While studying Proverbs Chapter 24, I was particularly impressed with verses 30-32. They read, "I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles [weeds] had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."

I have not looked on anybody's rundown homeplace lately to receive instruction, but I have taken instruction at times from other things that I have observed. In studying these verses, the following couple of parallels came to mind.

Of some Christians: "I went by the life of the slothful and by the actions of the Christian void of understanding; And, lo, his mind was all grown over with confusion, and uncertainty had covered the face thereof, and his confidence was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."

Of some preachers: "I went by the office of the slothful and by the study of the preacher void of understanding; And, lo, his sermons were all grown over with the doctrines of men, and vagueness had covered the face thereof, and the gospel was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."