I have started running and cycling again after my unfortunate rib-incident. All engines seem to be firing again and I thank God for that. I have also started listening to and reading the Bible after a bit of a lapse over the holiday time. I chose the book of Proverbs and am surprised at how funny yet practical some of the sayings are.

For runners

This one is for my co-runners: 28:1 “The wicked run when no one is chasing them…”  🙂

Luckily it goes on to say “…but an honest person is as brave as a lion.”

Nowadays I think it is the brave who run and not just sit behind the TV. Our bravery is in the discipline to continue even though it is difficult. Our bravery is also in the board room where we do not back down from our values and principles to put God and his will before money or glory. Or when we go against the majority opinion to do what is right.

Another one for those cold winter mornings: 26:14 “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.”  If you have snoozed your alarm clock every 5 minutes for more than an hour (like I have done) then you understand this one. 6:9-10 “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber  a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”  Oh, but it is tough.

For husbands and wives

It seems there is a tendency to make jokes about husbands and wives and how bad it is to be married. For all those who do it or think it the Bible says: 18:2 “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.“ This is true for me. Also this: 19:14 “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

But there are also this: 19:13 “…a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.” and this: 21:9 “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”  and more: 21:19 “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.”   The author seems to have had experience.

About drinking

In closing there is this hilarious part about those who like to drink.

23: 29-35 ‘Who are the people who are always crying the blues?
    Who do you know who reeks of self-pity?
Who keeps getting beat up for no reason at all?
    Whose eyes are bleary and bloodshot?
It’s those who spend the night with a bottle,
    for whom drinking is serious business.
Don’t judge wine by its label,
    or its bouquet, or its full-bodied flavor.
Judge it rather by the hangover it leaves you with—
    the splitting headache, the queasy stomach.
Do you really prefer seeing double,
    with your speech all slurred,
Reeling and seasick,
    drunk as a sailor?
“They hit me,” you’ll say, “but it didn’t hurt;
    they beat on me, but I didn’t feel a thing.
When I’m sober enough to manage it,
    bring me another drink!”’

For me and other proud souls.

God is speaking to me about many things, but one thing I should share with you is this one: 27:21 “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”

We all like to be praised – me in particular. But how do we react to it? Does it show our true prideful nature? It is hard not to let the way we see ourselves be influenced by how others view us. How God views us is different though since he sees us as we really are. I am trying to live humbly before this God who loves me even though he knows all about me.

There is a lot more, but you can go and read / listen that for yourself. I use the Youversion Bible that is available on the Google Play store or for Apple. Try it out and become my friend so that we can share.

If there are any funny parts of the Bible or something that God is saying to you at this time, please share with a comment on this blog.

Keep running