“Attitudes that bring success” (Proverbs 12)

 “Attitudes that bring success” (Proverbs 12)

In school some considered me “teachers pet,” but I was never that. Teachers pet to me was obvious. They behaved like an angel when the teacher was present and were quite the opposite when they were with their peers. I have always enjoyed learning and so I was know for asking questions ( hence, teachers pet). Especially in math I asked a lot of questions, because math was hard for me. There were times in my classes that I was the only one asking questions, making it super awkward. I felt in those times that I must be a real dummy. However the teacher must have sensed my awkwardness and would encourage me, commenting that my questions were thoughtful and that she appreciated the fact that at least someone was paying attention. That made me feel good though I paid for it afterwards. Still, it was my education and if the rest didn’t want to learn, that was their choice. So the verse “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:” was and is an easy fit for me. And if this is our attitude towards earthly principles, how much more diligent should we be with eternal truths?

Some of us struggle with receiving instruction/correction from others, why? The statement, “I already know that” might be true or it might be that we think we know it. However the person trying to teach us realizes that we really don’t. As a manager of people, now for many years, I really appreciate my employees that are teachable. Those that feel that they already know, it does no good trying to explain the work to someone with that attitude. They won’t hear me. I’ve learned to just put them on the job, wait for about ten minutes and they will be calling me with questions. It never fails. However, why do I have to go through this with them each time? Why do they not just listen the first time, or with the example of school, why did not more classmates ask questions? Based on their posted test scores, they should have. How many times does our insecurity, our fear of what others think of us, get the better of us? We knew we should have asked that question, but held back because we didn’t want to appear stupid. To love knowledge means we are willing to run that risk. To love knowledge becomes more important to us than what others think of us. It’s a big step towards freedom. Freedom from the fear of man and a growing freedom in accepting myself. We will never know everything and that’s alright.

God was using this period in my life to teach me about myself. To accept that I had strengths and that I had weaknesses. That He loved me just the same and that my weaknesses didn’t need to define me. That I could learn and develop my weaknesses into strengths. Some weaknesses, e.g. Sports were just going to be. I would never be as good as some of the faster more agile classmates. I would always be “second string,” and I needed to accept that. To be ok in our own skin goes a long way to receiving instruction with gratitude. And in learning new and purposeful things, it builds upon our self esteem. My insecurity cannot rule if I truly know that God loves me. To be ok in His book means the world to me, and it should mean the world to you as well.

“but he that hateth reproof is brutish,” or “baar” means someone who will not listen, hence someone who will not learn and spiritually it means someone who is “stupid.” The Hebrew definition literally uses the term “stupid” in reference to the ways of God. I would much rather be unlearned in certain aspects of earthly life than to be stupid in the eternal ways of God.

“A man shall be commended according to his wisdom.” Halal, means to shine, to praise, to boast. Instead of being praised/admired for the outward, which is the curse of this society, we are praised for our wisdom which reflects our person. If praise is merited it should be for this, not for how attractive or sexy we are. These are passing qualities that do nothing to further or deepen relationships. Another very interesting definition of halal and how it is used most often in scripture, is in reference to the Levites. Their jobs were to praise the Lord during the morning and evening sacrifices. And this to me is the true fulfillment of wisdoms use, it leads us to praise the “Wisdom Giver.” For all wisdom and the ability to gain it comes from our Creator, The Lord.

“But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.” Perverse or “Awah” is a loaded word. It means twisted, to do wrong, to bend, physically distressed, a person mentally disturbed and it also refers to preventing and or perverting right behavior which is a clear picture of our society. There are those who say right is wrong and wrong is right so as to excuse and or commend their own “Awah” behavior. Jesus accused the Pharisees of perverting God’s truths, blind guides leading the blind. Jesus words fit well into today’s world and the fall out is seen in our society. The overuse of both legal and illegal drugs, the inability to live with someone ( we’ve become too me oriented), misuse and overuse of sex to qualify a potential mate and there is so much more. If we go into sex trafficking, pornagraphy and its affects on the family, as well as on the participating individual, we get a much clearer picture of our society. We have such a desperate need to return back to the ways and truths of God. Our “accepted sins” are a twisting and perversion to the human soul. They steer us away from the purity and joy found in the love of God. Yet, there is always hope found in the patient and forgiving love of God. Remember the words of Christ when he addressed the crowd who wanted to stone the woman caught in adultery. After convicting the crowd of their sins, he addressed the woman and said, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”( John 8:11). The only one that could condemn her, did not. Repentance and receiving His forgiveness, whether it be for a specific sin or a life of sin is a new beginning that is offered to those who would.

“…Shall be despised,” shame or contempt. Individuals who are given over to perverse behaviors are in general contemptuous by society. Even when they leave or seek change the effect and affect of these behaviors are difficult to escape. They maintain a stigma of being less. Where as in their past life style they are accepted. It makes it hard for them to get away from their past and start over. I sure the woman caught in the act of adultery found the same problem, even though Christ himself forgave her. Our society and individuals have suffered much because God’s Word has been disregarded and or misrepresented and the fallout of that is being reaped daily. As individuals we have the opportunity to live changed lives, to live lives that seek to glorify God, not only being a blessing to our souls but to others as well.

Father God,

Let us be lovers of the knowledge that is first pure and then peaceable. We can build a solid foundation in our lives. For your truths will enable us to stand in the days of difficulty and trail  and not only stand, but be bettered by it. Give us wise hearts and minds that see through the clutter and false promises of this earthly life.

Thank you and Amen