Proverbs 15:25-33 Keep Walking

Solomon has us still comparing the two paths. He tells us to keep walking in the ways of the Lord and our path will be blessed by Him.

I freely admit that I’m struggling with this book. I don’t know how to tie everything together. I have been relying on my bible helps for this process, but even they don’t give me much guidance for today. All I can say is that these parables continue to show the difference in a life lived on each of the paths. I PRAY I’m living the last verse. “The fear of the Lord is instructions in wisdom, and humility comes before honor” (verse 33).

I want to paint a story today instead of simply listing the actions along each path. This story is about a widow and a miser trying to take her land. I’m going to name her Sarah and her oppressor Jobed. (Sorry, it is a long one!)

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Sarah, new to widowhood, is considering her future. She and her husband were blessed beyond measure by the Lord. They had six sons and two daughters. The land passed down through her husband’s family is fertile and produces good crops, when tended well. They served the Lord with all their hearts.

Sarah has lived the life of a wife for more than half her life. She prepared the meals for her family, kept her home in tidy fashion, weaved and sewed garments for her family, honored her husband by her actions, and thoroughly trusted her husband to care for all their other needs.

In the Synagogue Sarah heard the words of the Lord and she cherished them. She taught her daughters to do the same. He husband taught their sons in the ways of the Lord and the land. They were God’s servants first and honored Him in all they did. Their children are still young and they trusted the Lord to lead them in raising them.

It is dark and Sarah is sitting at her table alone. Her children are all asleep in their beds. Her husband is been gone three months now and she is bone weary. During the first month everyone was tripping over each other with offers of help. Meals were brought to the door so she wouldn’t have to worry about cooking during her grief. Men gathered to help plant the family’s fields while her sons labored alongside them. Her friends would sit with her for hours in silence as she wept. There were even friends who tended her children in the early days and hours of her grief. But as the days marched on the help slowly faded away. She is left now to care for her household on her own. Their future is what is keeping her awake tonight.

The end of the money has come. She is wondering how she will continue to feed her family. Sarah is stretching what they do have as far as it can go. Her garden has been very helpful but it cannot produce meat. The family goat’s life is spared from becoming this meat as she is their source of milk. Even the chickens can’t fill the stew pot as they are needed to produce eggs.

The harvest is nearing and she doesn’t know how she will bring the crops in. Her sons are all eager to step up but they are still young and she isn’t sure how much help they will be. They have kept the crops watered just as their father taught them but even his strength was tested during harvest times. If she cannot bring in this harvest AND sell it at market she will have nothing to sustain her family through the winter months. That “selling” it part is also worrying her as she has never done this and was content to let her husband deal with the merchants. Now she has to.

As she considers all these things her heart grows even heavier until she lays her face down on her arms and weeps. Quietly she cries for she doesn’t want her children to see her cares. She whispers a prayer. “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hear my heart’s cry. I am alone and there is none to help me. There is so much I don’t know how to do. Lead me O Lord. Teach me what I must do as I make my way alone, without the helpmate You gave me. I feel so lost! Help. Please.”

At a loss for more words to express her heart, Sarah simply waits as she is until she feels enough strength to rise and turn to her pallet. As she lays down she is certain she will not sleep tonight. She is sure the weight of her worries will keep her tossing until time to rise and care for her children again. But as soon as her head rests upon her pillow she is fast asleep.

Morning dawns and Sarah quickly rises to care for her family. Nothing in her situation has changed but she feels peace in her heart. She clings to that peace for she KNOWS it is from the Lord. There could be no other explanation. Sarah waits to see what the Lord will do.

Breakfast is over and cleared away and the children have gone off to their chores. A stranger arrives at the gate and calls out. “Shalom to the house.”

Sarah hears the greeting and steps out to see who is call out. Jobed is standing there with a smile on his face. Sarah recognizes him as one of her neighbors on the southern side of her field. Her husband spoke of difficulty in dealing with him but he was never specific regarding those issues.

Sarah greets Jobed kindly. “Shalom to you also Jobed. How may I help you?”

“Is your husband about? I haven’t seen him in the fields lately. I would discuss a matter with him.”

“I would have expected that you heard of his passing. He has been gone near on three months now. What may I do for you?”

Jobed knew of Sarah’s widow status but he was testing to see whether she would claim another as taking his place in her life. Inwardly his smile grows when Sarah fails to direct him to another for his inquiry. Outwardly he schools his face into a look of sympathy and concern. “How are you doing? Is there anything you need? Maybe I can help you.”

“We are managing. I am learning something new each day” says Sarah cautiously. She feels a little guilty for not offering him a drink of water or to rest in the shade but she doesn’t feel it proper for a man to come into a woman’s home when she is unaccompanied. She is also trying to decide if Jobed is sent by the Lord because of her prayer the night before or if he has something less than neighborly in mind.

Jobed looks down for a minute then back up as if a grand idea has just occurred to him. “I have an idea. I see that your crops are about ready for harvest. If you would consider leasing me a few acres along our boundary I would be willing to bring the rest of your crops in for you; at no charge of course.”

Sarah thinks that this might be the answer to her prayer but something in her spirit tells her to wait. “That is a generous offer Jobed but I need time to think about it.”

“Understandable” replies Jobed. “But don’t take too long. You may end up losing all your crops if you don’t get to harvesting them in the next few days.”

“I will keep that in mind. Shalom Jobed.” Sarah turns and heads back into her house.

“Shalom Sara” Jobed calls out to her retreating back. He is a little discouraged that she didn’t immediately accept his “kind offer.” He is patient though and can wait. He also has a few plans in mind to “help” her with her decision. Some of these he has already put in practice.

Jobed watched as Sarah’s friends and neighbors planted her fields. He even volunteered for a couple of hours. Two weeks later he began slowly moving her boundary stones. He does it late in the evenings so no one will see him. He is careful not to move them too quickly but has already encroached on her field by over an acre. About 1/8^th of Sarah’s crops now lay on the other side of the stones. If she takes him up on his “generous offer” he will claim nearly 1/3^rd of her crops in the bargain.

Sarah can think of nothing but Jobed’s offer the rest of the morning. She knows she needs advice but is unsure who to turn to. She is still considering it as her children make their way to the house for a midday snack. They are talking and making noise, as all children should, as they enter. Sarah heard them as they approached and she looked up to watch them. Her heart is full of love for her children and concern for their future. She is all smiles though as they greet her.

“Mother you wouldn’t believe what I found in the goat pen” exclaims her second son. He goes on to tell the story of finding eggs laid in the straw. “It’s a wonder the goat didn’t step on them or EAT them!”

“I hope you put them somewhere safe” says Sarah to her bright eyed son.

“I did. I gave them to Deborah to put in her basket. She never would have found them there.”

“I would too” exclaims Deborah with her arms crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face.

“Deborah has a good nose for searching out roosting spots but even I wouldn’t have expected the chickens to nest in the goat pen. Thank you for helping her Jason. Deborah, your brother was just trying to be helpful. I’m sure he didn’t mean any disrespect by his comment. He was even surprised to see eggs there.”

Deborah drops her arms and thanks her brother. “One squabble down” thinks Sarah as she begins serving her children.

“How is the watering going Daniel” Sarah asks of her oldest son.

“I’m making sure we get all the trenches watered real good” says Daniel between bites. Then he stops and has a puzzled look on his face.

Knowing her son well, Sarah knows something is bothering him. “Is something the matter?”

“I was just thinking about the rocks.”

“What rocks” enquires Sara.

“The ones aba always told us not to water beyond.”

“What about them” prompts Sarah.

“I tripped on one today. I didn’t think I was that far into the field. Maybe…” he ponders a little more before he shrugs his shoulders and drops the thought.

Sarah smiles and continues checking in with each child, making sure they all have a chance to share their stories of the day. This is something Sarah has done every meal time with her family. Her husband used to lead these discussions but she always made sure everyone was included. She would even draw in those who didn’t feel they had anything exciting to share. She ensured each felt valued and heard.

After the snack is devoured by the active children they go back outside; some to play and others to continue their chores. Sarah wishes she could let them all play but she would lose the crops if it wasn’t for her four oldest sons. She is proud of the way they have taken on the responsibilities left behind by her husband. She helps when there is time but most days she is kept busy just keeping up with the wash and meals. “I will have to figure out how to be more available during harvest” she thinks. “There is no way the boys can handle it alone. Unless…” She has an involuntary shudder as she begins thinking about Jobed’s offer. She notices her reaction but shrugs it off. There is too much to be done today to spend time pondering. Tomorrow is wash day and she has to have everything ready first thing in the morning.

The evening meal brings more stories from her contented children. Then it is time to wash up and get ready for bed. The morning will come soon enough and there is much to do. As Sarah lays her head down on her pallet she notices that the peace she woke with this morning is still with her. “Maybe it is because of Jobed’s offer” she thinks before drifting off to sleep.

Wash day is always a big event. Sarah and both her daughters are needed for this task. And it takes ALL DAY, or so the girls would have you think. After hours of hot and sweaty work, Sarah looks up to see Jobed at the gate again. She is not pleased to see him, especially so soon after his last visit. She is tired and needs to fix the midday snack for her children and she still hasn’t made a decision about his offer.

Sarah quickly grabs her head scarf and goes to the gate to meet Jobed. “Shalom Jobed” she says without much feeling.

“Shalom Sarah. Have you considered my offer?”

“I have been very busy, as you can see. I still need more time. I will send word to you when I have made my decision.” She is hoping the strength of her reply will communicate to him her distress at his appearing at her gate so frequently.

“It’s not a problem to stop by. It is on my way. As I said before though, time is of the essence if you want to get your crops in before the weather changes.” Jobed looks up at a beautiful sky as if to emphasize his urgency.

Sarah looks up too and sees no signs of threatening weather but then she is not used to having to judge the seasons for harvest. Her husband tended to that. He kept her informed but didn’t share his ‘inside knowledge’ in predicting changes in the weather. She still feels uncomfortable with Jobed’s offer. “Am I being overly cautious? Is this the best I can hope for?” These questions run through her mind as Jobed stands waiting at the gate, as if his presence will draw from her and answer. “Shalom Jobed” she finally says and turns to return to her washing.

“Shalom Sarah” Jobed speaks with barely controlled anger. He wants to get her agreement before he moves the boundary stones any further. While he is “leasing” it he can move them even more without fear of discovery. Her sons won’t be checking his portion of the field.

The laundry is completed and the children fed. Sarah takes a moment to catch her breath. Just as she is about to sit down she hears “Shalom to the house” again. The voice is not that of Jobed so she steps out to see who is at the gate. Her spirits rise as she recognizes her friend Naomi standing there. “Shalom Naomi! It is so good to see you. Please come in.”

The two women enter the house together and immediately begin catching up on each other’s lives. The excited chatter dies down after a bit and Sarah decided to ask Naomi’s advice regarding Jobed.

“Naomi, I have a matter that I need advice on. It concerns my neighbor Jobed and leasing him a portion of my fields…”

“No Sarah…” injects Naomi.

“… in return for helping me harvest my crops.” After a moment’s hesitation Sarah adds “What do you mean no?”

“I’m sorry Sarah. I didn’t mean to be so brusque. It’s just that I fear for you if you lease your land to that man. I have heard stories from my husband regarding his character. Jobed is known to make ‘agreements’ that always favor him. Maybe I could bring my husband over and the three of us could look at the arrangement together.”

“That would be much appreciated! I prayed and asked the Lord to lead me. Jobed showed up the very next morning but I haven’t felt at ease in agreeing to his offer. I remember my husband being wary of him. But if this is how the Lord plans to provide for me, I need to know. If it is a wise decision I will trust in the Lord’s will.”

“I can bring him tomorrow after the evening meal.”

“Yes please, the sooner the better. Jobed seems to be coming daily to learn of my decision.”

“Then I will bring him tonight so you can have an answer for Jobed tomorrow.”

“You would be welcome to join us for the evening meal. It’s not much but at least I can repay him for his help by feeding you both.”

Naomi laughs. “That is very kind of you Sarah. I have a stew started. Why don’t I bring it along to add a little to your table.”

Sarah feels greatly relieved by Naomi’s offer. The two part company after this as Naomi needs to speak with her husband right away and Sarah has a special meal to prepare.

Sarah spends the rest of the day baking and cleaning. She brings out the last of her dates and spices to make a cake that her husband used to brag to all his friends about. This is an important night for her. It could determine the future of her little family.

The children are scrubbed and combed before the guests arrive. They were enticed by the smell of the cake to make this a good washing. Their ama only makes this cake for special events. They intend to do her proud.

Naomi and her husband Nathan arrive at the gate. “Shalom to the house” they call out. Daniel rushes to the gate to greet them as his father would have. “Shalom to your house also” he says in his almost grown up voice. He undoes the latch and leads them into the house.

“You are quite the host there Daniel. I almost thought you the master of the house.”

Daniel smiles, relishing this complement. He tries as hard as he can to fill his father’s shoes but he is still only a boy of 12. Next year he will reach the age of maturity and be considered a true young man.

The stew Naomi brought is a welcome additions to the table. Sarah had plenty of vegetables and bread for the table. There was however no meat. She is pleased to share what she has in exchange for Nathan’s advice. After the meal is over and the cake savored by everyone present, Sarah sends the children to another part of the house so the adults can talk. As they are walking away, Daniel looks back with longing. Nathan notices Daniel’s look and gives him a knowing wink. “Soon Daniel you will take your place in business.”

Nathan and Naomi listen as Sarah lays out Jobed’s offer. “Jobed promised to bring my portion of the crops in as well, ‘at no charge’ he says in exchange for the lease. I just don’t know how I feel about him or giving up a portion of our land.”

“Did he mention the crops that are already growing on that portion of land? They are yours Sarah. He should not be also getting a portion of your harvest as well as land. It should be one or the other. Not both.”

“I never considered that. I can see what you mean though. My sons have tended all the crops well. Their labors should return to us instead of be bestowed on another.” Sarah sits thinking for a moment before asking one more favor. “Nathan, I know you are busy in your field but would you walk with Jobed and survey the portion of land he wants to lease?”

“I would be most happy to. I can take Daniel along with me. That way he will know the boundaries he will have to work next season, IF you decide to take Jobed’s offer.”

Daniel heard his name and looked up to see Nathan smiling at him. Sarah called Daniel to join them. She feels that this task would thrill her son, as it is the tasks a man would take on. “Daniel, Nathan is going to walk the fields with Jobed tomorrow. He has asked to lease a part of our land. IF we choose to do so, you will want to learn the new length and breadth of your responsibilities.”

“I will be honored to assist in any way I can” replies Daniel in his nearly grown up voice again.

The adults all smile and work to suppress their laughter. Daniel starts to rejoin his brothers and sisters but stops midway. He returns to Nathan with a question.

“Does Jobed live on the side where the rocks move?”

Nathan looks at Daniel with puzzlement. “What do you mean by that Daniel?”

“My brothers and I have been watering and weeding faithfully since the men planted our fields. We were told to tend the land ‘up to the rocks on each corner’. We noticed that we didn’t have to go as far as we used to because the rocks moved. I stumbled on one of them the other day because it had moved farther than I remembered.”

“Show me these rocks Daniel” says Nathan in a stern voice. He noticed a touch of anxiety in Daniel’s eyes as he spoke so he quickly added “You are a wise steward to bring this to our attention.”

Daniel stands up taller at this complement. The light in the sky is fading but Daniel is certain he can take Nathan exactly where they need to go. Just to be sure they can see properly, Nathan grabs a torch.

Daniel easily leads Nathan to the boundary stones. He shows him both ‘the rocks that move’. Nathan studies them closely and he can see bent stalks indicating the path the rocks have taken. The path isn’t long as the crops have had time to straighten again in the time between their movements. Nathan sees that these stones are well within the field which was planted for Sarah.

“Daniel, do you remember where the rocks were before they began moving?”

“Yes. I remember.”

“Please take me there.”

Daniel brings Nathan to the true boundary, the place where the rocks originally lay. Nathan looks around and easily identifies deep impressions left by the ancient boundary stones. Whoever moved them didn’t even think to cover the evidence. Nathan is pretty sure he knows who moved the boundaries but he will not accuse a man without clear evidence.

“Daniel, I am in need of your help one more time. Tomorrow, I am going to walk the fields with Jobed as I told you mother I would. I need you to come along with me but you must say nothing of the rocks moving. I need to know where Jobed places the boundaries. Once we know this, then I will know how to proceed. I also want you to hold off telling your mother any more of this matter. When the time is right we will speak together to her of our findings.”

Daniel nods his agreement and the two walk back to the house. Daniel is pleased to be of help. When they reach the house Nathan tells Daniel to join his brothers and sisters and help them ready for bed. Another adult task Daniel is proud to take on.

As Daniel leads the youngest children to their pallets Nathan sits back down with Naomi and Sarah. Sarah notices Nathan is no longer smiling. “What did you find with Daniel?”

“I’m not sure yet. I will find out tomorrow though, you can be certain of that. What time does Jobed come to your gate?”

“He seems to come just before the midday meal. At least that is the time he has chosen these last two days.”

“Then we will be here then also. Sarah, thank you so much for the wonderful meal. I need to take Naomi home before full darkness descends. We will see you tomorrow. Thank you also for trusting me with your concerns. I will do my best to be a worthy advisor. I too will pray about Jobed’s offer tonight.”

Sarah sees her company off. As she clears away the last of the day’s evidence of children playing she wonders about Nathan’s words. She silently prays to her Lord for His guidance for both her and Nathan. A sense of peace settles over her and she rests soundly all night and also rises with that same sense of peace the next morning.

The morning after Naomi and Nathan’s visit proceeds like any other day. Her children tend to their tasks and she to hers. Daniel reminded her of Nathan’s request to have him walk the fields with him. “Nathan will most likely need you a bit before your noon day snack. Come to the house about an hour before.”

Naomi and Nathan arrive within minutes of Jobed’s appearance at the gate. Nathan felt it would be best if their presence was not known until called on to walk the field so the two of them waited inside the house while Sarah answered the gate. Daniel appeared at Nathan’s side at almost the same moment. Nathan looks down and gives him a knowing nod. Daniel nods back.

“Shalom Sarah. Have you given my generous offer any more consideration? Time is running short.”

“I have indeed considered your offer. I have also sought counsel. My friend Naomi has generously lent me her husband to walk with you in the field to identify the portion you will be leasing. My eldest son will also accompany you so he can learn what his new boundaries of responsibility will be.”

Jobed is excited to hear Sarah’s answer, especially since it seems to be that her final answer will be yes by her choice of words. Jobed is not thrilled about Nathan and the boy joining him. But he has confidence in his own abilities and is certain he can sell them on the boundary stones where they lie. He will give no more attention to the stones than to step off the field that will be HIS from their location. Little does Sarah know, he intends to pay nothing for the lease. He will move the stones again to the edge of his new property and convince the elders at the gate of the legitimacy of the boundaries when he is fully ready. “That would be acceptable. When would you like me to return and walk with them?”

“Now would be fine as they are both here.”

A thread of fear rises up in Jobed. He had intended to dig around the stones to make them appear set before conducting this walk. “I have matters I need to attend to right away. Tomorrow would be better for me” replies Jobed in an effort to stall.

“As I said, they are here now, and as you said, time is of the essence. It will be now or never as I too have matters I need to attend to.” Sarah is proud of herself for her firm answer. Nathan had instructed her not to let Jobed stall or dictate the terms.

“As you wish. I am ready” replies Jobed with barely concealed anger. “How dare she dictate to me” he thinks. But he has already committed to this course and it would look very suspicious if he backed out now. And her crop is quite impressive. “I wonder how much of it I can get away with” he thinks as she opens the gate to allow him entrance.

Nathaniel and Daniel step through the door and make their way towards Sarah. Calling on her good manners, Sarah does the introductions. “Jobed, this is my son Daniel and my friend Nathan” gesturing with a hand in the direction of each as she names them. “As you already know, this is Jobed. He is our neighbor to the east. He has agreed to walk with you and mark out the portion of the field he intends to lease.”

“Shalom Nathan” says Jobed.

“Shalom Jobed” replies Nathan AND Daniel. Daniel bristled at Jobed’s slight in not greeting him but, while they were waiting, Nathan told Daniel to keep a pleasant face no matter what. This is their “secret weapon” in dealing with Jobed.

The company starts off towards the eastern side of the field. Naomi has joined Sarah as they watch from the house. Just as Nathan had expected, Jobed takes them to the place where the boundary stone have been moved. Jobed tried to make it look like he was searching for their exact placement but it was obvious to Nathan that this was a farce.

“Here we are. This is the edge of my property. It extends along this line to the corner of the field. I intend to lease several acres. It will be a strip which follows my boundary line. Here let me show you.” Nathan and Daniel nod and follow Jobed as he marks out the field. When he reaches 200 paces he calls out to Daniel. “Boy, find a marker and place it here. This will be my leading edge.”

Daniel is not pleased with being called “boy” since the man obviously knows his name but he complies without hesitation. Nathan surveys the field and notices that the area of standing grain is cut nearly in half. He nods as if agreeing with Jobed’s measurements. Once the marker is placed Jobed leads the company along the new line he intends to lay. “Bring another marker and place it here” he calls out as they reach the southern edge of the field. Daniel places the second marker as instructed.

“How much are you planning of paying Sarah for this lease? And what of the crops already ripe?”

“I have offered her a fair price. I will harvest the crops on the portion I will be leasing as payment for harvesting her crops as well. I will continue providing this service to her as long as the lease stands.”

“Who would you have stand before the elders on her behalf? As she is a widow she has no husband to stand for her.”

“I would welcome you to take that place as we have walked the field together.” Jobed’s excitement shows through as he sees himself nearing his desired result.

“Then it is settled. We will collect Sarah and my wife Naomi and stand before the elders at the gate this day.”

Jobed feels a tingling of suspicion but is too close to his goal to pay it any mind. “I have convinced these two of the fairness of this deal. Surely the elders will not question me” he things. To Nathan he replies, “I will meet you in one hour.”

Nathan and Daniel hurry back to Sarah and Naomi. There is much to discuss before they stand before the elders. Nathan lays out his plan and reminds them all to appear agreeable until signaled to do otherwise.

As the children are too young to be left on their own, Sarah rounds up her children. She and Naomi will watch over them while Nathan stands for her. The entire group arrives right on time at the agreed place. They have to wait their turn to stand before the elders but as it is past midday, most of those seeking judgment or witness, have already passed through.

Jobed and Nathan finally stand before the elders. Jobed lays his offer before he elders.

“I, Jobed, neighbor to Sarah, whom is recently widowed, have extended a hand to her in her time of need. She has no one to harvest her crops. Her children are too young for such hard labor. She also has no experience in the market place of crops. I have requested use of a small portion of land, which borders my own, in exchange for harvesting and selling her crops. She has agreed to this.”

Nathan paid close attention to Joab’s words. It is his turn to speak for Sarah. “I am Nathan and I speak on behalf of Sarah as she has no husband to stand for her.” Nathan makes sure to draw the elder’s attention to Sarah and her children who wait to the side.

“Does she have anything to add to this matter? Jobed states she is in agreement of his terms” asks the head elder.

“She does indeed have a few matters she would like ruled on before this bargain is struck.”

“You may proceed.”

Nathan addresses the elders as a friend. “Good neighbors, I ask for your advice. In planting her fields next season, would you require her to maintain a dividing space between her crops and that grown by her neighbor, say of about twenty paces?”

“Certainly. That is the standard required by law, even if it is a partial lease of property.”

“Then you would expect this same law to apply to the crops between herself and her neighbor Jobed today” asks Nathan as if surprised by their answer.

“Absolutely! How would one man know where his crops end and his neighbors begin without this requirement. Also it protects each neighbor from damaging insects when one neighbor treats his crops and another doesn’t. Further, it protects in case of fire.”

Nathan nods his head as if understanding has just been granted him. Jobed’s niggling of fear is beginning to grow but it is still manageable, for now.

“And what of the markers between the property? Would you have them measured from the ancient boundary stones?”

“Of course. This has always been the law. Is there something you are trying to say here?”

“I beg your indulgence as we address one final question raised by Sarah. She asks how Jobed intends to keep separate her crops from his when he takes them to market. Will he provide her with a separate accounting? Will her crops be stored separately? Will they be transported and sold separately? Will she also be able to view the records for the crops Jobed sells, including the price per bushel?”

Jobed speaks up. “Certainly I will provide Sarah with any documentation she requires. I will care for her crops with the utmost care, ensuring they fetch a fair price. My books would be open to inspection if she feels the need, although accounting can be a difficult subject to follow, especially for a woman.”

Sarah bristles at this but says nothing. Nathan, recognizing the slight, asks another question. “Would your books be open for whomever she appoints to inspect?”

Jobed sputters for a moment before finally answering. “It would be unwise of me to fully open my books to any of my competitors as they contain privileged information on how I grow and market my crops. I’m sure something could be arranged that would alleviate her concerns.”

“This sounds reasonable. If all are in agreement, we can proceed with formalizing this contract.”

“I am ready” replies Jobed.

“Sarah requests that you also walk the field with Jobed and myself to establish this agreement fully. Sarah is a widow after all and should be afforded the greatest protection available.”

“Agreed” replies the head elder. “We must be certain to care for widows and orphans as the Lord our God dictates. As you appear to be our final case for today, we will accompany you now so this agreement can be concluded this very day.”

Jobed is finding it hard to breathe. His fear factor has ratcheted up with each of Nathan’s questions. He is sure Nathan is up to something but there is no graceful way for him to back out now. The elders have made their decision. He will have to be at his BEST ever to sell this one.

Nathan looks over at Sarah and Naomi and gives them a subtle nod and motions for Daniel to join him. “Honored elders, I request that Sarah’s eldest son, Daniel, join us as we walk for he has been caring for the crops since their planting.”

“That will be fine. The lad should learn the ways of justice. Lead on young Daniel. Take us to your fields.”

Daniel’s chest swells with the elder’s recognition of him as a man, worthy of recognition in their presence. “If you would be so kind as to follow me” says Daniel. His heart wants to skip and run all the way but he knows men don’t do that. He takes a deep breath and sets a modest pace as the others fall in behind him. Naomi and Sarah giggle watching him. “He looks so grown up” whispers Sarah.

“He does at that” agrees Naomi.

Within a half hour the group has reached the home of Sarah and her children. The elders stop to admire the field Daniel has tended. “Did you grow this all on your own?”

“Our neighbors planted it for us and my brothers helped me water it. But I got to tell them what to do.”

“And rightly so, as the eldest” offers Nathan. “We ask that Jobed lead as he is the one who has provided the markings for the field he wishes to lease.”

Jobed knows he is going to need his powers of persuasion to be at their best in light of Nathan’s questions. He is already considering how to explain that there is no dividing line between ‘his crops’ and Sarah’s. There is nothing to do but to proceed. It doesn’t even occur to him to withdraw his offer.

“This way please.” Jobed leads the group of elders, Nathan and Daniel to the starting point of his proposed property expansion, giving only cursory notice to the boundary stone. “If you will follow me I will show you the marker Nathan and I placed earlier today.

Nathan stands still and rubs his chin as if considering something. In an innocent tone he notes, “I thought there was supposed to be a 20 paces division between the two fields.”

The elders are starting to understand the reason for his earlier questions and his request that they personally view the property with its proposed boundaries.

“I wasn’t aware of this law when I planted my crops and I wanted to take advantage of as much of my land as possible. And since I will be harvesting both Sarah’s and my crops, it works out better this way.”

“Oh. That seems understandable” offers Nathan. “I wonder why these ancient boundary stones haven’t sunk as deep into the ground as mine.”

The head elder has a sly smile as he looks between Nathan and Jobed. “I wonder how he is going to answer this one” he thinks.

“The ground must be harder here so stones don’t settle as well” quickly offers Jobed.

“That sounds… reasonable” offers Nathan. He steps closer and bends down to examine the stone.

“What do you think you are doing” demands Jobed. “The elders don’t have all day to go satisfy your curiosity. We need to get moving so I can show them the outer boundary!”

“I think I would like a closer look at that stone too” says the head elder. He bends down so he can see the base of the stone. “I’ve never seen an ancient boundary stone sit ON TOP of wheat stalks. Do you have and explanation for that too Jobed?” He looks at Jobed with all the ire this pretense deserves.

“I… I… Let me look at that. Maybe I was mistaken and this isn’t MY boundary stone but a rock these children rolled out here to play on.”

Nathan lays a hand on Daniel’s shoulder as he is about to demand Jobed take that back. Nathan instead asks Daniel something. “Daniel, do you think you could go lift that stone for me? Maybe roll it out of the way so we can have a better look at it.”

Daniel is strong for a child his age, but he knows he won’t be able move a rock that size. It would even be a hard job for a full grown man. Daniel smiles and approaches the stone. He tries to get his fingers under it, puts his back against it and tries pushing it, anything he can think of to try and move the stone. It tottered for just a moment but nothing more. Finally he stands up and drops his hands by his sides. “I can’t do it.”

Jobed is red faced but silent.

Nathan addresses Daniel again. “You told me the other night about something that puzzled you concerning your mother’s field. You said something about not having to do as much watering now as you did earlier. Can you explain what you meant by that?”

With a look as innocent as he can manage, Daniel begins his tale. “My brothers and I are still small. I’m almost a man but they are not. It has been hard work for us, watering and weeding every day. When the men planted the field they told us to water up to the rocks. They pointed them out so we knew where they were. As the crops started growing it became easier and easier to water because we didn’t have to go as far to find the rocks. They got so close that I tripped over one the other day and skinned my knee. I’m pretty big so I took care of it myself.” Daniel lifts his knee up so they can see how well he cared for his own injury. “See” he says and smiles.

“Daniel, do you think you could take us to the place where you used to have to water, BEFORE the ‘rocks started moving’” asks the head elder.

“Sure. But it’s kind of hard to walk in the wheat. Maybe we should go along side it instead.”

“That’s a very good idea. Lead on young man.”

As Daniel starts off in the direction of the original boundaries Jobed turns to flee. Nathan quickly wraps his arm around Jobed’s shoulder. “I’m sure you won’t want to miss this. I’ll walk with you.” Nathan is bigger than Jobed and he can do nothing but comply.

Finally the group reaches the place where of the original boundary. It is clear to everyone that the stones have been pried from the ground and moved FAR from their original position. The head elder looks straight at Jobed. “And what explanation do you have for THIS little oddity?”

“I don’t know how this could have happened” cries Jobed.

“Of course you don’t. That must be why you don’t even know the real boundaries of your property. If this had been any form of a mistake or misunderstanding you would have brought us to THIS position to begin your markings for the agreement in question.”

Jobed starts to open his mouth but one look from the whole group silences him.

“Since you obviously don’t know your own boundaries and you think us doddering old FOOLS, here is what is going to happen. YOU are going to pick up those stones and CARRY them back to their original location. I’m pretty certain the stone at the other end of the field somehow moved itself too. Once they have been returned to their RIGHTFUL place you will pay this young man’s mother for the damages to her crops from the stones ‘moving’ across her field.”

Jobed bows his head in acceptance of his punishment.

“AND you are going to pay the laborers to harvest the whole field and bring it to market.”

Jobed’s head pops up and he starts to protest but is once again cut off by a look from the head elder.

“Nathan, can I count on you to ensure that the laborers do a good job and Sarah is treated fairly?”

“I can indeed. I will send one of my men to watch over them. I will bring her crops to my buyer myself. He will be very pleased to receive such good grain. Daniel will of course oversee ALL the work as his toil produced this fine crop.”

“Good. Then I consider this matter closed. I will however check in with Daniel on the progress of all that has been ordered.”

Daniel is bursting with joy as he is given such a special task. That of watching over his mother, just as his father had done for as long as he remembered.

♥ ♦ ♥

I think it is pretty obvious that I used some of the actual points in the proverbs in weaving my story. The boundary stones, the Lord hearing Sarah’s prayer and answering it through Nathan, Sarah’s seeking advice, Nathan listening carefully to the words Jobed used, and the careful responses and answers given by Sarah’s group all speak of the righteous path. God looked out for Sarah. He saw to her needs in ways she could never have imagined.

Jobed was greedy, his answers and ‘offers’ were full of evil intent, so arrogant that not he didn’t even see the opportunity to withdraw his lies before more harm was done, and brought down by his own schemes. God was clearly NOT listening to his prayers or blessing his acts! His own ‘household’ suffered for his deceit in all he had to pay Sarah for his schemes.

I know this story was lengthy and it took me ALL day to write it. I hope you enjoyed it though and found yourself anticipating Jobed’s downfall. God does not always make the victory so clear in the battle between those on the two paths. However, we KNOW that the end holds ultimate victory. No matter what men do in this lifetime, those who do not walk with Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him will suffer eternal death. A fate worse than any other. Choose wisely which road you will walk.

Father God, thank You for hearing the prayers of Your children. Thank You for hearing my prayers. I trust You to know exactly what I need and provide it at just the right time. I want to always walk on Your path.

Holy Spirit, thank You for speaking to me differently today. I had no idea where You were going to lead me this morning. Thank You for making these proverbs a bit more real to me today. I can’t wait to see what You have in store for me next!