Tag Archives: Solomon

Naturalism

iphone in the sand

It seems to me that people used to blindly follow the Bible and were skeptical of science. Now people blindly follow science and are skeptical of the Bible. Both are wrong.

  1. We do not “blindly” follow the Bible. We follow the Bible because we follow truth. There is plenty of (and a variety of) evidence to corroborate the Bible. It is not just the “wishful thinking” of a bygone era.
  2. We are not skeptical of science. Science equally corroborates the claims of the Bible. Science can do nothing other than reveal God.

I would call science the “new religion,” but science is not a worldview or philosophy; it is a study of the natural world through observation and experiment.

  • You can’t get morals from it.
  • You can’t get how to live from it.
  • You can’t get the purpose of all this from it.

Science can tell me how the brain works, but not why. Descartes said “I think therefore I am,” but why do I think in the first place?

This new religion is actually an old one: Naturalism; the worldview according to which everything arises from natural properties and causes, and spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted.

Simply speaking naturalists worship the creation over the Creator. Paul says this brings God’s wrath: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator.” – Romans 1:25

Think about this practically: you come across an iPhone on the beach and start marveling over it. When I come up and tell you about Steve Jobs, you reject him, and return to marveling over the device.

It is exchanging the truth of God for a lie. Please investigate this for yourself and go where the truth leads you.

Insights on Proverbs 29, 30, & 31

king lemuel and his mom

Insights on Proverbs 29, 30, & 31:

29:

Just think about it: If you make the choice to be stubborn, then just one tiny degree change today – will mean a significant deviation over a lifetime. Imagine starting a ship on its course and being just one degree off: you are going to miss your destination by a long shot! Now imagine being too prideful to course-correct. Disaster!

Solomon offers another red flag; a flatterer. That person is just spreading a net for your feet.

There is a final call to social justice: the righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked do not.

God gives light to the eyes of both the poor and the rich. He is in full control of all things at all times.

There is final call to discipline your kid; correct him and he will give delight to your soul.

If there is no vision, the people run wild. Does your church leadership have a vision?

2 red flags: the prideful man and the thief. Partner with neither.

30:

Chapter 30 is not Solomon, it is Agur.

Agur has a distinct style very different from Solomon. He sets up a structure in verses 15b-31 that is pretty interesting. Read it and see for yourself.

He has a great verse about every word of God is pure and that God is a shield!

31:

Chapter 31 is unique in the fact that it is not Solomon or Argur. It is also not King Lemuel, but Lemuel’s MOM! Isn’t that cool? It is what his momma taught him. I love that.

Guess what Lemuel’s mom taught him about? What do all mothers want for their sons? A virtuous wife. Verse 10-31 extol the strength & honor the virtuous wife wears, that her children grow up & call her blessed, & how beauty fades, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.

Wow, what a way to end the book of Proverbs! And all the women said, “AMEN!”

Did you learn anything? Did this benefit you? Are you going to continue reading a Proverb a day?

Insights from Proverbs 27

iron sharpens iron

Insights from Proverbs 27 for the 27th:

Verse 17 is one of my Life verses: “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

This verse has served me well. When I have a dilemma or strife, I seek wise counsel. I hope you have someone you can go to for direction. If not, pray that God would put someone like that to pour into your life.

Iron sharpening iron is such a vivid and accurate metaphor. I envision a blacksmith hammering away on his anvil; FORGING. Or a butcher sharpening his blades; HONING.

The purpose of course is to be sharper, more efficient, and of better use for the Maker.

The literal translation says a man sharpens “the face of his friend.” Words can do that; change a person’s actual countenance. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your mouth.

LISTEN WELL.

We influence each other; for good or for bad. Therefore, be careful who you listen to & who’s advice you let into your heart.

Insights from Proverbs 26


Insights from Proverbs 26 for the 26th:

There are lots of verses here that deal with the fool (4-12).

For instance: “do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him.” Sounds like an internet argument, doesn’t it? Who hasn’t gotten into one and how did it work out?

11 has a vivid (and let’s just say disgusting) image of what it’s like to keep on repeating folly.

16 reminds me of the armchair quarterback who thinks they can do better than the actual athletes in the game.

17: don’t meddle; it’s like yanking a dog’s ears… which will result in being bit!

Lots of good stuff here, but my favorite (and the one I have highlighted, underlined, and starred in my Bible – is 20: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.”

Man, this proverb could have saved me plenty of unnecessary strife.

Insights from Proverbs 25

mister_rogers

Insights from Proverbs 25 for the 25th:

Chapter 25 is a smorgasbord of behavioral and relational standards.

Five of the verses address being neighborly. Man, having a good neighbor is so important! A bad neighbor can make your life so much harder than it has to be!

Are you a good neighbor or a difficult one?

We have GREAT neighbors. They are like family… and some literally are family! It is an incredible blessing. We look out for each other and do life together well. Not everyone is so fortunate. Imagine not trusting your neighbor. Imagine a neighbor that went out of their way to be difficult. Hey, life’s challenging enough without adding to it’s troubles.

As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We represent Christians in general and Jesus in particular. Even if your neighbor isn’t so neighborly; bless them & pray for them (Matt. 5:44). Show them the wonderful love of Jesus. That is how our community should know us (John 13:35). Remember: Our lives may be the only Bible some people may ever read. Be intentional!

Are you being a good steward of the street on which God placed you?

(Eight out of ten of you are now singing, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”)

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Insights from Proverbs 24

Silhouette of helping hand between two climber

Insights from Proverbs 24 for the 24th:

One of the most convicting sentiments in all of Proverbs is found in 24:11-12.

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay each person according to what he has done?”

God guards all life.

He hears the millions of tiny voices that are prematurely aborted. He knows the hopelessness of those enslaved in sex-trafficking. He sees the tragedies resulting from racism. He laments all the lost marching straight into Hell via atheism or false religions.

God guards all life and He has entrusted us to act as His agents!

Rescue is the word that’s used; deliver, defend, pluck, snatch them away! They are heading toward slaughter! RESCUE THEM!

We cannot see social injustice and do nothing (or worse: claim ignorance). We cannot see the lost and not share the Gospel with them. We are compelled! (1 Cor. 9:16)

We may fool each other (or even ourselves), but we cannot fool He who weighs the heart.

Like I said; very convicting couple of verses.

Please read them for yourself. And also – Take your time. Wrestle with them. Savor them. They are so great. I hope that you do.

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Ref: http://biblehub.com/hebrew/5337.htm

Insights from Proverbs 22 & 23

flying_money3

Insights from Proverbs 22 & 23 for the 22nd and 23rd:

Kids have got to be trained. You don’t have to teach a kid to be bad; No, you have to teach them to be good. I’ve heard if you toss 1 ball in with 3 kids, you’ll immediately see 4 of the 7 deadly sins: greed, envy, wrath, and pride. Sharing is like the toughest thing to get your child (and some adults) to do, right?

The rod of discipline is necessary. Whatever that “rod” is: time-outs, taking away things for a disclosed time, and yes: spankings. Whatever it is, pick something and be consistent with it. Trust me: Your future self thanks you! (22:6 & 15, 23:13-14)

 

Time flies and so does money. All you have to do is look at $ and it’s gone. Solomon says your money will grow wings & fly away! (23:4-5) What’s more important is your relationship with the Lord, who will NEVER forsake you.

23:17-18 is a tender moment between a father and son. He brings his son in tight & encourages him. “It’s ok, son. God has a bright future planned for you. Chin up. Remain zealous for the Lord. He will be your hope.”

Wow. Fathers, take note.

Last thing – Solomon offers a scary image for those who like to party too much. It seems like fun, but in the end, it will bite you. It’s like sleeping on a raft in a raging sea. What a rough way to go through life! (23:29-35)

22:12 is interesting. Read it for yourself. Comment on what you think it means.

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Insights from Proverbs 21


Insights from Proverbs 21 for the 21st:

Of all the tasty treats that Solomon prepares for us in Proverbs 21 (and there are plenty!), it might surprise you that I’ve picked only one to discuss and which one. Verse 30:

“There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.”

This is a vital truth to pass on to the youth. They are bombarded by counter-Biblical sentiments on a daily basis through entertainment and the media. This systematic dismantling is even more aggressive in college.

The Holy Spirit guided the wisest man ever to say that no matter how intelligent a person or establishment, if it’s against the Lord – it will not stand.

Now more than ever, we need to communicate the truth to our youth!

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Insights from Proverbs 20

knocked off your high horse

Insights from Proverbs 20 for the 20th:

This is probably not going to be very popular, but it ain’t wrong either…

Verse 1 is a warning about strong drink. Solomon calls it a mocker and a brawler. Being led by the bottle is not wise. We’ve all seen (or done) things under the influence that would not have been seen (or done) had it not been for that drink! Think of all the mistakes, accidents, & fights that could be erased if alcohol were not involved.

Solomon then drops a barrage of truth-bombs:

  • Don’t provoke,
  • Don’t fight,
  • Don’t be lazy,
  • and Don’t cheat (mentioned twice!).

But also – don’t worry, Verse 9 says nobody’s perfect. Can I get an Amen?

How about this one: don’t gossip or go around blabbing! If someone begins a conversation by looking around, lowering their voice, and then saying “Well, they told me not to tell, but…” – Look out, man.

20’s modern translation = Treat yo mama with respect.

29a. If you’re young, your glory is in your strength (ambition & endurance).

29b. If you’re old, your splendor is in your gray hair (experience & wisdom).

29c. Hey, what if you are in the middle: Still strong, but also getting gray? 🙂

The last verse says every once in awhile life is going to give you a pretty solid beat down. But that’s OK; it builds character. Sure, it hurts – but it also removes evil. It knocks us off our high horse when we get too big for our britches. Haven’t you ever watched a kid who was misbehaving & thought, “You know what that kid needs? That kid needs a good… some discipline.” Come on now. Be honest. Its like that.

Like I said: not popular, but not wrong either.

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Insights from Proverbs 19

bowing

Insights from Proverbs 19 for the 19th:

I love verse 22: “What is desired in a man is kindness,” isn’t that about the truth? If kindness is present, so many other things will be too; compassion, mercy, and empathy. Its hard to be kind and a jerk at the same time.

The overwhelming theme of Proverbs 19 is retribution; evil will not go unpunished. Although it may appear that the wicked succeed, it only appears that way. God will repay all and justice will come. If not in this world, then in the one to come (Heb. 9:27).

This is a comforting promise. A common question/objection I get is why do bad things happen to good people and good things happen to the bad? The rich get richer & the poor get poorer.

Well, first of all; nobody is “good.” We are all bad (Rom. 3:23). Yes, even you. EVERYONE is in need of a Savior. If not, God made a colossal blunder in offering His Son to die on Calvary and God is not in the blunder-making business (Gal. 2:21).

Second of all, things aren’t always what they seem. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors except those who live there. Success is measured in way more than dollars.

Lastly, God has the final say. He is just and His ruling will be nothing but (Psa. 25:8). We will be totally satisfied in His perfect verdict.

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction,” (v.23).

Fearing the Lord is the beginning of understanding (Psa. 9:10). Without that fear, one cannot even BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND! It leads to life. That fear is reverential.

We bow in awe for God is awesome.

The closer you get to God, the more aware you are of His much-ness and your little-ness. That is not a crippling awareness; it is a comforting one. Abide in it and you will be fully satisfied. Reject it and you will be forever starving.

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