SOAP 12/23/2015; Proverbs 6:30-31

Today's reading: John 15, 16, 17, 18*

S) "³⁰ Men do not despise a thief if he steals
To satisfy himself when he is hungry;
³¹ But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold;
He must give all the substance of his house."

Proverbs 6:30-31 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 6

O) These verses come in the middle of a reminder for the son to remember the lessons his parents taught him. Particularly, this is continued warning against adultery. Then, we see this passage nestled between two verses that are very clearly about adultery... so it becomes clear that Solomon meant the verses above to be metaphorical. He's still talking about sexual immorality, only this time he is suggesting some amount of empathy or understanding. There are lots and lots of reasons people justify or rationalize fornication. Many of those reasons are frankly understandable. Even so, those reasons are frankly insufficient. That's the point that Solomon is making with this analogy about bread. No matter what the circumstances, sinning is still wrong. It's also notable that the beginning to v.30 can literally be read, "They do not; or Do not men...?" and, "to satisfy his soul," This passage is deeper than food and petty crime.

A) There are a few reasons to remember this passage, and especially to remember it is not about food theft. First and foremost, I must remember that there is never justification for sinning. I cannot ever rationalize my mistakes. There are no extenuating circumstances. Second, I must be very careful when I am listening to a man talk about their own struggle with a sin. As much as I might want to relate to their struggle, and convey that I understand how hard his circumstance is, I cannot make the mistake of corroborating their sinful choice. Spiritually speaking, we can never repay what we take (metaphorically speaking), but that doesn't mean my mistakes won't cost me. So, when sin is confessed (whether it's my confession, or I'm listening to another man's), repentance must be the very next step. Not rationalizing, or excusing, or minimizing, or blame-shifting. Repentance, and then constructive actions to restore, heal, and encourage moving forward.

P) Father, thank You first, for the grace that You have already taken care of the repayment. Don't let me ever lose sight, though, that my freedom was not free. Jesus paid the penalty of my sins, once for all. Thank You for the grace and mercy I receive. Help me to keep a straight, clear understanding of my temptations and sins. Please don't let me be deceived by the lies about sin. There is never a justified reason to do things my own way. Any actions I take that are contrary to Your ways, are wrong actions to take. There are no other ways to see sin. Help me to convey this to others, in love. This is hard to do, God. I want to empathize with others, and show them that I understand how hard temptation is. Still, I know that there is no rationalization that works. So, please give me the wisdom and the words, to meet people in the pain of their struggles, without corroborating their sins. Help me to teach this to my children, too. Above all else, let Your will be done, and let Your name be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.