“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.” Proverbs 27:23-24 NLT
Don’t take what you have been given for granted.
Most of us don’t have flocks and herds in this culture, but in the ancient societies, flocks and herds were both for the provision of food, but also for their other living needs. Equating it to our current culture would mean our sources of income to care for the needs of ourselves and our families.
This proverb is an encouragement to pay attention to the things we possess. Too often we neglect to consider and care for the things we have been given: our homes, clothing, modern conveniences and our means of income. We can’t take for granted that these things will continue the way that they are, and certainly not without some level of attention.
It is the Greek philosopher Heraclitus who is credited with the quote that “change is the only constant”. The way things are today will change.
This weeks’ proverb might be modernized by stating to “know the state of your affairs and take care to manage well what you have been given”. Don’t count on it continuing to the next generation.
This week don’t take your provisions for granted but be careful and attentive.
In His Hands,
John
