Proverbs 24
"An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips." ~ v. 26
When I read this verse, I immedately thought of how to reconcile this with when the truth hurts. And then I realized, a kiss on the lips is for loved ones, and you would never lie to your loved ones, even if it hurts. At the time, it seemed like telling my parents about school problems would hurt, so I held back. I refused to admit anything. And because I held back, when I no longer could conceal it, it had already inflicted a whole lot more damage in addition to whatever little telling the truth could have caused. I don't want to say much on this, so I'll stop here.
Two days ago I highlighted Proverbs 22:28 (Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.) discussing ancient boundary stones. I mentioned about how that may have meant land distributions or old laws that we shouldn't alter. However, yesterday, a similar verse came up in Proverbs 23:10-11. It says, "Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you." Upon reading this, moving ancient boundary stones took on a third meaning: to cheat people or to behave dishonestly. The LORD is a just God and He will avenge injustice. Both verses, ultimately, are related. Let them be a warning to us, keeping us honest, and on the straight and narrow.
On this note, good night!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday, August 7th, 2011
Proverbs 22
"Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers." ~ v. 28
I write this back home in Hong Kong. During my time in Israel, I promised myself to not use the internet. This was, after all, my pilgrimage, and I didn't want any distractions. Everybody knows, a vow to go lacking is hardest to keep towards its end, and it was near the end that I was tested. I was carrying my Aunt's laptop for her, and the last few nights we stayed at Radisson. Free broadband in the room. Praise the LORD, my resolve remained. Nevertheless, this got me thinking: there's so much inaudible "noise" that encapsulates us nowadays, besides the physical noises. I suppose school and the internet are the two biggest ones. In Israel, I had a hour, more or less, each night, where I could just sit, pray, read a chapter of the Bible, and write down my thoughts for the day. Spiritually speaking, it was so refreshing! I could listen to God, both around and inside of me.
I write this now because I just happened to pass by a friend's blog and re-read his post about silence. In the post it mentions a video about silence, which we watched during fellowship one night, about a month ago. When we watched the video and when I read his post the first time, I have to admit that I didn't give it much thought (sorry!). Actually, asides from the passing moment of inspiration, the last few years I never really gave much thought to anything. If I was asked for my thoughts it was usually very superficial. If I was asked for my attention, I didn't give it fully. I listened and thought exclusively about myself. Everything had to lead back to myself. I almost thought that I forgot how to listen to others. In Israel, I discovered that this wasn't true. That I did remember how. That I was just excusing myself from it. I expect to habitualize a daily time of silence for God, from the foundation I laid in Israel. Who knows, some of it might find its way here.
As mentioned above, in Israel, I set aside time for prayer, one chapter of the Bible, and some writing each night. I actually began a daily reading of the Bible in Hong Kong, but it was just that - reading. I chose to begin with Proverbs, because it has many lessons which I have heard much of, but thought little about. While I may not have time to write like this every night during the school year, I hope and even expect to habitualize a daily time of prayer, Bible reading, and thought, building on what I started in Israel. This actually was a habit until I got undisciplined, complacent, and distracted for the past few years. May the LORD grant me a new resolve.
Each night in Israel, I began writing by copying a verse from the chapter of the day. Tonight, I begin with a verse from the 22nd chapter. This verse is interesting. I looked it up; originally it referred to land distributions that the LORD set out for Israel during the time of Joshua, and the law which dictated a reset to these boundaries every 50 years. However, nowadays this verse may have a different application. Our nation's laws were founded on Biblical notions. Even the national motto is taken from the Bible. Today, our lawmakers do exactly opposite of what King Solomon warns. They have begun to put the nation on a slippery moral downslope. While we may not be able to reverse or even stop them, it is our duty as Christians to not be pulled along with them, to hold our ground, and to keep our "ancient boundary stone" exactly where it should be. Coincidence or not, the Ten Commandments were originally written in stone. Let this be a reminder to us.
That's it for tonight. Good night!
"Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers." ~ v. 28
I write this back home in Hong Kong. During my time in Israel, I promised myself to not use the internet. This was, after all, my pilgrimage, and I didn't want any distractions. Everybody knows, a vow to go lacking is hardest to keep towards its end, and it was near the end that I was tested. I was carrying my Aunt's laptop for her, and the last few nights we stayed at Radisson. Free broadband in the room. Praise the LORD, my resolve remained. Nevertheless, this got me thinking: there's so much inaudible "noise" that encapsulates us nowadays, besides the physical noises. I suppose school and the internet are the two biggest ones. In Israel, I had a hour, more or less, each night, where I could just sit, pray, read a chapter of the Bible, and write down my thoughts for the day. Spiritually speaking, it was so refreshing! I could listen to God, both around and inside of me.
I write this now because I just happened to pass by a friend's blog and re-read his post about silence. In the post it mentions a video about silence, which we watched during fellowship one night, about a month ago. When we watched the video and when I read his post the first time, I have to admit that I didn't give it much thought (sorry!). Actually, asides from the passing moment of inspiration, the last few years I never really gave much thought to anything. If I was asked for my thoughts it was usually very superficial. If I was asked for my attention, I didn't give it fully. I listened and thought exclusively about myself. Everything had to lead back to myself. I almost thought that I forgot how to listen to others. In Israel, I discovered that this wasn't true. That I did remember how. That I was just excusing myself from it. I expect to habitualize a daily time of silence for God, from the foundation I laid in Israel. Who knows, some of it might find its way here.
As mentioned above, in Israel, I set aside time for prayer, one chapter of the Bible, and some writing each night. I actually began a daily reading of the Bible in Hong Kong, but it was just that - reading. I chose to begin with Proverbs, because it has many lessons which I have heard much of, but thought little about. While I may not have time to write like this every night during the school year, I hope and even expect to habitualize a daily time of prayer, Bible reading, and thought, building on what I started in Israel. This actually was a habit until I got undisciplined, complacent, and distracted for the past few years. May the LORD grant me a new resolve.
Each night in Israel, I began writing by copying a verse from the chapter of the day. Tonight, I begin with a verse from the 22nd chapter. This verse is interesting. I looked it up; originally it referred to land distributions that the LORD set out for Israel during the time of Joshua, and the law which dictated a reset to these boundaries every 50 years. However, nowadays this verse may have a different application. Our nation's laws were founded on Biblical notions. Even the national motto is taken from the Bible. Today, our lawmakers do exactly opposite of what King Solomon warns. They have begun to put the nation on a slippery moral downslope. While we may not be able to reverse or even stop them, it is our duty as Christians to not be pulled along with them, to hold our ground, and to keep our "ancient boundary stone" exactly where it should be. Coincidence or not, the Ten Commandments were originally written in stone. Let this be a reminder to us.
That's it for tonight. Good night!
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