Well, I'm finishing up Proverbs today. There are a couple of outstanding verses reminding us, first of all, that wealth or poverty matters little to God. We seem to have this idea that the rich are somehow better than the poor. God doesn't look at us that way and we need to learn to change that way of thinking.
Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2)
There's also this reminder that wealth is truly an unworthy goal...it doesn't last...
Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23:4-5)
On another subject: alcohol consumption. Over the course of my life I have been all over the map with my opinions on this. I was much more strict and even legalistic about it when I was younger. The thing is, I don't get the impression from scripture that there is anything inherently sinful about drinking alcoholic beverages. Plus, I know so many sincere and even devoted Christian people who enjoy the occasional drink without any sense that it is dragging them down or that it is even remotely an act of rebellion. On the other hand, I also can't think of any other addiction that has caused so much pain and misery...families, careers and lives destroyed because of a beverage. It's hard to comprehend. Consequently, for me, I have am no longer legalistic about it...but I don't really feel like I'm missing out on anything by not partaking.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35)
In the Kings and Chronicles passages we return to the narrative. Solomon is getting started on the construction of the temple. When I read the descriptions of this building in scripture I have a hard time picturing it in my mind. I can't imagine how much gold and artistry was involved. It had to be beyond impressive. Here's why:
“The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?" (2 Chronicles 2:5-6)
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