Intersections

I am probably the only one reading these words who can say that I have been thinking about intersections lately. When was the last time you had some introspection on intersections? I guess I think of them at times because I drive several thousand miles each month. I have quickly debated what to do about yellow lights more than a few times. I have forced myself to come to a complete stop at stop signs even when no one was around. This winter I was perplexed to come upon a busy intersection that I drive through weekly to find that the traffic light was gone. There were just portable stop signs placed and perplexed drivers in multiple lanes proceeding with caution. Thankfully, the red, yellow, and green signal has returned. I love green. Red lights are about as liked by me as confusing roundabouts.

I will never forget a main intersection that was located near my college and seminary. One day my friend was riding his motorcycle at that location and another vehicle never slowed down to stop. My friend was killed. Intersections are common but can be dangerous. They are also necessary in getting to where we want to go. There are rules related to intersections. Of course, there are other types of intersections in life besides those made of concrete and blacktop. We often come to places in life where we must decide how we will proceed and which way we will turn. Sometimes others are beside us and going in the same direction. Often there are people not going our way. We must navigate the traffic of life. As we approach Proverbs 30, the writer Agur (not Solomon) has a different style in offering wisdom for the intersections we approach as we seek to travel this life while looking straight ahead at the next life.

He begins with an honest, but troubling confession for someone who is writing about wisdom! The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. Surely, I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One (30:1-3). Just last night I spoke with a 98-year-old hospice patient. Her mind is sharp but she was discouraged. She was basically declaring that she was weary and worn out. I sought to encourage her with the fact that God is still using her. I have witnessed it myself. She still has value and meaning, even if she is tired. Many of us have probably declared to the Lord that we are worn out and weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9). It is healthy to be honest before the Lord. Allow him to give us power and perspective in those moments.

We can assume that Agur does not really think he is too stupid to be a man or that he has not learned wisdom. My sense is that he is exaggerating to prove the point that human wisdom is weak compared to God’s wisdom. He recognizes that we all must keep growing and gaining biblical insight for each intersection of life that is ahead. His next questions must be answered by looking to the Almighty.

Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists?

Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know (4)! Readers of the Proverbs better know the answer here. Jesus declared his deity to Nicodemus in John 3 as he referenced this Proverb. If we do not know the Son, we cannot travel the road to eternal life in wisdom.

When facing a life intersection, we may not know which way to go. We can try to figure it out on our own or ask another human being. There is a much better way to know the way. Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (5). Although our exact situation may not be covered in the Bible, there are likely principles there to guide us onto the right path. There is only one source of ultimate truth. The Bible is our driver’s manual, GPS (God’s Provision System), and traffic cop. We cannot go wrong when we go right to his word. Praying to him brings protection and provision.

Agur goes on to list truths about groups of three or four things that are hard to understand, problematic, or amazing. He looks at examples from the animal kingdom as well. I encourage you to read the chapter and give them all some thought. In a real way they relate to the issue of intersections in life. Harmful crashes can occur when certain things are in our lives. We are wise to recognize them and steer clear.

He concludes with two verses that are easy to understand and continues common themes that have been visited throughout the book. If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife (32-33). It is not wise or honorable to exalt yourself. And if you find yourself devising evil or about to speak badly, slap yourself in the mouth and hold it shut. It is almost a humorous was to state the importance of taking drastic action before the intersection takes you down a path that will harm yourself and others. Certain actions will produce something every time. There is cause and effect. Beware of the path that anger will lead you down. If the yellow light is on, stop before you are red with anger. The next time you are at an intersection, ask the Lord to remind you of the wisdom of his word. Drive safely and wisely!