The Family Legacy and Self-Promotion

Proverbs 25: 6. Put not forth thyself (set not out thy glory, marg.) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7. For better it is, that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. Is this proverb really about how to avoid a violation of protocol that embarrasses you in public?  Yes, but it is about...

A Family Legacy Develops Rulers

Proverbs 24: 7. Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. The gate is the place of authority and judgment in a city like the courthouse, city hall and police station.  In Old Testament times these places of authority were near the city gates where traffic into and out of the city occurred. Obviously this was where the wise leaders of the city gathered.  This is where judgment, authority...

A Family Legacy Chooses Its Battles

Proverbs 23: 9. Speak not in the ears of a fool:  for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. You are in a war.  Just because you are surrounded during a battle does not mean that you can attack in any direction.  Your objective it to win, not just engage the opposition. Even though every fool needs wisdom, and you have wisdom, not every fool is open to receiving it.  Some fools are mockers like in today’s...

A Family Legacy’s Promised Blessing

Proverbs 22: 4. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour, and life. An alternative translation of this proverb is “The reward of humility . . .”  Now who doesn’t desire this reward!  I think everyone does.  They just don’t like the conditions.  In fact, they might think, “ I can have arrogance and self sufficiency – and riches and honor and life, too!  I can have it all!”  The...

A Family Legacy Rejects Hypocrisy

Proverbs 21: 3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Sometimes it is amazing how Christians can turn things up side down.  This proverb states a comparison, not an absolute.  This statement does not say that God does not desire sacrifice.  He desires both, but justice and truth are more important.  Look at how God complains about Israel through Isaiah. “To what purpose is...