B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 30

The Rod of Correction

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 13:24

Solomon repeatedly refers to using the rod of correction in raising children. In fact, in Proverbs 22:15
Solomon states - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him,. Clearly, Solomon believed that punishment was a suitable remedy to disobedience. And as a father, I have justified my corrective actions based upon many of his and Paul’s verses regarding children.

However, when the roles are reversed, we hesitate to embrace such a correctional system. While we are Children of God, we don't relish being treated as children. When we do wrong, we feel that we can justify our actions so that no punishment is required. When we pass by the needy and ignore their situation, shouldn't there be repercussions for our behavior? When we partake of the sins of the world, are we not guilty? Yet, we do not welcome the rod of correction to drive such behavior from us. We prefer a merciful God that only bestows blessing upon us.

However, will it not be a blessing when we meet others in heaven that we have help along our way? And how are we to recognize the proper behavior unless the "foolishness is driven from us"? In our times of correction, let's be thankful that God loves us enough to correct our behavior. While it may not be pleasant, it will improve us as Christians if we receive His guidance with an understanding and respectful heart.

 

A Love-Hate Relationship

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Proverbs 12:1

We often think of love-hate relationships as a contradictory situation. However, Solomon lists a clear demarcation between two opposite emotions. Likewise, he highlights the results of such relationships - knowledgeable or brutish. As we start our day, which side of the fence do we choose?

We are in control of our emotions and our behavior reflects our emotions. How do we accept correction from others? Are we defensive, aloof and snooty or are we appreciative, reflective and humble? If we truly love instruction, we will show our appreciation to those who instruct us - even those we personally dislike!

While we all enjoy being viewed as knowledgeable, we are too often too lazy to put forth the effort to gain wisdom and knowledge by being corrected by others with an humble heart. It is too easy to blow off the comment and continue on our merry way with a flippant response. Which results in us being label as brutes.

Join me in resolving to be visibly appreciative of correction. It is a process that we often love to hate since we think we are perfect as we are! There was only One without sin who walked on earth - and we know it wasn't either of us! However, we draw closer to perfection when we gain knowledge via a humble spirit.

 

Soul Food

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
Proverbs 11:17

We are bombarded daily with advertisements for heart-healthy foods. The commercials tout the improvements in health and reduced risk of heart attack simply by consuming their wonderful food or supplements. I often wonder what ever happened to all of the old food that was so "bad" for you? Did they stop making it? No, it is still on the shelves of our grocery store - it is just packaged and marketed differently. Take chocolate, for example, - who knew it could be so bad for you as a kid, now only to hear that it is actually good for you!

Perhaps, we should market soul food in the same manner. Not the soul food that I thoroughly enjoy eating on the road during my weekly travels, but the food that is good for your soul. Solomon highlights one of the key ingredients above - mercy. What a small, potent food for our soul! Whenever we have mercy on another, our own soul  can't help but smile! For in doing so, we are emulating the One who had mercy on us.

Yes, mercy is a key ingredient to a healthy soul. I often wonder if we marketed such key ingredients like the other food that we eat? Would the markets consume the commidity in large quantities?

What does your diet consist of? Is your soul becoming healthier? Or do the daily binges on hatred, envy and deceit cause it to wither away? Perhaps, you should go on a diet and wean yourself of the nasty eating habits of the world? The One who had mercy on us can give you the best ingredients for a healthy heart!

 

Misplaced Trust

 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
Proverbs 10:15

Too often, we place our trust in the wrong places - people, government, riches or physical capabilities. Unfortunately, each of these will let us down and leave us feeling dejected. Solomon addresses placing our trust in our own wealth. The rich sometime rely on wealth as protection against the world.

David provided some great advice in Psalm 52:6-7: The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. Sadly, the rich become the laughing stock of the wise when they misplace their trust in their riches. They fail to realize that the riches are not truly theirs and that they will only last a short period in comparison to eternity. And not a single penny will aid you in getting to heaven!

Paul further expounds upon the foolish trust of the wealthy in 1 Timothy 6:17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; Ahh, the truth! Our riches are given to us by God but not that we should trust them but trust Him!

Where is your trust placed today? Who will save you in the end? There is only one right answer. The One who gave His life for us.

 

Foolish Advice

 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
Proverbs 9:16-17

Solomon devotes this chapter to the comparison of seeking wisdom verses chasing after worldly attractions. In the versus above, he highlights "worldly" advice - stealing, secrecy and lust. Yet to the foolish chasing the world, it makes sense.

Sadly, we have the same type of advice in today's world: its all about me, money and possessions are everything, looks are most important and instant gratification. They all appear founded in tradition and "everyone" is doing it. But is it wise? Not if God is not involved.

Do you seek advice from the right source? It is simple to ensure you are heeding the proper advice - does it glorify God or you? We try to make our decisions difficult rather than simplifying them. We can use multiple explanations why we should heed, but does the Spirit of God encourage you to do so? Otherwise, it is just foolish advice.

 

Wisdom For Dummies

O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.Proverbs 8:5

I used to think Solomon was talking of oxymoron - simple who are wise and fools with understanding. Surely, he got his terminology mixed up, right? No, he was simply preceding our Savior's discussion that wisdom and understanding is not contingent upon a formal education. Rather, it is gained through the heart vice the brain. Confusing? Let's let Jesus explain.

Jesus explains in Matthew 13:14-15, "And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." And in John 6:63, Jesus states "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

The condition of the heart is the heart of the matter! Unless our heart is submissive, we profit nothing by hearing His word. However, if our heart is made right with God, he describes the benefits of seeing, hearing and understanding with your heart. And these words are the spirit and life to those who heed.

Nowhere did Jesus predicate the requirement of being educated or talented. The only pre-requisite He lists is the condition of the heart. Even dummies can be wise if their heart is right with God!

Is your heart ready to receive His words today? When He speaks, will you hear? If not, prepare your heart to become educated in wisdom!

 

Home-Bodies

She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
Proverbs 7:11

I have often struggled with the description that Solomon provides of the tempestuous woman - especially the fact that she did not stay home. In today's society, it is sometimes viewed as derogatory to refer to someone as a homebody. However, the definition continues to be "one whose life is centered on the home". Clearly the lady described by Solomon did not care about her home. If she had cared, she would not have been out on the streets seeking someone to corrupt her marriage.

So the question becomes, "Am I a homebody?" Is my focus on my home and its occupants? Are my decisions based upon what is best for my family or what is my own instant gratification? Perhaps, if we allowed our decisions to be based upon the benefits to our family, we would make better decisions. Especially when it comes to our reputation!

Are you considered a homebody? Do others view you as one focused on your family? If not, seek God and He can re-prioritize your priorities!

 

A Wasted Life - Renewed

For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
Proverbs 6:26

 How often have we seen someone suffer from a poor decision? No matter how successful, popular or religious, the individual is publicly humiliated for his poor judgment and the choices he has made. It is often heard, "What a shame - he had so much going for him.". And yet his life becomes valued as nothing, or a piece of bread, for poor judgment. It is almost as if his life will be forever ruined. Such a situation causes me to wonder what motivates them to keep on living? Is there no hope for redemption?

The Bible provides us many examples of people who made poor choices, much like we do today. And yet, God uses them in miraculous ways to affect others. Consider David, the adulterer and murderer - why should he desire to live after it is well known that he committed adultery, murder and had a child born out of wedlock. Surely, enough to ruin his reputation for the rest of his life! And yet, he has the book with the most chapters in the Bible and was the father of the wisest man on earth who gave us three more books of the Bible. David gave us hope in his living example. Repentance yield forgiveness. And forgiveness produces redemption which motivates service to our Lord.

So the next time you see someone suffering from poor judgment, come along-side them and encourage them to seek God's forgiveness,. You never know what He has in store for the rest of their life!

The Slippery Slope

For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:Proverbs 5:3

 I grew up in Clay County, Alabama and the county has red clay throughout. While it is neat to view, nothing is more frustrating than trying to walk in the wet, slippery clay. It sticks to your boots, stains your clothing and if the ground is sloped, slippery to walk in. It is almost comical to watch someone try to navigate down a slippery slope after a recent rain. Many tactics have been used but they normally provide the same results - flailing of arms, feet upended, loud laughter by the observers and a bruised ego by the victim. I know you are wondering what this has to do with Proverbs? Everything!

Solomon describes the enticement of a strange woman in the verse above. Likewise, David describes a similar situation in Psalms 55:21 - The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. We are often misled by the smooth talking of temptation. While the voice is soft and alluring, the intent is harmful. Notice the authors choice of adjectives: smoother than oil, smoother than butter and softer than oil. Each of these descriptions remind me of the wet, clay slope: slippery. Once you start down the slope, it is difficult, if not impossible, to return to safety. And so it is when we are misled by the kind, soft words of those with evil intent.

Jesus warns us of such people with evil intent in Matthew 7:15-20. And he sums it up in verse 20 - Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. So when you are enticed to follow someone down a slippery slope, carefully consider their fruit. Is this someone that you would be proud to be associated with? If not steer clear so that your slipping and sliding down the slope doesn't provide entertainment to the devil!

Invited To The Prom

Exalt her and she shall promote thee: She shall bring thee to honour, when thou doest embrace her.
Proverbs 4:8

 It is the time of the year when our teenagers are jockeying for an invitation to proms and ring dances. I find it hilarious at some of the antics teens will do to win that elusive invitation. Solomon is describing wisdom in the verse above and he does not require us to perform childish antics to win. Simply, exalt and embrace are the actions we are required to be promoted and honored.
 Seems simple enough, right? And it usually is, while we are sitting quietly in meditation. But while in the real world, we often chose to postpone using wisdom when posed with temptation or angered by others.  And the result is always the same – demotion and disgrace at failing to follow our calling. How sad that we miss our invitation to the dance by simply forgetting to accept the invitation to embrace wisdom in our daily lives. Instead of rolling in the mud with the pigs, let’s get all dressed up to go to a dance of honor hosted by our friend, wisdom.