Contemplative Bible Reading

Proverbs 17:8 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.

Magic stones. I want some magic stones. When I was in graduate school, I often wished for an extra day between Monday and Tuesday. Just like magic I would be able to sleep, eat, and catch up on all my work. I know several young mothers who have their sleep interrupted by crying babies. Oh they want a magic stone that will create eight hours for them to sleep while the rest of the world won’t notice.

How can I buy a magic stone or two? I’ll bribe someone. I’ll give something of value to another person who will bypass all the laws of the universe and society to provide me with what I desperately need or, if not really need, at lease desire (a bit too much).

Magic stones bring success. I have the advantage over everyone else because they don’t have magic stones. The world is mine.

Magic stones don’t exist. My belief in them can lead me to do all sorts of things—almost all of them sinful.

Trust in God. God exists. God knows my desires and needs. God provides.