Reading With the People of God #14 ProverbsSample

Balance

When our son and his wife were teaching in Japan, we had the privilege of a visit. As we toured this beautiful country, people bowed to us politely until they saw my husband. Then, we noticed a low and prominent bow because of his gray hair (even though he hadn’t even turned 50). In Japanese society, gray hair is worthy of great respect. This was also true of the biblical society, which honored the wisdom, experience, and judgment of the elders in the community.

In biblical society, balances were common for transactions, so readers of this passage of scripture would understand the connection to balanced and true scales. It would create an easy understanding of the wisdom of the ‘scales of judgment’ belonging to God. The guidance in the Proverbs we read today is straightforward in respect, motives, and commitment to God, but they are not easy to follow. The requirement comes from a heart for God, which we have read about previously as David was described. Though certainly not perfect, David desired to love and serve God, confessing, repenting, and returning to God in relationship whenever he sinned. He continued to seek balance from the Lord.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he attempts to balance their idea of earthly versus spiritual life. The city was corrupt and pagan. There were so many false ideas around that, without guidance, the followers of Christ had numerous unanswered questions and incorrect philosophies. Using a connection to something they could relate to, Paul gives an explanation that reminds us all that no matter what is said about the spiritual, the Lord is the key. We, too, can hear much conjecture of things unseen and unknown. Theories abound, but our balance comes from centering on Christ, His teaching, His sacrifice, and His sovereignty.

As we read, may we bow deeply in honor of our Sovereign Lord, place the balance of judgment in God’s hands, and trust that He is Who He says He is, does what He says He will do, and He is immeasurably beyond what we can imagine until that day when we can be with Him to understand His glory beyond this world.

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