Proverbs 11
In this chapter the wise one is outlining a list of do’s and don’ts for us – each of which will either bring us life or destruction. It is all about our being and doing. It is great seeing the list of life-givers all collated in this way – honesty, sommon sense, doing good, doing what is right, being fair, being generous, treating peoplw well. These are all in sharp contrast to lieing, cheating, stealing, holding back from doing good, foolishness. The first bracket wouldn’t sell well in the soapie market of TV but the second is a script for most of the lastest shows. Even to string such words together in a whole chapter felt strange but also powerul – words like honesty – goodness – generosity – fairness. It sounds more than a political ad there is deep truth and life in this chapter iff only would hear it and act in accord to it.
Acts 5
Well here is the story that goes along with Proverbs 11 bith with Ananias and Sapphira as well as the council of the pharisees. Here the writer of Acts highlights the contrast between both individuals and institutions that choose destructive behaviours over the way of Christ – which brings life and freedom. The challenge of both proverbs 11 and Acts 5 is to do as the apostles have done…(Acts 5:42) “They never stoppped teaching and telling the good news that Jesus is the Messiah” [PRAYER - LORD in the face of a world that can be so foolish and violent help me to follow your way of truth, honesty, generosity and doing good - and help me to also never stop teaching and telling the good news that Jesus is the Messiah - AMEN]
