Lines by Lee

As hospice chaplain of almost two years I have grown accustomed to the challenges of ministering to dear folks who have dementia. Just today I visited with someone I have seen for over a year. She held my hand for quite a while and said, "I never met you before, but I like you." In her defense, it had been a few months since I had been allowed in the facility due to pandemic concerns. I was also wearing a mask. However, despite all the conversations and laughs we had enjoyed together it was as if I was a total stranger.

Sometimes our connection with the Scriptures can be the same. We have read verses, passages, and entire books of the Bible repeatedly in some cases. Week after week we have heard sermons which help us understand and apply God's Word. Yet, we can read something familiar and act as if it is brand new to us. Most Christians would say they value and even love the Bible. Whether or not we live out the biblical truths can be a different story. I thought I might explore some verses from the book of Proverbs and allow these old friends to perhaps become new again. Proverbs are for "...for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair" (1:2-3).

The older I get the more I know that I don't know as much as I thought I knew. I want to be wiser. I may know a lot of stuff but wisdom involves knowing things that matter and how to apply them. It is something that we gain but do not fully attain on this side of heaven. We need insight for how to live this fleeting life and prepare for the next one. Behavior will be prudent and we will do what is right and fair when we know and live according to God's powerful, prudent word.

We will not respect the Word much if we do not begin by fearing the Lord. Yes, we must respect him, but we do not like to think in terms of fearing God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (1:7). Some see that verse as the cornerstone of Proverbs. Fear can mean reverence or worship. We should approach God with humility and awe. There must also be a realization of how holy and powerful God is. We will give an account to him some day. To live life our own way while ignoring God may seem right but leads to death (14:12). If one truly fears God one has nothing to fear in life or death. As John MacArthur said, "The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one's own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God's."

Chapter 2 of Proverbs indicates that we cannot be casual about gaining wisdom or think it will come to us without effort. A good musician or athlete may have some natural talent, but they also know that practice and hard work is a must if they want to excel. We are to store up God's commands (2:1). We are to turn our ear to wisdom. It seems like I have to turn my ear a lot lately just to hear what is going on. We do not want to miss out on wisdom so we need whatever aids are available to tune in to what God is trying to say. We are also to apply our heart to understanding. Knowing the truth of the Bible is wonderful, but we must take the step of application as well. We are to call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding (2:3). The summertime favorite pool game of Marco Polo only works if Marco and Polo call out and keep calling until the tag is made. A baby soon realizes the louder they cry the more quickly they will get results. We should be desperate for the insight and understanding God provides in his handbook for living. It is a treasure that we must look for (2:4). "Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (2:5).

Lately there has been a lot of people experiencing trouble in their souls. Maybe they have been impacted by the pandemic. Who hasn't in some ways? Perhaps they are troubled by the cultural, racial, and political issues of our day. Even Christians can fall prey to discouragement and living with doubt and worry. But when biblical understanding and wisdom keep us on the right path the knowledge of God and his goodness will be pleasant to our soul (2:9-10). It brings protection and provision (2:11).

Wisdom keeps us from going in the wrong direction morally and spares us from destruction (2:12-19). Think of how many people you know who once seemed to go God's direction but drifted away and were led down a path toward moral doom. They may not have set out to hurt themselves but their lack of obedience and seeking wisdom put them in a bad place and impacted others around them. The contrast of the two paths in life is obvious. "Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it" (2:20-22).

If you have been struggling to find peace or your passion to learn and apply the Word of God has diminished you are not alone. There will always be ups and downs in the Christian life. But it is good to ask yourself what it will take to renew your fear of the Lord and your desire for living according to his wisdom, will and Word. What is more important? May he grant us the wisdom we need to pursue a wise and righteous life.