Thoughts

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Whose Direction?

Proverbs 20:24 says, “Man's steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?” That last part is better translated, “How can a man understand his own way?”

It’s true. Our lives are in God’s hand. He knows where He wants us and what He wants us to do and be.

We sometimes think we are planning and running our lives. And to a certain extent we are, since we do have the freedom to choose. But God’s ultimate, overarching plan for creation will be accomplished.

Doesn’t it seem foolish to think that we can challenge God? Doesn’t it seem wiser to acknowledge His lordship and follow Him one step at a time, and allow ourselves to be in harmony with His plan? If our plan is in conflict with His, all our planning will be for nothing.

I would much rather give myself to Him and have the assurance that my life will have meant something when I stand before Him at the judgement. My ultimate goal is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Anti-Woman?

I’m sure you noticed Solomon’s comments about living with a disagreeable woman. In some circles this is fodder for the fallacy that the Bible is anti-woman. I disagree, and here’s why.

This book is written by a man who was a king with not only great wisdom and great wealth, but a large amount of concubines. I’m sure that he was well acquainted with easy-to-get-along with women and some who were not so much.

The purpose of this book is what? To impart wisdom. Why? Because with wisdom comes many things, one of which is peace. 

Solomon was writing from a man’s perspective, so he talked about marital peace from that vantage point. He therefore mentions living with a quarrelsome woman, and the disruption of peace that causes. I don’t see that as anti-woman. It’s no fun being around quarrelsome men either, is it?

One could just say, “Better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a home with a quarreling mate.” This scripture doesn’t give men the right to be quarrelsome. And it doesn’t denigrate women. 

How do I know that the Bible is not anti-woman? There are many scriptures that praise specific women. But here is one of my favorite proof texts that women are to be honored. In Ephesians 5:25, Paul said, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.” The way Christ loved the church is the epitome of love! Husbands are to put the welfare of their wives above their own. 

No. The Bible is not anti-woman.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 20 NASB, Ch. 21 GWT

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