Proverbs 30.7-9

O God, I beg two favors from you;

let me have them before I die.

First, help me never to tell a lie.

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!

Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”

And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Just right

Having the right amount of something is critical. Too much salt in a recipe will ruin it, but not enough and the taste is bland. Too much rain causes floods and destruction, not enough produces drought and famine. We constantly live within a critical window of “just right”. From minute details to the distance the earth is from the sun, having it “just right” is essential to our survival.

Living in the “just right” is not only important in the areas of life outside of our control, it is imperative for our choices and attitudes. The writer of Proverbs foresaw the danger of too much wealth and pleasure in life; it took him away from God. He also saw the danger in not having enough; it caused him to steal. Having just the right amount kept life in balance.

Paul urges us to go even further than the writer of Proverbs. In Philippians 4:12 he notes he has learned to be content in every situation whether he had much or little. Paul had shifted paradigms. Instead of life defining Paul’s attitude, Paul defined life through his faith in God. Little or much, God was going to be enough. The niceties of life, or lack of them, lost their power over Paul because he found meaning through something greater. In these days of economic turmoil it is a great comfort to know that our situation, station, or circumstances do not need to define us, we can define them through Christ.

Thank you Jesus for freeing me from the grip of circumstances. I confess my immediate reaction is often more a reaction to my situation than your faithfulness, but in your grace, you show me how to move past that initial feeling into a right perspective on life. I pray that you would help me to react according to your faithfulness primarily instead of secondarily. - Dan Jones

Proverbs 29:19

Words alone will not discipline a servant;

the words may be understood,

but they are not heeded.

Action required

The old adage “Do what I say not what I do” falls short in its expectations of instilling good principles in others. People tend to watch us much closer than they listen to us. This has only increased in this age of everything visual. Communication has become increasingly visual from TV to YouTube, to personal videos and pictures transmitted by cell phones. People are reading less (just ask the newspaper publishers) and watching more.

Our cultural reality presents a challenge to the transmission of godly morals and principles. It is so much easier to try and tell our children how they should live than to constantly model this behavior ourselves. Speaking only goes so far. Modeling godliness and holiness for others is the most effective method of teaching. We cannot rely on our words, sermons, classes or newsletters to convince people God loves them, has a plan for their lives and can empower them to live godly lives. We must show others through our own lives this is possible.

Of course we fail to model godliness all the time, but in our failures we are afforded the opportunity to model humility, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus, I want to thank you for not only telling me about your love, but modeling love for me through the incarnation, cross and resurrection. Help me to authentically teach others by modeling what I preach, teach and share with others. - Dan Jones

Proverbs 28.9
God detests the prayersof a person who ignores the law.

Ignoring the Rules

Children do not seem to understand the implications of disobedience. There have been several times when one of my grandkids was disobedient and they still kept asking for treats or special privileges. It goes without saying, I think, when you are in timeout or realizing a particular restriction you are not going to be given some other special treat. Asking for candy when you are disobedient is not acceptable. When the child obeys the rules then their pleas for a treat are much more palatable.

The principle seems so simple when I am the adult in charge of the children. Follow the rules and I will listen to your requests: ignore the rules and I will most likely ignore your request.

As I think about the simplicity of this concept I marvel at my own ineptness at following the same principle with God. Follow God’s rules and my prayers are heard. Certainly, this is not to say that unanswered prayers are always a result of sin in my life. However, my first response to unanswered prayer should not be to accuse God of not caring, but to search my own life for any disobedience. Thankfully, these searches are accomplished quickly through the voice of the Holy Spirit who is eager to point out any areas where I have ignored God’s law. Confession and repentance restores a healthy relationship.

Holy God of grace and mercy, I confess that I tend to ignore certain parts of your law more than others. I ask for your mercy and grace where I have fallen and strength to avoid falling again. Help me to walk wholly with you today. – Dan Jones

Proverbs 27:3
A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,

but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.

Buckets of Rocks

We purchased a new home recently with a cistern in the basement. The wall of the cistern was approximately 12 inches thick and 48 inches tall. Behind the wall was 6 feet of good storage that was inaccessible except by a stepladder. One of the first projects I started was the demolition of the cistern wall. Breaking apart the concrete with a sledgehammer was tough work. Carrying the rocks and debris out of the basement in 5 gallon pails was heavy.

It took two days of exhaustive work to complete the demolition. I was tired both days. Weariness from hard work feels good; weariness from carrying emotional debris feels terrible. Emotional pain caused by resentment is just as heavy as the rocks in the cistern wall, but at the end of the day, you have accomplished nothing positive.

If I asked someone to hold a pail of rocks for a day, they would laugh at the ridiculous notion. If I ask someone to set down the rocks of the resentment they are holding, I get the same response. We seem to think holding onto resentment will make us feel better in the future. Some day we will have the chance to get even, so we hold onto our grudges and resentment until that day comes. In the meantime we ruin many a good day, only to realize when we do have the chance to get even; we do not feel any better inside. The pain is still there.

Proverbs points out the absurdity of holding rocks all day, be they literal or emotional. Setting our rocks down brings release and freedom from a heavy burden. What are you holding today? What am I holding?

God who liberated those in oppression and bondage, I pray you would help me to set down the emotional rocks I am carrying and experience the freedom that comes in Jesus Christ. – Dan Jones

Proverbs 26:18-19
Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon

is someone who lies to a friend

and then says, “I was only joking.”

Talking too fast

Justifying our bad attitudes and actions with “jokes” is more harmful than we realize. “I was only joking,” implies the other person should just “get over it” or not have been offended in the first place. Trying to excuse sassiness, lies, and deceitfulness with jokes is not only poor taste, it is wrong. In doing so, we illustrate a lack of respect for others and a refusal to be accountable for our own words.

We live in such a frantic and hurried society words fly off our lips with little to no filtering. Technology has only increased the ease with which we can communicate to others. You can instantly text, talk, and even send video messages to thousands of people “in the moment.” This last week we learned NBA players are increasingly updating their profiles electronically during games.

With immediate communication, we are less likely to think things through or consider the implications of our words before spewing them into the world. To cover up our blunders we increasingly refer to our words as “jokes”.

There is no quick remedy, except being willing to stop and think before speaking. In the same way, I am forced to think about how I respond to God. How do I talk to Him? Do I think about my prayers or just spew out my frustrations without taking time to think about His promises. Certainly God invites us to pray at all times and in a myriad of ways, yet how often do I try to cover up disrespect and ungratefulness with “jokes” and rationalizations about “stuffy prayer language” and formalities. Perhaps even in prayer a little more thought would produce a better conversation with God.

Father of grace and compassion, I am sorry for not taking time to think as I pray. I confess too many times I simply demand what I want instead of seeking out your thoughts on the situation. Help me to pray your will not mine, with sincerity, reverence and respect for who you are. Make my prayer times refreshing both emotionally and intellectually as you teach me your ways. – Dan Jones

Proverbs 25: 17

“Don’t visit your neighbors too often,

or you will wear out your welcome.”

Wasted Welcome

Social etiquette is more than behaving properly; it is the pathway to healthy relationships. Proverbs 25 is filled with advice about how to interact with others in a way that enhances relationship. Nagging wives, lawsuit happy neighbors, and those constantly underfoot soon wear out their welcome.

When we wear out our welcome, we lose the possibility of sharing God’s love with a person. Failing to develop good relationships with others is more than a personal decision; it is a spiritual decision as well. Christians are primarily ambassadors for Christ. Our first and foremost task is to represent Jesus to the world around us. If we alienate those around us with our bad behavior we are doing Christ a disservice.

Good neighborly practices are to be extended even to those who are not nice to us. In this same chapter, we read that being kind to “big meanies” brings conviction. Christians should be the best neighbors around, kind, considerate and not overbearing. By being a good neighbor we will have opportunity to share God’s love with our neighbors. Jesus said loving God and loving our neighbor sum up the law.

Jesus, I want to thank you for moving into our neighborhood and becoming our friend. You treated us lovingly and with grace even when we were rude to you. Help me to model your love and grace with my neighbors today. - Dan Jones

Proverbs 24:10

“If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.”

It does not take much common sense to recognize the validity of this verse of Scripture. Failure under pressure demonstrates a lack of strength. Even though this is so obvious, I continue to struggle with how I respond to my failures.

I treat failure with a renewed sense to try harder next time. I fall into the trap of thinking if I only work longer, try harder, and do more I will be successful next time. There is some wisdom in this approach, especially if my failing is due to a lack of preparation, but often trying harder just results in deeper depression when failure hits again.

I was reading in Romans last week. Paul states in 9:16 “So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.” (NLT) The NIV phrases it, “It does not therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Obviously in the context of Romans 9 this is referring to salvation, but I think most of Christian life can be summed up in this philosophy.

Working longer, trying harder, and putting forth more effort will only take me so far. The real victory is totally dependent on God’s mercy. If I want to walk and not faint, run and not grow weary, and soar on the wings of eagles I will need to experience God’s mercy in continuous waves.

When I fail, it was spiritual strength that was too small. My own strength, even if super-human, is not enough. I need the strength of God to withstand temptation, overcome sin, and stand firm under pressure. My commitment should not be to try harder, but to pray for more of God’s mercy and strength.

Father of mercy and strength, I am slowly learning how dependent I really am on your strength. I desire to go further than my strength will take me and to stand up under pressure that would crush my own strength. I ask for your mercy to flood over me today and your strength to help me stand victoriously over every temptation and pressure I encounter. Thank you for your mercy which is new every morning. - Dan Jones

Proverbs 23:23 Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

Hold

It is interesting to read the stock recommendations in the paper about different companies. As stocks tumbled consulting firms encouraged stockholders to sell and avoid increased losses on risky companies. Even though the value of the stock was less than what most people bought at, it was better to sell and get something than to hold and get nothing.

Investing in the stock market is a gamble. When the market is favorable, holding and buying are great. But a bear market leads to a big sell off as people pull their money from the market.

Many people treat religion the same way as they do stocks, buy when it increases my portfolio and sell when it becomes inconvenient. Scripture instructs us differently. Hold onto the truth, never sell it. Even when it appears that truth is going down, in the end it will always prove a worthy investment. The New Testament refers to Jesus as the Truth. Holding onto Jesus and never abandoning our relationship with Him is always good investing advice. Jesus is the one place we can invest and have a guaranteed return.

Jesus, I thank you for keeping every promise you every made to me. You are the author of truth and are Truth yourself. Help me never to doubt you are with me and have the best in store for me even when life makes you hard to see. -Dan Jones

Proverbs 22:3

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Ready or Not here I come

Playing Hide and Seek as a kid was always a fun time, especially when it was beginning to get dark and it turned into Hide and Scare. The seeker was required to utter those infamous words, “Ready or not, here I come!” before they could launch out in pursuit of those hiding. Most of the time, the issue was not so much the preparation of the one hiding, it was the one seeking who might not be prepared. Certainly there were times where a hider’s indecisiveness about where to hide caused them to be caught in the open when the seeker was through counting, but not too often.

Life is much like a game of Hide and Seek. Most people go through life seeking an elusive purpose. The prudent or wise person is prepared. The writer of Proverbs reminds us that those who are wise are the ones who fear God and obey His commandments. The simpleton or fool is the person who disregards God’s law and denies His existence.

Even those who are wise are surprised at times, however. We can take every possible precaution and still “get scared”. The biggest difference, I have noticed, between the wise and simple, is that when the wise encounter something scary they do not run, they stand in the power of God and keep going forward. The simple run away.

Father of strength and courage, I ask you to help me stand strong in the face of fear and the unknown. Enable me to see your path through any difficulties and dangers of life. Prepare me for what is coming in my future that I may stand with the wise and bring you glory. - Dan Jones

Sacrifice

Proverbs 21:3

The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

Most people prefer to live by the motto: “Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” It is this type of behavior that keeps flower shops in business. I know I have stopped to buy a bundle of flowers as a “peace offering” to my wife. Acting first and then determining the consequences is easier but more destructive.

Since the death of Jesus, our concept of a sacrifice has changed. We think of sacrificing our money or time for God, but not in the manner the OT people thought of sacrifice. In the OT you offered a sacrifice to obtain something, mainly forgiveness from God. What we think of as “sacrifice” today would better be termed “an offering” since we know that forgiveness has already been fully paid for in the sacrifice of Christ.

Doing what is right and just in the first place is more pleasing to God than sacrifice, because doing what is right and just is God’s will for our lives. Sacrifice came into play only after sin entered the world. Righteousness and justice were present in the Garden but not sacrifice. Would we be more correct if our language in the church changed from talking about “our sacrifices” to talking about doing what is right and just? Certainly we should continue to talk about Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, but in light of what Christ has done, can anything we do rightly be called a sacrifice?

God who gave it all for me, help me to live out what is right and just today in my life. Transform my thinking to understand all my acts of service and giving as an offering to you instead of a sacrifice even when it cost me. - Dan Jones

PROVERBS 20:24

The LORD directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

Free to enjoy the journey
Driving someplace for the first time requires directions and a map. Along the way, I always try to remember some recognizable landmarks so I can return without having to use a map. Perhaps it is a gas station at the turn, or a cemetery along a deserted stretch of highway that remind me I am going in the right direction. This technique is especially useful in the country where road signs are not always present at intersections.

A second habit of mine before traveling is to take some time to study the route I will be taking on a map. This helps me to get a general sense of the direction I am traveling and alternate roads that go in the same general direction should I get lost. Studying the map and scoping out the landscape help me arrive safely.

All of the above is unnecessary if I am traveling with someone who is familiar with the area. When I was in Guatemala on a mission trip, I did not pay much attention to the roads at all, since I would always be in the company of our driver and guide. I was free to enjoy the journey, instead of worrying how to get back to the airport.

Life with God should be more like Guatemala traveling. Resting in God frees me to enjoy life. I do not need to understand everything along the way because I know God is leading me where I need to go. He will ensure I get to my destination at the proper time.

God who leads me every step of life, I give you thanks for allowing me to enjoy the beauty of life without having to worry about getting back home safely. Your constant protection and provision give me assurance and comfort even during times of danger. – Dan Jones

PROVERBS 20:6

Many will say they are loyal friends,
but who can find one who is truly reliable?

Deep friendships
I’m not a very good friend. For as long as I can remember I’ve tended to be a something of a loner. I’m social. I get along with many kinds of people and friendly to everyone. Since High Schools I’ve held leadership positions. Strangely, interacting with people feeds my spirit rather than drains it. I need people. (So Barbara Streisand would call me “lucky”) But I’m not a very good friend.

Psychologists Gary Smalley and John Trent call me an Otter personality. I could use this as an excuse, but it’s more of a description than a reason. My kind of people are broadly friendly but struggle to form deep friendships; to let others pass the fence to my interior life where a loner lives.

Now, pat me on the back, I have allowed one person beyond the fence to the point where I have become a loyal friend who is truly reliable. Of course that person is my wife. Parents and siblings are inside the fence too, but not nearly as far beyond it. And I have several who I’d consider neighbors. We occasionally talk over the fence, even sharing a cup of coffee and a relationship that would pass for friendship. But I’m not so sure I would classify myself as a “truly reliable” friend, a “good friend” perhaps, but not one of those friends who invests significant time and energy in the relationship or who walks through hell and high water together.

Beyond my loner tendency, part of my problem is geographical distance from those to whom I would offer this kind of friendship. Part of the issue is my career as a pastor where, for the people I shepherd, I am always pastor first and friend second. And certainly, my childhood experiences have contributed to my developing deep and lasting bonds of friendship.

However, as I’ve gained speed in my journey toward old age, I’ve begun to notice some chips in my loner fence. A few more people have slipped, almost surreptitiously across the threshold. While we are limited by geography, I’ve noticed an up tick in interaction (thanks to facebook!), a deeper commitment on my part to travel in order to spend time together, and a growing sense of loyalty. Perhaps there is hope for me yet.

Dearest Heavenly Friend, with your help and the grace of others, I will reach old age with more than casual friendships but having had the privilege of being a deep and reliable friend, one that has stuck closer than a brother to at least a handful of people. – Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 19:11

Sensible people control their temper;
they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Overlooking wrongs is complicated!

A controlled temper doesn’t work unless wrongs are overlooked.

It’s easy to keep a record of wrongs, to let them build up until they create a pile under the living room carpet. Keeping the record stuffed under the carpet may, at first, appear like controlling ones temper. But beware the ticking time bomb.

A lifestyle of overlooking wrongs simplifies life immensely by not allowing tons of garbage to build up in the soul. But arriving at that lifestyle, it seems to me, is a rather complex journey.

People living this lifestyle have dealt with unhealthy and unrealistic expectations of others. They possess a broad and accurate self awareness that has provided a keen understanding of their own nature that falls far short of God’s glory. More, they understand their “hot-buttons” and have resolved the issues that created them.

These people live immersed in the love of their heavenly Father as a daily reality so that their inner security and sense of value cannot be shaken. Grace and mercy define them rather than the sharp edge of fairness or getting justice because they have experienced the death of Christ where God decisively dealt with all wrongs.

Living above wrongs ultimately demands that difficult, and seldom experienced breakthrough to the full realization and experience that life isn’t all about me, my rights, or my happiness. My life is all about God.

God, who dealt justly and mercifully with all wrongs on the cross, help me to break into the light of overlooking wrongs that you once and for all took care of. – Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 19:17

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—
and he will repay you!

What criteria to use?

Throwing a few dollars into a street musician’s guitar case does not seem like much, but God notices. In Acts 10 Cornelius was visited by an angel who told him God had seen his contributions to the poor. Jesus told the disciples that whatever we do for the least of these we do for Him and that we may even entertain angels in our hospitality to the poor.

Growing up in a family that pushed responsibility gave me the gift of self-discipline in my spending. This built in responsibility meter goes crazy when I hear of people using charitable proceeds foolishly. I even come to the point where I hesitate to give to others out of fear they will not use what I give them responsibly.

To avoid “throwing my money away”, I establish a criteria of acceptability people must meet in order to receive my donation. Being reminded today that giving to the poor is actually giving to God helps to free me from controlling the gift. Unlike God, who offers the greatest gift ever, salvation, freely without precondition, I have tried to control how others use my generosity. When I adopt the biblical paradigm of helping the poor I understand every gift as unto the Lord liberating me from my legalistic criteria.

Generous God, I confess most of my gifts to others have been accompanied by an attitude of control. Help me to give generously both in content and attitude. Thank you for showing me how to give by giving your own Son for my salvation. – Dan Jones

PROVERBS 18:3
Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

Contemptuous Behavior
The recent display of greed on Wall Street inspires contempt from me for those taking tax money for their own overblown bonuses. So do credit card companies who daily beg ordinary people to charge themselves into extraordinary debt. Church people earn my contempt when their squabbling over peripheral issues drives people away from Christ and his Bride. I could go on.

Pointing the finger at others and venting about their wrongdoing makes me feel just a tad better. I’m getting contempt off my chest and out of my system. Surely that is a healthy thing; except that it also breeds a certain amount of self-righteousness and cockiness – scandalous attitudes to be sure.

Pointing one finger at others leaves the rest aiming at me. Wrongdoing and scandalous behavior lurk around every corner of my faith journey. I am not thinking only of the sex and money scandals the fell big name religious types. I am also thinking of the winked at wrongdoing. Unkind attitudes displayed toward those whose lifestyles disgust me. The way I seek to use power in my church and my country. Grudges I have a hard time letting go of.

Disgracing myself is one thing. Disgracing Christ, whom I claim by using the name Christian, is quite another. While I cannot become morbidly fixated on every wrong action or attitude that comes up short of God’s glory, neither can I merely shrug them off with, “Oh well, he’s still working on me” or a “We’re all sinners” clichés.

Anything that would feed the fires of contempt for Christ must be hated, confessed and repented of. My cross must be taken up daily until scandalous things die.

Holy God, Forgive me when my shortcomings bring disrepute to you. Build in me such a deep desire for you that even a hint of contemptuous behavior or attitude would be immediately crucified. - Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.

The tower of God
When I visited London via our trip to Zambia we had a couple days to site see. While there we saw the Tower of London where several infamous characters were imprisoned. The Tower of London is what I imagine when I think of a strong fortress. Secured by high, thick walls, water, and well-fortified gates, the Tower is fairly impenetrable.

When I was a young child, I thought of my dad this way. Nobody was stronger than my dad. Nobody could hurt us when dad was around. The presence of dad brought a sense of peace and safety. Now that I am older, I realize the amount of pressure those expectations put on a father.

How comforting to think of God’s presence as a place of safety and security. Realistically, my dad could not protect me from every danger. There were times my dad could not keep me from harm. In the fortress of God I am safe, but even there; I am not guaranteed that nothing bad will happen to me. Job was certainly in the “Tower of God” and look what happened to him. Yet God promised to walk with Job through the ugliness of life and restore his hope and life.

The promise of safety in God is real, yet not absolute. There is eternal security in Christ, and the promise that I will never walk alone, even in the valley of the shadow of death. There is peace and comfort regardless of the trial. To me that will be enough, in the tower of God I find safety in His presence.

God, I know that life will not always go the way I want it to, and yet you have assured me that you will always be with me, no matter what. I am running to you today for safety, for the assurance of your presence in both the good and the ugly of life. - Dan Jones

PROVERBS 17:9

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends.

To pick a scab or not

Chicks dig scars; at least this is what men like to think. Scars demonstrate we are tough enough to survive an attack and muscle through the pain. When a man has a scar it can become a thing of honor. However, this is not the case with all scars.

Some scars you try to hide. If a scar is too hideous or embarrassing or caused by our stupidity or if it is emotional we try to bury it beneath cosmetics and facades. With all the hype surrounding scars it is no wonder we struggle to forgive and move forward. Learning from the things that hurt us is important, but when we continually show off our scars true healing cannot take place.

When we dwell on the pain, the wrong that has been done, or even the act of forgiveness we keep the wound from healing. Forgiveness is just the first step. When God forgives us the blood of Jesus covers our sin so it is no longer visible. In the same way we find healing when we allow God’s grace to work through us to cover over the hurt and pain.

Like a scab covering a wound, if left alone, will help the wound to heal with little visibility. When you pick your scabs, you end up with prominent scars. Forgiveness means we no longer need to remind each other of the pain (pick the scab), the covering of forgiveness is the healing scab reducing the lingering effects of the wound.

Jesus, you reached out to me with forgiveness even before I knew I had hurt you. Help me to forgive others who hurt me enabling us to move forward in your love and grace. - Dan Jones

PROVERBS 17:1

Better a dry crust eaten in peace
than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.

Contributing to the family feast

I cannot imagine living in a home where conflict shows itself in various ways every day. I’ve witnessed spouses stabbing at each other and grown siblings squabbling like 8 years olds. I’ve observed what happens when parents guilt trip their kids, when husbands control their wives, when sick relationships feed of each other. Gimme a shack with just enough room for me and a crust of bread, thank you!

Of course, healthy family life isn’t just about me enjoying the health produced by others. As I watch my parents (by blood and marriage) age I’m confronted with the reality that too often I’ve depended on their contribution to make my family system healthy. As they become wrapped up in health issues I’m realizing more and more that my attitudes and actions contribute significantly not only to the health of my immediate family, but also my extended family. A life-giving household (extended family) is about me contributing to that health.

The prevention and resolution of conflict demands my efforts. I cannot simply sit at the table and enjoy a wonderful family feast where all is well, except that I pay the price to contribute to that wellness. And very often that contribution means overlooking the flaws and failure of family members, bearing with family when life turns ugly for them, going he second mile, and seeking to understand.

I dare not take a crust of bread and head off into my own corner until I’ve done all I can do to contribute to a house filled with feasting without festering.

Heavenly Father, forgive me my selfishness in those times I haven’t evaluated my influence of my family system. Grant me increasing resolve and ability to interact with family in a way the feeds life rather than starves it. - Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 16:1, 9, 33
We can make our own plans,
but the LORD gives the right answer.
We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps
We may throw the dice,
but the LORD determines how they fall.

String puppets
Three times in chapter 16 the writer of Proverbs acknowledges God’s sovereignty. Human freedom is limited; God is the one who is ultimately in control.

My dad has a silly looking duck string puppet he uses for children’s stories and cheap laughs. In the hands of a skilled puppeteer, the duck actually looks alive. You can make it walk, dance, stretch and move, but it only is as coordinated as the hand on the sticks.

My dad’s puppet has one natural movement, down. Each part of the body is weighted, making the puppet constantly pull against the strings. I wonder if that is how we respond to God in our sinful state. Naturally we only move in a downward direction, further removing ourselves from God. Since we are made in the image of God I think there is a desire to pull ourselves up, but only God can reverse the pull of gravity (sin) in our lives. Only the power of God can liberate us from our downward spiral.

At times it is frustrating to think of my plans as nothing. To think that all my efforts are like dice tumbling on a table. On the other hand, there is great comfort in knowing God is in control of where I land, and the steps I take. Understanding God’s plans are for my good brings assurance. When I am tempted to cut the strings of my life from God’s hand, it is good to remember the only direction that takes me is down. Attached to God, I can keep moving forward and upward.

God, there are times when I do not understand your plans or the steps you take me through, yet I believe you are in control and will bring good into my life through your sovereign plan. I want to surrender my scissors to you today. - Dan Jones

PROVERBS 6:23
From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.

Critical Mind
So how does one develop a wise mind? It takes more than stuffing it with knowledge otherwise the really smart people would be the wisest. But they aren’t. Reading lots of books and listening to lots of teachers and preachers may be a good start, but it’s a long way from profound insight, deep understanding, or broad-based assessment.

Life-long learning must combine with accumulating experience to produce wise thinking. The ancient world valued the old – “elders” – as wise ones. So the first churches called their leaders “elders”. And that’s what they tended to be, older people. I think painful experiences, or any event that leads well beyond one’s comfort zone, holds special potential for developing wisdom.

But a lifetime of experience doesn’t guarantee a wise mind.

It seems to me that to learning and experience one must add critical thinking; an inquisitive mind that is driven by the annoying habit of asking uncomfortable questions. It’s easy to settle into pat answers and formulaic living. We buy uncritically into the assumptions of our culture and sub-cultures, with little evaluation we embrace the words of our favorite teachers or authors who affirm our own preconceived notions. We dismiss insight from those outside our own truth circle.

To be sure, critical thinking not informed by education and untempered by experience leads headlong into foolishness and a sad shadow of wisdom – ingredients for the making of a fool. A wise mind, I think, demands all three.

Wise Father, forbid that I ever settle into pat answers or formulaic living. Help me to ask the right questions; risky, unpopular or not. Guide me into healthy critical thinking, especially about my own assumptions and world view. - Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 15:4

Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Self-Deceipt

Some dear sensitive Christians get upset when they lie to cover up a surprise birthday party but live a lie every day unaware of their deceitfulness. Methinks we strain grounds out of our coffee while swallowing the coffee maker whole. I know I have.

To deceive means to turn something upside down; to give an opposite spin on something or someone than what is true. I’m dying inside but work hard to make sure everyone thinks I’m the most alive person in the office. I struggle with sin but am relieved to know that everyone at church views me as Saint Michael. I get out of bed the same way everyone else with one of these luxuries does (feet first!) but feed the persona of being a little better than the average joe.

I’m fascinated that the proverb contrasts a tongue that feeds upside down perceptions with a tongue that offers words that are gentle, literally healing. Could it be that refusing to pretend to be something I’m not is like picking life-giving fruit off the tree and offering to others? Could it be that my risk of honesty and transparency actually feeds life in others while my deception – often self-deception – feeds death?

Word of God, you sought to reveal yourself by entering my world and you call me to live in light rather than shadows. Grant that I would live as transparent as Jesus did and that such honesty would release others to be honest about themselves. And that we both would find healing and health in you. – Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 15:17

“A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.”

Bring on the veggies!

How many times do I pursue wealth at the expense of relationships? Probably more than I would like to admit. I don’t feel like I chase after money, but I do work hard and often spend more time at work than I do with my spouse. Over time my marriage suffers. This happened last fall. I was teaching two courses via a translator and writing all the materials for the class since reading materials were non-existent. During this time our church was in the middle of a capital campaign in addition to the regular fall and winter activities. I was spending so much time at church I began neglecting my wife.

It happens so subtly, we say yes to good things but do not say “no” to anything we were previously doing. One more layer of responsibility is added to our work load creating more distance in our most important relationships. When we accumulate riches in one area of our lives, other areas will suffer. If you value relationships first, your bank account will suffer as you have less time for work. If you value money most, your relationships will suffer as they are put aside for the pursuit of money.

Balance is essential, but an understanding of what is most important in my life is the only way I can achieve a balance. If left to itself, my schedule will slowly fill with activity that precludes time with my wife. So bring on the vegetables for me, and occasionally we will even have steak.

Abba Father, you created me for relationship with you and others. Help me to balance my schedule today so my relationships are enhanced and my work is accomplished. – Dan Jones

PROVERBS 14:4
Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

Holy Risks
Jesus told a story that illustrates this proverb. There was a ruler who went away and entrusted his money in the care of three men. One man received $5,000, the second $2,000 and the third $1,000. When he returned the first and second men had doubled their money while the third had hid it, and gave back the man exactly what was given to him. The ruler was pleased with the first two servants and rewarded them, but stripped the third of all he had.

It seems unfair; the third man did not lose any money. He just played it safe and took no risk. The parable and proverb point to an unsettling expectation of God for his children. God expects us to take a risk with His resources instead of hoarding them and playing it safe. God expects us to use our gifts, talents, money, and time to increase His holdings in the world.

God expects us to be actively investing in the world around us. True, at times we will “lose” money, but Scripture seems to indicate the results of our investments are not God’s critical concern. God calls us to invest all we have and let Him worry about the results.

Holy investor in the world, your illustrated investment portfolio shows me how you risked it all to rescue me through Jesus. Help me to risk everything you have given me to rescue those around me. – Dan Jones

PROVERBS 14:30
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Passion battles
The word translated jealousy, in other contexts means sexual passion or ardor for God. Here it means a passion to possess for myself what others have. I know this passion but wish I had never made its acquaintance.

I suppose none of us has a choice but to meet up with this cancerous creature. It’s that subtle thing called sin tucked deep into the human soul that makes our meeting anything but chance. And I suspect that this is one of those creatures that lurks around each corner long after followers of Jesus have fully surrendered their hearts to Christ and sought to be purified in love.

A genuine passion for God grants me the strength to resist the temptation to become possessed by a passion for things and experiences I’d enjoy, but am forced to leave to others. If I didn’t tithe, I could… If I had pursued another, better paying career, I could…

I could get all wrapped up in pursuing things and experiences others dangle in front of me, that advertisers tell me I need in order to be fulfilled, and that my country wants me to run out and buy in order to help turn our economy around.

Truth is, I have a settled heart. Nothing will replace my passion for God. But I have to confess that I do not always have a peaceful heart. There are times the disgusting creature of jealousy and envy breaks through my defenses and I have to re-conquer the territory.

God of Peace, I commit myself to fight off this intruder as often as I need to and will celebrate the day when you choose to grant peace to the kingdom of my heart. – Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 13:23

A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.

Identifying with God’s causes

So the godly do not always prosper. This proverb breathes a word of warning amid all the other proverbs extolling the success of the godly.

It makes sense that godly people tend to prosper more than wicked people in a just environment. Godly people are less likely to throw away their money and lives on gambling, drunken revelry, drug addiction, and so forth. Godly people tend to be honest and hardworking, responsible.

But then there are the godly caught in systems of economic incompetence, political oppression, religious persecution, and cultural prejudice. In fact, God, speaking through several Old Testament prophets seems especially concerned with economic injustice. And Jesus railed against religious people who fixated on religious pet peeves while ignoring justice issues.

Churches in my denomination are receiving an offering in February called “Heart of Ministries”. The money collected will help rescue some of the 27 million slaves in the world today, many of whom live in our “land of the free”. I think causes like this one have a very special place in God’s heart.

Lord God, of all the social issues I could give to or get involved with, allow your passion for justice to beat in my chest more and more. – Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 13:7-8

Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.

The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won’t even get threatened.

Contentment and integrity

Yesterday’s paper (Rochester D&C) featured an article about shopping trends of rich people during economic downturns. It turns out high end stores have ditched their designer bags with store labels for plain white paper bags and home delivery. People do not want to be seen buying expensive clothes when others are being laid off, so they pretend to be poor.

On the flip side, the catalyst for the economic recession we are now experiencing was poor people taking on loans they were unable to sustain. In an attempt to “have it all” people lived beyond their means pretending to be something they were not.

The Bible gives us a different example. Paul said he had learned the secret of being content with little and with much. (Philippians 4:12) His financial position really did not matter; it was irrelevant to his identity. Paul’s identity was found in Christ and so should ours be. Instead of pretending to be something we are not, live out your true identity in Christ irregardless of your financial status.

Lord of all creation, help me to be content with what you have given me today. Help me to live from my identity in you rather than a social status achieved through wealth, education or position. - Dan Jones

PROVERBS 12:1

To learn, you must love discipline;
it is stupid to hate correction.

Perfection

I have tendencies towards perfectionism. I expect myself to perform at 100% all the time and will beat myself up when I make a mistake. I have started to become more comfortable with my limitations, but I still demand excellence from myself as I judge excellence. That is the problem with perfectionist like me; we create our own standard of criteria for critiquing ourselves. Should anyone else add to these criteria we will either reject their opinion or compile it to an ever-growing list of impossible self-imposed demands.

Perfectionists can actually have a difficult time learning. They become so obsessed with being right, when they are wrong they fall into depression or denial that inhibits the learning process. We learn the most when we apply correction to our mistakes through understanding.

Too often we think of discipline as just punishment, but biblical discipline is more teaching than reprimand. When God disciplines us He shows us something better. The telos of discipline is right understanding and acquired knowledge.

Giving up the need to be right all the time actually opens the door to more understanding. In surrendering my perfectionism, I add to my knowledge.

Omniscient Father, I admit my propensity to think I must always be right thereby making me believe I am right. Help me to appreciate my mistakes, not as failures, but as opportunities to learn. Help me to avoid demanding more of myself than you do. Teach me your ways that I may learn to walk more faithfully with you. – Dan Jones

PROVERBS 12:5
The plans of the godly are just;
the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

Are they really?
I’m bothered by this proverb, in particular the first half. Are the plans of the godly just? Is this generally true?

The Bible Belt south defended slavery declaring their cause righteous. I read recently, as part of all the presidential inauguration hoopla, that Lyndon Johnson, signing 1960's civil rights legislation, lamented he was handing the south over to the Republican party. And so it has been, even in this election.

Pollsters confirm that the majority of the deeply committed Christians (the godly?) celebrate the Republican dominance in the south and wish it to be national dominance. Does anyone mind that such dominance grew out of profound racial prejudice!

Few subcultures can claim to be more adamantly patriotic than Evangelicals fighting in the trenches of the culture wars to save our beloved country. It’s been my experience that voices critical of American history and practice are slandered as unpatriotic. We cling tenaciously to our myth of a Christian (godly?) Nation.

It is godly to proclaim “justice for all”. And many Christians have fought valiantly for this godly goal. But as many have resisted and defended the way our country treated Indians, refused women the right to vote, trapped the poor in unsafe and pittance-paying jobs while church-going Robber Barrons grew wealthy, and on and on.

Today “godly” people speak about illegal immigrants in simplistic and cold terms as if these people did not bear the image of God. We rant about shipping jobs overseas without thinking about whether or not “and justice for all” includes the whole world. The “godly” people around me who speak openly about jobs never ask if we should consider the economic impact our economic policies have on the rest of the world, the much poorer rest of the world.

The big justice issue for my “godly” peers seems to be abortion. Fine. But for every 10 words I hear about abortion I hear less than 1 about the even greater number of children between birth and 5 who dies every year of preventable causes.

The plans of the godly are just?

God who loves justice, forgive me when my pursuit of godliness ignores your passion for justice. Forbid that I would settle for simplistic answers to complex issues that would, if practiced, in fact increase injustice. Grant that I would hunger and thirst for righteousness/justice for others as much as I do for myself. - Mike Leamon

PROVERBS 11:2

Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

Know it all

I know some people who have an answer for everything. They are experts on everything from construction to BBQ to marital counseling and politics. No matter what the topic is they will tell you what should be done without ever asking what the real problem is. Their words bluster forth with arrogance and pride and anyone who does not do it their way is an idiot.

Needless to say, I do not really enjoy hanging out with these people. Instead of showing real concern for the things I may be struggling with, they only demean and demagogue.

On the other hand, I have accountability friends who humbly seek to understand my situations and then ask probing questions forcing me to discover my own flaws in an atmosphere of support and love. I love hanging out with these people. In fact we go on vacations with them and try to visit as often as we can. Every time I get together with people who are humble, I come away wiser.

I know what type of people I like to associate with, the question I have today is who am I? Am I too quick with answers instead of listening? Is my motif humility or pride?

God of grace, I ask that you forgive me when I fail to listen first, instead giving answers before I understand the situation. Help me to adopt a lifestyle of humble wisdom with disregard to who gets the credit. I ask that you would lift me up erasing my desire to lift up myself. – Dan Jones

PROVERBS 11:24-26

Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything.

The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

People curse those who hoard their grain,
but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

Generosity

I wish proverbs were absolutes rather then generalizations! The good always prosper, live long, inherit the land, and enjoy the “good” life. Similarly, the more you give away the wealthier you become. Other proverbs, not to mention life experience confirm that such statements are neither promises or absolute facts.

For forty nine years I’ve given freely. I have tithed from my childhood paper route to my present pastoral assignment. I’ve helped people in need, given to missions, and opened my home and life to many others in my circle of acquaintances. I’ve never been a miser.

I think, however, if I’d been more stingy with my money and possessions, my bank accounts would be much larger, despite the recent stock market plunge. Strictly speaking, giving freely hasn’t produced increased wealth. But then, my life is only just past half way finished. So who knows about future financial prosperity? Maybe some recipient of my generosity will bequeath me lots of money.

But I don’t have to wait for the future or some inheritance to experience the broad strokes of this truism. It is true, the expenses of two young adult children and a decline in income (small churches pay less than larger ones) paint my financial picture more as a landscape of mountainous, even cliffside adventure rather than a dull glassed bank on some city corner. Still, whether fat and lean, each season of my life has included the generosity of family and friends. I have enjoyed more material blessings than I need and have received refreshment from the lives of others.

Jehovah-jireh, God who Provides, in the lean times, when generosity seems less logical, keep me giving, caring, and providing refreshment to those you send across my path, from children to strangers. Forbid stinginess from ever finding a home in my heart. - Mike Leamon