Find a seat.
Ease your shoulders.
Follow your breath as it enters.
And as it slowly exits.
Breathe slow and easy.
In and out.
The book of Proverbs contains wisdom,
Guidance to lead us.
As you continue breathing,
Listen to this verse.
Proverbs 8 through 19.
Listen,
My son,
To your father's instruction.
And do not forsake your mother's teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
My son,
If sinful men entice you,
Do not give in to them.
If they say,
Come along with us,
Let's lie in wait for innocent blood.
Let's ambush some harmless soul.
Let's swallow them alive like the grave and whole like those who go down to the pit.
We will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder.
Cast lots with us.
We will all share the loot.
My son,
Do not go along with them.
Do not set foot on their path.
For their feet rush into evil.
They are swift to shed blood.
How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it.
These men lie in wait for their own blood.
They ambush only themselves.
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain.
It takes away the life of those who get it.
Close your eyes and consider this proverb.
Although you might be not asked to lie in wait for an ambush,
What are others persuading you to do right now?
How can you avoid the ambush?
As you open your eyes and prepare to leave this meditation,
Don't forget these words.
Heed God's wisdom.
Apply them to your day today.
