<a name="a">CHAPTER 1</a></HEAD > <BODY bgcolor="#fffff0" text="000000"> <a href="ww.html"style="text-decoration:none">Contents</a> <h3><B> <center> Chapter 16 </center> </B></h3> <p> <P> <hr width=80% size=10 color=d3d3d3> <DIR> <DIR> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P><B>16.1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.</B></P> </font></FONT></DIR></DIR> <P>Have you ever spent time trying to work out what to say in advance of an important situation, but just cannot find the words? Then, when the time comes, the appropriate words somehow come to the tip of your tongue? In the end, because of your diligent preparation, and with God’s help, all turns out well. That, I suspect, is the meaning of this verse. Do we actively seek guidance from the Lord in such matters?</P> <P>Perhaps Jesus is referring to this proverb when he warns his disciples about the persecution they will receive, saying: "When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you" (Matthew 10:19-20).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Even the most wicked of people, it is said, somehow convince themselves that their diabolical actions are right and good for some reason. But what about us, can we be honest with ourselves, with what we do and how we treat other people? Are we really keeping God’s law, or simply giving lip service to it? Do we deceive ourselves that our dealings are honest and above-board, when they are in reality devious and dishonest?</P> <P>James says: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like" (James 1:22-24).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.3 Commit your works unto the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Once again there seems to be a thread of continuity. We saw earlier the importance of seeking out wise counsel, but now Solomon encourages us also to pray, to lay our plans and purposes before God, perhaps even literally on a sheet of paper, and to seek his guidance in their detailed formulation. What does God want us to do with our lives? What direction does he want us to take? We do not need to be unscrupulous and deceitful in order to be successful.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.4 The LORD has made all things for himself: yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The theme continues. God himself makes plans and sometimes even makes use of wicked people in order to implement them. Can we grasp the infinite immensity of his power and believe his promise to help those who acknowledge him in all their ways?</P> <P>"Everything is possible to him who believes", says Jesus (Mark 9:23). And again: "Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but not with God: all things are possible with God " (Mark 10:27).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The thread continues. We have been looking at the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in our planning, but the cynic says that he tried prayer and it does not work. </P> <P>James explains why -- "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"(James 4:6). He is not at their beck and call of proud people who condescendingly decide to "give Him a try" when things go wrong -- and neither can they buy his services.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>How, then, do we sort out our lives and get the right approach to God? Solomon identifies three factors: a) forgiveness, by God’s mercy, b) seeking truth, by reading the Bible to learn more about God’s way, and c) keeping far away from what we already know to be evil. In the New Testament, this radical process of turn around and change is referred to as repentance.</P> <P>James offers the same advice, saying: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind" (James 4:7-8). </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Once again, the theme of seeking God’s guidance in our lives continues. If we please God by the way we live and conduct our business affairs, he will happily intervene on our behalf. He can even make our enemies be at peace with us. How much better for God to do this than for us to hate our enemies and struggle and strain to get the better of them. The wise person walks and talks with God, rather than relying on his own power.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.8 Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Perhaps the thread still continues, as Solomon asks us to consider just what we really want out of life, and what is really important to us anyway. Is money all we would like from God, or for him to make us better people? </P> <P>What are our values? What do we want to achieve? The crooked businessman may make a fortune, but Solomon says that it is better to have even just a little with righteousness, with a clear conscience and the peace of mind that comes from God.</P> <P>Life is short and it is important to find the right priorities. Speaking to unscrupulous but apparently God-fearing individuals who were consumed by the desire to make money, and very confident of their ability to do so, James says: "Now listen, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord’s will we will live and do this or that" (James 4:13-15).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.9 A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Just how do we go about getting what we want, anyway? Do we just pray and then wait -- or do we think and do some research and careful planning, and then pray for guidance? The powerful project method of business management begins with the identification of a Goal and a broad direction or way that leads towards it -- a Strategy. But how do we begin to move forwards? What are the specific steps we must take in order to make our plan work -- the Tactics? Solomon’s message seems to be that God will guide us in this crucial creative phase if only we take the time to consult him. </P> <P>Never forget that prayer is your greatest power, as Napoleon Hill concluded after a life-time study of the working methods of America’s most successful entrepreneurs.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>In ancient times a king had absolute and unquestionable authority, under God, so perhaps Solomon’s message here concerns the use of power. Some rulers were wise and kind and sought to be servants to their subjects, but many were tyrants.</P> <P>What authority do we wield over other people, if only over children or even animals, over those who have to accept our judgments and act on them without question? What power do we possess to influence the lives of others? Are our decisions and actions divine in the sense of being right before God and in accordance with his laws? Are our judgments merciful and fair? Are we having a positive or negative influence? Are building up or tearing down? </P> <P>James says: "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:12-13).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>One of a king’s major responsibilities in ancient times was to establish a reliable system of weights and measures in order to facilitate fair and honest trading. Before the days of electronic instruments, produce was added to a pan on one side of the mechanical scales until it balanced the weights in the pan on the other side. </P> <P>Apparently, the merchant’s weights were kept in a bag to protect them and preserve their accuracy. Do we, like the crooked merchant, in effect have a second set of weights tucked away in our bag for use with people we feel we can exploit? In business, are our marketing plans ethical – is our balance just, or has it been tweaked out of true in order to give a deceitful reading? </P> <P>How do these principles apply to our treatment of other people? Peter says: "I now realize how it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>If you occupy a position of trust and authority, you bear a great responsibility to conduct your affairs in an appropriate manner. If you do so, you will build a sound reputation and make your position more secure.</P> <P>Do you act and speak in a manner appropriate to your position, perhaps as an employer, teacher or parent? What kind of example are you setting? What kind of influence are you exerting?</P> <P>Could this principle extend to such matters as manners, speech and dress? Paul gives the following instructions to Timothy: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). How are you shaping the attitudes of younger people around you by your example?</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B> </B> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>It is very easy for someone in authority, such as a king, to become misinformed and shielded from reality by those around him on whom he relies for information. When consulted, do we speak what is right, or do we distort and misrepresent to suit our own ambitions? Are we economical with the truth, or are we building a reputation for honesty and reliability? </P> <P>When we ask advice, can we separate fact from opinion and right from wrong in the information presented to us by other people, including supposed experts and the media? Might we even be misleading ourselves by virtue of the unquestioned assumptions that we accept as self-evident truths? </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The thread continues, and the king is not happy, perhaps because he has found out that someone has been lying to him, or that something has gone seriously wrong. If that wrath is directed at us, it would be wise to look for ways to pacify it, rather than get confrontational.</P> <P>The king’s wrath is a messenger, says Solomon, an early-warning signal that more serious trouble is on the way. Are we alert to danger signals in our lives, or do we close our eyes to them until it is too late to take evasive action? Many a big corporation has been destroyed by the complacency of top management.</P> <P>In marketplace, the customer is king, and the trader who chooses not to pacify the anger of customers who have valid complaints will not last long in business. How much better to win them over and keep their custom rather than driving them away. Some people are too proud and short-tempered to do this.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The person who has the power to ruin us, like a king, may well have the power to do us a great deal of good too, so that risk and reward go hand in hand -- and serious problems are said to contain the seed of even greater benefits as new and better ways are found as a result of solving them. </P> <P>In any situation there are hazards and potential benefits to be considered. The trader in the previous section who takes time to mollify the hurt feelings of a customer may well build a stronger bond of loyalty that can turn the temporary set-back into a much greater future profit. </P> <P>The king’s favor is like a cloud that brings the vital latter rain of spring to water the seeds that have been sown, and so bless the work that has been undertaken. Sometimes, in business, great patience and quiet persistence are required before important contracts are won and our efforts finally bear fruit. </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Are we too busy working to think and be wise? Are we in a rut, and stagnating? Are we simply drifting, going with the flow? Do we take time to think about our life and how it might be different? What plans should we be making for the future? Where do we want to be five and ten years from now, and how will we get there? Should we be doing something different with our time and talents even if it means making less money? Are we prepared to sacrifice now in order to improve ourselves and so reap a greater benefit later?</P> <P>Is our preoccupation with work and money causing us to ignore growing problems in other aspects of our life? Are we ruining our health, our marriage, even our children? Do we have a social life, or are we isolating ourselves from other people? What contribution are we making to society?</P><B><FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER">* * *</P> <P> </P> <DIR> <DIR> <P>16.17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he who pays attention to his way preserves his soul.</P></B></FONT> </DIR></DIR> <P>The thread of the previous section seems to continue. The successful business sets aside time for the marketing exercise of SWOT analysis -- to identify and analyze Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. The successful person likewise takes time to reflect deeply on his life, focusing in particular, in this section, on weaknesses and threats -- problems that need attention. </P> <P>Are you making serious mistakes and living with problems? Are you abusing your health, for example, or at least neglecting it? Are you becoming addicted to some wrong influence? Are you finances under control, or are you on the road to ruin? What else might need sorting out in your life before it becomes serious?</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.18 Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The theme continues. Are we on our guard against pride? It is quite obvious to ordinary citizens that even government ministers can become proud – puffed up with self-importance, arrogant and completely out of touch with those they supposedly serve. Pride comes before a nasty fall, usually at the next election. </P> <P>Unlike the wise person in the previous proverb, the proud person has no time or inclination for self-examination. He is haughty, high minded, and quite unwilling to make changes or countenance any kind of criticism. Have we changed? Have we stopped listening and learning? Are we heading for a fall? In business, are we contemptuous of upstart competition that should worry us instead?</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Pride brings warped values and an empty, pretentious way of living, even to those who are very successful and wealthy and socializing with other of similar status. It is better, it is a happier state, says Solomon, to be humble minded and still able to value the company of other human beings for what they are rather than what they possess or how important they supposedly are.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.20 The wise in any matter finds good: and whoso trusts in the LORD, happy is he.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The theme continues. The wise person finds happiness for two reasons -- first because he looks for good and finds it, rather than a criticizing, and second, because he walks with God and seeks his guidance in all he does.</P> <P>Do we look for the good in people, or the bad? Are we optimistic or pessimistic? Is our glass half full or half empty? Attitudes make a big difference, and we have the power to choose and change our attitudes.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.21 The wise in heart shall be esteemed as intelligent: and the sweetness of the lips increases his persuasiveness.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The new thread continues. Wisdom is more important than innate intelligence, it seems. The wise person is pleasant and exerts a positive influence on others. He has worthwhile opinions to offer, and his easy manner makes him more persuasive. Contrast this with the impact of the person who is hyper-critical and rude.</P> <P>What impact do you have on other people? Are you charming and persuasive in your speech, or do you ruffle their feathers with a gauche manner and insensitive remarks? Are you a rough diamond that needs a bit more cutting and polishing? You can change, if you want to, but what do you need to change?</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.22 Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that has it: but folly brings chastisement on fools.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The wise person is alert and learning, and living his life purposefully and pursuing his goals. But what about you? Do you think? Do you really think, or are your too preoccupied with other things, with routine matters and the cares of life?</P> <P>Are you switched on and in charge, or are you passively drifting, missing opportunities and letting other less able people pass you by? Are you doing what you want to do in life, and if not, why not? </P> <P>Do you Understand what is happening in your life? Or are you still doing foolish things that bring you pain and suffering? </P><B><FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER">* * *</P> <P> </P> <DIR> <DIR> <P>16.23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.</P></B></FONT> </DIR></DIR> <P>The wise man meditates and analyses information and draws significant conclusions that others may have missed, so that his heart adds learning to his lips and he has something worthwhile to contribute to a conversation. He adds value to the information he receives, so that it becomes knowledge.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Once again, as the thread continues, Solomon reminds us of the power and impact of words. We communicate our ideas much more effectively when our words are pleasant to the hearer. A truly wise person is a pleasure to listen to. As well as informing us and moving us to action, his words can also entertain, encourage and even improve our health.</P> <P>The starting point, perhaps, as in the previous proverb, is to get our heart right, because our attitudes will come through and color our speech and influence our choice of words. </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.25 There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>This important proverb appeared earlier, and is repeated here verbatim as the start of a new series of observations that illustrate its application. Life, metaphorically speaking, is like a path, but there are many paths to choose from, some leading upwards to life and some leading downwards to death. We are all following some kind of path, which in turn becomes a metaphor for our character, the kind of person we have let ourselves become, the way we think and speak, and the attitudes and values that guide us. </P> <P>Where is our present path leading us? Have we lost our way? Do we need a compass or a better map? Do we need to turn around and go in the opposite direction even? </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.26 The laborer’s appetite labors for him; his mouth drives him on.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The implication here may be that the day laborer has failed to think and acquire useful skills, and discover and develop his gifts. As a result, he must take on the most menial of work in order to get enough food to stave off his hunger and stay alive. </P> <P>Sheer survival is the lowest of Maslow’s hierarchy of motivating needs, but the wise man aims higher, trying find his calling and develop his special gifts and become what the great psychologist described as a self-actualizing person.</P> <P>Notice that the laborer’s appetite now does his thinking and motivating for him. If we fail to provide the self-discipline to sort out our lives, pain and adversity will step in and make some hard decisions for us.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.27 A worthless man digs up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The man described here is worthless because he has apparently made nothing of himself, perhaps like the laborer in the previous proverb. Now, instead of focusing on self-improvement, however, his jealous and resentful mind seems set on destroying other people’s lives.</P> <P>Because he has nothing better to occupy his mind, he devotes himself to trouble making, to digging up evil things that were previously hidden and hopefully forgotten about, like so much rubbish.</P> <P>Perhaps Solomon is warning us against malicious gossiping, and against bad habits in general. His metaphors are very carefully chosen, and the point about a fire is that once it starts it keeps on going, until it runs out of fuel – but there is plenty of that available! Do we start fires, just little ones? </P><B><FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER">* * *</P> <P> </P> <DIR> <DIR> <P>16.28 A man who turns words upside down sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends.</P></B></FONT> </DIR></DIR> <P>Here we encounter a more creative kind of wickedness, a worthless person who deliberately twists words and adds innuendoes in order to impute motives and raise doubts and suspicions in people’s minds. The devil did the same thing in the Garden of Eden to persuade Eve that God did not have her best interests at heart, but was trying to keep her in ignorance of deeper things.</P> <P>This person is also more cunning and prefers to work secretly. He is a whisperer, surreptitiously spreading malicious information behind the back of the person concerned, quietly hissing his evil message, like a serpent perhaps, into the ears of willing listeners. Sometimes their mental poison even wrecks close friendships.</P> <P>Do we whisper? Do we listen to whisperers? How highly do we value friendships? How much are we prepared to forgive and forget in order to preserve a relationship? </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.29 A lawless man allures his neighbor, and leads him into the way that is not good.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Here is yet another person intent on wrecking the lives of others. His modus operandi is to boast about the money he makes or saves by all manner of illicit operations and dishonest practices. By so doing he hopes to allure or entice his innocent neighbor to follow his evil example. </P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.30 He shuts his eyes to meditate mischief: pursing his lips he brings evil to pass.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>The theme continues. Closing the eyes, relaxing and passively meditating, perhaps when lying relaxed in bed at night or when waking up, is an effective techniques for stimulating the creative imagination. Here is a person who misuses his imagination, however, to devise wicked schemes. When he finally he finds the idea he needs, purses his lips as he resolves to put his evil plan into action.</P> <P>Such evil imaginations flow easily to mind if we nurse resentments against other people or wallow in self pity. Speaking of the battle to take and keep control of the negative thoughts can well up in the mind, Paul says : "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itelf against the knowledge of god, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5-6).</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.31 White hairs are a crown of glory, in the way of righteousness it is found.</B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Solomon is not naively suggesting, as some scholars claim he is, that the wicked die young and that only righteous people live to a ripe old age. </P> <P>As we have seen, the Hebrew word rendered "righteousness" has several shades of meaning, one of which is "moderation", and it is now recognized that moderation in all things, especially in appetites, is a key to longevity. The fact that this verse seems to be paired with the one that follows would seem to support this view, both dealing with very fundamental issues of life. Are we moderate? Do we abuse our bodies? Are we overweight and unfit? Do we go to extremes all the time?</P> <P>A supplementary lesson here may be that we should respect the aged person as we would a king. Both are recognized by their crown. </P> <P>Conversely, the old person has a responsibility, like a king, to act in a manner worthy of the honor life has bestowed on him. Paul gives the following pastoral advice to Titus: "Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance" (Titus 2:1).</P><B><FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER">* * *</P> <P> </P> <DIR> <DIR> <P>16.32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.</P></B></FONT> </DIR></DIR> <P>This verse, I suspect, carries on the thread of the previous one. The ordinary person who lives a self-disciplined and abstemious life is far better than the mighty man who does not and perhaps can not. A military leader, says Solomon, may well be able to conquer a city, but not his own emotions. Alexander the so-called Great is often cited here. He conquered nations, but then killed his closest friend and confidant in a fit of insane rage. Let us not envy the wicked, no matter how rich and famous they become.</P> <P>The wise person takes charge of his appetites and his temper. With God’s help he takes charge of himself.</P> <FONT FACE="Courier New"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>* * *</B></P> <P><B> </B></P> <DIR> <DIR> <P><B>16.33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. </B></P> <P><B> </B></P> </DIR></DIR></font></FONT> <P>Perhaps the thread continues again. Although the wise person is in full control of his emotions and actions, as we have just seen, his life and destiny are in the hands of God.</P> <P>The ancient practice of casting lots to find God’s will continued in the New Testament Church, and was used to select the replacement for Judas Iscariot. The apostles first prayed and drew up a short-list of two candidates, but could not choose between them. </P> <P>The account says: "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26). The system seems to have worked somewhat like tossing a coin to decide between two possibilities.</P> <P>The essence of the lot system seems to be the identification of pairs of key options. In solving problems, for example, the successful businessman identifies a whole range of options, or possible solutions. Then, by a repeated process of comparison and elimination he tries to choose the best one. Sometimes, however, it is not possible to make a final decision because he simply lacks the information required to do so, and serious mistakes may be made. The wise person seeks God’s guidance.</P> <P>Are we passively drifting, or are we actively planning to keep our life going in the right direction and reach our goals? Do we identify and then try to choose between key options, forks in the road that lies ahead of us? If we cannot decide between them, do we pray and present them to God and seek his guidance? </P> <P>The falling of the lot was an event, a simple physical circumstance that conveyed God’s answer. Perhaps, as with casting the lot, Solomon is suggesting that we also have to take positive exploratory action, knocking on the metaphorical doors before us to find out which one can be opened and which ones God has locked.</P> <B><FONT FACE="Courier New"></B></FONT> <hr width=80% size=10 color=d3d3d3> <a href="ww.html"style="text-decoration:none">Contents</a> </BODY> </HTML>