Friday, August 27, 2010

Proverbs 23:1-13

1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, 

note well what is before you,

2 and put a knife to your throat 

if you are given to gluttony.

3 Do not crave his delicacies, 

for that food is deceptive.

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; 

have the wisdom to show restraint.

5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, 

for they will surely sprout wings 

and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, 

do not crave his delicacies;

7 for he is the kind of man 

who is always thinking about the cost. 

"Eat and drink," he says to you, 

but his heart is not with you.

8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten 

and will have wasted your compliments.

9 Do not speak to a fool, 

for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone 

or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

11 for their Defender is strong; 

he will take up their case against you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction 

and your ears to words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; 

if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

Questions to consider:
  • Which proverb from this passage is most meaningful for your life?
  • In what ways are we like the “stingy man?”
  • Who is the “Defender?”

Possibilities for prayer:

Verse 5 seems to be a reminder about the fleetingness of wealth and earthly possessions. Of course, we all know that our things don’t actually “sprout wings and fly off” (or do they? *wink wink*) but it certainly can feel that way! Let’s ask God for the restraint to limit our material possessions, no matter how tempting they may be, because they are here today and gone tomorrow. Let’s ask God for the wisdom and insight to desire more deeply the things that can’t be taken from us--like wisdom.