¹ A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
   but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

 ² From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
   but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

 ³ Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
   but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

 ⁴ A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
   but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

 ⁵ The righteous hate what is false,
   but the wicked make themselves a stench
   and bring shame on themselves.

 ⁶ Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
   but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 

Discipline and Eating

According to its web site:  White Castle is more than a company. It’s an experience that transcends time, space and sometimes, rational thought. For almost a century our unique approach has made our food the answer to what you crave. And we’re planning on that continuing long past 100 years.  White Castle taps in to how we have an appetite or a craving.  It makes ridiculous claims about what craving a White Castle will give you.  Today’s passage makes similarly ridiculous claims but mixes craving and eating with the satisfaction of righteousness.  Someone who craves a White Castle may be satisfied for a moment.  The person who craves righteousness, wisdom, and goodness will be satisfied.  After a life of craving the right thing, they will be eternally satisfied.

Questions

1. How are images of craving and appetite used in this passage?
2. How is constant craving ultimately satisfied (no K. D. Lang answers)?
3. Why do those who satisfy momentary cravings always become dissatisfied?
4. Think of some of your friends.  What do they crave?
5. What do you crave?  Is it what God would have for you?