December 29, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 29
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Following Scripture Verses

1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. .

Today's Pathway:
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"He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length." - Proverbs 29:21

There is a difference of opinion as to exactly what is being taught in this proverb. Many Bible students believe that Solomon is warning against treating a servant too gently. They believe that this verse teaches that if you allow your servant to get away with too much liberty as a child, he will eventually forget his responsibilities to serve, and will sit around the house expecting to be waited on as if he were a son.

While that opinion seems to be the majority one, I do not think that is what is being taught here. I think that Solomon is teaching that if you care for your servant and treat him well, eventually he will become like a son to you. The relationship will grow from that of master-servant to that of father-son. Though there may be no biological ties, there will be a knitting of heart and spirit that unites these men together.

The practical teaching of this verse is that if we are willing to care about people, particularly those over whom we may have some level of authority, the day may come when the bond that exists between us may be as great as any that exists between blood relatives. I believe that there are many young adults have developed close, family-like relationships with the men and/or women who mentored them. This didn't happen by accident. It occurred because the elder took an interest in the younger, and brought him up (in whatever capacity) gently and lovingly.

Formal relationships can turn into family relationships. Perhaps if you treat your employees or students with love and compassion, the day will come when they will love you like a parent. That type of relationship will be a blessing to both of you.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery