I went to Church on Sunday. Before the service they served us coffee. Halfway through the service they served us coffee. And after the service they served us coffee. Yes, I went to the Church of the Latte Day Saints!
I’ve decided to sell my Hoover – it was just collecting dust.
I saw this advert in a window that said: ‘Television for sale, £1, volume stuck on full.’ I thought, ‘I can’t turn that down.’
I’d like to say that I wrote those lines – but I didn’t. I must credit Tim Vine – who I recently watched in concert on his Breeeep Tour. I have a great fondness for Tim Vine and his comedy. Not only do I think it’s very good, it’s also very clever.
Some people are good with a paint brush. Some people are good with a piano. Some people are good with words.
We’ve featured plenty of artists and composers in the past in our “Art” reflections on ASecludedPlace and Life-Light. However, not so many comedians or authors or poets, people who are very clever with words.
The writer of the book of Proverbs in the Bible was very clever with words. It is generally accepted that Solomon had a big hand in this – perhaps not writing it completely, but putting a lot of effort into it. The aim of the book of Proverbs is to bring divine truth into proper focus, enabling us to look at life through God’s eyes and then live accordingly. Simply put, it’s insight for living.
If you thought that Tim Vine was the king of the one-liners, then read the book of Proverbs again. You’ll find some absolute pearls of wisdom:
Kind words are like honey — sweet to the taste and good for your health. Proverbs 16:24
It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities. Proverbs 16:32
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9
It is foolish to speak scornfully of others. If you are smart, you will keep quiet. Proverbs 11:12
Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped. Proverbs 11:25
Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15
Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than have a banquet in a house full of trouble. Proverbs 17:1
But the book of Proverbs is not just a rambling cohort of pithy one-liners. It must be understood in its proper context.
Katharine J Dell, in her book The Theology of the Book of Proverbs, says:
"So this is a well-rounded biblical book about human beings and living in the world and also about relationship with God and with wisdom (indeed with Woman Wisdom, a poetic representation of the quality that is desired (Proverbs 8)). The rich theological themes shine through its timeless proverbial advice. The theme of Wisdom as a mediator between God and humanity stands at the centre of Proverbs 1-9, a profound theological prologue to the rest of the book.”
Prayer
Gracious God, may your words always be inspiring to our hearts. May they challenge our comfort, soothe our sorrows, excite us on grey days and bring peace at all times. Let us never grow tired of reading your word and serving your people. Amen.
Anyway, I must go, I need to take my dog for a walk. It’s a very angry dog - well it would be, its a cross breed!!
Neil Chappell
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