Summer Wisdom

This summer has already been interesting. I booked a family vacation for California. We watched our youngest son graduate from high school and vacation without us. I got to play disc golf with my older son. Now we have to try the new course in Martinsburg. Numerous turtles have been spotted crossing the road. I saw a little bear exit and enter the woods about fifty feet from my house. I have crunched a few cicadas under my feet and listened to millions of them. The Lord gave me several opportunities to share in churches as the pastors were away. You can probably guess what book I preached from. Proverbs!

Someone was concerned that maybe I got too close to the cub. I pointed out that they are not aggressive. They then reminded me that the mother could have been around. That person must have read this verse before. Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly (Proverbs 17:12). If I had tried to shake hands with the young bear and the mother was around the outcome may not have been good. The results are even more dangerous when someone gets involved with a fool. Foolish people are apart from God and usually do foolish, harmful things. It is wise to keep one’s distance from a bear and a fool.

Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out (14). It is no wonder that Proverbs mentions quarrels and fighting a fair amount. It is a pretty big part of life for a lot of people. With most strife, someone starts it. It may seem like a small leak in the dam but it can get worse. Someone needs to end the argument then. Damage was probably already done. The wise person will stop the argument as they realize it probably is not necessary or beneficial.

Today I shed some tears as I spoke with a man from our church over the phone. I have been meaning to call him for a while and did not get around to it. You can probably relate to that. He has battled cancer for years. He literally has lost track of how many tumors he has had. One thing is certain. He has too many now. His voice was hardly recognizable. One thing had not changed as his health declines. He is at peace and a man of prayer and strong faith. I offered to help with his yard or anything else he may need. He indicated he is getting close to that point where he needs more help. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (17). This verse is well known. I like how John MacArthur explains it… “The difference between a friend and a brother is noted here. A true friend is a constant source of love, while a brother in one’s family may not be close, but is drawn near to help in trouble. Friends are closer than brothers because they are available all the time, not just in the crisis.”

I want to be one who loves my friends at all times. That takes commitment. Friendship has great value. I hope we will never be too busy or self-absorbed to be indeed a friend in need.

Being in the hospice field has allowed me to learn more about medicine. I almost know enough to play a doctor on TV. One thing is certain; a lot of folks take a tremendous amount of medications. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (22). Another aspect of my summer has been dealing with some issues that have brought deep sorrow and robbed me of my joy in ways I have never experience before. The Lord is faithful and has reminded me of his sovereign control and goodness. My heart has lacked cheer. My spirit has been crushed. Yet, I am choosing to cry out to the Lord in new ways as I wait patiently upon him. I will choose to allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength (Nehemiah 8.10). That prescription has no co-pay.

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues (27-28). As you have probably noticed, Solomon repeats certain themes throughout the book of Proverbs. His advice is practical. One thing the vast majority of people in the world can do is speak. The ability to talk is a wonderful thing. I meet with some folks who no longer can. It is certainly sad to witness that. Maybe something worse is those who can talk whenever they want but do not have the ability to restrain themselves. To restrain is to take serious action. There are many times when we want to say things, but once taking the time to think it over, would be wise to keep it to ourselves. Lots of people, including spouses have regrets because they did not keep a tight rein on their tongues (James 1:26). A person who walks in wisdom will seldom trip over their words because their hearts are right. I have no idea what else I will see or do this summer. You probably have uncertainties as well. But we know our wise and loving God will be with us each step of the way. That makes my heart cheerful!