B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 41
April 9, 2012
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.
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.
April 8, 2012
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!
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!
April 7, 2012
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!
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!
April 6, 2012
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!
Trapped!
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Proverbs 6:2
The verse above reminds me of trapping animals. When an animal is trapped, there is little they can do to escape. So it is with the words we utter - we become trapped with no escape! Whether it is bragging, lying or false promises, they all pin us down with no recourse. No matter which way we go, we will end up hurting ourselves or someone we care about.
After we are in the situation, we often ask ourselves "Why did I say that?". And the answer is simple - we did not guard our words. While it is easier said than done, we must guard against every word we say. Otherwise, we will end up hurting some one. There is a strong temptation for us to speak words we know are not correct. Yet, we feel compelled to do so.
There is consolation in putting your trust in God to lead you in your words and deeds. Paul tells us in 1 Cor 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. There is a way of escape from the temptation - trust your Savior to lead you then you will not become trapped by your words!
Proverbs 6:2
The verse above reminds me of trapping animals. When an animal is trapped, there is little they can do to escape. So it is with the words we utter - we become trapped with no escape! Whether it is bragging, lying or false promises, they all pin us down with no recourse. No matter which way we go, we will end up hurting ourselves or someone we care about.
After we are in the situation, we often ask ourselves "Why did I say that?". And the answer is simple - we did not guard our words. While it is easier said than done, we must guard against every word we say. Otherwise, we will end up hurting some one. There is a strong temptation for us to speak words we know are not correct. Yet, we feel compelled to do so.
There is consolation in putting your trust in God to lead you in your words and deeds. Paul tells us in 1 Cor 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. There is a way of escape from the temptation - trust your Savior to lead you then you will not become trapped by your words!
April 5, 2012
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!
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!
April 3, 2012
Give and Recieve
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Too often, we get our priorities reversed. We often pray asking for something from God. Yet we fail to give him anything. No gifts of time, money or effort are given to our Master, yet we expect to receive another blessing from Him. Solomon clearly lays out the process above. If you want to receive, you must give.
What have you given to God lately? Have you been too rushed to visit with Him? Have finances been to tight to give back to Him through others? Have you ignored opportunities to help others? Have you used your talents to glorify Him? We often think that money is the only answer to worshiping Him, but He deserves glorification in all that we do, not just our wealth.
Our prayers of assistance are not limited to just financial blessings. And neither should our gifts to Him be limited to financial gifts, either. Allow Him to be Lord of all phases of your life and worship Him in all areas. The blessings you will receive will exceed anything you can imagine!
Proverbs 3:9-10
Too often, we get our priorities reversed. We often pray asking for something from God. Yet we fail to give him anything. No gifts of time, money or effort are given to our Master, yet we expect to receive another blessing from Him. Solomon clearly lays out the process above. If you want to receive, you must give.
What have you given to God lately? Have you been too rushed to visit with Him? Have finances been to tight to give back to Him through others? Have you ignored opportunities to help others? Have you used your talents to glorify Him? We often think that money is the only answer to worshiping Him, but He deserves glorification in all that we do, not just our wealth.
Our prayers of assistance are not limited to just financial blessings. And neither should our gifts to Him be limited to financial gifts, either. Allow Him to be Lord of all phases of your life and worship Him in all areas. The blessings you will receive will exceed anything you can imagine!
April 2, 2012
Catastrophe Insurance
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Proverbs 2:10-11
We buy insurance for many things. From home and auto to personal property to body parts to weather, there is an insurance policy for almost any imaginable event. However, the insurance policy does not prevent the occurrence. Just because you have auto insurance does not mean you will not have an accident. If just means that you will be compensated.
However, Solomon promises a prevention insurance - one of its kind. He assures us that we will be protected if we pay the premiums of allowing wisdom and knowledge to dwell within us. While the premium doesn't seem too steep, the payments are difficult to pay. For wisdom and knowledge can not reside where there is foolishness and pride. No matter how hard you plead, they won't stick around.
Are your premiums paid up? Do you have assurance for today? If not, seek Him who can grant the policy! Commit your life to Him and he will save you in more ways than one!
Proverbs 2:10-11
We buy insurance for many things. From home and auto to personal property to body parts to weather, there is an insurance policy for almost any imaginable event. However, the insurance policy does not prevent the occurrence. Just because you have auto insurance does not mean you will not have an accident. If just means that you will be compensated.
However, Solomon promises a prevention insurance - one of its kind. He assures us that we will be protected if we pay the premiums of allowing wisdom and knowledge to dwell within us. While the premium doesn't seem too steep, the payments are difficult to pay. For wisdom and knowledge can not reside where there is foolishness and pride. No matter how hard you plead, they won't stick around.
Are your premiums paid up? Do you have assurance for today? If not, seek Him who can grant the policy! Commit your life to Him and he will save you in more ways than one!
April 1, 2012
Foolish Foolin' Around
And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
Proverbs 1:18
Today is celebrated as April Fool's Day around the world with people going to great lengths to trick others. Unfortunately, Solomon was not joking when he wrote the verse above. People become so enthralled with the thrill of taking advantage of others they fail to see the damage to their own lives. As we have seen, his words come true much too often to those we know. They become consumed with besting another that they end up the loser themselves.
Isn't the same true when we try to live our own life without following God's guidance? We think we know better, only to find out in the end that we didn't? We try to become rich only to become poorer? And, of course, we try to become glamorous and only become hilarious. Such is the way when we try to do things on our own.
David's advice rings true still today: Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4-5) So let's stop fooling our selves by foolin' around and remain focused on who can grant us the desires of our heart.
Proverbs 1:18
Today is celebrated as April Fool's Day around the world with people going to great lengths to trick others. Unfortunately, Solomon was not joking when he wrote the verse above. People become so enthralled with the thrill of taking advantage of others they fail to see the damage to their own lives. As we have seen, his words come true much too often to those we know. They become consumed with besting another that they end up the loser themselves.
Isn't the same true when we try to live our own life without following God's guidance? We think we know better, only to find out in the end that we didn't? We try to become rich only to become poorer? And, of course, we try to become glamorous and only become hilarious. Such is the way when we try to do things on our own.
David's advice rings true still today: Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4-5) So let's stop fooling our selves by foolin' around and remain focused on who can grant us the desires of our heart.
March 31, 2012
Amazing Grace
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:31
Proverbs 31 is well known as the chapter of praise for the virtuous woman. I, like many others, adore my wife and the lofty verses bring a fond smile as I listen to the graceful praise for a wonderful woman. While I wish I could write such poetic praise for my wife, I am content in knowing that she fully understands how appreciative I am of the blessing that God gave me when he granted me such a wonderful wife.
However, the book of Proverbs is ended with the sobering verse listed above. I often wonder how we would fare if we were rewarded with the fruit of our hands and how well our works would praise us? If we were given our just reward for our actual efforts, how well would we fare? The nagging thoughts of idle hands, mischievous acts, bitter words and wasted opportunities cause me to shudder just how pleasant my "reward" might be. If we had to rely solely on our efforts, I am afraid many of would be displeased and embarrassed by the results!
Luckily, we do not have rely on our efforts to make it to heaven! Paul so aptly describes how we achieve our rewards in Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Paul's acts before salvation would have never granted him a place in heaven but by God's grace, he was instrumental in writing a major portion of the New Testament. My favorite song, Amazing Grace, is a constant reminder that my admission to the glories of heaven having nothing to do with my efforts but rely solely on God's amazing grace.
For a stirring rendition of the song: Celtic Woman
Proverbs 31:31
Proverbs 31 is well known as the chapter of praise for the virtuous woman. I, like many others, adore my wife and the lofty verses bring a fond smile as I listen to the graceful praise for a wonderful woman. While I wish I could write such poetic praise for my wife, I am content in knowing that she fully understands how appreciative I am of the blessing that God gave me when he granted me such a wonderful wife.
However, the book of Proverbs is ended with the sobering verse listed above. I often wonder how we would fare if we were rewarded with the fruit of our hands and how well our works would praise us? If we were given our just reward for our actual efforts, how well would we fare? The nagging thoughts of idle hands, mischievous acts, bitter words and wasted opportunities cause me to shudder just how pleasant my "reward" might be. If we had to rely solely on our efforts, I am afraid many of would be displeased and embarrassed by the results!
Luckily, we do not have rely on our efforts to make it to heaven! Paul so aptly describes how we achieve our rewards in Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Paul's acts before salvation would have never granted him a place in heaven but by God's grace, he was instrumental in writing a major portion of the New Testament. My favorite song, Amazing Grace, is a constant reminder that my admission to the glories of heaven having nothing to do with my efforts but rely solely on God's amazing grace.
For a stirring rendition of the song: Celtic Woman
