Tissot: The creation of the world
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On the measure of a man Proverbs 18:1-14
The theme of the measure of a man, and understanding him keep running through all of wisdom literature. Be very wary of both what you say, what you think, and to whom you open your mind and heart. What you say shows who you are, and what you consume in the mind, shows further what you aspire to. Humility and fear of God will keep you away from foolish talk, gossip and pride.
Wealth is indeed a fortress. With it, you can keep much at bay. But as with all things, it does disappear. Before it does however there is haughtiness, driven by pride, driven by wealth. When it disappears, how humble we all become. The only true fortress is wisdom, exemplified in the two great commandments. God will never disappear and we can run to him daily, knowing He will answer because our lives are steeped in Him.
Poussin- Judgement of Solomon
On Seeking Wisdom Proverbs 18:15-22
We should live a life constantly pursuing wisdom, it is the way to riches on earth and in heaven.
When you need a favor, a gift can come in handy, as it makes the recipient obliged to see it through. This is unlike a bribe, whose intention is to pervert the course of justice.
Never decide on one-sided evidence. Remember Solomon’s decision with the two women and their children. Always listen to both sides, then poke holes.
Is the lot not an appeal to wisdom?
A cooperative family is a source of great strength. Fighting amongst them leads to a vicious cycle of violence as there is literally no way out.
Nantes- The deluge
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There is nothing quite as powerful as the words that come out of our mouths. Our life and how it transpires is largely a result of what we say, think and display to the world. This is a power we all hold and should wield carefully.
There is nothing quite as unpleasant as giving your all to someone that fails to reciprocate. In matters of love, pray with fervour. Like your interaction with the world, listen and watch and truly understand the nature of the person before you. Don’t be easily beguiled by the book cover; it’s what is inside that truly matters.
On Poverty and wealth Proverbs 18:23-24
If you are wealthy, always remember that it was not always so. I find it amazing that one may live 70 years and achieve modest comfort materially, yet another born a paltry 30 years back is today amongst the richest people in the world. Don’t anger wisdom by ignoring the entreaties of the poor. You were just as they are once.
Who can live life without friends? We are social creatures and need to comfort each other in this hard world. But, not all friends are alike. Turn to the greatest power you have as given us by wisdom. Listen carefully to what they say, see how they act, and decide for yourself if they aspire as you do, to live rightly with your maker.
On Knowledge and wealth Proverbs 19:1-11
If wealth comes, so be it. If not, so be it too. Don’t allow your mind to dwell on it incessantly. Wealth is an ephemeral thing that wisdom gives us to help those that can benefit from the gift. A fool dwells on his wealth and disdains the poor.
The start towards wisdom is a love of God and neighbor. As you listen to wisdom and practice the commandments, you become better formed and remain in tune with your maker. If you fail to solicit and practice wisdom, who can you blame when all your plans go awry? Seek wisdom diligently, as a means for a peaceful and successful life
Whether poor or rich, seek knowledge and wisdom. A friend once told me that to be human, the starting point is understanding yourself. Know yourself in light of wisdom, and form yourself. Some are weak, others strong, but wisdom accommodates all. Yes, it’s useful to know both yourself and your place in this world. Yes, have righteous ambition, but don’t give yourself over to ambition at the expense of your soul and dignity. The Lord asks us to accommodate each other in light of the commandments. Don’t bother being accommodative to the rich or poor if they have no interest in the commandments
It is unfortunate but true, that we may be lorded over by our inferiors. It is also very normal to meet wealthy fools. The world is full of injustice and inequality. We as Christians see it as Wisdom's design. The fool exists to test the wise. The wise become stronger through humility and mastering emotion. They practice the cardinal and theological virtues constantly.
Molinari- Nabalad David meet
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On care with those in power Proverbs 19:12
A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew upon the grass.
Be very wary of those in power and authority. They can destroy you. Don’t be so quick to seek them out. Respect their authority and preferably let them seek you out. In their company be wary of the power of your mouth to raise you or smash you to the rocks.
On sloth Proverbs 19: 13-16
What is foolishness, but reckless use of speech and thought, and giving no concern to the commandments? I truly believe, even where one's natural acumen is not high, a fear of God and a knowledge of the commandments is enough for anyone to walk steadily and confidently with wisdom. Did our Lord not commend his Father for revealing the secrets of His origins to the simple, yet the knowledgeable and supposedly wise were both in doubt and to this day unbelieving? As for a wife or husband, pray fervently and earnestly for good fortune from the Lord.
Stay away from a lazy person. How do you know one? In the dawn of their lives, they spend their days enjoying life, as the rest of us slog it out to ensure a future. In the twilight of their lives, they are destitute for not having used their youthful energy appropriately. Life is not as simple as I have described above, and we are thankful to wisdom for always giving us second, third and an infinite number of chances to correct our ways. These chances for redemption are given to us until our last breath, as the parable of the vineyard workers shows, and further exemplified by the thief at the right hand of the Lord.
On kindness to the poor Proverbs 19:17-18
To be concerned about the poor is to acknowledge your role in the divine plan. Poverty may come by choice, foolishness, or unfortunate circumstances; ours is not to judge, just to support where we can. Christ did not distinguish between the poor, whether it arose from their actions or fate, he simply sees them for what they are and demands that we help, for in so doing, we are doing it for him. Just remember that every time you reach out, wisdom sees you and acknowledges your efforts.
Never give up on flesh and blood. Indeed, when they mature, their thoughts will be their own. In childhood, however, reach out as much as you can. Teach them the commandments and fear of our maker. Let not wisdom point an accusing finger, saying you did not do enough. The world is a harsh place; be merciful and ignore their youthful slights.
On the worth of a man Proverbs 19:19-21
Be wary of angry and violent men. They are set in their ways, aggressive for gain, and merciless in their pursuits. Their lives are enticing full of wealth and luxury, seeing themselves as invincible and all others as fools incapable of seeing the opportunities that lie before them. They are oblivious to wisdom.
Wisdom says, "trust not in your understanding, but always rely on the Lord". Yes, plan, think and pray. But remember that even the best-laid plans do go awry. Don’t be too certain about your intelligence, how can you? Wisdom sees what you do not, and as she tells us, there is nothing new under the sun, just variations of the same. Rely on wisdom and pray ardently that she steers you to what is best for you.
On Avoiding sloth Proverbs 19:22-29
Let us teach our children the value of the commandments and a healthy fear of our creator. Teach a child the way it should go when young, and in adulthood, they will remain on the path. Don’t neglect your duty of instilling noble and high ideas in the young; this way, they will not be corrupted by the world.
Stay away from the lazy, and on those that look down upon what is high and noble and righteous; they are normally just base people, operating like animals and giving in to all their base desires. From these, stay away. You are not obliged to accommodate them, even out of politeness.
Let us not forget the importance of the fourth commandment, for they gave you life. You may be maltreated and decide not to associate in adulthood, however, the gift of life came from them. Let the Lord Judge them on how you may have been raised.
The foolish and wicked, give no thought to the higher truths, just their base desires. They see no farther than their noses and choose to ignore the maker who sees deep into their corrupt souls.