Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

Saying 20
Do not envy the wicked,
    do not desire their company;
for their hearts plot violence,
    and their lips talk about making trouble.
Saying 21
By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with rare and beautiful treasures.
Saying 22
The wise prevail through great power,
    and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
Surely you need guidance to wage war,
    and victory is won through many advisers.
Saying 23
Wisdom is too high for fools;
    in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.

• Proverbs 24:1-7

Proverbs 24:3-4 ”In the Hebrew culture, ‘house’ refers to the family as well as the structure in which the family dwells (see 14:1; 2 Sam. 7:16, 25, 27). This means that the children of the godly are included in the blessing: ‘The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him’ (Prov. 20:7).

“One of the greatest rewards in life is to be a blessing to our children and grandchildren. ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread’ (Ps. 37:25). This blessing includes material things (Prov. 13:22), but it applies even more to spiritual treasures.”

• Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe Study Bible

The Message

Saying 20 reminds me of another wise saying.  “You are who your friends are.”  It seems no one knows who said that first, but it relates to what Aesop said, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”  But what did the Israelites do throughout the book of Judges?  They intermingled with the people they were supposed to have killed or chased off the land.  These people, who worshipped false gods, led the Israelites astray, which led to God allowing invaders to oppress them, and the cycle of repenting, a judge arising, relief, apathy toward God, and delving into a sinful life until a new invader oppresses them again.

Saying 21 speaks of a house, a home, and a family.  Wisdom is required.  Understanding is necessary. And knowledge must be imparted.  When a house becomes a home filled with a family of those who know the Lord, understand what the Lord wants in this world, and has the wisdom to do God’s will, it can be a beautiful treasure.”

Having power to wage war and waging war…  The wise would use every bit of wisdom to avoid war.  The unwise let the power go to their heads.  Some of the wars that are presently ongoing, maybe most of them, were started by people who let the power overtake their reason and any wisdom that they might have had.  But the wise ruler who finds himself at war needs a lot of knowledge and good advisors to wage that war.

Saying 23 reminds me of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes.  It is from Abolition of Man.  “An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or Practical Reason is idiocy. If a man’s mind is open on these things, let his mouth at least be shut.”

Usually when Scripture mentions being a fool, they are referring to the person who does not believe in God.  This is essentially of which C.S. Lewis is speaking, those things that are ultimate foundations.  And who created the heavens and the earth, including all those ultimate foundations upon which we build our knowledge?  God is the Truth on which all knowledge is based.  You cannot get more ultimately foundational than that.

And now let us sing.

The following song is House of the Lord.  This is sung by Phil Wickham.

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord,
We need Your wisdom.  Help us to value wisdom.  Lord, it may be hard to sever some relationships, but there are some that are toxic to us.  That does not mean we ever will stop praying, but we must focus on serving you more and loving you more.  We must not lower ourselves; we must raise others up.  Raising others up is never more important than in the home with family.  May communication be maintained so that wisdom, understanding and knowledge can be transferred from one generation to the next.  May all barriers to prevent that communication be expunged.  Wars and rumors of war are all around us in this world.  Some of these wars were started simply because one ruler thought themselves so strong that those around them would easily collapse in fear.  We know that wars will never end until you return and bring an end to all war.  We anticipate that day and welcome your judgment.  For us whose sins have been washed away, we await your judgment.  For those who scoff, their tongues condemn them even further.  Have Mercy on us and we pray for those who are among your elect.  We wish that all who will come to a saving knowledge of you will do so in your timing.  Soon.
In thy Name we pray.
Amen

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.