Our Default Isn't Love Thy Neighbor

Proverbs 14:20-21:

20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

At first verse seems like a warning to the poor not to be too demanding of others. But the second verse gives it some better context. It is more of a condemnation of those who only favor friends can give them something in return. We should care for our neighbor, especially if they are financially needy.

Good Will Win

Proverbs 14:19:

19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

It's nice to know how the story ends. Sometimes in life the bad guy wins. Even before Jesus, God has planned the final victory for his people.

Slow Down

Proverbs 14:15-18:

15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

In the Bible, often the word slow is tied to being wise and fast tied to foolishness. That is not always true in our daily life, where being a bold decisive leader is valued. Yet Proverbs is clear that a cautious critical eye is invaluable in our ability to choose wisely and regulate our heated emotions. The wisdom of carefulness helps bread more wisdom. This was my original goal in my personal blog (which has been getting more attention than this one lately). The slogan, "slowing down to move forward" was to remind me to take all of the information I gather each day and give it some consideration. It's been a mostly successful way to deal with complex issues worth considering.

Hold on Tightly to God

Proverbs 14:14:

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

We are never stagnant. Christians are always growing closer or farther from an understanding of God. I would compare it to the stock market. When you zoom in on each day there is either growth or loss. But when you look back over the years, you can see how God has pursued and grown you. The trend is usually towards sanctification. But that doesn't mean we should be weary because backsliding, that is slipping, because it has consequences.

Security of Tent Cities

Proverbs 14:11-13:

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.

Those opposed God build large, supposedly safe houses. Yet, God's people are actually safer in their simple tents. Powerful words when there are thousands of people living in tents right now. We should be humbled that it is God who protects or destroys our home. Being aware of which path we are on is extremely important, but remember, worldly happiness is not always correlated with Godly satisfaction.

Limits of Relationships

Proverbs 14:10:

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

There have been many examples throughout Proverbs of how important interpersonal interactions are. From how we should take advice to how sons effect fathers. But this verse shows that part of human existence is solitary. There are some parts of our life, both good and bad, that others can't fully understand. The apostle Paul puts it like this in 1 Corinthians 2:11:

11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Our complexity is one of God-like qualities. Knowing that can help us interact with others. Even if you don't fully understand another's bitterness or joy, you can rest assured it is real for them.