Scripture

In that day shall the Lord take away the ornament of the slippers, and the cauls, and the round tyres, the sweet balls, and the bracelets, and the bonnets, the tyres of the head, and the slops, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings.

Isaiah 3:18-20, Geneva Bible

Quote

“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants.”
~ Karl Lagerfeld

You can imagine my thoughts when I came across the above verses in the Geneva Bible…“Have I ever read these verses LORD. I do not remember reading them before.” They have been there all the time. Isaiah three is about God’s judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. Isaiah calls them out for their pride, corruption and oppression. Isaiah warns them that God is going to remove their leadership and the country will be ruled by chaos. Their new rulers will be incompetent and the social structure will break down. Morality will hit an all time low. People will flaunt their sin in defiance of God just like they did in Sodom. Isaiah denounces the leaders first but toward the end of the chapter he denounces the rich women of Jerusalem who live in luxury while the poor starve. Isaiah promised them that God would strip away all their finery.

This is where the above verses come in: they are calling out various items that the rich enjoy. We all know what a bracelet is but what on earth is a Caul, Sweet Ball,  or a Slop. The caul was a women’s cap designed to hide their hair. Sweet balls were tiny containers of perfume worn on belts or necklaces. Slops were lose fitting outer garments. The first thing most women do when they get home is put on a slop. In other words, they slop it up. I said years ago that sweat pants are the leading cause of divorce. Women dress up to go out and then hag it up as soon as they get home. There is a reason for what they do but I am not going into it. Women think, they calculate, plan while men go on impulse. Thus women always have the advantage. They are always two or three steps ahead of men. Bathsheba knew exactly what time of day she needed to sun bathe in the nude. She was always a step ahead of David. I didn’t intend to go here and I had better not give away anymore trade secrets.

Anyway, there is a judgment for those of us who live in wealth while others suffer want right outside our gate.

Extra

Big Mama wants to know all of Washington rules of civility so I have them posted below in the extra/extra. I had a difficult day yesterday. My mind was as dull as a rock. I hope and pray that the inspirational juices will be flowing today.

I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog. One of our most avid readers has not missed a day in ten years. Wow! That is impressive.

 

Extra/Extra

George Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior

1. Every action in company should show respect to others.

2. In seating arrangements, let the most worthy sit first.

3. Speak softly, ask questions courteously, and never interrupt.

4. Make no gesture you wouldn’t make today if you knew you’d live to regret it.

5. Gentle movements are preferable—never fidget.

6. Show your face lighted up when greeting others.

7. Never use harsh words or gibes.

8. Always show orderly behavior; do not shuffle your feet or drag anything.

9. Avoid unpredictable reactions; never cough, spit, or blow your nose on someone’s dress.

10. Let all your actions and behavior be wholesome and honest.

11. Avoid laughing too loud or high; keep gentle as to not offend.

12. When in a group, offer your attention; disregard flattery or irrelevant talk.

13. Drink moderately at table—not too much or too little.

14. Keep your senses from being in disorder or causing shame.

15. When walking, carry yourself nobly with your chest forward and head up.

16. Speak to the point and in good order.

17. Gnaw not your nails. Bite not your lips nor chew upon anything in company except food.

18. Keep your teeth clean and on the inside; let your breath be fresh.

19. Do not allow your hands to falter.

20. Touch not those parts of the face, head, etc. to indicate you are thinking.

21. Eat not in the presence of others unless invited; do not quit until all have finished.

22. Be not overbearing with jokes and laughter; avoid mockery.

23. Let your calm be natural—no breaking out into laughter, sport, or loud embarrassment.

24. Make no jokes that are tasteless or crude.

25. Show moderation in all things and zam in your actions.

26. Let your presence suggest good character.

27. Refrain from burying your head too often in your book.

28. If you ask a thing of others, speak softly.

29. Never ask, “Did I ask a question wrongly?”

30. Speak not ill of another to their face or behind their back.

31. When discussing controversies, use modest, measured tone.

32. Speak not evil of absent persons—it is unjust.

33. Be quick to forgive and slow to judge others.

34. Know the perfect time, place, and way to approach.

35. Be honest in all you say and do.

36. Let your opinion be formed chiefly by reason and not passion.

37. Avoid making signs with your hands or eyes.

38. Let your glance be gentle and respectful.

39. Speak occasionally and with clear regard.

40. Disobey not your superiors; show modesty in debate.

41. Respect your elders and others’ wisdom.

42. Do not shun people based on social class alone.

43. Show grace and kindness to all.

44. Stay calm—even during conflict.

45. Keep your feelings under control; anger shows weakness.

46. Strike the right balance between freedom and courtesy.

47. Speak plainly—no pompous phrases.

48. Before correcting others, ensure your conduct is unblameable.

49. If criticized, listen calmly and amend if needed.

50. Be decisive once you’ve made a choice.

51. Show firmness in good matters.

52. Don’t go to your minister empty-handed.

53. Honor your home, including religious duties.

54. Address your parents and superiors with respect.

55. Help and support your schoolmates.

56. Associate yourself with good people for your own reputation.

57. Keep your countenance at ease.

58. Do not say anything that cannot be reduced into plain words.

59. Speak not hastily or without consideration for others.

60. Beware of being distracted while speaking.

61. Stand right in posture—no slouching or leaning.

62. Leave the house with courtesy and command.

63. Allow others to pass you if needed.

64. Speak not uncleanly in public.

65. Honesty in trade and profit—no fraud.

66. Incline towards sincerity—no deceit even when winning.

67. Show no offense at being deceived.

68. Take no hurt that is frank and honest.

69. Let your restraint be discreet and honorable.

70. If a stranger passes by, salute them.

71. Speak not badly of any’s opinion if you do not argue.

72. Show courtesy in all company—both polite or boisterous.

73. Show no contempt to petty occupations—each person works for their living.

74. Speak with dignity and assurance.

75. Do not boast.

76. Dislike no man for speaking the truth.

77. Speak with sincerity—no hollow compliments.

78. Let fairness be your guide, even to your detriment.

79. Show moderation in singing, games, and conversation.

80. Speak not harshly or scornfully of anything.

81. Read your lessons reverentially.

82. Be hospitable—show generosity if it’s not to your harm.

83. Show love and kindness without exhibiting your nobleness.

84. Disguise not your real intentions.

85. Show no envy or sinful anger.

86. Take none for unworthy friends.

87. Avoid too much public praise; let your worth speak.

88. Speak fairly of all persons.

89. Speak not evil of the absent—it is unjust.

90. Never imply anything immoral.

91. Speak no slander to gain favor.

92. Let charity and civility rule in all interaction.

93. Use no expression unbecoming a gentleman.

94. Apply yourself to the study of virtue and discipline.

95. Remember justice and moderation in judging others.

96. Show calm sensibility to people in disadvantage.

97. Let not poverty dishonor another.

98. Speak nobly—even when no one understands.

99. Let your face show emotion within bounds.

100. Show forgiveness and patience.

101. Do not press your prayers to be heard by all.

102. Let your worship be sincere, not showy.

103. Respect Sabbath and holy observances.

104. Use restraint in commentating on sermons and theology.

105. Humbly submit to the instruction of ministers.

106. Speak not of affairs at private gatherings.

107. Know your station in society, but act virtuously.

108. Trust in diligence and integrity more than favor.

109. Cultivate yourself every day in speech, action, and thought.

110. Always heed the spark within—the voice of conscience.