Choices

Some Old Testament proverbs are read quickly – cause a chuckle and then we move on. For example, one proverb says, “He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.” Anyone who doesn’t wake up in a cheery mood will appreciate that one.

But there are other wise sayings that will make us think – then decide. And the choices are much more difficult.

For example, when we read, “Listen my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”

That’s more difficult, isn’t it?  We aren’t laughing when we hear those words – because now we have to decide what to do. Wisdom or indulgence? It’s a gift to be able to choose – but it’s a responsibility, too. Animals act. Humans choose. God reigns – and he wants us to be wise.