Proverbe 14:1-7

I have chosen the verse that speaks tome for today and journaled about it.  You choose what verse speaks to you and journal it out in your bible, or in your sketchbook.

14 A wise woman builds her home,
    but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

² Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;
    those who take the wrong path despise him.

³ A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
    but the words of the wise keep them safe.

⁴ Without oxen a stable stays clean,
    but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

⁵ An honest witness does not lie;
    a false witness breathes lies.

⁶ A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

⁷ Stay away from fools,
    for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

Verse 4 captivates my attention.  The dichotomy is so easily overlooked as mere logic and nonsensical…almost.  Then it pulls at your brain and draws you into deeper water, as the scriptures do. Without an ox, the stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.   My ponderings instantly take me to love.  Without risking myself on friendships and relationships- my heart stays clean and unhurt. In this place, with a clean stable- my heart is sterile and pristine, though it lacks the inhabitation of life.

You may have been hurt and wonder if it’s worth it.  Is it worth it to risk love?  Isn’t it easier to build a wall and live inside, away from hurt, gossip, lies and betrayal? It might be, but there’s no warmth in this sterile environment. There’s no challenge and no one to share life with.  It's safe, but safe doesn't change the world.

Let's dig into the Word a little bit.....The word for “oxen” in “Without an oxen the stable stays clean” is eleph.  The word does depict cattle.  But hold on, the primitive root of this word means to teach.   Let me paraphrase what we have so far:

Without a teacher the feeding trough (Hebrew meaning stable) stays clean.

Without us doing what we are called to do in the Gospel, to make disciples of the nations – the feeding trough stays clean and empty. Without sharing Jesus, no one is getting fed. 

BUT you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

Can I get an amen?  We need strong teachers to rise up and take a stand against the darkness.  We need teachers and leaders that are versed in the Word so that we can lead the deceived out of darkness and into the light.  STRONG teachers bring about a great harvest.  The word for strong here is an unused root meaning “firm”.  We need some firm truths laid down in today’s society. Firm foundations in righteousness and holiness. This brings about a great harvest.

Nowhere does it say complacency in our faith feeds and increases the Kingdom. The world needs us to awaken and rise into our destinies. It is dark outside and darkness continues to spread. I am honored to walk beside all of you and to call you commrades as we dig into the Word, gain Wisdom and shine her into the darkness!!