Reading With the People of God #14 Proverbsنموونە

Stating the Obvious

My great-grandmother was known for cleaning; in fact, according to the family, it was even her hobby. Our family loves to tell the humorous story of the day she realized that she had never cleaned out the light socket. Electricity being new to her, she stuck a wet rag into the socket…what a shock!! (pun intended). These days, I assume people have been taught about the dangers of what is around them, but read any instruction label to find countless warnings that are only there because someone actually did the unthinkable (don’t iron shirt while wearing, don’t drink battery acid, and too many more!).

As we have been reading Proverbs, some of the advice may seem to be stating the obvious. But our Lord knows that some are not taught, some forget, and some ignore the advice of utmost importance. In my years of teaching, I have often heard from students and parents, “Why is this important?”. Most of the time, the answer leads to a crucial part of learning that is a hinge for all other skills to follow, not just during the educational years but for life! What seems insignificant now can become a significant deficit in the future. Many of our Proverbs read this way, too. It takes one slight slip in work ethic, character, or relationship; the next thing we know, we are wallowing unintentionally in a deep pit of sin.

Not only do our Proverbs provide poignant reminders, but most of Paul’s letters to the newer believers share the same idea. Corinth was no exception. For some, it was the first time they had heard guidance like this while living in a self-indulgent society. In addition, he could now share the example of right living from the gospel stories through Christ Himself.

We can only be ignorant for so long. The scriptures we have been reading tell us that God wants to give us every opportunity for right living. There is not much guesswork involved. He wants us to know ourselves and that we are capable of all kinds of evil. He wants us to know there is a better way to live and better rewards to come for those who accept His ways. That better way is Christ, the obvious choice for an eternal relationship with God.

*Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.