Lines by Lee

Some people find the number 13 to be unlucky for some reason. I never heard the reasoning behind that superstition. Some tall buildings go from floor 12 to floor 14 just to avoid the dreaded number. On the other hand, there are athletes who choose to wear number 13 to show they are not afraid of the digit. I personally always enjoyed getting 13 ears of corn when paying for 12! Whatever your view, you can't go wrong by learning God's truths found in the 13th Chapter of the book of Proverbs.

A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes (13:1). As is often the formula in this book, we see a clear contrast in choices and consequences. My father instructed me about various things up until a few months before his death. He was knowledgeable in a lot of things, especially for someone who was "uneducated". While I was not obligated as an adult to obey him, I generally tried to listen to him when he gave instructions. I wish I could still hear from him so I could gain more wisdom.

If you were to ask my sons, they would likely tell you they do not need too many words of direction and advice from me. Though they have been obedient and compliant, even in their late teens, I am sure they think they are fine without my instructions. I told one recently that my dad gave me input all of my life. I think he got the message that he would continue to receive loving guidance from me. It will be up to him what he does with it. A fool or mocker hates being rebuked and typically rejects advice.

It is common these days for people to have security systems in their homes and vehicles. They want to protect their assets from anyone coming in who is not supposed to. Perhaps a bigger danger than a bad person coming in is bad, harmful words coming out of our mouths. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin (3). Scripture advises us in a number of places of the value or danger of our words. We must be diligent about guarding the doors that are our lips. What should happen when we open them is edification. We are to build up others with our words. If we do not pause to think before allowing words to fly, we may ruin ourselves or another person in some significant ways.

No wonder David prayed, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). Our thoughts lead to our words being spoken. When we give both our meditations and conversations to God, he can redeem them. He knows that words can hurt more than sticks and stones!

The guard theme is continued in the sixth verse. Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner (6). It is a simple concept, but one so many folks fail to grasp. There is security and blessing in being right and doing what is right. One cannot go wrong by doing what is right. Whether playing a sport or on a boat, an overthrow is not good at all. A sinner can be sure that wicked choices will put him or her in a bad place. Often others are also impacted by their foolishness.

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out (9). Remember singing about "this little light of mine"? We become God's children when we take on the righteousness of Christ. Following him brings the responsibility of shining brightly for him. However, we should not think in terms of having a little light. Do not sell short the impact light-bearers have in a dark world. A lost world is looking for answers. It is bad enough to be lost. It is worst to be lost in the dark when you have no ray of hope. Again, we see that a wicked person is portrayed in the darkest possible way. God can change a person and he wants to use the light of his righteous ones to lead them home. As an old song says, "Carry the light. Carry the light. Go and share the gospel 'til there is no more night. In the name of Jesus Christ, carry the light."

The common themes of pride and heeding advice return. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (10). You have probably witnessed people arguing or fighting and realized that at the center of their problem is stubborn pride. One version says, "Pride only breeds quarrels". Must folks who are characterized by humility find themselves free from quarrelling. And those who listen to free biblical advice will grow in wisdom.

There are two related verses that are not found immediately together in this chapter that relate to expectations and desires. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life (12). A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil (19). Everyone has things we hope for. We have expectations and desires for things to happen. I have written before about wanting to be married and have a family since I was young adult. My hopes were dashed enough that I resigned myself to the single life. I have a number of single friends who are blessed and content with their lives. There are advantages to being single. Eventually the Lord ended my deferment. For some, he never does. Perhaps you have experienced the pain of a miscarriage or a child who died way too early from an earthly perspective. You may know too well what it is to be heart sick.

Many have hoped that a loved one would get better after the accident or from their illness. You prayed diligently along with many others who joined you. Maybe your longing was fulfilled. Often times those desires of our hearts were not the Lord's will. In those times we must choose not to let the missing sweetness to the soul to become bitterness. God is with us even in the deepest of pain. He is worth continuing to put our hope in him. When others walk in wisdom alongside the hurting in those times we grow in wisdom and find strength in Jesus's name. In those seasons of life we are not unlucky but blessed!