The Still – 17 June 2021, Anno Domini

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ETTER is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. ²Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. (Proverbs 19:1)

 

          Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Not all poor are righteous or wise. More than likely, the very opposite may be true if we are raised up among a wealth of resources and find ourselves unable to provide for our families. But many poor are beyond the reach of opportunity and are held captive by an unrighteous social and political system.  But a poor man who would rather suffer hunger, than rob or steal, has greater good than the man who indulges in profane and vulgar language.  The verse quoted describes such a one as a 'fool (and is a fool).'

 

          Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.This verse further illustrates the principle of the first. The fool, without knowledge, rushes forward as if he had full knowledge and sins in his foolishness. He also commits a multitude of blunders so that all of the community will know him as a fool. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) There is a devotion in the World War II (1942) serviceman's book Strength for the Journey to God and Country which describes the bugle call, The Still, in the British Navy. When a severe emergency occurs, the Still is sounded, at which time all seaman aboard pause momentarily to collect their thoughts, assess the situation, and proceed to address the matter with reason. Would not life be far less stressful if we all followed that example?

 

          It would seem good counsel for nations, as well as crewmen on Naval ships at sea, to consider the nature and urgency of circumstances facing our nation in such times as those in which we live. It is time for America to stop what she is doing, pause to reflect on those essentials of God and patriotism that made us a great nation from the beginning, and then to act with firm dispatch to restore the damaged ship of state to her former glory.

 

          Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 46:10-11)

 

For Quiet Confidence.                                                            BCP 595

O

 GOD of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength; By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.