesn't match action.  Keep your eyes on the action.  It may be slower to discern/develop, but it's more accurate xoxo Mom

Section 99 BLESSING CHILDREN CONCERNING CHILDLIKENESS  (In Peræa) MATT. 19:13-15 MARK 10:13-16 LUKE 18: 15-17 These verses frame my understanding of God's justice and the value He places on children.  Keeping the principle simple, if the Son of Man has time for children, we should too. "These were babes whom the mothers carried in their arms, and who were too young to understand the meaning and importance of the act of Christ in blessing them. It was a custom to take infants to the synagogues, that they might receive the prayers and blessings of the rabbis, or holy men. For this reason they were brought to Christ as a holy and revered Teacher." -Pulpit Commentary If this is accurate, then it reminds me of a baby dedication and is different than my mental image of children ages 3-10 running up to him. From this passage has been derived a cogent argument for infant baptism, because Christ herein showed, not only that tender age and immaturity of reason put n

Hello, The second half of this proverb you've heard from me over the years: "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 It's good to overlook small or petty offenses. xoxo Mom

I'm compelled to stop here after discovering the broad difference in translations of this verse: Pro 18:24   A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.   King James Pro 18:24  A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  -ESV The first part of the sentence contains the discrepancy.    Matthew Henry's commentary illustrates the way I've interpreted it until now: "Solomon here recommends friendship to us, and shows, 1. What we must do that we may contract and cultivate friendship; we must show ourselves friendly. Would we have friends and keep them, we must not only not affront them, or quarrel with them, but we must love them, and make it appear that we do so by all expressions that are endearing, by being free with them, pleasing to them, visiting them and bidding them welcome, and especially by doing all the good offices we can and

Hello, Again, lots of wisdom in this chapter, but I'll focus on these two verses because I did not connect them until this morning: Pro 18:10  The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Pro 18:11  A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. My Pulpit Commentary points out the repetition of the "source of safety" imagery in verses 10 to 11.  Although "strong tower" and "strong city" are not identical, they are similar and create a contrast in how these men find security and protection.  One man finds security in the name of the Lord, His name encompassing all His character and being. The other man finds security in his possessions and wealth.  I find "and like a high wall his imagination" noteworthy too because it grants insight into the fragile psyche of some rich people I've known.  The ease of wealth leaves some people with a distorted view of the

Hello, A barrage of proverbs today because so many were interesting. I particularly like the she-bear and cub image! One principle that we have built our home upon is Proverbs 17:1 "Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." We've placed a high value on faith, relationships, and quality of life over financial gain. I imagine you've figured this out by now. Living in a culture where "more is more," it's good to be clear on what's most important. Lead with priorities not ease or gain, and God will honor and add the difference. Here are some other ones I find interesting: Respect the poor and mourn with those who mourn: "Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished." Proverbs 17:5 This one's for grandma: "Children's children are the crown of old men." Proverbs 17:6 In general, you have to work double-time to teach a fool and for less, if any

Hello again, This is a broader principle---it governs our lives globally: "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD." Proverbs 16:1 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. -Proverbs 16:9 I believe it teaches both these concepts: *We should develop plans and be diligent with regard to how we invest our time and lives. There should be a plan. *However, God's oversight of our plans is always the defining factor. On our best day, we plan with human wisdom and human vision, but with God, there is no variation or limitation. He doesn't have bad days. He knows the end from the beginning. His scope and wisdom will triumph and prevail whether it matches our plans or not. And, we should be glad of this truth. Part of me resents the thought of my own plans not working out, but another part is freed up by this truth. If we trust that God's heart toward us is good and best, then we should want what He

Hello, I missed yesterday, so you'll get two proverbs today. This precept about dealing with angry people is practical and true: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 Notice that it's a gentle answer that's key. I imagine the context as someone who is unsettled in their own spirit who chooses to "poke" at another with a question, demand, or accusation. The angry person's unspoken hope is to draw the other into their angry whirl, that they might provoke a negative response, further justifying their anger and giving them greater reason to lash out. My gut desire is to swipe back. But, the best response is the opposite--pull back, don't engage, come back soft against their hard. Don't allow another person's actions to dictate the character and tenor of your own. Jesus talked about this principle too: "...if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.&qu

Hello, It took me years and years to grasp this one, not sure if I still have it fully: "The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down." -Proverbs 14:1 I think this applies to one's role in the home and the larger community. You are either working toward the larger goodness or you are contributing to a dysfunctional dynamic of decay. Notice there is building up or tearing down--no middle ground. It's undermining to live in a home where you are being "torn down" inadvertently or not. A healthy family supports and builds up its members. I hope you feel like our family lifts and supports you--that's our heart and hope. xoxo Mom

Hello, This morning we're in Proverbs 13. Several of these were on our kitchen wall until they mysteriously disappeared one day. Hmmm.... Here they are again, along with some others. All are in The Message translation. I wouldn't recommend The Message for everyday use, but sometimes it can simplify or freshen a more difficult or obscure concept. More on talk/words: "The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life." -Proverbs 13:2 "Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence." -Proverbs 13:7 "Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives." -Proverbs 13:4 A life well-lived: "A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness." -Proverbs 13:16 "The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys." -Proverbs 13:9 "

Hello, Here's one of the harder but very important proverbs from today's reading: "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12: 1 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15 Being corrected is painful--especially when you long to "get it right" the first time---by yourself---without help. Each of us wants to be fully independent in ways, to not have to depend upon others or God. But, God designs us to need each other. We are made stronger for wise input; without it, we each have our blind spots. Also, you have to be select about the advice. Run it by those you trust, not just whoever is convenient or seemingly confident. Each of you seem to have good sense in this way, but I know I've made the mistake of running ideas by too many people or the wrong people and that can muddy your mental clarity and confidence. Be friends with many but trust

Section 98 JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM CONCERNING DIVORCE MATT. 19:1-12 MARK 10:1-12 For every cause "The temptation turned upon the dispute dividing the two great Rabbinical schools, the one of which (that of Hillel) held that a man might divorce his wife for any reason which rendered her distasteful to him; and the other (that of Shammai) that divorce was allowable only in case of unchastity. The querists would be anxious to know which side Jesus espoused."-VWS  "The easiness with which divorce was obtained may be seen in Josephus, Who thus writes: "He who for any reason whatsoever (and many such causes happen to men) wishes to be separated from a wife who lives with him, must give it to her in writing that he will cohabit with her no longer, and by this means she shall have liberty to marry another man; but before this is done it is not permitted her to do so" (’Ant.,’ Mat_4:8, Mat_4:23). Josephus himself repudiated his own wife because he was not pleased

Hello, Beginning yesterday with chapter 10, we've entered into a section that is characterized by a barrage of individual proverbs. Here are a few gems from today's chapter. " The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25 " He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." Proverbs 11:28 Be generous, trust in God not money. xoxo Mom

Hello, This one's for David: "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. -Proverbs 10:19 Ha! ; ) Words and the control of words feature prominently in this chapter. Pro 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Pro 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. Pro 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. Pro 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. Pro 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. Pro 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. Choosing to speak, to voice our inner thoughts, can seem like such a small thing. Admittedly, I am guilty of venting my thoughts too freely upon occasion, not setting a good example. It'

Hello, This is a "pick and choose your battles" principle: "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." -Proverbs 9:7-9 The trick is discerning which type of person you are dealing with! Some scoffers are obvious, but others not so much. The general thing though is to be thoughtful about when and how to correct others. Perhaps most importantly, there is the overarching principle that we should be open to correction ourselves. It's no fun, but it's very instructive if we are willing to consider our weaknesses and faults. xoxo Mom

Hello, Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out in the streets,  " To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right. " -Proverbs 8:3-6 This is a complicated little chapter--lots of significant bits and pieces--worth taking time to read.  In it, we learn several useful things about "Wisdom."   *Wisdom was present when the world was created" “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.   Proverbs 8:22-23 *Wisdom is forthright.  In contrast to the "adulteress," she declares the truth publicly and openly:  "All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands." Proverbs 8:8-9  *Having wisdo

Hello, I messed up yesterday and did Proverbs 7 instead of 6, so we get 6 today.   Here's an absolute classic from your childhood: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." -Proverbs 6:6-8 Do you remember this song? https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=iIrAQm21JaQ xoxo Mom

Section 97 PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND PUBLICAN (TAX COLLECTOR) LUKE 18:9-14 As with the last parable, his purpose and intended audience is stated up front: He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt.   Luke 18:9 I. THE AIM OF THE PARABLE. 1. Stated (Luk_18:9). 2. Suggestive— (1) That self-righteousness is possible. (2) That self-righteousness and contempt for others are closely allied. (3) That self-righteousness grows from the root of self-deception. -D. C. Hughes, BI The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. '-Luke 18:11 Stood (σταθεὶς) Lit., having been placed. Took his stand. It implies taking up his position ostentatiously; striking an attitude. But not necessarily in a bad sense. See on Luk_19:8; and compare Act_5:20. Standing was the ordinary posture of the Jews

Good morning, Wow, another chapter devoted to the wicked adulteress and the simpletons.   This is quite the image: "All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life" (v 22-23).  Sin is relentless. Yesterday we had the image of sin as ropes that bind fast trapping its victim.  Today we've got animals going to slaughter and death. I wish I had something more cheerful to share, but the Bible is full of warnings too--for good reason.  It tells it like it is. xoxo Mom

Hello, Chapter 5 of Proverbs is short and depressing--it's a warning to the son to stay away from infidelity/adultery and instead to "Drink from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well."  I'm sure we don't have to think hard or long to observe families and lives we've seen wrecked by this sin.  Perhaps more relevant to you at your point in life is: "For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths." -Proverbs 5:21 It's comforting to think of God pondering our paths, comforting and humbling to think that our ways (for better or worse) are always before Him. xoxo Mom

From yesterday: ************ Hey, I've decided to read through Proverbs this month. It's a great book. Remember when we used to color proverbs? I suppose you are too old for that, but you are NOT too old to read Proverbs. I'm not too old. Grandma is not too old. March has 31 days, so since this is the third day, I'm reading Proverb 3. Here's what I like from this one: Pro 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Good advice--don't begrudge others a blessing when it is within your ability for whatever reason. God is generous and merciful; we should be too. xoxo Mom

This is just a quick email thing I'm doing with our children this month because I feel the need to speak more scripture into their lives. It gets harder as they get older.  I'll track it here in case they ever want to revisit my efforts. *************** Hello, A good reminder this morning: Pro 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. It all starts and ends with the heart. Vigilance carries with it a sense of watching or guarding, as in a prison guard. We need to watch what we let into our hearts and what comes out. The words of Jesus come to my mind with regard to this principle: "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." -Luke 6:45 NIV xoxo, Mom

Section 96 PARABLE OF THE IMPORTUNATE WIDOW LUKE 18:1-8 "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." -Ephesians 6:18 "But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.  Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice." Psalm 55:16-17 "He regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer." Psalm 102:17 "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12  Prayer is to the soul what the nerves of the body are to the mind—its medium of communication with a world that else were unperceived and unrealized. BI Luke frames the purpose of this parable explicitly in the first lines: "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."  Luke 18:1 "It is a necessity in the nature of th