Saturday, March 15, 2008

Going Up or Down?/Live It!

One of Solomon's prime teaching techniques was the use of contrasts.

Not like the Gov. Eliot Spitzer versus Billy Graham type of contrast. Well, yeah, like that. But without the names.

Solomon was so accurate describing the consequences of following the downward path called Foolishness--as seen played out days ago in the life of Gov. Spitzer--it makes sense that his description of the ever-upward road named Wisdom would be equally accurate.

I've picked out three critical areas of life that will be blessed if a man chooses to pursue Wisdom's path--physical health, mental health, and upward mobility propelled by sound judgment.

I find four references to Wisdom prolonging life in the first nine chapters of Proverbs. One of the first is in chapter 3, verse 16, "Long life is in her (Wisdom's) right hand..." The right hand was considered symbolic of power in Old Testament writings. References to a long life for Wisdom followers are also found in 3:2, 7:2, and 9:11.

It makes sense that a disciplined life would include making smart decisions that would insure a healthy lifestyle, which in turn would contribute to long life. Look at the contrast in today's headlines. How many stories do you see in the news involving young men making bad choices and paying for it with their lives?

The second benefit of a wise life falls in the category of mental health. Solomon references peace of mind (3:17), sleep that's sweet and undisturbed (3:24), a lack of fear (3:24-25), and self-confidence (3:26).

Look at the opposite of these and you witness a window into the mind of a criminal--always looking over his shoulder, waiting for the time when the law will bust down his door, worrying about friends and foe alike, and loathing himself because he can't control his actions. Looking back, I'm sure he wonders why he chose the road he did.

The man who travels the path of Wisdom also is promised sure steps, with no stumbling along the way. Why? Because discretion and understanding will guard his steps (2:11), he'll find favor and a good name in the sight of God and men (3:4), and he will be surrounded by safety and his "foot will not stumble" (3:23).

All that speaks to a successful life professionally, relationally and socially. Building a good reputation is a life-long endeavor. That's why Solomon calls it a "pursuit" of Wisdom. Trashing that reputation can take just minutes, usually involving just one misstep on the wrong path followed by a lifetime of regrets.

In the New Testament age of Grace, a redeemed life is possible whether we take a few baby steps or a giant leap on the wrong road. (Consider the example of Chuck Colson.) But, by acknowledging up front the wisdom of pursuing Wisdom, we can build defenses around our life that will keep us from missteps and insure a healthier mental outlook and physical existence.

For the Christian, the goal is not as much avoiding sin as it is abiding in Christ, keeping him close by acknowledging his presence in every situation of life. If we do that, we're more likely to keep our steps where they should be. ("What would Jesus do?" is more than a catch phrase.)
Again, I choose Wisdom. God help me stay on the right road.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Going Up or Down?/Go Deep

How could a man who lived almost 3,000 years ago so accurately describe an event as current as today's headlines?

Solomon did when he described the downward path called Foolishness. And nearly 3,000 years later, the newscasts are filled with stories of the downfall of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

It's alleged that Gov. Spitzer hired a high-priced prostitute, transported her across state lines, paid for those services through some off-shore financial maneuvers, and broke a variety of local, state and federal laws in the process.

What by all accounts was considered to be a highly successful political career is suddenly in the tank. A dazed wife, the mother of three beautiful teenage daughters, stands by her fallen husband at a news conference as he admits his errors and resigns.

Comedians have a field day. Ideological enemies feed on the carrion. Political allies make excuses. But, universally, everyone shakes their head at the tragic disaster that overtook this man. A tragedy created by the man's own actions.

Now hear Solomon's words from almost thirty centuries ago:

Proverbs 2:18 - "For her (the adulteress') house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead."

Proverbs 4:19 - "But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

Proverbs 5:22 - "The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast."

Proverbs 6:15 & 33 - "Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy." "Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away..."

Just scare tactics or words to warn the wise? Or, words to teach the simple?

The correct answer depends on who you are. Or, who you intend to be?

Monday, March 10, 2008

Going Up or Down?/Think About it

Remember your first taste of independence?
Did it come to you with your driver's license? How about when you headed off to college? Or, maybe it was on the day you moved out of your parent's house and into your first apartment?

Now imagine going back to that place, with the knowledge you have now about the world and all that's in it. What advice would you give yourself? How would you describe the journey ahead? What would you say about the choices that lay in front of you? And how would you do it in a way that would make an impression?

That was the task before Solomon as he penned Proverbs. How could he warn young men against one life direction that is so seductive (yet harmful) and at the same time encourage young men to follow a different path that is so much more rewarding even though it may seem harder and less appealing?

As he introduces young men to wisdom and foolishness, Solomon paints a picture of two roads--one that continuously goes up, leading to a bright future. The other one goes down in a death spiral to a very dark place.

Got your attention? I believe that's what Solomon had in mind. He speaks in stark contrasts between the road called Wisdom and the downward trail called Folly. The first is light and life. The second is darkness and death, literally.

It doesn't always seem that way in real life, though, at least not on the surface. After all, look at Hugh Hefner. He seems to be having the time of his life. Yet, from an eternal perspective, he's a dead man walking.

So what Solomon is trying to give his pupils are "eternal eyes." Not an easy task. But let's learn by watching him do it. We've already talked the past two weeks about the choice between Wisdom and Folly. What I want to cover this week are the very distinct outcomes of walking each path that Solomon outlines to his students.

It's like walking through a field and without even trying you pick up all manner of seeds that attach themselves to your pants and shoes. The same thing happens as you walk these two very different roads. Each road yields very specific consequences in a life.

As we study the outcomes, maybe you'll recognize something that's been happening in your life. And in the process determine you may have strayed onto the wrong road.