Levels
Putting this theory through some paces, take Proverbs 15:15
“All the days of the afflicted are evil: But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
Some versions allude to the “afflicted” as “oppressed.”
If we were to take the statement at face value it, especially using the post modern thought line, a meaning similar to:
An oppressed persons days ore filled with evil but the person that can feast all day is happy. The happy person is feasting and happy because he is oppressing the poor person and stealing the benefits.
When we apply the “Levels and Layers” thought process we see there are other ways to interpret the data.
- Personal. What is this telling me about me and how I can apply the paradigms presented to my life?
Begin by wiping away preconceived notions. Then accept the passage as true and decide to explore the truth with the intention to then face it. To face it as the truth means bend your will to match the truth.
In this instance we place ourselves in the position of the Afflicted first as they are mentioned first. Who is afflicted? Why are they afflicted and who is afflicting them?
Who has a merry heart? Why is their heart merry and why are they feasting?
As there is no provided data on these answers it infers the classifications extend from personal choice. The inference is drawn from the basis the passage is written to address an issue. If there is no specific issue presented the obvious choice is the reader is admonished to open their eyes and observe the world. When you see a person afflicted or with a merry heart it is all but impossible to believe the person is perpetually afflicted or perennially merry without acknowledging the individual is creating the condition.
When we realize we have the ability to be afflicted or merry and it is because we afflict ourselves or choose to have a merry heart, the “level” of “personal,” is able to be accepted. Remember, the passage is constructed to instruct and give the reader skill in life living (Proverbs 1: 2). As this is the foundation and reason for the book of Proverbs we need to handle the contents as “life secrets” or, more profanely, “life hacks.” Think of each passage as a seed which, when planted, grows into a bean stalk reaching up to the clouds. It is novel, cool, unique and interesting, but if you really want to have access to world altering paradigms you must climb the beanstalk and fight the Giant living in the world above the clouds. After having done so with several passages you start to perceive it is truly yourself that either is the Giant oppressing you (a mental block) or you have sold the kingdom to a Giant that is keeping you captive (mores, social norms or habits created to “fit in”). When you decide to accept the truth (real truth) your worldview is altered.
How do we know what real truth is? Is there a such thing as objective truth? That is a great question! We discuss this topic in detail in the article on, “the fear of the Lord.” For now, let this question answer the previous one- have you put your beliefs to the test and are they holding up under the pressure of life? Only what is true will stand the test of time.
2. Inter- personal. Utilizing the same passage, we move to the next “level.” What is this passage hoping to illuminate for me about inter-personal behavior modifications I should adopt?
As there is no direct message included in the passage we can extrapolate a couple of things without hopping too far away from the truth. It is important NOT to move from the path the truth is and start extrapolating what we want it to say, this is where Truth morphs into Tradition (or Religion) and that is not acceptable.
We can see it would be a poor choice to company with persons afflicting themselves and should attempt to learn from the person with a merry heart as both have infectious tendencies. This is not an extrapolation as it is building on a previous passage which builds a framework for choosing our circle of influence: Proverbs 1:10-33. As well as Proverbs 2:20-22
3. Responsibility. The next “level” present is responsibility. We follow the text and see the Person afflicted experiences all evil days because they choose to afflict themself. The Person with a merry heart has the merry heart and a continual feast because they choose to get up and see their world as a continual feast. In essence, a modern idiom would be a “Glass half full/ Glass half empty” mentality.
The responsibility is carried by each individual. I am not allowed to say I am afflicted day after day because you did me wrong at some point in the past. If I am bearing that evil today it is because I chose to pick it up and carry it today. If, however, I choose to leave that evil where it was, in yesterday, I can choose to have a merry heart today which will bring me a continual feast today. This is not an extrapolation as it is stated rather plainly in Proverbs 3:1-10.
4. Authority. Pressing into the next “level” of authority.
As Authority and Responsibility are often closely intertwined they can be inextricably linked. In this particular instance we are separating them. Authority has to be set; it is given. When authority is given responsibilities are designated. What we are witnessing is the degree or amount of authority, who has it and where did it come from. In Proverbs 15:15 the “level” of authority is that level given to each and every individual to rule themself. In other words, if you are afflicted and all your days are evil it is because you willed it to be so. If your heart is merry and you have a continual feast it is because you willed it.
It is important to proclaim here that abdication of your authority does not pin blame on the entity which wields the authority you transferred; by giving away a decision you made a decision. The burden of what is to come ultimately weighs on you.
In summary we see each level has a specific reason for its existence. Understanding how to apply the proverbs throughout each level teaches us something unique and specific. Each touches a different part of us and is designed to aid us in the proper programming of ourself.