Rev. Don Campbell
Proverbs 13-15
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, June 7, 2019
“CHOICES WE MAKE”
In today’s readings, Solomon continues to contrast the good with the bad, the ugly with the beautiful, and life with death. We note three proverbs dealing with choices.
First, there is the choice of companions: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Paul warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Ben Franklin, in Poor Richard’s Almanack, said, “He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with flea.”
Second, there is the choice of paths: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). The way that seems right is usually the broad, smooth way, the one on which the majority travels, according to Jesus: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Third, there is the choice of lifestyles: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it” (Proverbs 15:16-17). Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). It has been said that he is wealthy who is contented, and he is poor who wants more. Jesus went on to give the parable of the farmer who proposed to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store all his goods, but the decree came from heaven, “Fool! This night your soul shall be required of you.” We may be as poor as Job’s proverbial turkey and still long to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Paul warns, “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9).
CONNECTIONS
1. In chapter one of his book “Choice Theory,” William Glasser, who also is the author of Reality Therapy, wrote, “Choice theory explains that, for all practical purposes, we choose everything we do, including the misery we feel.” How can we be choosing misery by our choices of companions, paths, and lifestyles?
2. Would you agree that if we do not make conscious choices in the three areas of life Solomon talks about then circumstances will often make those choices for us?
