Read
Our Thoughts Are Tested
1A dry crust of bread eaten
in peace and quiet
is better than a feast eaten
where everyone argues.
2A wise slave
will be placed in charge
of a no-good child,
and that slave will be given
the same inheritance
that each child receives.
3Silver and gold are tested
by flames of fire;
our thoughts are tested
by the Lord.
Reflect
The compiler of Proverbs, King Solomon, lived in a golden era of national peace. The kingdom that he inherited from his father was experiencing the good life. After decades of war, with military and political manoeuvring, the borders of the land had been secured. The historic enemies of the people had been subdued and were being held at bay. But people will be people!
It is a great irony that times of civic tranquility do not automatically lead to peaceful life at home. In our text Solomon reminds us that conflict at home, typically at mealtime, can disrupt the basic purpose that God has for families: to provide a place of contentment, safety and delight far from the normal pressures of public life.
Daily bread in that time was for most people just that: bread! In that nation and at that time meat was a rare treat. During the great feasts when the people would gather to celebrate, they would have a feast with fresh meat from animals that had been killed sacrificially. Those were celebrations of great joy, similar to our Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts. A meal that included meat was always prepared with deep gratitude and served with great thanksgiving. Everyday food was bland and often scarce. Acknowledging this contrast, Solomon reminds us that even a morsel of dry bread partaken in peace is to be preferred over a feast served in an atmosphere of unresolved tensions.
Respond
O God, remind us each day to value most deeply the simple things that make for peaceful relationships and joyful mealtimes. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Clair MacMillan
Clair MacMillan is the National Director of the Church of the Nazarene Canada, a position he has held for the past 8 years. He served the Church of the Nazarene as a local pastor for 33 years before accepting assignment in church administration. He is the primary author of The SourceBook for Clergy Development Canada, and has contributed articles to numerous periodicals and books. He and his wife Donna, live in Moncton, New Brunswick.