A Bit of Wisdom from ‘Sayings’

Every country has its ‘sayings’ and America, without exception, loves our ‘sayings.’  In fact, most of our vernacular is comprised of ‘sayings’ and many of them are derived from the Bible. Sayings are used to communicate a thought or idea without the formal or proper sentence structure as and the comprehension of them is expected.  “You picking up what I’m dropping down?” (Do you understand?) Those of us who love Westerns know that they are filled with colorful sayings to describe life in the prairie schooner days: “Too big for yer britches” = You think you’re better than anyone else. Or “You’re a Yeller belly rattlesnake,” = You are a coward of the worst kind.

Check out these equally colorful Bible sayings, scriptural reference and meanings. You’ve probably used some if not all of these at least once. In fact, when you read these aloud add a southern twang:
“Am I my brother’s keeper” (Genesis 4:9) Meaning: To deny responsibility for the whereabouts or actions of another.
“Land of milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8) Meaning: A desirable place of abundance.
“Man does not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4) Meaning: A reminder to nourish the soul.
“How the mighty have fallen” (2 Samuel 1:25) Meaning: A once-great person or entity that has since diminished in stature or respect.
“Put your house in order” (2 Kings 20:1)  Meaning: To resolve personal problems or organize business affairs.
“By the skin of your teeth” (Job 19:20) Meaning: Very narrow margin, such as time, efficiency or competency of completion.
“Spare the rod spoil the child” (Proverbs 13:24) Meaning: A child's attitude and behavior will deteriorate if you do not adequately punish wrongdoing.
“There’s nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 ) Meaning: The monotony of life. It's all been experienced, seen, created and done before.
“Can a leopard change its spots” (Jeremiah 13:23) Meaning: To suggest a person or creature cannot change its essential nature.
“Drop in the bucket” (Isaiah 40:15) Meaning: An addition, action or effort that seems very insignificant in comparison to the whole.
“Writing on the wall” (Daniel 5:5-6) Meaning: Imminent peril
“Many are called few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14) Meaning: A remark to imply most are unworthy of a particular task or endeavor and only a select few will succeed.

Just remember, man did not make these up. God in His infinite wisdom used these sayings, these few words to describe a condition or life lesson. While the meanings give a clear description, the sayings are much more impactful. So my dear saints, Proverbs 4:7 says that, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”  Get understanding, not just of these sayings, but what they mean in context of the scriptures. Keep in mind that “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for the prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
 
PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for the wisdom of Your Word and how it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Thank You for Your “living and powerful and sharper than any two edge sword” Word!  In one breath we laugh at some of these sayings only to look down and see that we have been wounded by the same. Thank You Jesus, and amen.
By Sis. Paula Smith
If you leave a comment, please leave your favorite 'Saying" and what it means.