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.
Read More substance abuse, overindulgence, warning others, alcohol“Do not trust anyone over 30.” This opinion surrounded me when I was young. We were confident we could remake the world and do a “better job” than our elders had done. It is closer to the truth that we made many mistakes the older generation warned us about, but we refused to listen. We had to learn the hard way.
Read More parents, advice, paying attentionIn the mountains a blocked highway can mean a massive detour. If someone closed one of these roads on a whim, many would be justifiably angry. If, however, the closure was necessitated by a washed out bridge, the decision represents a legitimate concern to save lives. The first decision intends to deprive us; the second one intends our well-being.
Read More protection, marriage, sex, boundariesToday’s verses do not address occasional and responsible alcohol use. They address its misuse and the consequences. The description of binge drinking here is humorous. Barroom brawls, cuts, bruises, reddened eyes, imagined sights, dizziness, passing out, only to start again next morning bring a momentary smile, but their consequences are serious indeed.
Read More dependency, Holy Spirit, joy, alcohol abuseGangs are part of the landscape in most major urban areas. Why do young people join them? I have read of two significant factors, though there are probably more. One reason is for safety. In an insecure neighbourhood, a gang can provide a type of protection: “If you hurt me, ten other tough guys will take care of you.” If we are afraid, gang solidarity can comfort us.
Read More safety, courage, insecurity, social statusWhat do we value the most? Answers will vary from one person to another, but sometimes our good words do not match our actions. Are we willing to take a possibly uncomfortable test? Let us take a look around our homes. What do we most noticeably spend our money on? It will tell us what we really value. If there are three expensive cars in the garage, that fact communicates.
Read More wisdom, security, values, moneyMost of life is handled best without fighting. Outcomes where everybody wins are preferable to outcomes where one side (or everyone!) loses. Yet tense situations abound. How can we navigate them to maximize everyone’s welfare and minimize destructive strife? We use the resources of knowledge available to us with wisdom.
Read More planning, care, win-win
Jesus said, “You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thorn bushes. A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:16-17) These proverbs make a similar point. Some people ask just anyone for input when they face a quandary. The quality of advice they receive, however, can vary immensely.
Read More advice, fools, discernmentRead Reflect It easy to say, “What can one person do?” Or, “With such odds stacked against me, how can I change my circumstances?” We settle into fatalistic thinking, which usually breeds cynicism. It is hardly a joyful way to live. Today’s proverbs challenge helpless resignation. Can we change all that is wrong with the […]
Read More responsibility, effectiveness, challengeWe need to remind ourselves that sweetened food is a modern phenomenon. In Old Testament times food only rarely came sweetened. Honey stood out as a treat, refreshingly different from the rest of the diet. Imagine that rich dessert most of us occasionally enjoy. Wisdom is like this special treat. It brightens our lives with its goodness and makes life richer.
Read More challenge, wisdom, joy, worth-while life, flourishing