Tag: wisdom

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The Magnanimous Gift!

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[WARNING: This contains theological controversy]

Who knew this little verse in Proverbs and this one little word, in this verse, would have such controversy and division surrounding it. You may have never heard of Arian or the “Arian Heresy.” However, this one verse and one particular word in this verse gave cause for some to believe that Jesus was less than the Father and it was a teaching that attempted to dismantled the three-in-one or trinitarian understanding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Here in the ESV translation, the word, “qanah: to get, acquire” is translated “possessed.” “The Lord possessed me at the beginning.” The problem is the Greek Septuagint (Hebrew to Greek translation) wrote it as ἔκτισεν” which can also be translated as “created” or “formed.” The more simple NLT translation, sadly uses the word “formed.” A first century theologian named, Arian, chose to see the translation as “created.” Another theologian, Aquila, stood his ground and translated it as “possessed.” Arian the took this translation, along with some words from John 1:1 and built an entire belief system that still exists in cults today – that Jesus was a created being and far less than God himself. Arian’s own Bishop Alexander of Alexandria met with him and told him this was an unacceptable translation/interpretation of this verse and other passages of scripture. He was in error and Alexander tried to prove to him that if Christ is not God himself then there was no perfection of sacrifice for our sins and the whole gospel would be reduced to works alone and not by grace! You see the same lie living in modern cults today – one must EARN salvation.

This controversial persistence on Arian’s part, caused the second major council meeting of leadership. The First Council of Nicaea (325), I say second, because Acts 15 is really considered to be the first council (meeting) of leadership. As a basic common declaration of what Christian’s believe, the Nicene Creed is still taught, quoted and recognized as “orthodox” (correct). Arianism was declared heretical and forced it to be dismissed as the way or teachings of Jesus.

Not knowing the controversy behind this one verse is actually helpful, because we are able to take in the full power and beauty of this personification of Jesus depicted as wisdom. The word, “before,” is used in an escalation of scope pertaining to EVERYTHING that wisdom predates and sits in judgement over.

“Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” Read Proverbs 8:23-29 yourself and just grasp the magnitude of all that wisdom can offer us. Then listen again as she woos those who lack her gifts, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.”‭‭

Prayer

Dad,
It is some seriously dark comedy to see what we have been able to do to Your Word. We’ve broken it, we’ve bent it, manipulated it and flat out misrepresented it! How can you even put up with us and our evil ways? No wonder you search the whole earth just looking for a few righteous. The rest of us are using your Word – your living, eternal Word to start own own religions, or make ourselves rich, famous and powerful. What is wrong with us? I have a hard time wrapping my mind around how patient you are with us. Honestly, I am embarrassed to think about how we want to warp something so good, so pure and make it into some cheap gimmick to gain such a temporary advantage over others. Shame on us, this is NOT wisdom, this is NOT the way. Your wisdom is not only beautiful it’s right, just and true… always.

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Not easy, but possible.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The apostle Paul bluntly delivers the gospel message to the Corinthians who pride themselves in all things philosophical and metaphysical. The message of the cross looks like it is for morons. Paul uses the Greek word, mória – absurd. It’s exactly where we get the English word moron. Of course it makes no senses to human wisdom.

Human wisdom is thought to be the winner’s circle, it’s the best, brightest, strongest and triumphant. No self respecting human wants to be least, last or seen as a loser. Ah, but God’s way is not only through humility and suffering, but even more – humiliation in the worst form of judgment and execution. Cursed is the one who hangs on a tree (Deut 21:23)! So that the most innocent and perfect person would serve as a sacrifice for all.

Paul challenges the Corinthians with a question. Where does this foolishness leave the philosophers, scholars and brilliant debaters? It leaves them scratching their heads pondering their own theories and solutions on how to fix their own sin. How can we rid ourselves of evil? It’s in us, around us and permeates every part of our world.

Paul says that God chose our foolish preaching, the kérugma, heralding and proclamation of truth. Paul admitted that Jews seek signs or miracles (sémeion) and that Gentiles seek wisdom (sophia), but God would give them neither. God requires the simplest form of acceptance geared for the most common person in the world. Simple enough for a child. Simple enough for the frail, marginalized, weak and completely disadvantaged by any number of circumstances. For those who come from chaotic family origins or those who come from wealth and privilege. God requires faith. God reaches down from heaven, with that Michelangelo picture in mind, extending His hand and says, “grab it, and I’ll lift you out of your sin!” This is all possible because of the cross. And the proof you need is in the emptiness of the tomb. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved! Boom! I love the cross and the resurrection.

Prayer

Dad,
For me, and for millions of others, I am so thankful that it requires the simplicity of faith. Because, that’s the only thing I had. I was seriously lacking in wisdom, human or otherwise. I did not have any experience in philosophy, advanced theology or debating. I only had a messy, broken life. That, and my believing you at your word, was all I could give. Thank you for saving me in my simple faith. Thank you for the permanent standard that all humans have to come to you with that simple requirement. They must believe.

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Roommates

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The New Living Translation says that wisdom and good judgment are roommates. In Hebrew, the wisdom writer actually list three roomies with wisdom: ormah: craftiness, daath: knowledge and mezimmah: discretion. The root word of daath is yada, or know. Who knew, when George’s new girlfriend Marcy, from the Seinfeld show, kept saying yada, yada, yada, she was speaking some Hebraic slang… “ya know, ya know, ya know.”

As the personified Jesus in the Old Testament, wisdom loves hanging out with three character traits of witty, smart and socially intelligent people. What a group of friends that makes, right? However, the writer also seem to make the point that, not only does that God hate evil, but there is a reason for doing so. Evil erodes good. Evil sucks the vibrant, authentic life out of the soul and leaves these hollowed out expressions behind. Shocker! Look at what’s left when evil has its way with us – pride, arrogance, corruption and perverse speech!

Wow. Pride is a false puffer, the rising of our fake self. Arrogance is our “self-made” projection, like we made it all on our own, everyone else is our pawn. And our perverse speech is a mastery of speaking in a way that “turns” or twists our words to hide the fact that we are a fraud. Whew. Evil guts us and leaves our soul with ugly, selfish qualities.

Turning from evil to wisdom means we choose to hangout with these amazing roommates listed in this Proverb. The Apostle Paul wrote, “bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33. Having wisdom as a friend means that one has access to her advice. Because Wisdom is really that good, her advice is sound, solid and successful! Wisdom owns these qualities and shares them freely to those who walk with her.

Prayer

Dad,
If we just learned from mistakes and missteps, things would be a whole lot easier to do right. We would benefit and so would everyone around us. The problem is I love doing things my own way and I come to think of myself as so independently smart. And, I also love taking shortcuts! What a mess I make of things. The ways of wisdom, which is the way of Jesus, not only requires humility but also submission. And it’s a slow process, nothing like my quick-fix shortcuts that fail every time. I want wisdom as a friend. I want to hangout with her friends, witty, smart and socially intelligent. I could use all the help I can get. Thank You!

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Wisdom, begging for you to listen.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.” Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many of us are physical learners. I have a granddaughter that is very kinesthetic! She learns through physical exploration. She grabs, climbs, rocks and pushes back in her seat, just for fun. Then through falling, scraping and slamming to the ground she discovers the beauty of pain as a teacher. Every kinesthetic toddler seems to be shocked that things didn’t go the way they thought they would. My granddaughter then looks for comfort and somewhat blames her elders for not saving her before the inevitable happens.

Every parent, grand, teacher and friend knows what it’s like when you have to BEG a physical learner/extreme adventurer to heed WISDOM. I’m NOT saying these kinds of learners are simpletons, as Proverbs professes. I am saying that wisdom knows that some are destined to learn through failure and pain. Wisdom calls, begs and beckons to just give her a chance! She is right, truthful, wholesome, plain and simple. All one has to do is listen and heed her advice.

Ah, but we know better, right? It won’t happen to us, right? A thousand have tried and failed, but I – I will beat the odds! Ha – that’s original. My two cents, my fractional bitcoin – just give it a try. I have discovered that wisdom is right and good and I have benefited from it even as a knuckleheaded-youth. Don’t take my word for it, take hers. Get wisdom. Make her one of your bff’s.

Prayer

Dad,
What can I say? You know what you’re doing! Your will, your way is THE best, the most helpful. And, when I listen. When I obey. Things go far better than I could even imagine. Help me to continue to learn wisdom and never be satisfied with what was learned, but stay curious until I die.

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This is THE way.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sounds obvious, simple. Wandering eyes and distracted attention is bound to get you walking into a pole or traffic. Anyone noticed the new pedestrian entitlement? Especially in parking lots. Folks wander, zig-zag and just walk right in front of your car or just keep walking when you’re backing out of a space. There’s a creepy sense that modern cars with cameras and warning systems will auto-stop the car before hitting them. And now that jaywalking is no longer a crime, pedestrians rule the streets! I think some people WANT to get hit just for the insurance money. Sorry for the rant.

Wisdom makes a far more spiritual point using this idea of focusing our eyes so that our feet will follow. The eyes of our heart is our mind. And the things we think about absolutely dictate the direction of our attitudes and behaviors. The idea of fixing our thoughts to control or drive our behaviors is not a new concept in the Bible. Proverbs 23:7 in NKJV begins with, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” The Apostle Paul picks up the idea in Philippians 4:8. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” This is wisdom’s way, walk in it.

Proverbs also reminds us that these practices of looking and focusing can keep our feet from following evil. We realize our feet have no sense of desire or cravings, right? Our feet are a symbol of our behaviors, they just obey our eyes and brain telling them where to go. I am still very much reminded of Jesus’ words that the “safe” path is also the narrow one, less popular, more difficult.

Prayer

Dad,
I sure hope my thoughts of you, your Word and your Will dictate my direction! It’s a mental struggle for sure. You call it sin, Paul calls it the flesh (sarx), but boy can it get me or lead me into trouble. It’s hard to fix my eyes on what’s right, good and holy when there are so many stinkin’ shiny objects dangling all around me. No wonder Job says he made a covenant with his eyes! Your Word is the light on my path and the wisdom to choose to walk in it. This is the way.

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Common sense got cancelled.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And, uncommon sense (foolishness) is now king. Oh, I’m not worried about the fact that only a tiny minority believe and try to live out this rejection of all authority and replace it with anarchy and whatever seems right or feels good at the time. My concern is that all the major influencers in our society (TV, streaming, socials, podcasts and news driven by advertisers) are pumping out lies suggesting that these self-driven “free” expressions are now the cultural norms.

Proverbs gives us this “sound” wisdom and judgment or discernment as THE keys to a good life. This Hebrew word, tushiyyah (wisdom), is a “successful” abiding wisdom. A life represented by jewels (financially sound), safety, deep sleep with happy REMS and the absence of constant fear. Sounds peaceful right?

Yet the anti-principled life, lacking common sense and clear thinking would also be true. Uncommon senses leads to a bad life, filled with trinkety costume jewelry (debt), fear, insomnia and constant anxiety that something terrible is about to happen. Yeah, anti-wisdom (foolishness) breeds depression and restlessness!

Proverbs being a book of principles means that these are the scenarios we get to choose; wisdom or foolishness. I’ll tell you what is NOT taught in public schools, especially to the young – wisdom and basic good principles for life. Of course education used to be based on a completely different moral foundation, the Bible. Now, the moral underlying platform is authenticity of SELF.

Young men and women need wisdom more than ever before. I believe they crave it, look for it and would love to see it modeled in their parents. Sadly, many parents are still trying to find themselves and have little time or interest in guiding their own children. The prevalent parenting advice is to let the children guide themselves. Why would parents project their own beliefs, morals or behaviors onto their children’s little self-defined souls? Doesn’t that sound like uncommon sense? Parents are SUPPOSED to guide their children! Proverb’s principles tells us that wisdom, seen in common sense and discernment, will lead to a good life for a child!

Prayer

Dad,
You and I both know my parents tried to do right, tried to be good parents. But all five of them just couldn’t pull it off. Long before I knew you, I had a creepy sense that if I found a way to live OPPOSITE of my own parents decisions, there might be a chance that I would make it. I thought that as a kid! What child should have to seek a good model that is opposite of their parents? I love my moms and dads (well not psycho Ben), but I know I would not have survived without you. My heart aches for children having to raise and parent themselves in this culture of “freedom” and self-authenticity. They need you! Help us Oh God! Pour our your Spirit and save us and our children!

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The sweet spot of wisdom – decision making

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These simple verses could be the synopsis for the entire book of wisdom. My mistake was thinking it was just for youth, just for late teens, early twenties. Once I got going in life; graduated college (first ever in my family), got married, had a child and settled into my calling from God to be a Pastor, I would be able to take things from there.

These verses were never meant to be a fortune cookie saying. I only thought the hard decisions were about getting started in life or at super big crossroads. I did not think of sustaining a godly life by continually trusting God, ignoring circumstantial signs and seeking His will. Oh silly young Padawan!

Robin and I both have had multiple missteps, life-altering moments and decision points since our youth. And, although I had memorized this verse and mentally quoted it at the start, I somehow had it hardcoded to our beginnings. And, I made the mistake of ONLY associating these verses with big life decisions, when clearly there are daily applications in them. Let’s put it this way, I STILL must trust. I still must ignore the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts). I still must seek God’s will in everything. With every decision pondered in prayer. Then with every conviction of faith, I must look for the path that God wants me to take. After that, it’s just about standing on that decision, confident that God has not and will not mislead me!

For example: With most of my people judgements I use the decision tree template of love. If I am to push my way in, wading into the muck and mire of the mess we get ourselves into, I have to decide if love requires that I enter into someone’s personal space to help. I ask, “What is my motive here?” Because if it’s to gain or spitefully be right, then it’s not love. Then I ask, “Am I willing to see this all the way through?” Because if I don’t count the cost, I may flake out when it gets really hard or expensive. Then I have to confront myself by asking, “What if I’m wrong?” I am talking about being wrong to get involved, butting in, throwing myself under the bus! If I make it through the mental flowchart and I get the go ahead, I quietly whisper, “For Christ and His love!” and with Paul’s words to the churches in Ephesus (Eph 4:15) – I go for it. I can definitely add these verses as a pre-checklist prayer as well.

I plan to tattoo these verses on my brain so I can quickly access them everyday.

Prayer

Dad,
Remember how many times I cried and quoted these verses in my teens and early twenties? I was scared out of my mind! I was desperate to do right. I felt ill equipped and awkward making big life, adulting kinds of decisions. You were the only one listening! You were the only one I could trust. I kind of miss that desperation. I also remember having one of those MAJOR crossroads moments when I was forty. I felt like I was completely changing my calling not just careers. You were and are so faithful to answer, to lead and guide. I am so grateful for your kindness and patience with me.

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Wisdom Benefits

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are many benefits that come with getting, gaining wisdom. Chapter two lists a few of them.

Wisdom gives us understanding of what it means to fear the Lord and knowledge of God. It guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful. It helps us understand what is right, just, and fair, and how to find the right way to go. Wisdom watches over us and keeps us safe. It can save us from evil people, from immoral people. Proverbs specifically mentions immoral women, but we know that there have always been promiscuous and immoral men as well.

Then, coming to a conclusion about these ideas, Proverbs mentions that wisdom helps us follow the steps of the good and stay on the paths of the righteous! This is quite a list of wisdom’s benefit package when you not only look for her, but follow her advice.

I need a constant reminder that wisdom is Jesus personified in Proverbs. The whole idea is that “getting” Jesus, hearing and obeying Jesus is getting wisdom. Jesus IS the wisdom of God. Following the steps of Jesus and staying on that narrow path (door or gate) through Him is the way to great life and an even greater eternity with God. You get the benefits by staying close to the Savior!

Prayer

Dad,
I am a big fan of wisdom. I lacked it growing up and needed it desperately as a teen and young adult. Now I see the benefits of everything Proverbs says and more! My pursuit, however, is not over. I need lean in, listen and be more astute to obedience than ever before. The wisdom that got me to this point, will carry me on into my future. I am grateful for Godly wisdom! It has definitely SAVED my life.

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Wisdom speaks her mind.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It does not help that just before I read this passage out of Proverbs I watched a news clip about a famous group of “influencers” trashing a 10 million dollar home in Hollywood Hills (I flipped on the tele just for a weather report 🥴). These TikTok/YouTube “stars” make money living like kings off eyeballs, clicks and likes from companies who pay them! They have now grouped together signing deals with Netflix for an even larger audience, and generally wrecking havoc on our social culture.

But, influencers aren’t the point here and neither are their antics. The point is wisdom, personified as God Himself, will only call or warn for so long, then she will let you do what you are determined to do – even to the point of your own demise. Earlier in the chapter Wisdom shouts, cries and calls out to those who are simpletons (fools) and mockers. Here in these verses, she is done trying to convince youthful, boundary-less souls to change their ways. Now, she will not answer, she will remain hidden because they hated common sense knowledge and CHOSE not to fear God. You know that even though God can save a soul, He rarely saves us from the consequences of our sin.

Wisdom warns that the fruit of ignoring her is very bitter and she’ll laugh (vs 26) when we choke on our own selfish schemes. Exasperated, Wisdom says that fools are destroyed by their own complacency. You can run, play your games and lap up a sense of power, even wealth, feeling indestructible and untouchable. However, it won’t last forever and the end of that story, your story, will be a tragedy.

Here’s the good news! Proverbs wasn’t written for the wayward fool. Wisdom calls for the young who are looking for answers, for guidance purpose and direction. Wisdom speaks to the curious, the learner, the lonely.

Wisdom is not really trying to warn the influencers, she’s trying to warn the followers, millions of teens looking for entertainment, but aching to fill an unquenchable void in their lives. There are 2.47 billion zoomers (Genz) in the world and 68 million of them are here in the U.S. This is the population that Wisdom (God) wants to warn and win over.

I had to survive similar situations in the seventies, but it was nowhere near the level of difficulty today. Divorce and deadbeat Dads were just on the rise when I was a teen. Single parenting, blended families, “latch-key,” and all day preschool care were still outliers. Now, “intact” marriages are rare and fractured families are the norm.

Teens are raising themselves or worse leaning on highly addictive social media for guidance. Company’s don’t care about their souls, they are after their MONEY. Children and youth should not be left on their own to learn about life! Teachers and mental health hotlines, whether helpful or not, cannot be the foster parents for America’s children. America needs Wisdom. This generation needs God.

Prayer

Dad,
My heart aches and breaks for the disparity and despair in this next generation that needs You so desperately. I would have never made it without you. THEY will not make it without you. Pour out your Spirit on our zoomers! Lavishly distribute your wisdom among them. Show up in their dreams, whisper to them in their darkest moments. Be THEIR God, their father and mother. They are orphaned without your help.

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Wisdom in the hood.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This scene played out in Proverbs feels way too calm and cavalier – like a dark comedy. It starts so charmingly simple… my child if sinners entice you. Wow! Really? This “enticement” is a gang of thugs planning to jump, murder and rob some innocent passer-by. There’s a even a New Testament version in the gospels on the treacherous and crime-filled road from Jerusalem to Jericho – “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.” Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬. Holy moly, did they have ancient gangs in Israel? Proverbs has this sounding like a bunch of J-Higher’s just out looking for trouble, but it’s so mercurially creepy – “hey let’s hide and kill someone just for fun today!” Was that world so cold and calloused? Yep. Is ours pretty much the same today? Yep. How’s that possible? Well, the human heart hasn’t changed much.

Is this how a young man or woman gets jumped into a gang by a simple invitation to play murder? Sadly, yes. Acceptance is huge when you feel abandoned. Have they no conscience, no sense of right and wrong, no feelings for others? Obviously not compared to belonging to something bigger and stronger than themselves. The gang IS family – warped and twisted, but they are together and the “child” would be seen and known.

Do you feel how ridiculous this all sounds? Does it leave you asking the question, “why is this in the Bible and treated so normal, so tolerated? Great! Then you understand this Proverb perfectly.

Without wisdom, discipline or a FATHER figure this is what we get. We get child-thugs without a moral compass or conscience! Get Godly wisdom, give Godly wisdom saving yourself, your kids and our nation.

Prayer

Dad,
It breaks my heart to see evil perpetrating on innocence so young. Yet I know from experience, if there are no responsible adults, no framework or boundaries to guide a child, they become victims of the thug mentality. Like feral cats or packs of coyotes they just romp and roam our neighborhoods looking for trouble “just for fun.” Help us God! Help us as bio parents, foster and adoptive parents and grandparents to do better to raise Godly children. Help us get wisdom and teach wisdom to the next generation.