Read
25 Sometimes what seems right
is really a road to death.
26The hungrier you are,
the harder you work.
27Worthless people plan trouble.
Even their words burn
like a flaming fire.
29Don't trust violent people.
They will mislead you
to do the wrong thing.
30When someone winks
or grins behind your back,
trouble is on the way.
Reflect
In these verses, Solomon develops one of the earliest Bible themes, the basic human need for companionship. In Genesis 1 and 2, Moses described God’s creation of the world, starting with the lowest forms of life and moving to the creation of “a man in God’s own image.” (Genesis 1:26). Immediately thereafter God comments about the nature of humans: “It is not good for a man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). It is a simple statement but establishes a central principle about human existence in God’s world.
We humans all need friendships of many kinds. In today’s world we are thrown into a multitude of relationships. Some are the simple relationships of friends we choose; other relationships are thrust upon us by the circumstances of work, neighborhood and recreation. Many of us also enjoy the virtual friendships of social media.
In isolation from other people many things “look right.” As we negotiate the complexities of life, we really need the advice that comes through the experience of others who share our values. Some things that look right, or pleasant, or good to the private judgment of an individual, are filled with peril. We need relationships to test our private opinions against the broader experiences of others.
Respond
Lord God: you have promised the Holy Spirit to guide your people into all truth: give us wisdom to discern your guidance among the multitude of voices that would seek to lead us.
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.