Dave Dishman

The book of Proverbs is filled with clever sayings revealing wisdom in all its forms. I’ve heard it said that if you were to read one chapter of Proverbs a day for the rest of your life you would develop into one of the wisest people in the world. I would add the caveat that putting the words into practice should follow the reading, but I understand the point.

People surround us who spout out all sorts of opinions, most not clever at all. Social media in particular creates an atmosphere for outlandish views. The more absurd or angry the better, as such draws attention and racks up the “clicks” so deeply desired. Scalding triumphs over soothing.

This line from King Solomon reminded me of many of the notions I see expressed online: A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

We see this played out again and again. Someone harangues their audience, gains blessed attention, but clearly lacks understanding. Before long, the internet mob turns and metaphorically beats this person to the ground. The mob moves on, leaving behind a bloody victim who hopefully learned a lesson.

Often the words of the wise involve listening a lot and speaking very little. Or perhaps not speaking at all. I might add that one way to keep safe from the social media rabble is to avoid posting opinions on those platforms. Why enter the swamp of fools when a bridge to wisdom exists?

And a bridge to wisdom indeed exists. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We learn to fear the Lord by spending time in his Word, a place of safety and sagacity.

Proverbs 14:3

Photo by ROBIN WORRALL

There’s an old proverb that says a woman reserves the right to change her mind. I’ve learned by experience that’s true, and I believe we all should change our minds from time to time. But many of us rarely do.

People fall into pattens. Thinking the same thoughts, watching the same programs, and reading from the same sources. All this yields the same inner smugness. Rarely do we allow ourselves to be challenged. In today’s media world one finds echo chambers all around. I discover channels that speak what I want to hear and never turn the dial. I settle into a rut carved for me and follow blithely along.

But the Lord promises so much more! Paul wrote: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I’m not tied to what I’ve always thought and how I’ve always lived. The Lord promises a new start. I don’t need to accept the latest teachings or philosophies pushed my way, but I can test them, mull them over, push against them, and look to God for wisdom.

This is so incredibly hopeful. A source of wisdom and insight exists beyond the chattering classes of this world. My mind is not locked down tight. The Lord can renovate how I think and from there how I act. I reserve the right to change my mind, especially if I remain open to the Lord changing it for me.

Romans 12:2

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You never know who’s listening. Years ago when I drove my son to daycare I often complained about stupid drivers. Then on a particularly busy traffic day I muttered in frustration and from the back seat came a question, stupid drivers, Daddy? Hmm…hope his mother didn’t hear that.

But young people absorb good qualities from their elders as well. King David’s nephew surprised his uncle during a series of battles with the Philistines: There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him down.

Catch the parallels. David killed a Philistine champion of great stature, descended from giants, who taunted Israel and the living God. His nephew watched a Philistine champion of great stature, descended from giants, step forward to taunt Israel and the living God. Johnathan took his shot, just like uncle David.

As a kid Johnathan heard the stories of David. He looked up to his uncle, and when the time came he followed in his footsteps. How proud he must have been to give an account of slaying the giant in front of David and his court. And how fulfilling for David to see the next generation follow in strength and courage.

Pass on the stories of David and Johnathan and other heroes of the Old Testament. Speak of Jesus to the generations that follow. But never forget to tell the stories of faith that surround your life. We all need to hear accounts of God at work. Young people crave something solid, tangible and true in our world of images and posturing. The kids are listening, and if we relay to them God’s actions in our lives many will emulate the ways of the Lord.

2 Samuel 21:20-22

Photo by Aedrian Salazar

Two young men waited anxiously to carry the tidings of victory. The rebellion of Absalom against his father David failed, and Absalom (the king’s son) died on the battlefield. The runners, young men who carried messages from commander to commander, eagerly hoped to be the first to announce the good news to king.

The commander sent one, then the other. The second runner, Ahimaaz, arrived first and announced, Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king. Perhaps fearing the king’s anger, he left out the part about Absalom. The next runner followed seconds later and reported concerning Absalom, May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.

Good news and bad news. The insurrection was crushed, but David lost a son whom he loved deeply. One of the many horrible consequences David endured due to his taking of Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah.

But the runners are the story here. They apparently ran twenty to twenty-five miles, over rugged countryside, to report this news to David. They did what they did best—carried an important message to the king.

Our prayers are like those runners. Despite obstacles—lack of faith, falling asleep, doubts and fears—our prayers make their way to the Lord. As David received his runners, so the Lord receives our prayers. Some he sets aside, but he responds to others. Either way, and despite my slackness in prayer, I plan to keep sending those runners before the Lord.

2 Samuel 18:19-33

Photo by Alessio Soggetti