Calvary Chapel of Jonesboro
 
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes.  Proverbs 26:4-5 

This particular verse and the next one have caused a stir among some who would like to think the Bible contradicts itself here.  As usual though, when you actually study the text (rather than knee-jerk react to it) you will find no contradiction.  You will find wisdom in dealing with fools - even those who have knee-jerk reactions hoping to discredit the Scriptures!

The wisdom given here in verse 4 is that we are not to answer a fool according to his folly because when we do so, we become just like the fool.  The fool would ask whether the infinite God can create a rock bigger than he can pick up.  If we answer him according to his folly, we will become like him.  The unwise man will answer, "No," to this question.  He thus falls into the trap set by the fool, who then jumps on the answer saying that then God is not infinite - because God cannot make the rock.  The problem with this question is that it is foolish in its very presupposition.  If God is infinite (which He is according to His self-revelation in Scripture) then by this very definition He is without limits in every way.  The question presupposes God is either less than infinite in power to make the rock - or less than infinite in power to pick up the rock He makes.  If God is infinite - any language that presupposes anything but infinite power and ability is by its very nature foolish.  Don't answer the fool according to his folly - for in doing so you will become like him.  You will make the same foolish presupposition that God can in any way be limited.  You answered the fool within the scope of his foolish thinking.  When a fool speaks this way - he proves he is a fool.  These kind of questions do not seek knowledge or answer - they seek an opportunity to pounce on anyone who answers them.  Therefore to answer them at all is to place yourself on the level of the fool - to make yourself just like him - a fool.  Jesus spoke of not casting our pearls before swine - because they will trample them and then turn on us.  To answer a fool in his folly is to cast pearls before swine. 

There are times when Christians need to remain silent.  Our lives and our faith should speak for us.  Our wisdom at times is better revealed by saying nothing than it is by wanting to have an answer for everything.  But there are times to answer a fool according to his folly.  A better way to state this for our understanding is that we are to answer a fool as his folly deserves.  So let's take a look also at verse 5 today - because it offers wisdom from the other way we need to deal with fools.

Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.  When we answer fools it often does not need to be as they have questioned us.  We don't need to get into the slop with them in their statements.  But often we need to answer not their questions, but their spirit and their intent.  Oh, how we need to watch Jesus on this one (actually we should watch Him all the time - but on this one He offers such great interactions with fools).

When I read the gospels I am always fascinated that Jesus answers some people's questions - and others He does not.  He offers answers to his disciples when they question Him about certain things - but when he is asked questions by the foolish Pharisees and Saducees - He often answers their questions with questions - or with statements that reveal their heart.  Here is how to answer a fool as his folly deserves.  When Jesus asks a question to answer a question - He puts the responsibility to answer back into the court of the fool.  Almost every time He did this - it revealed the wicked, foolish heart of the questioner.  He answered as they deserved - and answered in such a way as to reveal the motives and heart of the one who wanted to trap Him.  Here is true wisdom dear saints.  He took the time to see past words to the intent of their heart.  We err when we think our purpose is to simply answer the words of those who questioin us.  What we need to do is to answer their heart.  But the question naturally arises, "How can we answer the intent of someone's heart?  How can we know this?"

Let me answer your question with a question.  How well do you know the Word of God?  How often do you discern what someone says using the Word of God?  The reason I ask this question is because Hebrews 4:12-13 says, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."  Do you see the highlighted part of this verse?  It says that the Word of God can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  This means when we look at all things (including what a fool says to us) through the lens of God's Word, we will be able to see thoughts and intentions of the heart that are behind the words we hear.  You ability to answer fools as they deserve to be answered will rest on your ability to see what they are saying through God's Word - and avoid the traps that your own ego or your own desire to put them in their place afford. 

Why should a fool be answered?  It is because he needs to experience God - and God's wisdom.  If your desire to speak, as I said above, is because "you" want to put him in his place - well - then we have two fools speaking to each other.  That kind of motivation comes from pride and a misplaced zeal that has little or nothing to do with God's honor and glory.  Note in the gospels how many times the words of Jesus left men blown away with the wisdom with which He spoke.  His answers left them with a touch of God.  Do our answers do as much?  You see, this is what we should covet.  We should desire that whatever answer God has us give leaves them with a sense of God's wisdom. 

Amazing isn't it that when we take the time to examine the full intent of God's Word - that seeming contradictions become some of the most wonderful truths.  There is a large contingent of fools out there in the world.  Our purpose needs to be to walk with God so that whether we are silent or speak - they do not run into us being God's vigilante - but rather they run into God Himself.  In the end He will be the One who answers all their questions and statements.  But He will do so bringing them to His desired humility for their lives - but also bringing them to Himself - and to His grace that can change their hearts from foolishness to wisdom - from their sinfulness to His righteousness - from being children of wrath to being children of grace.  Honestly . . . isn't that what He wants in the end?  He's not after some kind of prideful display where He puts them in their place - unless the place of which we speak is His salvation through grace. 
 
 
To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, Proverbs 1:4

Why should we read and study the Proverbs?  Here we receive additional reasons why knowing and studying this material is so important to us. 

We begin with the biblical fact that we are fallen due to sin.  This is so important for us to understand, because it reminds us that we are so prone to being deceived and led astray.  Far too many people do not begin with the sinfulness of the human heart as a starting place for learning and wisdom.  We tend to deceive ourselves in thinking that we cannot be deceived.  Thus we tend to be naive and don't question ourselves in our decisions and in our natural way of thinking.  Here is where the wisdom of God is our greatest friend.   Solomon writes that the proverbs are written to give prudence to the naive and discretion to the youth.  Let's take a look at both o these things as we consider a little bit of wisdom today.

The naive are the ones who are simpleminded and foolish.  The Hebrew word here refers to the person who is naive and too simpleminded when considering the complexities and challenges of life itself.  They do not have suficient understanding or perception to properly grasp how to make decisions in life.  The naive are very broadminded - but not in a good way.  What they need is skillfulness in discerning things.  They need an ability to detect subtleties in life.  The word for prudence actually means a craftiness which we usually consider a bad thing.  But for the one who is wise it is the ability to see through things - and to detect trickery and the kind of thinking that sets traps.  In Joshua 9 when the Gibeonites deceived Israel with their appearance - Joshua was deceived because he did not use the proper prudence to detect the craftiness of these wicked men.  Because Joshua simple trusted his eyes and the supposed honesty of the Gibeonites motives and words - he was deceived and led astray. 

Unfortunately we live in a fallen world where appearances do not always relfect the truth of a situation.  This is why we need God's perspective and counsel in all matters.  Yes, it would be wonderful if all men and women were perfectly honest - but they are not.  There are amazing subtlties in life that can only be properly understood by knowing God and going to Him for wisdom and understanding.

The second half of today's proverb says to us that the youth needs knowledge and discretion.  All of us have been and have known youths who know everything.  They have no need for anyone to share additional knowledge - nor do they need to know the ways of mankind - because they know everything.  This is definitely a product of of sin entering our world.  We desperately need for the youths in our lives to hear and increase in knowledge.  It is only by adding knowledge and a better skill in distinguishing things that have subtle differences that they will grow in wisdom.  Without such a growth in wisdom, they will find themselves in serious trouble - and as we learn often in Scripture - deceived and led astray from God's ways.  Therefore we need to keep our minds and our hearts open to God's Word and the teaching of His Spirit concerning wisdom.  God wants us to have a greater ability to detect and discern His ways and paths.  If we keep our hearts wide open to Him - we will know that wisdom and will be kept from many problems that might otherwise trip us up in life.
 
 
Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. Proverbs 19:6

Before I went on my recent diet I must confess that I was a somewhat regular visitor to a local donut shop.  While visiting there I saw part of this proverb fulfilled on a regular basis.  I would watch well dressed businessmen come in and buy two dozen donuts of various types and then head out for their important appointment.  Now I do not think these businessmen were donut freaks - they were just using the donuts to gain access to a customer.  Every man is a friend to him who gives gifts - especially when those gifts are donuts early in the morning.

Some proverbs are meant to help us understand human nature.  This is one of them.  The fact is that many men will seek the favor of a generous man.  The word for "generous" here means more than just someone who is giving.  It also means a noble man - one born of nobility - which also usually means a wealthy man - and one connected in such a way that he has power.  The simple fact of life is that many will seek this man's favor because of what he offers to them.  This is why people in high positions should be careful about those who are courting their favor.  It is a very rare thing for people in these kind of positions to find people who want nothing from them but friendship. 

The man who gives gifts will have many friends.  But - there is a flip side to this as well.  If you have the majority of your friends because of how generous you are - be careful to seek to court true friends in the midst of them.  When the gifts cease often so does their friendship.  That is why you want no only to be generous toward others - but also discerning.  Generous because it is a good thing to learn to be generous toward others - but discerning as well because you also want to know who are real friends are in life.  In the end - they will be the ones who will stick with you no matter what your bottom line is - or what your gifts will help to make theirs.
 
 
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. Proverbs 15:2

We come to another passage dealing with the abuse of the tongue - or the abuse of how we speak to others.  It is an interesting fact that the Bible says much more about the abuse of the tongue than it does the abuse of alcohol or drugs.  By saying this I am not condoning either of those two things, because they are very destructive.  But I would venture to say that the abuse of the tongue and how it damages people every day dwarfs the evils of these other two things easily.  And whereas we have many speaking of the evil of the other two things - very few are crusading for people to use their tongues to build others up rather than tear them down.

The proverb instructs us that the tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable.  What a loaded statement this is.  Sometimes people reject the knowledge that is shared not because the knowledge itself is offensive - but because the way it is shared is offensive.  There are also those who can share pretty offensive things - yet are received well because of the wisdom with which they share them.  When we come to people with a know-it-all attitude or a holier-than-thou spirit they will reject anything we have to say.  That is why wisdom not only gives us knowledge itself - but also will counsel us on how to share it. 

Two other proverbs come to mind to illustrate this.  One says that more flies are caught with honey than with vinegar.  This proverb tells us that if we come with a sweet spirit we will catch more people with what we say.  No one that I know is interested in drinking a cup of vinegar.  In a similar way people will not listen to us if our spirit is bitter like vinegar.  The second proverb that instructs us is actually wisdom Solomon shares in Ecclesiastes.  Solomon tells us that there is a time and a season for everything.  Among these seasons is the time to speak and the time to be quiet.  Sometimes the best wisdom for our knowledge we want to share is to wait for a more opportune moment. 

The second half of this proverb lets us know that the mouth of fools spout folly.  Whereas the wise are wanting to know the most profitable way to share knowledge - the fool has no such concern.  That is because the fool is too busy spouting out his folly.  The word folly means perversity, foolishness, silliness, and moral deficiency.  The Word comes from either a word that means to be thick-brained or stupid.  Rather than sharing knowledge with others, the fool is speaking the silliness of his own thinking.  He is morally deficient and thus his tongue is only uttering disgusting and perverse statements.  Hang around him long enough and you will be as filled with stupid and senseless knowledge as he is.  That is why over and over again we are counselled to leave the presence of a fool - and that is especially the case when he is running his mouth.  It is much better to spend our time considering how best to share beneficial knowledge with others than in the company of folly-spouting fools. 
 
 
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3

Loose lips sink ships.  This was a saying used during WWII to speak of the need to be careful of what someone said - because if the enemy were to gain knowledge - it might result in the sinking of one of our vessels as it was in the European theater of the war.  This saying could be changed to "loose lips, sink lives," according to the proverb today.  Let's take a closer look and see why this is so.

The one who is "guarding" his lips is the one who watches over what comes out of them.  He keeps himself from speaking outside of what God wants to be said.  He sets a guard over his lips so that he does what Joshua was told in the first chapter of the book using his name.  Do not let the book of the law depart from your mouth.  The wise man in guarding his mouth - also is guarding and preseving his very life.  There are so many ways that our mouths can get us in trouble.  Think about the number of times we've seen public figures not watch their mouths and pay for it dearly when things were said that ruined them.  Remember Jesus said that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.  So what comes out of our mouths reflects what truly is in our hearts.  That is why it is so vital that we guard what actually comes out of them.

The proverb also deals with the person who says that they can say whatever they want.  This is true, but there is a cost for this kind of attitude.  That cost is ruin.  The word means to be destroyed, to be ruined.  It also has the idea of terror and fear.  We may think we can say anything we want - but the fact is that when truly stupid statements are made - the devastation they render can be terrifying.  You can watch someone fall from tremendous heights of power and public opinion in a matter of hours when their mouths are not guarded in what they say. 

The guarded mouth is the wise mouth.  We all have things we want to say - but we know that such things often are better left unsaid - and honestly - repented of in our hearts.  To leave our mouths without any kind of guard or watch is like leaving a post in battle unguarded.  It will lead to ruin. 
 
 
That you may observe discretion And your lips may reserve knowledge. Proverbs 5:2

One of the ways that we know that we are being discreet in life is by what comes out of our mouths when we speak.  What is fascinating about this passage is that the overall gist of the fifth chapter of Proverbs is that it deals primarily with the issue of immorality and those who fall into the trap the adulteress. 

One of the reasons why we need to gain wisdom and understanding is so that we may watch out to be discreet.  The word "observe" in this passage means to guard and be careful.  Zhodiates states that this word basically means to be on your guard.  What you are guarding is "discretion."  Yet the word is different than the discretion that is mentioned most often in the book of Proverbs.  It means a thought - or the thoughts in our minds that are used to make up our plans.  There is one major point though that needs to be distinguished about this word.  It most often means evil plans and schemes that are contrary to God's ways.  What Solomon is warning his son to watch out for in life is evil plans and schemes that begin to formulate in his mind.

When it comes to maintaining purity in our lives, what happens in our heads is vitally important.  We need to watch over our minds and what is running through them.  Actions begin as thoughts - which in time turn into plans and schemes.  The reason we watch and guard our minds is to make sure that when lust and immoral thoughts try to push in - we deal with them.  It is not just enough to push these thoughts out - we need to bring them to the cross.  The Word tells us to mortify these things - and that means to kill them!  Nothing short of this will do. 

The second half of this proverb says that when we watch over the development of evil plans and schemes in our heads - it will help us to watch over our mouths.  Our mouths will speak "a knowing" when we guard our minds.  This knowing is once again primarily a discernment - but one that is specific to the situation.  Remember that here this refers to sexual immorality and the wiles of the adulteress.  We are warned in the very next verse that the adulteress captures men with her words and her flattery.  These things often cause men to be deceived in their hearts and minds.  The flattery of a woman giving them attention strokes their pride and their ego - something very dangerous to a man who doesn't watch what enters and walks through his mind.  In time his pride and ego can lie to him and fill his mind with thoughts of further flattery.  He begins wanting to spend more time with this woman - at lunch and eventually at secret meetings he keeps from his wife.  We all know where this is going - toward an eventual adulterous relationship with this woman.  Yet the real danger started with the thoughts that ran through his mind - and the words he began to speak to this woman because he didn't watch and guard against the adulterous thoughts that were fostered in his head.  He may not wake up until the damage is irrepairable. 

It is vital to our spiritual progress and protection to keep a close eye on what is going through our minds.  This is the stuff that can cause us serious problems.  What begins in just a seed form in our minds will eventually sprout and bear disastrous fruit.  Better to deal with seeds by being wise - than have to cut down entire forests because of a lack of watchfulness.
 
 
If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4-5 (NASB)

Solomon is relating to us an exhortation he gave to his own children.  It dealt with the search and the quest to know God.  There is no greater quest for anyone in this life than to know the God of creation and the God of salvation.  The search is worth all the effort that we can muster - and the rewards will eventually dwarf any cost or effort we put into it. 

Solomon tells his son to seek after God like one seeks for silver.  The search for silver takes a man under ground.  There are dangers in this search, but when you run across a vein of silver there is abundant wealth in the finding.  The famous "Comstock Lode" in the Nevada region started just as a smaller vein of silver that was discovered.  Yet when the search continued to areas adjacent to that area - a lode of silver of phenomenal proportions was discovered.  This is how a search for silver goes.  You research and study an area and search at great length to discover even a small vein of silver in the earth.  But as you follow that vein there is the possiblity that you will find the "mother lode" which refers to the largest portion of the valuable silver ore.  This parallels the search for the knowledge and wisdom of God.  As you search the Scriptures - and seek for God Himself - He will allow you to find Him.  The search may be long and arduous - but the finding is so glorious that all the hard work will seem as nothing. 

This search is also compared to searching for hidden treasures.  There are those who know of sunken ships that contain great treasures.  Those who search for them scan documents that give clues in locating the sunken vessels.  They take these clues and follow them in their search.  They may search for weeks and months and even years - but they know that finding the treasure will make it all worthwhile.  Solomon told his son to search the Scriptures the same way so that he would know the God of his fathers. 

This search will yield great treasure.  But our treasure is not measured in silver and gold.  It is measured in discerning what is means to fear God.  It is measured in what we find when we discover and know God Himself. 

We search the Word and the wisdom of God so that we can discern what it is to fear God.  The fear of God is not a terribly popular thing in today's society - but for those who study the Scriptures the fear of God is a treasure trove full of diamonds and rubies.  We've already learned in Proverbs that one doesn't even begin the trek toward wisdom until he or she learns the fear of God. 

As one searches the Scriptures he learns about God Himself.  He learns of God's judgments and His mighty acts.  Can you imagine being present as Mt. Sinai rumbled beneath a cap of smoke and fire?  My guess is that those who viewed such a thing didn't respond with warm and fuzzy feelings.  They looked and experienced great fear and trembling.  Consider the mighty works of the Lord through the ages.  Consider Sodom and Gomorrah being rained upon with sulphurous fire - consider Dathan and Abiram with their families falling into the gaping crevice that God opened in the earth to swallow them alive.  Think about what it must have looked like to watch the Egyptian army crushed by millions of gallons of water as the Red Sea poured upon them - even while Israel walked on dry land with a wall of water on either side.  Imagine the enemies of Joshua being crushed with huge stones that God was casting from the heavens - even as the sun was standing still in the midst of the sky.  What do these things inspire?  They inspire wonder and awe and fear!  They should help us discern that our response to such a mighty God is to fear and honor Him. 

There is more though.  Through this kind of search we also "discover the knowledge of God."  The word here is "daath" and it speaks of a knowing by experience, by relationship, and by encounter.  This is what I love about the study of Scripture.  We are not just looking into what is written in a book.  We are not just studying so we can add to our "head-knowledge."  We are studying and examining things so that we can KNOW GOD!  There is a very real relationship and encounter awaiting us.  God is real - in fact He Himself is ultimate reality.  We search and seek so that in the end we may experience Him.  This is the incredible promise that is made to us in Proverbs chapter 2.  All the listening, the crying out, the seeking and searching is so that we can know the living God in a living relationship.  This is NOT just religion or a set of values that will make our lives better.  We are searching and seeking for THE God of the universe - Who literally made all that we see.  He reveals Himself through Scripture - so that we may know Him as we walk through our every day lives.  He is here - and He is knowable!  That is why we search - that is why we seek - that is why with every fiber of our being we reach out to Him.  We do so because He IS there - and He is drawing us into a vital, glorious, wonderful relationship with Himself.  Oh the treasure that awaits us at the end of our search.  Oh the ultimate mother lode that rewards us for digging and mining in His Word.  Do not ever underestimate what awaits you when you seek God.  Not even the first billionth could ever be comprehended of His imeasurable wealth and riches.  So search . . . search with all your heart . . . search for the ultmiate treasure which is God Himself.
 
 
 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, Proverbs 1:2

Why should we study the book of Proverbs?  What is there that we can learn from this book and these pithy little comments made by Solomon - many of which he learned at the feet of David while just a boy?  That is what these first 6 verses in Proverbs one are going to tell us.  There are very few books in the Bible that actually tell you why you should study and read them.  Proverbs does this - telling you exactly what you will get if you read the pages that follow.

1) To Know Wisdom - Here is the first benefit of reading Proverbs.  We will know wisdom.  To know here means to learn and perceive - to discern and to be skillful.  What a loaded word this is.  There are two things happening here.  The first is an acquiring of skill and general knowledge.  This is done by reading, studying, and simply learning what Proverbs says.  But there is a more sublte learning taking place as well.  This is where we are discerning and perceiving things.  To perceive and discern something requires the power of discrimination.  We need to be able to tell the difference between things that differ. 
We are to know wisdom.  What is meant by wisdom?  The word, as used in the Scriptures, means the ability to use knowledge rightly.  It means using the knowledge God gives properly.  Thus many biblical scholars refer to wisdom and seeing things from God's perspective.  Some of this will require just learning what God says - and learning how God responds to things.  But more of it will require taking what God says and applying it to our culture and every day lives.  We then distinguish between what is in accordance with God's Word - and what is not.  In the end, we learn wisdom!  We know how to walk in this world in a way that pleases and honors God. 

2) To Know Instruction - The second word used is instruction.  This word means discipline.  It refers in some places to the discpline given by a father to a son or daughter.  This instruction may come as instruction alone - but some times it comes via the rod/correction.  This kind of instruction brings life, wisdom, and the favor of God (see Proverbs 4:13; 8:33)  The book of Proverbs will help us see things like God sees them (wisdom), but they will also correct and rebuke us.  This is hard sometimes, but remember that this is done as a loving father would rebuke and correct.  Thus, God's corrections are so we can receive life and wisdom - as well as to know the favor of God on our lives and the things we do.

3)  To Discern the Sayings of Understanding - It is one thing to hear something - it is quite another to discern what is being said.  Here is one of the wonderful benefits of studying the Proverbs of God.  They give us "sayings of understanding."  We love these sayings - and they are quoted a lot.  But it is not enough to just be able to quote them - we need to grasp what they are saying to us - what they mean.  We might hear the quaint old phrase, "A penny saved is a penny earned," but outside of thinking it is neat - we might not have a clue what this saying it teaching us.  Even worse, we may have no idea how to apply it so that we become someone who knows the value of saving money.  The reason to study Proverbs is so that they will not just sound spiritual - but that they will move us to spiritual action and lifestyles.  According to one commentator, sayings of understanding are basically says calling us to righteous action.  They encourage us to turn away from evil and embrace God's ways.  We do this at first with simple obedience - but over time we discern more than just a call to do something.  Proverbs answers the oft asked question of the two year old - WHY?  At times God will tell us to obey - and what we need to do is obey immediately, but as we grow in wisdom, discipline, and discernment - we will find that we are getting the "why" of God's commandments more and more.  At this point we are grasping the value of "discerning the sayings of understanding."  We will be greatly blessed as we embrace obedience with a new depth of discernment and understanding.  We will grasp the character of God behind the wisdom and instruction.  We will become a proponent of obedience to God, not just from surrender and submission, but also from a sense of awe as we consider His infinite wisdom.

Study Proverbs - read about it and spend time learning and discerning as a result.  You will find at first the blessing of God's ways and paths, but soon you will also marvel at the infinite wisdom and understanding behind each and every one of them.
 
 
By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. Proverbs 28:2

Those of us who live in the United States have never experienced a coup in our lifetimes.  The most disturbing event of our republic has been the Civil War in the 1860's.  There has been a remarkable stability that God has allowed in this nation when it comes to how we deal with our rulers and the peaceful transition of power down through the years.  That is what this particular proverb comments upon - what brings about the stabilty and enduring character of a nation.

The transgression of a land brings it many princes.  Transgression here means a breach of trust or rebellion.  Understanding that we are reading Scripture - we need to grasp that the rebellion spoken of here is that which is against God.  When a nation begins rebelling against God - trouble is brewing for it.  Contrary to our current psuedo-constitutional view of separation of church and state - (which is interpreted more like separation of state and the God of the Bible) - our nation is under God.  That fact exists regardless of whether that phrase is printed on our money or recited in our public school classrooms.  All nations are under God Who is Sovereign over the universe.  Thus God holds all nations to His moral law.  When a nation rejects Him and His moral law - a measure of chaos results which grows over time.  If a nation continues on its path of rejecting God and His ways - soon there will be rumblings of the coming moral and political earthquake that will hit society. 

In our nation we began to reject God's ways in the early part of the 20th century.  That continued through the teen's and 30's - where we faced the first world war and the beginnings of the great depression.  God was trying to get our attention, but we ignored Him for the most part.  The 40's brought another world war - even more horrific than the first.  Europe, who rejected the Lord in greater measure than the U.S. was doing,  faced devastation from this war.  Unfortunately, we really didn't learn much from their example either.   There was relative prosperity in the 50's but the moral rumblings were gathering to become an earthquake.  Parents who chased the American dream - soon found in their children of the 60's the American nightmare.  Those children rejected the idol of money their parents served and toked up, tuned out, and rebelled against everything their parents stood for in life.  They also embraced publically what their parents had done privately.  The 50's and 60's saw the rise of private indiscretion and adultery - the practice of keeping mistresses (though secretly for the most part) and the beginning of the divorce culture in our nation.  The children of these parents rejected marriage altogether and embraced what they called, "free love" which was just the bondage of fornication.  This culture of sexual immorality then gave rise to easily accessible abortion as a convenient way to deal with problem pregnancies in the early 70's.  Just as Scripture tells us in Romans chapter 1 the heterosexual immorality of the 50's, 60's, and 70's gave way to the homosexual immorality of the 80's and 90's.  But during this time we saw another thing begin to happen.  The political dialogue, which has always had a tendency to be contentious, began to be toxic.  There also began was a great rise in the number of  politicians who no longer cared about any kind of long term benefit or damage to our country, as long as they could be re-elected and consolidate their power.  Decisions were made and money was spent without thought to the problem their debt was causing for our future.   This kind of careless and selfish rule has given rise to our current political climate.  Our current situation is that our country is badly divided over political and moral issues.  The rift is about 50/50 - and the radicalism of those opposing each other is rising - as is the rhetoric used to describe one another.   Could it be that a coup or a revolution could be in our future.  I certainly hope not - but our proverb today tells us to the contrary.

The "many princes" spoken of at the first part of our proverb do not refer to our current type of government with many leaders serving within it.  It refers to the problem of coups and overthrows.  It speaks of those usurping power.  When a land or country begins having a total disregard for the Lord and His Laws - that country is headed for trouble. 

The proverb also tells us how to have a nation endure.  It endures by having a man of understanding and knowledge around.  The two words used here are vital to us grasping what God is saying here.  Understanding is the Hebrew word "bin" and it means to be discerning, to be able to perceive, to pay attention to things - having the ability to apply God's wisdom to a situation in life.  The second word, knowledge, is the Hebrew word "yada" and it means to know - and here it refers to the ability to discriminate between what is right or wrong, good or bad.  It also has the idea along with it of knowing what to do - which in this case refers to what God desires that the nation do.  Consider these two words - their overt reference to God's wisdom - and the current way God is viewed by our elected leaders.  Do you see much of a chance outside of God's intervention in revival for us to have leaders like this?

A wise and discerning counsellor or leader is able to help a nation endure.  Think for a moment about our founding fathers and the documents they gave to us in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.  These were for the most part godly men - or at least God fearing men.  Their wisdom and desire to honor God in this nation resulted in a document that has guided our nation for over 200 years!  Considering the history of democracies and constitutional republics, this is nothing short of astounding.

There have also been wise counsellors that were able to help out even godless dictatorships to prosper for a season.  Men like Daniel and Joseph offered wise, godly counsel that allowed the nation in which they lived to prosper greatly for a season.  Such nations would have imploded were it not for the direction given by these wise sages who gave wisdom according to God's direction.  Oh, that such a man would rise up in our day and give much needed direction to our leaders in the midst of their political and legislative quagmire. 

God blesses nations - and He also humbles nations.  Scripture tells us that the nation is blessed whose God is the Lord.  I know that this goes against the grain of the constitutionally ignorant in our nation, who believe the lies of the separation of church and state crowd.  Our nation prospered and was blessed not due to liberals and the godless.  It prospered and endured because of the godly men of understanding and knowledge - our discerning forefathers and those who followed the design they laid out for our nation.  May God have mercy upon the United States of America and give us more men like them in the very near future!
 
 
Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. Proverbs 24:1-2

There are certain things that are repeated in Proverbs - certain aspects of life - certain issues that require reminders.  One of those areas is the one addressed in these two verses.  We need to beware of envying the wicked.  But why would we envy them?  One of the best places to grasp why is in Psalm 73 where the Psalmist temporarily lost his footing while envying the wicked. 

We envy wicked men because in this world their lives seem to be much easier and better.  Often wicked men are successful in this age.  Some achieve this because they cheat, steal, and claw their way to the top.  Others just set their hearts on this world and what it offers - and don't take no for an answer till they have what they want.  The psalmist looked at their lives and wondered why things were like this - how come the wicked seem to be catching all the breaks?  The answer he came to only arrived when he went into the sanctuary and remembered God.  Remembering God and the end of things brought sanity back to the psalmist.  He considered the end of such men.  They fell all at once - and their fall was often spectacular.  They were consumed in an instant by death - and what awaits them beyone the grave is true, absolute justice.  After seeing such horrific sights in God's presence the Psalmist decided it was better to serve God without all the worldly success - than to be evil, successful now - but ultimately impoverished and destroyed.

God forbids jealousy toward evil men.  Jealousy is easy when you see the successes here and now of the wicked.  Their lives seem to be paved with butter and pastries.  They have things we'd like to have - they have pleasures we think we would want.  But God forbids this.  When we become envious of the wicked - we start to want what they have.  We think they have it made.  Then we decide to hang around them because we like their stuff - their lifestyle - their buttered steps.  Spiritual reality tells a different story though.  The things they have that we want - how many of those things are the will of God for us?  Men look at the playboy - or more recently the bachelor - and think, "Man, I'd love to have all those women fawning over me!"  We look at the rich and famous and think, "If only I could have their wealth, their fame, their stuff - then I'd be happy." 

Here's a truth to remember - even they are not happy!  They have their emptiness.  At the highest point of my life in sin - I would come home from the parties - from the sex - from the pinacle of popularity and turn my face to the wall at night and long for something real.  I would call out to God - asking Him to take away the emptiness of my heart.  But here is another truth to remember - the more we look at them - and focus our thoughts and desires on what they have - the more we feed our flesh.  In time, we will walk away from God, thinking that if we had a little of what they have - we'd be better off - happier.  Oh, the devastation that comes from learning otherwise. 

I'm sure David thought that a night with the lovely Bathsheba would spice up his life.  Samson proabably figured that a new relationship with that fox named Delilah is just what he needed to shake things up a bit.   Absalom probably thought that being in charge himself would make his life better.  Ahab figured that if he could just get Ahab's great garden spot he'd be content.  Finally, Judas probably figured that he had those 30 pieces of silver coming to him after following Jesus 3 years - Jesus didn't seem to be offering a pay raise any time soon!  Envying the wicked, their lifestyle and their stuff will get you into a load of trouble - because that's usually where they're headed - for trouble.

Verse 2 here puts it bluntly to us.  Their minds are working to devise violence - the word for mind here is the Hebrew "leb" which speaks of the heart.  The Jewish concept of the mind is that it flows from the workings of our heart - our innermost desires.   What a great picture is painted for us by the words used here.

Devise is "hagah" and it means to growl, sigh, or mutter.  It spoke figuratively of the meditation of the mind.  In the wicked mind we hear growling.  What are they growling about?  We learn that their growling has to do with violence.  The word here means violence, destruction - and is used to describe violence and havoc as social sins.  This makes more sense to us when we put two and two together biblically.  The evil man is living out the desires of his heart.  His heart is given to himself and to the world and its desires.  What he wants - he goes after - and he is absolutely committed to getting.  Now take this reality and put it in the context of James chapter 4.  "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?  Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?  You lust and do not have; so you commit murder.  You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel."  (James 4:1-2, NASB)

The evil man growls violence in his meditations because he cannot have what he wants - what he is lusting after - so he is willing to do violence (does not have to just be physical, could be moral as he does unethical things) to get them.  This is the modus operadi for the evil man.  Also his lips talk of trouble.  Here is another interesting word in the Hebrew that describes the inner working of the evil man.  Trouble is the word "amal" and it means something troubling.  What is meant is that the evil man is constantly speaking of causing trouble.  This guy is headed for trouble - and you hear him speak of it a lot.  If you hang "with" him - you may "HANG" with him. 

Evil men exist.  One of the facts of life is that there are those who are looking for trouble - and who cause it in life.  What is fascinating is that we cannot relegate this to a socio-economic status or race.  There are poor and rich alike - people of every racial background who just seem to breed trouble with their actions and attitudes.  Some of these people can also have a life that may look glamourous and exciting on the outside - but beware - to travel with them or envy their outward status will only lead you into the same trouble and disaster.  Better to steer clear of having them as close friends - or of desiring what they have.  In the end - what they have is a coming disaster.  Ask David - question Samson and Absalom - queerie Judas on this one.  They'll all have the same answer - guard your heart!