One-Liners
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: Proverbs 1:1 NASB
Proverbs – māšāl. The Hebrew word translated “proverb.” But it’s much more that. TWOT notes that while we think of proverb as something like a catchy by-line or intriguing “gotcha” popularized on religious billboards, māšāl really includes parables, discourses and even people as public examples. Yeshua uses māšāl in this extended form. In fact, in this regard Israel itself is a māšāl. I probably don’t fit māšāl as a person. I’m far too impure. But maybe there is still a place for some one-liners. Here are mine:
Freedom is being gripped.
I know the pen is mightier than the sword. Help me discover that prayer is mightier than the pen.
Philosophy is a dead lullaby sung sweetly in the ear.
Why do we try to use the rational mind to say what can only be felt?
Instinct is something never expressed. Archaic man has the need to make a holy space, not a holy thing.
Sex is the ultimate bonding substitute for intimacy. It feels like connection but it isn’t love and vulnerability. It is the counterfeit of personal engagement. Sex is the mechanics of personal gratification. Love is the destruction of personal barriers.
Perfect prediction is always ambiguous: “Something significant is going to happen today,” is always true and says nothing.
Creativity is the essence of being. Loss of creativity is a sign of death.
Without awe we become addicted to substitutes. Consider the opulent displays of kings and pharaohs. Man must display what he refuses to recognize belongs to God. We are addicted to the lifestyle of replacements.
What we need for life, to live, is a sense (presence) of awe and majesty. What we want is the kaleidoscope of the addict in a world without color.
Social networks are lies of pretended connection. They allow us to live in protected isolation while thinking we have friends.
Topical Index: proverb, māšāl, Proverbs 1:1
I really enjoy proverbs, whether a one liner or the extended version. Yours are no exception. They are very engaging and offer the opportunity of meaningful considerations about the truth of life. Whether I fully agree with all of them or not. But how is your impurity a factor regarding whether or not you could be a masal? That’s not just some false humility on your part, is it? Can’t a even a fool or an unrighteous person be a masal, a public example?
Yes, even a fool can demonstrate what it means to be wise (by counter example). I just often feel as if my personal struggles disqualify me to be a provider of wisdom. Maybe I should read more about David.
I know the feeling. I also know that wisdom is freely given by unmerited favor by Him and to whoever asks and believes. It comes from above and, amazingly enough, regardless of how well one does in living according to it. I can testify of THAT! Our confidence can be in Him, the boundlessly generous fountain of love, mercy, favor, and wisdom. And by the way, you have so much more wisdom than the average person and I’m sure even at times enough to benefit even Heschel or any of the other great minds you have known. Comparing ourselves to others does us well if we are humbled and inspired and then bear the fruit of His Spirit. But if we are condemned or discouraged, become excessively or inappropriately guilty, hopeless, or worthless, then that is not a work of the Ruach HaKodesh. It is a work of the evil one and we must submit to Elohim with a faith that ultimately receives his favor and the peaceful fruit of righteousness, then stand firm against and resist the devil, and he will flee. And in the name of Messiah Yeshua, that is what I declare and proclaim for you and any other readers here who need His power for deliverance by HIS RUACH OF EMET (SPIRIT OF TRUTH)!!! SHALOM, SHALOM, SHALOM!!!
If I counted correctly there are 11- Each one can be a great topic for discussion and to meditate on. Wisdom
Hello, I just read somewhere that The Parables were in code and those who wanted to understand could and those who intrigued could ask questions, then those who didn’t understand them could just walk away.
Yes, “there is still a place for some one-liners”. Anyone else have some of their māšāls (or favorites of others) they want to share with the community? I, for one, would enjoy reading them.
I think therefore I am. Descartes.
Alone. George