The purpose of the entire thirty-one chapters of Proverbs is to give instruction for wise and godly living and although I have no intention of addressing most of the topics, this week I鈥檒l look briefly at the matter of self-control and avoiding extremes. They鈥檙e also some of the bad habits I鈥檝e had to work hard at mastering 鈥� just so you don鈥檛 think I鈥檓 pointing fingers!
In chapter 23, Solomon points out a number of necessary things that we humans often take to extremes, namely food, work and budgeting. As necessary as they are, it鈥檚 when they get out of control that they cause problems. All three, self-indulgence, over working for wrong purposes and the matter of how we spend money, are essential and a blessing when kept in right order.
Regarding self indulgence, in the first verse of this chapter Solomon speaks about the dangers of over eating. 鈥淲hile dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you; if you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat.鈥� 聽In this case l am not commenting on the warning given regarding our dinner companions (that鈥檚 another subject) but rather on our appetite. I know from personal experience that great harm can result from gluttony and thankfully, as a testimony to God鈥檚 help, I鈥檝e been learning that lesson and have shed the excess weight I carried for so long.
Over-working simply for the purpose of amassing wealth often takes its toll on health, family and other relationships while diverting attention from the really important things of life. 鈥淩iches certainly make themselves wings,鈥� Solomon noted, then added, on the other hand 鈥渄rowsiness will clothe a man with rags鈥�. 聽Wise handling of finances with the goal of pleasing God is essential in these days of easy credit.
Thanks, Solomon, for great Biblical, practical advice!
