Last week’s Proverb was a beautiful exhortation to obedience. This week, we take a peek at the underbelly – the ego of man – that forever stands in the way of true fellowship with God, and meaningful spiritual growth. Proverbs 3: 7-8, is one of the most well known and beloved of all the Proverbs.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

What a barrier man’s ego is! Think of all the nations of the world, the religions of the world, all people – everywhere – completely, 100%, full of themselves. How did the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, handle the ego problem? This is especially important, because Paul, by anyone’s standards, would have had something to preen about. Paul was educated by Gamaliel, a preeminent Rabbi, one of only seven in history, and the very first  to be dignified with the title – “Rabban.”

The title “Rabban,” which, in the learned hierarchy until post-Hadrianic times, was borne only by presidents of the highest religious council, was. first prefixed to the name of Gamaliel.

[jewishencyclopedia]

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

There are copious statistics demonstrating the benefits of strong Christian faith and its health benefits. Certainly, many followers of Christ have met an early death through religious persecution. But the facts are clear – those that follow the wisdom of God are healthier than those that follow the wisdom of the world. The statistics relating to sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, and substance and alcohol abuse are evidence enough.

Man second guesses God all the time. When presented with the Word – they respond – “Well, I don’t know about that.” 

Or – “To me, God isn’t like that.” 

How about – “Well, I believe this part of the Bible, but I don’t go for that other stuff. That’s not the God I believe in.”

There’s a sardonic saying out there – “I’m just not that into you.” Perhaps a more appropriate expression would be – “I’m really into myself.”  

sage