7.30.2006

Can I Get a "What What?"

Getting comments on your blog is a funny thing. The success of a blog entry can be determined by the number of comments left, especially if you have a relatively regular flow of visitors who like to leave their two cents worth. Now this is not always the case - some blogs may resonate so much with a reader that they feel it might be too personal to post their response. I've read blogs like that, and perhaps I've even authored a few myself. Other blogs, as you find out when talking to your brother at Waffle House, seem like a stretch. Apparently a mere hypothetical about what might the United States have been like had the union lost still doesn't propagate the respect our dear friend Honest Abe deserves. Shame on you is all I have to say!

Certain subject matters or literary devices seem to have predictable results though. If the blog is fairly witty, humorous, and enjoyable many people will leave a comment. However, if the subject is about religion, a blogger stands a 50/50 chance of getting comments. This outcome seemingly depends on whether people agree with you or not. One subject that everyone will weigh in on is matters of the heart (i.e. females). People will post faster on a good relationship issue than any other topic I can come up with. I would trump this card in times when I am desperate for some comment affirmation, but due to the fact that I’m usually not sure whether the muse of these articles is also an avid fan of the blog, I try to avoid hints and allusions for maturities sake.

That said, and knowing I have a 50/50 shot at good comments, I wanted to blog about this verse I came across yesterday while reading Proverbs. Proverbs 29:11 reads: “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” The Proverbs has been a challenging read this month. I was encouraged to read one chapter a day by a website I listen to regularly, and took the challenge. Some days I failed and had to read two or three the following day, but tomorrow I will determine what to look for in a woman* and be done with the book (read Proverbs 31 if you don’t know what I’m referring to). Perhaps that would make for a good post?

So anyways, it occurred to me that I am much like a fool in many ways according to the Proverbs. The prevailing theme in America is: “do what feels good and makes you happy.” This is seconded by the fact that feelings and emotions are what truth consists of - all reason and wisdom is insensitive, cold, and heartless. I think Solomon would think we were very foolish in how we base a lot of our philosophies.

I’ve said too much as it is. Solomon also has much to say about the man who runs his mouth or pen. Good night!

-----------------------------
*Yes, you theological scholars. I am shallow enough to think Proverbs 31 is really about a virtuous wife. I recall somewhere back in my OC days that this really isn't the case, but us untrained liaty must make do with our literal approaches.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

NKJV, Blake? I'm shaking my head. Sideways, not up and down.

You scared me for a second. I thought I suddenly wasn't allowed to be visibly upset, happy, or sad. I felt threatened enough that I decided to look it up, and it appears that most other translations translate Prov. 29:11 as referring to just expressing anger.

NIV: "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."

NASB: "A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back."

ASV: "A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it."

TNIV: "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."

The Message: "A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over." (What on earth? They're not even trying anymore.)

So, feel free to express your emotions, Blake. Just not in front of me. Or I'll punch you.

Anonymous said...

I did comment on your Thumper post below.

Anonymous said...

What what!

hahahaha.....

And we´ll have to talk about that Prov. 31 thing later... oh dear. :)