Day 810: Watch what you say! - Proverbs 30 vs 29 - 33

29-31 Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride: the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any; the strutting cock (or magpie), the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him. 32-33 If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth. For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife. Proverbs 30:29-33 English Standard Version

The writer of this chapter has been mentioning things in the world around him that made him stop and think. That's a healthy habit to get into. Jesus did this for His disciples when He told them to look at how the lilies of the field grow. Even King Solomon in all his glory wasn't dressed as beautifully as they are. And the application Jesus made was that “if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.” (Luke 12:27-28) So there are lessons to be learned from nature and everyday events. What was it that struck him in vs 29-31?

It was the majesty that certain animals conveyed as they passed by. The sort of majesty and strength one associates with a King leading a powerful army. Do you think vs 32-33 are just a random thought, or could there be a link to what he has just said in vs 29-31?

Using familiar pictures from life, that of making curds or causing a bloody nose, he warns about the foolishness of not controlling our anger. Giving vent to anger quickly leads to quarrels and a breakdown in relationships. That's why he urges us to quickly ‘cover our mouth’ (or bite our tongue) if we were going to angrily blurt out something hurtful and harmful. So the apostle Paul wrote to believers: “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

I think this is also seen when Jesus taught about nipping nasty situations in the bud before great harm was done. He said to the crowds “You've heard that it was said to our ancestors 'do not murder - and whoever murders will be subject to judgment'. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21-26

Now if Jesus considered it important for people to get right with one another before they face a human court, how much more do we need to get right with God before Christ returns again like a King with His army. That's what the apostle John saw in a vision about when Jesus returns. He wrote: “I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”

And John adds: “The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron sceptre.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11-16) This is the King that we should never want to offend - not even with our words.