Contemplative Bible Reading

Proverbs 18:17 (New Living Translation)

17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
until the cross-examination begins.

Ah, the cross-examination. That is when someone stands and says, “Let’s look at this again and consider some other things.”

In my career, this was called a “hostile audience.” That was a group of persons who were skeptical about the ideas being presented. They didn’t have to be hostile. I highly recommend healthy skeptics. Stay healthy towards yourself and others, but still question.

Some persons call this “the devil’s advocate.” I don’t dislike you, but I will act as if I do for the moment. Please bear with me.

And there is a question like, “Did you act in a manner pleasing to God?” or “Were you loving and considerate to your neighbor?” Yikes. I struggle with those questions on most days. Please God, forgive my unbelief.