Day 201: Proverbs 28, 29, 30 and 31

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8).

Why is it so easy to stand by and do nothing? Is it apathy? …cowardice? …assuming that someone else will step up? The ultimate example of this is Kitty Genovese, the 28-year old New York City woman who was stabbed to death right outside her apartment building in 1964. Her extended attack lasted over 30 minutes, but neighbors (by popular report up to 38 of them knew something bad was going on) huddled indoors and did nothing. Ten years later, a woman was beaten to death in an adjacent building while again neighbors heard screams, but did nothing to help [9].

Those are extreme cases, and it’s easy to read about them and assure ourselves we would behave differently. Yet Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan informs us that this is not just a 20^th/21^st century phenomenon. It’s part of who we are as human beings. In every city, there are those who have no voice and need someone to speak in their defense.

Who will speak up for the poor? Who will speak up for the victim of crime? Who will speak up for the victim of abused? Who will speak up for those hopelessly in debt? Who will speak up for the children who go to bed hungry? Who will speak up for the addicted? Who will speak up for those caught up in human trafficking?

“The only thing needed for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing” (Edmund Burke).

TODAY’S MEDITATION

For whom should you be speaking up?

Day 200: Proverbs 25, 26 and 27

He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit (NIV 1984, Proverbs 27:18).

A newly planted fig tree takes a few years before it produces any fruit. Jesus told a parable about a farmer who had invested three years in a fig tree without harvesting any figs. He was fed up and decided to dig up the tree and plant something else. His caretaker convinced him to leave the tree one more year, during which time he would fertilize it and try to salvage the tree. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down (Luke 13:9).

Good things are worth waiting for. I’ve seen microwave ovens, but as of yet I have never seen a microwave farm. The farmer cultivates the ground, plants the seed, and provides the plants with just the right amount of fertilizer and water. Then he waits. In time, the farmer will enjoy the fruits of his labor… literally.

Reminds me of the old man that told his grandson he was going to plant an oak tree after lunch. The grandson scoffed, saying such a tree would take decades to reach maturity. The grandfather responded, “Then I’d better plant it this morning.”

What good thing would you like to enjoy at the end of the growing season? A succulent apple? A better marriage? A college degree? A financially comfortable retirement? An intimate walk with God? Better plant now.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

What would you like to enjoy a few months (or years) down the road? What do you need to do now to make that happen?

Day 199: Proverbs 22, 23 and 24

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!” or, “I will be murdered in the streets!” (NIV 1984, Proverbs 22:13).

This proverb illustrates one character flaw common to many of us. We’re good at making excuses for playing it safe. I golfed with a friend in Washington who made an excuse for every bad shot… and he hit a lot of bad shots. I hit bad shots too. Know why? Because I’m not a very good golfer! My friend was making excuses for trying and failing. Notice the subject of this proverb is making excuses for not even trying! If I go out in the streets I may get mauled by a lion! Maybe I’d better just stay in bed with the covers pulled up over my head. Better safe than sorry.

That’s just sad! But I’ve done it, and I bet you have too. If I make the wrong choice, things won’t work out the way I want. If I try out for the team, I might not make it. If I make this needed change, I might offend someone. Better safe than sorry.

In Jesus’ words, this is tantamount to wrapping our talent in a cloth and burying it in the back yard (Matthew 25:14-30). Risk is part of life. When we take a risk, there’s always the possibility we might fail. That doesn’t excuse us from taking the chance. If it was a sure thing, why would we need faith? Without the option of failure, where would be the satisfaction in success?

When I was a teenager there was a popular inspirational poster picturing a sailing ship on the ocean. The caption read: A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

What excuses are you making to explain why you’re not accomplishing what were you created to do?

Day 198: Proverbs 19, 20 and 21

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (NIV 1984, Proverbs 21:23).

Like the old carpenter’s adage: Measure twice; cut once, the writer of James puts it this way: Be quick to listen, slow to speak (1:19). With two ears and one mouth, the wise person listens more than he/she talks. Personally, I have more often regretted speaking than holding my tongue. Proverbs 13:36 reads: Opening your mouth can ruin everything (NLT). Mark Twain is credited with saying: “Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”

That’s why God gave us a filter. The idea is that, rather than speak every thought that comes into one’s mind, we engage the filter and it catches things we shouldn’t say. That’s the way it’s supposed to work. But every once in awhile we forget to engage that filter, and before we know it, someone gets hurt. Sometimes it’s us, but on especially unfortunate occasions we hurt someone else.

James understands: No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8).

We need help. God knows this is not a battle we’re going to win on our own. Thankfully he comes to our assistance. When we admit our need, acknowledge his lordship in our lives, and lean on the Holy Spirit, he will help us guard our mouths to speak only words that are honoring to him, honoring to ourselves, and honoring to others.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

God gave us a filter for a reason. He expects us to use it. Take inventory of how your filter is working.
 

Day 197: Proverbs 16, 17 and 18

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord [directs] his steps (NIV 1984, Proverbs 16:9).

Most Christians believe God has a plan for their lives. At the same time, many Christians also believe in the concept of free will. Are the ideas of God’s plan and man’s free will compatible? If so, how does that work? What’s the balance between God’s sovereignty and our freedom to choose?

Have you ever started down one path only to end up somewhere completely different? How could I have known when I started taking piano lessons at age nine in Erie, Pennsylvania that it would one day result in being a pastor in the Pacific Northwest? And I know God isn’t finished with me yet. It can take years for the reality of God’s plan to unfold, but as we look back through the interplay of free choice and random coincidence, we can see the hand of God that has directed us to this time and place to fulfill his purpose in our lives.

Some would say, “Okay, then God’s predetermined plan trumps our free will.” But which God is greater? The God who pulls people’s strings like a puppeteer, giving them only the illusion of choice? Or the God who allows his children real freedom, directing their steps only through the persuasive power of his amazing love?

God created us to love him, but didn’t force us to love him. According to Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy, “Love requires choice. If God controlled everything in detail, love would not be possible” [8]

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Reflect on how God has brought you here.

Day 196: Proverbs 13, 14 and 15

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31).

Among the prophets’ repeated complaints against Israel/Judah was their oppression of the poor. Woe to those who make unjust laws . . . to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed (Isaiah 10:1,2). On your clothes is found the lifeblood of the innocent poor (Jeremiah 2:34). They oppress the poor and needy (Ezekiel 22:29). You trample on the poor (NIV 1984, Amos 5:11).

A proverb that really puts things in perspective is 19:17 – Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. What a strange thought – to loan something to God. Surely we need not fear God defaulting on his obligations.

And lest we dismiss this as an Old Testament technicality that doesn’t really apply in a world top-heavy with governmental social programs: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).

In reading the prophets we could almost get the idea we are innocent as long as we have not intentionally oppressed the poor. In reading the whole of Scripture, however, it becomes plain that it is not enough to not hurt others; we must actively work for their benefit, to advocate for our brothers and sisters.

This is true whether the you addressed is an individual, a church, or a nation.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

What can you do this week to be a friend to the poor?

Day 195: Proverbs 10, 11 and 12

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (NIV 1984, Proverbs 11:25).

As a pastor I’ve preached many funeral services. Thankfully, most of those I’ve spoken for lived their lives in such a way that it was easy to say good things about them. Unfortunately, a few – by their actions – gave the impression they didn’t care what anyone thought or said. What do we want others to say about us after we’re gone?

It can be an enlightening exercise to write one’s own obituary. My imagined write-up goes something like this: Tim was a fully devoted follower of Christ; a loving husband and the best father a man could be; and a committed and effective pastor. What about yours? But don’t stop with your pen or word processor. The trick is to then live a life that makes that self-written obituary fitting and true.

The writers of Proverbs assert that what goes around comes around. Whether it’s generosity or greed, kindness or malice, the things we do have a way of coming back, either to benefit us or to haunt us.

Although Jesus was talking about being judgmental when he said, With the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:2), it certainly seems like there are plenty of other behaviors to which that would also apply. Wow! It’s my choice!

With the measure I use, it will be measured to me. I get to choose. Just a few verses earlier, Proverb 11:17 reads: Those who are kind benefit themselves.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Every life writes its own obituary. What’s your life writing?

Day 194: Proverbs 7, 8 and 9

She seduced him with her smooth talk (Proverbs 7:21).

Yesterday our theme was weighing the consequences. That’s easier said than done. It’s not like there’s an even playing field. Our tendency is toward evil. It’s our path of least resistance. Add to that temptation’s powers of persuasion... it can be so seductive.

The question is not: How could anyone be so stupid as to fall for that? But: How could anyone resist? And yet, as Believers, the Apostle Paul makes it clear we should not live like sin is inevitable: You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit (Romans 8:9).

To have any hope of living morally in a hostile and ungodly world, we’d better have a plan. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, offers us this: Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and to offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:11-13).

No, it’s not an even playing field, but that doesn’t mean we’re done for. For sin shall no longer be your master (Romans 6:14).

She seduced him with her smooth talk. One place to start might be, Don’t listen! Give the enemy an inch and you’ll wake up filled with remorse and wondering, What happened?

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Sin is a smooth talker. What’s your plan?

Day 193: Proverbs 4, 5 and 6

Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? (Proverbs 6:28).

One of the recurring themes of Proverbs is the subject of consequences… the way things can come back to haunt us when we’re not looking. In fact, the writers warn that if we indulge in certain behaviors, we should expect them to backfire on us. As we’ve already addressed, biblical scholars call it retribution theology. Do right and be blessed; do wrong and be cursed (if that sounds like Deuteronomy, that’s because Deuteronomy is where it got its start). This will come up repeatedly in our study of Proverbs because Proverbs is built on the foundation of retribution theology. In this particular proverb, the lesson is about giving in to lust, but it also applies to every situation where the consequences can get the better of us.

And while we’ve learned that being an honorable person is no guarantee that trouble won’t find us (bad things do happen to good people), if we behave in certain behaviors, aren’t we just asking for it?

If I dig a pit, doesn’t it serve me right if I fall in? If I tease a barking dog, should it come as any surprise when I get bitten? If I walk on hot coals, shouldn’t I expect to get burned?

And if I open the door to sexual temptation, why would I play the victim card when I get caught? A man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself (v. 32).

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Are you playing with fire in any part of your life?

Day 192: Proverbs 1, 2 and 3

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act (Proverbs 3:27).

The NIV 1984 translation of this verse reads: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. That makes it sound like we should first consider whether or not the person in need is worthy of our help but this is not in keeping with other passages we’ve considered (Day 24: Exodus 23:5 or Day 58: Deuteronomy 22:1).

Jesus said: Do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). There were lots of similar teachings from Jewish rabbis and even from other religions, but they were always posed in the negative. Rabbi Hillel said: “What is hateful to yourself, do to no other.” Confucius put it like this: “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” In Greece, Epictetus stated: “What you avoid suffering yourselves, seek not to inflict upon others” [7].

William Barclay points out that there is a big difference between withholding harm and doing good. The priest and the Levite did no harm to the mugging victim on the Jericho road, but they didn’t help him either. Only the Samaritan offered first aid, transported him to the hospital and paid his bill (Luke 10:25-37).

Anyone can refrain from doing wrong to others, but to go out of our way to help someone? That’s the difference that Christ brings to our lives and our world.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Who needs your help this week? Do they deserve it? What if God asked that question before accepting you?

Day 201: Proverbs 28, 29, 30 and 31

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8).

Why is it so easy to stand by and do nothing? Is it apathy? …cowardice? …assuming that someone else will step up? The ultimate example of this is Kitty Genovese, the 28-year old New York City woman who was stabbed to death right outside her apartment building in 1964. Her extended attack lasted over 30 minutes, but neighbors (by popular report up to 38 of them knew something bad was going on) huddled indoors and did nothing. Ten years later, a woman was beaten to death in an adjacent building while again neighbors heard screams, but did nothing to help [1].

Those are extreme cases, and it’s easy to read about them and assure ourselves we would behave differently. Yet Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan informs us that this is not just a 20th/21st century phenomenon. It’s part of who we are as human beings. In every city, there are those who have no voice and need someone to speak in their defense.

Who will speak up for the poor? Who will speak up for the victim of crime? Who will speak up for the abused? Who will speak up for the indebted? Who will speak up for the hungry? Who will speak up for the addicted? Who will speak up for the enslaved?

The only thing needed for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing. – Edmund Burke

For whom should you be speaking up?

[1] Rorschach of Watchmen (both a 1985 graphic novel and 2009 film), is a regular guy, motivated to don a costume and fight crime by Ms. Genovese's murder.

NOTE: Does anyone besides me wonder when comic books became graphic novels?

Day 200: Proverbs 25, 26 and 27

He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit (Proverbs 27:18).

A newly planted fig tree takes a few years to produce. Jesus told a parable about a farmer who had invested three years in a fig tree without harvesting any figs. He was fed up and decided to dig up the tree and plant something else. His caretaker convinced him to leave the tree one more year, during which time he would fertilize it and try to salvage the tree. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down (Luke 13:9).

Good things are worth waiting for. I’ve seen microwave ovens, but as of yet I have never seen a microwave farm. The farmer cultivates the ground, plants the seed, and provides the plants with just the right amount of fertilizer and water. Then he waits. In time, the farmer will enjoy the fruits of his labor… literally.

Reminds me of the old man who told his grandson he was going to plant an oak tree after lunch. The grandson scoffed, saying such a tree would take decades to reach maturity. The grandfather responded, "Then I'd better plant it this morning."

What good thing would you like to enjoy at the end of the growing season? A succulent apple? A better marriage? A college degree? A financially comfortable retirement? An intimate walk with God? Better plant now.

What would you like to enjoy a few months (or years) down the road?

Day 199: Proverbs 22, 23 and 24

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!” or, “I will be murdered in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13)

This proverb illustrates one character flaw common to many of us. We’re good at making excuses for playing it safe. I golfed with a friend in Washington who made an excuse for every bad shot… and he hit a lot of bad shots. I hit bad shots too. Know why? Because I’m not a very good golfer! My friend was making excuses for trying and failing. Notice the subject of this proverb is making excuses for not even trying! If I go out in the streets I may get mauled by a lion! Maybe I’d better just stay in bed with the covers pulled up over my head. Better safe than sorry.

That’s just sad! But I’ve done it, and I bet you have too. If I make the wrong choice, things won’t work out the way I want. If I try out for the team, I might not make it. If I make this change, even though it’s necessary, I might offend someone. Better safe than sorry.

In Jesus’ words, this is tantamount to wrapping our talent in a cloth and burying it in the back yard (Matthew 25:14-30). When I was a teenager there was a popular inspirational poster picturing a sailing ship on the ocean. The caption read: A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.

What were you made for?

Day 198; Proverbs 19, 20 and 21

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Proverbs 21:23)

Like the old carpenter’s adage: Measure twice; cut once, the writer of James puts it this way: Be quick to listen, slow to speak (1:19). With two ears and one mouth, the wise person listens more than he/she talks. Personally, I have more often regretted speaking than holding my tongue. Proverbs 13:36 reads: Opening your mouth can ruin everything (NLT). Mark Twain is credited with saying: Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.

That’s why God gave us a filter. The idea is that, rather than speak every thought that comes into one’s mind, we engage the filter and it catches things we shouldn’t say. That’s the way it’s supposed to work. But every once in awhile we forget to engage that filter, and before we know it, someone gets hurt. Sometimes it’s us, but on especially unfortunate occasions we hurt someone else.

James understands: No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (3:8)

We need help. God knows this is not a battle we’re going to win on our own. Thankfully he comes to our assistance. He will help us guard our mouths to speak only words that are honoring to him, honoring to ourselves, and honoring to others.

How’s your filter working?

Day 197: Proverbs 16, 17 and 18

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Most Christians believe God has a plan for their lives. At the same time, many Christians also believe in the concept of free will. Are the ideas of God’s plan and man’s free will compatible? If so, how does that work? What's the balance between God's sovereignty and our freedom to choose?

Have you ever started down one path only to end up somewhere completely different? How could I have known when I started taking piano lessons at age nine in Erie, Pennsylvania that it would one day result in me being a pastor in the Pacific Northwest? And I know God isn’t finished with me yet. It can take years for the reality of God's plan to unfold, but as we look back through the interplay of free choice and random coincidence, we can see the hand of God that has directed us to this time and place to fulfill his purpose in our lives.

Some would say, Okay, then God's predetermined plan trumps our free will. But which God is greater? The God who pulls people's strings like a puppeteer, giving them only the illusion of choice? Or the God who allows his children real freedom, directing their steps only through the persuasive power of his amazing love?

How has God brought you here?

Day 196: Proverbs 13, 14 and 15

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31).

Among the prophets' repeated complaints against Israel/Judah was their oppression of the poor. Woe to those who make unjust laws . . . to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed (Isaiah 10:1,2). On your clothes is found the lifeblood of the innocent poor (Jeremiah 2:34). They oppress the poor and needy (Ezekiel 22:29). You trample on the poor (NIV 1984, Amos 5:11).

A proverb that really puts things in perspective is 19:17 - Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and they will reward them for what they have done. What a strange thought - to loan something to God. Surely we need not fear God defaulting on his obligations.

And less we dismiss this as an Old Testament technicality that doesn't really apply in a world top-heavy with governmental social programs: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).

In reading the prophets we could almost get the idea we are innocent as long as we have not intentionally oppressed the poor. In reading the whole of Scripture, however, it becomes plain that it is not enough to not hurt others; we must actively work for their benefit, to advocate for our brothers and sisters.

This is true whether the you addressed is an individual, a church, or a nation.

What can you do this week to be a friend to the poor?

Day 195: Proverbs 10, 11 and 12

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (NIV 1984, Proverbs 11:25).

As a pastor I've preached many funeral services. Thankfully, most of those I've spoken for lived their lives in such a way that it was easy to say good things about them. Unfortunately, a few - by their actions - gave the impression they didn't care what anyone thought or said. What do we want others to say about us after we've gone?

It can be an enlightening exercise to write one's own obituary. My imagined write-up goes something like this: Tim was a fully devoted follower of Christ; a loving husband and the best father a man could be; and a committed and effective pastor. What about yours? But don't stop with your pen or word processor? The trick is to then live a life that makes that self-written obituary fitting and true.

The writers of Proverbs assert that what goes around comes around. Whether it's generosity or greed, kindness or malice, the things we do have a way of coming back, either to benefit us or to haunt us.

Although Jesus was talking about being judgmental when he said, With the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:2), it certainly seems like there are plenty of behaviors to which that would also apply. Wow! It's my choice!

With the measure I use, it will be measured to me. I get to choose. Just a few verses earlier, Proverbs  11:17 reads: Those who are kind benefit themselves.

Every life writes its own obituary. What's your life writing?

Day 194: Proverbs 7, 8 and 9

She seduced him with her smooth talk. (Proverbs 7:21)

Yesterday our theme was weighing the consequences. That's easier said than done. It's not like there's an even playing field. Our tendency is toward evil. It's our path of least resistance. Add to that temptation's powers of persuasion... it can be so seductive.

The question is not: How could anyone be so stupid as to fall for that? But: How could anyone resist? And yet, as Believers, the Apostle Paul makes it clear we should not live like sin is inevitable: You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit (Romans 8:9).

To have any hope of living morally in a hostile and ungodly world, we'd better have a plan. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, offers us this: Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God (Romans 6:11-13).

No, it's not an even playing field, but that doesn't mean we're done for. For sin shall no longer be your master (Romans 6:14).

She seduced him with her smooth talk. One place to start might be, Don't listen! Give the enemy and inch and you'll wake up filled with remorse and wondering, "What happened?"

Sin is a smooth talker. What's your plan?

Day 193: Proverbs 4, 5 and 6

Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? (Proverbs 6:28)

One of the recurring themes of Proverbs is the subject of consequences… the way things can come back to haunt us when we’re not looking. In fact, the writers warn that if we indulge in certain behaviors, we should expect them to backfire on us. Biblical scholars call it retribution theology. Do right and be blessed; do wrong and be cursed (if that sounds like Deuteronomy, that’s because Deuteronomy is where it got its start). This will come up repeatedly in our study of Proverbs because Proverbs is built on the foundation of retribution theology. In this particular proverb, the lesson is about giving in to lust, but it also applies to every situation where the consequences can get the better of us.

And while we’ve learned that being an honorable person is no guarantee that trouble won’t find us (bad things do happen to good people), if we indulge in certain behaviors, aren’t we just asking for it?

If I dig a pit, doesn’t it serve me right if I fall in? If I tease a barking dog, should it come as any surprise when I get bitten? If I walk on hot coals, shouldn’t I expect to get burned?

And if I open the door to sexual temptation, why would I play the victim card when I get caught? A man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself (v. 32).

Are you playing with fire in any part of your life?

Day 192: Proverbs 1, 2 and 3

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. (Proverbs 3:27)

Jesus said: Do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). There were lots of similar teachings from Jewish rabbis and even from other religions, but they were always posed in the negative. Rabbi Hillel said: What is hateful to yourself, do to no other. Confucius put it like this: What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others. In Greece, Epictetus stated: What you avoid suffering yourselves, seek not to inflict upon others. [1]

William Barclay points out that there is a big difference between withholding harm and doing good. The priest and the Levite did no harm to the mugging victim on the Jericho road, but they didn’t help him either. Only the Samaritan offered first aid, transported him to the hospital and paid his bill (Luke 10:25-37).

Anyone can refrain from doing wrong to others, but to go out of our way to help someone? That’s the difference that Christ brings to our lives and our world.

Who needs your help this week?

[1] William Barclay, Matthew, “The Daily Study Bible,” rev. ed. (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1975), 273f.