Each year there are deaths related to members of our church. Last year there were at least three that I know of. Death is not an easy subject to broach especially in Asian culture. However, the Bible does talk about death and our Saviour Himself suffered a cruel death on the cross for the sake of lost humanity. The good news is that He overcame death by resurrecting from the grave.
Death strikes each person differently. Some may be taken away cruelly through an accident or diaster, whether man-made or otherwise. Others suffer a slow and painful death due to sickness or possibly a quick one due to some form of debilitating illness such as a heart attack. Yet others choose to take things in their own hands by ending life sooner than later. For the majority of people, we would love to pass on peacefully.
The Bible admonishes us to remember that life passes swiftly and death often comes unexpectedly (see Jas 4:13-17). Our time on earth is short and we have to make the best use of opportunities available (Eccl 9:10) and ask God to teach us to number of days so that we may present to Him a heart of wisdom (Ps 90:12). When death does occur, it is the loved ones left behind who have to pick up the pieces after the funeral is over.
Taken from the book, Ministering to the Mourning by Warren & David Wiersbe, there are eight stages of grief that people go through after the death of a loved one.
1. Shock: an emotional numbness triggered by the body's grandular and nervous system. This is God's way of temporarily anesthetizing us so that we can face the reality of what has happened without falling apart.
2. Strong Emotion: Tears are always in order when the heart is broken. Abraham wept when his wife Sarah died (Gen 23:2); Jesus wept at the grave of His beloved friend Lazarus (Jn 11:35).
3. Depression: sometimes accompanied by a smothering feeling of loneliness and possibly physical symptoms such as headaches, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or the reverse, eating and sleeping too much.
4. Fear: that life would not be normal again; fear of driving or riding in a vehicle if the loved one died in a car accident.
5. Guilt: take blame for the death of loved one as a form of penance - "If only ..." True forgiveness comes through confession of sin and appropriating the blood of Jesus.
6. Anger: directed at other people including the deceased person - "Why did you have to leave me alone?" Feelings of guilt and anger whether hidden of expressed can fuel painful disagreements among family members.
7. Apathy: the bereaved person has a hard time relating to the situation and other people and chooses to withdraw into his/her own world and fight the battle alone - or stop fighting altogether.
8. Adjustment: Assisted by faith, family, friends and the normal human abilities and strengths God has given, grieving people can eventually come to terms with their losses, accept them, and learn to rearrange life to fit reality.
Not every bereaved person go through all the eight stages, or if they do, it may be in different order. However, these eight stages are "mileposts" by which the mourners and caregivers can measure the progress of the journey. Some people may oscillate between two or three stages for a time before moving on, and we need to recognise where they are if we are ever to bring comfort and solace to them.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Educating young people
I spoke to the new batch of students who joined our Integrated Programme this year. One of the things they have to pick up along their educational journey is soft skills. I mentioned to them that among the many attributes and qualities one needs to cultivate and develop are the following:
(i) Discipline: a habit of mind that enables one to exercise self-control; this has to do with coming out with a schedule and following it to manage all your work and activities. Capitalise on ICT tools to jot down the deadlines for all projects and assignments; when there would be tests/assessments. Keep pace with all your daily work and assignments. You’d have to learn how to prioritise the things that need to be done each day, including your outside activities. Let me at this point mention the dangers of spending too much time on the internet or playing computer games. Limit your time spent on social networking sites, etc. Students who don't exercise self-control now may have to bear the consequences of their actions later.
(ii) Proactive: this has to do with initiating change before things get worse and you start reacting; invariably if this happens too often, it would be too late sometimes to salvage the situation. For example, if you are missing lessons for whatever reasons, you are to find out from your classmates or tutor what you have missed and bridge the knowledge/skills gap. In this way, your pursuit of knowledge can continue unhindered. You have to develop courage to ask your tutors questions whenever you encounter problems understanding materials being taught. If you do ask your friends, make sure they’re giving you the right information. When you’re not sure of things, don’t assume; ask, ask, ask! All your tutors are willing to help you if you approach them with the spirit of genuine inquiry.
(iii) Inter-personal skills: Group work will play a crucial part of your life in school. It goes without saying that to survive in any organization or social institutions; one has to learn how to relate with each other. When we pool our resources and energies together, we can definitely accomplish much more due to synergy. All of us have different personality traits and behaviour. Some traits endear us to people while others may not be to their liking. Certainly when you’re not pulling your weight in a project, you’ll not endear yourself to others. Know where your strengths lie and contribute meaningful based on your talent or gifting. Learn to communicate expectations clearly to one another. If you’re put in-charge, lead! These platforms will provide you the opportunity to hone your leadership ability as well as your social-interpersonal skills. Learning to live and let live is an essential mindset for successfully navigating life's journey with people of different mix and temperaments.
(i) Discipline: a habit of mind that enables one to exercise self-control; this has to do with coming out with a schedule and following it to manage all your work and activities. Capitalise on ICT tools to jot down the deadlines for all projects and assignments; when there would be tests/assessments. Keep pace with all your daily work and assignments. You’d have to learn how to prioritise the things that need to be done each day, including your outside activities. Let me at this point mention the dangers of spending too much time on the internet or playing computer games. Limit your time spent on social networking sites, etc. Students who don't exercise self-control now may have to bear the consequences of their actions later.
(ii) Proactive: this has to do with initiating change before things get worse and you start reacting; invariably if this happens too often, it would be too late sometimes to salvage the situation. For example, if you are missing lessons for whatever reasons, you are to find out from your classmates or tutor what you have missed and bridge the knowledge/skills gap. In this way, your pursuit of knowledge can continue unhindered. You have to develop courage to ask your tutors questions whenever you encounter problems understanding materials being taught. If you do ask your friends, make sure they’re giving you the right information. When you’re not sure of things, don’t assume; ask, ask, ask! All your tutors are willing to help you if you approach them with the spirit of genuine inquiry.
(iii) Inter-personal skills: Group work will play a crucial part of your life in school. It goes without saying that to survive in any organization or social institutions; one has to learn how to relate with each other. When we pool our resources and energies together, we can definitely accomplish much more due to synergy. All of us have different personality traits and behaviour. Some traits endear us to people while others may not be to their liking. Certainly when you’re not pulling your weight in a project, you’ll not endear yourself to others. Know where your strengths lie and contribute meaningful based on your talent or gifting. Learn to communicate expectations clearly to one another. If you’re put in-charge, lead! These platforms will provide you the opportunity to hone your leadership ability as well as your social-interpersonal skills. Learning to live and let live is an essential mindset for successfully navigating life's journey with people of different mix and temperaments.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year - New You
New Year always mark a fresh start to things; at the same time, don't forget to look back to 2010 and thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. It could be as simple as good health, peace of mind, daily provision of food and shelter and friendships forged.
As a family, we committed to the Lord in prayer our goals and aspirations for the new year. It's good to hear the prayers of our children (and I believe God loves to hear the prayers of His children too!) desiring to spend more quality time with the Lord to get to know Him better. They committed their plans to attend pre-baptismal classes before undergoing water baptism this year. I guess it's a good time for them and they're of age to understand what they are doing.
As our children grow older, they become more self-conscious especially of their physique. This could be due to what they see or hear over the media/net and what their friends tell them. The younger one in particular would like to trim down by watching what she eats. She has also gone down to the park to do some exercise with her sister. She has started on the journey in displaying self-control in the area of her health, and one can see that she's really trying, though the temptations to indulge are there.
One Scripture verse comes to mine: "On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Tim 4:7-8
The apostle Paul talks about bodily discipline being of little profit in the context of the time-frame that believers have in eternity. We are to ensure that we build up our spiritual body first; godliness speaks of the inner character and beauty that God desires in each one of us. The Bible also says that without holiness, no one can see the Lord (Heb 12:14). At the recent Watch Night Service, I also spoke on a similar theme concerning building our spirit man,How have you grown in 2010? , mentioning 5 areas of growth that we can evaluate ourselves basing on the passage taken from 2 Pet 3:10-18:
1. Spotless
2. Blameless
3. Peace with God
4. Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
5. Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Do get the message CD if you want to know more. Let me now move on to the physical part which is of little profit. Note that Paul didn't say it was of no profit. I believe each one of us need to keep our physical body healthy in order to be fit not only to be able to work and support our family, but also to serve the Lord and contribute to the needs of society.
To keep oneself fit and healthy we need to exercise regularly (at least 3 times a week for about 30 minutes), watch our diet (lots of fruits/vegetable/plain water) and have a good sleep (6-7 hours). I shared with my daughters these info and the need to cut down on consuming trans fat foods which can be found in many snacks and fast food. Reading a health magazine, I found out that a small amount of trans fat is found naturally in some animal-based foods such as meat and milk. It is mainly found in processed foods such as vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, fast/snack/fried/baked foods, salad dressings, products made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Cutting down on trans fat foods will help to keep our cholesterol levels in check. As one grows older, we have also to contend with hypertension. This is where we need to reduce our salt and sugar intake. You could also supplement your diet with some vitamin pills.
Wishing you a healthy and godly start to the new year.
As a family, we committed to the Lord in prayer our goals and aspirations for the new year. It's good to hear the prayers of our children (and I believe God loves to hear the prayers of His children too!) desiring to spend more quality time with the Lord to get to know Him better. They committed their plans to attend pre-baptismal classes before undergoing water baptism this year. I guess it's a good time for them and they're of age to understand what they are doing.
As our children grow older, they become more self-conscious especially of their physique. This could be due to what they see or hear over the media/net and what their friends tell them. The younger one in particular would like to trim down by watching what she eats. She has also gone down to the park to do some exercise with her sister. She has started on the journey in displaying self-control in the area of her health, and one can see that she's really trying, though the temptations to indulge are there.
One Scripture verse comes to mine: "On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Tim 4:7-8
The apostle Paul talks about bodily discipline being of little profit in the context of the time-frame that believers have in eternity. We are to ensure that we build up our spiritual body first; godliness speaks of the inner character and beauty that God desires in each one of us. The Bible also says that without holiness, no one can see the Lord (Heb 12:14). At the recent Watch Night Service, I also spoke on a similar theme concerning building our spirit man,How have you grown in 2010? , mentioning 5 areas of growth that we can evaluate ourselves basing on the passage taken from 2 Pet 3:10-18:
1. Spotless
2. Blameless
3. Peace with God
4. Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
5. Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Do get the message CD if you want to know more. Let me now move on to the physical part which is of little profit. Note that Paul didn't say it was of no profit. I believe each one of us need to keep our physical body healthy in order to be fit not only to be able to work and support our family, but also to serve the Lord and contribute to the needs of society.
To keep oneself fit and healthy we need to exercise regularly (at least 3 times a week for about 30 minutes), watch our diet (lots of fruits/vegetable/plain water) and have a good sleep (6-7 hours). I shared with my daughters these info and the need to cut down on consuming trans fat foods which can be found in many snacks and fast food. Reading a health magazine, I found out that a small amount of trans fat is found naturally in some animal-based foods such as meat and milk. It is mainly found in processed foods such as vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, fast/snack/fried/baked foods, salad dressings, products made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Cutting down on trans fat foods will help to keep our cholesterol levels in check. As one grows older, we have also to contend with hypertension. This is where we need to reduce our salt and sugar intake. You could also supplement your diet with some vitamin pills.
Wishing you a healthy and godly start to the new year.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Have a blessed New Year!
As we start a new year, it would be good to set some goals for yourself and your family. To begin with, you may want to write down a short statement that encapsulates your purpose for life, for example, "To touch lives for God". Ask God for a theme verse to guide you in the new year. You could meditate on this verse and ask God how it should apply to your life.
There are seven aspects to consider in your goals setting. You could add on. For each, write down a couple of measurable goals you want to accomplish next year.
1. Spiritual: You may aim to read the entire Old Testament by end 2011. Or perhaps set aside time once a week to fast and pray for certain needs.
2. Professional: You may want to include specific courses you would like to attend to help you in your professional development. Or perhaps being able to move into another area of work.
3. Finance: You may want to consider how much to save each month. Or perhaps reconsider some of your investment options.
4. Family: You may want to consider what you hope your family can accomplish together this year. It could perhaps be the salvation of one particular member of your family or spending time together once a week to have family devotional time.
5. Home: You may want to consider delineating home responsibilities for each member of the household to accomplish.
6. Leisure: It could be reading a certain number of books/magazines. Or perhaps pick up a new sport/hobby.
7. Health: It could be exercising three times weekly or taking fruits after every meal.
Whatever your goals, they should be measurable and realistic. That is, by the end of the year, you should be able to note down whether those goals have been accomplished.
Finally, let me leave you with a few quotes to encourage you in your endeavours.
“There are infinite possibilities in little beginnings if God is in them.”
“What you are is God’s gift to you; and what you make of yourself is your gift to God.”
“You are God’s project and God never fails.”
“Success is progressive realization of worthwhile goals.”
Wishing each of you a blessed and fruitful New Year!
There are seven aspects to consider in your goals setting. You could add on. For each, write down a couple of measurable goals you want to accomplish next year.
1. Spiritual: You may aim to read the entire Old Testament by end 2011. Or perhaps set aside time once a week to fast and pray for certain needs.
2. Professional: You may want to include specific courses you would like to attend to help you in your professional development. Or perhaps being able to move into another area of work.
3. Finance: You may want to consider how much to save each month. Or perhaps reconsider some of your investment options.
4. Family: You may want to consider what you hope your family can accomplish together this year. It could perhaps be the salvation of one particular member of your family or spending time together once a week to have family devotional time.
5. Home: You may want to consider delineating home responsibilities for each member of the household to accomplish.
6. Leisure: It could be reading a certain number of books/magazines. Or perhaps pick up a new sport/hobby.
7. Health: It could be exercising three times weekly or taking fruits after every meal.
Whatever your goals, they should be measurable and realistic. That is, by the end of the year, you should be able to note down whether those goals have been accomplished.
Finally, let me leave you with a few quotes to encourage you in your endeavours.
“There are infinite possibilities in little beginnings if God is in them.”
“What you are is God’s gift to you; and what you make of yourself is your gift to God.”
“You are God’s project and God never fails.”
“Success is progressive realization of worthwhile goals.”
Wishing each of you a blessed and fruitful New Year!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Have a CHRIST-filled Christmas
Christmas is just next week; it's a time to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus' birth was unique in many ways:
1. It was prophesied long ago by many (Gen 3:15;22:18; Is 7:14; 9:6-9; Mic 5:2).
2. His birth was through a virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:34-35).
3. He was the Incarnate Son of God (Jn 1:14; Ps 2:7,12).
4. He was born in a stable, announced by angels and proclaimed by the shepherds (Lk 2:7-18).
5. Worshipped by the magi (Mt 2:11).
6. Born to be the Saviour of the world (Mt 1:21).
Christmas has always been a season of giving and parties, coming at the end of the year where people receive their bonuses. The commercial world has captilised on this to get people to part with their money. Lest the true meaning and intent of Christmas be lost in the celebrations, here are a few thoughts on Christmas even as wrap up 2010:
Contentment: Learning to live within our means and trying not to live on credit. Whatever God has blessed us with, we ought to be content and possibly share it with those in need (Phil 4:12; 1Tim 6:6).
Harmony: Learning to co-exist with one another on this planet and especially those who are closest and dearest to us. Forgiving one another and receiving forgiveness should be part of our DNA (Phil 4:2).
Righteousness: The wrath of God has been laid on Jesus Christ that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Let's not live our lives without God in total abandonment because one day the wrath of God would be unleased again towards those who reject His Son (Rom 1:18-32).
Investment: Not so much of making a quick buck in business, shares, properties, etc. but more so in building up of lives of people we come into contact with on a regular basis. One great investment is to share the good news of salvation and to disciple them for the Lord (Mt 28:19-20).
Service: We have been created by God for good works (Eph 2:10). We have heard the phrase that we should move from success to significance. Significance comes about when we do something meaningful with our lives to help impact society for good.
Thanksgiving: Let's thank God for the greatest gift He has given - Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16), and also the many blessings He has dropped along our way. When we cultivate the attitude of thanksgiving in our lives, we learn to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet 5:6; 1 Th 5:18).
I wish you a CHRIST-filled Christmas!
May you personally experience the CHRIST of Christmas this holiday season.
1. It was prophesied long ago by many (Gen 3:15;22:18; Is 7:14; 9:6-9; Mic 5:2).
2. His birth was through a virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:34-35).
3. He was the Incarnate Son of God (Jn 1:14; Ps 2:7,12).
4. He was born in a stable, announced by angels and proclaimed by the shepherds (Lk 2:7-18).
5. Worshipped by the magi (Mt 2:11).
6. Born to be the Saviour of the world (Mt 1:21).
Christmas has always been a season of giving and parties, coming at the end of the year where people receive their bonuses. The commercial world has captilised on this to get people to part with their money. Lest the true meaning and intent of Christmas be lost in the celebrations, here are a few thoughts on Christmas even as wrap up 2010:
Contentment: Learning to live within our means and trying not to live on credit. Whatever God has blessed us with, we ought to be content and possibly share it with those in need (Phil 4:12; 1Tim 6:6).
Harmony: Learning to co-exist with one another on this planet and especially those who are closest and dearest to us. Forgiving one another and receiving forgiveness should be part of our DNA (Phil 4:2).
Righteousness: The wrath of God has been laid on Jesus Christ that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Let's not live our lives without God in total abandonment because one day the wrath of God would be unleased again towards those who reject His Son (Rom 1:18-32).
Investment: Not so much of making a quick buck in business, shares, properties, etc. but more so in building up of lives of people we come into contact with on a regular basis. One great investment is to share the good news of salvation and to disciple them for the Lord (Mt 28:19-20).
Service: We have been created by God for good works (Eph 2:10). We have heard the phrase that we should move from success to significance. Significance comes about when we do something meaningful with our lives to help impact society for good.
Thanksgiving: Let's thank God for the greatest gift He has given - Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16), and also the many blessings He has dropped along our way. When we cultivate the attitude of thanksgiving in our lives, we learn to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet 5:6; 1 Th 5:18).
I wish you a CHRIST-filled Christmas!
May you personally experience the CHRIST of Christmas this holiday season.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Last week, I brought my children to watch the 3-D movie adapted from the C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia series. This was book five of his 7-parter children's adventure series; only 3 have been made into motion pictures so far. The first that appeared was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , followed by Prince Caspian. In this recent movie, the screenplay writer and director exercised a lot of freedom to depart from the original script written by Lewis in the 1950s. However, watching reel movie, you would realise that there're lessons to learn as it applies to real life as well.
This is the first time we are watching a movie with 3-D effect together and it was quite an experience; it brings the characters of the show nearer to you for good theatrical effect. Of course, you would have to put on special googles that they provide. Some don't like wearing the googles though, well cheer up, the 2-D version also came out last Thursday. Buying a 3-D ticket would set you back by another about $3 compared to a 2-D version. Looks like we're going to have more movies being churned out with 3-D effects in future, until of course the novelty wears off.
The movie began with the Pevensies' children Edmund and Lucy, together with their cousin Eustace, going back to the magical land of Narnia through a picture hanging on a wall. Edmund and Lucy were reunited with Prince Caspian (or rather King now) on board the Dawn Treader, albeit with a reluctant crew Eustace, who couldn't help griping along the way. The lessons to be learnt as you watch the movie are aplenty. But one important thread the film is getting at is that we are all on a journey of faith, with temptations and tribulations lining our pathways. Lucy had to resist the temptation to make herself more beautiful while Edmund had to fight the temptation of power and ambition that so frequently haunts him. Eustace typifies a person who lusts after wealth and fame.
On their journey to find out what happened to 7 Lords, whom young Caspian's wicked uncle got rid off by sending them to explore the unknown Eastern Seas beyond the Lone Islands, they met with all kinds of tests and temptations that the prince of darkness put in their way. However, they were told, "To defeat the darkness out there you must defeat the darkness in yourself." And how true that is in life. The greater darkness lies deep within each one of us. Many times the beastly nature in us comes to the fore when we least expect it. That's why the Scripture tells us that we need to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Col 3:5). When a quarrelsome spirit tries to ensnare us, we need to be reminded and apply Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."
As they encountered each Lord, whether dead or alive, they had to reclaim their 7 swords, which symbolically represent the sins that so easily entangles us (Heb 12:1). It is only when these swords are laid down at Aslan's table (before God), that God empowers us to defeat the evil both within and without. Our submission and surrender to God enables Him to accomplish great things through us. On the other hand, if we cling on to pride and lusts within our hearts, we would not be effective in His kingdom. When we call on the name of the Lord, as Lucy did towards the end, He comes in His own special way to provide a way out in our dilemma and conflict. May you and I reach the shores of heaven triumphant having passed the tests of life.
One final note: My children enjoyed the show with the younger one being inspired to create some artwork accompanied by some literary devices for one of her projects in the future. Go and watch it with your family, if you've not done so.
This is the first time we are watching a movie with 3-D effect together and it was quite an experience; it brings the characters of the show nearer to you for good theatrical effect. Of course, you would have to put on special googles that they provide. Some don't like wearing the googles though, well cheer up, the 2-D version also came out last Thursday. Buying a 3-D ticket would set you back by another about $3 compared to a 2-D version. Looks like we're going to have more movies being churned out with 3-D effects in future, until of course the novelty wears off.
The movie began with the Pevensies' children Edmund and Lucy, together with their cousin Eustace, going back to the magical land of Narnia through a picture hanging on a wall. Edmund and Lucy were reunited with Prince Caspian (or rather King now) on board the Dawn Treader, albeit with a reluctant crew Eustace, who couldn't help griping along the way. The lessons to be learnt as you watch the movie are aplenty. But one important thread the film is getting at is that we are all on a journey of faith, with temptations and tribulations lining our pathways. Lucy had to resist the temptation to make herself more beautiful while Edmund had to fight the temptation of power and ambition that so frequently haunts him. Eustace typifies a person who lusts after wealth and fame.
On their journey to find out what happened to 7 Lords, whom young Caspian's wicked uncle got rid off by sending them to explore the unknown Eastern Seas beyond the Lone Islands, they met with all kinds of tests and temptations that the prince of darkness put in their way. However, they were told, "To defeat the darkness out there you must defeat the darkness in yourself." And how true that is in life. The greater darkness lies deep within each one of us. Many times the beastly nature in us comes to the fore when we least expect it. That's why the Scripture tells us that we need to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Col 3:5). When a quarrelsome spirit tries to ensnare us, we need to be reminded and apply Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."
As they encountered each Lord, whether dead or alive, they had to reclaim their 7 swords, which symbolically represent the sins that so easily entangles us (Heb 12:1). It is only when these swords are laid down at Aslan's table (before God), that God empowers us to defeat the evil both within and without. Our submission and surrender to God enables Him to accomplish great things through us. On the other hand, if we cling on to pride and lusts within our hearts, we would not be effective in His kingdom. When we call on the name of the Lord, as Lucy did towards the end, He comes in His own special way to provide a way out in our dilemma and conflict. May you and I reach the shores of heaven triumphant having passed the tests of life.
One final note: My children enjoyed the show with the younger one being inspired to create some artwork accompanied by some literary devices for one of her projects in the future. Go and watch it with your family, if you've not done so.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Book of Proverbs
At the end of this month, those of us who have been faithfully following the daily Bible reading would have completed the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Keep up the readings and you'd have wisdom beyond your years! May I congratulate you on your perseverance and diligence in reading God's Word.
The Book of Proverbs has many brief, pithy sayings that reflect the experiences of Solomon and other wise men of that time. Someone has said that proverbs are "short sentences drawn from long experience." Every culture has proverbs, some unique to a particular group, others similar to those of other people. Both the OT and NT contain many proverbs that grew out of the experiences of the Jewish people, which the Holy Spirit has recorded and preserved for our instruction.
Proverbs is not organised as a sequence of ideas that flow from one to the next. It is rather a patchwork with a variety of segments that can be studied independently. The first nine chapters contain the closest approach to an extended discussion of a theme. Following the introduction (1:1-7), comes a series of 12 parental admonitions introduced by "my son" (1:8,10, 2:1, etc.) These were designed to strengthen a young man's resolve not to fall for wicked companions and beguiling women, but to whet his appetite for the pursuit of wisdom.
The heart of the book, and the source of its name, begins with chapter 10 right up to 22:16. This contains the major portion of Solomon's recorded proverbs, consisting of 374 of the 3000 proverbs he is said to have spoken (1 Kg 4:32). Next comes two collections called "the sayings of the wise" (22:17-24:22; 24:23-34). They are given by other men known for their wisdom and tend to be more extended. Then comes another collection of Solomon's proverbs (25:1-29:17), collected and transcribed at a later time by scholars working under King Hezekiah. Many are expressed as similes or comparisons here. Ch 30 contains the words of Augur; Ch 31 is ascribed to King Lemuel, both personages we know nothing much about other that what was stated.
There are different types of proverbs (similar to what was mentioned about psalms):
1. Contrast: second line says something in opposition or contrast to the first. When read as an entity, the two lines reflect different dimensions of the same truth. Contrasting proverbs predominate in Ch 10-15. eg. "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." (15:29, NASB)
2. Parallelism: the same thing is stated in two different ways so as to reinforce or bring out additional aspects of the main idea; found mostly in Ch 16-20. eg. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." (16:18)
3. Addition: the second line completes and enlarges the meaning of the first, which cannot be properly understood by itself. Appears frequently in Ch 17, 20-21. eg. "He who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house." (17:13)
4. Comparison: usually in the form of a simile; found in the second collection of Solomon's proverbs beginning at Ch 25. eg. "Like apples of gold in the settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." (25:11)
5. Extension: basic proverb consists of two lines but some are longer, which occurs mostly in "the sayings of the wise". eg. Pr 22:17-21
As you read the Book of Proverbs, let the wisdom of the wise guide you in your everyday living. "Strike while the iron is hot" - a contemporary proverb reminding us to seize the day whenever opportunity presents itself, to do good rather than evil. Many proverbs give us practical advice as to what we ought to do. For instance, Pr 1:10ff counsels us not to follow the ways of sinners but to walk away from them. Of course, sinners here could also be the tempter who comes to put evil thoughts into our minds, in order that we may accomplish his plans and purposes. Do not consent has to do with resisting the devil (Ja 4:7) that he may flee from you. Seize each moment to live for God.
Carpe Diem!
The Book of Proverbs has many brief, pithy sayings that reflect the experiences of Solomon and other wise men of that time. Someone has said that proverbs are "short sentences drawn from long experience." Every culture has proverbs, some unique to a particular group, others similar to those of other people. Both the OT and NT contain many proverbs that grew out of the experiences of the Jewish people, which the Holy Spirit has recorded and preserved for our instruction.
Proverbs is not organised as a sequence of ideas that flow from one to the next. It is rather a patchwork with a variety of segments that can be studied independently. The first nine chapters contain the closest approach to an extended discussion of a theme. Following the introduction (1:1-7), comes a series of 12 parental admonitions introduced by "my son" (1:8,10, 2:1, etc.) These were designed to strengthen a young man's resolve not to fall for wicked companions and beguiling women, but to whet his appetite for the pursuit of wisdom.
The heart of the book, and the source of its name, begins with chapter 10 right up to 22:16. This contains the major portion of Solomon's recorded proverbs, consisting of 374 of the 3000 proverbs he is said to have spoken (1 Kg 4:32). Next comes two collections called "the sayings of the wise" (22:17-24:22; 24:23-34). They are given by other men known for their wisdom and tend to be more extended. Then comes another collection of Solomon's proverbs (25:1-29:17), collected and transcribed at a later time by scholars working under King Hezekiah. Many are expressed as similes or comparisons here. Ch 30 contains the words of Augur; Ch 31 is ascribed to King Lemuel, both personages we know nothing much about other that what was stated.
There are different types of proverbs (similar to what was mentioned about psalms):
1. Contrast: second line says something in opposition or contrast to the first. When read as an entity, the two lines reflect different dimensions of the same truth. Contrasting proverbs predominate in Ch 10-15. eg. "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." (15:29, NASB)
2. Parallelism: the same thing is stated in two different ways so as to reinforce or bring out additional aspects of the main idea; found mostly in Ch 16-20. eg. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." (16:18)
3. Addition: the second line completes and enlarges the meaning of the first, which cannot be properly understood by itself. Appears frequently in Ch 17, 20-21. eg. "He who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house." (17:13)
4. Comparison: usually in the form of a simile; found in the second collection of Solomon's proverbs beginning at Ch 25. eg. "Like apples of gold in the settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." (25:11)
5. Extension: basic proverb consists of two lines but some are longer, which occurs mostly in "the sayings of the wise". eg. Pr 22:17-21
As you read the Book of Proverbs, let the wisdom of the wise guide you in your everyday living. "Strike while the iron is hot" - a contemporary proverb reminding us to seize the day whenever opportunity presents itself, to do good rather than evil. Many proverbs give us practical advice as to what we ought to do. For instance, Pr 1:10ff counsels us not to follow the ways of sinners but to walk away from them. Of course, sinners here could also be the tempter who comes to put evil thoughts into our minds, in order that we may accomplish his plans and purposes. Do not consent has to do with resisting the devil (Ja 4:7) that he may flee from you. Seize each moment to live for God.
Carpe Diem!
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