Jump Start #328 

Proverbs 30:11 “There is a kind of man who curses his father, and does not bless his mother.”

  Proverbs 30 was written by Agur. He likes lists, because this chapter contains many.

• V. 7 two things I have asked of Thee
• V. 15 four things that will not say, ‘enough’
• V. 18 four things which I do not understand
• V. 21 four things the earth cannot bear up
• V. 24 four things that are small but wise
• V. 29 four things that are stately in their march

  Our verse, although not using any numbers, is another form of these lists. It is a list of “the kind of man” and his wicked deeds. Our verse starts this list by describing the man who is mean toward his parents.

• V. 12 there is a kind of man who is pure in his own eyes, yet not washed from his filthiness
• V. 13 there is a kind of man who is arrogant and proud
• V. 14 there is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords

  The list of these “kind of people” are not good. We’d hate for our children to become one of these. God does not favor any of these wicked actions and attitudes.

  Our passage reminds us that there are people like that. They are not nice. They are not humble. They are abusive and take advantage of others. They are that ‘kind of person.” It is difficult when that kind of person is in your family. Every day is hard. There seems no escaping the abuse. It’s hard working with such people. After a while, many don’t and they search for another job. This spirit in neighbors makes for tense and unfriendly times.

  Why are some like that? Many would suggest that they are born that way. That’s just the way they came. I doubt that. Scripture wouldn’t support that theory. Many grew up in an environment like that and learned it first hand. On top of that, they had no positive and godly influence, especially from the Bible, in their lives. All they have known is selfishness, arrogance and meanness. It’s like taking a little puppy, and every day poking sticks at it. After a while, that dog becomes mean. People are like that. Hollywood isn’t going to illustrate the way of God. It’s not up to the school systems to do  that. This is the place of moms and dads. But if mom and dad are already like this, another generation is going to do the same, and probably worse.

  Another thought to remember is that a person can change. They don’t have to be like this. Coming under the influence of Jesus, they can learn to be humble, compassionate, godly and positive. Jesus said to “come unto Me…Learn from Me.” The cycle of dysfunction can be stopped. You don’t have to be a product of your environment. You can rise up and be better than your upbringing. You can offer your children what you never had.

  What can be done about “those kind of people?” They need Jesus, as we all do. They need to see that they don’t have to be negative, bitter and talking about others all the time. There is good to be seen and done. There is much to be thankful for. It begins by our choice of words around them. Rise up and praise God. Inject God into your conversation.  Say things such as, “isn’t this a pretty day God has given us.” Bow your head and say a silent prayer before you eat. You are not sticking religion in their face, you are showing that there is a better way, God’s way.

  Above all, you must be careful that you do not become such a person yourself. It is easy to do that. It is easy to talk trash, to be mean, to throw mud. Others do it, so why don’t you? Because you want better. Because God expects more out of you.

Now the opposites to the Proverb list. 

There is a kind of man—who praises his parents…

There is a kind of man—who strives to be righteous, inside and out

There is a kind of man—who is humble

There is a kind of man– whose words comfort, encourage and strengthen.

There is a kind of man…what kind are you?

Roger