If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…

My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
Proverbs 1:10 (NASB)

As summer began, I went shopping for a canopy that we could set up in the back yard for a bit of extra shade. One ad referred to a canopy that “sets up in minutes.” In storm-prone South Florida, that sounded like a good thing! I was thinking five or ten minutes, though, and it actually took 20 to set up. Back it went to the store.

The second was smaller, but it really was made to be set up and taken down quickly. When I opened the box, though, I saw that it was poorly designed, poorly made, and missing some important pieces. Back it went to the store, too. I’m still looking for a canopy for the back yard, but now I know that a getting something that will last will cost a bit more than I originally thought.

The world around us constantly offers us seeming bargains of all kinds: Get rich quick at others’ expense through lawsuits and lotteries! Save money through “creative” tax returns! Get instant gratification through pornography, immoral relationships and all-you-can-eat restaurants! Buy now and pay later with a credit card…or better yet, declare bankruptcy and don’t pay at all!

Yet that kind of lifestyle brings unpleasant consequences. Selfish living results in broken relationships and broken reputations, lives full of bitterness and distrust. Those who hope to get ahead dishonestly ultimately pay a terrible price.

God’s way may not seem all that attractive at times, since the path of godly wisdom requires patience, discipline and self-sacrifice. But following His ways is the only path toward rewards that last.

No Prescription Necessary

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice and equity;
To give prudence to the naive,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,
A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
To understand a proverb and a figure,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:1-7 (NASB)

A visit to the doctor’s office would hardly be complete without a reminder of the importance of proper diet and regular exercise. That’s advice that holds true as long as we draw breath! From infancy through advancing years, our physical health reflects our day-to-day practice in those areas of our lifestyle.

The first several verses of the book or Proverbs describe both the people and the purposes the book was written for. It’s meant to make us wiser and more discerning and to teach us to understand and follow wise advice. It’s meant to help us understand and benefit from proverbs, puzzles, and pithy sayings. It’s meant to help us behave wisely and fairly and well.

The Proverbs were written for wise people and simple minded folks, youngsters and old-timers. But there’s a condition attached: we must respect and honor God enough to accept the advice He has to offer us through His word and His people.

If we’re not too proud to listen and learn, the Proverbs offer healthy food for thought and a wisdom workout that will help us keep our hearts and minds healthy as long as we live.