Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 22:7 (day two) 

The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

The language of this verse is strong; necessarily so. It is unlikely that we would use words like slave/ruler in a modern context, which is wise, but the Solomon clearly captured the yoke of debt. I have found it overwhelming when a financial burden clouds decisions. Somehow that weight and responsibility seeps into other decisions and conversations. Often, I don’t realize what is souring my mood, or my ability to act decisively. When the burden is lifted or overcome, however, it becomes abundantly clear how much that yoke of debt clouded so many other facets of my life and relationships. We are far more able to be God’s instrument when things like debt and finances are managed well. It doesn’t always equate to coffers being full to overflowing, but it does mean a peace and contentment which is worth far more.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 15:15-17 (day two)

All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Vs. 15

How desperately do we want that ‘continual feast’ to be material? Car, job, bank account, etc. So often we read that kind of verse believing that if I’m ‘happy’ enough, things will work out. I am a big believer in positive attitude, but that is not what scripture is calling us to here or in other passages like this.

It seems to me that we must constantly re-define the concept of ‘joy’. ‘Happy’ should not be our end game. Do I want that for you, for me, for my family? Absolutely! But an honest assessment of the human condition reminds us that our fallen sin-filled world robs many of happiness. Scripture is replete with stalwart believers who are walking a dark and lonely journey. What scripture promises is the assurance of God’s presence in those circumstances. This is joy, this is a feast; to know the Lord has not left you. Let us continually seek joy in all situations.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 14:34 (day two)

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.

Sin is a disgrace. Let’s face it, we can never be truly righteous and free from sin. It is struggle that we confront each and every day. The challenge to ‘take up our cross’ is not an idle one. It begins with realizing those areas where we have fallen short…again. Thanks be to God that we can lay them at the feet of Jesus and be made clean.

Although our pursuit of righteousness will always be tinged with our fallen nature and tendency to sin, it is in that willingness to address sin that will separate us from the world. If we are consumed by sin, and every facet of our lives publicly and privately profess that sin controls us, it doesn’t matter what amount of ‘good’ we do. That good will always be viewed in connection to the overwhelming sin that surrounds everything else.

Our pursuit of righteousness must be marked with humility. It must begin with a desire to seek after only what that Lord desires, and to rid our lives of the things which hinder that pursuit. Then a people, a nation, can be exalted.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 13:24 (day two) He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

Correcting someone can be difficult, especially if you are close to them. But the truth of this scripture bears out time and time again; we don’t do people any favors by not correcting actions, decision, or behavior that are contrary to what is good and true. The temporary discomfort caused by having to redirect or correct someone pales in comparison to allowing behaviors to go unchecked only to blow up somewhere down the line.

 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 9:1-18 (day two) Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. Vs. 9

Any John Bunyan fan’s out there? Pilgrim’s Progress is a rite of passage for many who love classic Christian literature. In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s not my favorite, but I do have an appreciation for its place in teaching generations about the journey each person makes in their faith. When I re-read Psalm 9, I was struck by how Bunyan-esque it felt. Wisdom and Folly become personified and have interactions with all who walk past.

I was struck by verses seven through twelve. How we teach and talk to people must be directly proportional to their ability to understand. Truth doesn’t change, but the method of delivery is not the same for someone who follows Jesus, and one who has yet to follow. We must take great care when using wisdom as a weapon. Let him who has ears to hear, hear. This is another instance where we can pray for discernment as we love people where they are.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 3:9-10 (day two)                                                         Honor the Lord from your wealth                                                                                       And from the first of all your produce;
So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

When we talk about giving, tithing, or offering we often use words like obedience. We are commanded to give, and so we should. The Lord looks at the heart of the giver, and he likes a cheerful one. But how often do we use words like honor? When we give to the Lord from the first of what we have it honors him. Language like that makes it sound like we are participating in a royal ceremony, and why not? We are honoring the King of Kings. As you give, try thinking that your gift honors the Lord. How does that change your perspective. Whether or not your barns fill up, your heart surely will.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 3:5-7 (day two) Do not be wise in your own eyes vs. 7a

As I look over this text, it strikes me how often I have written about this very issue. Not for your sake, to be sure, but for mine. Please forgive me as we retread a familiar tale: Don’t worry God, I’ve got this. Perhaps some reading this will understand. It’s not that I don’t want God’s wisdom, but there are areas where I figure he doesn’t need to mess with. Places where I’ve seen him work before, therefore I can probably handle it this time. Areas where I simply want to work it out for myself because, I’m a smart guy.

You can probably figure out where this line of thinking gets me…back on my knees in repentance and seeking God’s wisdom after all. The problem is, I don’t suffer from lack of wisdom; I suffer from lack of God’s wisdom. Whatever has ‘worked’ in the past is not an indicator of success unless it is seeking after the will of the Lord. There are plenty of DIY fixes for household projects, for cars, and hobbies, but not for our walk of faith. No amount of worldly ‘wisdom’ will compare with the truth of God.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 3:1-4 (day two) 

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. Vs. 3

Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹ Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ²⁰ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11:18-20

How do we learn? Experience, sure, it is valuable and often necessary. There are some things, basic, fundamental that are taught over and over by a remembering, a recitation, a liturgy. These foundational truths are spoken of again and again throughout scripture. It is how the ancients learned the ways of Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. The told and retold. They recited and shared. If the God knows human nature, and he does, the amount of references to this kind of learning and instruction should be a clarion call to all of us to study more, to talk of scripture more, to be comfortable hearing these words repeated. How can we follow the Word if we don’t know it?

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 2:1-15 (day two) 

Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; vs. 2

Solomon makes clear if you truly desire wisdom, it is an active pursuit. It is not enough for us to pray ‘Lord, make me wise’ and then sit back and hope for the best. There is quite a bit of housekeeping that must be done in your heart, your mind, and your daily pursuits. Chapter two of the book of proverbs is a necessary baseline for all who would pursue the wisdom of God. We must constantly be in pursuit. There should be a hunger to know the will and word of God. Beyond that knowledge we should implement those teachings into how we think and how we relate to others. This is a wholesale shift in how we look at life’s challenges. The lens of wisdom requires a submission of the heart.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 1:1-7 (day two) 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Vs. 7a

Do you read instruction manuals, or do you simply go as far as you can before doubling back after unsuccessfully going it on your own? I think there is a real case study in humanity here, but I will leave that to others. I confess, I am in the latter category, and time and time again I get to a place where I realize I am out of my depth. This requires a bit of humiliation, more time than I allotted, and ultimately, a reference back to the instruction manual that was sitting there the whole time. Solomon is giving us a perfect framework for the study of Proverbs. What are you wanting to get out of this study, or any study of scripture? It may be wise to put these verses close by and ask the Lord what he is revealing as you study.

Know wisdom

Discern sayings

Receive instruction

Give prudence

Acquire wise counsel

Understand Proverbs