Could be Controversial

  My Bible fell open to the Book of Proverbs written by King Solomon, son of David. Flipping through the pages, I was struck by the thought that they are written by a king. Bear with me as I think about this.
  I have read them before but this time it struck me that a lot of these wise sayings are actually rather harsh and judgemental. The poor are maligned as lazy and evil yet Solomon states the Lord is their defender against exploitation. Women are either wise or seductresses. Slaves are slaves and regarded as belongings. (21st Century morals?)
  Several of the Proverbs speak of God detesting double standards.
  It is all good because it is forcing me to examine my heart. Where does prejudice colour my attitudes? Where does condemnation rear its ugly head? Pride? Am I reading these lessons through the heart of Jesus?

    The Bible I have highlights Old Testament references made by Jesus as He taught His disciples and followers. It has helped to realize that Solomon was governed by the laws given to Moses. It would be appropriate for him to put those laws into clear, practical, life lessons for his son.
  And a rather funny, if irreverent, thought occurred...Solomon was the Dr. Oz of his day. Which points out a very human attribute: we love to be taught how to live. Although, if memory serves, someone did an experiment and tried to live utilizing all the diet and fitness advice Dr. Oz  provided over the course of a year. They discovered it was often contradictory. They discovered it was impossible to encorporate everything in the course of a day. It got very complicated and all consuming. (Nothing under the sun is truly new says King Solomon.)

  Then Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes, a despairing, heart wrenching exploration of the human condition. His proud words of Proverbs were washed in compassion.

  Thank You, Lord God, that the Bible contains so many stories of Your redemption.

  A long while passed as the foundation unfolded for His Grace, Jesus, to walk among us.
  Jesus brought life and a beating heart to the rules of His forefathers. He infused them with the Spirit of God. He made it possible for us to live through His great love, the Love that released us from bondage.
  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6