Canter Bridge

We find it convenient to hide behind our supposed complexity, our nuance, our shades of gray.

There exists a genuine sophistication, and it is entirely worthy of admiration. Yet we so easily fall prey to its diminutive imposter: my complexity as my refusal to give an answer to those who matter most. To stake a claim. To declare who I am and commit to remaining that person, growing as that person, becoming strong and wise as that person.

We prefer to keep all our convenient options open.

YHWH is not fooled.

Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of man! (Proverbs 15:11 ESV)

Sheol and Abbadon—roughly abbreviated as Death and Destruction—are indeed complex realities. More, they are declared enemies of YHWH, adversaries who will fight, well, to the very death in their futile war to thwart the Life-giving One and his purpose for his world.

Sheol and Abbadon are the big guns. They’re on the street, and packing.

Beside them, we are children: double-minded, distracted, not as lethal as we imagine. We are small fry, we are minor league stuff.

The proverb probably does not intend to stain us with the malice of Sheol and Abaddon. That is not where the comparison and the contrast pivot. Rather, Sheol’s and Abaddon’s earnest and tenacious prowess are contrasted with our relative simplicity.

If YHWH sees through them, then knowing our hearts is as nothing to him.

Our hearts are an open book to this great, seeing God of Israel.

We are, alas, quite simple.

Fearlessly and wonderfully made, that much is true.

But wide open to the eyes of the one who made us and loves us through death.