WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:17.219 A good man is to be chosen better than great witches, and favor is better than sober folk. 00:00:17.900 --> 00:00:22.740 The rich and the poor meet together, and the Lord is the maker of them all. 00:00:23.320 --> 00:00:28.859 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.000 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is rich and the power of the might. 00:00:35.100 --> 00:00:37.320 Thorns and snares are in the way of the Lord. 00:00:37.560 --> 00:00:39.880 Whoever guards his children will come from them. 00:00:40.899 --> 00:00:43.000 Train up a child in the way he should go. 00:00:43.259 --> 00:00:45.640 Even when he is old, he will not depart from it. 00:00:46.420 --> 00:00:49.799 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. 00:00:50.219 --> 00:00:54.679 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the robber of his fury will fail. 00:00:55.679 --> 00:00:59.780 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, but he shares his bread with the poor. 00:01:00.859 --> 00:01:05.920 Drive out a scopper, and strife will be left, and quarreling and abuse will cease. 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:12.579 And he who loves purity of heart, and who speech is gracious, will have a king as his friend. 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:18.019 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor. 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:20.939 The slugger says, there's a lion outside. 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:22.480 I shall be killed in the streets. 00:01:22.480 --> 00:01:28.400 The mouth of forbidden woman, he will fall into the grave. 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:29.400 The tongue of the king will fall into the grave. 00:01:29.400 --> 00:01:41.180 The tongue of the king will increase his own wealth, or gifts to which you will only come to power. 00:01:41.180 --> 00:01:48.100 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:01:48.099 --> 00:01:54.019 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:01:54.019 --> 00:01:59.939 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:01:59.939 --> 00:02:05.859 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:02:05.859 --> 00:02:35.840 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:02:35.860 --> 00:02:38.040 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:02:38.039 --> 00:02:40.039 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:44.000 The tongue of the king will be blessed. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:51.319 When you sit down to eat with the ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to an appetite. 00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:55.360 Do not desire his delicacies, for they are receptive food. 00:02:56.120 --> 00:02:57.919 Do not toil to acquire wealth. 00:02:58.240 --> 00:02:59.780 Be discerning enough to desist. 00:03:00.580 --> 00:03:06.620 When your eyes lie on it, it is gone, for suddenly its prop's wind is flying like an eagle to let him. 00:03:07.219 --> 00:03:09.719 Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy. 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:14.819 Do not desire his delicacies, for he is like one who is inwardly captivating. 00:03:14.979 --> 00:03:18.840 Eat and drink, he says to you, but his heart is not worthy. 00:03:19.719 --> 00:03:23.360 You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:28.740 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. 00:03:29.419 --> 00:03:36.740 Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for the Redeemer is strong, and he will plead their cause against you. 00:03:36.740 --> 00:03:42.439 Do not wear your heart to instruction, and your ear to words of knowledge, not with cold discipline from a child. 00:03:42.680 --> 00:03:45.060 If you strike him with a lie, he will not die. 00:03:45.540 --> 00:03:48.800 If you strike him with a lie, he will save his child from a sheep. 00:03:49.879 --> 00:03:52.379 This is God's holy and authoritative word. 00:03:52.379 --> 00:04:02.180 Take another look at chapter 22, verses 17 to 21, which begins the new section that I mentioned that's attributed generally to the wise. 00:04:03.539 --> 00:04:14.579 And this prologue consists of two verses with four quaid lines bracketing the center line, verse 19, which is the central aim of these 30 saints. 00:04:14.580 --> 00:04:23.040 And the central aim is this, that your trust may be in the Lord, I have made the truth known to you today, even to you. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:33.939 As we've been seeing throughout the book of Proverbs, the central aim of God's wisdom given to us in this book is not just to pragmatically help us navigate a complex world, 00:04:33.939 --> 00:04:47.199 or just to make us, give us some street savvy to live, but rather its goal is to bring us personally to trust in the Lord, the Yahweh, the Jehovah, 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:49.920 which is the personal name of Israel and our God. 00:04:50.540 --> 00:04:56.399 The goal of Proverbs is to humble us, to fill us with faith in God, 00:04:56.399 --> 00:05:04.219 so that every aspect of our lives is characterized by that fear of God, submission to Him, living in His presence and for His glory. 00:05:05.599 --> 00:05:11.959 And this requires the meaning of God's word, and that's what the exhortations in verse 17 and 18 are about. 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:17.379 It mentions four different wise parts in escalating fashion. 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:20.779 First, it says, incline your ear, hear the word of wise. 00:05:21.379 --> 00:05:23.739 And second, it says, apply your heart to my knowledge. 00:05:23.740 --> 00:05:27.960 And third, it says, it will be pleasant if you keep them within you. 00:05:28.100 --> 00:05:30.000 That's literally inside your belly. 00:05:30.960 --> 00:05:37.300 And people in the ancient Near Eastern world often spoke metaphorically of the belly being the receptacle of the heart. 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:42.100 And then fourth, finally, it says, if all of them are already on your lips. 00:05:42.660 --> 00:05:47.780 So the wisdom of God that we are listening to now is supposed to enter through the ear, 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:51.060 and it's supposed to be preserved in the heart and the belly, 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:56.339 and it's finally supposed to find its place on our lips as we share it with others. 00:05:57.339 --> 00:06:00.339 This depicts the progress of God's word in our lives. 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:05.120 We must hear it with our ears, believe it in our hearts, and speak it with our lips. 00:06:05.459 --> 00:06:08.579 And I want to ask you, where are you in this progression? 00:06:10.340 --> 00:06:13.720 You have heard the words of God, but have you believed it with your heart? 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:17.560 And do you then live it and share it with your lips? 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:24.240 The progress of God's wisdom in our lives is not complete until all three steps have taken place. 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:28.220 And this is the message that verse 19 exhorts us to listen to today. 00:06:28.880 --> 00:06:29.940 There's a sense of urgency. 00:06:30.840 --> 00:06:34.100 Today, even to us, this word is given. 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:38.920 And the main point of this passage is this, that we should acknowledge God's worship 00:06:38.920 --> 00:06:45.600 and practice discipline in our dealings with money and in our rearing of children. 00:06:46.980 --> 00:06:48.200 Those are my two main points. 00:06:48.340 --> 00:06:50.460 First, discipline with regard to money. 00:06:50.879 --> 00:06:53.000 Second, discipline of children in love. 00:06:53.400 --> 00:06:57.280 And please keep your Bibles open and follow along with me throughout the sermon 00:06:57.280 --> 00:06:59.580 because I'm going to be jumping around quite a bit. 00:07:01.060 --> 00:07:03.580 First, let's talk about discipline with regard to money. 00:07:03.579 --> 00:07:05.599 Chapter 22, verse 1 begins, 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:08.379 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. 00:07:08.979 --> 00:07:11.620 And favor is better than silver or gold. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:17.639 The word rich occurs five times here in verses 1 to 16 of chapter 22. 00:07:17.979 --> 00:07:20.139 It's indicating that it's one of the main themes. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:24.259 And a good name refers to a good reputation. 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:27.099 Being viewed with favor from others. 00:07:27.740 --> 00:07:31.519 And that's being in favor with God, before God and men. 00:07:31.519 --> 00:07:32.359 Here it says, 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:35.799 Then great riches, silver or gold. 00:07:36.740 --> 00:07:43.519 And according to Proverbs, a good name is not won simply by being good with people, 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:46.500 having good social skills, or through good branding. 00:07:47.159 --> 00:07:52.680 But a good name is won through God-given wisdom, through prudence, through righteous living. 00:07:52.680 --> 00:08:00.819 And this comparison teaches us that a good name and great riches are not necessarily conjoined. 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:05.400 Verses 3 to 4 qualify this by reminding us, 00:08:05.399 --> 00:08:22.679 So the word suffer literally means to be fined, to be charged a monetary penalty. 00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:25.439 And so it's continuing the same theme of money. 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:30.439 It's generally true, because it reflects God's creational order, 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:34.799 that the wise and the righteous before God are rewarded with sin. 00:08:35.500 --> 00:08:36.960 It's generally true. 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:39.320 And the foolish and the wicked are punished. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:42.200 However, it is not universally true. 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:47.320 Because we live in an upside-down world full of sinful, rebellious people. 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:51.760 So sometimes justice is deferred until God's final judgment day. 00:08:52.240 --> 00:08:57.420 And for that reason, there is a such thing as the righteous poor and the wicked rich. 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:03.120 And this verse is telling us that when we're faced with the choice between righteousness and riches, 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:06.140 we should always choose righteousness. 00:09:07.900 --> 00:09:13.640 Sometimes in our world, the rich are automatically given honor and favor by virtue of their wealth. 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:16.960 While the poor are treated with dishonor and disfavor. 00:09:17.819 --> 00:09:21.659 But verse 2 gives us a better basis for relating to the rich and the poor. 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:22.480 It says, 00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:24.319 The rich and the poor meet together. 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:26.539 The Lord is the maker. 00:09:27.279 --> 00:09:31.740 The rich and poor are often sold due to circumstances outside of their control. 00:09:32.419 --> 00:09:36.460 So being wealthy is not necessarily a sign of virtue, but it can be. 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:40.500 And being poor is not necessarily a sign of vice, but it can be. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:46.480 So it is better to treat the rich and the poor justly on the basis of their common origin. 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:49.019 The Lord has made them both. 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:55.080 And that truth in and of itself supports sufficient dignity to every human being. 00:09:57.580 --> 00:10:02.139 But in this teaching about choosing a good name and favor over great riches, 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:06.179 Proverbs does not fail to note the advantages that the rich have over the poor. 00:10:07.059 --> 00:10:08.740 Verse 7 is very realistic. 00:10:08.740 --> 00:10:11.100 The rich rules over the poor. 00:10:11.659 --> 00:10:14.039 And the borrower is the slave of the lender. 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:20.279 To be in someone's debt is tantamount to being enslaved by that person. 00:10:21.159 --> 00:10:23.480 You are no longer a free person. 00:10:24.259 --> 00:10:28.220 You are bound to fulfill your obligations to the creditor. 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:32.080 This can be true quite literally. 00:10:32.680 --> 00:10:35.180 For example, in 2 Kings 4, verse 1, 00:10:35.779 --> 00:10:39.399 The creditor comes to take the widow's two children to be his slaves. 00:10:40.840 --> 00:10:44.120 So there's a helpful warning here for those who, 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:47.120 through undisciplined spending, enter into debt. 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:55.820 The materialistic and consumeristic society that we live in trains us to live above our means. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:11:03.659 This is why so many sellers offer financing for products that people can't buy outright. 00:11:03.659 --> 00:11:14.179 The media pitch a vision for the good life with ever increasing standards of living that many people's incomes cannot keep up with. 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:17.879 Which creates debt pressure. 00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:21.220 Christians are to resist this pressure. 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:24.480 Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6, verse 68, 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:27.100 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:31.679 We brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:34.080 And clothing with these we will be content. 00:11:34.080 --> 00:11:36.100 We should be content. 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:39.400 We should be content and refuse to live beyond our means. 00:11:40.480 --> 00:11:43.879 But though verse 7 warns against becoming poor debtors, 00:11:44.300 --> 00:11:48.400 there's an even stronger warning here against the rich creditors. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:51.020 It says in verses 8-9, 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:54.139 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, 00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:56.520 and the rod of his fury will fail. 00:11:57.180 --> 00:11:59.400 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, 00:11:59.540 --> 00:12:01.600 for he shares his bread with the poor. 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:06.620 These two verses contrast the hard work of evil of the worst 00:12:06.620 --> 00:12:08.300 with the hard work of the righteous. 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:10.759 Like a diligent farmer, 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:14.240 the righteous work hard in order to share the fruit of their labor, 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:15.920 their bread, with others. 00:12:16.420 --> 00:12:19.940 But the wicked rich are busy sowing injustice. 00:12:21.060 --> 00:12:24.019 This is likely a reference to usury mentioned in verse 7. 00:12:25.300 --> 00:12:26.879 Exodus 22-25 says, 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:29.899 If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, 00:12:29.899 --> 00:12:32.360 you shall not be like a money lender to him, 00:12:32.419 --> 00:12:33.699 and have interest from him. 00:12:34.399 --> 00:12:38.319 The Israelites were prohibited from exploiting the poor among them. 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:41.559 And since those who seek to borrow money 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:43.919 are usually the neediest people, 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:50.399 charging interest on loans was viewed as an unjust exploitation of others' plight. 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:58.019 It was a way that the rich enriched themselves further at the expense of others, 00:12:58.360 --> 00:12:59.759 at the expense of the poor. 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:02.360 They took advantage of the poor's plight, 00:13:02.419 --> 00:13:05.379 and filled many loans with interests, 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:09.559 hoping to reap a huge profit with usually. 00:13:10.419 --> 00:13:12.419 But verse 7 warns against that. 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:12.720 It says, 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:13.340 In the end, 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:15.120 they will reap calamity, 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:17.519 and the rod of his fury will fail. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:19.759 The word rod can also mean scepter, 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:23.680 and it's likely a continuation of the ruling imagery in verse 7. 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:27.620 The rich lenders exploit the poor and seek to lord it over them, 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:29.560 ruling them with the rod of their fury, 00:13:30.180 --> 00:13:31.940 driving them like a slave driver. 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:33.259 But ultimately, 00:13:33.680 --> 00:13:35.340 the rod of fury will fail, 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:39.560 because God's virtual justice will see to them. 00:13:40.800 --> 00:13:41.680 In contrast, 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:44.700 whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, 00:13:45.220 --> 00:13:47.440 for he shares his bread with the poor. 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:50.740 This truth is echoed in chapter 22, verse 16. 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:54.259 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth 00:13:54.259 --> 00:13:56.960 or gives to the rich will only come to poverty. 00:13:58.060 --> 00:14:00.840 Those who enrich themselves at the expense of others 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:01.820 will be ruined, 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:04.060 but those who share with the needy, 00:14:04.059 --> 00:14:06.759 their own expense will be blessed. 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:08.879 Those who give to the rich, 00:14:09.099 --> 00:14:09.579 presumably, 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:11.559 to come to poverty with them, 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:18.619 the poor who can do them no favor, 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:21.639 will only come to poverty. 00:14:24.199 --> 00:14:25.919 Because the poor, 00:14:26.439 --> 00:14:28.899 it says in Congress 1917, 00:14:29.559 --> 00:14:31.439 lend to the Lord for the care. 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:34.880 The third sayings of the wise, 00:14:34.880 --> 00:14:36.980 I'm skipping ahead a little bit here, 00:14:37.160 --> 00:14:40.400 also begins with the teaching on being disciplined with money 00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:43.460 and how to deal with the poor and rich in the world. 00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:46.660 It says in chapter 22, verses 22 to 23, 00:14:46.659 --> 00:14:49.019 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, 00:14:49.219 --> 00:14:51.039 or crush the afflicted at the gate, 00:14:51.480 --> 00:14:54.980 for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who robbed them. 00:14:55.779 --> 00:15:01.659 The city gate was the center for legal, economic, and political proceedings in the ancient Near East. 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.399 It has in view, 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:06.759 those with power will take advantage of the poor and the afflicted, 00:15:06.959 --> 00:15:08.399 simply because they can't. 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:13.699 Because they know that the poor are powerless and lack the resources to do anything about it. 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:15.579 But verse 23 warns, 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:18.959 The Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who robbed them. 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:20.980 When man pervert justice, 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:22.100 God will make it right. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:26.040 And verses 24 to 25 continue, 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.340 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, 00:15:28.440 --> 00:15:29.779 nor go with a wrathful man, 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:33.080 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:36.920 This proverb seems unrelated to the theme of money at first, 00:15:37.040 --> 00:15:40.220 but the comparison with Proverbs 19, 19 is illuminating. 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:41.139 It says, 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:43.800 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, 00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:45.060 for if you deliver him, 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:46.740 you will only have to do it again. 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:48.620 The word penalty, once again, 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:50.000 is the same word that means fine, 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.320 a financial penalty. 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:57.600 A wrathful person will get himself into financial trouble again and again 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:59.379 due to his control, 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:02.879 and you will have to bail him out again and again and again, 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:05.600 and so the wise person does not befriend such a person, 00:16:06.779 --> 00:16:08.600 lest he entangle himself in a snare. 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:12.200 Moreover, sinful anger, this verse tells us, is infectious. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:15.919 There is a risk that by befriending such a person, 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:17.060 you will learn his ways 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:20.439 and get entangled in the snare yourself. 00:16:22.099 --> 00:16:24.259 Verses 26 to 27 continue the warning 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:27.299 about unwise entanglement in others' financial affairs. 00:16:27.799 --> 00:16:29.599 Be not one of those who give pledges, 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:31.079 who put up security for debts. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:33.319 If you have nothing with which to pay, 00:16:33.479 --> 00:16:35.759 why should your bed be taken from underneath? 00:16:37.279 --> 00:16:40.719 This is talking about the repeated warning that Proverbs has 00:16:40.719 --> 00:16:42.559 about becoming a surety, 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:45.099 a guarantor of someone else's debt, 00:16:45.439 --> 00:16:46.359 someone else's loan. 00:16:47.059 --> 00:16:50.439 Even though at the time you cosign someone else's loan, 00:16:50.439 --> 00:16:53.699 you may have enough money to account for everything. 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:58.200 Your financial situation might change in the near future. 00:16:59.080 --> 00:17:00.379 We do not know that. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:03.340 We do not know what the future holds for us. 00:17:03.920 --> 00:17:07.700 And if your situation changes and the debtor defaults on his payments 00:17:07.700 --> 00:17:10.180 and it falls on you to assume all of his debt, 00:17:11.080 --> 00:17:13.660 at that moment you may not have the means to pay it, 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:15.820 and you may have the very bed that you sleep on. 00:17:15.820 --> 00:17:21.540 And after this, starting in verse 28 of chapter 22 00:17:21.540 --> 00:17:23.620 and going to chapter 23, verse 11, 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:26.440 these verses form a chiasm, 00:17:27.100 --> 00:17:28.680 and they're structured symmetrically 00:17:28.680 --> 00:17:30.840 so that each section of the first half 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:36.639 has a matching parallel element in the second half. 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:40.559 And then there's an element in the middle that stands alone, 00:17:40.679 --> 00:17:42.720 which is the point that the author is trying to emphasize. 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:44.480 So let's go through this together. 00:17:44.679 --> 00:17:46.819 The first matching element is verse 28. 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:51.339 Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:54.279 And that's matched by chapter 23, verses 10 to 11. 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:58.000 Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fathers, 00:17:58.419 --> 00:18:00.220 for their Redeemer is strong, 00:18:00.359 --> 00:18:02.720 and He will plead their cause against you. 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:06.079 The ancient landmark refers to the boundaries 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:08.000 in the promised land of Israel 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:10.939 that they first received from Joshua 00:18:10.939 --> 00:18:13.539 when they cast lots and the land was distributed 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:16.439 according to God's will for each tribe. 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:17.640 the 12 tribes of Israel. 00:18:18.320 --> 00:18:20.500 And these were God-ordained boundaries 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:22.279 and therefore considered inviolable. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:24.820 And they were marked by stone pillars 00:18:24.820 --> 00:18:26.740 directly between properties. 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:29.700 And these land allotments were important 00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:31.160 not only for financial reasons, 00:18:31.259 --> 00:18:33.980 but also for theological, spiritual reasons. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:37.059 Because a family's occupant tent 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:40.680 signified their inclusion among the people of God, 00:18:41.080 --> 00:18:42.080 the chosen people, 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:45.100 the people, the redeemed people of God. 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:49.019 However, some people transgressed these boundaries 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:51.279 by moving the ancient landmarks. 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:54.740 And the most frequent victims of these crimes 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:57.099 were the widows and the fatherless, 00:18:57.579 --> 00:19:00.200 who were the most vulnerable members of society, 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:02.940 due to the lack of male heads of families 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.879 who can represent them and defend them, 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:07.440 and due to the lack of financial resources 00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:09.259 that men usually provided. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:13.379 But these crown jewels who moved the landmarks 00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:15.059 were wrong to conclude 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:18.019 that the fatherless have no redeemer. 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:21.700 The word redeemer is the same word 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:24.119 that is sometimes translated kinsman redeemer. 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:27.740 It literally means family protector. 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:31.599 A kinsman redeemer was the nearest relative 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:32.839 of a needy person 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:35.660 who was responsible for defending 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:37.060 the needy person's rights. 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:39.700 When his relative became poor 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:42.140 and was forced to sell his ancestral land 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:44.080 or forced to sell himself as a slave, 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:46.460 his kinsman redeemer was expected 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:49.720 to pay and redeem him and his land. 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:52.600 When his relative was murdered, 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:54.259 it was the kinsman redeemer 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:56.000 who was expected to avenge him. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:20:00.140 But the fatherless often did not have anyone 00:20:00.140 --> 00:20:01.160 come to plead their cause. 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:04.160 So wicked men took advantage of him. 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.820 They moved their ancient landmarks, 00:20:08.600 --> 00:20:10.520 daring them to do something about it, 00:20:11.540 --> 00:20:13.100 thinking that no kinsman redeemer 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:14.200 will come to their end. 00:20:15.800 --> 00:20:17.680 Such a stirring and moving verse 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:18.660 where it says, 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:22.120 the Lord himself comes to the aid 00:20:22.120 --> 00:20:24.960 of the most vulnerable members of society. 00:20:25.800 --> 00:20:28.100 Their redeemer is not non-existent. 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:29.599 Their redeemer is strong. 00:20:30.439 --> 00:20:31.959 He will plead their cause. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:35.139 Those who exploit the poor and the powerless 00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:37.839 will have to answer to God the redeemer, 00:20:38.459 --> 00:20:40.559 the Lord of lords and king of kings, 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:42.639 and this should send a chill 00:20:42.639 --> 00:20:44.399 down the spine of anyone 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:46.139 who plots to exploit the poor. 00:20:47.939 --> 00:20:49.539 And this should lift up the head 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:51.519 of anyone who feels downtrodden 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.319 and oppressed 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:54.480 and feeling like no one advocates for them. 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:57.980 And this is why 00:20:57.980 --> 00:21:01.360 the way the New Testament describes Jesus 00:21:01.360 --> 00:21:03.240 as our redeemer, 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:04.799 the kinsman redeemer, 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:06.200 is so deeply moving. 00:21:07.099 --> 00:21:08.980 Hebrews 9.15 says that he 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:11.940 redeems us from our transgressions 00:21:11.940 --> 00:21:13.700 through his death. 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:17.059 We were the ones who could not 00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:18.200 repay our debt. 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.420 We were weighed down, 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.680 forced into slavery. 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:25.940 No one could come to our rescue. 00:21:26.080 --> 00:21:27.240 We were the fatherless, 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:28.500 the orphans, 00:21:29.060 --> 00:21:31.180 but our redeemer was strong. 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:33.759 Jesus, our kinsman redeemer, 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:34.920 comes to our rescue. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:39.120 He frees us from the grips of the enemy, 00:21:39.580 --> 00:21:40.360 the oppressors, 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:42.220 the spiritual forces of evil. 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:45.000 He redeems us by paying for it 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:46.440 with his own life on the cross. 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:50.080 And because of him, 00:21:50.160 --> 00:21:50.680 we have freedom. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.160 Because of him, 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.120 we have eternal life. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.480 That's what this points to. 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:57.080 And then, 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.660 chapter 22, verse 29, 00:21:59.340 --> 00:22:01.299 which is matched by chapter 23, 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.180 verse 9, 00:22:02.860 --> 00:22:04.059 both speak of 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:05.580 sitting before 00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:07.220 a specific audience. 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:09.580 22.29 says, 00:22:09.640 --> 00:22:11.519 Do you see a man skillful in his work? 00:22:12.080 --> 00:22:13.500 He will stand before kings. 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:15.519 He will not stand before a steward man. 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:17.859 The implicit admonition is that 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:18.900 we should seek to grow 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:19.660 in our competence, 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.680 in our skillfulness, 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.980 in whatever line of work that we're in, 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:25.279 so that we might stand before kings, 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:27.819 rather than before obscure men, 00:22:27.900 --> 00:22:29.700 so that our skills might be put to better use. 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.819 But there's also an audience 00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:32.599 we should avoid, 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:34.779 and that's what chapter 23, verse 9 says, 00:22:34.900 --> 00:22:35.619 the matching verse. 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.759 Do not speak, 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:38.700 for he will despise 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:40.279 the good sense of your words. 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:44.559 There are foals who are incapable 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:46.420 of appreciating God's wisdom, 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:48.460 and it's a futile exercise 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.859 to speak sense into him. 00:22:50.660 --> 00:22:51.660 And so the wise person 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:54.119 should always assess his audience 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:55.299 with spiritual eyes, 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:57.160 and speak where his words 00:22:57.160 --> 00:22:58.200 can have impact. 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.299 And then, 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:02.460 23.1-3 is matched by 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.740 23.6-8, 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:05.579 both address the context of dining. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.759 Verses 1-3 speak of eating 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.379 with the ruler, 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.879 verses 68 speak of eating 00:23:09.879 --> 00:23:11.619 the bread of man with stingy. 00:23:12.159 --> 00:23:13.980 And both verse 3 and verse 6 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.579 exhort us, 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:16.480 do not desire his delicacies. 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.899 It says in verses 1-3, 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:20.179 when you sit down to eat 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:21.679 with the ruler of his before you, 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:23.279 and put a knife to your throat 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:24.439 if you are given to appetite, 00:23:25.399 --> 00:23:26.980 do not desire his delicacies, 00:23:27.099 --> 00:23:28.460 for they are deceptive food. 00:23:29.139 --> 00:23:30.939 This is a warning against gluttony, 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:33.339 being given to appetite. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:36.639 Genesis 27 repeatedly mentions 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:40.599 that Isaac loved delicious food. 00:23:41.399 --> 00:23:43.259 It's mentioned at least six times. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:46.259 And this is noted as a character flaw. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.919 Because like Esau, 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.299 his favorite son, 00:23:50.459 --> 00:23:51.779 who sold his birthright 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:53.279 for a bowl of lentil stew, 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:55.579 is a good thing. 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.579 It's mentioned that 00:23:56.579 --> 00:24:00.700 the lack of self-control 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:06.920 in the consumption of food and drink 00:24:06.920 --> 00:24:07.559 is a vice, 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:08.680 as scripture condemns. 00:24:09.119 --> 00:24:10.160 It doesn't mean you can't enjoy 00:24:10.160 --> 00:24:10.920 the food you eat 00:24:10.920 --> 00:24:12.180 and the stuff you drink, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.819 but gluttony is sinful. 00:24:15.139 --> 00:24:16.740 And we should be watchful of this, 00:24:16.879 --> 00:24:17.799 especially in the context 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:18.940 of eating with the ruler. 00:24:18.940 --> 00:24:21.900 The opportunity to dine with the ruler 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:24.360 can significantly alter one's career 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:25.299 for good or ill. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.840 And in such context, 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:27.840 one must be careful 00:24:27.840 --> 00:24:29.600 not to indulge too much 00:24:29.600 --> 00:24:30.759 in the delicacies. 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.779 It says, 00:24:31.860 --> 00:24:33.400 for they are deceptive food. 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:35.340 Though the ruler sets out 00:24:35.340 --> 00:24:36.460 an impressive array 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:37.580 of the kinds of food 00:24:37.580 --> 00:24:39.320 you could never dream of eating 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:39.980 on your own, 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:42.860 he is not really inviting you 00:24:42.860 --> 00:24:44.059 to stuff your face. 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:47.220 If you do, 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:49.099 he will take note 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:50.700 of your lack of self-restraint 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:52.139 and treat you with contempt. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:55.159 It's better to put a knife 00:24:55.159 --> 00:24:55.839 to your throat 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:57.559 if you are given to epithet. 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:59.559 That's a hyperbolic expression, 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.779 much like Jesus' command 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.539 in Matthew 5, 00:25:01.619 --> 00:25:03.179 if your right eye causes you to sin, 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:04.559 gouge it out and throw away. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.319 Jesus isn't commanding 00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:07.259 self-mutilation, 00:25:07.399 --> 00:25:08.299 rather he's commanding us 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:09.740 to remove the source of lust, 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.240 to deal with sin 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:13.319 in a drastic and decisive way. 00:25:13.319 --> 00:25:14.279 Likewise, 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.599 the command to put your knife 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.200 to your throat 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:18.019 means to put a decisive end 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:19.500 to your gluttonous appetite. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.439 It's like the English idiom, 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.299 bite your tongue. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.419 It doesn't mean you should 00:25:23.419 --> 00:25:24.359 literally bite your tongue, 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:25.019 but it means you should 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.200 make a desperate effort 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:27.179 to keep yourself 00:25:27.179 --> 00:25:28.019 from saying something 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.639 you shouldn't say. 00:25:30.819 --> 00:25:32.039 This is wise counsel 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.859 whenever we're dining 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.859 with our superiors, 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:36.019 maybe with our bosses at work. 00:25:36.859 --> 00:25:38.019 The fact that the boss 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:39.059 is picking up the check 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:39.899 doesn't mean you should 00:25:39.899 --> 00:25:41.539 order the most expensive meal 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:43.039 with bottles of wine 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.559 to do it. 00:25:45.399 --> 00:25:46.700 When you're being wined 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.240 and dined, 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:48.159 that's an occasion 00:25:48.159 --> 00:25:49.559 for self-restraint 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:51.240 rather than self-indulgence. 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:53.740 Verses 1 to 3 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:54.500 are matched by 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.500 verses 6 to 8, 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:56.440 which address another 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.399 similar context. 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:58.859 Do not eat the bread 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:00.119 of a man who is stingy. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.720 Do not desire his delicacies, 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.039 for he is like one 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:04.379 who is inwardly calculating. 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.200 Eat and drink, 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:06.039 he says to you. 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.920 But his heart is not with you. 00:26:08.139 --> 00:26:08.819 You will vomit up 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:09.899 the morsels that you have eaten. 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:11.099 Waste your pleasant work. 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.659 What's in view here 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:13.679 is a stingy man 00:26:13.679 --> 00:26:14.619 who is doing you 00:26:14.619 --> 00:26:15.740 a reluctant favor. 00:26:16.419 --> 00:26:17.220 You have somehow 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:19.179 extracted a meal invitation 00:26:19.179 --> 00:26:20.480 from this stingy man. 00:26:21.179 --> 00:26:22.139 And as Proverbs says, 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.359 a stingy man hastens 00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:24.019 after wealth. 00:26:24.159 --> 00:26:25.779 This man is trying 00:26:25.779 --> 00:26:26.619 to get rich, 00:26:26.919 --> 00:26:28.599 doesn't like to share, 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:29.359 and he's probably 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:30.019 already somewhat 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:30.559 well-to-do 00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:31.460 because he's able 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.599 to serve you delicacies. 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:33.639 However, 00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:34.539 once again, 00:26:34.619 --> 00:26:35.439 this is not the time 00:26:35.439 --> 00:26:36.480 to indulge yourself 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.799 but to restrain yourself. 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.980 Because the stingy man 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:41.619 is inwardly calculating. 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:44.220 He encourages you 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:45.000 to eat and drink 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:46.079 to your heart's content 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:49.299 of how much you're eating, 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:50.740 of how much you're drinking, 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:52.899 how much it's costing him. 00:26:54.079 --> 00:26:54.799 It is foolish 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:56.259 to indulge in his delicacies 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:57.519 because you will end up 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.180 vomiting up 00:26:58.180 --> 00:26:58.940 what you've not eaten. 00:26:59.639 --> 00:27:00.279 You'll end up 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:01.440 wasting your pleasantries 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.059 and compliments. 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:04.480 This is applicable 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:06.099 to a number of contexts. 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:07.439 When someone is reluctantly 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:08.179 helping you, 00:27:09.079 --> 00:27:10.379 when someone is reluctantly 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:11.559 doing you a favor, 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:13.179 don't think of it 00:27:13.179 --> 00:27:14.199 as an opportunity 00:27:14.199 --> 00:27:15.019 to exploit. 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:16.599 You're better off 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:18.559 refusing such reluctant favors 00:27:18.559 --> 00:27:20.359 because it will backfire 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:20.779 in the end 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.759 and you'll have to pay. 00:27:22.619 --> 00:27:24.019 At the center of this 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.439 chiasm 00:27:24.439 --> 00:27:26.000 is verses 45, 00:27:26.219 --> 00:27:27.119 which stand alone 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:28.279 and do not have 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.559 a matching parallel verse. 00:27:30.439 --> 00:27:31.259 And this is the point 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.740 that the author 00:27:31.740 --> 00:27:32.579 is trying to emphasize. 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.019 He says, 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.079 Do not toil 00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:35.160 to acquire wealth. 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:36.660 Be discerning enough 00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:37.160 to exist. 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.160 When your eyes 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:38.779 lie on it, 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:39.500 it is gone. 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:40.500 For suddenly 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.480 it sprouts wings 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.700 flying like an eagle 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.480 toward him. 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.980 This is a general 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:46.359 expectation 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:47.480 of mourning 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:48.440 against greed. 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:51.000 Loving wealth. 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:53.299 There's a wordplay 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.000 in verse 5, 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:54.579 the Hebrew word 00:27:54.579 --> 00:27:55.240 that is translated 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.759 light, 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:56.680 light on, 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.680 is the same word 00:27:57.680 --> 00:27:58.279 that's translated 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:58.940 as fly 00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.960 in that same verse. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:01.620 So when your eyes 00:28:01.620 --> 00:28:02.779 fly toward wealth, 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.519 it is gone 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.100 for suddenly 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:05.039 it sprouts wings 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:06.200 flying like an eagle 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:07.340 toward heaven. 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:09.059 Don't let your eyes 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:10.840 wander to wealth. 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.000 Glance at wealth 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.940 because like a bird, 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:14.279 it's there one moment 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:15.759 but gone in the next. 00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:17.019 It's elusive. 00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:18.720 It's ephemeral. 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.460 It is foolish 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:21.380 to toil 00:28:21.380 --> 00:28:22.880 to acquire wealth. 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:24.880 And those who are 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.880 discerning enough 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:26.960 desist from wealth. 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:28.700 When wealth 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.819 is the incidental 00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:30.380 byproduct 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:32.140 of a faithful life 00:28:32.140 --> 00:28:32.819 before God, 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.600 when it's a reward 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:36.220 of honest hard work 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:37.420 and selfless generosity, 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:39.059 Proverbs views 00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:40.240 wealth as a blessing. 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:41.440 However, 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:42.640 when wealth becomes 00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:43.360 an end 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:44.259 in and of itself, 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:45.740 when the gift 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:47.740 is prioritized 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:48.759 above the giver, 00:28:49.319 --> 00:28:50.000 wealth becomes 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.480 an idol 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:51.380 that tyrannizes 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:52.000 our lives. 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:54.180 And we fall 00:28:54.180 --> 00:28:55.140 into all kinds 00:28:55.140 --> 00:28:56.380 of temptations 00:28:56.380 --> 00:28:58.280 that they are 00:28:58.280 --> 00:29:00.040 not so smart 00:29:00.040 --> 00:29:01.040 because they are 00:29:02.040 --> 00:29:03.080 all included 00:29:03.080 --> 00:29:03.300 on the gift 00:29:03.300 --> 00:29:04.860 of wealth. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.160 The gift 00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.240 has Till Tune 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:07.580 and Hero 00:29:07.580 --> 00:29:08.060 have every 00:29:08.060 --> 00:29:08.380 God 00:29:08.380 --> 00:29:10.060 taught us 00:29:10.060 --> 00:29:10.740 to transform 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:10.840 in they're 00:29:10.840 --> 00:29:11.580 the two 00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:12.420 africa's 00:29:12.420 --> 00:29:12.520 purposes. 00:29:12.520 --> 00:29:13.480 Cultivating virtue 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:14.240 is an uphill 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:14.700 find. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:16.040 It's an arduous 00:29:16.040 --> 00:29:16.360 road. 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.120 It requires 00:29:17.120 --> 00:29:17.840 instruction 00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:18.820 and discipline. 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.280 And this is why 00:29:20.280 --> 00:29:21.100 chapters 22 00:29:21.100 --> 00:29:21.760 and 23 00:29:21.760 --> 00:29:22.560 are both 00:29:22.560 --> 00:29:23.500 interspersed 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.600 with several 00:29:24.600 --> 00:29:25.520 child-bearing 00:29:25.520 --> 00:29:26.020 saints. 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:32.279 The responsibility falls on the parents to impart these truths and instill these values 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:35.319 So that they grow up, their children grow up to be men and women 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:39.740 Who choose a good name and favor before God and men over great riches 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:42.579 Look with me, 5-6 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:45.720 It says, thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:48.599 Whoever guards his soul will keep far from them 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:51.700 Train up a child in the way he should go 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:55.579 Even when he is old, he will not depart from it 00:29:56.019 --> 00:30:00.220 Verse 6 translated more literally 00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:01.859 Is this 00:30:01.859 --> 00:30:06.019 Dedicate a child according to the mouth of his way 00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:09.920 Even when he is old, he will not depart from it 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:11.660 That's what it literally says 00:30:11.660 --> 00:30:16.160 The phrase, the way he should go, is actually not in the Bible 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:20.879 That's a translator's attempt to make sense of an obscure phrase 00:30:20.879 --> 00:30:22.940 The mouth of his way 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:25.539 Which occurs only here in the entire Bible 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:30.879 The word train up, which is translated most frequently as dedicated scripture 00:30:30.879 --> 00:30:35.460 Refers to that initial stage of consequent and setting apart something 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:39.599 At the beginning of its example, dedicating the temple of God in Ezra chapter 6 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:43.240 And since that word dedicate has a positive meaning 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:45.839 And it's an imperative to dedicate this 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:53.679 The translators assumed that the mouth of his way is a good way that the child should be trained to go in 00:30:53.679 --> 00:30:58.379 But I think the translators missed the irony of this verse 00:30:58.379 --> 00:31:03.619 There's sarcasm here in the same way there was in Proverbs chapter 19 verse 27 00:31:03.619 --> 00:31:06.379 Cease to hear instruction, my son 00:31:06.379 --> 00:31:07.539 That's a command 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:09.399 Cease to hear instruction, my son 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:11.980 And you will stray from the words of knowledge 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:16.360 It's irony, Solomon doesn't actually want you to stop listening to instruction 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:18.699 He wants you to do the exact opposite 00:31:18.699 --> 00:31:19.779 And I think that's why 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:31.599 Even when he is old, he will not depart from it 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:34.859 The word mouth also means opening 00:31:34.859 --> 00:31:39.539 And it's sometimes used to refer to the mouth or opening of a well 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:42.939 Mouth or opening of a gorge in Jeremiah 48, 28 00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:45.959 The mouth of a river in Isaiah 19, 7 00:31:45.959 --> 00:31:50.339 It's the initial opening of something toward a wider world 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:53.719 And so then the phrase mouth of his way 00:31:53.719 --> 00:31:57.039 Likely refers to a child's inherent tendencies 00:31:57.039 --> 00:32:02.500 The way they tend to behave and grow if left to their own devices 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:06.119 In the end, the meaning doesn't end up being that different 00:32:06.119 --> 00:32:08.819 But we know from chapter 22 verse 15 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:11.099 That the child, because he is a sinner 00:32:11.099 --> 00:32:13.460 Naturally tends toward folly 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:15.859 It says in verse 15 00:32:15.859 --> 00:32:18.940 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:22.099 But the rod of discipline drives it far from him 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:25.319 So then the command in verse 6 is ironic 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:28.819 Dedicate a child according to the foolish inclinations 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:30.799 The folly of his own way 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:33.859 Even when he is old, he will not depart from it 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:37.919 This verse is emphasizing the importance of parental discipline 00:32:37.919 --> 00:32:41.599 Like a vine that grows in every which direction 00:32:41.599 --> 00:32:44.439 Apart from the training hands of the vine dresser 00:32:44.439 --> 00:32:47.919 The child gets more and more established foolish ways 00:32:47.919 --> 00:32:50.659 Apart from the course correction offered by his parents 00:32:50.659 --> 00:32:53.700 And I think this interpretation is confirmed 00:32:53.700 --> 00:32:56.240 By the parallel use of the word way in verse 5 00:32:56.240 --> 00:32:59.680 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:03.299 Whoever guards his soul will keep far from them 00:33:03.299 --> 00:33:08.580 It is the parent's duty to guard the soul of their children 00:33:08.580 --> 00:33:09.920 From the way of the wicked 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:12.900 By not affirming or condoning them 00:33:12.900 --> 00:33:14.860 In their natural sinful tendencies 00:33:14.859 --> 00:33:18.819 Of course the parents are not solely responsible 00:33:18.819 --> 00:33:20.619 For the way a child turns out 00:33:20.619 --> 00:33:23.859 Children and human beings are moral agents 00:33:23.859 --> 00:33:26.240 And they have responsibilities 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:29.619 And there are many other factors that influence them 00:33:29.619 --> 00:33:31.559 But parents play a significant role 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:32.879 In the development of their children 00:33:32.879 --> 00:33:35.759 And therefore they bear a sizable responsibility 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:40.299 And verses 10 to 14 tell us about the various ways 00:33:40.299 --> 00:33:41.799 That our children might turn off 00:33:41.799 --> 00:33:45.720 Verses 10 to 11 speak of a scoffer who is quarrelsome and abusive 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:49.000 Who should be expelled from the kingdom 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:52.460 In contrast to those who are pure of heart and gracious of speech 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.759 Who have a king for his friend 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:56.200 Verse 12 speaks of the traitor 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:57.839 Verse 13 of the sluggard 00:33:57.839 --> 00:33:58.240 Who says 00:33:58.240 --> 00:34:04.180 It's a really humorous description of the sluggard 00:34:04.180 --> 00:34:07.240 The sluggard hates to work so much 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:10.780 That he comes up with all kinds of fantastical excuses 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:13.460 To refuse to go out to the street to work 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:15.440 Lions 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:18.180 Lions were common in the wild 00:34:18.180 --> 00:34:19.340 In the ancient Near East 00:34:19.340 --> 00:34:23.300 They were never found in the streets of a fortified city 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:25.220 But sluggard says 00:34:25.220 --> 00:34:27.820 There is no possible way that I could do that work 00:34:27.820 --> 00:34:29.800 It would be the death of me 00:34:29.800 --> 00:34:32.579 Don't force me out to the streets 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:35.019 There's a lion I cannot do that work 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:38.380 Another way they could turn out wrong 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:39.079 Their children is that 00:34:39.079 --> 00:34:41.679 They will walk headlong into the mouth of a forbidden woman 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:43.579 Which is a deep pit 00:34:43.579 --> 00:34:47.940 And after these examples of foolish sinners 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:49.299 Verse 15 exhorts us 00:34:49.299 --> 00:34:51.579 Folly is bound within the heart of a child 00:34:51.579 --> 00:34:54.059 But the rod of discipline drives it far from him 00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:57.360 I've seen a really cute baby onesie lately 00:34:57.360 --> 00:34:59.019 That says on the front 00:34:59.019 --> 00:35:00.900 I'm no angel 00:35:00.900 --> 00:35:04.380 And then in fine print under it says 00:35:04.380 --> 00:35:06.059 My mommy just thinks I am 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:08.500 That's a great reminder 00:35:08.500 --> 00:35:12.940 The notion that children are born innocent and pure 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.860 Is a myth 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:14.460 That is 00:35:14.460 --> 00:35:21.780 According to the word of God 00:35:21.780 --> 00:35:24.659 Folly is what is bound up in the heart of a child 00:35:24.659 --> 00:35:27.059 It's part of his very constitution 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:30.539 And so he needs the rod of discipline 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:32.260 To drive folly far from him 00:35:32.260 --> 00:35:35.079 Some parents are filled with horror 00:35:35.079 --> 00:35:37.019 At the prospect of messing up their children 00:35:37.019 --> 00:35:38.320 When in reality 00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:40.360 They're born messed up 00:35:40.360 --> 00:35:43.840 With an inborn need for the mercies of God 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:48.360 The word rod was in chapter 22 verse 8 00:35:48.360 --> 00:35:51.320 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity 00:35:51.320 --> 00:35:53.200 And the rod of his fury will fail 00:35:53.200 --> 00:35:56.100 If you don't want your child to grow up to be an adult 00:35:56.100 --> 00:35:57.720 That sows injustice 00:35:57.720 --> 00:35:59.539 And reaps calamity 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:01.180 If you don't want your child to become 00:36:01.180 --> 00:36:03.840 An adult that oppresses other people 00:36:03.840 --> 00:36:05.480 With the rod of his fury 00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:07.300 You must discipline him 00:36:07.300 --> 00:36:09.380 With the rod 00:36:09.380 --> 00:36:13.039 The scripture is very consistent in this regard 00:36:13.039 --> 00:36:14.920 Proverbs 13 24 also says 00:36:14.920 --> 00:36:17.360 Whoever spares the rod hates his son 00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:21.139 But he who loves him is diligent to discipline him 00:36:21.139 --> 00:36:26.380 This truth is reiterated again in chapter 23 verses 12 to 14 00:36:26.380 --> 00:36:30.199 Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge 00:36:30.199 --> 00:36:33.099 Do not withhold discipline from a child 00:36:33.099 --> 00:36:34.739 If you strike him with the rod 00:36:34.739 --> 00:36:35.659 He will not die 00:36:35.659 --> 00:36:37.319 If you strike him with the rod 00:36:37.319 --> 00:36:39.019 He will save his soul from shield 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:41.380 Now contrast that 00:36:41.380 --> 00:36:43.000 With Proverbs 19 18 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:43.639 Which says 00:36:43.639 --> 00:36:45.759 Discipline your son for there is hope 00:36:45.759 --> 00:36:48.920 Do not set your heart on putting him to death 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:51.360 If you don't discipline your children 00:36:51.360 --> 00:36:53.920 He says you're extinguishing their hope 00:36:53.920 --> 00:36:56.440 You are in fact setting your heart 00:36:56.440 --> 00:36:57.659 To put them to death 00:36:57.659 --> 00:37:01.860 Discipline does not lead to ruin and death 00:37:01.860 --> 00:37:03.079 It's the lack of discipline 00:37:03.079 --> 00:37:05.400 That leads to ruin and death 00:37:05.400 --> 00:37:07.500 And since the phrase 00:37:07.500 --> 00:37:08.699 He will not die 00:37:08.699 --> 00:37:09.699 Is parallel to 00:37:09.699 --> 00:37:11.460 You will save his soul from shield 00:37:11.460 --> 00:37:13.739 The primary meaning of verse 13 00:37:13.739 --> 00:37:16.179 Is not that the child will survive the spanking 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:17.480 He's not saying 00:37:17.480 --> 00:37:19.099 Oh he will not die if he's spanking 00:37:19.099 --> 00:37:19.980 That's not what he's saying 00:37:19.980 --> 00:37:21.039 On account of the discipline 00:37:21.039 --> 00:37:23.799 You shouldn't be getting anywhere close 00:37:23.799 --> 00:37:25.199 To that level of severity 00:37:25.199 --> 00:37:26.319 When you're spanking a child 00:37:26.319 --> 00:37:27.319 That's not what that means 00:37:27.319 --> 00:37:29.319 Rather it means that 00:37:29.319 --> 00:37:30.759 If you discipline him 00:37:30.760 --> 00:37:33.880 He will not die on account of his sins 00:37:33.880 --> 00:37:36.900 He will save his soul from shield 00:37:36.900 --> 00:37:40.480 17th century New England 00:37:40.480 --> 00:37:41.680 Pastor Cotton Mather 00:37:41.680 --> 00:37:44.580 Imagined that undisciplined children 00:37:44.580 --> 00:37:46.300 Would accuse their parents 00:37:46.300 --> 00:37:47.880 This way on judgment day 00:37:47.880 --> 00:37:48.700 Quote 00:37:48.700 --> 00:37:51.320 All this that we here suffer 00:37:51.320 --> 00:37:52.180 Is through you 00:37:52.180 --> 00:37:54.260 You should have taught us 00:37:54.260 --> 00:37:55.060 The things of God 00:37:55.060 --> 00:37:55.920 And did not 00:37:55.920 --> 00:37:57.320 You should have taught us 00:37:57.320 --> 00:37:58.140 And you did not 00:37:58.139 --> 00:38:00.679 You were the means of our original corruption 00:38:00.679 --> 00:38:01.559 And guiltiness 00:38:01.559 --> 00:38:03.359 And yet you never showed us 00:38:03.359 --> 00:38:05.000 Any competent care 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:07.059 That might be delivered from it 00:38:07.059 --> 00:38:08.739 Woe unto us 00:38:08.739 --> 00:38:10.299 That we had such carnal 00:38:10.299 --> 00:38:11.819 And careless parents 00:38:11.819 --> 00:38:15.420 There is some room 00:38:15.420 --> 00:38:16.799 For interpretation here 00:38:16.799 --> 00:38:18.199 Regarding what exactly 00:38:18.199 --> 00:38:19.460 The law should look like 00:38:19.460 --> 00:38:21.460 But as we saw in 00:38:21.460 --> 00:38:23.219 Colbert's chapter 20 verse 30 00:38:23.219 --> 00:38:25.119 There does seem to be a connection 00:38:25.119 --> 00:38:26.159 Between outward 00:38:26.159 --> 00:38:27.199 Formal punishment 00:38:27.199 --> 00:38:29.000 And inward cleansing 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:31.399 And it always seems to have 00:38:31.399 --> 00:38:32.759 Some kind of instrument 00:38:32.759 --> 00:38:33.919 Of discipline in view 00:38:33.919 --> 00:38:34.639 Or rod 00:38:34.639 --> 00:38:36.419 As opposed to the parents 00:38:36.419 --> 00:38:37.719 On hand 00:38:37.719 --> 00:38:40.079 Perhaps so that there is 00:38:40.079 --> 00:38:41.159 A degree of separation 00:38:41.159 --> 00:38:42.699 Between the instrument of pain 00:38:42.699 --> 00:38:43.419 And the parent 00:38:43.419 --> 00:38:47.159 This is an unpopular teaching 00:38:47.159 --> 00:38:47.559 Nowadays 00:38:47.559 --> 00:38:49.519 Because most recent research 00:38:49.519 --> 00:38:50.980 Published by child psychologists 00:38:50.980 --> 00:38:53.159 Suggests that there is a correlation 00:38:53.159 --> 00:38:54.800 Between spanking by parents 00:38:54.800 --> 00:38:56.219 And various negative 00:38:56.219 --> 00:38:57.940 Behavioral, emotional, cognitive 00:38:57.940 --> 00:38:59.320 And physical outcomes 00:38:59.320 --> 00:39:01.340 The problem 00:39:01.340 --> 00:39:02.900 With most of this research 00:39:02.900 --> 00:39:04.699 Is that they lump 00:39:04.699 --> 00:39:05.519 Measured 00:39:05.519 --> 00:39:06.519 Loving 00:39:06.519 --> 00:39:07.119 And 00:39:07.119 --> 00:39:10.460 Punishment 00:39:10.460 --> 00:39:12.460 Including blatant abuse 00:39:12.460 --> 00:39:15.500 And problematic methods 00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:17.199 Like pinching and biting 00:39:17.199 --> 00:39:18.840 Are even taken into account 00:39:18.840 --> 00:39:21.280 And another major drawback 00:39:21.280 --> 00:39:22.460 Of most of these publications 00:39:22.460 --> 00:39:24.280 Is that they are cross-sectional 00:39:24.280 --> 00:39:25.220 Rather than longitudinal 00:39:25.220 --> 00:39:27.100 Meaning that they try to 00:39:27.100 --> 00:39:28.140 Determine the effects 00:39:28.140 --> 00:39:28.740 Of spanking 00:39:28.740 --> 00:39:29.740 By using data 00:39:29.740 --> 00:39:31.440 From a single point in time 00:39:31.440 --> 00:39:33.360 Which makes the determination 00:39:33.360 --> 00:39:34.559 Of cause and effect 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:35.340 Very difficult 00:39:35.340 --> 00:39:36.300 If not impossible 00:39:36.300 --> 00:39:38.400 Are they getting spanked 00:39:38.400 --> 00:39:39.160 Because of their 00:39:39.160 --> 00:39:40.340 Negative behavioral issues 00:39:40.340 --> 00:39:41.700 Or is spanking 00:39:41.700 --> 00:39:42.400 Causing 00:39:42.400 --> 00:39:42.820 The negative 00:39:42.820 --> 00:39:43.519 Determine that 00:39:43.519 --> 00:39:44.320 If you are looking at 00:39:44.320 --> 00:39:45.800 One point in time 00:39:45.800 --> 00:39:48.660 There have been few attempts 00:39:48.660 --> 00:39:49.840 To correct for these 00:39:49.840 --> 00:39:51.200 Methodological drawbacks 00:39:51.200 --> 00:39:52.019 And one of them 00:39:52.019 --> 00:39:53.120 Is an article entitled 00:39:53.120 --> 00:39:54.380 The Case Against 00:39:54.380 --> 00:39:55.700 Corporal Punishment of Children 00:39:55.700 --> 00:39:57.160 By Elizabeth Gershoff 00:39:57.160 --> 00:39:58.500 And Susan Bitensky 00:39:58.500 --> 00:39:59.900 Published in the journal 00:39:59.900 --> 00:40:01.140 Psychology, Public Policy 00:40:01.140 --> 00:40:01.580 And Law 00:40:01.580 --> 00:40:03.740 This is a meta-analysis 00:40:03.740 --> 00:40:05.360 Of all the various studies 00:40:05.360 --> 00:40:06.680 Published about this topic 00:40:06.680 --> 00:40:08.539 And it's the most 00:40:08.539 --> 00:40:09.860 Frequently cited paper 00:40:09.860 --> 00:40:10.780 On this topic 00:40:10.780 --> 00:40:12.280 But even 00:40:12.280 --> 00:40:13.140 This case 00:40:13.140 --> 00:40:16.019 Which supposedly 00:40:16.019 --> 00:40:16.880 Corrects for the 00:40:16.880 --> 00:40:17.940 Methodological flaws 00:40:17.940 --> 00:40:18.840 Of the other researchers 00:40:18.840 --> 00:40:19.740 Fails to make 00:40:19.740 --> 00:40:21.100 Crucial distinctions 00:40:21.100 --> 00:40:22.400 One 00:40:22.400 --> 00:40:23.940 The frequency 00:40:23.940 --> 00:40:24.880 Of the spankings 00:40:24.880 --> 00:40:26.019 Does it happen 00:40:26.019 --> 00:40:26.920 Three times a day 00:40:26.920 --> 00:40:27.720 Or once a year 00:40:27.720 --> 00:40:29.120 Doesn't take it into account 00:40:29.120 --> 00:40:30.460 Two 00:40:30.460 --> 00:40:31.140 The reasons 00:40:31.140 --> 00:40:32.080 Why the parents 00:40:32.080 --> 00:40:32.960 Spanked 00:40:32.960 --> 00:40:34.880 Are they getting spanked 00:40:34.880 --> 00:40:36.260 For hitting another child 00:40:36.260 --> 00:40:38.880 Or for benign childishness 00:40:38.880 --> 00:40:40.060 Does not take that 00:40:40.060 --> 00:40:40.620 Into account 00:40:40.620 --> 00:40:41.640 Three 00:40:41.639 --> 00:40:42.839 The age of the children 00:40:42.839 --> 00:40:43.859 At the time of spanking 00:40:43.859 --> 00:40:45.699 Are they being spanked 00:40:45.699 --> 00:40:46.379 As an infant 00:40:46.379 --> 00:40:46.920 Too late 00:40:46.920 --> 00:40:47.659 As a teenager 00:40:47.659 --> 00:40:48.420 Too late 00:40:48.420 --> 00:40:49.879 Does not take that 00:40:49.879 --> 00:40:50.480 Into account 00:40:50.480 --> 00:40:51.199 Number four 00:40:51.199 --> 00:40:52.199 Where exactly 00:40:52.199 --> 00:40:53.539 Are they spanking the children 00:40:53.539 --> 00:40:55.440 Are they slapping them 00:40:55.440 --> 00:40:56.659 On their well-padded bum 00:40:56.659 --> 00:40:58.099 Or slapping them 00:40:58.099 --> 00:40:58.759 In the face 00:40:58.759 --> 00:41:00.099 In a humiliating fashion 00:41:00.099 --> 00:41:02.039 Does not take it 00:41:02.039 --> 00:41:02.719 Into account 00:41:02.719 --> 00:41:03.440 Number five 00:41:03.440 --> 00:41:04.480 The general abusiveness 00:41:04.480 --> 00:41:05.279 Of the parents 00:41:05.279 --> 00:41:06.400 Are the parents 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:07.279 Verbally abusive 00:41:07.279 --> 00:41:08.299 As they are spanking 00:41:08.299 --> 00:41:09.379 Do they spank 00:41:09.379 --> 00:41:11.359 In an uncontrolled rage 00:41:11.360 --> 00:41:12.720 Or is it measured 00:41:12.720 --> 00:41:14.280 Is it loving 00:41:14.280 --> 00:41:16.140 The research 00:41:16.140 --> 00:41:16.900 Does not take 00:41:16.900 --> 00:41:18.160 Any of these things 00:41:18.160 --> 00:41:19.300 Into account 00:41:19.300 --> 00:41:20.860 These common 00:41:20.860 --> 00:41:21.760 Sensible factors 00:41:21.760 --> 00:41:23.000 And yet 00:41:23.000 --> 00:41:23.980 It has the audacity 00:41:23.980 --> 00:41:24.740 To challenge 00:41:24.740 --> 00:41:25.340 The wisdom 00:41:25.340 --> 00:41:26.740 Of God's word 00:41:26.740 --> 00:41:28.059 Born out by millennia 00:41:28.059 --> 00:41:29.640 Of parenting experience 00:41:29.640 --> 00:41:33.700 There is a difference 00:41:33.700 --> 00:41:34.940 Between child abuse 00:41:34.940 --> 00:41:35.579 And spanking 00:41:35.579 --> 00:41:37.500 There is a reason 00:41:37.500 --> 00:41:38.119 Why we have 00:41:38.119 --> 00:41:38.840 A special term 00:41:38.840 --> 00:41:39.119 For it 00:41:39.119 --> 00:41:39.460 It is called 00:41:39.460 --> 00:41:40.000 Spanking 00:41:40.000 --> 00:41:42.400 And the bible's 00:41:42.400 --> 00:41:42.940 Teaching about 00:41:42.940 --> 00:41:43.779 Disciplining children 00:41:43.779 --> 00:41:45.319 Offers no defense 00:41:45.319 --> 00:41:46.380 For parents 00:41:46.380 --> 00:41:46.920 Who abuse 00:41:46.920 --> 00:41:47.519 Their children 00:41:47.519 --> 00:41:51.079 There is something 00:41:51.079 --> 00:41:52.199 That every single 00:41:52.199 --> 00:41:53.199 One of these verses 00:41:53.199 --> 00:41:54.519 About parental discipline 00:41:54.519 --> 00:41:55.360 Has in common 00:41:55.360 --> 00:41:57.260 The motivation 00:41:57.260 --> 00:41:58.120 For spanking 00:41:58.120 --> 00:42:00.220 Is not emotional 00:42:00.220 --> 00:42:02.160 To release 00:42:02.160 --> 00:42:02.599 Pense 00:42:02.599 --> 00:42:04.420 Nor is it 00:42:04.420 --> 00:42:05.480 To show your child 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:06.280 Who is boss 00:42:06.280 --> 00:42:07.099 Or merely 00:42:07.099 --> 00:42:07.880 To restrain 00:42:07.880 --> 00:42:08.559 Behaviors 00:42:08.559 --> 00:42:09.240 That you personally 00:42:09.240 --> 00:42:09.900 Don't like 00:42:09.900 --> 00:42:13.220 The consistent 00:42:13.220 --> 00:42:14.079 Motivation given 00:42:14.079 --> 00:42:15.000 In every single 00:42:15.000 --> 00:42:15.760 One of these verses 00:42:15.760 --> 00:42:16.820 Is always 00:42:16.820 --> 00:42:18.519 Love for the child 00:42:18.519 --> 00:42:20.420 Whoever spares 00:42:20.420 --> 00:42:20.820 The rod 00:42:20.820 --> 00:42:21.599 Hates his son 00:42:21.599 --> 00:42:22.640 But he who loves 00:42:22.640 --> 00:42:23.000 Him 00:42:23.000 --> 00:42:24.039 Is diligent 00:42:24.039 --> 00:42:25.039 To discipline him 00:42:25.039 --> 00:42:26.300 If you strike him 00:42:26.300 --> 00:42:26.779 With the rod 00:42:26.779 --> 00:42:27.659 You will save 00:42:27.659 --> 00:42:28.340 His soul 00:42:28.340 --> 00:42:29.219 From shield 00:42:29.219 --> 00:42:30.759 The goal of spanking 00:42:30.759 --> 00:42:31.659 Is to save 00:42:31.659 --> 00:42:32.860 The child's soul 00:42:32.860 --> 00:42:34.420 And if that's 00:42:34.420 --> 00:42:35.360 What motivates you 00:42:35.360 --> 00:42:36.599 You're not going 00:42:36.599 --> 00:42:37.119 To do it 00:42:37.119 --> 00:42:39.619 If you're motivated 00:42:39.619 --> 00:42:40.279 By love 00:42:40.279 --> 00:42:41.019 You're not going 00:42:41.019 --> 00:42:41.960 To spank your child 00:42:41.960 --> 00:42:42.880 In sinful anger 00:42:42.880 --> 00:42:45.199 It's when parents 00:42:45.199 --> 00:42:46.099 Spank their children 00:42:46.099 --> 00:42:46.860 In anger 00:42:46.860 --> 00:42:48.259 That they learn 00:42:48.259 --> 00:42:48.779 Aggressive 00:42:48.779 --> 00:42:49.340 Violent 00:42:49.340 --> 00:42:50.099 Violent behavior 00:42:50.099 --> 00:42:50.699 As a way of 00:42:50.699 --> 00:42:51.420 Expressing their 00:42:51.420 --> 00:42:51.980 Frustrations 00:42:51.980 --> 00:42:55.019 They don't become 00:42:55.019 --> 00:42:55.460 Aggressive 00:42:55.460 --> 00:42:56.360 When you administer 00:42:56.360 --> 00:42:56.940 Discipline 00:42:56.940 --> 00:42:57.480 In a loving 00:42:57.480 --> 00:42:58.539 Measured way 00:42:58.539 --> 00:43:00.900 I still vividly 00:43:00.900 --> 00:43:01.780 Remember the time 00:43:01.780 --> 00:43:02.860 When I was spanked 00:43:02.860 --> 00:43:03.480 By my father 00:43:03.480 --> 00:43:04.460 When I was in 00:43:04.460 --> 00:43:05.000 Grade school 00:43:05.000 --> 00:43:06.460 I had done 00:43:06.460 --> 00:43:07.280 Something that was 00:43:07.280 --> 00:43:09.240 Utilily defiant 00:43:09.240 --> 00:43:09.880 And disrespectful 00:43:09.880 --> 00:43:10.880 Toward my mom 00:43:10.880 --> 00:43:12.820 And as my father 00:43:12.820 --> 00:43:13.820 Was spanking me 00:43:13.820 --> 00:43:15.800 He was not doing 00:43:15.800 --> 00:43:17.099 So in red 00:43:17.099 --> 00:43:17.940 Faced rage 00:43:17.940 --> 00:43:18.860 With his veins 00:43:18.860 --> 00:43:20.360 Bulging from his neck 00:43:20.360 --> 00:43:21.680 No he was 00:43:21.680 --> 00:43:23.140 Suppressing tears 00:43:23.140 --> 00:43:25.460 There was a loving 00:43:25.460 --> 00:43:26.579 Reluctance 00:43:26.579 --> 00:43:29.920 And I understood 00:43:29.920 --> 00:43:30.840 In a moment 00:43:30.840 --> 00:43:32.180 That my father 00:43:32.180 --> 00:43:33.099 Was disciplining me 00:43:33.099 --> 00:43:34.840 Because he loved me 00:43:34.840 --> 00:43:36.660 Because he cared 00:43:36.660 --> 00:43:37.640 For my well being 00:43:37.640 --> 00:43:39.400 Because he was so 00:43:39.400 --> 00:43:40.120 Committed 00:43:40.120 --> 00:43:41.260 To my future 00:43:41.260 --> 00:43:44.900 In short 00:43:44.900 --> 00:43:45.640 We are to 00:43:45.640 --> 00:43:46.700 Discipline our children 00:43:46.699 --> 00:43:47.779 The manner 00:43:47.779 --> 00:43:49.480 That our heavenly father 00:43:49.480 --> 00:43:50.879 Disciplines us 00:43:50.879 --> 00:43:53.099 He says in Hebrews 00:43:53.099 --> 00:43:53.819 Chapter 12 00:43:53.819 --> 00:43:54.299 Verse 5 00:43:54.299 --> 00:43:55.159 Have you forgotten 00:43:55.159 --> 00:43:56.159 The exhortation 00:43:56.159 --> 00:43:57.500 That addresses you 00:43:57.500 --> 00:43:58.079 As sons 00:43:58.079 --> 00:43:59.299 My son 00:43:59.299 --> 00:44:00.199 Do not regard 00:44:00.199 --> 00:44:01.239 Lightly the discipline 00:44:01.239 --> 00:44:01.899 Of the Lord 00:44:01.899 --> 00:44:03.079 Nor be weary 00:44:03.079 --> 00:44:04.419 When reproved by him 00:44:04.419 --> 00:44:05.259 For the Lord 00:44:05.259 --> 00:44:06.419 Disciplines the one 00:44:06.419 --> 00:44:07.599 He loves 00:44:07.599 --> 00:44:08.919 And chastises 00:44:08.919 --> 00:44:09.980 Every son 00:44:09.980 --> 00:44:11.519 Whom he receives 00:44:11.519 --> 00:44:12.899 We have had 00:44:12.899 --> 00:44:13.779 Earthly fathers 00:44:13.779 --> 00:44:14.679 Who disciplined us 00:44:14.679 --> 00:44:15.799 And we respected them 00:44:15.800 --> 00:44:16.720 Shall we not 00:44:16.720 --> 00:44:17.420 Much more 00:44:17.420 --> 00:44:18.000 Be subject 00:44:18.000 --> 00:44:18.640 To the father 00:44:18.640 --> 00:44:19.240 Of spirits 00:44:19.240 --> 00:44:19.840 And live 00:44:19.840 --> 00:44:21.560 For they disciplined us 00:44:21.560 --> 00:44:22.580 For a short time 00:44:22.580 --> 00:44:23.660 As it seemed best 00:44:23.660 --> 00:44:24.120 To them 00:44:24.120 --> 00:44:26.000 But he disciplines us 00:44:26.000 --> 00:44:27.640 For our good 00:44:27.640 --> 00:44:28.840 That we may share 00:44:28.840 --> 00:44:29.680 His holiness 00:44:29.680 --> 00:44:31.539 For the moment 00:44:31.539 --> 00:44:32.360 All discipline 00:44:32.360 --> 00:44:33.260 Seems painful 00:44:33.260 --> 00:44:34.180 Rather than pleasant 00:44:34.180 --> 00:44:35.380 But later 00:44:35.380 --> 00:44:36.080 It yields 00:44:36.080 --> 00:44:36.780 The peaceful 00:44:36.780 --> 00:44:37.740 Fruit of righteousness 00:44:37.740 --> 00:44:38.980 To those who have 00:44:38.980 --> 00:44:40.500 Been trained by it 00:44:40.500 --> 00:44:42.860 Our heavenly father 00:44:42.860 --> 00:44:44.140 Disciplines us 00:44:44.140 --> 00:44:45.400 Out of love 00:44:45.400 --> 00:44:47.119 For our good 00:44:47.119 --> 00:44:49.420 And the book 00:44:49.420 --> 00:44:50.380 Of lamentations 00:44:50.380 --> 00:44:52.480 In its entirety 00:44:52.480 --> 00:44:53.539 The five chapters 00:44:53.539 --> 00:44:54.700 Is about 00:44:54.700 --> 00:44:55.740 God disciplining 00:44:55.740 --> 00:44:56.260 His children 00:44:56.260 --> 00:44:57.660 And lamenting that 00:44:57.660 --> 00:44:58.599 Mourning that 00:44:58.599 --> 00:45:01.059 It's lamenting 00:45:01.059 --> 00:45:02.900 The capture of Jerusalem 00:45:02.900 --> 00:45:03.860 The destruction of Jerusalem 00:45:03.860 --> 00:45:05.579 In 587 B.C. 00:45:05.639 --> 00:45:06.599 By the Babylonians 00:45:06.599 --> 00:45:07.300 And the destruction 00:45:07.300 --> 00:45:08.300 And death that followed 00:45:08.300 --> 00:45:10.200 And the whole book 00:45:10.200 --> 00:45:10.860 Is structured 00:45:10.860 --> 00:45:12.220 Chastically 00:45:12.220 --> 00:45:13.160 As I mentioned before 00:45:13.159 --> 00:45:15.359 Chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5 00:45:15.359 --> 00:45:17.339 All each have 22 verses 00:45:17.339 --> 00:45:19.420 But the middle chapter 00:45:19.420 --> 00:45:20.239 Chapter 3 00:45:20.239 --> 00:45:21.879 Has 66 verses 00:45:21.879 --> 00:45:22.899 Three times the number 00:45:22.899 --> 00:45:24.639 And the very center 00:45:24.639 --> 00:45:25.559 Of that chapter 00:45:25.559 --> 00:45:26.920 Is the theological 00:45:26.920 --> 00:45:27.799 High point 00:45:27.799 --> 00:45:28.699 Of that book 00:45:28.699 --> 00:45:29.980 And it says this 00:45:29.980 --> 00:45:30.759 About God 00:45:30.760 --> 00:45:32.900 For he does not 00:45:32.900 --> 00:45:35.140 Afflict from his heart 00:45:35.140 --> 00:45:37.280 Or grieve the children 00:45:37.280 --> 00:45:37.840 Of men 00:45:37.840 --> 00:45:41.600 All the afflictions 00:45:41.600 --> 00:45:43.280 That Israel went through 00:45:43.280 --> 00:45:45.160 All the sufferings 00:45:45.160 --> 00:45:46.180 That you endure 00:45:46.180 --> 00:45:47.820 All the painful 00:45:47.820 --> 00:45:48.780 Discipline 00:45:48.780 --> 00:45:49.940 You receive 00:45:49.940 --> 00:45:51.020 From God 00:45:51.020 --> 00:45:51.960 Our father 00:45:51.960 --> 00:45:53.179 Yes 00:45:53.179 --> 00:45:54.340 It does come from 00:45:54.340 --> 00:45:55.460 His sovereign hand 00:45:55.460 --> 00:45:56.900 But it does not 00:45:56.900 --> 00:45:57.780 Come from 00:45:57.780 --> 00:45:58.720 His heart 00:45:58.720 --> 00:46:00.760 Appropriate to say 00:46:00.760 --> 00:46:01.900 That there is a certain 00:46:01.900 --> 00:46:03.099 Reluctance 00:46:03.099 --> 00:46:04.380 On God's part 00:46:04.380 --> 00:46:05.619 To discipline us 00:46:05.619 --> 00:46:08.639 He takes no pleasure 00:46:08.639 --> 00:46:09.619 In inflicting 00:46:09.619 --> 00:46:10.559 Pain 00:46:10.559 --> 00:46:12.380 But he does it 00:46:12.380 --> 00:46:14.240 For our good 00:46:14.240 --> 00:46:16.079 He does it 00:46:16.079 --> 00:46:17.220 Because he loves 00:46:17.220 --> 00:46:18.000 Us 00:46:18.000 --> 00:46:19.940 And that's the way 00:46:19.940 --> 00:46:21.800 We have to discipline 00:46:21.800 --> 00:46:23.119 Our own children 00:46:23.119 --> 00:46:26.119 He should pain us 00:46:26.119 --> 00:46:27.240 To discipline our children 00:46:27.240 --> 00:46:29.360 But we nevertheless 00:46:29.360 --> 00:46:30.280 Must do it 00:46:30.280 --> 00:46:31.340 Out of love 00:46:31.340 --> 00:46:33.460 For their good 00:46:33.460 --> 00:46:36.639 Take a moment 00:46:36.639 --> 00:46:37.639 To reflect on this 00:46:37.639 --> 00:46:38.220 In silence 00:46:38.220 --> 00:46:40.639 Consider what the Lord 00:46:40.639 --> 00:46:41.659 Is bringing to your attention 00:46:41.659 --> 00:46:42.740 In your life 00:46:42.740 --> 00:46:44.360 What he is revealing 00:46:44.360 --> 00:46:45.320 More about himself 00:46:45.320 --> 00:46:47.059 And about ourself 00:46:47.059 --> 00:46:48.519 In the reading 00:46:48.519 --> 00:46:48.840 In Christian 00:46:48.840 --> 00:46:49.380 God's name 00:46:49.380 --> 00:46:51.260 Not the world 00:46:51.260 --> 00:46:51.780 In response 00:46:51.780 --> 00:46:52.579 Isaiah 00:46:52.579 --> 00:47:17.880 El