GW, AK – Proverbs 18:15-24

Happy new year! I guess that’s a little belated. Oh so much has happenend though!

1. Our eldest has graduated and off to college.
2. Our youngest is in high school now.
3. I have a modicum more gray hair but at least it’s holding so far.
4. My wife looks all the more radiant and beaming as she proudly recites the challenges of life and the victories in the Savior.
5. I’ve been interviewed in a podcast for TBI survivors to highlight and dispense with the pleasantries and get down to brass tacks regarding the need of culture to be made more aware of TBI!

As this isn’t the place for that however, let’s get back to the Bible which talks about Who life should be about, Jesus Christ! We left off talking about a broken spirit who can endure it. This is true as many ultimately will be cast into hell because of their unwillingness to seek the only Salve that lasts forever, the salvation of Jesus Christ! With that, let me jump right back into where I left off.

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

The mind and the ear apparently are the intitial contacts with the outside world to receive and intially interpret the confusion of this world. Perhaps here it would be a good reminder to don the armor of God to both fend off the arrows and thrusts of the enemy that seek to distract and ultimately destroy us. To parry, one must hear with his or her ear and then turn from the voices they were listening to. Moreover the mind directs the ear toward knowledge. So there appears to be a willful and directed movement of the body so that the ear is poisitioned and the body is aligned to find knowledge which in turn becomes wisdom in due time.

16 A person’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great people.

The word used for gift here is מַתָּ֣ן
(mat·tan) which is the word used to describe wedding gifts and also the very name of Nathan, King David’s friend who eventually revealed to the king his deception before the people. Nathan was a gift, which for the moment seemed embarrasing but led to repentance and healing.

17 The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.

I debated to steer clear of politics but as its so pervasive on my mind, it is election year after all, the prospect of cross-examination seems so rudimentary but necessary. For the U.S. we seem to be beset with choosing before the lesser of two aged men. I personally believe this to be an asset for one and certainly not for the other, but I do know this: election 2028 will be new personalities and characters. So to steer us back to verse 17, I am encouraged to know that Jesus’s perfect plan is not shaken by a temporary tumult that happens in the U.S. every 4 years. In fact, after 1000 years of singing praises to Christ next to the crystal see, I scarecly doubt we will ever remember this TEMPORARY affliction of life on this earth.

18 The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones.

Interesting that the cast lot is spoken of here as what do we now have that causes the lot to be forgotten? The Holy Spirit! Oh what a blessing it is to be limited only by our knowledge of Scripture and our daily walk with Him. Whereas in years before, especially before the Acts 2 giving of the Holy Spirit marking the age of the Church, we would have had to listen to Rabbi’s and oral traditions. Now, because of our ability to understand Scripture for ourselves, every believer has the ablity to in part understand!

19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.

How often this is true! In glory, we will not quarrel. On earth, if you have children, friends, coworkers, or drive, you bicker. You quarrel. What is the solution? Be quick to forgive, quick to be corrected, and be quick to repair the chasm created by bitterness and unforgiveness.

20 With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.

Easy enough to understand, you eat good food, your appetite and tast buds will be satiated. The satisfaction likewise of the mind can be given by the product of your lips. Reminding me of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” 

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Love is a fickle thing but seldom hard to understand the consequences. If you hate someone, that hatred could end in literal murder. Conversely, if you love someone the end of that love could be the love of an entire lifetime. Afterall, for those who believe in and surrender to Christ, their lives are now eternally wrapped up with His for eternity!

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

And just has likewise it could be said of the females a husband, when you find someone to share your life with in the most difficult and intimate of ordeals, it can make a difference. In a much lesser illustration, few people who have cared for an animal, be it a dog or cat, would say that they didn’t care for pay for and likewise receive love an affection. Multiplied much more is the love of one person for another. Then infinintely more is the love Jesus Christ has for us. He loves us! What’s more, Jesus didn’t fall in love with us as we became known to Him. Here I’m using caps intentionally, HE ALWAYS LOVED US!

23 A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly.

I couldn’t help but notice the passage shifts from marraige to a poor person. They must have had children! Hah. But seriously here we shift our focus from husband and wife to a poor person uttering pleadings. These legal pleadings conjur the images of a defendant pleading with the judge for mercy. As we who are in Christ can confidently and humbly plead to Christ to take our place and He will. To the “rich person”, that is swollen with pride and self-sufficiency, they defiantly and brazenly answer to the One Who made, owns, and created everything, “I don’t need you”. And that very well becomes the cry until judgement falls on them for an eternity in the lake of fire.

24 A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Who is this person who sticks closer than a brother? Me being an only child honestly kind of struck me as odd. But my wife who has brothers helped me understand more detailed to have a brother is to have a confidant who you can both be driven stark raving crazy mad, AND feel a close affection and protection as they offer familial protection that is hard to find on this earth.

Which brings to a close this chapter, but I wonder Who this could be pointing the reader? Enter: Jesus Christ

GW, AK – Proverbs 18:6-14

6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.

Regardless of your political sayings, one thing we should all be able to agree on is the words of a fool vs the words of the wise. By my limited understanding the words of a fool are those which prove false, purposefully distorted, and deliberately fabricated. Now that every side and every person is equally embarrassed, self included, I’m reminded that though in the US we live in a representative republic. As such, when Christ returns we will live under a monarchy ruled by the perfect King of kings. Let us remember this lest we forget that our current temporal ruling class is the ultimate authority. It is the fool’s lips that bring strife, regardless of the ruling structure in place!

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

I remember from growing up someone told me “you got two ears and one mouth, use proportionately.” In other words as Aaron Burr’s character in Hamilton said “talk less, smile more”. Smiling also indicates you are eagerly listening rather than debating.

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8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

Possibly a modern way to look at this would be a cake or sweet at a party. Sure it gives the partaker a temporary fix of gossip, but in the end decays the partaker therein.

9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.

One thing I tried to never do was be lax in my work. I tried to show up before work began and stay late if needed. My employers were grateful but also base when it came to shift-work. If you didn’t or couldn’t do your job, you were canned. I lost two jobs because I was promoted to the point that I could not perform the tasks. For you, don’t let it be that your termination is a result of your laziness. As Paul wrote do your work heartily (cf. Colossians 3:23–24)!

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.

And when the inevitable bad news, or termination, or downsizing comes, to whom do you turn? The reader is reminded that Jesus is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe. This means that when you were wronged, run to Jesus! When you were wrong, own up to it and run to Jesus! The point, run to Jesus so then you can run with Jesus!

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.

There are so many examples, but here note your attitude and demeanor. Ask others “am I being a jerk or a help?”. In order to be honored, remember that your altitude often is based on your attitude!

13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.

This in practice seems so simple. A Divine command to shut up. But the reason for this is to hear! I’m reminded of God’s discussion with Job “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me (Job 38:3). Job had to hear God before he answered. Perhaps the lesson to be learned from this also is that Job’s friends were no longer mentioned, only Job! Two ears, one mouth indeed. And of note, no mention is made of Jobs friends after God got the final word!

GW, AK – Proverbs 17:24-28

24 Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Carrying over from the previous discussion of a broken and financially destitute person, we are then told that wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding. Why? As I read and understand, the person who deals with the here and ow and manages and arranges his or her finances will do well in the future to deal with that in its appropriate time. Conversely, one who constantly looks to the “next big thing” will live for the next bit thing only to be met with disappointment and despair. You must “engage” the world (which incidentally is the name of our discipleship group at church) in order to effect others opinions and affect other’s life!

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who gave birth to him.

As a son, this is a warning and a challenge. How can I as a son offer my life as a pleasing sacrifice to the Savior and also as a testimony in part to my parents as a life well lived? In better case scenario, my father will pass on before I do. This is the order of things. Yet in the worst case scenario I will pass before my father because of carousing and debauchery. What is the choice? Because I want to live a life pleasing to the King of kings and our heavenly Father, I will live my life in such a way as to be a godly influence to my wife and children thereby leaving a legacy, albeit imperfect, of a life lived to the pleasure of the King Jesus.

26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

As we slide further and further to the rights of whichever mankind-created minority is this week, I do find concerning what words or which formerly nascent nudge will become the latest buzzword of offense! It is not good to fine the righteous, because the finer will find their reward coming from the pit of hell!

27 One who withholds his words has knowledge, and one who has a cool spirit is a person of understanding.

I was advise either in school or perhaps on the ball-field, you have two ears and one mouth, use in proportion accordingly. Likewise, one who withholds his words or perhaps for today’s vernacular bites his tongue, has knowledge. The words likely did need to be said but at that particular moment in a heightened frenzy of emotion an and language, probably could have waited. Thus even in ancient Israel, be cool!

28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Finally, even a silent fool is perhaps wise. Do you know why? Because concealing your thoughts makes other wonder rather than scoff. Two ears, one mouth. Use accordingly.

And happy valentine’s day or singles awareness day, depending on your particular station at this time!

GW, AK – Proverbs 17:17-23

17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

Continuing the thoughts of friendship and love in its relationship, the verse completes the notion indicating that a brother is born for adversity. Have you ever interacted with a peer that progressed to a kindred bond? This is the idea. The Hebrew rendered born is יָלַד which means brought forth. So be it by blood or by adversity, your “brother” can help aid the ailing soul.

18 A person lacking in sense shakes hands and becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

Perhaps this could also be found in relationships as well. Don’t throw your all into a relationship at first. And this isn’t only romantic relationships as well. One who is friendly ought not confused friendly with overly trusting. Don’t be one who will go to court on behalf of a neighbor you just met! Therein lay wisdom and folly!

19 One who loves wrongdoing loves strife; One who makes his doorway high seeks destruction.

I could already recount on both hands the number of times already this year the number of that I’ve made relational mistakes. I’ve wronged someone, I’ve spoken an unwise word, I’ve caused unintentional pain on behalf of my careless tongue. This is why we all should seek the betterment of others rather than ourselves alone.

20 One who has a crooked mind finds nothing good, and one who is corrupted in his language falls into evil.

Here lay a two fold danger. One that is crooked in mind distorts what is good. I will not make many commentaries on the politics of the U.S. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take longer, regardless of your party affiliation if you interested, to become disgusted. That is precisely why the writer says one who has a crooked mind finds nothing good. The hope however lies in that our corrupted tongue my by straightened for the sake of the gospel (cf. James 3).

21 He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.

He who fathers is of primary importance i the word choice. To father is the word yō·lêḏ which is to give birth. You and I must be responsible. As birth is not the role of the father but the mother, raisig a child certainly falls, on both the father and the mother, in the proverbial lap of both parents! Fathers, recognize that your role doesn’t stop in the bedroom. Your role begins in best case on your knees pleading with the Father to created in His image, not yours, a child who in turn will live a life as a testimony of God’s great grace!

22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Simply put, do you have a coworker or classmate who seems to bring a smile to your face when you see them? That is the idea here for the first part. I’m not a naturally cheery person. Have a couple cups of coffee and then we’ll talk. But if you are one of those naturally morning cup of cheer type people, praise the Lord! You can help the rest of us as we navigate the day! Further, medicine doesn’t have a one time effect but ca have a lasting effect! You, be good medicine for the weary soul! However, a broken spirit can have a deteriorating effect. That is why, you must be salt and light but also pray the He would leave a sweet aroma after!

23 A wicked person accepts a bribe from an inside pocket to pervert the ways of justice

The word is literally מֵ֭חֵיק meaning from the bosom but the meaning is the same. A wicked person accepts a bribe from the coat or a concealed pocket so pervert the ways of justice. It is striking also that the perversion comes to the “ways” of justice. Justice is often not the matter that is distorted only but the leading up to it. From a mistrial on a technicality to a simple mathematical error, temporarily criminals can be set free. But, though they have escaped temporary justice, their eternal judgement is condemned unless they have bowed their knee and surrendered to Jesus!

GW, AK – Proverbs 17:9-16

9 One who conceals an offense seeks love, But one who repeats a matter separates close friends.

Much like the NT principle of restoration following trials brought about by sifting, there are time when it would be best to conceal offenses. Whether it be simple cultural oversight or abject ignorance we have the responsibility to seek the betterment of others. Conversely if we “keep on” as friends used to say, true harm to the friendship or relationship can occur. When attempting to maintain a relationship both parties must constantly seek the betterment of the other lest sin separate and divide!

10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

As a husband and a father I am largely oblivious to my misgivings. I just “do”. This is not to say the doing didn’t need to be done. The verse however deals more with the how than the what. When we are rebuked or when we are rebuking let us remember that the ultimate end of any conversation ought to be seasoned with the graces of the Savior. That is why when we are both rebuked or rebuking, the end goal is the restoration of the relationship. Also, landing 99 blows into the flesh of an infant in the faith is both abuse and potentially catastrophic!

11 A rebellious person seeks only evil, so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

A person of rebellion is one who seeks evil. What are you seeking as you live? Do you seek better things for others and restoration for severed relationships? On the other side, what “messages” are you receiving regarding you treatment of others. Has your boss or coworkers shied away from you because of your rash temperament? Have your friends or family withdrawn in their desire to be around you? In following the tail end of this verse, has bad news or distressing notice been offered to you? It is wise to regard the notices of His grace before his chiding is the only attention getting mechanism He has left.

12 Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his foolishness.

Thinking of another verse in Scripture referring to a mother bear and her cubs as a fearsome sight, it is not wise in the least! What’s more, it very well could be the last sight you have this side of eternity!

13 One who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.

Just like the provocation of a mama bear, if you or I repay good with evil, we should expect evil to not depart from our house until we make the matter right in the eyes of the Lord!

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

Much like poking the mama bear, if we begin to strive against the Lord, it is not long before His majesty and righteousness will correct our behavior! Rather than waste the time pursuing our own vain chasing’s, why not simply turn around? We should recall that the Lord never moved so that we can return!

15 One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

The transgressions are the same! Justifying wickedness or condemning the righteous are examples of a heart that is set against the Lord! We should daily examine our own lives and then ask the Lord to reveal to us our sin! We cannot go without sin! We can however relinquish that sin to Him and be restored! What is repentance? As Peter preached in Acts 3, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord… (cf. Act 3)”.

16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, when he has no sense?

Finally we end on a pneumonic device in English that “money….no sense” akin to no cents. The question stands however, why is there money in the hand of a fool…? Perhaps we should be like Philip in Acts 8 who ran up to the Ethiopian who was struggling to understand the Scripture. We have that wisdom, Christ! When we see others with the wisdom the in hands and homes of many who haven’t tasted and seen Christ, we can show them! Rather than tell them to just forget about Christ, we can show them Christ, show them that they have immeasurable value in the Words of the Lord and then introduce them to the Savior of the world!

Munnelly Origins Version 5 Presented June 22, 2013 Scranton, Pennsylvania We have a History Our direct ancestors, the O’Maonghailes arose as early as ppt download

Part 1: County Mayo John O’Donovan Ordinance Survey 1838 John O’Donovan was a 19th Century Irish historian who among other things tried to learn the origin of every place name and surname on the Ireland. He often consulted the old people when he visited an area to learn the past. He didn’t accept everything he heard. The connection most commonly made was that the O’Maonghailes must have left Donegal at the time of O’Doherty’s Revolt in 1608 Last year’s presentation took this point of view even though there was no corroborating evidence

Source: Munnelly Origins Version 5 Presented June 22, 2013 Scranton, Pennsylvania We have a History Our direct ancestors, the O’Maonghailes arose as early as ppt download

GW, AK – Proverbs 16:16-33

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Why might you ask? Though gold is great for a time, it is still a limited commodity and only temporary. After this life is the eternal one. If we are not widely invested in the life to come, we can be sure to suffer loss and for those without a personal loving relationship with Creator God, eternal damnation because He wanted that relationship with you and I! Understanding is useless if you are without a relationship!

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.

Highway here should be taken as the fast way or sure way from point A to point B. To be on the highway is to follow after Jesus. But like any traveler, at times you take the wrong exit, get turned around, and even get in an accident from time to time. This is precisely why we are admonished to allow Christ to be our gps and guide!

8 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Favorite verse in all of Scripture. Not because I have attained it but rather because so often I fail. Compounded with the fact that I’ve had to learn to walk three times now, it helps one stay grounded to the fact that we are but one breath away from ceasing to live.

19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Tine after time and example after example individuals can be used as pictures of what NOT to do, self-included! Rather that count your chips before the hand is finished remember we’ve still got spoil to gain as we advance the gospel to the outermost of the earth!

20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

In our attention deprived, fast food environment, we want three points and a poem one or two times a year so we can check off our religiosity card for the year. Nevertheless, giving our full attention to His Holy Word yields life everlasting & the added benefit of help for today as well! That’s why blessed is he who trusts (daily) in the Lord.

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

Knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it are three separate skills we all must master. A doctor may find cancer but because of their training let the patient know in a calm and reassuring manner. A carpenter may find termites that have eaten the frame up in the basement without the owner knowing. To me the sweetness of their behavior can belie the truth they have found. Shoot straight and tell the truth!

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.

That is why the discipline in question here is understanding of life. Difficulty is a given, how you and I deal with the difficulty often determines our legacy or languishing!

23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

That is why the motive of the wise is to build nor burden beyond repair. Often to build tearing down part of the structure is necessary. Yet as one replaces the foundation with brick and mortar, the wood, hay, and stubble formerly gathered can be burnt off in lieu of solid foundation!

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Honeycomb was primarily used in this time as the sweetener for the meals. Pleasant words, like pleasant food often have both a restorative effect on both the mind and body!

25 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Too often I have been deceived to thinking the easy way was the right way. Sometimes it is but more often I have to be reminded that I am a guest here. This is not my eternal home. As such, as a sojourner, I will lead my family with the view that one day all this will pass and we will dell forevermore on a new earth with Him. It is to this future we should fix our gaze

26 A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.

Plain enough, if you’re to live you’re to work. One day that privilege will pass but if you’re hungry, work

27 A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire.

In the dark corners of the world wide web all sorts of mischief can be found. Likewise however, and closer to home, it may be that those in need are placed in your care because you have a need to provide. What can you and I offer?

28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.

Verse 28 speaks clearly but I wonder could the slander I utter be used as a dart of Satan to be hurled at others? Don’t speak in darts but love!

29 A man of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good.

Someone who encourages senseless violence could be the catalyst for further trouble. Are the words I am speaking building up the kingdom or creating further division?

30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.

Perhaps foreign to many but to a Jew is these days, to wink your eye was to give approval of an encouragement to evil. Flee evil and encourage good!

31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.

Gray hair is given often to those who have been through adverse and difficult trials. While certainly not a blanket statement, I certainly know that my beard was red and brown until I was a pastor for a short time. Now it being gray as well as my hair on my head in understand gray hair just means that you have made so many bad decisions that the color of your hair has either fallen out or colors have been hidden from the world!

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Why? To capture should require planning and compassion as the people inside are still people or created potential representatives of the King of kings. Thus to barge in and command your way is to ignore the planning and foresight of those who came before. Instead, learn from what has already been done so that you may build and not conquer.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

Playing a number of board games this Christmas and recognizing the lot of the dices decision seemed to be dictated by chance made me even more aware, Jehovah God knows the cast of the dice, the hairs on our head, and the breaths we have left. Therefore, probably best to check with Him on what’s next! Blessings as you continue!

The bottom line:

Christ was foretold – Genesis 3:15
Christ was delivered through a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
Christ was raised from the dead – 1 Corin. 15
Christ was given to the world – 2 Corin. 5:19
Christ was, is, and ever more shall be King of kings and Lord of lords – Psalm 136:3
The Lord prophesied through Ezekiel 11:19-21 NASB –
“And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, so that they may walk in My statutes, and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God. But as for those whose hearts go after their detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down on their heads,” declares the Lord GOD.”

That’s the bad news and the potentially the great news.
The best news, there is still time!
Christ was delivered to us so that we could be delivered from sin.

As the missionary Paul wrote to the Romans, “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Rom. 10:9-10).”

What say you this Christmas?

And if you’re affected by brain injury this season, as our family is, pick up your copy of “Malformation” to give lasting hope!

Blessings as you continue, grace and peace as you go!

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Grace & peace as you continue, blessings as you go!

GW, AK – Proverbs 16:5-11

5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Stepping back to verse 4, which reads “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil” we then are told that everyone like this is an abomination to the Lord.” The word abomination used is a תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת  toebah or detestable item. Other passages use this word of loathsome or undesirable and fit for destruction. This is not a casual word. It is a word of action. I liken it to animal waste as I have a current furry companion. We play fetch, and walk, and throw the frisbee. He also has to eliminate waste which I have to clean up. When we look at verse 5, we are told that if you are proud of heart you are an abomination.

Thankfully, our righteous acts are like filthy rags meaning you and I could never do enough to warrant God’s grace and mercy to fall on us because of my righteousness nor yours. It is instead something all the more loving and gracious. It is Jesus Christ, God’s Own Son, Who did live a perfect life, die and execution that was completely undeserved, and then in my place and yours be raised from the dead thereby sealing the deal on salvation’s availability to all!

6 By mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

Here we read, in the Old Testament, by mercy and truth God made atonement. How? We know now, by the only Christ Who said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” (cf. John 14:6). So to round out verse 6 in Proverbs with verse 6 in John 14, we see that Jesus is that atonement made for wrongdoing. He is the Truth! I love the interplay with the Old and New Testament’s!

7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him.

This would seem to run counter to the logic the world gives. Yet to use a relatively recent agreement between the U.S. and the Muslim world called the Abraham Accords. You can read them here:
https://www.state.gov/the-abraham-accords/

Yet just over 2 years ago, we were living under peace between the Muslim and Judeo-Christian cultures of the east and west. I believe that while it may be possible for a time, one day the world will come to full subjection to Christ alone. It is not for now that peace will be permanently issued. It is only by the Prince of peace that you and I can find the everlasting peace with the Father of Life!

8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice.

Therefore, though we do have “a little” for now, it is better than great income by ill-gotten means. Do you know why? One day soon, for those who have received the free gift of salvation offered by Christ Himself that “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:6).” We may for a brief time have a little, we have so much greater in store.

9 The mind of a person plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Hence, the mind of a person plans…This is particularly pointed as I do love to plan. But as I’m getting just a little older, I also recognize those plans need the flexibility to be changed. There needs to be a plan b, and plan c, and plan d because just as the second part of that verse states: “but the Lord directs his steps.” The life-span you and I have on this earth rarely touches 100 years. In the 10,000 years we have had on this earth will seem like a blip when we reach the shores of heaven. When the earth is recreated we likely won’t even recall the old earth. So rather than worry about how we’re doing to plan for 30 years from now, I’m going to settle my plans in the King of kings forevermore!

Blessings as you continue, grace and peace as you go!