Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. [Revised Standard translation]
In Biblical times, according to Norman A. Rubin's article "Weights and Measures in Biblical Times," weighing was a complicated and "honored" process:
Only goods such as spices, incense and rare metals were weighed as most of the trade in goods at that period was mainly through barter.... The weighing instrument commonly
used was the symmetrical (equal-arm) scale - a two-pan system balanced
on a vertical scale beam with equal arms in suspension. An artifact
was placed in one pan and weights were placed the other and when the
balance was equalized the transaction was completed.
According to Rubin, the scale weights were small units of weights, often made of copper or bronze. These weights were sometimes called "stones." The weight or "stone" was placed in a pan on one arm of the scale and the object to be weighed placed in the other pan of the scale. These scale weights were generally carried in a cloth bag. See, www.helium.com. Trying to use a "false" weight or pretending that a "stone" was a specific weight when it was not was punishable.
In Proverbs 16, Solomon, the son of David, and writer of the book of Proverbs says that God "weighs the spirit." Solomon contends that if we were to measure ourselves, everyone would just step off the scales smiling, believing ourselves "ok." [Because, isn't the problem generally/always someone/everyone else's fault!] But, according to Solomon, it is GOD, not us, who will do the weighing. We will not be weighed on human scales but on GOD's "honest" scale using GOD's "weight stones" from GOD's "cloth bag": "Honest scales and balances are from the Lord: all the weights in the bag are of HIS making." See. Proverbs 16:11(New International translation). Proverbs gives us some idea of the "stones" or weights that God uses to "weigh" our spirit and our motives. God will weigh us to determine:
- Whether we are prideful (Prov. 16:5, 19);
- Whether we are loyal to God, faithful, merciful, truthful, and love God (Prov. 16:6);
- Whether we are understanding (Prov. 16:22);
- Whether we speak kind/pleasant words (Prov. 16:24);
- Whether we obey and trust God (Prov. 16:20);
- Whether we are allowing God to direct our steps (Prov. 16:9).
- Whether we are just. (Prov. 3:33).
Weight Training
One of the ways that many people attempt to reduce their physical weight and enhance their physical fitness is by weight training. Weight training is a type of strength training. Weights are used as a resistance and challenge to muscles. According to Mayo.clinic.com strength training is important for everyone, especially as we age. It is a matter of "use it" or "lose it:"
Muscle mass naturally diminishes with age. "If you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose, you'll increase the percentage of fat in your body," says Edward Laskowski, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN., and co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center. "But strength training can help you preserve and enhance your muscle mass — at any age."
(Emphasis added.) See, www.Mayoclinic.com. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the proper principles for weight training include the following:
- Learn proper technique. For best results, proper technique is essential. If you're not sure whether you're doing a particular exercise correctly, ask a personal trainer or other fitness specialist for help.
- Do a single set of repetitions. Theories on the best way to approach weight training abound, including countless repetitions and hours at the gym. But research shows that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle just as efficiently as can three sets of the same exercise. So what's the proper weight? One that's heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions. You should be just barely able to finish the last repetition.
- Start slowly. If you're a beginner, you may find that you're able to lift only a few pounds. That's OK. Once your muscles, tendons and ligaments get used to weight training exercises, you may be surprised at how quickly you progress. Once you can easily do 12 repetitions with a particular weight, gradually increase the weight.
- Take time to rest. To give your muscles time to recover, rest one full day between exercising each specific muscle group. You might choose to work the major muscle groups at a single session two or three times a week — or plan daily sessions for specific muscle groups. For example, on Monday work your arms and shoulders, on Tuesday work your legs, and so on.
From, "Weight Training, Improve Your Muscular Fitness," www.MayoClinic.com. Again, be sure to work with a trainer if you are using weights for the first time.
As you progress and become more comfortable, you may want to take time to refine, define or enhance your weight training. For example you may want to:
- Work on learning how to breathe properly. For example, exhale when pushing against the weight. Inhale when there is no resistance and remember to never hold your breathe.
- Work on various body parts and muscle groups. For example, alternate days when you work on upper body muscle groups and lower body muscle groups.
- Work on your form. For example, observe yourself in a mirror as you weight train or have a friend or trainer work with you to make sure you are not straining your back.
If you have a previous injury, have a physically disabling medical condition or have other medical problems, consult your personal physician for the best weight training program for you, given your medical condition.
Prayer for Total Health
It is easy to become concerned about physical weight and completely lose sight of the importance of our "spiritual" weight and fitness. However, if we are to heed the words of Solomon in Proverbs 16, every time we step on a scale, we should also remember that God has a scale too. Every time we weigh ourselves we should remember that God weighs us too. We can increase our physical health and fitness by mindful eating, exercise, weight and strength training, and prayer. We can also strive to increase our spiritual health and our "spirit" by studying God's WORD, prayer and learning how to come to the LORD with our burdens! Let us all pray for total health not only this Wednesday but every day! Let us all strive to commit our work, our ways, our minds, our bodies and our spirit to the Lord.
Enjoy the day, be strong, be prayerful and Be Blessed!
