Sayre Woods Bible Church

Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; rock badgers (coneys) are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces. (30:24-28)

There is so much that I love in Proverbs 30. I do not know who Agur is (actually no one really does) but his recognition of his own weaknesses and his simple observations on life are awesome. For those who read Proverbs 30 today, I would be curious what verses stood out to you. There are so many. Feel free to share what struck you.

30:24-28 are some of my favorite verses in Proverbs. It was hard not to focus in on them this morning. Animals have always fascinated me. Growing up down south on lots of land, I roamed around alot in our backyard and observed the amazing creatures around me. I was particularly fascinated with insects, ant lions, and spiders. I have a feeling that Agur had the same type of fascination. There are four creatures which Agur was particularly fascinated with…the ant, the rock badger, the locust, and the lizard.

What Agur observed is that each of these creatures is small yet they are wise. In other words, they recognize their own weaknesses and limitations and have learned how to live with them. Ants respond to their weakness by preparation. They know they do not have the strength to face the winds and elements of winter so they get all their food in the summer and store it for winter. Rock badgers are fairly defenseless animals so they have learned the art of protection. They compensate for their weakness by making their home in the crevices of rocks. Locusts are weak individually but they have learned that they have incredible power in numbers. Lizards can easily be caught with one’s hand but somehow, in their resourcefulness and determination, they have learned how to live inside the palaces of kings.

Why did Agur feel the need to share all this? Because he recognized his own weaknesses. And if we are wise, we will recognize ours. It is amazing to me how man could ever be prideful. Our lives are but a vapor and we have no power over the forces of this universe yet somehow we stand in arrogance in the face of the Almighty God…anyway I digress a little bit. A wise person recognizes his own weakness and learns the value of four things:

1. Preparation and planning. There is nothing spiritual about flying by the seat of your pants. God gave us a brain to use. The wise person sees his needs, sees his opportunities and plans his course. Now a wise person also humbly recognizes that God may override his plans. I am reminded of Nehemiah who humbly sought God’s direction and will and then also used his brains and creativity to plan and organize how to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

2. Dependence on a higher strength. We are not strong therefore the wisest thing we can do is find our refuge in something (or Someone) infinitely stronger than us. Building our lives on the Rock of Christ is definitely the smartest thing we can do.

3. Interdependence with others. Not only are we wise to find our refuge in God, but we are also wise when we recognize the value of fellowship and join ourselves to others. No man is an island and we are foolish if we live independently and isolate ourselves physically and emotionally from others. We need one another. We need encouragement, love, support, accountability, and friendship. And we are stronger when we learn how to work together for a common goal.

4. Determination and aspiration. If we wisely plan our course, depend on God, and join with others, the only other thing we need is the determination to finish the race and the aspiration to aim for king’s palaces. Our limitations should not limit us to mediocrity. As William Carey, a faithful missionary to India, once said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

Lord, give me the humility to recognize my own weakness and the wisdom to order my steps, to depend on You, to unite with others in the body of Christ, and to aim high.

An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. (29:6)

The New King James has a similar translation: By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices. The idea of “transgression” reveals a lot more of the intent of the proverb. To transgress is to step across the line, to go out of bounds so to speak. It implies that a person leaves the path of righteousness or obedience to try a different way. It is the idea behind Isaiah 53:6: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way…” 

Why do we leave the path of obedience? Generally to seek pleasure or some type of self-gratification or joy. Something catches our eye off the path and we think, “Wow, that really looks like the place to be!” So we veer off and take another path thinking that it will satisfy us. Instead we are “snared” by our own sin. The pleasure of the forbidden wears off and we are trapped by our own foolish choices. Sin may look like honey but it always stings in the end.

On the other hand, the proverb states the one who stays on the path of righteousness “can sing and be glad.” Following God’s path brings the opportunity to rejoice and be glad. I like the fact that the NIV says that righteous one “can” sing and be glad. It implies that we do have a choice. Staying on the path gives us every reason to rejoice–we have a clear conscience, we have blessings from God to enjoy, and we have a future hope. However sometimes our feet may stay on the path but our eyes drift off the road to the same temptations that ensnare the foolish. The billboards of the world are big and bright and easily distract us. It is when our feet are on the path and our eyes are focusing on the blessings of God that we find the key to singing and gladness.

Lord, tune my heart to sing Your praise this day.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.  (26:4-5)

This set of proverbs has always caught my attention. They are obviously contradictory. In fact, I’ve even heard someone use these verses as evidence that there are contradictions in the Bible. I had the take the advice of 26:4. There was no point in answering at the time.

Solomon obviously put these two proverbs together for a reason. When a fool speaks or mocks or rattles on, sometimes it is pointless to answer him. So don’t. Just be quiet or quietly leave the conversation because to answer him is to get caught in an endless cycle of chatter with someone who obviously does not want to listen. In the end, you will just be frustrated and the fool will be no better off because of your words. Jesus echoes this thought when He says, “…Don’t cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matthew 7:6b). Sometimes silence speaks volumes.

On the other hand, Solomon says that there are times that you have to answer a fool lest they be wise in their own eyes. This proverb follows the first one for a reason. When a fool spouts off about some topic, our initial response is to keep silent. The hope is that the silence will end the topic and the fool will move on to something else. Oftentimes a fool is simply trying to spur on a controversy and rile up other people. That’s why the Bible calls them fools. Silence then is the best response.

However, at times, the fool really thinks he knows something and he interprets the silence as evidence that he is right and so he keeps on “philosophizing” about the same topic. At some point, the wise person must speak. And Solomon advises that a wise person should speak “according to his [the fool's] folly.” What does that mean? I take it to mean that a wise person should not try to list a whole slew of reasons why the fool is wrong. Rational argument doesn’t usually work with a fool. That’s why the Bible calls them fools. Instead the wise person simply tries to show the folly of the fool’s own words. Jesus was a master at this. When asked a question intended to trap him, Jesus usually responded not with an answer to their question but with a question of His own. A classic example is when the Pharisees asked Him, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things?” To which Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one thing and answer Me: the baptism of John was it from heaven or from men?” When the Pharisees refused to answer (because they would be trapped either way), Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Luke 20:1-8).

Fools generally like to keep people on the defensive by asking lots of questions. A wise person doesn’t try to answer all of them but simply turns the table and asks questions of their own. How do you learn such responses? By growing in wisdom and discernment and maintaining your cool through the power of the Spirit. There is no easy way. Wisdom always comes through daily practice over time.

As mockers increase in this world, it is vital for believers to grow in wisdom, discernment and self-control. And these attributes only come through a disciplined reading of God’s Word and a daily walk in the power of the Spirit.

Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and grant me with Your wisdom as I walk through this day.

If you find honey, eat just enough–too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house–too much of you, and he will hate you. (25:16-17)

It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek own’s own honor. (25:27)

After speaking of honey yesterday (cf. 24:13-14), it was hard not to notice the two additional “honey” proverbs in chapter 25. Solomon’s point is clear: too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Of course, he illustrates it in a very graphic way. “Eat too much honey and you will vomit.” That’s about as picturesque as you can get! And it’s true.

I love chocolate brownies and vanilla ice cream. Sometimes after eating one bowl (or “inhaling it” as my wife says I do), I crave another one. But I know that if I eat another one I will regret it (sometimes I regret it after the first one!). Dessert is good but too much of it makes you sick. The sweetness needs to be balanced by other things. As much as my kids want to eat dessert all day long, without a balance of meats, grains, and vegetables they would not only be sick but sickly.

Solomon uses the point of too much honey to illustrate two other principles. A friendly neighbor is great but if he comes over every day you’ll get sick of him. It is a reminder that friendship and relationship are great things but they can’t be rushed or forced or piled on too heavy. Intimacy and friendship need to be balanced with space. By the same token, it is great to have a good reputation but if you are constantly concerned with building your own reputation then you’ll actually destroy it. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

The word that immediately comes to mind is “balance.” There was a Christian book written many years ago entitled, “Balancing the Christian Life.” It was a good reminder that much of the Christian life is learning to avoid extremes. We tend to run off on tangents in the Christian life. We overemphasize Bible study and forget to love people in practical ways. Or we become ultra-busy in ministry and forget to spend time in rest and in quietness before God. And the list could go on…

On another level, God knows that as much as we would love to always be on the mountaintop in our Christian lives–always celebrating, always in health, always problem-free and conflict-free–sometimes we need the valleys in life to teach us patience, perseverance, and hope.

I remember some words by Augustine, a theologian from the fourth century, “Eating and drinking have no pleasure, unless there precede the pinching of hunger and thirst. …It is also ordered that the engaged bride should not at once be given, lest as a husband he should hold cheap whom, as betrothed, he signed not after. …Every where the greater joy is ushered in by the greater pain.” 

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Sometimes it is the valleys, dry times, and pains of life that help us appreciate the mountains, blessings, and joys of life. 

Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (24:13-14)

Proverbs 22:17-24:22 is a collection of thirty sayings that Solomon wants his children to remember. It is interesting to see what Solomon includes in this list. If I were to collect thirty sayings for my children, it would probably look a lot differently. Part of that is because I dwell in a different culture. Part of that is because I am short-sighted and lack the wisdom that Solomon had.

Solomon tells his children such things as…don’t mistreat the poor…watch your friendships…work hard but don’t wear yourself out to be rich…don’t speak to a fool…don’t eat the food of a stingy man…discipline your children…don’t envy sinners…don’t hang around with those who drink or eat too much…rescue the defenseless…don’t gloat when your enemy falls…and fear the LORD! It is a great list and would make a great study on its own.

But the one saying that really stood out to me was 24:13-14. One reason is because I like honey. Not just Honey Nut Cheerios and Honeycomb cereal but fresh honey poured over hot cornbread or buttered toast. Good stuff! (Of course, I am convinced that if chocolate were around in Solomon’s days, he might have referred to it in these verses.) Solomon tells his son to eat honey, to enjoy honey, for it is good and sweet to the taste. Then he goes on to say, “And get wisdom too for it is also good and sweet to your soul.”

What’s his point? His point is that following after God, living righteously, and avoiding evil is not just something we do out of duty so that we can check things off our list, impress God with our moral austerity, and earn a few brownie points from our Sunday School teachers. We live for God, avoid evil, and pursue wisdom because this is the best life! It is true life. It is sweet to the soul. And it gives us a “future hope” so that even when the circumstances of life throw us a curve we can still find joy in knowing that God is in control and can turn every trial ultimately into our benefit and that one day all our tears will be wiped away in the brilliance of His glory and in the sheer pleasure of His presence. That’s why Solomon tells his sons–”Eat honey and let the smile remind you to live for God.”

Lord, fill me with Your Spirlt. Fill me with Your joy. May You be honey to my soul today.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (23:4-5)

On the way home yesterday I was behind a car with the following bumper sticker–”Money talks. Mine always says “good-bye”! I thought it was pretty funny and then this morning I read Proverbs 23:4-5 and thought, “Wow, I guess that sticker was true too.” Money does not last. It cannot be counted on. As soon as you think you have it, it sprouts wings and flies away.

However I think the real emphasis of Solomon’s words is in the first part of verse 4–”Don’t wear yourself out to get rich.” Don’t let money consume you, control you. Don’t let it determine the direction of your life. It’s not worth the pursuit. Money is a good tool but a rotten god.

Paul warns Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:9-10: People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Usually when I think of someone with a “love for money,” I think of the Rockefellers, Hughes, and Gates of this world. You know, the really rich people…those are the people with the problem. But that is not the picture Paul is trying to paint. It is the desire to get rich, the eagerness to have more and more. It is the false belief that joy and satisfaction increase as my money and possessions increase. It is an easy trap to fall into and we live in a culture that certainly infects us with this belief.

So how do we know if we are infected with the love of money? When we wear ourselves out to earn another buck so we can get more stuff. When we ignore God’s command to rest and add more and more hours to our work schedule. When we earn more, but give less.

I just read an article in Newsweek that lauded the fact that over $260 billion was given to charity last year by Americans. It was the highest total in our nation’s history. The problem is that that total represents a little less than 1% of the nation’s income. In other words, the average American gives less than 1% to charitable causes–churches, relief organizations, etc. What’s even more ironic is that those who make over $100,000 a year typically give the least. I am reminded of Jesus’ words: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:21) and To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

Again money is not the problem. It is our attitude toward it. As Paul goes on to say in 1 Timothy 6: Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share… (6:17-18). This command is for us.

Lord, teach me to be generous with all the blessings that You have given me.

Humility and fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. (22:4)

After reading Proverbs 21:21 yesterday–He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor–this verse stood out to me today. The two verses obviously go together. Proverbs 21:21 tells us where our passion and motivation must lie while 22:4 tells us the attitudes necessary to develop that passion and motivation. I will not pursue love and righteousness unless I am humble and fear the LORD. In other words, pride and selfishness are the great roadblocks to the pursuit of love and righteousness. Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor (18:12).

Of course, measuring our own humility is an impossible thing to do. As soon as we think we are humble, we’ve lost it! I am reminded of Proverbs 21:2, All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Paul says a similar thing in 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 when he says:

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court, indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 

It’s a good reminder. Who am I to judge the motives of another man’s heart when I can’t even be real sure of my own motives? Our hearts are too deceitful to allow for a truly accurate assessment (Jeremiah 17:9). So what do we do? We keep pursuing righteousness and love. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4, we strive to be faithful and we leave the ultimate assessment up to God.

Of course, there are clues along the way that reveal our heart. Proverbs provides several. How do I know I fear the LORD? I listen. I accept correction. I avoid sin and sexual immorality. I give to others. I guard my heart and my mouth. I pursue wisdom. I avoid unnecessary quarrels. Pride only breeds quarrels but wisdom is found in those who take advice (13:10). To put it quite simply, a humble heart is described in James 1:19-20–Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 

Lord, open my ears today, quiet my mouth, and fill me with Your Spirit so that I may avoid strife and exercise patience and grace toward those I meet today.

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (21:21)

I like verses which summarize and simplify what it means to follow God. This is one of them. We are called to pursue righteousness and love. It is interesting that the verse does not say, “He who is righteous and loving finds life, prosperity, and honor.” Instead we are to pursue these things. The implication is that we never “catch” righteousness and love. Righteousness and love are always one step ahead of us, always pulling us to greater and greater heights. In other words, we always have room for growth. We can never say that we have “arrived.” Instead every day is a fresh pursuit, every day presents me with different opportunities and challenges to grow in righteousness and in love.

So what are righteousness and love? Righteousness is, quite simply, doing what is right in God’s eyes. It is living in conformity to His will. And what is God’s will? To love–to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. So the two are inseparably tied together. The Pharisees in the NT missed the boat because they tried to pursue a righteousness apart from love. Today people often miss the boat by trying to separate love from righteousness. You can’t do it. That which is out of conformity to God’s Word is not love no matter how you slice it.

So each day I am to pursue righteousness and love. That’s it. That’s the summary of the godly life. That’s the measure of my day. In reality, each day I pursue something. Something compels me. Something motivates my actions. It can be people pleasing, selfish ambition, money, duty, fear, pride…or a simple desire to live rightly before God and to love Him and others. I may not obey and love perfectly…in fact, I know I won’t. But if it is my pursuit, my desire, my direction, then God says that I will find life (His life), prosperity (His riches) and honor (His blessing). That’s quite a promise!