Passage and Comments

Today I’ve chosen four proverbs for different reasons. This one at first glance appears left field;

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. (Pr 14:4)

What I think its saying is that sometimes you have to get a bit messy to produce anything good. Any other suggestions?

Here’s another;

9 Fools mock at the guilt offering,

but the upright enjoy acceptance. (Pr 14:9)

If you don’t know what a guilt offering is check out Lev 5.14-6.7. Do the fools not bother to make guilt offerings when they learn they have sinned? A contrast is made with the upright. Perhaps when the upright learn they have sinned, they make a guilt offering whereas the fool doesn’t. The upright are accepted.

29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Pr 14:29)

I think we can all learn from this one. Think first, pray a little, then speak.

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud

but maintains the widow’s boundaries. (Pr 15:25)

The LORD has little time for the proud, but he has compassion for the down and out. This is a constant theme in the bible. Beware pride and remember the LORD cares for the lowly. Do we?

Story of Jesus

Occasionally Jesus taught his disciples things that require interpretation;

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Mt 5:3–4)

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Is Jesus suggesting we should be poor in spirit?

What about mourning? Is it a good thing to mourn? What does it mean to be blessed?

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.

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