Not so loud

The Bible is a most fascinating book. Within its pages we find the mind of God revealed to man in the wonderful message of redemption. History opens from the beginning of time unfolding the creation of man and his continued battle with himself and one another. Nations are painted on the canvas of time rising and falling. The climax of the Bible story is found in the life of Jesus and the door of salvation opened on the day of Pentecost. Revelation completes the message with a symphony of hope and praise with the gathering of God's people surrounding His throne in Heaven.

And then you read Proverbs 27:14 - He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him.

The wisdom is thinking of others in this passage. While there are many deep theological teachings in scripture, often the Lord places tidbits of common sense applications in our relationships with others. Paul reminds us to "look out not only for [our] own interests, but also for the interest of others" (Philippians 2:4). The apostle also reminds us to "be kind to one another" (Ephesians 4:32) and it would be a kind thing to be mindful of others in the early morning.

Did you ever have a college roommate that woke up happy and you were still in la-la land? What about the spouse who jumps out of bed excited and ready to meet the world and you have not even turned on the coffee pot yet? The morning is made for quiet and calm and those folk who just want to get so excited early in the morning can "be counted a curse" (in a nice way of course). So is there a lesson about being mindful of the sleepy people in the morning? Maybe the Lord has a good message about being kind to people in the early morning.

A deeper lesson from Proverbs 27:14 is the boastful action of those who would tend to seek self-glorification from their neighbors. Adam Clarke wrote, "He who makes loud and public protestations of acknowledgments to his friend for favors received, subjects his sincerity to suspicion; and remember the Italian proverb elsewhere quoted: - 'He who praises you more than he was wont to do, has either deceived you, or is about to do it.' Extravagant public professions are little to be regarded."

Here is the danger when we receive great praise from those who do so with insincerity. Nor should we take opportunity to do the same. Especially in the early morning.