Proverbs - Sending Messages

Proverbs 26:6-7

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Both of these proverbs let us know that sending a message by a fool is not a good thing.  We can actually end up causing harm and sending the wrong message.  This reminds us to be cautious when choosing someone to give a message.  If the person seems to be a bit of a fool on the other line of a phone call, we’d best call back and leave the message on the voice mail or answering machine.  Also, when asking someone to represent us to anyone, we should evaluate if this person tends to be a fool.  Remember some of the attributes of a fool?  They vent all they feel, they tend to be slothful, often blame others and are usually right in their own eyes.  If we see these things in someone we should refrain from sending any sort of message through them.  If we do, it will be like cutting off the feet.  The message really won’t arrive and damage could be done.

Knowing God - The Lord Wants to Show His Power

Ex 9:16

 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

The Lord Wants to Show His Power

The Lord was speaking through Moses to Pharaoh in this verse.  The Lord is telling Pharaoh that he has been put in authority to show the Lord’s power and that the Lord’s name will be declared throughout all the earth.  Pharaoh exalted himself and would not let God’s people go.  The Lord knew Pharaoh would do this.  This gave the Lord the wonderful opportunity to display the fact that He is King of kings.  The Lord’s Word is greater than any other word, no matter what powerful place speaks them.  When we are faced with authority resisting God’s ways in our lives, we must not be frustrated or angry.  We must realize that those situations are great showcases for the power and authority of God.  If you have authority over you that seems to really be not cooperating with the Lord’s plans, be strong in faith, giving glory to God.  God may, in fact, have allowed that person to make those unreasonable decisions to display His power and authority in your life!

Proverbs - Contradiction?

Proverbs 26:4-5

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

These two proverbs seem like a contradiction but they are not.  They are telling us that sometimes when you answer a fool according to his folly, he can see how foolish he is being.  Other times, if you answer him this way, you lower yourself to a standard that the Lord would not want.  How do you know which one to do?  You must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  The Word of God is not a law book that can work without the leading of the One who wrote it.  It is called the ‘sword of the Spirit’ because only He has the ability to know how and when to use the Word of God in the most effective manner.  There are cults and false religions that use the Word of God to support the most blasphemous lifestyles and doctrines.  Satan used the Word of God against Jesus in the wilderness.  When dealing with a fool, we can get quite riled up and either get pulled into their foolishness or try to come at them with sound wisdom.  Sometimes one will work and sometimes the other.  We must remain quiet in our spirits and seek to respond as the Holy Spirit leads.  This will be the most effective response whether it is one or the other. 

Knowing God - The Lord is Good to ALL

Ps 145:9

The LORD is good to all:

and his tender mercies are over all his works.

The Lord is Good to All

The Lord is good to all so we ought not to be disgruntled when we see something good happen to someone wicked.  It is God’s goodness that leads a person to repentance.  He loves unconditionally and is willing that none should perish but ALL come to everlasting life.  Let us join Him in praying blessings upon those that have done evil to us and let us do good to those who have not been good to us.  Our God’s goodness is consistent and without regards to any person’s character.  God is who He is and His goodness is to be relied upon.  Lord, reveal your goodness to us today!

Proverbs - Fools and Consequences

Proverbs 26:3

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

Fools need outside consequences to awaken their inner conscience.  A fool often has a hardened heart and needs to feel the pain associated with his choice to begin to instruct him the way he should go.  If our children are foolish and disregard the voice of instruction, we need to consider what sort of ‘rod’ to use to correct them and put them back.  Even if they don’t get the deep truth behind our admonition, the fear of the ‘rod’ should help protect them and guide them to safety.  This could be a ‘time out’, restriction, ‘swat’, or some other bridle, but it is intended to protect the fool from his own bents.  If you deal with a fool who is under your authority, don’t expect them to turn from their ways based on words alone.  Prepare consequences, clearly explained, that they might be inclined to choose well and avoid the natural consequences of foolishness down the road.

Knowing God - He Protects Us from

Ps 124:6

Blessed be the LORD,

who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

The Lord Protects Us from Predators

We have predators all around us.  Predators are lurking around and we need protection.  This verse tells us that the Lord, Himself, will protect us from the predators in our lives.  You might not even know what is lurking in your environment that is waiting to pounce on you.  The Lord does.  He is keeping watch over you and me.  He sees through those camouflaged places where predators dwell.  He is our protection and takes the role as the One who shields us from those who would want to devour us.  We don’t have ANY idea how many times He has delivered us from the mouth of the devourer.  Perhaps it would be good to pause even now and bless the Lord.  Thank Him for delivering you from the teeth of your adversary.

Proverbs - The Causeless Curse

Proverbs 26:2

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying,

so the curse causeless shall not come.

Sometimes Christians get scared of curses.  Maybe there is a ‘satanic’ group cursing area pastors or maybe someone in their anger breathes our threats and cursing.  If there is no cause for the curse we need not fear.  There are things we can do that can cause our days to be cursed.  The Lord spoke in the Old Testament that he puts before us a blessing and a curse.  We need to choose this day whom we serve.  If we are serving the Lord, the curse is causeless and we need not fear.  The words of men can be very intimidating and the threatening of our adversary can leave us a bit startled.  Still, we need to remember that if these curses are not based in a cause, something we have chosen against the Lord, they will not come.  Fear not.