For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Salient points:
- Vs.3-4 -- to a Christian, at least -- sound highly messianic. Yet the LXX translated "children" in place of son (v.4), so we cannot have the degree of confidence we might like. Integrity means we don't ignore the majority of translations in favor of the special reading of a single version. This isn't honest. (I still feel Jesus in this text.)
- Vs.5-6 are a great passage on the word of God!
- Vs.7-9 are a great passage on a modest lifestyle. Modesty isn't just about dress or speech; it's about how we live and the messages conveyed through our decisions concerning wealth and possessions. The book mentioned is Craig Blomberg's Neither Poverty Nor Riches.
- It is possible to feel in the right, or saved, or clean, but to still be in one's sins (v.12).
- The leech (v.15) has two suckers, which draw blood until the critter is bloated. In Gen 49:22, branches of a tree are called "daughters" of the tree. Perhaps the leech's "daughters" are the suckers.
- Notice the numerical mnemonic devices in vs.15-31.
- The adulteress feels no guilt (v.20). Whether this is pathological, or she truly disbelieves there are absolute morals, the attitude increasingly characterizes our society.
Challenge:
- Live a moderate lifestyle!
- There are two dangers, two extremes. Lack of wealth can sometimes be as dangerous as abundance of wealth, though to be fair in scripture there are far more warnings addressed to the rich.
- Note: Moderation is culturally determined, not absolute. Be flexible in your thinking, and don't look down on others who draw different conclusions.
- Modest living means we will lower unnecessary spending; be less tempted to cheat the system or view God as just an accessory to affluent living; be less distracted by the advertisers (designer items, expensive jewelry, lavish status markers, conspicuous consumption); be setting a better example for others; and have a greater appetite for the things of the Spirit.
- Then, instead of being controlled (enslaved) by our habits, our habits will serve us.
- Further study: various articles and podcasts HERE. For helpful books to help us curb materialism, see many of the titles HERE.
Versions: The initial reading was the NIV, the final reading the KJ3.
Next Up: Our final lesson in this series -- Proverbs 31.