Pondering the Proverbs

The Psalmist wrote of the blissful man whose:

Delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

Some folks associate meditation with the practices of eastern pagan religions. In reality, meditation is nothing more than focusing one’s thoughts on something to gain a better or deeper understanding. It is good to pause in our Bible reading to focus and think about what we have read. I find it productive to ask myself questions about the things I’ve read.

If you have caught up on reading the Book of Proverbs (see last week’s blog), then you may remember the following from chapter 1:

Wisdom shouts in the street,

She lifts her voice in the square. (1:20)

Wisdom is personified as a woman. Why is she shouting? What would that look like if it were taken literally, that is, if a woman actually stood in the streets shouting? (Focus and think.)

In verse 22 Wisdom calls out:

How long, O naïve ones, will you love being simple-minded

And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing

And fools hate knowledge?

What is the relationship between:

• The naïve and simplicity?
• The scoffer and scoffing?
• The fool and knowledge?

What is the difference between the three individuals: the naïve, the scoffer, and the fool? (Ponder.)

The naïve ‘loves,’ the scoffer ‘delights,’ and the fool ‘hates.’ What is the significance of these action words? (Meditate.)

When we pause and ask ourselves questions about the things written, we tend to look more intently at the text. We envision the scene and all the moving parts. It may help us to see connections not seen before, grasp a deeper meaning, remember things more easily, or remember longer.

Simple observation is a part of meditation. What do you remember about Proverbs 2? 

For me it is the ‘path’ chapter. The word path, or a synonym (way, course, or track), appears twelve times. Why is there such repetition? Is there an overarching message or emphasis? If so, what is that message?

Sometimes the text seems to jump off the page with a pattern of thought. It may be a mere poetic device or it may suggest a deeper meaning. Either way, it makes the reader stop and look...and ponder.

Sometimes the text seems to jump off the page because the text does not meet the reader’s expectation. For example, Solomon addressed “my son” numerous times in the first seven chapters, but in 4:1 and 5:7 he addressed, “my sons,” plural. Why? Is there significance? (Think.)

Some questions may be easily answered in the surrounding text. Others may be answered when considering the book as a whole and its repetitive themes. Some questions may go unanswered. Even then, our minds are sharper as we continue to read further in the book, as we re-read, and as we explore other sections of scripture.

Pondering the proverbs is not a science, but rather a simple means of delving more deeply into God’s word. What will you see today!?

Mark Stinnett

December 14, 2025

You Just Have to 'Stop'

No, I am not waxing philosophical; but have you ever thought about thinking? (Perhaps I could get you to consider it for just a moment.)

Have you ever been talking with someone and something they said forces a pause in the conversation, “I’ll have to think about that”?

People think about things in different ways. Some look up at the sky and tap or rub their chin and just think, think, think. Others look down at the ground and scratch their head and think, think, think. Some might prefer to talk it out; brainstorming ideas (with another person or even a wall). Others like a visual approach using pencil and paper, whiteboard and marker, or something similar. Whatever the case, two things are common to all: Pause...and ideas turning over and over in the mind.

James wrote, “Consider it all joy when you face various trials…” (James 1:2) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and then think about what he was writing.

When Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air… and observe the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:24, 26) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the birds; to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the flowers.

Paul wrote:

   Finally, brethren, whatever is true,

      whatever is honorable,

      whatever is right,

      whatever is pure,

      whatever is lovely,

      whatever is of good repute,

   if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise,

   dwell on these things.

                                                 --Philippians 4:8

What do you think Paul expected his readers to do???

Do you know why God's word is difficult to understand for some people? Do you know why some folks never find peace or comfort or help from God's word even though they read and read and read?

They never...stop! They never...think.

I know it sounds silly, but I'll leave you extra room at the end of this blog to give you 'extra time' to...stop...and think about the things Paul wrote...
stop...

and think...

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Seriously...you need to STOP…
And...think…

Past. Excellence. Praise.

The Apostle Paul instructed:

     ...If there is any excellence and
           if anything worthy of praise,
           dwell on these things.

                                      --Philippians 4:8

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘excellence’?

Precision? Beauty? Superiority? Flawlessness?

Some things are excellent because of their intrinsic quality, or perhaps quality in craftsmanship. For example, consider a high-quality silver coin. The background of the coin has a mirror finish. The raised lettering and images have a frosted appearance. This coin was made especially for coin collectors and has been handled with utmost care. It is called a ‘proof’ coin and would never be found in your pocket change.

Excellence describes proof coins, but only because of the quality of craftsmanship and the high-quality materials.

The term Paul used has more to do with excellence as the result of past activity, effort, achievement or performance. So, it is not as much about things as it is about people.

The Olympic great, Michael Phelps, comes to mind; excellence in swimming. His unprecedented Olympic medal performances stand on their own. He swims with such strength, yet at the same time such grace. Excellence.

Behind all his medals are years of grueling training, practice sessions and competitions; restricted activities, restricted diet, restricted influences, restricted life; all for the glorious achievements awarded at the Olympic Games. Excellence.

Michael Phelps deserves to be on the covers of magazines, on a Wheaties cereal box; on the morning show circuit; in advertising campaigns. He is worthy of praise for his unmatched achievements.

We might also turn our attention to the world of entertainment (as if the world of sports is somehow separate): Actors, singers, dancers, and performers of every kind. We could also think of discoverers and inventors and scientists; educators, writers, thinkers, planners; conquerors, rulers, diplomats, businessmen; and the list is endless. People who have risen to the top of their field in various pursuits of life to achieve...Excellence.

The term excellence can be applied to most any category, but at some point one has to wonder what/who 'Paul' was thinking about. At some point our minds must turn toward men and women of faith. It Is not that they demonstrated mastery of a skill, but they were persistent and insistent; stubbornly embracing God’s will as their own.

Think about Noah. Does Job come to mind as a man of excellence? Joseph went to prison because he refused to sin: Excellence. Rahab was bold in her faith. Deborah was brave. Left-handed Ehud cannot be forgotten; Gideon, Samson. Faithful Ruth was worthy of praise.

David would not harm the Lord’s Anointed, even though King Saul was his enemy. The restraint of Daniel and his friends while in captivity was exemplary. Heaven loved Daniel. The courage of Mordecai and Esther: Excellence.

Elijah, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and, of course, Jesus, our Savior and Lord...and yet...

The Bible is not the only place where godly men and women of excellence are found. Stop and think for a moment about people in your own life who fit the description...Excellence...Worthy of Praise.

Dwell on these things...

Good Things Well Said

I had heard that he was a good teacher. His name was Will, an average looking, with an average build, average sort of guy; but he drove a lot of people crazy. He was a math teacher by trade and when you met him, you really wondered how he could hold down a job as a teacher.

A few folks would greet Will after church on Sunday, fewer still would ask a question or attempt conversation.

I could usually find him standing alone near the entryway or out in the church yard by the sidewalk. I enjoyed talking to Will after Sunday worship. I never had to wait in line and I never thought I was interrupting a conversation.

Will was never rude, but most folks were frustrated when trying to carry on a conversation with him; he was mostly silent. He was not mute; he had no speech impediment. He simply took the scriptures very, very, very seriously.

     But everyone must be quick to hear,

     slow to speak and slow to anger.

                                                --James 1:19

     For we all stumble in many ways.

     If anyone does not stumble in what he says,

     he is a perfect man,

     able to bridle the whole body as well.

                                             --James 3:2

If you must know, I would greet Will, “How are you doing today?” and then wait for his reply. I might w-a-i-t a full minute before he returned a simple, “I’m doing ok.” (I really didn’t mind waiting.)

I might then ask him an open-ended question. I remember times when I waited a five full minutes for an answer.  I still did not mind because I knew that he was determined to control his speech.

I lost touch with Will when we moved away, but I have always admired the way he guarded his speech.

Jim, on the other hand, was not silent. He was a preacher, and one of the best. His content was always enlightening and his manner was respectful, cordial, and full of concern. Regardless of his subject, even the things we needed to hear were presented in such a way that you were grateful as a listener.

Though opposite in many ways Will and Jim had something in common. Described by a seldom used Bible term, they were men of ‘good report.’ The ancient word behind this phrase is used only one time in the Bible. Its dictionary definition is: fair-speaking or sounding well. The term was not used to describe good things that were said as much as it described the person who spoke good things. At the same time, it did not describe eloquence of speech or the respect people might have for the speaker. It was used to describe the person who was known for speaking good content and speaking in a good and tasteful manner.

One author commented that good report “signifies the delicacy which guards the lips.” That describes both of my friends. They guarded their lips and what came out was always good, pleasant, attractive and acceptable. Those who are of ‘good report’ are rare. Who do you know that can be described this way?

The Apostle Paul encouraged:

     Whatsoever things are...of good report…

     Dwell on these things.

                                            --Philippians 4:8

Butterflies, Mountains and Grandkids

Whenever you get a new phone, computer, or similar device, you will likely spend a little time setting up the background. You might give some thought to onlookers, but your background is primarily for you; a photo of family or friends, or maybe a place you have visited, or where you would like to visit. You might choose a beautiful landscape or something artistic.

When you look at your favored photo it evokes a response. If it is your own photo, you remember the time and the circumstances; the story that goes along with it.

Whether beautiful or ordinary, it is pleasant to you and you are drawn to it in some way. You enjoy seeing it when you activate your phone or start your computer. From time to time you might even pause and ‘gaze through’ the objects on your screen and just focus on your background photo. Pleasing.

I gave my mom a butterfly calendar. It was made up of photos I had taken. (Even an amateur with a little patience and luck can get a nice pic if he ’clicks’ enough.) She thought the butterflies were beautiful, but I am quite sure she preferred an earlier calendar featuring her siblings. Those photos were taken by my dad while they were on one of their fall excursions across America.

Each month was a memory; each month, people she knew and loved. (She never had met any of my butterflies.) I’m pretty sure she enjoyed the calendar with her siblings again and again even though the calendar year had passed. Lovely.

The Apostle Paul uses a word in the short book of Philippians that occurs in the New Testament only once. Most translations use the word ‘lovely,’ but it should not be confused with external beauty. It is a word that is rooted in ‘affection.’ When applied to things, it describes things that are pleasing and that draw ones heart with affection. When applied to people, it describes those who are dear or beloved or who bring pleasure to your heart. People and things that are lovely draw the affection of the heart.

The opposite of lovely, as Paul uses it, would be things despised, rejected, or discarded.

   Paul encouraged Christians:

        Whatsoever things are...lovely…

        Dwell on these things.

                                       —Philippians 4:8

I’m pretty sure that Paul was not thinking about photos. However, many ’pics’ fit the definition. I cannot exclude the Colorado mountains on my calendar and the ‘lovely’ thoughts generated when I see the picture. I remember getting up early to greet the sunrise. I remember the hike, the thin air (and me huffing and puffing)...And I remember the transforming colors of the sky as the sun climbed the distant peaks...and then first light (click, click, click)...and then slowly resting my camera at my side knowing that no camera, no photographer could possibly capture that moment. I stood in awe thinking about God and the majesty of his creation. Lovely.

‘Lovely’ is not confined to religious things, so, mountains and butterflies; an enjoyable activity; a favorite pet; family and friends; fellow Christians encouraged; the uncountable blessings from God; they are all included.

And did I mention my grandchildren. Turn off the TV; No! sell the TV, and turn the grandkids loose...Lovely, pleasing, drawing affection.

Why not pause...and spend time each day thinking about lovely things.

Will You Think about My Box?

Is purity important to you?

Let me approach the same question another way, using several examples.

Imagine that you are looking for a *new* car. You inspect its body, every inch of the interior. Even if you know only a little about mechanics, you want to see a lot of shiny parts under the hood. It is *new* and you expect it to be unblemished.

When you are served a glass of water at a restaurant and you notice lip prints on the rim of the glass (gross!), you send it back. You expect a clean glass.

Shopping for an article of clothing you make a selection, but notice a small 'spot.' You put the item back; you expect it to be unstained.

When buying a special ring for your wife, would you prefer 14 or 24 caret gold? And what about the diamond? Clarity is one of the “Four C’s” of diamonds that defines value. You probably prefer the purest gold and the clearest diamond you can afford.

Truth be known, none of us really prefers the unretouched portrait photo. We would like people to see our wrinkles softened, stray hair adjusted, the bird that bombed the outdoor photo removed. We prefer to remove the blemishes.

Blemishes get our attention and they irritate us: Blemishes, stains, impurities and flaws in everyday life; personal flaws, past sins. They are all a part of life; we prefer life without them. Yet how often we focus on them, obsess over them.

Some people are really good at noticing blemishes. They often criticize. Show off a new article of clothing and they will zero in on the most insignificant flaw. They will see the mistake you made in your freshly painted room (oops). You can walk, skip, hop, and run a hundred miles, and they will remind you of the instant that you stumbled.

The empty ‘quote box’ (that white box above) really irritates some folks. They find it distracting, not because of what is there, but because it is unexpected. An empty box in the middle of an blog article (blarticle) appears to be a flaw.

However, did you notice how clean it looks? Did you see how pure it is?

I know that it has never had words in it. It wasn’t an old messy box that I cleaned up. It started out clean and remains clean. Pure.

There are different ways to be pure; the Bible describes each. In the Old Testament sacrifices and cleansing rituals brought about a state of cleanliness before God. (Uncleanness affected one's standing with God and the community of God's people.)

A practical way of achieving purity is to remove impurities. Filtered water is a good example.

In these first two examples of uncleanness and impurity, something blemished is made pure.

Purity also exists where there had never been a flaw, like my empty 'quote box.' There is no need of cleansing. For lack of a better explanation, you might call this perfect purity. Would you agree that this kind of 'never-before-blemished' purity is rare?

The Apostle Paul encouraged:

     Whatsoever things are...pure…
     dwell on these things.
                               —Philippians 4:8

God invites you to stop! and spend some time thinking about things or people that fit the description of purity.
(To do this you will need to put down your phone and get off the Internet; stop watching/reading the latest news.)

Sooo...STOP. Think. Things that are pure.

Now, let me ask: "Is purity important to you?"

Sheetrock and Social Injustice

My friend, Jeremy, and I were finishing sheetrock in a new room in his basement. After a little chit-chat I asked him, “How do you answer your generation concerning current social ills, the election, and clear misunderstandings of reality?” He asked for clarification.

Earlier that day I had gotten sidetracked on Facebook reading messages (rants) about politics, the environment, social concerns, etc.

I caught myself yelling in my mind, “Can you not see how you have contradicted yourself!” “Surely you are young; otherwise you would see things differently!”

I read posts by professed Christians on different issues, silently brooding: “Have you ever read your Bible! What kind of reasoning is that!?”

I had to back away and take a breath. Their unique vocabulary gave them away; they were Millennials or Gen X’ers.

Ok. Step back from that thought too. That was really judgmental.

I settled down and asked myself: “How can I, a preacher, effectively communicate to those who are from my parents’ generation, my own baby boomer generation, and Gen X, Gen Y, and the Millennials...not to mention my 10th grader who speaks ‘mumblage’?” (She will grow out of it, I'm sure.)

It was a good question, but that was not really what was bothering me. I wanted to know how I could convince ‘them’ of ‘my’ understanding of things. I was so sure I was right.

My young friend snapped me back to reality. He actually reminded me of some recent comments I had made in Bible lessons and sermons.

“Why do you think you need to answer them?” he asked, “Isn’t that what you have been teaching us?” (We both laughed heartily; I was a little embarrassed.)

WHAM! The teacher had not been listening.

Here’s the lesson I had forgotten:

Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. ²And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? ³I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

                                                                                                 —Luke 13:1-3 NASB

The people, were reacting to the front page headline news: “The Galileans!” “Pilate!” “What about all this, Jesus!?” (I was doing the same thing: reacting.)

Jesus was making the simple point that the people were losing themselves in the injustices of their society. As a result they were not focusing on their relationship with God. They could not do anything about the injustice against the Galileans...and what if they could!? More important than social justice and stewing over it and getting all bent out of shape...and being distracted; more important was whether they were righteous before God.

Whatsoever things are...right [just]…

dwell on these things.

                              —Philippians 4:8 NASB

It sure is easy to get caught up in all the injustices in our world (nation, state, city, workplace, family). There are many and they are real. However, nothing good comes from the tension and anger of dwelling on injustices. We should learn to let go of the injustices of life. (When we do, we might even find that people enjoy being around us more.) Then, in the spare time that it creates, think about things that are right/just.

Peter Pan, an Honorable Man???

My extended family came together for the funeral of my uncle and aunt who were killed in a car accident. The two were getting up in years and, down deep, we all knew that it was better this way; they went together.

The funeral director gathered the family in a side room and then led it to the auditorium of the church building in single file (to facilitate the seating of about 100 family members).

The doors of the auditorium were opened and I was overcome by the sight: The entire congregation of over 200 people standing as we entered.

We sit to relax, to get comfortable, to rest. They stood.

There are different reasons to stand, but on that day, the people stood to show honor to my uncle and aunt and all the family. What a kind and moving gesture of honor it was.

In a courtroom people gather; they seat themselves; people chat. Court officials and lawyers shuffle papers.

“All rise for the honorable Judge Hayes.”

Honor.

Military funerals can be especially moving: A 21-gun salute; "Taps" on a mournful bugle; the careful and precise folding of the American flag and its presentation to the family...all to show honor for a fellow serviceman.

The New Testament word ‘honor’ comes from a term that in Classical Greek was originally reserved for the Greek gods. 'Honor' described sacred things, heaven and its order. The Jews used it to describe the temple. It was later used to describe the visible or outward magnificence of things such as the majesty of a royal throne, the splendor of clothing, the loftiness of speech.

'Honor' was associated with nobility, dignity and seriousness. Charm and wit, though highly valued among the Greeks, were never described with the word honorable.

On one occasion, to escape King Saul, David went to the Philistines and pretended to be insane so they would not think him to be a threat. That was clever but not honorable. (Read about it in 1 Samuel 21.)

The Apostle Paul drew a contrast between childhood and adulthood:

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

                                                                                         --1 Corinthians 13:11 NASB

It is not honorable for adults to act like children. Go ahead and play with your kids and grandkids for a moment, but a 'Peter Pan never-grow-up’ mindset has nothing to do with honor.

Bathroom humor, crude jokes, childish silliness, ‘letting your hair down’ and the like can be really funny, but these are not honorable. Criticism and humiliation of those in authority is no way to show honor. Misplaced humor (i.e. comedy in the pulpit) may ‘bring them in’ in droves, but it is without honor. Rock concerts passed off as worship lack honor toward God.

• Are you always acting like a kid, angling for the next laugh, planning another sarcastic dig at someone in a position of authority?
• Is the worship assembly more for your pleasure or God's honor?
• What is it that captivates your mind?

Finally, brethren, whatever is...honorable…

dwell on these things.

                                              --Philippians 4:8 NASB

There is a time for fun and games, but there is a time to grow up and put away silliness. (Is there ever an appropriate time for vulgarity and criticism?) Think about honorable things.
Show honor.
Be honorable.

My Lucky Star is Shining!!!

Mike and I had lunch at a local Chinese restaurant and, as usual, cracked open our fortune cookies as we finished our meal. We have both whined over the way fortune cookies have changed over the years. Nowadays they offer advice or present a watered-down proverb. But that day was different! Something about the future! A real fortune!  Are you ready for this?

“Remember three months from this date! Your lucky star is shining.”

***WOW***

I have a friend who will not touch a fortune cookie. Another friend appends the same phrase to the end of every fortune cookie saying to make it funny. It is all fun and games; no one really takes fortune cookies seriously. Right?

That is not entirely true, is it? Some people are sure that the fortune cookie they receive is not a coincidence but a specific message destined for them. (And just who is it that is in charge of destiny???)

Can we take a look at my wonderful stroke of luck destiny?

I received my fortune cookie on August 12th. Upon reading it Mike laughed, “From what I know about stars, that star has been shining for a long time!” He’s right. The closest star to our solar system is ‘Proxima Centauri’ at 4.25 light years from the Sun. That simply means that the light from my ‘lucky star’ took over four years to reach the earth. So, in reality, my ‘lucky star’ was already shining…on August 12th.

So, when I look back at my fantastic fortune, I have no clue what it really means. What does the ‘three months’ have to do with anything. And just what is a lucky star? How do I locate mine? Do I have to see it for it to be lucky? Is it the star that is lucky or does it somehow bring me luck? If it brings me luck...how? Why now?

Many people wish they could stand on the edge of today and take a peek into tomorrow. They would make better decisions if they knew what would happen tomorrow. Right?

For example, if I know it will rain tomorrow, I can prepare better. Then again, I could always carry my umbrella and be prepared every day. But who wants to end up carrying an umbrella on a sunny day? (*tsk*) Do we really need to know about tomorrow???

He who watches the wind will not sow

and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.

                                             —Ecclesiastes 11:4

Fortune cookies, dream interpretations, crystal balls, horoscopes, the Chinese calendar (I’m a dog), lucky charms, lucky rabbit’s feet (foots?), and on and on it goes. None of these are from God; none give real insight into tomorrow.

God was furious with ancient Israel for ignoring Him when they needed insight. Looking for tomorrows answers in the cookies, crystals and calendars of their day led to idolatry. God was not throwing a fit because He was being left out; he had true insight, real answers. He offered stability in life and future hope (expectation). Israel looked to empty idols.

The question is not whether we can figure out what will happen tomorrow or what the statistical probabilities are. Rather…

Will we turn to God when problems arise?

Will we patiently wait for His answer?

Will we follow His revealed word faithfully?

Finally, brethren, whatever is true…

dwell on these things.

                                    —Philippians 4:8

Do not waste precious time and energy on life’s uncertainties and wishful thinking; think about things that you know to be TRUE.