I received a call yesterday from someone who had been invited to come and pick up a very nice piece of furniture from a person who was looking to give it away. This couple had offered this young person things on numerous occasions in the past and then changed their minds or withdrawn the offer when the person showed up to receive it. That pattern repeated itself yesterday. The young man called me frustrated and said he just needed to vent. By the end of the call, we were chuckling about how bizarre this behavior was, especially with all the other things that took place in the midst of their visit. Sadly, at its core was control, manipulation, and haughtiness. Solomon is making us aware of the same thing in this verse. Although the verse is about being invited into a setting where there may be a temptation toward indulgence, Solomon encourages self-control and discernment. He sees the tendency for the host to be looking for an opportunity to create indebtedness. This verse is most likely a continuation of the last verse in the prior chapter. It is also designed to caution us about allowing things to garner our attention. When we see people for who they are and the condition of their hearts and lives, we can minister most effectively to them—which should always be our priority. Today, live by the wisdom in your heart and not by urges and desires. #BeTheEdge
“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:18 NIV
