WATCHWORD:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent. Proverbs 10:19
A wise son responds to his father’s discipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1
A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1
Meditation:
Proverbs, Parables and Nursery Rhymes
Inspiration for Watchwords seems to flow from a variety of sources, most often directed by the Holy Spirit. Last night I felt led to dig into an old file, one labeled Notes and Ideas for Homilies. For some reason, I dated these particular notes, January, 1972, nearly 50 years ago! Yikes!
From my notes, I could tell that I was listening to a homily or sermon on the Book of Proverbs. I have no recollection of actually hearing the message, I can only go by my notes, which are scattered and spotty, at best. I wrote things like: “Too neat, too simple, I’ve heard this before!” etc.
As I thought about what my notes were telling me I realized that Proverbs were written for a purpose, at a time when there was a need for guidance for the nation of Israel. There was a need for a common body of convictions about morals, about manners, about life. Think about this: The great achievement of Israel was to develop a conventional body of convictions, that gave cohesion to the Israelite society as well as an agenda for the instruction of the young.
I have a friend, who for a number of years, travelled to the children’s ward of a local hospital, and told stories and preformed magic tricks. The stories he wrote all had morals, that he explained in language the young could understand. We plant our seeds with the gifts the Lord has given us.
Do you recall McGuffy Readers? Do you remember cheerful Susie Sunbeam who befriended another child who her classmates mocked? Perhaps you recall the little boy and his kite, when discouraged, his mother told him:
‘Tis a lesson you should heed, try, try again.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Then your courage should appear, for if you will persevere,
you will conquer, never fear; Try, try again.
Wisdom in the lessons, wisdom in the rhymes, proverbs for our times. Yes, what are the proverbs for our times?
How about this, “Black is beautiful.” A simple phrase that has helped dissipate a deep violence against the precious human personality. It evolved into “People are beautiful”, and reminded us, whoever we are, whatever our physical or intellectual or moral faults, that we are of infinite worth.
Here is another thought: Perhaps we should not discount the Proverbs of God’s Holy Word. Maybe that is OUR conventional wisdom that God would have us practice. Is it the ancient language that turns us off? Maybe we need a new, modern translation, one that doesn’t change the blessed meaning of each lesson. What do you think?
How about this: Today’s Proverbs 9:10 — A life of peace and understanding, begins when we love the Lord.
Amen? Amen!
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates:
Yes, Forest Gump is speaking in proverbs, each day is new and fresh, you never know what you are going to get. He leaves us with “Pretty is what pretty does.” Or perhaps, “gentle is as gentle does.” Or, “Loving is as loving does.” Or…fill in your own blanks. Peaceful. Generous. Happy. Honest. Etc.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Your Word is a lamp onto our feet. Your Word shines light into the darkness of our lives. Your Word is what brings peace to our lives. Your Word, whatever it is, are the proverbs that we need to live by, Lord, and so we pray for strength to know Your will, to follow Your will, and in the following of Your will, we pass on to others Your great love to all people. Help us to overcome any prejudices that we have and to know that all are precious creations of Yours. Thank You, Lord, and it is with gratitude that we offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen
