Examination

For Thursday, July 13, 2006
Proverbs 18:17

The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.

What a true observation! How many times have we heard one speaker lay forth an argument that seems the epitomy of commonsense only to hear another speaker give a different opinion or exam the first speaker, and we completely change our opinion? Perhaps the first speaker omitted pertinent information; perhaps he operated from presuppositions that needed questioning. Whatever the case, it took another examiner - either one impartial or with a differing opinion - to present a fuller picture.

Thus, we need ourselves not to be quick to form opinions nor to assume that the speaker on our side is always right. This happens in politics and theology where we presume that our guy is the one with the right facts and opinion. Take time to listen to the examiner, regardless of his position. The truth can reside even in the one with the wrong motivation or perspective. We are not to judge by what "seems" right, but by the evidence itself. Oftentimes we need someone with another perspective to help us consider what the evidence may be.

And give thanks that we have a Lord who judges not by what his eyes see or ears hear, but only with righteousness and equity (Isaiah 11:4). And give thanks that we have God's Word that gives, not an opinion, but truth by which we may judge the opinions of others, including ourselves.

The Giving of Gifts

For Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Proverbs 18:16

A man's gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.

What is the difference between a gift and a bribe? Is this proverb permitting the offering of bribes to get one's way? The proverb may not be giving permission for anything. Many proverbs are mere observations about life, adding no comment about the moral value. That is true of this one.

And yet, there are many situations in which a gift may be used wisely. In this proverb the gift is used to win an audience with someone in a greater position. It is mere bribery - i.e. a payoff - to pay a sort of fee and obtain unfair advantage over others, especially in the matter of justice. And yet a wise person will take the time to a pleasing gift that softens an otherwise stony composure and thus win a fair hearing. It is also appropriate to give gifts that express true sentiment of appreciation, such as giving a gift to someone whom you admire.

Again, this is not the case of a rich man able to give a higher cost bribe than his poorer opponent, or deliver secret bribes. Rather, it is the wise paving of the way that allows him to receive his hearing and to enhance good relations. Thus, Jesse sends David to his brothers not only with food for them, but for their commander; Jacob sends gifts to Esau and the brothers bring gifts to Joseph on behalf of their father. The givers are expressing to the recipients that they acknowledge their position of being under the recipients' authority or power. They are not demanding rights, but appealing to generosity.

This kind of attitude does not go over well in our society of "give me my rights," and which is not necessarily bad. But be careful of letting pride get in the way of being wise and of being generous.