Proverbs to Shape our View of Media (22-25)

I had a conversation recently with a couple of guys about what our standard should be for the movies and TV we watch and the video games we play. We decided to go through a Proverb a day to see what they have to say (not starting at Proverbs one, instead Oct 21 = Proverbs 21). Here are some observations with some questions. The questions are for us to ponder. I don't claim to have the answer to every question I pose. May you thoughtfully and prayerfully consider what you watch and play.

He who loves purity of heart,

and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

(Proverbs 22:11 ESV) Do the things we watch and play contribute to our purity? Do they hinder it? Are we naive if we say they have no impact?

Be not envious of evil men,

nor desire to be with them,

for their hearts devise violence,

and their lips talk of trouble.

(Proverbs 24:1-2 ESV)

Whoever plans to do evil

will be called a schemer.

The devising of folly is sin,

and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

(Proverbs 24:8-9 ESV) Is playing video games than contain evil, evil? Again, how would you define evil? How would you define good?

I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone wall was broken down.

Then I saw and considered it;

I looked and received instruction.

A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

(Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV) Again, on laziness but I can't help but think that a lot of video game playing and movie watching relates more to laziness than relaxation.