June 20, 2026 - Proverbs 7-14

I read an article in which various socialist schemes were being discussed.  The idea was that socialist policies would adequately address the cost of living, particularly the high cost of housing that is keeping many out of the housing market.  OK, times are hard.  We know that.  One responder, however, noted that seemingly many, today, wish/expect to work little, produce little, just enjoy life and, somehow or other, be able to afford a really nice house, cars, vacations, etc.  Now, of course, we know that the chasing after temporal, worldly matters is, at the end of life, proven folly.  Jesus tells us to seek those things above, which are eternal.  Still, we have to live in this real, physical world, and we all have needs (not merely wants).  My aforementioned responder wrote that he, for years, worked 65-90 hours a day, responsibly delivering on promises made, and for years foregoing many of the luxuries of life.  Now, he lives the “American Dream.”  Again, our priorities are not the things the world values most.  And we know that there are those for whom many blessings are out of reach for any number of reasons.  Thinking about all this, though, Solomon has something to say about wealth and possessions.

“Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches.  The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful” (10:4,5).

“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses” (10:12). 

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water” (11:25). 

“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid” (12:1). 

“The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense” (12:11). 

Just some good stuff in the Proverbs!  Furthermore, we know that all blessing comes from God’s hands!

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;

tune my heart to sing thy grace;

streams of mercy, never ceasing,

call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

sung by flaming tongues above;

praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,

mount of God’s unchanging love!   --Robert Robinson (1758)