What is Fitting
Proverbs 19:10
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
much less for a slave to rule over princes.
It is not fitting for a fool who has done nothing to earn or deserve wealth to live in wealth. Like a pig with pearls, he will treat his wealth with disdain, not merely indulging in worthless pursuits, but turning what is beautiful and noble into base objects. There is something to appreciating what is of value and beauty. Unlike the tragic figure who appreciates such things, but cannot restrain his vices, the fool neither appreciates what is good nor recognizes his vices.
It is not fitting for a slave to rule over princes, for princes ought to fit their position by truly being noble, wise, and just. They ought not to be subject to manipulation by those under them. This is not a comment on slaves being kept in their places, but rather on those given positions of power to use them wisely and ably.
Indeed, the rise of the fool and the slave is more a comment about the failure of those entrusted with power and influence to use that power for the good, assuring that those who rise to wealth and power are those who earn such reward, and not merely obtain them by luck or deceit.
What is fitting? For us who are princes and princesses by virtue of belonging to Christ, to use our position for good. If we have wealth, then to use it responsibly both in terms of helping others and in valuing what is truly admirable and beautiful. If we have power and influence, to use it for the common good, dispensing justice. We are to display the justice and the nobility of our Prince Jesus Christ.
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
much less for a slave to rule over princes.
It is not fitting for a fool who has done nothing to earn or deserve wealth to live in wealth. Like a pig with pearls, he will treat his wealth with disdain, not merely indulging in worthless pursuits, but turning what is beautiful and noble into base objects. There is something to appreciating what is of value and beauty. Unlike the tragic figure who appreciates such things, but cannot restrain his vices, the fool neither appreciates what is good nor recognizes his vices.
It is not fitting for a slave to rule over princes, for princes ought to fit their position by truly being noble, wise, and just. They ought not to be subject to manipulation by those under them. This is not a comment on slaves being kept in their places, but rather on those given positions of power to use them wisely and ably.
Indeed, the rise of the fool and the slave is more a comment about the failure of those entrusted with power and influence to use that power for the good, assuring that those who rise to wealth and power are those who earn such reward, and not merely obtain them by luck or deceit.
What is fitting? For us who are princes and princesses by virtue of belonging to Christ, to use our position for good. If we have wealth, then to use it responsibly both in terms of helping others and in valuing what is truly admirable and beautiful. If we have power and influence, to use it for the common good, dispensing justice. We are to display the justice and the nobility of our Prince Jesus Christ.
posted by M Clark at 10/11/2013 09:19:00 AM
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