Bible Study - Extraordinary - Becoming A Person Others Need - Proverbs 6 - May 19, 2013

Bible Study – Extraordinary – Becoming A Person Others Need – May 19, 2013

This is lesson three in our series entitled “Extraordinary Relationships.”

Our scripture is Proverbs 6:6-11, 16-19, 23-27.

In general, the writers of Proverbs address two groups of people – those who are wise and those who are fools. In our lesson today, our first passage addresses the slacker. Some Bible translations refer to the slacker as “sluggard” or “lazybones.” We will explore two additional passages in our lesson dealing with integrity and purity/education.

The world needs to focus upon this lesson and especially America. In dealing with laziness, I know there are those who cannot work because of health and age. But those who can work need to work. It is important for their self-esteem and feeling of worth.

I spoke to a girl who was about 16 years old and asked her, “What were her goals for her life?” She said, “She wanted to have a baby, get on food stamps and get her a house in the projects. That was what her friends were doing.”

Studies have shown that the majority of those drawing unemployment, begin to look for a job about 3 months before their unemployment is about to expire. I know many churches and organizations provide food, clothing, shelter, fuel and medical for those in need. I also know that often those who get assistance use their welfare, unemployment, food stamps to purchase the things that enslave them and harm their families. Those who provide for the physical needs means those who are on programs can use their programs to purchase the things that enslave them. There are ways to get around the intended purpose of these programs.

My wife and I support an organization that provides food for children to take food home over the weekends, school vacations and holidays for them to eat because their parent or parents do not provide. Most are strung out on drugs and neglect their children.

We do not want to deny those in need but we do not want to become enablers to those who are addicted. The only ones making it big are those who are purveyors of the things to which people are addicted. What is the answer? People, governments, organizations and Christians are accountable to GOD. People in need need the right kind of assistance not just money.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Proverbs 6:6-11: (Work Diligently)

Laziness

6 Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. 7 Without leader, administrator, or ruler, 8 it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest. 9 How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, 11 and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.

The writer of this passage compares the hard working ant to the lazy person. The ant has no supervision and does what needs to be done to store up food for the coming winter. The simple ant plans for the time when there will be no food in order to sustain it until there is food again.

This passage is not addressing those who cannot work or who have fallen upon bad times and just cannot escape. But there are those who choose to wallow in their circumstances and milk them for all they are worth. It is to avoid working and providing for themselves and their family. It is sad that many become addicted to substances that only make those who are purveyors of those substances rich, while making the person enslaved by them poor. Then the poverty of the addicted person weighs upon him/her and compounds his/her situation. Any brief escape from their circumstances through the use of addictive substances is welcomed but it only compounds their situation. Their families become the victims.

Lazy people bring poverty upon themselves but not all who are in poverty are lazy. The Apostle Paul stated in 2 Thessalonians 3:10:

10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” 

Our government aids and abets many of those in such circumstances. Think about it. When we have a government agency that is responsible for the welfare program, their customers are those on the program. So keeping the poor on welfare is job security. I know many in the trenches feel differently, as well as, some who supervise and administer these programs. Government is designed to grow. There is no incentive to get those on welfare off welfare.

Keeping able bodied people on unemployment for 2 years or longer is absurd. Those who can work should work doing things for the local, county, state or Federal governments. Yes, it would take extra work to establish such work programs and oversight to ensure that it is being administered as intended.

Accountability is one of the missing ingredients in our society, especially in government. The people must demand accountability from government agencies and programs. When fraud or miss use is uncovered, those involved on both ends, government and implementers of those programs, must be dealt with commiserate with the infraction. We, the people must demand it. Our weapon is our freedom of speech and our voting power.  

The only money governments have is what taxpayers give them and when they misuse it, they must be held accountable, removed from office and punished, when necessary.

A person, who is willing to work, even though he/she may be poor, is looked upon favorably and is to be commended.

Let’s read Proverbs 6:16-19: (Demonstrate Integrity)

What the Lord Hates

16 The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: 17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who gives false testimony and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

The word “hate” is a strong word when used in conjunction with GOD. The word “detestable” means “an abomination” or totally “abhorrent.” These seven things are sins that cause harm to others, especially the seventh.

This passage addresses seven things GOD detests, expressed using different parts of the body:

-         Arrogant eyes

-         A lying tongue

-         Hands that shed innocent blood

-         A heart that plots wicked schemes

-         Feet eager to run to evil

-         A witness who gives false testimony - (involves the lack of integrity of the total person)

-         One who stirs up trouble among brothers.

In Hebrew poetry, this reference to numbers in verse 16 is called number parallelism. The writer did not have an afterthought in verse 16, it is rhetorical or a writing skill directed to the reader. The number seven in Hebrew is generally considered the perfect number. So the writer stated six and then stated no there are seven things. This style led me to take a thoughtful look at the first six things and then focus on the seventh. The first six sins have a serious impact on the seventh in both society and the church. The broad concept is that there are more than seven things detestable to GOD and the list of seven is not intended to be a complete list of sins. They are common sins which the writer brings to our minds for consideration and the impact they have others.

The missing quality in the lives of those who practice these seven sins is “integrity.” Integrity comes from having a value system that comes from knowing GOD and obediently serving and honoring HIM through our lives. It is being a genuine person shaped through his/her relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

The seventh thing detestable to GOD focuses on those who stir up trouble among brothers. It is not necessarily stirring up trouble among true blood brothers but brothers by association, which could be through common work, fellow countrymen, worship or relationship.

The first six things drive toward the disharmony or break in unity which leads to trouble in churches, fellowship groups or among brothers. Satan loves nothing more than the loss of unity of purpose among people and especially GOD’S people. Integrity is vital both with GOD and fellow man. The attitude of the heart is vital as you build an intimate relationship with GOD. JESUS sated it best in John 4:23-24:

23 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 The attitude of the heart toward GOD is the key in living a life of integrity and unity with each other. Be honest with GOD because HE already knows your heart.

Let’s Proverbs 6:20-22: (Education/Exhibit Purity)

20 My son, keep your father’s command, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching. 21 Always bind them to your heart; tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk here and there, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.

Sons and daughters should adhere to their parents teaching. Education starts at home. Notice that the father and mother were involved with teaching and training.

I am not saying home school, which is fine but parents must educate their child or children in many things that only need to be done by the parents or parent. Both parents must be involved. I know there are so many single parents today but still education begins at home. Whether the home consists of both parent’s or just one, values, discipline, work ethics, self-esteem, the Bible, becoming a Christian, living as a Christian and the list goes on are to be taught by the parent or parents.

Let’s read Proverbs 6:23-27: (Exhibit Purity – Continued)

23 For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life. 24 They will protect you from an evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a stranger. 25 Don’t lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyelashes. 26 For a prostitute’s fee is only a loaf of bread, but an adulteress goes after a precious life. 27 Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?

This passage addresses sex education as the responsibility of the parents. I think this passage can be applied broader to the education of children by parents.

Notice in our passage on sex education, that the son is instructed to keep the father’s commands. Commands can mean “order.” A child’s mother is also included in the training. “Commands” are associated with the father and the “law” with the mother. The law is the “Torah” and includes regulations, instructions or teachings. Both parents were involved in the training of their child or children. The parents not only teach but reinforce their instructions by practicing what they teach and being available to guide their children as they encounter situations in their lives. Parents are accountable to GOD.  

This passage focuses upon the lure of lust which can lead to sex. There are prostitutes who are available to offer sex for money and there are adulteresses, those who are married, who set their eyes upon a person, especially a young person and go after him or her. Adultery is a two-way street. Males can go after the married female and vise versa. Adultery impacts a broad range of people – husband, wife, children, loved ones, friends, community, and church.

I am going to focus upon the importance of education by the parents or parent. This includes sex education but it is broader than sex education.

A command is the lamp and teaching ignites the wick of the lamp and gives light. Light dispels darkness and lights the path as we journey in life. Embodied in most people is the desire to reach the heights of their ability. It takes a good teacher to ignite the potential within each person. Teaching begins at home with the parents or parent of the child or children. Teaching is a calling by GOD just as GOD calls HIS chosen into fulltime Christian service. Being a parent and teaching your child or children comes with being a parent. It is difficult but necessary for the child.

Corrective discipline is very important. There are many ways to deliver corrective action. Consistency is one of the main principles.

I am very proud of our children and their spouses and the investment they are making in our grandchildren. Job well done!!!

As I was writing this, I overheard my wife telling a friend about a parent telling her daughter to sit in a chair while she completed a transaction at a bank. The mother said, “If you don’t stay in this chair, you will not get a lollipop.” The child did not do as the mother instructed for a number of times. Each time the mother told the child if she did not obey she would not get a lollipop. But guess what? When the mother completed her transaction the little got the lollipop. When a parent establishes reasonable guidelines, he/she must follow through. Be reasonable but also say what you mean and mean what you say.

I heard a story many years ago about a father and son walking in the jungle and the father told his son to stop and not move. The son obeyed. If the son had taken another step there was an extremely venomous snake ready to bite him. The son being obedient saved his life.

The source of wisdom is GOD. GOD’S commands are designed to keep HIS children out of trouble when they are obeyed. The way we are educated can give us insight into those who are out to deceive. Being obedient to GOD gives balance and insight into the matters of life.

No person can play with fire and not set his/her clothes on fire. This includes a broad range of issues we all face and make decisions about. Sex is just one such matter. Sex within marriage is ordained by GOD. There are many other things that people encounter each day that can lead to enslavement and destruction. We, including me, must be careful what we play with and allow in our minds. The Bible is very clear in 1 Peter 5:8-9:

8 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

A roaring lion is a hungry lion and will pounce upon prey. So be vigilant and do not be deceived by those small things that can enter our minds and develop into major things. Proverbs was written to teach wisdom and wisdom is focusing your mind upon GOD. GOD in HIS love for us sent HIS only Son to give HIS life for all who will place their faith in HIM. CHRIST came to earth as a human and lived as a human and knows what it is like to be human. HE knows and because HE knows the things we wrestle with, when we bond with HIM through a personal relationship HE teaches, strengthens and empowers us through the indwelling Holy Spirit. HE knows what it is like to be tempted and battle temptation. We know that HE overcame temptation. HE knows that sin creates a barrier between mankind and GOD. Because of CHRIST’S passion, when sin is confessed and we repent, GOD forgives, cleanses, restores and forgets. CHRIST knows that living as a human is difficult at best, yet with the right relationship with GOD, through HIM and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, a person can live the abundant life upon earth.

Have you asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life? If not, now is the time. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian and not the church you either attend or become a member. Asking CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life is salvation through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit.

When a person has CHRIST and lives obedient to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, through relationship, he/she will be available and useful to others. Blessings!!!