So, what does ponder mean? Miriam Webster defines ponder this way: "to weigh in the mind: appraise"; and "to think about; reflect upon." A written example might include: "to think or consider, especially quietly, soberly, and deeply." In other words, pondering would be the opposite of acting on fleeting thoughts, or perhaps, wavering without due consideration of the matter in its totality.
Interestingly, the 5 verses in Proverbs can be likened to our own lives. In the beginning, we are given instructions from our parents/caregivers -- who want us to contemplate/consider our decisions. But then, too often., we go our own way, using the freedom which accompanies youth to find ourselves. It is here that we are given a choice - to choose life, or choose death, but the Lord is there all the while encouraging us to choose life, and more importantly, abundant life in Him. Indeed, the eyes of the Lord are watching us, pondering our hearts to see what we will do or what our choices will be.
Taken separately, these 5 scriptures in and of themselves can be akin to our life cycle.
1. "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." (Proverbs 4:26) 2. "Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them." (Proverbs 5:6)
3. "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his goings.".(Proverbs 5:21)
4. "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord ponders the hearts." (Proverbs 21:2) .
But then Solomon quietly concludes -- regarding the totality of life, our heart considerations. our works. our very being.by writing --- "If thou sayest, "Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?"
You see, this is why the Lord (speaking through Solomon) offers us hope. encouraging us when He said -- "My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste, so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off." (Proverbs 24:12, 14)
What is the treasure, that when we find it -- like the man in Jesus' parable -- would make us want to buy the field? In this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. But I digress somewhat.
You see, from the very beginning, whilst we were still in our mother's womb, the Lord was forming our bodies and minds, and therein, when He was making us in His image, He gave us His gifts -- and free will -- to see what we will do with His offer.
Moreover, Proverbs 24 elaborates on this very idea that the Lord is pondering all of our comings and goings but most particularly monitoring our hearts -- to see if we will choose His love and mercy over all the choices in the world. How? Read what Solomon (the richest, most wisest man in the world) had to say and more particularly, about our doings, our thoughts, our heart desires.
"Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increases strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Wisdom is too high for a fool: he opens not his mouth in the gate. He that devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, "Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works? My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: for a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falls, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; for there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out..
My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: for their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both? These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, "thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: but to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
Every man shall kiss his lips that gives a right answer. Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, "I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travels; and thy want as an armed man." (Proverbs 24:1-34)
In the new testament (as alluded to above), the word ponder is ironically only mentioned once -- and it is by Mary, the mother of Jesus who ponders all these things in her heart.
"And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.: (Luke 2:18-20)
What do you think Mary pondered? I'm sure the message of the country shepherds was in her heart as they retold how the angel of the Lord shone all around them, as they watched their flock by night.
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)
In the temple, Simeon would have also given Mary lots to ponder -- both in abundant hope -- Behold, here is the Saviour! But conversely, in agony -- knowing what prophecies are yet to be fulfilled.
"And [Simeon] came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel."
And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:27-35)
Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. Imagine how those words would have resonated with the mother of a newborn? Again, Mary pondered all these things in her heart!
And then there is the example of the parents travelling to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover -- when Jesus was 12 years old.
"And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing." And He said unto them, "How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?"
And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:41-52)
Again, Mary kept all these sayings in her heart. She pondered - reflected upon - considered all of these things, as she must have as well when she witnessed Jesus telling one of the apostles to take care of His mother -- whilst He shed His precious holy blood on the cross. Did Mary now understand what Simeon meant in the temple, when Simeon said, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Indeed, from the time the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary, so she could bring forth a son (a holy thing as Luke the physician describes the One in her womb), Mary must have pondered often about the Lord's plan for her own life. And likewise, so must we for the eyes of the Lord are still monitoring our hearts to see if we will choose Him -- over all the worldly choices.
My question -- have you asked the Lord Jesus to reveal His purpose in you? Have you sought the maturity to understand what is happening around you, as did Solomon when he scribed the words in Proverbs, or as Mary did much later?
So much more to glean from these scriptures -- how to live, how to respond to those around us, how to guard our hearts from those who are evil -- but even more so, as Mary would have learned when she saw Jesus on the cross. That is, His plan is marvelous and as we mature in Him, understanding His wondrous works, we can also come to the knowledge and wisdom of both Solomon and Mary, and many others -- by pondering in our hearts too His abundant treasure, which is beyond what any man could imagine.
And remember too, Solomon's instruction .... a message from the Lord, again reaffirming His goodness and grace to you and I.
"My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."
Yes, trust in the Lord Jesus this day, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever.
Stand in the offering plate.
