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Proverbs 14 of 14: Epilogue – A Wife of Noble Character

Proverbs 31:10-31

Today we come to the Epilogue of Proverbs, words that describe an incredible woman, a wife that surpasses them all. Volumes have been published on this section in Proverbs, entire organizations founded to honor women, etc. I’m not trying to add to the list at all, just taking time this morning to honor my wife and listen for that which God wants me to hear today.

Strong and Independent Wife

It’s fascinating that a culture in which women are subjugated to men we find this passage that stands out among few that honors, even promotes, strength and wisdom of women, especially an amazing wife. To be clear, I’ve never thought of women as second-class or in any way inferior or superior to men. We were both created in the image of God, distinctly different and perfectly designed to be better as a couple than as two individuals. Oddly enough, as the proverbs that describes fools, sluggards, the wicked, etc., the image in my mind is always a man. Outside of the specific proverbs that address adulterous women, it’s men I see acting like idiots, so I guess it’s true–I am biased!

As a father of four daughters, my prayer is they would embrace the traits listed here, that they would be as strong and independent as their mom.

  1. virtuous and capable
  2. more precious than rubies
  3. trustworthy
  4. always does good
  5. works hard, tirelessly
  6. prudent in business
  7. prepared for all seasons
  8. kind to the poor
  9. resourceful
  10. full of wise words, speaks with kindness
  11. strong and dignified
  12. praised by her husband

As a husband of nearly 30 years, I see an accurate description of my amazing wife.

This isn’t a list to be checked each morning for compliance, it’s simply an observation that honors those who have found wisdom. More than that, this is a portrait of a woman that put wisdom to work.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12

 

Time. Years, not minutes. It takes time to see the fruit of a solid moral character as described throughout Proverbs. In a society that always seems to be in a hurry, it’s important to slow down and reflect on the blessings that are right in front of us. When stressful days seem to overwhelm us, when we are at odds with circumstances that could tear our relationship apart, we take a walk and assure each other that our intention are good,  that we are on the same team. My wife is especially adept at navigating these times.

Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
Proverbs 31:23

The result of selfless intent, my wife honors me and I hope to honor her. The evidence of which is noticed by others, but that isn’t the goal, just an observation.

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
Proverbs 31:25-26

Strong, intelligent, wise, confident, independent–just a few words that describe my wife. Being independent is not often a quality that people appreciate in marriage, but one that is incredibly important to me. She speaks with confidence and wisdom…kindness is a goal!

Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Proverbs 31:28-29

No doubt about it, our children will happily stand and provide testimony to their mom. The bookends of a great poem to an amazing wife, no pressure dear, you are indeed virtuous and capable!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Wisdom begins with reverent fear of the Lord, with deep knowledge of the truth that comes from the Lord of creation. Knowing my wife is one that seeks to honor God in all she does challenges me to do the same. I hope we are better as a result.

Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:31

 

Amen!

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Proverbs 13 of 14 – Appendices: Sayings of Agur and Lemuel

Read: Proverbs 30:1-31:9

Yesterday we concluded the recorded proverbs of Solomon and today we read from two different perspectives: Agur and Lemuel. It’s interesting reviewing scholarly descriptions of these two characters, explanations and translations. The NIV Application Commentary on Proverbs provides this conclusion: “Scholars have written much and agreed little concerning this translation” (p. 655). So today, rather than attempt to dive into historical writings and languages I have zero knowledge about, I think I’ll just look for words of wisdom.

Agur

Chapter 30 captures the ancient wisdom of Agur with words that sound like Job speaking.

“I am weary, God,
but I can prevail.
Surely I am only a brute, not a man;
I do not have human understanding.
I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.
Proverbs 30:1-3

In all humility, I must agree with Agur, I have no wisdom or understanding compared to God, but I am completely confident in the knowledge that He is the God of the universe, “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). Agur provides some key learning points for us to consider:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Proverbs 30:8

May we be known as a people of integrity. I truly believe that if Christ-followers could walk in humility and wisdom at the same time, if the church, the collective body of believers, would fully embrace the idea of loving one another, people would break down the doors to join us. Lord, help us to have the kind of integrity that is so inviting and completely free of selfish gain.

Agur reminds us that there are those who self-centered in this world, they consider themselves pure and look down on others; their words are harsh and they have no consideration for the poor. This observation may be 2,000+ years old, but it is ever true today. It’s remarkable to see human nature described in ancient writings that are completely attributable to people we see in contemporary settings.

Agur’s final words provide a simple plan:

“If you play the fool and exalt yourself,
or if you plan evil,
clap your hand over your mouth!
For as churning cream produces butter,
and as twisting the nose produces blood,
so stirring up anger produces strife.”
Proverbs 30:32-33

Lord, keep me humble and shut my mouth when I act like a fool! Help me to see when I’m venturing into this territory and redirect my path. I don’t want to act like a fool, but not because of pride or embarrassment. I’m more concerned that I will trip someone who is genuinely seeking to know you, that they will see my behavior and delay or abandon their desire to hear The Gospel.

Lemuel

The first nine verses of chapter 31, the Sayings of King Lemuel (as taught by his mother), provide a call to action.

Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
…
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:2, 8-9

In the few verses in between, Lemuel recants the wisdom his mother taught him: stop getting drunk and chasing women! That’s pretty clear and direct, we simply can’t miss the message there.

In contrast to Agur’s words, Lemuel’s words give us the impetus to act, to do something, not just sit and watch others. Speak up for those who can’t represent themselves, especially the poor and needy.

So there you have it, clap your mouth and speak up. Clear direction for today!

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Proverbs 12 of 14 – More Proverbs of Solomon

Read: Proverbs 27-29

Several themes wind through these three chapters. I could read these each day and hear different voices speaking truth based on the day’s circumstances. I hope to gain wisdom, avoid being a fool and learn more today than yesterday by listening to instructions written here so plainly.

Fools

Fools, not something anyone wants to be associated with in the least, but something we hear about over and over in Proverbs.

  • Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:3
  • Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them. Proverbs 27:22
  • Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26
  • If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. Proverbs 29:9
  • Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11
  • Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20

The second bullet really caught my attention: fools are fools all the way through! Before I jump to the conclusion that “they” are bad, I need to carefully examine myself. How many times have I been a provocateur? Or trusted in myself? Or fully vented my anger in rage? Too many times have I spoken in haste. Surely I have been a fool at times. Lord, help me to be less of a fool today than yesterday! Help me to repeat that prayer until foolish ways are erased from my character.

Prayer

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.
Proverbs 28:9

This stands alone in this reading, but popped out to me as a significant proverb that I don’t want to miss. Frances Chan referred to this (among others) in his discussion (aka, rant) about Jehovah’s Witnesses approaching him. The idea that prayers can be detestable is shocking, extreme, sobering. Lord, help us to listen intently to your instruction!

Rulers

I tried to ignore these verses, not wanting to wade into the pool of discontent, but here you go:

  • When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. Proverbs 28:12
  • When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Proverbs 28:28
  • When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2
  • If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. Proverbs 29:12
  • When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Proverbs 29:16

Lord, the leaders in our country fall into these categories too often because so many have turned away from you. I pray that we learn how to navigate the rough waters, that we don’t shy away from the causes that are negatively affected by poor leadership and selfish motivation. Help us to call out the wickedness by shining a light of wisdom with intelligence and strength. Give us strength and courage to stand in this battle with the assurance that righteousness will indeed prevail.

Iron Sharpens Iron

I cannot leave this reading without including this great proverb:

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

It is my prayer and hope to surround myself with people that are sharper than myself, harder in a way because they have been through refining fires and persevered honorably giving God the glory. I want to associate with these leaders and learn from their experience to expose my own flaws and hopefully sharpen my gifts for the Kingdom today as well as tomorrow.

There is so much work to be done, so many who are off course. I know I’m far from perfect, but I choose to serve the one who is and who is to come. Lord, help this translate into effective discipleship as I greatly desire to leave a wake of disciples who make disciples.

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Proverbs 11 of 14 – Further Sayings and Proverbs of the Wise

Read: Proverbs 24:23-26:28 and Psalm 90

There is great wisdom in today’s reading, so much that it’s impractical for me to cover in detail. I pray you will take time to read this section and find that which speaks to your heart this morning.

Coming home from a consultation weekend, I’m incredibly humbled to think that we might have any insight worthy of consideration, but here’s why I think it works and how it applies to reading through proverbs: when we gather together with sincere hearts that are committed to building Christ’s church without selfish ambition or hidden agendas; when we share thoughts surrounded by love and covered in prayer; when we listen earnestly to those who desire to serve Christ above all others; then our words, in communion with the Holy Spirit, convey wisdom and wise decisions prevail. There is no single person or thought that drives the direction; it is a collective effort of like-minded Christ-followers seeking His will above all else–at least that is my prayer!

And so, as my friend Tony Jeck would often say, let’s consider some highlights of proverbs in Proverbs 24:23-34, the last part of chapter 24 followed by a compilation of Solomon’s proverbs by Hezekiah’s men (the rest of today’s reading), some 200+ years after King Solomon.

Here are some that stuck out to me.

An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 24:26

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15

One of my father’s favorite proverbs:

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
Proverbs 25:21-22

Kindness and honesty are a crucial couple. My dad would often tell me, “kill them with kindness” and “keep your enemies close.” I’m sure he was referring to this proverb as he lived out his faith genuinely and demonstrated to us this was more important than winning an argument. As much as we want to love our neighbors, we know that sense is not always reciprocated. But our challenge remains nonetheless: keep love as a priority and let God deal with those with hardened hearts.

Proverbs 26:1-12 — Fools

If I’m ever wondering if my actions are like that of a fool, these 12 verses provide something to consider. It seems to me there is much tension between dealing with a fool and loving others. At what point does our neighbor become a fool? Perhaps this is why there are so many proverbs on judgment, using honest scales, wisely seeking counsel, being truthful, etc. Somehow we must be good judges that don’t elevate ourselves above others yet know how to identify fools and respond appropriately. Here is yet another call for working together with others who are trying to work out their faith in Jesus. Lord, help me to surround myself with wise, discerning believers that will help me learn the difference between a fool and foolish behavior. Help me to see both and respond as you would, to call out the behavior and lead people back to you gently.

So much wisdom to consider. I leave you with this thought, this great prayer and constant desire for us all:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalms 90:17

Lord, may the work of our hands be useful in building your kingdom here on earth today.

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Proverbs 10 of 14 – Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Read: Proverbs 22:17-24:22

Seems like my family is on my mind this morning as these two sayings in particular speak to my heart. I’ve met several new people on this short trip and in the course of events the common request happens, “tell us about yourself.” At my age and season in life, there are two sides to the answer: my parents and my family.

Saying 17
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it—
wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Proverbs 23:22-25

Just last week, my daughter Katrina and I went out for coffee and donuts and she encouraged me to reminisce about my father and the ancient days when I got the chance to work with him at Krispy Kreme. Such fond memories of going to the donut shop (as we called it) at 4:30am on Saturday morning to “help” make donuts. Dad ran two shops in Baton Rouge just before the installation of the donut making machines that are essentially the same as the ones we watched make hot donuts last week. In my memory, this happened frequently, but as a parent, I know it probably only happened a few times. Still, the memory is etched in my brain.

My father was kind and strong. He was the proverbial father who never spared the rod (and I’m sure it was appropriate!). He was one of those guys who never met a stranger, who would give his shirt to someone in need. My mom was as well, though she could be feisty at times! Her last days were incredibly difficult as she suffered from Alzheimer’s. My older sister did 99% of the work by moving in with her, but there was one week in the last year of her life on earth when it was my turn to care for mom while Charlotte took a much deserved break. It was frustrating and difficult for me to take care of mom that week, but I learned so much about the real meaning of love. The proverb above is written in a negative tense–I prefer: Love your mother, even when she is old.

I’m sure I wasn’t the easiest of children to deal with, but I pray that the joy I saw in my parents’ eyes years ago outweighed the grief and pain. Great examples of faith, they raised me on the Bible.

Gloating Like Daddy

On a family vacation in 2005 (ish), we had the chance to play of game of four-square with the girls: I won a game!! To celebrate, I gloated over the girls, the old man still has moves!! Oh yeah! Great fun and perhaps a teachable moment. We coined the infamous phrase, “gloating like daddy!” Ask any of our four and they will immediately remember the moment, but the lesson we hoped to impart was serious.

Saying 28
Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the Lord will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
Proverbs 24:17-18

It’s probably too soon to know if we did well in teaching the lesson, but I remain hopeful. My prayer is that we taught them to be compassionate people, not judgmental, adults that appreciate circumstances in this life change quickly. I hope they have learned something from our silly game of four-square.

These days my desire is for them to not only know and affirm Jesus in their lives, but to earnestly seek to become a disciple that follows Christ; one who learns well then teaches others as disciples who will make disciples. The wisdom in Proverbs provides a wealth of tools; timeless thoughts that beg us to be mature in Christ. Jesus started with this wisdom and provided practical words to be sure, but his life on earth was so much more than being the great teacher that he was.

Just weeks before Easter 2017, I pray that we, the big we, will invite others into this understanding of Christ, the crucifixion and most notably the resurrection! Not with gloating, but with wisdom, care and concern for we know the great Good News.

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Proverbs 9 of 14 – Proverbs and My Wife

Read: Proverbs 21:1-22:16

As I read through the list of proverbs this morning, warnings about doing what is right, being prudent, guarding my mouth, etc., I was drawn to the few in these chapters about the joy I have in marriage of nearly 30 years. To put it mildly, staying on the right path is much easier because of the relationship I have with my amazing wife. I’m much more emotional, more apt to say things that are inappropriate or not well thought out. Yes, I am so blessed to have found this treasure! For those who are not married, I pray this is the kind of spouse for your future.

So I got a bit distracted by the word “wife” in proverbs, so I did some research. In the NIV we find 14 proverbs that include the word “wife,” plus a bonus in chapter 31, The Wife of Noble Character. We’ll enjoy Proverbs 31 in a few days, for the moment, here’s a summary of what I found:

Warnings About Adultery

  • Proverbs 5:18: May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
  • Proverbs 5:20: Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
  • Proverbs 6:24: keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
  • Proverbs 6:26: For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.
  • Proverbs 6:29: So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
  • Proverbs 23:26-27: My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

Quarrelsome Wife

  • Proverbs 19:13: A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.
  • Proverbs 21:9: Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
  • Proverbs 21:19: Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
  • Proverbs 25:24: Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
  • Proverbs 27:15: A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

Wife of Character

  • Proverbs 12:4: A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
  • Proverbs 18:22: The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. (NLT)
  • Proverbs 19:14: Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

I have been blessed with an amazing wife, one of impeccable character and remarkable intelligence. She is far from quarrelsome or nagging, if anything, those words might be better used to describe my behavior at times. I appreciate the NLT’s translation of 18:22: my wife is indeed a treasure!

This particular weekend, once again, we find ourselves in different parts of the country. One of the many amazing things about Zoë is her strength as an independent woman of God. At the risk of misinterpretation, hear this: she doesn’t need me; rather, she chooses me and in that choice her needs are met. The same is true on my end. Life is simply much richer because God has put us together. We choose each other (yes, that’s in the present tense).

Marriage is such a foundational relationship in the Bible that Christ refers to the church as his bride. It’s not about need, it’s about a choice.

It’s hard to get my mind around this concept, but Jesus chose us, you and me, and in that choice our needs are met. This is the good news, the great news! Lord, help us to share this with the world through lives that reflect you and draw people to your light.

 

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Proverbs 8 of 14 – Poor, Wisdom and Insight

Read: Proverbs 19-20 and Psalm 89

One of my primary motivations for digging deep in the Old Testament is to gain a solid understanding of the scriptures that those in Jesus’ time knew so well. In these two chapters in particular we learn many wise sayings that Jesus uses to turn heads with parables. Imagine knowing these proverbs by heart, studying them every day as you strive to work out your faith as best you know how. Suddenly, Jesus of Nazareth appears and causes you to do more than memorize proverbs and genealogies, he requires you to think–what a concept!

For example you would no doubt agree with: An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end Proverbs 20:21, then Jesus tells the story of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). It makes me laugh the think how many scholars couldn’t get past Luke 15:12 — hold on, say that again? The father gave him his inheritance? What?? Jesus continues on with the story while they are stuck say, will not be blessed. I’m guessing many missed the point and couldn’t watch the replay on Vimeo.

Jesus had much to say about the poor, the widow, the lost and the least–all of which tell me to take care as I read these proverbs. Nothing Jesus said ran counter to the wisdom here. My point is these were well known by everyone in his area. Solomon was highly admired by all surrounding nations, his wisdom was not questioned; rather, it was learned.

Lord, help me to keep this in mind as I read your inspired words of wisdom here.

Proverbs 19 provides some interesting thoughts about those who are poor.

  • 19:1 – Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
  • 19:4 – Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
  • 19:7 – The poor are shunned by all their relatives—how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
  • 19:22 – What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

It’s one thing to be without wealth, it’s another thing to be poor. I may not have wealth, but I will continue to strive to walk in the ways of the Lord and let my reward come in eternal life.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward them for what they have done.
Proverbs 19:17

This is a proverb to hold onto carefully, especially in light of Matthew 25:31-46. Again, the words of Jesus help us understand how to apply the proverbs of old.

Proverbs 20 includes several verses that refer to our hearts, lips, eyes, ears and mouth — our five senses.

  • 20:5 – The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
  • 20:9 – Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
  • 20:12 – Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.
  • 20:15 – Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Honestly, I’m overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of proverbs in these two chapters. So much to take in. I’ve only scratched the surface, and perhaps unjustly treated the scripture by quickly reading through the text, but I’m in awe of the words as they wash over me. Perhaps I should go back and rewrite each proverb as a prayer:

Lord, help me understand how to let you direct my steps for I cannot understand my own way (Proverbs 20:24).

Help me to have eyes and ears that see and hear as you, Lord, especially this particular weekend as we (Healthy Growing Churches) gather to answer the call from brothers and sisters in Christ for assistance. Help us to have insight that draws out the purpose you have for your church. To you be the glory forever. Amen.

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Proverbs 7 of 14 – Friends

Read: Proverbs 16-18

There are deep and important thoughts in today’s reading, but this one speaks to me louder than the rest at this particular time in my life:

A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

Friends don’t happen overnight, to be sure, but the period from introduction to locking-arms-friendship is greatly reduced when going through adversity. The test of true friendship lies in difficult times. Of course, personal character has a whole lot to do with the process and this is the central theme of Proverbs, so it’s no surprise to dive into the concept of friendship in the middle of the book.

This should be one key trait that separates us, Christ-followers, from the rest of the world. Should be. Can be. Will be every time we invest time and take the great risk of developing meaningful friendships beyond our family units–what a concept! The reality is, we don’t look all that different from the rest of the world. I don’t have all the stats at my fingertips, but reliable sources tell us again and again how much we look like the rest of society. This is not good news. Not that we should be place on a pedestal of any kind; however, as the body of Christ, we should get along better than the PTA and civic organizations. After all, we have been adopted by the Lord of Creation!

Chapter 16 begins with seven proverbs that compare us to the Lord.

  1. from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
  2. motives are weighed by the Lord.
  3. the Lord will establish your plans.
  4. the Lord works out everything to its proper end
  5. The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
  6. through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
  7. When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

We have the Ten Commandments, the Great Commandment and a ton of proverbs as tools to distinguish us as the people of God. We don’t need a checklist or program to keep us in line, what we need are true friends that remind us of these truths that all emanate from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We need an effective community of believers, aka church, that is focused on learning these principles and living them out daily. I can’t wait to get into the study of Acts!

These two proverbs break my heart:

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
Proverbs 17:22, 18:14

So often we’re distracted by our own issues that we don’t see the crushed spirit of the person standing right in front of us. So many times I’ve prayed for discernment, for the ability to see a person as God sees them. When I stop and listen, take time to hear what is unsaid, I change the way I look at the rude, loud, abrasive and rather obnoxious people; I see the quiet, shy, hidden and withdrawn who are truly mourning — all who Jesus Christ willingly accepted the brutal punishment of the cross for.

Friends, centered on Christ, are precious.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

Seems fitting to conclude this post with one last thought about friends. Some years ago, I don’t remember exactly, we sang a song by Delirious, What A Friend I’ve Found. This truly intimate song honors the incredible relationship that Jesus offers to us:

I have called you friends,
for everything that I learned from my Father
I have made known to you.
John 15:15

Everything. Forever. How can we not share this Good News?

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Proverbs 6 of 14 – Wicked, Fools and the Tongue

Read: Proverbs 12-15

Four chapters in Proverbs — that’s a lot of content! Half of the 111 verses center on the themes of those who are wicked, foolish or those that lie or use their words recklessly. In at least 24 verses righteousness is compared to wickedness; foolish vs wise accounts for another 22 verses and the deceitful, lying, reckless, unkind, perverse or harsh words from the mouth appear 13 times.

So, if I’m wondering if I am acting like a fool, wicked or my words have turned evil, these are the verses to test my heart.

One thought occurs to me as I read this morning: Have I become so accustom to the wisdom of proverbs that I believe everyone agrees with this as wisdom? Those who have not been raised on biblical truths may not agree, but not because they are evil; rather, they have simply not been taught. It’s been years since prayer was erased from schools and the Ten Commandments removed from walls of justice in many places. Many have not heard the Gospel, that is true. How many have created their own set of proverbs?

The importance of internalizing these truths cannot be understated, yet at the same time we cannot expect those who are far from God to appreciate these as absolute truth. Does that make sense? Our language, our lexicon, is different from the world’s. Lord help me to fully understand your words here and give me wisdom to see how to move those outside the faith toward Your truth.

A corollary thought is interesting as well: many who are not Christians would agree with these words, so they can become a solid bridge to build a relationship with. For example,

Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
Proverbs 12:11

You don’t have to be a Christ-follower to agree with that statement. There are many proverbs that fall into this category and there are many societal norms that do not! Lord, sharpen my mind and ears to know and hear the difference between your words of wisdom and that of the world that leads people astray.

I’m not going to exposit each of the thematic verses on wicked, fools and the tongue here, they are plain to see. Take note of these prevailing thoughts as you read these chapters and look for ways to use this wisdom as a witness for the Gospel, as ambassadors of Christ in a world that has created its own standards.

What verses speak to you today? Holy Spirit, highlight the words I need to hear.

Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 15:16-17

Lord, make me content with what is before me. Keep reckless words far from my thoughts and completely out of my mouth! May my words be gentle, yet truthful; full of knowledge and kind; soothing and warm. This world is so full of the opposite. Let us be a people of remarkable kindness and genuine love.

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Proverbs 5 of 14 – Even When It Hurts & Power of the Tongue

Read: Proverbs 10-11 and Psalm 88

Reading the Psalms in parallel to Proverbs is interesting and challenging at the same time.

Psalm 88 is dark and depressing, honest and open.

1 Lord, you are the God who saves me;
day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
darkness is my closest friend.
Psalm 88:1-2, 17-18

These four verses are the bookends for the psalm. We don’t sing these songs very often, which is good, but there are times when we publicly express pain. This past Sunday the worship was deeply expressive to me. One of the songs Beth added to this worship set was Even When It Hurts, by Joel Houston (Hillsong).

Even when the fight seems lost I’ll praise You
Even when it hurts like hell I’ll praise You
Even when it makes no sense to sing louder
Then I’ll sing Your praise.

Even When It Hurts, Hillsong United, Joel Houston, 2015

This particular Sunday the arrangement for this song did not include my guitar so my role was to simply worship with the congregation. It was as if God was making sure I didn’t miss the point by getting lost in playing guitar, clearing the way to hear the prophetic words from a modern psalm.

If we were to arrange Psalm 88 for worship I would simply tag it with the sentiment of this song. When (not if), it hurts like hell, I will sing Your praises even louder.  I’m absolutely certain this is what the Lord wants above all the earthly troubles, so I will unashamedly worship God, the Creator and Sustainer, the Redeemer that relentlessly pursues us, with all I have.

The worship was powerful this Sunday, timely for me personally as well as others who made a point of commenting. This Sunday we led worship without drums. This doesn’t happen often, but it created space for people to hear more, to enter a more intimate worship set as we begin the mini-series that leads to Easter. Timely yes, coincidence, not really. The result of a Worship Pastor that listens closely to the Holy Spirit’s prompting — thank you Beth!

Proverbs 10 & 11

Between these two chapters there are 63 proverbs that pour a foundation of wisdom for good vs bad. Few would argue about these contrasting verses, regardless of religious background.

  • Some examples of good: wise son, righteous, diligent hands, prudent, accepting commands, integrity, love, discerning lips, fortified, hold your tongue.
  • Compared to bad: foolish, ill-gotten treasure, lazy, violent, chattering fool, crooked paths, hatred, mouth of a fool.

Over and over we get the sense that the tongue, as James reminds us, is the rudder that controls our direction. So many times I’ve watched words slip out of my mouth that I regret; the same mouth that sings praises to God and encourages others. My prayer is that by reading through the proverbs, especially these individual verses, my mouth will tend toward discerning lips of wisdom more often than the fool that fuels dissent.

More than just mere fortune cookies, the book of proverbs is conveniently located in the middle of the Bible–the hinge surrounded by scripture. Lord, help us to consume these words of wisdom so they become the very core of our identity with Christ.

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