The child is father to the man i.e. a child’s behavior indicates what his adult behavior will be like. Chapter 20 also speaks to the business ethics of bargaining, pretending to be dissatisfied in bidding for an object and then boasting on the great prize that one bought for a bargain prise. The king is advised on loyalty and faithfulness. The Hebrew belief express in chapter 21 in unparalleled. God controls the decisions of kings as easily as a farmer directs the water in irrigation. Victory is from God alone. As the prophets teach, this chapter notes that God prefers ethical conduct to mere ritual exercise. “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” As usual, care for the poor is a priority. There is a fine line between a gift and a bribe says the author. Chapter 22 again addresses training of children and caring for the poor. “A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.” How many times have I lacked caution because of my determination to overcome fear? Sometimes I am foolhardy. At other times, I am paralyzed by fear of pain, fear of poverty, fear of unemployment. Many times I can’t even name the fear. As Jesus teaches, may I replace fear with love.
The child is father to the man i.e. a child’s behavior indicates what his adult behavior will be like. Chapter 20 also speaks to the business ethics of bargaining, pretending to be dissatisfied in bidding for an object and then boasting on the great prize that one bought for a bargain prise. The king is advised on loyalty and faithfulness. The Hebrew belief express in chapter 21 in unparalleled. God controls the decisions of kings as easily as a farmer directs the water in irrigation. Victory is from God alone. As the prophets teach, this chapter notes that God prefers ethical conduct to mere ritual exercise. “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” As usual, care for the poor is a priority. There is a fine line between a gift and a bribe says the author. Chapter 22 again addresses training of children and caring for the poor. “A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.” How many times have I lacked caution because of my determination to overcome fear? Sometimes I am foolhardy. At other times, I am paralyzed by fear of pain, fear of poverty, fear of unemployment. Many times I can’t even name the fear. As Jesus teaches, may I replace fear with love.
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