Jeremiah 18-22

So, I could write about Jeremiah's complex feelings after the night in the stocks. I really could. There's something about having context to this outcry against God that hits a bit deeper than similar Psalms that have been preserved without the context. And it's different than Job, somehow, too. Maybe because Jeremiah isn't defending himself … Continue reading Jeremiah 18-22 →

Proverbs 29-31

"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." Stop making people angry. It makes life difficult for everyone. That's it. It's not too late. If you've been foolish, … Continue reading Proverbs 29-31 →

Proverbs 10-12 Psalm 150

"The tongue of the wise man brings healing." I wish I could just leave it at that. I really do. I wish that was all I needed to say. It isn't, though, is it? If only we could take everyone back to kindergarten and teach them to evaluate every statement by asking if it is: … Continue reading Proverbs 10-12 Psalm 150 →

Job 32-34 Psalm 142

Got to love the argument that because God is just, everything that happens is earned in one way or another. First of all, we are usually dramatically uniformed regarding the situation in question. Secondly, we are often just plain wrong regarding what would be true justice in any given situation. Third, by requiring justice to … Continue reading Job 32-34 Psalm 142 →

Job 24-28 Psalm 140

Okay, seriously, I'm tired. I personally believe this a sort of drama, an allegorical piece of teaching literature, but whether it's literal or not, it's as exhausting as it is accurate. It just does not end, the back and forth, the round and round, of Job and his companions. I cannot call them friends. How … Continue reading Job 24-28 Psalm 140 →

Job 16-19 Psalm 138

I have to say, the thoughts running through my head reading this section were along the lines of "Would he really have crossed a line with God at all if hadn't been for his 'friends'?" Think about it. His friends are basically yelling at him at this point. "Look, man, how long are you going … Continue reading Job 16-19 Psalm 138 →