The Wisdom of "Do Not"

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3

              I often hear people say things like, “Christianity is not a list of do’s and don’ts.” And, while I understand the sentiment, I think this can be overstated. The idea behind declarations like this is the gospel is grace. We can’t earn or merit salvation. We aren’t saved by keeping a list of rules – by maintaining the dos and don’ts. Amen. I agree. But I do think this can also be heard in a way that suggests any kind of teaching that says “don’t” is legalistic, moralistic, and antithetical to the gospel. And that is a mistake.

              There is wisdom in “don’t.” Proverbs chapter three is full of “don’ts:”

·       Do not be afraid…

·       Do not withhold good…

·       Do not say…

·       Do not plan evil…

·       Do not contend with a man for no reason…

·       Do not envy a violent man…

·       Do not despise the Lord’s discipline…

·       Do not lose sight of these…

We can hear, live, and teach the do’s and don’ts without becoming moralistic, legalistic, and anti-gospel. It’s a fine line to walk. But there is wisdom in hearing do not.