Proverbs 9 Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Proverbs 9

Have you ever seen the film "Lawrence of Arabia"? - it tells the story of one T E Lawrence, a British Army character from the first world war era.

Lawrence wrote a book whose title was inspired by this chapter of the Bible, so let's see what we find

Wisdom has built her house, she has set up its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

She has sent out her servants and she calls from the highest point of the city.
"Let all who as simple come to my house!"
To those who have no sense she says "Come eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed"
Leave your simple ways and you will life; walk in the way of insight.

The invitation from Wisdom certainly is not high brow, nor is it unappealing is it? 
Come to wisdom and share food and wine - sounds like somebody I would like!

There is a bit of a downside being wise - I like the expression "I hate people who think they know it all - it really annoys those of us who do!", though in reality wise people know their limitations.

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults, whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you.
Sounds a bit like some politicians really, doesn't it?

Rebuke the wise and they will love you, instruct the wise and they will be wiser still
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

We get another reprise of the old verse "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Again I'll say fear could almost be translated as respect here - One should treat things like fire and electricity and hazards with respect to avoid the danger associated with them.

Back to the chapter -
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you
If you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Folly is unruly, simple and knowing nothing 
(I'll leave out the bit here about the gender of folly - English is a bit unusual as a language in that we refer only to people and animate objects in terms of masculine and feminine, unlike French or German that have genders for pretty much anything!)

Like wisdom, folly sets up an invitation, but this time she offers water that is stolen, and food eaten in secret is delicious.

Little do her guests know that in effect they are eating in a morgue.

Proverbs 8 A party political manifesto from the Wisdom party

Proverbs 8

It has again been a while since my last post. The Prime minister (Like Voldamort, and Rumpole I call her "She who should not be named") called an unexpected snap election (well I hadn't expected it as she said she would not call one) - and lost her party's overall majority in the house of commons, Many see this as a huge own goal when the whole reason for the election was to give the government a strong mandate to say what they like to the rest of the EU.

Why start with this?
Well when I read this chapter it reads a bit like a manifesto, a call to action from none other than wisdom herself (or himself?)

So what does wisdom say, and how does she say it?

"Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet she takes her stand, beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance she cries aloud"

"To you, O people, I call out, I raise my voice to all humanity
You who are simple gain prudence, you who are foolish, set your hearts on it"

I understand the the word foolish has lost some of it's strength since Biblical times - a fool used to be one with little or no moral compass rather than one who is a bit of a twit.

Wisdom does not really mince words here "Listen for I have trustworthy things to say , I open my lips to speak what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
All the words or my mouth are just, none of them is wicked or perverse."

"To the discerning all of them are right, they are upright to those who have found knowledge"

The chapter continues with some interesting things that perhaps the politicians have taken somewhat too much to heart when it comes to funding education?

"Choose my instructions instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her"

Education is incredibly valuable - any graduate will probably tell you this, but it is also expensive and I hope we, who have the benefit of a good education treasure what we have studied and gain value, wisdom and understanding (Except Laplace Transforms, I NEVER go the point of them, but I digress!)

Wisdom seems to share a house with prudence, possessing knowledge and discretion.
We have another of these Fear the LORD sentences, again I think the English word "Respect" or "Honour" are better than "To be afraid of"

"To Fear the LORD is to hate evil"
"I (Wisdom) hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech"
I've not read Pride and Prejudice, but it is probably not the same as pride and arrogance?

Wisdom has friends in high places and is the power behind the throne -
"Counsel and sound judgement are mine, I have insight, I have power, by me kings reign, and rulers issue decrees that are just, by me princes govern, and nobles - all who rule on earth"

I think those in power and their advisers need all the wisdom they can get, and I hope they find wisdom for their people' s and countries sake
Wisdom makes several promises -
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me, find me"

One thing I am very sceptical about is what is called "the prosperity Gospel" - where if you follow their teachings and send money, you will be blessed with riches and if you don't, well it is your fault for not believing enough. 

However the Bible does promise riches to those who seek wisdom and understanding.
"With me are riches and honour, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, what I yield surpasses choice silver" 
"I walk in the way of righteousness along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full"

Like this post, the chapter is actually pretty long - Wisdom is not a new-fangled invention, wisdom is in the very creation of the planet, close to and rejoicing in the presence of the creator

To be honest, if Wisdom stood for parliament - I think she would get my vote.

"Those who find me, find life.
"But those who fail to find me harm themselves, all who hate me love death"
We've seen too many examples of people failing to find wisdom, I think to be complacent about not looking good and hard.

Proverbs 7 Another chapter on adultery!

Proverbs 7

If the book of Proverbs was written by the wise king Solomon it seems that the pot is advising the pot to be less black than the kettle!

Solomon is recorded as having no less than 700 brides and 300 concubines - yet he advises strongly against adultery!

From a 21st century point of view this chapter is somwhat sexist and misogynistic, here the man in the foolish party while the wicked woman schemes behind her husbands back.

I have no intention of attempting to justify the language of this chapter, but perhaps there is some wisdom to be extracted.from this passage.

Number 1 - Verse 4, treat wisdom and insight as close relatives,

Number 2 - Respect the sanctity of marriage,
It may be rather an unpoular view these days, but I do think the church teaching on marriage has some merit, I cannot help feeling that the scourge of sexually transmitted disease might be dramatically reduced if promiscuity were a more unusual occurrence than it seems to be.

Ok I'm a single person and not in a relationship, so its easy for me to preach?
Well, firstly my relationship status and choices are mine, but that does not say that temptations don't occur? - trust me, sometimes they do,.

The good news is that even if we do let ourselves and others down, reconciliation and forgiveness are very real possibilities.

I think that's all I have to day on this subject. 

Proverbs 6 Go to the ant.

Proverbs 6

Perhaps this chapter contains wise words to the bankers and financial sector?

If you have put up security for your neighbour, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.

Where does this leave insurance I wonder?

The chapter follows - 
So do this to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbours hands:
Go to the point of exhaustion and give your neighbour no rest!
Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.
Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hands of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

A few years ago now I found myself with quite large amounts of debt. and the feeling is not nice. It took me quite some time to free myself from this debt, and the feeling of relief when it was all paid off was really quite intense. 
On a personal note, if you are struggling with debt, please seek help, there are organisations out there who can help.

The chapter then moves off on a different tangent about hard work and being responsible.

Go to the ant, you sluggard: consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will  you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Again a change in tone - regarding a troublemaker and villain, stirring up conflict will meet with disaster.

Yet another change in tone - 
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
A haughty eye
A lying tongue 
Hands that shed innocent blood.
A heart that devises wicked schemes
Feet that are quick to rush into evil
A false witness who pours out lies
And a person who stirs up conflict in the community

The chapter finishes with another warning against adultery.

There are some rather odd thoughts here about the consequences of adultery, apparently going with a prostitute you pay up front, but a cheated spouse has every right to be furious.

People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving, yet if he is caught he has to pay the price.
But the man who commits adultery risks all and however much compensation he offers may well be refused.

Proverbs 5 Against Adultery

Proverbs 5

The Bible is a bit of an odd book sometimes, while the news and church endlessly debate LGBT rights, the consecration of women bishops and wade in about Cadbury's egg hunts advertised without the word "Easter" at the national trust (The fact the sign had "Easter fun" in very big letters seems to have escaped the attention of the press, prime minister and church of England!), there is a theme that fidelity and faithfulness are good and worthy things, while being relatively quiet on the subjects of women bishops and LGBT lifestyle. 

This chapter is one of these passages - Adultery (apparently a bigger problem for women than men), though I don't think that adultery is the fault of one person, after all it takes 2 to tango!

The lips of an illicit partner may be sweet as honey, and words are smoother than oil, but in the end they are as bitter as gall, sharp as a double edged sword.
It is a path that leads to no good.

The advice of the proverb writer is to keep well away from temptation.

Verses 15-18 are really a double entendre (to coin a phrase) about drinking water from your own cistern and well, and not letting your fluids leak in the street....
Read it if you don't believe me!

There is an ultimate (dare I say) cold shower - All your ways are in full view of God, so be a bit careful.

Proverbs 4 Listen to your parents!

Proverbs 4

This chapter is another one saying basically "listen to what I tell you" - I'm not sure about this attitude as people are fallible.

There is still some fairly sound advice here though - "pay attention and gain understanding."
The author's father apparently was also a wise and sensible person, instilling morals and a love of learning.

"Get wisdom, get understanding..."
"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you: love her and she will watch over you"

Verse 7 has what may be the daftest advice I've read so far - The beginning of wisdom is this. Get Wisdom (Duh!)
Wisdom and understanding are treated of great value, "Though it cost you all you have, get understanding" (The motto of the people behind university tuition fees I feel!)

Good and moral parental instruction here is seen as a way of living a good life, we are advised to consider carefully the paths we travel on, these can be good or bad.

Personally I only have to read or listen to the news and it makes me wonder how many people today seek wisdom and understanding, how many consider carefully the paths they are on, both on a personal and national level.

Sometimes I am just reminded of the line from Yes Minister "It's the people's will. I am their leader. I must follow them."

Proverbs 3 Lean not on your own understanding

Proverbs 3

Still the instructions continue - we are 3 chapters in and remarkably short of soundbites!

Let love and understanding never leave you, bind them around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart - says verse 3. I guess that is pretty sage advice, plus you get the benefit of favour and a good name in the sight of God and men. 

Trust in the LORD with  all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. (Verses 5+6) 
So what is this saying? - trusting in God is better than education and thinking for yourself?
I don't think this is actually what is being suggested here, I think that perhaps it is suggesting that human understanding and logic are sometimes selfish and illogical, cruel and downright wicked. One only has to look at totalitarian regimes and ideologies to see that.
Perhaps it is saying that at the end of the day there is a higher way that may suggest a different action from your original feelings?

The chapter continues with instructions not to think too much of your intellect "Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and shun evil"

Careful use of resources is suggested here too "Honour the LORD with your wealth" 
There is a prayer in the church of England that has the line "All things come from you and of your own do we give you" - It is humbling to think that we will be called to account for the things we have owned and thrown away as well as our treasured possessions.

The rest of the chapter is mostly a description of the benefits of wisdom - 
Wisdom is more valuable than silver or rubies, nothing you can desire compares with wisdom.

God made the foundations of the earth by wisdom, and understanding set the heavens in place, by his knowledge the watery depths were divided and the clouds let drop the dew.
This is poetic language rather than a scientific treatise, but there is a deeper truth here, the earth may be a fluke of chance and happenstance and life on earth just be a mathematical coincidence caused by some, as yet unknown, interaction of complex amino acids.
It is odd that the scientific name given to orbits similar to the earth is known as "Goldilocks zone" (not too hot, not too cold, but just right)  

Wisdom suggests doing the right thing here and now and living in peace with all as far as it is possible, yet still not follow the ways of wicked or evil people.

Certainly verse 27 is a good summary - Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due.

Hey - what do you know - we got short soundbites!

Proverbs 2 Benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs 2

It has been said that the difference between knowledge and wisdom can be found in the tomato.
Knowledge says that the tomato is a fruit, wisdom says "Don't put it in a fruit salad"!

Having told my joke for the day, lets have a look at the chapter

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding.
Indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

I find it interesting that wisdom and knowledge are not handed out on silver platters, they take effort and perseverance and habit to cultivate.
Jesus used similar language about the kingdom of God - we will get to this when we get to the gospels.

Wisdom is a gift from God, according tot he book of proverbs. 

Verse 7 in interesting - I'm not sure I agree totally with this - 
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

I think the book of Job shows that this is not true in all circumstances?

Those who are wise, just, fair and honest - paths that are good.

Wise people avoid the ways of wicked men who have left straight paths and walk in dark ways delighting in doing wrong.

Wise people are safe from the adulterous woman - I don't think this only means women here, I think there is a moral degeneracy that it is wise to avoid.
It is not my place to pass judgement on how people live their lives, but those who seek to break families and destroy people.......

I will try my best to seek out wisdom, understanding, truth and justice.
Try to walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
I'll have to see how it pans out, but I'll at least find out with a good conscience! 

Proverbs 1 - the beginnings of wisdom?

Proverbs 1

The book of proverbs is regarded as one of the "wisdom" books, they are attributed to King Solomon, son of David, who, if you recall, asked God for wisdom.

The stated aim of the proverbs is to gain wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight and how to live prudently, doing what is right, just and fair.
To teach prudence to the gullible (a footnote suggests that the word "simple" means gullible or easily led, with little moral compass)
To teach knowledge and discretion to the young and to add the the learning of the wise, and guidance to the discerning.

Something for everybody here I think.

Now we get probably the most famous verse in the book of Proverbs.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge"

Fear of God is Theophobia or Zeusaphobia, is this what the Bible says? Theophobia is the beginning of knowledge?
I don't think so - phobias tend to be irrational (or semi rational)fears ranging from Pogonophobia (fear of beards) to Logizomechanophobia (Fear of computers) from Ablutophobia (Fear of washing or bathing) to Zoophobia (Fear of animals). 

 Should we be afraid of God? I don't think that this is what is meant? I'm an engineer and design thermal equipment that could be lethal if it is not properly operated and looked after.
With this equipment we have to respect it, understand the risks and take steps to ensure that we and others are safe. The same applies to other things that are all around us - fire and electricity to name but two.

In engineering we have things like risk assessments and HAZOP (Hazardous Operations) where we take a look at what could possibly go wrong, what the effects would be, and how we can reduce or eliminate the threat.
I respect the hazards of the equipment I design, but it does not mean that I am particularly nervous standing next to it while it is operating
In this case Fear of the LORD is not theophobia, but respect.

Meanwhile fools (or those with loose or no moral character) despise wisdom and instruction (they probably don't even read the manual!) - if it comes to that, I often don't either!

The middle section of the chapter is advice to not ignore wise and sage advice, don't follow wicked and sinful people who are out to make themselves rich at the expense of others.

The end of the chapter is titled Wisdom's rebuke

Wisdom is not something to seek in solitude - she shouts out from the rooftops and the city square.
Those who are wise listen and learn.
Those who refuse wisdom lose out and eventually come to rack and ruin.

Psalm 150 What a racket!

Psalm 150

Finally - the end of the book of Psalms! Wow, this has taken a while....

The book of psalms ends with a bang, not a whimper.

Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary, praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power, praise him for his surpassing greatness.

So, the question I ask myself is - does God deserve this praise?
looking through the book of Psalms, we run the range of human experience, from being protected by God, abandoned by God, resting in God, being known at the deepest level by God, where does that leave us? 

I think I have to say probably I am in awe of God - the God who knows what I want to think before I even thunk it,

Lets look at the end of the book of Psalms - 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 
Praise him with the harp and lyre, 
Praise him with tambourine and dancing, 
Praise him with the strings and pipe
Praise him with the clash of cymbals
Praise him with resounding cymbals
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD

Praise the LORD.

As a trombonist I think they almost got the first instrument right! Though the valve trumpet that can play a full scale is a relatively recent development - so the trumpet was more volume than tune and probably based on the Zophar or rams horn (I tried playing one once, did not get very far, if truth be told!)

Some time ago I was playing in a music group for a service attended by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who is a man of God I have a lot of respect for.
Anyway it is well known that Archbishop Sentamu likes to play drums in services, and this one was no exception, the Archbishop started joining in on the African drum, but not quite in the same time or rhythm as the rest of us! The fact is that this did not detract from the music, the joy and exuberance actually added and the timing worked itself out.
The list of instruments listed here make a terrible orchestra - harps take forever to tune up, and then are not very loud!

It is interesting that percussion is mentioned twice - clashing and resounding cymbals.

Perhaps the instruction for everything that has breath to praise the LORD is just an attempt to drown out the cacophony of the band (or, if you are feeling traditional, organ!)

Psalm 149 With a song and a sword?

Psalm 149

Well, we are nearly at the end of the longest book of the Bible, with both the longest and shortest chapter in the Bible.

Anyway, I'm not so sure about this psalm as you might tell from the title!

Having said that, shall we dive in?

Praise the LORD (again literally Hallelujah)
Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker, ket the people of Zion be glad in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

Have you ever seen the movie "The Blues Brothers?" it is an amazing film, well ok, it has lots of really good music and car chases, what more is needed in a movie really?
Anyway there is a scene in the film where the Blues Brothers (Jake and Elwood) are told to go to the "Triple rock Baptist church" and listen to the sermon (Delivered by blues legend James Brown)
In the church there is some amazing music and the congregation start dancing.
This description here puts me in mind of that totally over the top service!

Back to the Psalm, 
For the LORD takes delight in his people, he crowns the humble with victory.
Let his faithful people rejoice in his honour and sing for joy on their beds.

It is impressive that God's pleasure is not in the rich or arrogant, or even those who sleep well at night! 

Now we get to the bit I find difficult.
We used to sing a song based on this back in the 1980's "With the high praises of God in our mouths, and a two edged sword in our hands, we'll march right on to the victory side, right into Canaan's land."

May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples.
To bind their kings with fetters, their nobles in shackles of iron.
To carry out the sentence written against them

As a teenager, I used to like this song, these days it kind of makes me cringe!

This is the glory of all his faithful people.
Praise the LORD.


Should Israel, or any other nation, take it upon themselves to judge other nations? 
Where can we find God' s written sentence? 

Psalm 148 Natural praises

Psalm 148

This is a rather upbeat psalm really,

Praise the LORD, Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.

Ok so that's one way to pass a long flight! however doing that out loud may cause concern and annoyance with some of the other passengers.

The psalm goes on to exhort the angels and armies of heaven to praise God along with teh shining stars.

Why?
Because he made them.

Ok, let's talk briefly about the old creation vs evolution argument.
The universe along with space and time was created in the big bang some 14 billion years ago.
In fact the very expression "big bang" was coined by sir Fred Hoyle, an astrophysicist who did not agree with the theory.
First of all there was nothing, which exploded and then there was everything.
If we can accept this, why can we not accept that there was some reason for it? 

Evolution is another theory that some people tell me that I'm not allowed to believe, nor that the universe is above 6000 years old - that some people seem to have picked up from some ultra literal reading of the Bible.

I personally don't have a problem reconciling science with faith - nor if it comes to that do a large number of extremely eminent scientists.

The weather and animals and plants are, along with kings, princes and old and young men and women, let them praise the name of the LORD.

The Psalm ends with 
The praise of all his faithful servants, of the people close to his heart.

Praise God.

Psalm 147 The god of nature

Psalm 147

The Psalm begins with a hebrew word "Hallelujah" which literally means "Praise the LORD".
It is a word that inspired the late great Leonard Cohen's famous song.

The psalm continues - How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him.

God builds up Jerusalem, he gathers the exiles of Israel.
He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.

The next verse is a bit of an interesting thematic jump
He determines the number of the stars and calls each by name.

Great is our LORD and mighty in power, his understanding has no limit.

It is interesting that we are constantly discovering things like sub atomic particles and even galaxies, yet God has unlimited understanding.
One of my favourite verses in the Bible is found in the book of Proverbs (Chapter 25 verse 2) It is the Gory of God to conceal a matter. To search out a matter is the glory of kings.
I think that research and science are part of the glory of mankind - searching out the heart of the universe and God.

The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

Why? given the vastness of the universe, why should God care about the humble and the proud and the hurting? 

Sing to the LORD with grateful praise, make music to our God on the harp.
I have to say I don't play the harp, and I am not that good at singing for that matter!

In the Psalm God is responsible for clouds and rains to make the land fertile and sustain ecosystems, both man made and natural.

God does not take pleasure in the strength of the horse, nor the legs of the warrior.
The LORD delights in those who fear him and put their hope in his unfailing love.

Perhaps here is a clue to why God cares? Love!

Psalm 146 Put not your trust in princes

Psalm 146

Reading this psalm today, with all that happened last year, the prime minister's speech this week (January 2017) and yesterday's inauguration of the new president of the USA, it would be far too easy to let rip - perhaps later?

So I'm going to try to be positive and try and read the psalm for what it says and what it says to me.

Praise the LORD (literal translation of the word Hallelujah)
Praise the LORD my soul.
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes, 
In human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground.
on that very day their plans  come to nothing.

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord their God.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them 
he remains faithful for ever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
the LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down.

The LORD loves the righteuous.
The LORD watches over the foreigner, and sustains the fatherless and the widow.
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns for ever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the LORD.

I think that I will let the psalm speak - better to trust in God eh?

I mean I hope and pray for the leaders of the nations - however they go the job.
I hope and pray that they will work for peace and the best interests of their countries, peoples and work together to leave office with the world in a better state than when they took office.

You know what? I think God is probably the only supreme being who is capable of pulling that one off!