Posted on 08/22/2021 2:05:09 AM PDT by Pilgrim's Progress
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge” (Proverbs 22:17).
The idea there is a very familiar theme. It has really not much to do with what people conceive of these days as the rich versus poor argument here in America. There are some elements to it that are true, but as far as the idea of the past where the very rich people oppressed the very poor people, and just make themselves richer. Really, that's what communism is. That's what they're trying to do to us here, right? It's a redistribution of wealth. Well, that's verse 16 and it's very obvious.
Verse 17 is all about the word of God. Notice, “Bow down thine ear,” Okay? First of all, “Bow down thine ear.”
“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding” (Proverbs 5:1).
The Washington Post noted that "Americans write their own Bible. They fashion their own God . . . turning Him into a social planner, therapist or guardian angel."
World magazine editor Marvin Olasky reminds us that "even if we do not always like what the Constitution says, we still respect it by agreeing not to choose to ignore the parts we don't like."
Isn't it surprising that some say they respect the Bible but don't give it even that much honor? Many are indeed looking for a Bible they would have written themselves. The "new versionists" keep trying to accommodate by grinding out new "bibles," each trying to outdo the others by being less convicting, less old— fashioned and less "judgmental." These readily lend themselves to the "seeker— friendly," contemporary, entertainment— type gatherings where self— esteem and self— glory sends the parishioner away in a "feel good" mood.
Sadly, many of them have never read the Word of God for themselves and thus may never know that God has revealed Himself, His riches, His wisdom and His salvation in this precious old Book that came from God "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Most of the time, in the word of God, where somebody is encouraged to bow their ear it's actually a man praying to God, for God to bow His ear and hear him. That's the idea of a condescending God who is too great to hear us but he does anyway, right? Now in this case, you have a father to a son, or God to his people saying, “Bow down thine ear.” Now, I don't know how important you think you are but you're not too important to listen to God, but you think you are. The issue is that you have to bow your ear, and it is a humbling scenario where you bow your ear in contrition to hear things you don't want to hear.
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