Read Proverbs 26:1-12
Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
My son had the stomach flu recently and I caught the bug yesterday. Vomit and stomach upset (with the runs) are the symptoms – which led me to think about this verse. I actually have seen a dog eating its own vomit (not my dog thankfully) but it was the most unpleasant sight.
Like snow and summer, honour and fools simply do not go together. It is hard to respect a fool because his actions just do not warrant it. Encouragement will not work on a fool. Encourage him and he will increase only his foolishness. The way to handle a fool is strict correction, according to Proverbs 26:3. Fools only understand through consequences of punishment.
Solomon advises his readers not to trust a fool with words and explanations because it will cause more confusion and trouble (26:4-9). The definition of a fool comes down to verse 11 which compares a fool to a dog who returns to its vomit. A fool is one who is beyond correction and guidance”. He will persist in his own ignorant ways.
The Bible is clear: have nothing to do with a fool because he has decided to stick to his mistakes like a dog licking up his vomit.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Only One Thing is Needful
Read Luke 10:38-42
Luke 10:41-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
It is always difficult to differentiate between the felt needs and the real needs.
Felt needs are those things that we think or feel that we need whereas real needs are those items that we truly necessary for us.
Martha felt the needs to get everything in order for Jesus. The house needed to be de-odorised with Lysol, the cushions need to be spruced up and the food must be piping hot! To play the best hostess, she forgot the guest; in fact, became resentful toward her guest! She was worried about many things but Jesus said he had few needs. In fact, He had only one need – He needed Martha’s undivided attention.
Mary knew her one need and knew Jesus had only one need in coming to the house – to spend time with the people in the house. Her only one worry was that her guest might be neglected and she dropped everything to give him total focus.
Jesus commented that Mary had made the better choice.
I was no different from Martha this week (with school starting and all) and Jesus has to remind me that only one thing is needful. Thank You Lord.
Luke 10:41-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
It is always difficult to differentiate between the felt needs and the real needs.
Felt needs are those things that we think or feel that we need whereas real needs are those items that we truly necessary for us.
Martha felt the needs to get everything in order for Jesus. The house needed to be de-odorised with Lysol, the cushions need to be spruced up and the food must be piping hot! To play the best hostess, she forgot the guest; in fact, became resentful toward her guest! She was worried about many things but Jesus said he had few needs. In fact, He had only one need – He needed Martha’s undivided attention.
Mary knew her one need and knew Jesus had only one need in coming to the house – to spend time with the people in the house. Her only one worry was that her guest might be neglected and she dropped everything to give him total focus.
Jesus commented that Mary had made the better choice.
I was no different from Martha this week (with school starting and all) and Jesus has to remind me that only one thing is needful. Thank You Lord.
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