Everything Comes Back to God

Proverbs 16:16-32

“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16)

The understanding of how things work (science),  and the ability to relate those things to daily life are worth immeasurably more than any amount of money, giving the ability to earn needed money, but also to solve problems the money cannot. 

“The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:17-19)

Many animals will rise up on the hind legs and stand upright in order to better see danger or prey.  The upright person can see dangers and avoid the dangers of evil.  A person who takes the trouble to avoid the dangers saves his own life.  Proud people depend on their abilities to get themselves out of trouble and see no need to avoid it, and eventually get caught.  Haughty people think they are so great nothing could happen to them and walk straight into the disaster.   It is better to be humble and not consider oneself better or smarter than everyone else.  Too often that easy win is bait for a trap.

“He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.  The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.  Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.  The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.  Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:20-24)

A person who handles situations wisely and discretely will benefit from his actions, a man who trusts God will benefit greatly.  He will be considered astute and his pleasant attitude will result in him learning more, resulting in even greater blessing and satisfaction.   His attitude makes him willing and eager to learn, but it is a waste of time trying to teach someone who doesn’t want to learn.  A pleasant attitude or good manners are like a bite of honey, providing immediate pleasure, but leaving a deep down emotional benefit.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:-25)

Just because something seems like a good idea at the moment doesn’t mean you should do it.  Closer inspection may reveal it to be a trap. 

“He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.” (Proverbs 16:-26)

Anyone who works does so because of the benefits it brings to him.  Even the most altruistic person does what he does because of the satisfaction it provides.  Employers who don’t understand this have a hard time keeping good employees.

“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.  A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.  A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.  He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.” (Proverbs 16:27-30)

People who have turned the backs on God work at stirring up trouble.  They are verbally abusive and insulting.  They deliberately spread rumors and tell lies to cause fights, even between friends.  They deliberately try to get other people involved in things that are wrong and ignore what is right to do what is not, and agitate to make the evil things happen.  The riots in Ferguson, Missouri provide a striking example.

“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

Grey hair is an indication that a person has had experiences and may have learned valuable information, but only if the person is living a life worth emulating.  Otherwise it just means he got old.

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

Adrenaline works like a drug on the nervous system.  Initially it reduces the sensations of pain enabling one to exert more force, whether for lifting, hitting, or running.  This also causes a loss of cognitive ability and fine motor skills, similar to alcohol or other drugs.  When a person allows his anger to take control his body releases an excessive dose of adrenaline, suspending his ability to think clearly or make careful movements.   The person who has not allowed his anger to take control retains his ability to think and to control his muscles, giving him a decided advantage, even when the one who lost his temper is a trained fighter. 

“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:33)

There are no truly random events.  They only appear random because we do not understand all the factors involved.  They still follow the rules of science God established when he created the world.