Wednesday; May 11

I like proverbs and I am especially fond of the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Maybe it’s because I have a short attention span, but these little nuggets of wisdom tend to get me to thinking – often for a longer period of time than some of the longer or deeper concepts. While proverbs are beneficial, one of their inherent drawbacks is that they are not always complete. Due to their brevity, they often provide more general guidelines. Take for example, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3). That sounds good and makes a solid point, doesn’t it? Yet, it is always true? Have you ever known someone who was crooked, but seemed to be successful? We all know people who are evil and seem to be skating along without a care in the world. How can that be? Again, the nature of proverbs is in their generality, but it may also take into account the problem with brevity. Proverbs don’t (typically) include exceptions nor do they offer deeper explanations. Interestingly, though the thought from Proverbs 11:3 is followed up by this observation, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 11:4). When added to the previous verse, this seems to explain that even if the crooked do escape some accountability, eventually there will be a point in time when they will be judged and found wanting.

Let’s keep looking up and learning from these gems of wisdom. When we do, we will find profit – not just for our life on earth, but in the life to come as well.

Think About It!

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