PROVERBS 15:16-33 – 6/18/21

“ENOUGH IS AS GOOD AS A FEAST, TO ONE THAT’S NOT A BEAST”

“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred,” Pr. 15:16, 17.

Sure, great wealth is more appealing than leanness of the pocket; a sumptuous meal more than a bowl vegetables. Rarely do we pre-calculate the price of enticing things. It is possible for their appeal to immediately hijack our desire so that it bypasses our executive thinking capacities such as judgement (hindsight, insight, and foresight), planning (e.g. for rest and play).

The problem is that there is no arrival point with uncontrolled appetites. Fulfilling uncontrolled desire does not satiate it, it inflames it! It is never “enough.” No sooner is it filled, than it is yawning for more.

“Over-indulging does not mean cherishing.”

Hannah TK, Napping in Delilah’s Lap.

One of the traits of the fear of the Lord is self-control and discipline whereby one says, “no more, thank you.” Contentment with godliness is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness,” 1 Timothy 6:6-11.

These verses bring up another crucial aspect – it is a shame to whole-heartedly pursue our cravings at the expense of relationships. The subject has attained great wealth and eats extravagant meals but his or her life is marked by “turmoil” and “hatred.” In life we exchange things all the time – skills for money, sleep for success in tomorrow’s exam, luxuries for our children’s education fund, etc. If we have exchanged stuff and status for peace of mind and people, we have failed.