The Taste of Success!

The Taste of Success!

Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)

16 For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again,But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

Just as the fork approached his mouth, plop! The meatball fell off of the fork. 2, 3,4,5,6 more times he picked the meatball out of his bowl of Chef Boyardee spaghetti and placed it on his fork. 

Repeatedly, his efforts to enjoy that feisty meatball were thwarted by the ball falling before the success of consumption.

Standing close enough to watch yet not get involved, I was enamored at my son’s tenacity. After the second attempt, I think I would have either switched back to the noodles, thrown that troublesome meatball, or whined for assistance. A part of me wanted to grab his fork, stab that meatball then place the fork back in his hand.

But, my son’s focused persistence wouldn’t let me jump in. With each failed attempt, he laughed and tried again.

A popular verse that is often misinterpreted is in the book of Proverbs chapter 24 and verse 16.

Many people quote this scripture with the thought that the seven face plants happen daily (some manuscripts have it added) or that the falls are into some type of repetitive sin. However that is not true for the original translation. 

The falls that are being referenced are the unavoidable circumstances that occur in the life of a believer. Seven references the fact that there is a plurality to events taking place. You didn’t see the death of a family member or friend coming, that flat tire in rush hour traffic wasn’t planned, and that large bill was not on your to do list – but nevertheless they happened.

The bible encourages us by saying a righteous man (or woman) defined as someone who is morally right or in right standing will rise again. I like to put it this way, anyone who is known to stand up right with God will be able to get back up if they become tripped up by situations. 

Take a lesson from Peter. He didn’t plan to be in a storm with the disciples, but it happened. He didn’t make some major moral mistake when he began sinking, but it happened. Nevertheless – Jesus was right there the entire time watching and teaching.

Don’t be discouraged when God is seemingly silent – even schoolteachers are quiet during a test.

On the seventh try, my son mastered that meatball and enjoyed every bit of it.

Trials come but just as Jesus got up – so will you. Get up and taste Success!