Basic Values – Proverbs 16:25-32

Goodreads.com houses this evaluation of a book styled on the remark made by the silversmiths in Ephesus about Christians, “These men who have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6): “In his book, The Upside Down Kingdom, Donald Kraybill takes up the challenge of explaining the kingdom. Apparent by his title, Kraybill offers that the kingdom is a realization that stands in stark contrast to the common ways of this world. It is most often the exact opposite of how we assume a rulership to function.”

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.

Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:25–32, ESV)

We think we know what is best for us. But we are given to deception. We choose ways that end up killing us.

We despise hunger, but it is the thing that motivates us to do work, something Yahweh has commanded us to do in the 10 Commandments.
We make evil plots for self-advancement only to start a fire that destroys.
We lie about others to build ourselves up and destroy relationships that had great value.
We try to get others to join us in misguided ventures that lead to violence.
We manipulate others to get our way and it only results in evil being perpetrated.
We despise old age instead of seeing it as a consequence of right living and a time of blessing to those coming after us as we advise them.

We yearn for power when the greatest power is seen in controlling our tempers and ruling our own spirits.

We need the direction God gives us through His word, His people, and His world to guide us in the right path. Are we paying attention?

About the Author Randall Johnson

A full-time pastor since 1979, Randall originally graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) in 1979 and from Reformed Theological Seminary (DMin) in 1998. He is married with four grown children and a pile of epic grandchildren.

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