Pr. 14: Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 14:32 "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge."

If you don't have an oxen, the manger is empty. Without the oxen, you don't fill the manger, and you don't readily feed your other livestock? Is this just practical, or is there something more behind this? An ox may be slow, but the result of it's labor is survival and sustenance for the many. I'm sure you can apply this principal to aspects of your life. (v. 4)

The pursuit of wisdom is a serious undertaking, not to be taken lightly. This is why mockers don't find it, they are insincere. The discerning find it easily. (v. 6)

Making amends for sin seems antiquated (apparently, even back a million years ago when the Proverbs were written), and therefore goofy or unnecessary. But it is very important restore that goodwill between you and God. (v. 9)

The wrong way can seem so right. But it leads to death. Maybe the right way then seems wrong? (v. 12)

There is a difference between getting repaid and rewarded. I'd rather be rewarded. Repaid sounds nice, but not when it's payback. (v. 14)

Don't take things at face value. (v. 15)

When was the last time you planned something that is good? What a concept! Go find some love and faithfulness. (v. 22)

Ps. 146: Who to Trust

Psalm 146:5 "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,"

Some more praise to God from David. He first sets an example himself, mentioning that he will offer praise to God with all he is. What kind of person would he be if he claimed to have this awesome relationship with God, but then failed to live that out in real life? Not much, I would suggest. And that's not to suggest David always led a sinless life. We know he didn't. He did however, as I've mentioned, live a blameless life, constantly in conversation and back-and-forth with God.

He goes on to instruct his readers to put their trust only in God. A nation of polytheists, humanists, and generally those who ignored God in spite of belief that he is real and all-powerful, Israel apparently was putting their trust either in their kings (Presumably Saul at this time...unfortunately) or in their idols and their respective priests. This is why he differentiates, saying "the God of Jacob."

Why is this all-powerful God praiseworthy? David makes another list.

• Maker of heaven and earth
• Remains forever faithful
• Upholds the cause of the oppressed
• Feeds the hungry
• Sets prisoners free
• Gives sight to the blind
• Lifts up those who are bowed down
• Loves the righteous
• Watches over the alien
• Sustains the fatherless and the widow
• Frustrates the ways of the wicked

All pretty wonderful things. The mention of the "alien" is interesting. While they were not allowed in the temple, they were not to be mistreated by Israel. Both Exodus and Leviticus make mention of how Israel were aliens in the land of Egypt, and mistreated there. This principle of be bigger than your tormenter (or mocker) is one I've always found useful. Of course this list is probably physically carried out (when possible) by those who claim to love God and follow his covenant and precepts. Things like giving sight and watching over and sustaining the fatherless...those types of things only God can really do. But the rest of that list is a challenge to those claiming to be God-followers.