Proverbs 30:7-9 reduces our life to two requests of God: one, to "keep falsehood and lies far from me" and two, give me neither poverty not riches, but give me only my daily bread." The author of this proverb does not elaborate on the first so he must think that it speaks clearly for itself. He does, however, give us an explanation of the second. His explanation goes something like this, if I have too much I may disown and forget God altogether, basically relying only upon myself. If I have too little I may steal and therefore, dishonor the name of God. I think these are still valid thoughts for us. I don't think it is any coincidence that the most affluent nation in history is also one that generally worships at the idol of personal independence. Americans, probably above all, love the idea of the 'self-made man', who answers only to himself. Think about our heroes from movies, business, or politics. Very seldom are they the men who quietly and humbly work with others to accomplish great things. We love the guys who lay forth a vision and against all odds make it happen, no matter what it costs financially, physically, emotionally, or in terms of relationships. The writer of this proverb shows us the danger in that way of thinking, we can become fooled into thinking that we did it by ourselves and don't even need God, the grandest delusion of all. Let the words of this proverb ring in your mind and heart every time you catch yourself wanting a little bit more.
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30, 2009 - Proverbs 30
Proverbs 30:7-9 reduces our life to two requests of God: one, to "keep falsehood and lies far from me" and two, give me neither poverty not riches, but give me only my daily bread." The author of this proverb does not elaborate on the first so he must think that it speaks clearly for itself. He does, however, give us an explanation of the second. His explanation goes something like this, if I have too much I may disown and forget God altogether, basically relying only upon myself. If I have too little I may steal and therefore, dishonor the name of God. I think these are still valid thoughts for us. I don't think it is any coincidence that the most affluent nation in history is also one that generally worships at the idol of personal independence. Americans, probably above all, love the idea of the 'self-made man', who answers only to himself. Think about our heroes from movies, business, or politics. Very seldom are they the men who quietly and humbly work with others to accomplish great things. We love the guys who lay forth a vision and against all odds make it happen, no matter what it costs financially, physically, emotionally, or in terms of relationships. The writer of this proverb shows us the danger in that way of thinking, we can become fooled into thinking that we did it by ourselves and don't even need God, the grandest delusion of all. Let the words of this proverb ring in your mind and heart every time you catch yourself wanting a little bit more.
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