Take Two: Leviticus 27, Proverbs 28

This final chapter codifies instructions related to vows and tithes. A vow was a commitment made to God that was not required…but one that was given freely and as worship. These commitments were serious as they were made to the Lord. The provision on the “tithe” (vv.30-33) is not new. Giving of the tithe was understood and prominent even before the giving of the Law through Moses. It was common practice. These provision express its holiness. The distinction here is that the tithe was required; whereas, the vow was voluntary. Both, however, are worship. A couple of observations:

• Vows were not bad…in fact they were a high form of worship. Vows were and are serious. When a person committed something to the Lord, it was to be done without false motives or malicious intent (NOTE: Jesus said of the Pharisees that they had allowed men to vow something to the Lord instead of using it to care for their parents. This is incredible and unacceptable. See Matt 15:3-9). The vow was also to be honored as an obligation once it was made.
• The seriousness of the vow is noted in the redemption instructions. One who vowed land, servants, livestock, or who consecrated family members could redeem them (if they chose to later), but the redemption price was the cost fo the vow plus 20%. So, in the case that a father committed his best three oxen to the Lord..and later needed them back…he could buy them back (redeem them) by paying their value plus 20%. You may say, “That’s crazy! Those were his before He gave them to God. Yes, but once they were committed to the Lord, they were the Lord’s.
• Notice also that one could not make a vow to the Lord of what was already His. You could not vow to give your firstborn or part of the tithe…since both were already the Lord’s. (NOTE: How often do some justify putting their “tithe” toward some designated project, mission, or missionary. No matter how worthy of a cause…we have no right/authority/ability to direct that which is not ours to give. It is the Lord’s).

It is important to realize that none of this is really about money at all. It is about the Lord. It is Him. He has no need for money or property or whatever. His desire is for our obedience and our trust in Him. It is IMPOSSIBLE and ILLOGICAL to claim that we trust Him while rebelling against the simplest of instruction.

APPLIED: In our church life, we have opportunities for people to make vows to the Lord. These vows are most often made by faith…after prayerful consideration…and in a genuine spirit of heartfelt response. One thing I have noticed though…is that many never fulfill that vow…the commitment to the Acts 1:8 Strategy…or the commitment to a building campaign, etc. How does that “square” with the teaching on a vow? Some change churches…but does that negate the vow to God? Some encounter unforeseen difficulties with finances. Does that negate the vow to God? Obviously the answer is NO, but how do we address this?

For me…whenever Jodi and I have made a vow (and we don’t get into them lightly), it is ALWAYS God-led and once it is made…we treat it with the seriousness as my obligations to Wells Fargo or my tithe. I would never NOT PAY my mortgage or skip out on my tithe. Neither would I skip my Acts 1:8 commitment. See…it is not mine any more. I committed that to the Lord. To do anything else with it is to take what is HIS and use it for my own self-directed agenda. (In SC, where I’m from…we call that stealin’ ).

Proverbs 28:7 is the takeaway today. “He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.”

TOMORROW: Let’s jump into the Gospel of Luke. See you there!!

Take Two: Leviticus 26, Proverbs 27

One of the most basic and prominent principles in Scripture is the principle of blessing and obedience. In God’s covenant relationship with His people, He stated that if they would walk with HIm, then He would bring blessing and provision and power and victory over their enemies. By the same token, if they refused to walk with Him, He would bring increasingly intense punishment/chastisement against them. Notice the seriousness of the language.

When we do not obey God, He considers it rebellion stemming from a heart that ABHORS His ordinances (v.14). IOW: it is open hostility against God (v.21). His response is progressive in removing provision (v.17), peace (v.17), and protection. He then punishes His people by bringing pressure against them. He does so for one purpose: He loves them and is in Covenant relationship with them. A covenant which He initiated.

God will not ultimately forsake His people…because He is their God. He will continue the pressure until they yield but will be faithful to the Covenant that He made with their forefathers (v.44).

God’s faithfulness is without question. His commitment to His people is unparalleled. His power is unmitigated. He is God.

Two questions: Are you walking in the blessings of God that Jesus came to bring? If you are a child of God…then the blessings are a birthright. They extend beyond material things but are a possession of peace and relationship. If not…could it be that there is something between you and God? If so..He will not relent. He will continue to increase the pressure until you yield and return. He is that faithful. So, why not yield now?

Proverbs 27:1 is the takeaway today. “Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” [Live today to the fullest. Don't procrastinate. Today may be all we have. It is certainly all that is guaranteed.]

Take Two: Leviticus 25, Proverbs 26

This chapter details the instructions regarding the Sabbath rest of the land and the instructions regarding Jubilee. Two general ideas emerge and are applicable as principles for us. First, the required rest of the land had a physical benefit for the land (and thus ultimately for the people); however, its actual intent was worship and spiritual benefit. It was worship in the respect that it required obedience to God and this obedience was not easy. After all, if you are a farmer, it is difficult for you to take the entire 7th year off from planting or cultivating. Doing so is an act of faith. It is also valuable for our spiritual growth. When we trust God and act in obedience, we see God demonstrate His power and sovereignty.

The instructions about the Jubilee remind us that the Lord is the ULTIMATE owner of everything. He gave the land and He continues to be Sovereign over it. The people are stewards…and if they do well…faithful stewards.

In both of these instructions, we are brought to the brink of confessing our rightful relationship with God. He is our Lord. All things are His. We are His people. We live under the blanket of His protection and provision. He is the Lord.

APPLIED: What real benefit arises from seeing such things biblically? When we view our families, our job, our possessions, our influence, our lives…as belonging to God…then we recognize we are stewards of His possession. That causes us to make decisions differently than if we see ourselves as the owners of our “things.” As stewards we make decisions with accountability. As owners, we make decisions that serve our self-interest.

Proverbs 26:20 is the takeaway today. “For lack of wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.” [Contention is fueled by gossip, criticism, and politically calculated meetings in the shadows of the hall, but stop these meetings, and the contention ceases.]

Take Two: Leviticus 24, Proverbs 25

In this chapter, two things stand out and cause us the most “discomfort” as modern readers…the stoning of the one who blasphemed, and the “eye for an eye” instruction.

In the former, one who blasphemed God was to be stoned by the entire congregation. Those who are witnesses to the stoning are to put their hands on his head and then all of the congregation is to stone him (vv.13-16). He has cursed God.

Now the severity of this punishment makes us squeamish. Agreed. All of us. But why? Could it be because we know that all of us have committed sins worthy of our death as well?

The weight of the punishment actually speaks of the value of the offended. Let me give an analogy. If I “threaten” my neighbor…I might upset his family, or maybe get a visit from a deputy who would explain the statute regarding “simple assault.” If I threaten that Deputy in the same way…the crime is more serious. If I threaten the President…I am going to get a visit from several guys in suits and the charge is now Federal. Why? Because of the nature of the offense and the value of the offended. The Deputy and the President both represent something MUCH bigger than my neighbor.

The blasphemy against God is of ultimate offense because God is ULTIMATE. There in none greater. No one could act in a more egregious or offensive manner than the one who intentionally offends God. Therefore the punishment is fitting.

The second thought is connected to this same “value” idea as well. If a man kills another man’s animal, he must replace it. If he injures another man, he is to be likewise injured/punished. If a man takes the life of another man, his life shall be required of him. (NOTE: This speaks of murder…and is not a reference to self-defense or military actions, etc). Why? What is the difference?

SImply stated…man is created in the Image of God…so murder is an offense…not only to the victim but to the God in whose image the victim was created. (No…animals are not people too.) God is particularly offended when life is cheapened, because He made man in His image.

You may ask…how do we cheapen life? Whenever we do not value life in the same way God does…we cheapen it. When we refuse to demonstrate value (as in the punishment here), we demonstrate a cheapened value. This is not in question and it is not negotiable…because it is a command given by God.

APPLIED: Now…we have all committed sins worthy of death (Rom 6:23), and our life is required because of the offense toward our Holy God. We are condemned and there is no appeal. God, as both JUST and JUSTIFIER does not mitigate or reduce our responsibility…He substitutes Jesus who settles the debt we owe. Jesus is not FORCED to take our place, but does so willingly and of His own choosing.

Yes…the punishments here seem harsh…but they are so because of the offense to God. At the same time, God took the punishment on Himself and settled our debt.

In light of that…how must we now live?

Proverbs 25:14 is the takeaway today. “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.”

Take Two: Leviticus 23, Proverbs 24

In this chapter, we find the prescription for the ongoing Holy Days of God for His people. (Now all of these are fulfilled in Christ, but they are instructive for us as they point to Christ and His work on our behalf. Some characteristics of these festivals:

The religious calendar coincided with the agricultural year, particularly in the celebration of the harvest. The feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread were celebrated at the time of the barley harvest in the spring, while Pentecost was celebrated fifty days later in late spring/early summer during the time of the wheat harvest. The fall festivals of
Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles during the seventh month (September/October) were celebrated in conjunction with the harvest of grapes, figs, and olives.^[1]

The celebration of these festivals were in direct correlation to events that pointed to God’s provision. In the midst of harvest, they sacrificed to God. God’s instructions were intended to point His people to Him, so that they would recognize that even though they labored, God was their provider.

Each of these feasts/festivals are modeled after the Sabbath in the respect to labor and the number 7. It is no coincidence then that God first gives the instructions of the Sabbath. UNDERSTAND: The LAW of the Sabbath is fulfilled, but the PRINCIPLE of the Sabbath is ongoing, beneficial, and appropriate for modern believers. Notice Rooker:

Although Christians today are not commanded to keep
the Sabbath (Rom 14:5–6; Col 2:16–17), the principle of resting one day in seven should be followed because God is ultimately in control of man’s time. The Sabbath, together with circumcision and the dietary laws, uniquely functioned as signs separating Israel from the other nations (Exod 31:13–17) and contributed to their national identity.^[2]

In the same way, we benefit from observing a day of rest. It is good for us physically, but it is also good for us spiritually. We NEED to remind ourselves that regardless of our work, God is our provider as we OUGHT to pause to focus on and celebrate Him. The observance of a Sabbath is not for God’s benefit, though He is honored in our obedience to Him; rather it benefits us as we live out our faith and trust in Him…

REFLECTION: What times do we set aside as people, as believers, with our families, and as a church community to reflect on God’s provision…to worship Him in obedient worship…to identify ourselves as distinct from the culture and wholly Holy to God?

Do we willingly and systematically set aside part of our day, our week, and our year to honor God? Or…do we make up excuses and offer mitigating explanations of why we CAN’T take a day off, go on a mission trip, have a “STAY-CATION” where we simply live differently and teach those whom we influence to do the same?

If this were good enough for the people of God “under the Law,” how much more should we do this as people bound by the law of God’s grace?

Proverbs 24:33-34 is the takeaway today: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, then your poverty will come as a robber and your want like an armed man.” [No one plans to be impoverished. When we lack diligence, intentionality, and
discipline…things slip away. Then, all of a sudden, we find ourselves in need…though
it is not “all of a sudden” at all.

---

^[1] Mark F. Rooker, vol. 3A, Leviticus, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 282.

^[2] Mark F. Rooker, vol. 3A, Leviticus, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 284.

Take Two: Leviticus 22, Proverbs 23

In Leviticus 22, we find “sundry” instructions to the priests and instructions regarding the sacrifices. What is significant in these is the NATURE and IMPETUS behind the instruction. Every part of the instruction relates tot he fact that the offerings were for God. The priests were to be clean when they approached God because He is God. The sacrifices were to be perfect and valuable, because He is God. No unauthorized person was to receive the gifts that were set aside for the priests because they were provided by God from the holy sacrifices.

PRINCIPLE: This detailed instruction served the purpose to constantly remind the priests (and the people) of who they worshipped, His nature, character, and person. God is Holy. He is not approached as an equal, a subordinate, or in any other manner than as God.

APPLIED: I wonder if we are aware of God and His nature when we approach Him? Do we come into the assembly “clean”? Do we spend time honestly dealing with our own sin before approaching Him? When God speaks…do we negotiate with Him or do we respond in obedience? Do we honor and recognize the authority God has placed in our lives spiritually (pastors, congregational judgment)?

When we look at the “lostness” of the world…are we more concerned that we are made to be uncomfortable by the lostness or that God’s perfect creation is marred by the sin we have introduced? Are we offended by things like adultery because it hurts our families or because it makes a mockery of God’s ordained institution of marriage? We we encounter ”lying,” are we more offended that our sense of justice is bruised or that God’s creation is taunt Him with untruthfulness?

If our lives are “living sacrifices” and everything we do is to God…then do we conduct our affairs with “clean hands?”

Proverbs 23:23 is the takeaway today. “Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction, and understanding.”

Take Two: Leviticus 21, Proverbs 22

This chapter applies to the Aaronic priesthood…Aaron and his descendents who ministered before the Lord. Now…before we check out since this is not addressed to us, there are principles that we can draw from this chapter about those people who are set apart for service to the Lord…which in some ways, applies to ALL believers in Christ.

Let me offer a point of clarification. It is true that all Christ-followers are set apart for His. We are all called to be Holy as He is Holy (1 Pe 1:14-16). We constitute a priesthood before God…those who approach Him on a daily basis and offer a sacrifice of praise (Heb 13:15), and present our lives daily as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2). We do not approach God through the medium of a priest, but are all priests before God who approach Him, our heavenly Father, through our great High Priest who once for all gave Himself and intercedes for us.

At the same time, there is the principle of James 3:1 that we must bear in mind. Those who teach others the ways of God are held to a high standard of accountability by God. The calling of God is most honorable (1 Tim 3:1) and the role of an elder/pastor is one deserving of respect and willing submission to their leadership, for they are given to the church to lead and shepherd the church as God’s appointed overseers (1 Pe 5:1-5; Heb 13:17; Eph 4:11-13).

So, it should not surprise us or escape our attention when God instructs that those appointed to Him are held to a high standard. They were not permitted to touch the dead unless it was a close relative…and if the high priest…then not at all (Lev 21:1-3,11). They were not to do anything (shave the beard) that vaguely imitated the pagan religions of their day and therefore set a false example of godliness (vv.5-6), because doing so profaned God’s Name…whom they represented. They were to be examples in marriage…living above the fray in every respect (See 1 Tim 3:2,7). The point is, the elders (as well as every believer, but ESPECIALLY the elders) represented God in every way. His NAME is on the line.

Notice how EXCLUSIVE God is in who could approach Him. If any many had any imperfection (behavioral, judgmental, physical, etc.), he was prohibited from approaching God and doing so might very well mean his life.

APPLIED: There are no perfect people. Our only perfection (as pastor or people) is the perfection of Christ; but, it is our perfection and it is given liberally and graciously to us and is our standing before God. We are perfected in Christ! When we approach God we must be clean…having intentionally repented of all of our sins. When we live before the community (Christian) and the world (non-Christian), we ALL are to do so in such a way that we reflect positively on His Name.

As a sidenote: It is not uncommon for someone to approach me every few months and point out something about me that they do not like or that they think is “un pastor-like.” I always find these encounters instructive…since I KNOW that I am a work in progress. At the same time I also know that the accountability to live as I am called to do so is to God, not to people. I have no obligation to the people (ultimately) since the people do not call, did not save, and will not sanctify me. My allegiance is to my God and as His bond-servant, I willingly lay down my life for His sheep…and even take a little sniper fire now and again. What interests me is how little some people understand about imperfections. Those things that people see in me and want to beat me with are most certainly not new to me (God reminds me daily how far I have to go); however, there’s more. That which people see in me is usually a reflection of the issues in their own hearts. [I am never unamazed when someone comes to me to tell me I have "control" issues when the real issue is that they did not get consulted on a decision and they wanted to be. (So...who really struggles with control??) Now that is an example and it is for a purpose]. When you find something objectionable in another person or a pastor (who are people too but you understand) ask yourself, “Why is that so clear to me and why does it bother me so much? Could I possible struggle with that and God wants me to deal with it?”

We are all called to live Holy Lives that are Wholly submitted to the God who loves us. We are to be an encouragement to one another in the process of God’s continual redemptive work in our lives, as He molds us into the image of Jesus.

Proverbs 22:9 is the takeaway today. ”He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” [Generosity is not generosity unless it rises to the level of sacrifice (giving OUR food).]

Take Two: Leviticus 20, Proverbs 21

In this chapter we find the punishments for a number of circumstances. In most of the cases, the penalty is death by stoning. In all of the cases, the penalty is death.

Whether the case involved child sacrifice, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, or incest, the penalty is death.

Now we live in a culture that has not only accepted many of these activities, but has actually magnified some of them as normal…or even righteous. “Affairs” are commonly accepted and admitting to homosexuality is seen as “courageous.” Children are sacrificed daily on the altar of cultural convenience and we call it choice.

Truthfully…this is what happens when people lose their fear of God. Notice a couple of overarching principles in the text:

• v.7 tells us that God, because of who He is, demands holiness of His people. He is God and as God is right in the demand and just in judging our actions.
• The culture, by its nature has rejected God and His demands; thus, they have set themselves against God and rejected His protection, provision, blessing, and grace (v.22-23).
• God gives us a choice of obedience to His will (vv.25-26; 4-5). When we choose to reject His will (which is clearly and reliably expressed in His Word), we reject His protection, provision, blessing and grace.
• The “agents” that carried out justice according to the instructions of God were His people (vv.2-5). DON’T MISS THAT. It is not enough to say, “God will deal with that one day…when God has directed that WE as His people agree with Him in dealing with it as His agents. [NOTE: Both OT and NT are to be considered here...since Jesus did not kill every adulteress but showed mercy. He did not always show mercy (consider the Pharisees and the Temple cleansing for instance), but He often did. The distinction that determined His response was often REPENTANCE on the part of the person.]
• To NOT ACT as God’s agents…was to join with those who acted unrighteously. Silence was equivalent to acceptance or approval.
• Finally, God’s agents were not sent into the world to “right” the “wrong and injustice” of the world; rather, their objective and audience was the “holy people of God.” Judgment begins with the people of God.

APPLIED: When we, as God’s people, recognize ungodliness among God’s people…we are REQUIRED to act to restore holiness. To not do so…is to accept and even encourage ungodliness. When our Christian friend gossips and we let it go…or slanders and we say nothing…or acts unfaithfully and we simply “pray for them,” then we have abdicated our biblical responsibility. When we abdicate our responsibility, we forfeit our provision and blessing. When we fail to intentionally seek to restore/disciple God’s people…we leave them in bondage, we defame the Name of God, and we resist the blessing of God.

Proverbs 21:2 is the takeaway today. “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.”

Take Two: Leviticus 19, Proverbs 20

This chapter contains many “sundry laws,” which is to say that it has a list of miscellaneous laws that are not necessarily connected by a theme or receive extensive explanation…but they are important all the same.

What is common to all of these is that they are ordered by God to His people. God’s relationship to His people requires their adherence to His instruction. He tells them, “Be holy because the Lord is Holy” and then ends each instruction with the reminder, “I am the Lord.”

Vv.9-10 demonstrate God’s concern for and provision for the needy and the stranger. In His instruction, He also teaches the farmer to trust God and to not act miserly. Yes it is important for the farmer to be a good steward, but it is more important that he see himself in the overall economy of God. [NOTE: There is strong application to our lives today from this principle. Do we live with "margin" in our lives so that we can allow God to provide for others through our efforts?"]

In vv.13-14 we see that our conduct toward this class of people (deaf and blind) is seen by God as conduct toward Him. When we mistreat these needy and vulnerable people, we show irreverence toward God.

Vv.23-25 stood out as well. Specific instructions were given about eating “fruit” from the trees planted when the people arrived in Canaan. They were prohibited from eating the fruit (produce) for 3 years and then the 4th year was dedicated to the Lord. They would cultivate and tend for 5 years before they could receive benefit for their labor. No reason for this is given…but it also accentuates the fact that the land they were going to live in and the produce from their efforts were actually to be regarded ALWAYS as belonging to God. He determined the disposition since He is the Lord.

Vv.26-28 is a favorite memory verse for some of my “(no) FUNdamentalist brethren.” They cite this as God’s prohibition against tattoos. My short response…WHATEVER. First, it prohibits the imitating of the pagan culture in idolatrous worship practices (eating meat with blood in it, sorcery, shaped beards, cutting an tattoos for the dead). It is no more a binding prohibition against tattoos than wearing mixed garments is.

[Now I am fired up: What BUGS me about those who claim this for others (and BTW, I don't have any tattoos...but for a different reason) is that they can impose some goofy and poorly interpreted biblical instruction on others while ignoring other verses in the same section. FRIEND...if you cause some person to work on Sunday to make your lunch while you sit at the table and condemn some kid who has tattoos as you look down your bony nose at him like he (or she) is less "spiritual" than you...you have no concept of what it is to be the Holy people of God.] [OK. I'm better. Love my "no FUNdy" friends.]

V.34 is a great principle. We are to treat outsiders among us as if they were of us…so we love them as ourselves. This is the definition of a neighbor! We are to be good neighbors toward those who are not followers of Christ. POWERFUL.

[Do you love the lost like you love yourself?]

Proverbs 20:1 is the takeaway today. “Wine is a mocker, and strong drink [liquor] is a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” [Drunkenness is foolishness. It is not a party. It is not taking the edge off. It is not fun. It is not sociable. It is foolish.]

Take Two: Leviticus 18, Proverbs 19

This chapter deals with immorality (actually sexual immorality), and God’s prohibition of it. Notice the setup given to the text. God says to Moses, “I am the Lord your God” (vv.2,4,6,30). This is the basis of the commands and the authority behind the commands. God does not point back to what He has done (though He has worked powerfully because of who He is.). He speaks about who He is. I AM the Lord, YOUR God (emphasis added). God says, because I am the Lord…these commands apply.

NOTE: That means these commands are in effect for as long as God IS the Lord, or until He, as Lord, rescinds them. They are rooted in His person, are reflective of His character, and instruct regarding His will.

The exclusions were against the sins which the people of Israel had encountered in Egypt and would encounter in Canaan. These laws addressed temptations. They are protectionary and also reflect the holiness of God.

Specifically stated are instructions against incest relationships of any kind, even those that are incestuous by marriage, because they are LEWD (v.17). Also mentioned are child sacrifices to Molech (v.21), bestiality (v.23), and homosexuality (v.22). All of these activities have brough defilement on the lands of those who practiced them (v.24), which is to say that they have brought on the judgment of God. The judgment for such actions is excommunication…which is to say a total blackout of connection between the sinner and the people of God.

NOTE: This is not applied to people who were not part of Israel, but the relationship with God meant that the requirements attach to the people of God. So, these activities are an abomination (v.29) before the Lord and an affront to Him because He is the Lord YOUR God.

OBSERVATION: This is one of the most extensive passages on a category of sin in the text. Notice that it relates to sexual sin and specifically to certain sexual sins. We have already seen that it was reflective of God’s desire to protect His people from the temptations that came from what they saw in Egypt and would see in Canaan. The exclusions also were reflective of God’s holiness.

Some may wonder…”why is sexual sin treated so extensively?” Simply stated (in my opinion), because we are incredibly susceptible to sexual temptation. Something primal is tapped into when it comes to sexual sin…which is why marketers sell sex in everything from which diet food to buy at the grocery store, to brands of beer, to race teams, to clothing lines, to whatever… They KNOW its attraction and the difficulty that people have avoiding sexual sin. So does God…

The way to “stand up” under these temptations (1 Cor 10:13), is to avoid contact with them. Do not look on them or gaze upon them or flirt with them…RUN (James 4:7, 4:17). Are sexual sins more serious to God than murder or lying or idolatry? God hates all sins…and sexual sins are especially destructive on a number of fronts, but the big focus is on our inability to resist once we start down the wrong path… SO FLEE!

One final note: Some today in our society (because of the concerted and calculated effort to normalize homosexuality) try to get us to think of homosexual relationship as something God designed…or at least no more significant than other adulterous activities. The problem with that is…the Bible defines it differently (See Romans 1 for a NT perspective). It is listed here in this chapter along with child sacrifice, bestiality, and incestuous relationships. Dear friend…take on the mind of Christ. God’s views are the only RIGHT Views…regardless of the cultural persuasions.

Proverbs 19:18 is the takeaway today. “Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death.” [To withhold discipline and teaching from your son is to, by default, desire his destruction].