I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.” vss. 8-9
Psalm 32:6-11
Portions of the psalms, the hymnbook of the Bible, can also be classified as wisdom literature, and are very much like passages found in the book of Proverbs. In these verses the psalmist, having demonstrated his own need for confession and the forgiveness of sins, takes on the role of a teacher. This would be a point in worship where the leader, having led prayers, turns to the congregation and offers instruction in how they should live. His words offer a vivid description about how the people should respond to the good news of God’s steadfast love. Drawing from rural experiences he warns them not to be stubborn like horses or mules but to gladly submit to the way of the Lord. His words should be taken to heart by worshipers in every community of faith in every time and place.
We too are often tempted to go our own way in satisfying our spiritual whims and fancies. Even when we know the right way to live we stubbornly resist direction and obedience. We seem to have an amazing trust in our own interpretive skills and resist the wisdom of pastors or teachers. That’s just as foolish today as it was 2500 years ago.
Thought for the Day: When am I most likely to be stubborn?
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