First, some housecleaning:
This is NOT a post about someone being worthless because someone (a parent, close relative, teacher, or coach) calls them that.
It is NOT about self-image or pop psychology’s “you are important so buck up” spiel.
Okay? Got it? Good. I have written before how I like to read through the Psalms and Proverbs. I am currently taking a break on Psalms as I read the prophets. (I think I want to go back to the Psalms). 🙂 I read Proverbs every other month, highlighting a different verse each time. I was 10 days into November when I remembered I hadn’t started Proverbs so I picked it up in chapter 10 and have been reading the first 9 chapters to catch up. Today (as I write this) is November 13th. I actually read chapter 6 first when I hit these verses. The first three words caught my attention: “a worthless person.” The rest of the verses go on to describe what a worthless person is. As you may have noticed, it has nothing to do with self-image or name-calling by someone else. The writer of Proverbs is basically describing someone who cannot be trusted in any way, shape or form. (Describes some preachers I know and the old picture of the Used Car Salesman).
Then I read my chapter for the day (chapter 13) and came across this verse: “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” (verse 14).
What a contrast!
From the worthless to the worthy
From shady to trustworthy
From the loser to the winner
From the death-giver to the life-giver
From the selfish to the selfless
It is so easy to take advantage of people, especially when they are hurting. On the other hand it is also easy to give into the temptation to “lord it over” people. Neither is right. Both have dire consequences according to verse 15 of chapter 6. How much better it is to be one who uses wisdom in dealing with others, especially in teaching. I simply cannot downplay the importance of teaching the truth and telling the truth in our dealings with others. How many are turned off by our seeming callousness to living lives of integrity (living lives which back up what we say). While some may think I am too soft in some areas, I tend to believe that more is won by honey than vinegar.
What are your thoughts on these verses? Do you see any connection? Do you have someone who speaks life into you right now?
BTW: I often use links to Scripture that is longer because it saves word space. I don’t do it to annoy you. 🙂
Thanks for you BTW at the end, I was getting annoyed (smiles).
Loved you message/point here today. There are a lot of “worthless” people out there, me included at times. I have a couple of folks in my life who model for me what worthy is. They show me how their lives match up with what they say.
You’re welcome. 🙂 Glad you have some who model “worthy” for you. I think you may be too hard on yourself at times.
Bill, that’s basically our job, right? To show that Christ has taken us from worthless to worthy so that others will have that same opportunity.
Yep. 😛
I think these verses, which are basically common sense, enforces each person responsibility to judge. To judge the reliability of others and the information or ideas they spout. Every Used Car salesman will tell you he speaks the Truth. Truth is a trigger for me to elevate the suspicion level and gather more facts. A person is obligated to himself to get the facts and not base the Truth on faith but rather on facts.
you are so right Jeff. It is the responsibility of each one of us to be discerning and to “judge” others. I do agree we need to do some facts base decision-making. Thanks.
You may have “forgotten” to read Proverbs but God used it to reveal these scriptures to you in a way you may not have connected if you’d read them on different days.
Go God!
Currently my mind is focused on the nation and especially the Church. I think it is critical that the Church begin to act like the Church. We need to get our act together, get in the word and grow in love BEFORE we can ever hope to make a difference in this world. We can’t be worthless and we can’t lord anything over people. We must remember it’s equal ground beneath the cross.
Great post!
I know my “forgetting” is really working out well for me learning. 🙂 As you know from your post and my comment, I agree with you.
When we trod on a downhearted person we take a risk in that person not seeing the light of Jesus in us. Bad move because we may be the only Jesus that they will see. Better to lift a brother up, than to lay an enemy low.
Very true Ed.
One of the things I love about Proverbs is the contrasts that it provides. It doesn’t just talk about the fool – or the wise man – but puts them in a side by side comparison.
I’m fortunate to have a lot of people who speak life into me. I want to be that person for others too!
That contrast is so important Loren and so vivid throughout. Glad you have those in your life who speak life to you.
I’m amazed that a God would love a worthless soul as myself so completely and passionately. Because of that love I have moved from worthless to precious…thank you Father!
As am I Jay. I echo your thoughts.
Those verses in Proverbs that describes a worthless person gives me hope for our country’s future. Truth revealed by God comes on them “suddenly.”
The heart of God should be shining in us and as you point out will show in our attitudes and backed up by our actions. Words mean little, like a wink; easy to do but shows no substance.
Wisdom from God shows grace to those around us. After all isn’t it Him in us?
Excellent post and reminder of our purpose.
Wisdom from God shows grace to those around us. I want to be one of those people. Thanks Floyd.
Jesus seemed to save vinegar for the self righteous. I am with you and share what God and Jesus have done versus pointing out the failings of others and stoning them with the Word. I for one can not cast that first stone. In Him we are all worthy.
Blessings.
I certainly can’t cast the first stone either Tom. Good to hear from you.
Good post Bill. Contrasts are the measure God gave to judge or discern rightly. I think we need discernment more then ever with evil taking on so many different faces.
I am blessed to know many who have influence my life for good. They sure make me want to “step it up” as a follower of Christ.
Thanks Betty. I like the contrasts. Showing others what we have been shown is important.
Thank you for teaching the truth and telling the truth here. 🙂 Praying to be gentle with others, just like He is with me. God bless you for being one of those people that speak life into us!
You’re welcome Deb. I consider it a high compliment that you would say that about me. Thanks so much.