Posts Tagged Proverbs
Watch where you’re going!
Posted by Lance Lawshe in Bible, Education on February 5, 2011
As I read my proverb for the day, and sat down to feast on the wisdom I might find, my eyes brought me to the last two verses of Proverbs 4. Verses 26 and 27 in essence tell me to pay attention to where my feet are trodding.
“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all they ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” -Proverbs 4:26
I like when the word “ponder” is used. It tells me I am really to think about where my steps are taking me. It tells me my daily walk is crucial to my becoming established later. Then the last verse tells me to stay my course. Meaning when I find out what I am supposed to be doing, then I am not to get sidetracked. I am not to go off course, for danger awaits me there.
Man this is clear as day now, why didn’t I learn this earlier, or did I and I just didn’t pay attention. What will you do?
Be wise.
Labour not to be rich….This is so counter-cultural.
My this is totally contrary to what the rest of the world teaches. Proverbs 23:4 says, “Labour not to be rich:…” , but everything I have been instructed from traditional education to everyday worldly knowledge says the complete opposite, or it is implied that we must work our hardest to become rich. This will give you all the opportunities to have what rich people have. Big houses, big cars, fancy vacations, etc.
I like the way the English Standard Version (ESV) reads,“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist [abstain].”
The word toil, makes it plain for me, because it means to strive, and it gives me a sense of a frustrating work that is done. Now I don’t believe that what this passage is teaching is not to work hard, or that all work should be peaceful, but I think the later part of the phrase is where we are to bring caution. The motive of our labour, work, or toiling is not to be an end goal of wealth, but we are to work with a larger purpose. Now don’t be shocked when working in your purpose brings you wealth, but on the other hand don’t be upset if it doesn’t afford you the opportunity to have the latest car and biggest house in your family. What God has for you…………..
Is for you.
Be wise.
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