READING FOR JULY 22, 2025: PROVERBS 6, 1 TIMOTHY 5, PSALM 71:1-13 PROVERBS 6 The details of pledging to cover the debts of someone else in this ancient culture are not completely clear to us, but it is not hard to discern the basic issue involved. It is generally not smart to promise beforehand to bail another person out of debts they will subsequently acquire. If for some reason one foolishly promises to do so, the best course of action is to try to get out of the arrangement as soon as possible.
Many of us know the dilemma of wanting to help those in need while also not wanting to be an enabler of irresponsible behavior. The fact that this warning immediately precedes a declaration of the virtues of hard work and careful planning suggests that the better course is to encourage those asking for such a guarantee to work hard, save carefully, and spend wisely in order to avoid later debts. If only we were as sensible as the hardworking ant in this regard: “As of June 6, 2025, the US national debt was approximately $36.21 trillion. In the first quarter of 2025, the average credit card debt per borrower in the U.S. was $6,371” (Source: AI).
Speaking of value, Solomon gives us the definition of a worthless man as one who “continually devises evil, who spreads strife. Hopefully that does not define any of us, but we should sowarn our children nonetheless. Then Solomon lists six things the Lord hates and seven He considers to be an abomination: disdainful eyes, a lying tongue, a violent hand, a scheming heart, feet that pursue evil, a false witness, and number seven is mentioned by Solomon earlier in the chapter and the result of the first six, “one who spreads strife among brothers.” It’s easy to say none of these traits describe us but let’s take a moment to ask God to search our hearts, as David famously asked, to see if there is any wicked way in us (Psalm 139:23-24).
Finally, Solomon understands how faint these parental words of wisdom can become when young people are caught up in the excitement of life among their peers. He recommends that his son take measures to make them more visible and constant as he wades into the temptations of life. Solomon suggests tying them around his neck. Any ideas for us today? Maybe placing them on our screen savers. He concludes by putting yet more emphasis on avoiding sexual sin. He states that even though we sort of understand when a hungry man steals food, that person still needs to be held financially accountable. There is no understanding or excuse, though, when a man commits adultery. The shame cannot be removed by any monetary repayment, although as with all sin, there can be forgiveness in the sight of God through confession and repentance due to the work of Jesus on the cross.
1 TIMOTHY 5 In the first verse the word “Presbyterō” is translated as “older man” by the New American Standard Bible compared with verses 17 and 19 where the same Greek word is
READING FOR JULY 22, 2025 CONTINUED: 1 TIMOTHY 5, PSALMS 71:1-13 translated “elder,” referring to an officer in church leadership. Obviously, the context is used to determine which English word is best. Verses one and two direct us to treat men and women with love and respect and with the deference that is appropriate to their ages.
Widows need special consideration depending on their age and family situation. Of course, all these guidelines were given before FDR started social security, but relational responsibilities still apply today. Children and grandchildren need to care for their mothers/grandmothers, at least emotionally if not financially. God likes this! Paul says those who don’t do this are not really Christians. A widow who is without family needs to place all her trust in God by praying day and night. If she is 60 or over and has been a faithful believer, the church is responsible for her well-being. Here Paul suggests that younger widows remarry, where in 1 Cor. 7 he states the ideal is for all single persons to remain single, if they are able to remain chaste.
Paul said to honor those elders who rule well, especially those who teach the Bible accurately. Some have used this Old Testament quotation about “muzzling the ox” as a reason to fairly compensate pastors. This seems appropriate. Also, appropriate is handling complaints about church leadership according to the guidelines given. Paul’s final guidance about the medicinal use of wine certainly supports using medication and doesn’t prohibit alcohol in moderation.
PSALM 71:1-13 If we think about it for a moment, we realize we all put our trust in something. Maybe it’s our good looks, our good education, our good friends, our good health, or good job. Let’s pause a bit and ask ourselves honestly, in what or whom do we place our trust? What do we cultivate with our time? Where does our mind go when we allow it to wander? These questions can be good diagnostic tests. The Psalmist had the kind of life vantage point to understand all the bearers of trust listed above are ultimately untrustworthy. He had reached the maturity and wisdom to trust in God. Not just as a verbal platitude but as a daily reality.
No matter how threatened the Psalmist is, if he has taken refuge in God, he is embedded in the mightiest source of power that exists. His confidence is such that he believes God has already commanded his protection in this case. What’s threatening us? Many at church are dealing with aging. Fair enough. Let’s closely examine the text. The Psalmist recalls a lifetime of walking with God. Let’s recall God’s faithfulness throughout our lives. The Psalmist finds others are puzzled by him because he praises God no matter what. That’s cool. Now he prays for God’s presence as he faces the evitable loss of strength in old age. Maybe that’s the secret: Accept the realities of old age while doubling down on the opportunity of God’s presence.
