Day 150 Fools and Oxen | Proverbs 14:3-4

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Fools and Oxen 

3 

A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
     but the words of the wise keep them safe.

4 

Without oxen a stable stays clean,
     but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

Verse 3

A fool’s pride makes him talk too much. His many words will lead him into trouble.

A wise man speaks with care. His words will save him from many dangers.

Verse 4

The wise farmer knows that he needs oxen (strong farm animals) to plough his fields. Without them, he cannot produce crops.

Oxen can be difficult animals for a farmer. They need plenty of food. The farmer must work hard to look after them. However, oxen used to be essential animals on the farm. Solomon’s farmers used oxen like tractors, to pull the plough. Without oxen, the harvest would be poor.

Some church members are easy to look after. They are polite and friendly, and everyone likes them. However, they do few things for God’s work.

Other church members act like the oxen. Such church members may ask difficult questions. They have many problems. Sometimes, they make serious errors. They are difficult to look after. However, we must learn to appreciate these members too. Sometimes, they will achieve great things for God. Peter was like this - see Mark 8:31-33, Matthew 26:74 and Galatians 2:11-14. We might not choose these church members, but God chose them for his work.

When I read the first proverb, I thought of people who could use a good lesson, but God reminded me not to be flippant. God doesn't need enforcers; fools will bring punishment on themselves.

Verse 4 reminds us to focus on what truly matters. My father, a librarian, used to tell a story about someone asking how the library was doing. The librarian replied, "Great. Only one book is checked out, and I'm on the way to get it now." Sure, the books were all accounted for, but the library wasn't serving its real purpose.

We humans like everything neat and tidy with clear explanations: What did Jesus look like? What does death feel like? Who will be in heaven? Will we have best friends in heaven? But Jesus said the Holy Spirit is like the wind—unseen and uncontrollable, yet powerful.

Let me ask you: Do you truly know the Holy Spirit and its power?

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