Today’s Tasting: Proverbs 19-21
Our reading today in Proverbs continues with instructions from Solomon regarding practical morality. In these books we are cautioned about lying, stealing, deceiving, laziness, taking on debt, and such. Proverbs also counsels us on the rewards for honesty, righteousness, giving, hardworking, and wise. Solomon instructs us to seek out wisdom and knowledge and reminds us that God is Lord and King.
Today’s Nourishment: Often times, the Proverbs are dismissed as “old wives tales,” “outdated,” “not applicable to modern society,” or “too hard to interpret.” To those who may believe this, I challenge you to take a good look. While the language in some of the teaching seems somewhat ancient…we don’t actually serve up sacrifices anymore…the actual lesson is, more often than not, still very applicable to our modern society.
For example, Proverbs 20:17 says, “Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” In ancient days during the Proverbs writings, the people considered food one of the greatest forms of wealth. So, this verse actually means that wealth gained by deception may seem good at the moment, but eventually the deceit will catch up to you and that moment of satisfaction you felt will become unpleasant or distasteful.
Some of you may be thinking “I don’t steal” or “I’m not a con who coerces people out of their money”…surely this proverb doesn’t apply to me?? While it truly may not apply to you, I would challenge you to think outside of the obvious. Are you 100% truthful on your tax returns? Do you fudge just a little on your expense report? Do you borrow things or money from family and friends, and forget to return the loaned items or repay your debts?
This is just one example of how the Proverbs still apply to our modern lives. While you are reading the book of Proverbs with us, I would like to challenge you to determine how they DO apply to us today as opposed to writing them off as nothing more than ancient teachings.
What have you discovered about the modern applications of these ancient teachings?
Tomorrow’s Delight: Proverbs 22-24
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
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This is a great post, Monica. I have found Proverbs applicable in everyday life for me, even though they were written thousands of years ago. “The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” was one of the first passages I memorized as an adult. The Lord is so good to provide common sense tips on how to handle life with each proverb.
It’s an awesome handbook for life. Proverbs has always been a favorite of mine because its good council and its God’s word which we know is forever applicable.