Happy Thanksgiving! from the Book of Proverbs

Last updated on: November 1, 2024 at 11:17 am by Alyce McKenzie

Happy Thanksgiving! from the Book of Proverbs 2024-11-01T11:17:12-06:00 Alyce McKenzie

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I heard a counselor interviewed on CBS “The Early Show” give some good, practical advice about navigating Thanksgiving. It reminded me of the good, practical advice about life and relationships we find in the Bible’s Book of Proverbs. What follows is the pundit’s advice followed by that of the sages of Israel responsible for the wise advice in the Book of Proverbs.

Remember the giving in Thanksgiving. It sets a good example for your children. Life is not all about enjoying our blessings without sharing them with others. (“Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor” 22:9).

Don’t have a “pot luck;” have a “pot purpose” dinner. Tell everybody what to bring.

Make it a team effort. Don’t get stuck doing all the dishes yourself. (“A friend loves at all times, and kinfolk are born to share adversity” 16:17). If we were born to share adversity, we can certainly clean up the kitchen together!

Take control of the table. Make a seating arrangement and place relatives who don’t get along
far from each other. (“Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it” 15:17).

Set a positive tone for the Thanksgiving Day dinner conversation. Don’t let hostility or whining have a seat at the table. (“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones” 17:22. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” 15:1).

Don’t eat too much or drink too much. The holidays are just beginning. You need to pace yourself. (“Do not be among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat” 23:20; “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” 20:1)

Without knowing it, the pundit took a page out of the Book of Proverbs. We could do a lot worse this Thanksgiving.

General Christian

Food and Religion

Uncategorized

Thanksgiving advice; Proverbs

Previous Post

November 24, 2010

Losing Control of Your Cursor

Next Post

November 28, 2010 Hail Mary

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Ash Wednesday Biblical References Church Year Daily Experiences Daily Life Experiences Easter Gospel of John Humor Life of Prayer Mission Work Preaching Send Hope Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 March 2016 February 2016 July 2015 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 October 2011 August 2011 July 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which prophet challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Elisha Jonah Elijah Isaiah