Ecc. 1 [The Message]
Solomon was one sad individual. Here he was the “wisest, richest, most powerful” king in the world. To hear his summation of life in this book is really depressing. We wonder if King David did a lousy job in raising him. (Vanity – all is vanity)
The point: if you want your kids to turn out good, don’t give them EVERYTHING!
Pr. 31:28, 29 [The Message, KJV]
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Interestingly, Eugene Peterson links verse 29 to 28 as being a compliment paid to the wife from the husband. I’ve never looked at it that way, but I buy it.
In essence, a husband who praises his wife is raising the ceiling on her performance and function. He says, “Honey, U Da Bes!”
I know from experience that it works MUCH BETTER than criticism.
Phil. 4:4 (The Message)
I’m very proud of my grandson Caleb. He’s working on a master’s degree in social work. When I read the following verse, I thought of him.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Kudos to Caleb and anyone in a profession that helps people. It’s more rewarding to help others than it is to be helping yourself all the time!
Pr. 30,31 [The Message]
“Speak up for the people who have no voice,
for the rights of all the misfits.
Speak out for justice!
Stand up for the poor and destitute!”
What person has less voice than the unborn? Respectfully “Speak out.”
We had a missionary from Budapest Hungary Sunday morning who is targeting the gypsy population there. They seem to be societal misfits. He appears to be doing what he can. Bravo for him!
I have a poor friend named Curtis who has a severe speech impediment. I am trying to stand up for him.
They’re all around us … misfits – poor – destitute … Don’t worry, if you ask God, He will point them out.
Is. 46:4 [The Message]
“Listen to me, family of Jacob, everyone that’s left of the family of Israel. I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, And I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old. I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray. I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you.
Patty and I are both 75 now. I wont bore you with how much the medical industry has invoiced me through the years … actually very little since we are on Medicare and have an excellent supplement plan through Anthem. I did some figuring the other day and concluded that my cancer medication (Revlimid) has totaled 2.6 million dollars since I have been taking it. (Nov. 2012)
I am grateful for the Lord’s promise to “bear me” as I age. It really comforts me. He TRULY has been carrying me my whole life. He will do it for you too.
Pr. 30:8, 9 [The Message]
Give me enough food to live on,
neither too much nor too little.
If I’m too full, I might get independent,
saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’
If I’m poor, I might steal
and dishonor the name of my God.”
How much is enough? How much is too much? It seems that in our society, accumulation of wealth and material items are a worthy goal. I’m not bashing folks who have a comfortable standard of living. At some time, we all ask ourselves the question, “Do I REALLY need this or that?” We can thank God for what He’s blessed us with. Realize that at some point the “stuff” will need to be eliminated. Moderation will reduce the stress of the maintenance “stuff” requires.
When my siblings and I recently dealt with dispensing of Mom and Dad’s stuff, I’m so glad it was a do-able task.
Pr. 29:14 [The Message]
Who are the poor? Is it just that they don’t have as much money? Is it what part of town they live in? Is it their ethnic origin that’s looked down upon? Is it the holes in their clothes or their lack of bathing? Generally they lack money. They don’t have a platform of advantage to speak from. They have needs.
Dealing with the poor appropriately requires good leadership.
Leadership gains authority and respect
when the voiceless poor are treated fairly. [v. 14]
Lot of city leaders whining right now about their problem with the poor. They are losing respect BIG TIME.
Pr. 29 [The Message]
There are several references to “sage” in the Message translation of this chapter. The general definition of the term is:
It’s the name of the catering service at TCS. It’s probably in reference to the European culinary herb, but a simple combination of the meanings is enchanting.
Solomon’s references to the person known as a sage is highlighting their wisdom and effect on others.
A gang of cynics can upset a whole city;
a group of sages can calm everyone down.
A fool lets it all hang out;
a sage quietly mulls it over.
The King James uses the term “Wise man” where Peterson colorfully uses “Sage.”
Pr. 28:28 [The Message]
When corruption takes over, good people go underground,
but when the crooks are thrown out, it’s safe to come out.
This entire proverb is good to consider concerning government decay. Maintaining a culture of Godliness is nothing new. The Jews did it in their Egyptian bondage. They did it in their Babylonian bondage. The pilgrims were seeking religious freedom when they sailed to the shores of America on the Mayflower.
Personal faith, family devotions, faithful church attendance, enrolling your children in a Christian school … these are bastions of Christian culture that must be maintained when we see the culture of our nation in decline and decay.
Lord Jesus, bring about a spiritual revival for our nation.
Pr. 26-28 [The Message]
Committed and persistent work pays off;
get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs.
Some people talk and dream all the time about get-rich-quick schemes. It’s as if the best way to get money is a clever move that involves little or no work. This is a deception that robs them of a healthy work mentality.
Look at the ant. Have you ever seen an ant trying to pull a giant leaf to their hill? It’s ridiculous. It will never happen. But, if they carry bite-sized chunks to their home, they will make progress. They don’t give up. One trip after another can be observed. They don’t give up. They are committed and persistent.
Children and students should be taught this method of gaining wealth. Parents should model it.
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. [Pr. 6:6]
TCS Daily Devotional 