Mom Reads Proverbs 30

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 29

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 answered. "No one is good--except God alone." Mark 10:18

God alone.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 28

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 27

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 is a wholesome lesson for us. We are to trust no future, however pleasant; we are to dwell in no past, however honorable. Life consists of a present, given to us day by day; this is our whole wealth; squandered, it cannot be recovered; neglected, it withers as a leaf. Titus, the Roman Emperor, would say in the evening, when he had omitted his duties or failed in his purposes, Perdidi diem, "I have lost a day";-yes, that lost day is lost forever; other days may come, but not that one; the duties of that day may be performed afterwards or by other hands, but still the day is lost, because it passed away empty. The thief which cheats us of our days, and beggars us of our wealth, is the specious thought that tomorrow belongs to us. The illusion is as old as the world, but is today as fresh and powerful as ever. We have to shake ourselves free of a spell, and awake out of a dream, to see that when tomorrow comes it is already today.

We only begin to live in any true and satisfactory sense when we have learnt to take each day by itself, and to use it as if it were our last, and indeed as if it were our all; dismissing the thought of tomorrow as a mere phantom which forever evades our grasp. Life is a mosaic, a large work shaping on the wall or in the dome of some vast cathedral which eye hath not yet seen; and it can only be effectually wrought if, with minute and concentrated care, the little piece of colored glass which we call Today is duly fixed into its bedding and fitted exactly to its immediate neighbors. "Why do you work with such intensity?" the great artist was once asked; "Because I work for eternity," was the answer. And that is why each day is of such importance: that is why each day demands all our thought and care: eternity is made up of days, and the present day is all of eternity that we can ever possess.

It is well for us then each morning to take the day fresh from God’s hands, and at once to throw our whole soul into it, and to live it with a pure intensity, a sense of solemn and joyful responsibility.  -Expositor's Commentary

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 26

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 spirit as his foolishness.  It should not be rude, base, emotionally unhinged, or overly complicated.  If it is, we become foolish too.

The overarching principle is that when we do answer a fool, it should be for his own edification or that of others, "lest he be wise in his own eyes."  We have to be careful that our response is simple, thought out, and fitting.

I'm no expert in dealing with fools, and I still make mistakes when dealing with them.  But, one thing I've learned over 50 years is that when you must deal with a fool, a safe initial response is to not jump into anything. Pull back, wait, and pray.  God will show you what to do and not do in time. Most of the time, there is no inherent "rush," and the extra time and space will grant you perspective. Fools often function by creating an artificial sense of emotional rush that serves them poorly in the end.  Don't let them pull you into their mess and "crisis," but don't completely ignore them either.  Pull back, weigh and measure, then respond.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 25

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 the spirit, and those who merely talk a good game become discouragements.

 "Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda." -Proverbs 25: 20 ESV

Maybe this is part of the problem with things like Facebook and Instagram--because there is little context, those who over share or only share their joys can come across as braggarts to those who may be struggling.  I'm not saying it's always the case or to never post, but we should be sensitive to each other's moods and burdens.  Paul say it a little differently in Romans:

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." -Romans 12:15-16

Be a good friend: humble, compassionate, authentic.  A good friend can't fix everything or even most things, but you always leave better for being in their presence.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 24

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 position).  Wise counsel is discreet and confidential. It makes time to listen carefully.

Good counsel doesn't always pat your back or affirm your thought process.  It should ask hard questions and be willing to ruffle your feathers. Though you may not agree with their ruffling in the final count, you will be farther along because of it.  Iron sharpens iron. 

Beware of those with easy answers or too quick solutions, those who over instruct, or minimize you or the decision. You want people who will walk alongside you, not talk down to you from their perceived heights. Good counsel is humble; it feels safe and supportive in spirit. Choose people who will lift you and your decision up in prayer; those who are willing to bear that weight too.

Finally, be sure you listen to and weigh the counsel you've sought. Counselors are giving up time and thought; be appreciative of their insights and time. Sometimes I know I've been guilty of seeking counsel merely to support and "check the box" on what I already want to do.  You will have your opinions of course, but keep your ears and heart truly open. Different perspectives enrich one's understanding, and we all have blind spots.  Like it or not, God designs it so that we need each other to do our very best work.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 23

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 the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.

In general, having enough money is a good, and yes "enough" is subjective, and yes, God does bless some with financial prosperity. However, it's emphasized repeatedly not to build barns or let the money become your security. Trust God, like it says on the US dollar.

Did you know that "In God we trust" has appeared on all US currency since 1957 when Congress passed a law? I doubt that law would be passed today, and expect, at some point, our country will argue about removing it. But regardless of the tide and winds, whether printed on currency or not, the wise know that trusting in God is bedrock to all else.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 22

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 21

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 20

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

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 no obstacle in the way of his blessing, but that children were the standard by which fitness for his kingdom was to be tested. -Pulpit Commentary

For of such is the kingdom of heaven. They who would enter Christ’s kingdom must be pure, simple, obedient, as little children (comp. Mat_18:3). That is why he says, "of such," not "of these," intimating that it is not to the age, but to the disposition and character, that he refers.-Pulpit Commentary

Mom Reads Proverbs 19

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

Proverbs 18 Two Very Different Translations on Friendship

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 serving them in every thing that lies in our power; that is showing ourselves friendly."

I think I've taught it to my children this way too---stick your neck out, take efforts to go beyond your comfort zone to "be friendly" and thus "accumulate friends."

However, if the ESV is more accurate, the first clause has an entirely different rendering and connotation.  The Pulpit Commentary agrees:

"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly. The Authorized Version is certainly not correct. The Hebrew is literally, a man of friends will come to destruction. The word הִתְרוֹעֵעַ (hithroea) is the hithp, infinitive of רעע, "to break or destroy" (comp. Isa_24:19); and the maxim means that the man of many friends, who lays himself out to make friends of bad and good alike, does so to his own ruin. They will fled upon him, and exhaust his resources, but will not stand by him in the day of calamity, nay, rather will give a helping hand to his downfall. It is not the number of so called friends that is really useful and precious."
-Pulpit Commentary

"Without determining for certain which of the various renderings of the first clause of this verse should be adopted, there can be little doubt that it points to the difficulty of maintaining a wide circle of friends in true affection, contrasted with the blessedness of enjoying one deep and real friendship." -Pulpit

Mom Reads Proverbs 18

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 their self-sufficiency.  When they  trust in the "high wall in [their] imagination," they lose sight of the limitations of their wealth and their own mortality.  Wealth itself is not evil, but it can create a dangerous dynamic. A different commentator brought up the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and the story of the Pharisee and the Publican (tax collector) praying in the temple together.  Wealth, like all other gifts, can be used poorly and become a handicap.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 17

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, progress.
"A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool." Proverbs 17:10

Ha! No mess with a fool. ; )
"Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly." Proverbs 17:12

God's justice is encouraging...
"Those who return evil for good will meet their own evil returning." Proverbs 17:13

Learn to recognize the beginnings of an argument and let it go instead of digging in:
"The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out." Proverbs 17:14

Keep it honest:
"Whitewashing bad people and throwing mud on good people are equally abhorrent to GOD." Proverbs 17:15

Be this friend and sibling:
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

Joy lifts:
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

I know that's a lot, but all good stuff to tuck away.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 16

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 wants and be glad to let go of what is not for our best, even though it may not seem to make sense at the time.


If we dedicate our work to God---if it is indeed His work instead of ours, then we can trust that all our plans will be rendered for good.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 15

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." Matthew 5:41

Admittedly, I don't fully understand it. I only know that when I've chosen to operate by it, things go better than when I don't.

Angry people are no fun to deal with either way of course. But "the principle of soft" at least mitigates the damage to yourself and others.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 14

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 13

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

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life." -Proverbs 13:7

Just love that last one...simple is good. I don't know why we are so keen on complicating the very best things.

A side note---I like to bounce between Bible translations. ESV is my gold standard with the King James as my more formal option and The Message and NLT as my casual/modern translation. Nothing beats the KJ when reading the psalms, and I wouldn't trust The Message for theological subtleties. However, step one is to be reading the Bible, period. Someone who reads only The Message is better equipped than the person who reads only The King James but doesn't understand it or bother to read it. The overall key is to READ. Regularly. Develop the habit.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 12

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 few to speak into your life regarding critical decisions.

I could go on, but that's enough for now.

xoxo

Mom

Section 98

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 with her behaviour (’Vita,’ § 76). And Ben-Sira gives the curt injunction, "If she go not as thou wouldest have her (καταÌ χεῖραì σου), cut her off from thy flesh,… and let her go" (Ecclesiasticus 25:26)." -Pulpit Commentary

Jesus sets a principle we can apply to our own questions---go back to the original purpose, design, and intent of the thing and work forward:

"He answered and said. Our Lord does not directly reply in the negative, but refers to the original institution of marriage." -Pulpit

So often we swirl around in the relativism of our own ideas about a thing, what it means to "us."  If we are Christians or Jews, we should go back to how God designed it to function. This meditation is useful too:

"Originally, man contained woman in himself before she was separated from him; she was a corporeal unity with man; or, as others put it, man, as a race, was created male and female, the latter being implicitly contained in the former; the previous unity is thus asserted. In marriage this unity is acknowledged and continued. St. Paul quotes this text in Eph_5:31; and in 1Co_6:16 uses it as an argument against fornication"-Pulpit

I don't know I've ever thought of the union of man and woman in such a reverse sense---that they were one unit before Eve was created out of Adam.  In this sense, a marriage echos back to a purer unity, call it ying yang, or complementary, or one's "soul mate"--there is a romantic sense of this type of original unity that can be argued for in some sense.   I don't know that you could argue for a particular soulmate from this passage, but certainly the fitting nature of marriage, its "rightness" is there.

And the reverse is equally true--the consequences of choosing to divorce react against this original principle:

"Let not man put asunder. Man does thus infringe the primitive rule when he divorces.his with. Herein he opposes God and acts against nature. He and his wife are one; they can no more separate from one another than they can from themselves. If we regard our Lord’s language in this passage without prejudice, and not reading into it modem notions, we must consider that he here decrees the indissolubility of the marriage tie. His hearers plainly understood him so to speak, as we see from the objection which they urged." -Pulpit

The Pulpit Commentary takes it a step further suggesting that divorce is not spiritually possible--interesting angle, but if it is a spiritual union, it follows a kind of intuitive sense.  God united, not man, so God can separate, not man.

The Jews went on to press the issue back to Moses's exceptions in Deuteronomy.  The Pulpit Commentary makes another good point when going back to Moses:

 "In regulating the method of divorce and giving rules which prevented it from being undertaken rashly and lightly, Moses could not justly be said to have commanded it."-Pulpit

All of this is very instructive:

"Moses because of (προÌς, with a view to, to meet) the hardness of your hearts; your obstinacy, perverseness. You were not honest and pure enough to obey the primitive law. There was danger that you would ill treat your wives in order to get rid of them, or even murder them. The lesser evil was regular divorce. But the enactment is really a shame and reproach to you, and was occasioned by grave defects in your character and conduct.

And it is not true to say that Moses commanded; he only suffered you to put away your wives. This was a temporary permission to meet your then circumstances. Divorce had been practised commonly and long; it was traditional; it was seen among all other Oriental peoples. Moses could not hope at once to eradicate the inveterate evil; he could only modify, mitigate, and regulate its practice. The rules which he introduced were intended, not to facilitate divorce, but to lead men better to realize the proper idea of marriage. And Christ was introducing a better law, a higher morality, for which Mosaic legislation paved the way (comp. Rom_5:20; Rom_8:3; Heb_9:10).

From the beginning. The original institution of marriage contained no idea of divorce; it was no mere civil contract, made by man and dissoluble by man, but a union of God’s own formation, with which no human power could interfere. However novel this view might seem, it was God’s own design from the first. The first instance of polygamy occurs in Gen_4:19, and is connected with murder and revenge." -Pulpit Commentary

Mom Reads Proverbs 11

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 10

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's complicated--I believe it can be helpful to get our thoughts out to sift them, but perhaps only among a trusted few. Even then, this should be with truth and love as our highest goal. We need to be hyper aware of the context in which we share and speak. And our speech should be true and honest, not a manipulation or a means to an end.

Speech is a huge thing because...
it reveals the heart.
it impacts those around us for great good or harm.

God takes both of those things very seriously and we should too.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 9

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 8

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 wisdom is superior to having wealth: "Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her." -Proverbs 8:10-11

*Wisdom grants her own type of wealth: "Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness...granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries." Proverbs 8:18, 21 

I particularly like "enduring wealth and righteousness" in contrast to the ephemeral wealth of this world.

xoxo

Mom

Mom Reads Proverbs 6

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, The Pharisee and the Publican

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 in prayer. Compare Mat_6:5; Mar_11:25.

"The expression is stronger. Lit., the rest. They threw all others beside themselves into one class. Rev., correctly, all others." -VWS

"It was not prayer to God, but soliloquy in his own praise, and it was in equal parts adulation of himself and slander of other men." -Believer's Bible

The picture contrasts the outward stance and inward heart condition of the Pharisee with that of the publican.  In this case, the outside does match the internal life:

"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’" Luke 18:13

The same verb is used of the tax collector, but "from a distance" is added to it:

Standing (ἑστὼς)
In a timid attitude: merely standing not posturing as the Pharisee.  -Vincent's Word Studies
Afar off.
Some explain, from the sanctuary; others, from the Pharisee.

"With the article "a" better translated as "the," the publican was actually saying, "Lord be merciful to me, the ultimate sinner." And that was all he said. We have a tendency to think our prayers are answered in direct proportion to how many times we've been in church, how many times we've had devotions, how many times we've given offering. But nothing is further from the truth. Prayer is not based upon merit. It's based upon mercy. That's what this sinner discovered—and once you learn this lesson, prayer will become a joy to you as well." -Jon Courson

"Too many pray “with themselves.” The only time that we may thank God for not being as others is when we attribute the contrast to His grace, 1Ti_1:12-14.  F.B. Meyers

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:12-16

Detail from James Tissot's "The Pharisee and the Publican," 1894 

The Bible Knowledge Commentary makes a great point here.  The temptation to compare our sin-levels with others--especially those who are clearly struggling--is real.  However, our standard is God, not man.

"He was using other people as his standard for measuring righteousness. On the other hand the tax collector used God as his standard for measuring righteousness. He realized that he had to throw himself on the mercy of God for forgiveness." -BKC

"His frequent repetition of the personal pronoun I reveals the true state of his heart as conceited and self-sufficient." -Believer's Bible

"Such a self-satisfied gentleman had no need to ask for anything, so he brought no petitions. He uses the conventional language of thanksgiving, but his real meaning is to praise himself to God, not to thank God for himself. God is named once. All the rest is I, I, I. He had no longing for communion, no aspiration, no emotion." -Alexander MacLaren

Albert Barnes points out that hypocrisy and false religion comfortably clothes itself in spiritual garb, nor does it necessarily deny God's existence:

"God, I thank thee - There was still in the prayer of the Pharisee an “appearance” of real religion. He did not profess to claim that he had made himself better than others. He was willing to acknowledge that God had done it for him, and that he had a right to his gratitude for it. Hypocrites are often the most orthodox in opinion of any class of people. They know the truth, and admit it. They use it frequently in their prayers and conversation. They will even persecute those who happen to differ from them in opinion, and who may be really wrong. We are not to judge of the “piety” of people by the fact that they admit the truth, or even that they use it often in their prayers."

Self-exaltation and self-abasement
I. SELF-EXALTATION
6. Is a subtle, hypocritical spirit, often appearing as religious.
7. Deceives the heart it occupies.
 -BI

Beautiful:

"Not those who are satisfied with themselves are commended of Him, but those who see and deplore their sinfulness. As a bird must first stoop to fly, so must the soul humble itself ere it finds God. “Behold a great wonder,” says Augustine, “God is high; exalt thyself, He flees from thee: humble thyself, and He stoops to thee.” Because, as the Psalmist says, “Though high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly, but the proud He knoweth afar off.” So the Pharisee returned from the temple as poor as he came, while the publican, whom he despised, wondering how he dared to come, returned made rich by God’s kiss of forgiveness and peace. Little do men know who among them are blessed. God’s angels of joy do not always enter where they most naturally are supposed to go." -A. H. Currier, BI

What an image:

Eze 21:26  thus says the Lord GOD: Remove the turban and take off the crown. Things shall not remain as they are. Exalt that which is low, and bring low that which is exalted.

"God’s condemnation of the Pharisee and acceptance of the publican are no anomalous aberration of divine justice, for it is a universal law, which has abundant exemplifications, that he that exalteth himself is likely to be humbled, and he that humbles himself to be exalted. Daily life does not always yield examples thereof, but in the inner life and as concerns our relations to God, that law is absolutely and always true."-MacLaren

Mom Reads Proverbs 7

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 5

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 3

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

Mom Reads Proverbs 4

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--The urgency and necessity of prayer and God's faithfulness in it

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 the case for them at all times to be praying and not to be losing courage." -Wuest translation

I like the present progressive sense of the second translation, "It is a necessity...to be praying and not to be losing courage."  The task is relentless, seemingly endless.

From here, we are launched into an illustration of an unjust judge giving into justice only because he's selfishly wants the woman to shut up and go away.  Christ argues that if this is the case in such a corrupt circumstance, then how much more will our God of perfect justice grant ultimate justice to those who are suffering now.

The argument itself also has this progressive sense.

"Now, there was a widow in that city, and she kept on coming to him at recurring intervals, saying, Protect me by an equitable administration of justice from my opponent in a lawsuit." -Luke 18, Wuest translation


It's a distracting illustration and an odd argument structurally, but it would have been less so to his audience.  The Fourfold Gospel points out the specifics of the form:

"The application is an argument a fortiori, and presents a triple antithesis: 1. In the petitioned--a just God and an unrighteous judge. 2. In the petitioners--a despised widow and the beloved elect. 3. In the petition--the frequent visits of the one, and the continual cries of the many." -Fourfold

The Wikipedia entry notes that it was commonly used in Jewish law:

"Argumentum a fortiori Latin: "from a/the stronger [thing]") is a form of argumentation which draws upon existing confidence in a proposition to argue in favor of a second proposition that is held to be implicit in the first. The second proposition may be considered "weaker," and therefore the arguer utilizes the former as the "stronger" proposition from which the second proposition is deduced.

In the English language, the phrase a fortiori is most often used as an adverbial phrase meaning "by even greater force of logic" or "all the more so."

A fortiori arguments are regularly used in Jewish law under the name kal va-chomer, literally "mild and severe", the mild case being the one we know about, while trying to infer about the more severe case. -Wikipedia

"And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:7-8

Re: "faith," The reference is not to personal faith, but to belief in the whole body of revealed truth.-Scofield

"Though a beloved people cry continually unto a just God, yet will he in mercy be longsuffering to their enemies, and because of the long suffering he will seem to delay his answer, but the delay will not be extended a moment longer than necessary. When the season of repentance is past, and the measure of iniquity is full (Gen. xv. 16), then the Lord's answer will be speedy, immediate. But despite this admonition to pray without discouragement, and this promise to answer with all speed, God's patience with the wicked, and his consequent delays in answering the prayers of the just, will prove such a trial to his people as to leave it questionable whether any of them will have faith enough to pray until the coming of the Lord. We find an echo of this passage at II. Pet. 3:1-13." -Fourfold

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:12-13


 “But if God is so good as you represent Him, and if He knows all that we need, and better far than we do ourselves, why should it be necessary to ask Him for anything?” I answer, What if He knows prayer to be the thing we need first and most? What if the main object in God’s idea of prayer be the supplying of our great, our endless need—the need of Himself? What if the good of all our smaller and lower needs lies in this, that they help to drive us to God? Hunger may drive the runaway child home, and he may or may not be fed at once, but he needs his mother more than his dinner. Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other need; prayer is the beginning of that communion, and some need is the motive of that prayer.G. Macdonald, LL.