The Plumbline

I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil  so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.   I never make detours from the route you laid out;        you gave me such good directions.    Your words are so choice, so tasty;        I prefer them to the best home cooking.   With your instruction, I understand life;  that's why I hate false propaganda.   (Psalm 119:101-104 The Message) Whenever anyone receives the advice to "watch their step" it is usually because there is a very good chance that they will step in something not so pleasant!  I may not have been raised on a farm, but it took only one visit to a farm to remind me of the importance of looking down - - taking each step with care and caution!  This is the idea we are presented with in our passage today - - taking great care to avoid any path that leads to evil.  It is the idea ...

Oh, how I love all you've revealed;  I reverently ponder it all the day long.  Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;  they never become obsolete.  I've even become smarter than my teachers  since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel.   I've become wiser than the wise old sages  simply by doing what you tell me. (Psalm 119:97-100 The Message) Have you ever heard the saying, "He is wise beyond his years"?  When we say this, we are pointing out the person as "smarter" than they should be for their age.  In common thinking, wisdom is something that comes with age.  As an individual ages chronologically, the opportunity for multiple experiences have presented the added benefit of learning new things.  I think we can challenge this belief that aging equates to the development of wisdom.  I have known many an individual who has "aged" chronologically without really "learning" from their life experiences! ...