4:11
We should make it our ambition to lead a quiet life. There are many of us who would say amen to that, but then there are those who take the exact opposite tack! Now Paul did not exactly lead a quiet life, so what is he on about? If we then look at the second half of the verse he talks about minding our own business and working with our hands. Perhaps we get a feel for what Paul meant if we think of the saying “empty vessels make most noise”. Those who are forever talking, especially about themselves, usually actually do very little. They may make a big noise, but in reality do little that is useful. Also, later in the letter Paul will warn those who are idle. So Paul is giving very practical advice here.
4:12
When we just make a big noise we may fool some people for a time, but in the end the only person we fool is ourselves. Outsiders will not respect us, seeing through the facade all too easily. Instead we are to live lives that are worthy of respect, then we will win the respect of outsiders, and will merit respect. The people who make most noise are often demanding that others provide for them as they supposedly “serve the Lord”. The Bible consistently takes a much more robust approach to such people. We should do the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment