Read
–15–
19Listen to me, my children!
Be wise and have enough sense
to follow the right path.
20Don't be a heavy drinker
or stuff yourself with food.
21It will make you feel drowsy,
and you will end up poor
with only rags to wear.
Reflect
People often react against those who blame the poor for their poverty. In one sense, this protective attitude is understandable. When we are down, we do not appreciate a pointing finger, especially when our misfortune is beyond our control. Yet even when we cause our downfall we appreciate a helping hand. Christians desire to extend God’s grace to the struggling, not condemnation.
Still, mercy requires us to give fair warning. If a friend intends to invest in a stock that will plummet in value tomorrow, we speak to them. Likewise, God in mercy points us to “the right path” that we may avoid disaster. Such avoidance is even better than help recovering from an unnecessary crash.
Sometimes, we do invite poverty. Substance abuse is represented here by “heavy drink.” Much use of alcohol or other chemicals impairs our judgment and makes us “drowsy.” It diverts resources from where they are needed, like an alcoholic who buys another bottle and leaves the children without food. Eventually it affects our ability to discern good use of time from bad; good opportunities to produce income from others. We lose good “sense” and financial resources. We can also overindulge in good things. Too much food leads to obesity and health struggles that cost money and may cost opportunities. One young couple lost their marriage because the husband played a wonderful game (soccer) far too much. Broken relationships are a leading cause of poverty.
A warning in such instances, couched in affection and concern, is an act of love. So, let us be good friends graciously steering others to choices that reflect good sense. May we “be wise” too and avoid overindulging ourselves.
Respond
Redeeming Lord, whose desire is that your creatures flourish, strengthen us to choose the “right path” and to find a kindly voice to redirect others tempted to overindulgence that together we may live in a world of health and joy and honour our loving Saviour Jesus. Amen.
Axel Schoeber
Axel Schoeber has been an elementary teacher; a Baptist pastor for 27 years in Jasper, Calgary, Penticton and Victoria; and is now Associate Professor of Supervised Ministry at Carey Theological College in Vancouver. He supervisors the field education of pastors and others preparing for ministries and teaches Reimagining the Educational Mission of the Church and Baptist Identity. He directs the Mentored Ministry program for the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, and loves his family. Publications: ‘“Christian Society”: A More Influential Concept Than Often Understood?’ http://www.csrs.uvic.ca ‘John Calvin and the “Still-born” Third Option in the French Reformation’ in Calvin@500: Theology, History, and Practice, Richard R. Topping and John A. Vissers, ed. (Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick, 2011)