Author: divinewisdomforchristians

The Benefits of Raising Goats

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.” (Proverbs 27:23-27)

So, I’ve got your attention, and now you know this may be a little goofy, but hopefully is helpful and worth your time. Today as I began studying Proverbs 27, I became interested in the nuances of raising goats, which are mentioned twice. Cheryl Smith wrote an article entitled “The Benefits of Raising Goats,” which I have unashamedly stolen as the title for my devotion. She mentions many advantages of rearing goats, including dairy and meat production, self-sufficiency, having readily available pack animals for hikes that also enjoy your companionship, fiber production, such as mohair and cashmere, and having handy weed-whackers. (1) Here is another example of the practical wisdom of the Bible. More generally, though, I find the advice to attend to fields and flocks, always assessing their condition as a reminder that the simple work of life, tied to nature and the natural order, is soothing, foundational, and a possible remedy for the stress of high-tech life today.

In the days of Proverbs 27, a landowner would have their wealth in his animals and crops. Therefore, it was necessary to know the condition of both, as a means of protecting his income. As long as the goats and lambs were in good condition, and crops were growing, there would be food on the table, and the promise of more to come. Farmers have a built-in system of accountability for their success which many vocations do not offer until there is a milestone of success or failure. The Reformation Study Bible comments, “Economic resources of a renewable sort (flocks, crops) are preferable to riches that cannot be replaced. Careful attention to the providential order of nature generally ensures lasting provision for our needs. The ecological implications of this passage are even more obvious in the modern context.” (2)

Some of us spend most of our days with people, perhaps with the general public in sales, services, or ministry. Maybe for you, woodworking, gardening, or reading is a relief from the complexities of relationships. Others spend most of your time programming, engineering, studying, writing, or planning. When you want to de-stress, you may spend time with people—playing sports, or bridge, having meals out, or just visiting. Balance in our work and activities keeps us fresh and probably more responsible as providers and stewards of our property.

The natural cycles of weather, with its variations in temperature and light during different seasons have little influence over what most of us do these days unless we are involved in outdoor sports or vocations. But perhaps we should pay more attention to God’s simple order of nature, to find more satisfaction and peace. Jesus certainly stayed close to the earth and water as he taught with parables and analogies. Maybe we would be more content with the life God has given us if we look up at the clouds today for a few minutes, or consider the benefits of planting a garden. Maybe we should even think about the benefits of raising goats, to get out of our artificial, climate-controlled, automatic, presumptive routines. I have a friend who takes fabulous photos of skyscapes and landscapes, reminding me of God’s creation. But today I’m going to think about goats, as silly as it may seem, as a way or remembering our role of stewardship over nature and try to pay more attention to my garden “crops.” (See Genesis 2.) How will you connect with nature today?

(1) Smith, Cheryl K., “The Benefits of Raising Goats,” https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-goats/the-benefits-of-raising-goats/

(2) The Reformation Study Bible, Proverbs 27:23-27 Comments, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.

 

Working Sensibly

“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:30-34)

There are many ways to learn: classroom instruction, on-the-job experience, role-playing, written essays, online education and discussion groups, and so on. One of the most effective ways to learn is through observation and application. The ESV Study Bible Notes comments on the process of learning according to Proverbs 24:30-34. “These verses illustrate how proverbs are supposed to function: upon walking by a field and vineyard that has fallen into ruin through laziness…the observer takes it to heart and rightly recognizes…that the wise instruction he has heard about the sluggard applies to the situation at hand.” We have a picture of neglect in an overgrown vineyard with rubble instead of a wall. Inside the home, we have another picture of the owner sleeping, with idle hands. Hopefully we, the observers, learn that “sustained and steadfast labor is a part of the path of wisdom.” (1)

This lesson is not a new one for us, but verse 34 describes the poverty that is inevitable from neglecting work, which seems to come suddenly, like a thief, and unsatisfied “want” like an armed robber. The teachable observer isn’t at all surprised since the vineyard did not descend into disorder overnight. However, the one who should have been working has been living in a bubble of unrealistic expectations and is suddenly overcome with the consequences of his slothfulness. Perhaps unwanted animals have invaded his garden since the wall no longer functions to keep them out. And not only is there no fruit from which the owner would benefit, but the work has increased many times over. Anyone who has had to renovate a garden plot or orchard knows the tremendous job involved in removing straying roots and unwanted weeds that are the size of bushes in their overgrown state.

A great many spiritual analogies may be given for this neglected vineyard. For example, John Gill says, “the fence about the fields, the wall about the vineyard, to keep out men and beasts  and thus carnal professors and unregenerate men, having no guard upon themselves, are open and exposed to every sin, snare, and temptation; Satan has free egress and regress; the evil spirit can go out and come in when he pleases, and bring seven evil spirits more wicked than himself: indeed such is the evil heart of man that it needs no tempter; he is drawn aside of his own lust, and enticed; he is liable to every sin, and to fall into the utmost ruin; he has nothing to protect and defend him; not the Spirit, nor grace, nor power of God.” (2)

My purpose, however, is not quite as ambitious—to help us remember that God has given us food-bearing plants and trees for our benefit and his glory, just as he has given us work to do, for the provision of our needs. Keeping up with our work diligently and responsibly provides continual sustenance for ourselves and our families while neglect will result in unmet needs. We have a choice to either attend to our responsibilities and relationships regularly or be an object lesson for someone watching us. Christians have the calling and means to witness effectively for Christ by our work ethic, with the untiring Holy Spirit, who protects us from invaders and compels us to work. But do we?

(1) ESV Bible Study Notes, Proverbs 24:30-34, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

(2) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 24:31, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-24.html

Work With Returns

“Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” (Psalms 128:1-2)

“From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. (Proverbs 12:14)

I’ve been tracking Hurricane Michael as it moves through Florida and up the East Coast of the U.S. My six family members all decided to stay put in Tallahassee to ride out the storm. The wind damage there wasn’t nearly as severe as it could have been but they have been without power now for about twelve hours. I wonder what I would do during hurricane season if I lived in Florida. It’s certainly a good time to test your ability to live without conveniences and to refine a good routine for food storage, communication, and patience. It reminds me of preparing for elective surgery. When we know difficulty is coming, and we prepare wisely, the results should be good, unlike dealing with an unexpected storm or a sudden injury or illness.

Psalm 128 contains a description of [a] “man’s blessedness: in the context of ancient Israel, it consisted of a productive farm, and a faithful wife and children around the table together.” (1) The person who has these benefits is the one who fears God and lives by his commands (v. 1). Proverbs 12:14b echoes this truth, speaking of good work that returns to us in good results and blessings. The first part of the verse is harder to understand, but Matthew Henry writes, “When men use their tongues aright, to teach and comfort others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure answer the end of their being.” (2) Our speech and work are both parts of our purpose, to enjoy God and glorify him forever; they also bring satisfaction within ourselves, spiritual well-being, and sometimes material sufficiency.

However, you might argue that not all who love the Lord are blessed with well-being. Some people who are prepared for a storm might have a tree fall on their house, and some Christians are sitting in prisons right now, experiencing anything but blessedness for their faithful witness. I find helpful the commentary in the Reformation Study Bible about Psalm 128:2, “The psalmist envisions justice where the righteous proper from their work, unlike the situation now, as a result of the fall, where the wicked prosper.” (3) And even though we may not receive what we deserve, regarding the work of our hands, or our testimony for Jesus Christ, we are called to do it in faith, just like a person preparing for a storm. Furthermore, righteous verbal testimony of God’s grace has benefits such as building up strong biblical relationships and respecting God’s creation and work, with rewards of its own.

While it may be good to think of our words and work as that which will yield a good result for ourselves, the benefits are never meant only for individuals. In Deuteronomy 18, the Lord, through Moses enumerated all the behaviors that would bring blessings to Israel, and then all those that would bring curses upon the nation. Individuals may have sin, but everyone suffered, as the world has from Adam and Eve’s fall, and so many others who brought calamities on Israel.

All that we say and do has an impact on someone. Will the “fruit” of your mouth bring satisfaction to others today? What benefits do you expect from your work? Will a life of sufficiency in Christ and spiritual well-being be enough blessing for you?

(1) ESV Study Bible Notes, Psalm 128:2, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

(2) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 12:14, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/

(3) The Reformation Study Bible, Psalm 128:2 Note, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.

October 10              Laziness Robs Others of Benefits

“Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys….The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.” (Proverbs 18:9; 21:25-26)

I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who believes that he or she is truly lazy, except for honest Christians who admit to the sins of omission, which is true for all of us. However, Proverbs’  biblical view of laziness is slothfulness—the refusal to work appropriately, as we are commanded or the covetousness that leads to a belief in personal entitlement. Only people can be lazy. Machines can cease to function and are said to be broken; computers and devices that don’t work need to be updated. I guess a lazy person can be said to be both—broken and in need of new software. When a car doesn’t start, it’s driver and passengers are inconvenienced, lacking the transportation they need. When our devices are not up-to-date some of the apps don’t work, so we can’t do our online banking or email a family member or friend.

When a lazy person doesn’t work, that individual isn’t the only one affected. Proverbs 18:9 states that someone who is slack is just like someone who destroys things. Not working deprives a person of the income needed for his life, but it also robs others of the profits they may earn from his purchases or the gifts he might otherwise give to some. “Americans have become lazy, argues economist Tyler Cowen…They don’t start businesses as much as they once did. They don’t move as often as they used to. And they live in neighborhoods that are about as segregated as they were in the 1960s. All of this is causing the U.S. to stagnate economically and politically, Cowen says in his new book: ‘The Complacent Class: The Self-Defeating Quest for the American Dream.’ Growth is far slower than it was in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and productivity growth is way down, despite everyone claiming they are working so hard. Innovation is painful. That’s why we don’t do more of it.” (1)

Proverbs 21:25 makes the shocking assertion that the one who doesn’t work is killing herself. John Gill says, “The desire of the slothful kills him…because he cannot have what he desires, being unwilling to work for them, it frets and vexes him to death, or puts him upon unlawful methods to obtain them, which bring him to a shameful death.” (2) In our day, it is not easy for a lazy person to starve to death; there are homeless shelters, roadside collections, and social agencies caring for many who are not working, either legitimately or illegitimately. I am no judge of who is deserving and who isn’t. I’m just saying that it’s an issue, as this college student admits, “The biggest reason our generation is considered lazy is because many of us act very entitled…like we deserve everything without working for it.  We were raised in a time when discipline was starting to ease up and things were just handed to us. This has created many problems for our generation because we do not like when something does not go our way or we do not get something we desperately want…We are a lazy generation and that is partially our own fault for not exploring other possibilities of ways to handle the world as we grew up.” (3)

Laziness is a real issue, and not just for the younger generations. There are retired folk around who do much that is productive, to benefit others, as described in Proverbs 21:26. But there are just as many who spend their time relaxing and “enjoying the life they are entitled to have” after working hard. However, while the Bible speaks well of resting from our work regularly, there are only a handful of places where the elderly are described as those who receive rather than those who give. Paul admonished the Thessalonian believers to follow his example, by working to support themselves and said, “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13) As for an even greater example, we look to Christ, who is also our strength.

We all have a little bit of laziness in us when it comes to unpleasant things or tasks that seem overwhelming. However, being slack is something that detracts from our relationships and quality of life. What might you do that you have put off for some time? How do you want the younger or older generation to describe you?

(1) CNN, April 12, 2017, https://money.cnn.com/2017/04/12/news/economy/us-economy-big-problem-tyler-cowen/

(2) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 21:25, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-21.html

(3) Jonathan Joyner, The Marlin Chronicles, The student newspaper at Virginia Wesleyan University, http://marlinchronicle.vwu.edu/?p=7212

Work is Good

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense…A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on… Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty” (Proverbs 12:11; 16:26; 28:19)

Every person born inherits a work ethic, although they can be quite diverse. Even in war-torn Liberia, some residents stayed in Monrovia and learned to fight to live, as many still do in some countries today, such as Syria. People work to stay-alive by finding food and water wherever they can; medical help, generators, and protected areas are sought out and staked out. When I worked in Liberia in 2008, after the fifteen-year civil war had ended, it was difficult to find employees who understood the requirements of full-time work. Most of the younger adults had never worked and never finished their education. All of my assumptions about what it takes to work an eight-hour day were invalidated until we started training our new employees about our expectations. That experience left me with more openness about what constitutes good work practices. But I had always believed in hard work and teamwork whenever possible, and that did not change.

God gave Adam work to do in the Garden of Eden before all the trouble with his Fall from grace. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26) After God created Eve, he told them both to: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (1:28) Some commentators treat work as a result of the Fall’s curse for disobedience (including John Gill), but it was part of Adam and Eve’s perfect life in the Garden. However, after the Fall, the curse made work difficult due to thorns in the ground and all the other effects of sin (in marriage, childbirth, enmity with Satan, death, etc.). Today some work is backbreaking; every time I see people working on roofs of buildings on a hot summer’s day or first responders I am reminded of the difficulty of work because of the curse.

The verses from Proverbs speak of the benefit of diligent (hard) work on the land and its consequences—plenty of bread and a desire to work even more (as his appetite works for him, urging him on). There is a contrast between the worker’s “plenty of bread” and the idle person’s “plenty of poverty.”  The lazy person lacks sense (12:11), which leads to spending her time in “worthless” activities…those that don’t produce anything of value, leading to “plenty of poverty.”

We all see work differently but left to ourselves, we either idolize work, at the one extreme or try to avoid it at the other. Few of us have a sober view of work, God’s view, the biblical view of work that is neither idolatry or drudgery. “A Proverbs driven life is one that works hard for the glory of God. Embodying a biblical work ethic, and seeing work as truly a calling from God, is a core part of our purpose…Being productive and creative, we imitate God in our work. As we confront the challenges of our work, our grace-motivated responses demonstrate the fruit of God’s Spirit in us…[there is] spiritual significance to every act of work” * Our biblical worldview should inform our work, whatever we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 commands us, “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

How do you view your work? Is your work extremely difficult or extremely unsatisfying? How can you change your view of work? Or have you been putting off changing the type of work you do, or how you do it? Will you embrace your work, whether it’s a vocation, ministry, volunteering, or caregiving, as an essential aspect of your spiritual life?

* Selvaggio, Anthony, “A Proverbs Driven Life, Chapter 3—Work as a Divine Calling,” Shepherd Press, 2011, (Kindle Edition)

The Work of Preparing

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches…Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house” (Proverbs 24:3-4, 27)

I am a planner; I put things on my iPhone calendar intending them to be timely reminders. Unfortunately they often immediately become self-imposed deadlines, rather than gentle nudges. Today I worked on a task that was a reminder for Friday; I’m glad I waited since I had more information to work with today than I would have had then. Sometimes what looks like procrastination turns out to be wisdom, and sometimes it’s just stalling. Today millennials are waiting to get married, in their 30s and 40s. Are they procrastinating? There are many factors to consider, including maintaining sexual purity (an excellent reason to get married sooner) and educational commitments (that may make it hard to live in the same location). I wonder if some couples are putting off marriage until they feel economically secure, having paid off school loans or having saved enough to purchase a home. There is a lot of wisdom in being financially prepared to start a new family life.

Today’s Scripture encourage wise preparation in building a home, which includes starting a family, according to most commentators. “A family is built up, furnished and supplied with the necessaries and conveniences of life, and brought into flourishing and prosperous circumstances, by wise and prudent management, by diligence and industry, through the blessing of God upon them, without taking such methods as evil men do.” (1) How does one show wisdom when preparing to build a home, or once started, to begin anew? Jesus answered the questions in the context of the cost of being a disciple. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-30) It is wise to count the cost of all that we do spiritually, materially, emotionally, or socially. We begin our ledger with thoughtful prayer and the realistic projection of the time and financial commitment as well as the benefits and drawbacks. If we choose to do one type of work that excludes others. If we decide to rent a house, we have chosen not to purchase one. I often turn down opportunities to socialize because I have other priorities. People may give me a hard time, but I know what is important to me at this point in my life.

We are to prepare for our work wisely and also work to prepare for all other aspects of our lives. Proverbs 24:27 emphasizes the logic of turning the soil, fertilizing, and planting the seed in the field before starting to build a home. The seed will grow into crops yielding profits, which will be used to finance the construction of a suitable dwelling, furnished by the riches of wisdom. “Proverbs encourages sensible preparation before building a house, so that one may attend well to the life lived in it.” (2) When we are sincere in our commitment to live a God-centered life we are willing to take time to prepare for the work God gives us and to work diligently at it for necessities before luxuries or “extras.”

In what way do you need to prepare for living a wise life? How does your work fit into your priorities? Have you counted the cost of your work, ministry, or family life? Are you afraid to take a closer look, or willing to see where the cost is inordinate for wise living?

(1) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 24:3, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-24.html

(2) ESV Study Bible Notes, Proverbs 24:27, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

Protected by God’s Work

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.” (Proverbs 6:20-22)

I have about thirty scarves and shawls in my closet that I do not wear. They are lovely and varied in color, design, and size. If I did wear them, I could use a different one every day of the month. Many were given to me as gifts, and I keep them because I enjoy remembering the givers. It’s just that I don’t like to have anything very substantial around my neck. I imagine that there are some men out there who feel the same way about wearing neckties. When I read a passage that speaks of tying something around my neck, I grimace a little at first. Then I think of how I love to wear a vest or coat on a cold day, zipped up to my chin to keep warm, protecting me from the frigid wind and I relax.

The Proverbs passage above is rich in protective language, resembling Proverbs 3:21-24: “Keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Both of these passages offer protection to young men who will be tempted to sexual immorality. The best time to protect ourselves and others from enticement is before we are tempted, storing up wisdom that we will remember when we are being pulled away from God’s shielding power by our desires and those of the world. Worshipping together in church strengthens us if we fully clutch the means of grace available.

In 6:20-22 Solomon reminds his children of faith to hold on to that which has already been given to them—God’s commands and teachings—which we should receive in worship. He instructs us to do four things: keep them, forsake them not, bind them, and tie them. In other words, we are to hold onto God’s precepts and embrace them. We are to secure them on our hearts. Lastly, we are to wrap them around our necks, “as an ornament, instead of a necklace of pearl, or chains of gold; they should be so far from being thought burdensome and troublesome, that they should be reckoned comely and graceful.” (1)

Verses 20 and 21 have “you” implied four times…if “you” keep, don’t forsake, bind, and tie. But we should not take this to mean that we can obey God’s commands based on our efforts or by sheer determination, which we must remember every time we read Scripture. Our sin nature seeks to be self-reliant, and self-achieving, rather than depend upon Jesus Christ, so it (we) can credit ourselves for our success. However, verse 22 makes it very clear that God is the one who protects us. His commands and teachings will lead us, watch over us, and talk with us as we are walking, lying down, and waking up—virtually all the times of our days. The Christian faith is unique in its operation upon our hearts and our lives in ways that ideals and other philosophies cannot work. Many other religions have “truths” that may lead people in many ways. But only Jesus Christ can watch over us and talk with us; ideas and concepts do not possess the ability to be alive with us as we move through our moments, hours, and days.

Will you hear God’s teaching today as you worship, and receive his commands and instructions as you sing, pray, give, listen, and fellowship? Will you bind his Word on your heart and tie it around your neck, to protect you in the days to come?

* John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 6:21, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-6.html

Glad for Today?

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (Proverbs 16:3-4)

What do you think of when you hear the word “work?” Those who are employed will think of their occupations or careers. CEOs, CFOs, and business owners may immediately think of life in general if they spend most of their time working. Retirees may say, “I’m finished with that, no more work for me!” with great glee. Some thoughts may immediately go to things that need to be done today, preparation for events, errands, or commitments we have made to others. Let’s face it, as long as we are alive here on earth, there is work to be done. But does this work satisfy or burden us? Is it enjoyable or a cause of regret and bitterness? Does our work tire us out or energize us? Are we satisfied with our work and the time we spend doing it?

If we are to learn how to have contentment in this world we must consider the role of work in our lives. Our passage begins with the idea that we dedicate our work to God—we devote our plans to him, and we seek his glory as we labor. But it’s an uneasy thing to catch myself fully occupied and realize that I may be trying to “do something good” in ministry for someone, but am not sure if it’s what the Lord would have me do. We’re not always sure, are we? But God knows our hearts and knows if we truly are seeking his will, rather than our success or material pursuits. And working to support a family in a productive vocation glorifies God who, as the first cause, has created your family.

This day—Saturday, October 6, 2018—has never occurred before and will never exist again. The Lord has particular purposes for today, even as we go about our ordinary business. However, there is nothing ordinary about being content and emboldened by the knowledge of God’s providence. Everyone we meet today may benefit in some way from our faith in God’s sovereign purpose for the day. Even the wicked who may scoff at biblical truth have a role to play in God’s plan for today. Like the prodigal son of Luke 15, we pray that they may realize their error and turn back to the Father. But, like the prodigal, they may first have to be miserable in their sin. It is not our work to save the lost, only our privilege to share the possibility and pray that the Spirit may turn them to Christ. “Commit the business of the salvation of thy soul, and the important affairs of it, wholly to him, who is able, willing, and faithful, to keep what is committed to him; having so done, may sit down easy and satisfied, as one that is rid of a burden by casting it on another, better able to bear it, or more equal to the work committed to him” *

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24) Are you glad for today, and rejoicing in it?

* John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible,https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-16.html

Finding Satisfaction

“The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, ‘Enough’: Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, ‘Enough.’” (Proverbs 30:15-16)

Let’s jump right into the picture of our leeches today in Proverbs 30:15. In the past, and to a limited extent today, leeches are used by physicians to suck excess blood from a person’s body and form reattachments. Although they are used very successfully in some micro-surgeries, the idea of a large, slithery worm that sucks blood is usually enough to repulse most patients. The writer of Proverbs 30 has a particular picture in mind, of a leech with two offspring. We are presented with an insatiable person who expects her offspring to suck the very life out of you. Give and Give must do it because their mother (or father) needs what they get for herself. But none of them are ever satisfied. The parent is sucking the life out of her daughters who must give and give without satisfaction to the parent leech.

In Genesis 30:1-2, Moses reported that Rachel was unsatisfied with her barrenness, while Leah was giving Jacob children, so Rachel demanded that Jacob also give her children. Of course, it was completely out of his power to resolve their infertility, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” Rachel was acting like a leech, trying to get a child from Jacob and being determined to remain unhappy until she did. But Leah is also a leech, seeking as many children from Jacob as possible. Rachel and Leah were the sisters Give and Give who were never satisfied.

Leeches “are able to produce many chemicals in their spit that allow them to be for the most part undetected when they attach to a host. When attaching to a host, the leech will secrete an anesthetic from its anterior sucker so the host will not feel the bite.” (1) I think it is possible that we have many leech-like attachments to ourselves as we go through this life, without realizing it. Perhaps the writer of Proverbs 30:15-16 wanted his people to memorize this,  because he gives us a handy tool: 1 leech, two children, 3 things that are unsatisfied, and 4 that can never get enough. Death claims everyone and returns no one, not being satisfied until all have died. Solomon recognized the advantage of knowing that we will one day die when he wrote Ecclesiastes, encouraging us not to become too attached to things “under the sun.” (2) Even the barren womb of a believer finds hope in the life to come where children are not the marker of self-fulfillment or success. Whenever someone asks me what I will do when I grow very feeble in my old age, (being single and childless), sit is an opportunity to express my gratitude for the end of all need for worldly comforts through death. In this life, we may feel drought-stricken, as if we need more and more to God’s reassurance to get through our trials and temptations. Our sin nature is like a fire that wants more and more fuel to keep burning.

But there is hope. John Gill says, “[the water] may be an emblem of good men, that have received abundance of the grace of God; and though they thirst not after sin, as they before did, and others do; yet thirst after God, more knowledge of him, and communion with him, and for more grace, like the dry and thirsty land, and cannot have enough of it.” (3) Jesus offers us the water of life. “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

(1)https://www.uas.alaska.edu/arts_sciences/naturalsciences/biology/tamone/catalog/annelida/notostomum_%20cyclostoma/physiology.html

(2) Gibson, David, Living Life Backwards; How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End, Crossway, 2017.

(3) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-30.html

Happy with a Little and God or Sad with A Lot?

“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed…All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.” (Proverbs 15:13-17)

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Last night I didn’t feel like sleeping. I guess I just wasn’t tired enough. I was sure that today I would seriously regret my little three hours of sleep. But over the years I’ve gotten used to a limited weekly ration of sleep, so when I’ve “caught up” I don’t seem to need as many zs. It’s no fun to try to get to sleep when your body and mind want to stay awake. So most nights I don’t fight the insomnia battle. It’s just more enjoyable to let it go and drink a Boost Max for protein when I need it. My body is a little tired, but my heart is light and joyful, so that’s the best “sleeping” medicine for me (17:22). (But do not take this as advice if you work with sharp knives or drive heavy machinery.)

In our Proverbs 15 passage we learn, first of all, that gladness in our hearts shows up in cheerful faces. When our hearts are light and content, we smile with relaxed looks on our faces that brighten a room. However, when our hearts are distressed, our spirits are crushed, and our miserable disposition affects us physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and intellectually. No matter how stoic we think we are when dejected, the pretense will not hold up for long. Perhaps Solomon carries over this thought in verse 15 when he writes that “all the days of the afflicted are evil.” Honestly, I’m just taking a stab at trying to understand his meaning. When we see ourselves as stricken over a long period, the result will be that we lose hope and develop the worst possible perspective on life, as if God were doing something evil to us. In thinking this, we become rebellious toward him. Contrast that negative perspective with the continual feast with a cheerful heart (who trust God’s goodness and providence).

How can we have cheerful hearts? We can feast on herbs with the fear of the Lord, content with a little that is godly, rather than go out of our way to seek great wealth and a fat piece of meat. If we want trouble, we merely have to go looking for what we don’t have and don’t need. In Matthew Henry’s words, “A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others.” * When we turn our faces to that which we do not have, or if we think that our circumstances dictate God’s approval and acceptance of us, we are bound to lose any tranquility that we could otherwise have with Christ. Jesus is a fountain of forgiveness, mercy, grace, peace, love, contentment, strength, joy, patience, kindness, faithfulness, beauty, righteousness, freedom, and even self-control.

Every day we either choose the “little” of right now with Jesus or the “more” that drives us to crave and strive, giving up the restfulness that leads to a cheerful heart. What are you choosing today?

* Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 15:15, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/