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.

Proverbs to Shape our View of Media (20-21)

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 (Yes, 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.

Proverbs 20

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

(Proverbs 20:4 ESV) On Laziness (I think our movie watching and game playing sometimes is because we are lazy and not willing to make time to do profitable things. Thus we will have nothing to show come harvest time)

The righteous who walks in his integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

(Proverbs 20:7 ESV) Let's be sure that whatever our standard is, that we walk faithfully in it

A king who sits on the throne of judgment

winnows all evil with his eyes.

(Proverbs 20:8 ESV) Interesting. The ESV Study Note says, "That is, he sorts and separates it out, and then removes it." Should we sort and separate out all evil and then remove it from our movie shelves? What is evil?

Proverbs 21

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

(Proverbs 21:5 ESV) Again, on laziness...

The soul of the wicked desires evil;

his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

(Proverbs 21:10 ESV) What does this say about wanting to watch evil movies? Play evil games? Do we desire evil by desiring to play with evil? Thoughts?

One who wanders from the way of good sense

will rest in the assembly of the dead.

(Proverbs 21:16 ESV) Does it make good sense to watch what we watch? If so, why?

A wicked man puts on a bold face,

but the upright gives thought to his ways.

(Proverbs 21:29 ESV) I think we are doing this--giving thought to our ways. It is a good thing.

Caving

Monday Spelunking--Brian will be taking a group of guys caving this Monday (11th). We'll meet at the Graf House at 1130 and drive to Pottenstein for lunch and then onto caving. Let him know if you are interested. Hope to see you then!