We Don't Talk About (Bruno??)

I am a reluctant reader of Proverbs. Which is merely to say, I gravitate toward the Psalms, with all their poetry and literary patterns, their imagery and exquisite design. I read Psalms slowly, meditating and savoring all 150 chapters. One a day for as long as it takes. And sometimes (not always) when I reach the end, I tell myself, “You really ought to continue on to Proverbs.” 

Proverbs are soundbites. They’re like Sesame Street for Bible readers. Quick snippets of practical wisdom. Nothing pretty. Nothing inviting imagination. They’re just there. Sorry Pastor Randy. My dear senior pastor LOVED those Proverbs so much he was always telling us, “31 chapters for each day of the month. Wisdom for every single day. Read and repeat.” And I know. I KNOW. I really ought to love them, too.  

I’m being facetious. You know that, right? Obviously I honor all 66 books of my Bible with equal reverence. Just perhaps not equal delight. (You, too. Admit it.) 

And so. I am on day 26 of my Proverbs reading. And to their credit the Spirit has used them for my instruction. And today—I must admit—a rather impactful surprise. 

Let me start by describing my morning… 

I chose the front porch for my reading. Sunrise side. And finally a promise of actual sun after a longish stretch of rain and haze from Canadian fires. My front lawn is well-watered, vegetation lush and green and shimmering with the dew of heaven. (Poetic, right?) Every “up north” songbird  has come out to wake the day; hummers are humming; eagles are wing-beat thrumming. And that’s when I spot Bruno coming up my drive. 

Oh no. We don’t talk about Bruno-oh-oh… (The catchy little tune from our favorite Colombian animation* which will now remain in my head—and possibly yours—for the rest of the day. Not sorry.) 

Anyway. Bruno is our neighbor’s dog, and per his owner’s text, “An escape artist.” And so. After a 20-or-so minute diversion I am finally back to my Proverbs reading…

Chapter 26. Here we go. So…

The first eleven verses are predictably about THE FOOL. A favorite topic for wise old Solomon and his collaborative authors. The quips in chapter 26 are on a spectacular roll. I mean, eleven straight verses comparing said-fool to things such as snow in summer and a “stick with thorns, brandished by the hand of a drunkard.” No mercy. So of course, since I’m the meditating type, I find myself personifying with a specific face and a particular story, one my husband and I considered out loud in detail over dinner last night. I’ve just been imagining the dog returning to his vomit when out of the blue I read this…

Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes?

There is more hope for a fool than for him. 

Verse 12. And I’ve got to admit, I didn’t see that coming. 

I mean, come on. There I am sitting in my Adirondack chair all innocent like, when it occurs to me those previous 11 verses might have just been a really crafty setup to bring me to this?!! 

Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes?

WHO ME??

I mean. If there is ONE THING. 

One thing I can’t possibly overlook. Can’t possibly deny. Every time it comes up. Proverbs and elsewhere. Guilty as charged. 

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he can become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness; and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are futile. (I Corinthians 3:18-20) 

And. To conclude with a proverbial favorite—

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

in all your ways know him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Don’t be wise in your own eyes…

Proverbs 3:5-7

Okay, Pastor Randy. I might be pickin’ up what you’re puttin’ down, after all. 

*Song from Walt Disney's Encanto