“For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.” (Pr 5:21 AV)
When we think of pondering, we think of musing and reasoning in order to understand and apply. Yet that is not the understanding of the Hebrew word here. The word has the meaning of examination for leveling or making even. What is ironic is the man involved fails to ponder his goings in verse six. He is so taken with the strange woman that he fails to consider his potential actions. He fails to make other plans. He is tempted beyond the ability to make adjustments that will produce better results. This does not affect the LORD. He weighs our actions in a balance. He ponders all our goings. He sees what we are and what we are doing. He makes adjustments so our lives will transform into that which He intended. If we fight Him on it, the means for adjustment become more severe. Perhaps the nature of the man will not allow for adjustment unto perfection. In that case, the LORD has no choice but to discard the man to his own devices, resulting in complete self-destruction.
I like to watch wood-turning videos. I am fascinated by the artistry of the workman. David’s Woodworking is my favorite. He is based out of England. He does a lot of different things. There are several things that amaze me when I watch these videos. Each chunk of wood is unique. He tends to treat them that way. Each piece is unique. He is not a cookie cutter carver. He sees something in a chunk of wood that no one else sees. The detailed method of carving also captivates me. The wood worker doesn’t try to make the finished shape in one sweep of the blade. It is here a little and there a little. I had this wood turning app that I played and that was how you carved. You chose a blade and went in one direction. Then you were done. Not so in real life. The carve changes blades. He works one area, then another, then goes back to the first area. He slowly removes what he doesn’t want. I often wonder how or what he sees that compels him to take a little bit more. When he is done, the piece is stunning. The carver removes what he knows will rob the piece of in inherent beauty of the wood. He ponders and removes. He ponders and sands. He ponders and polishes. A constant sea of change until a masterpiece is produced.
This is the understanding of the verse above. Again, what is ironic is the foolish and adulterous man does not ponder his goings. The temptation of the strange woman is too great for him. If he would ponder his own goings, then the LORD wouldn’t have to do it for him. Note also that the LORD ponders all. Not some. Not most. All. That means that even if we do not see God’s hand, it is nonetheless, active. Like the lathe turner, a simple tiny blade can add the finest scroll. When he polishes and seals the work, it is with several grits of sandpaper and compounds. The littlest of touches makes the biggest difference. God, the master builder, is working on us all the time. Most of which goes unnoticed. When the LORD ponders all our ways, this suggests every choice, thought, demeanor, and desire. This brings up an even more spectacular thought. I wonder how much failure the LORD kept us from of which we are completely unaware! Imagine that! Imagine how much of a disaster our lives would be if the LORD did not ponder all our ways! Praise the LORD for His non-stop interference in our lives. Heaven will tell what could have been if it wasn’t for the grace of almighty God.
No comments:
Post a Comment