Proverbs 13-14
The wise sayings continue as the authors continue to flesh out the difference between the righteous and the wicked. An important trait of the righteous and the wise is knowing they do not know everything, therefore instruction and discipline are essential to become wise. The foolish or wicked scoff at such instruction and refuse to be disciplined, they live by their own rules and their own desires. Discipline has many connotations from words used to diets to caring for others. These actions demonstrate the wisdom of a person.
Proper language is also lifted up in Proverbs 13, it is language of instruction that provides learning and is not just "pretty" or vain. To just embellish language does not make it wise, but to instruct and speak about life in its totality, that is wise. Prosperity is also lifted up, but it is not financial prosperity but in how one uses wealth. Wealth that serves the self is folly but wealth that serves a community is wise.
Proverbs 14 continues to list the differences between wisdom and folly. All have merit, but most are similar to what we have already read so there is no real need for elucidation.
Colossians 4
Paul, or the author, closes a letter with final exhortations to continue in faith and to pray for the community. He then offers greetings and thanks from his varied co-ministers, many of whom are of a Jewish background. The listing reads as a who's who of Paul's colleagues and many have become legends of the early church. Perhaps John Mark was the author of the Gospel of Mark, perhaps Luke is the physician who wrote the Gospel.
Backlogged Posts
2 Chronicles 33-34
The story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33 differs from the 2 Kings account. The first half rings true to Kings, as Manasseh does every possible evil that was possible, he worshiped false gods, put up idols in the Temple, performed acts of sorcery with his own family, of the kings of Judah, Manasseh was the worst. Yet in Chronicles he finds redemption. In a story that does not appear in Kings, Manasseh is taken into exile by the Assyrians to Babylon, which is bizarre since the capital of the Assyrian empire was Nineveh. While in exile, evidently Manasseh repents and God restores him.
It is not clear why Chronicles includes such a passage or why Kings would omit it. It does seem like the chronicler is again attempting to show God's steadfast support for the line of David, though I think Manasseh is pretty tough sell to think he would mend his ways. Since the next king Amon, does what was evil in the eyes of the Lord because he followed in the ways of his father, Manasseh, then we can probably assume Manasseh does not change.
While Manasseh and Amon seem to represent the period of exile from God, Josiah comes and reflects the restoration of Israel. There are some differences from the account in Second Kings and the account in 2 Chronicles 34. The reforms of Josiah in Second Kings occur after the discovery of the Book of Law, probably Deuteronomy, while the chronicler has Josiah reforming the temple when the Law is discovered.
Much like other reformers, Josiah's work includes an opportunity for the renewal of the covenant with all the people of Israel. Yet the words of the prophet Huldah, are not promising. While Josiah will not see the devastation God will bring to Jerusalem, the devastation will come.
Psalm 75-76
Psalm 75 is a psalm of thanksgiving for God's wondrous works. These works are primarily seen in the justice that God metes out into the universe. The psalm itself looks forward to the time when God will issue judgment and the wicked will be punished and the righteous lifted up.
Psalm 76 offers a glimpse of the Warrior God who resides in Zion. The psalm recalls God's actions in the world to defeat warrior and horse, no one can stand before God. When God comes in judgment, justice will roll.
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