“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.” – Proverbs 22:28
In biblical times they would set up large boulders and stones on the borders of properties and land. These stones were large hard to move and therefore would serve well as a boundary stone to designate whose land ended where. When I was in Israel earlier this year we actually saw some of these stones. They were huge and hard to ignore. It would have taken many men or oxen to remove/move them. We are cautioned not to move them. But I think this proverb is about more than property lines.
I believe that an “ancient boundary” set by our “forefathers” speaks of a longstanding, righteous tradition that has been practiced, honored and respected for generations. Like marriage, for example. God instituted marriage in the book of Genesis, but the ceremony and institution has been a valuable part of our culture for thousands of years. It brings stability to relationships, families and communities. Yet in our culture today, the institution of marriage is under assault.
More than half of couples that enter into the covenant of marriage fail to keep their commitment. Once divorced, many then marry and remarry, tossing the marriage vows out like an old glove! These days, heterosexual couples are living together, having sex, having kids and setting up households without the faintest desire to get married. If you ask them why they don’t get married (And I do!) many till tell you, “Who needs it?” The onslaught doesn’t stop there as now homosexual couples are asking the same rights and privileges of hetero couples as they DEMAND that their state recognize marriage between a man/man or a woman/woman. This is MOVING an ancient boundary stone and the end result will NOT be good, guaranteed!
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.” Proverbs 23:10,11
God is the defender of the ancient boundary stone of marriage and He WILL take up His case against us.
Another ancient boundary is the concept of frugality and wisdom in finances. This has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years! Yes, there have always been those indebted in any culture, but they have ALWAYS been looked down upon and pitied as someone not having self-control. Yet in the last 50+ years in the USA it has become fashionable to go into debt… over anything! Yes houses, yes cars, but appliances and mattresses? This violates the ancient boundary of frugality which tells us to only spend what you make! And we wonder why our nation is in debt to the tune of 15 TRILLION dollars and on the brink of collapse!
Our country is in debt because the CITIZENS of our country are in debt. We elect REPRESENTATIVES that represent our values (or lack thereof). It’s pretty hypocritical for the person that’s thousands of dollars in consumer debt, has two car payments and is upside down on their mortgage to get all judgmental, railing against Congress and the President when it comes to our national debt now isn’t it?
LIFE LESSON:
Moving ancient boundaries seems all trendy and cosmopolitan UNTIL their Defender PWNS you!
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