Proverbs 19:1. Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Then it was Saturday, my brethren! Our lazy-day Saturday, when we can just relax and laze around at home, not worried about going to work in the cold, wintry weather. And believe me, though it’s bright and sunshiny, it’s also very cold out there. The computer is flashing a cold warning. So if you don’t have to go out, then don’t. I’m also remembering the wind that was a howling and caterwauling like a chorus or keening of crazed banshees (smile) in my area last night.
At one point, around ten thirty p.m., I kept hearing this strange noise outside, but thought that could not be the wind because it sounded so eerie. Then I looked outside and saw the leafless branches of the trees dancing like crazy and snow blowing wildly from west to east. Thankfully though, it didn’t last for much longer, and I hope it did not damage anyone or anything. So, having said all of that, (smile) let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer in all sincerity and truth.
‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
And if our words were faithful and true, our hearts right with the Lord, then He will undoubtedly bless us with the peace and calm of His marvellous Spirit; a peace and calm that our finite minds cannot comprehend, but which gives us the wherewithal to keep on keeping on in His awesome name.
Now, as I was looking through the Bible for something to talk about, (no, I don’t always have something planned when I come to write the Bit (smile), I came upon this most appropriate passage for these irresponsible and outlandish times from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. He writes: ‘Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.’ (Prov. 19:1)
Wow! What an amazing remark that highlights the lack of integrity in these greedy, selfish and irresponsible times, where our word means absolutely nothing, and we don’t feel compelled to keep it, if we give it. That’s why our society is in such an awful mess, with strife and chaos reigning from one end to the other. And that’s mostly because even our leaders, who are supposed to have serious integrity, no longer walk with any kind of integrity whatsoever.
And, unfortunately, the things that filter down from the top are the ungodly and sinful things like, greed, irresponsibility, hatred, anger, slander and hunger for power. And if you consider the upper echelons of our current society, those are the things that are driving it right now. So, it’s obvious that those governed by that type of leader will eventually adopt those habits, bringing eventual ruination to the society.
However, God’s people, those who seriously follow Jesus Christ are not supposed to be like that. We Christians are supposed to walk with integrity, responsibility, truth, and godliness in all our endeavours. And Cousin Sol says it so well in this passage from Proverbs on the ‘Companion of Riotous Men.’
‘Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness (integrity), than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise (discerning) son: but he that is a companion of riotous men (gluttons) shameth his father. He that by usury and unjust gain (extortion) increaseth his substance (possessions), he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.’ (Prov. 28:6-9)
Oh my people, that’s a mirror image of our own society in these turbulent and evil times! Extortion, blackmail, blasphemy, scandal mongering, total ignoring of the law, all those things are what’s happening in the world today. And it’s not starting from the bottom either, but from the top; the very heights of power. Leaders have now become so corrupted and power hungry that they will do anything to increase their earthly possessions and their power.
So what can you expect from the lower classes of society but the same thing eh? They see, and therefore believe that the only way to climb the ladder of worldly success is by behaving the way the rich and powerful leaders behave. And you really cannot give them wrong…unless they are Christians, for none of those things are worthy of the name of Jesus Christ.
And I like how Cousin Sol puts it in this next section titled, ‘Glory When Righteous Men Rejoice.’ He says: ‘Whoso causeth the righteous (upright) to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession (shall inherit good things). The rich man is wise in his own conceit (eyes); but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden (will be sought). He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth always (is always reverent): but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief (calamity).
As a roaring lion and a ranging (charging) bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth (lacks) understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person (is burdened with bloodshed) shall flee to the pit; let no man stay (help) him.’ (Prov. 28:10-17)
Ah friends, it’s all stated right there for us, from many centuries ago, and it’s playing out as if Cousin Sol is living with us today. No wonder he’s considered the wisest man ever. And please note he did not acquire this wisdom in his own strength and power, but through the merciful and gracious auspices of the Lord. And when we read those words above there, they ought to light a fire in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls; a fire that causes us to want to do the right thing, to do better than we’re currently doing. For we all know that regardless of how good we’re doing, we all have room for improvement.
So please, on this lazy-day Saturday in this wintry month of February, let’s pledge to do better nuh. Remember, it’s all for our benefit! Much LOVE!
…godliness was…is still…and will always be…the best way to live this earthly life…
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