Grandpa,
I want to thank you and The Voice newspaper. I just got out of prison two weeks ago. While inside, my mother was sending to me copies of The Voice every week. I like your advice you give to people in prison about taking all the self-improvement classes such as lifestyle redirection. As you had advised many times, I did not let my time do me, I did my time wisely. And I think I know who you are. One of the pastors that volunteered at our prison always gave the same kind of advice you do. What gave you away was the use of the word “Peace”. In the chapel you would say “Peace be with you”. In the newspaper you say, “I bid you peace.” Are you Pastor (name withheld by Grandpa)?
Grandpa says; Sorry to burst your bubble, young man. I do not go as far downstate as you were housed. Age has slowed me down considerably. Although I still do some visitations with my church, I am no longer as active as in the past. I have never even met the pastor you mentioned. And, as to the word “Peace”, is that not a central theme to the Christian faith? I will not presuppose to speak for the publisher or editor of The Voice, but I thank your mom for caring enough to keep sending to you the paper so faithfully. Now that you are home, I trust you will get a subscription sent to your new digs. I suggest you forward your used copies to other men who are still inside. I bid you Peace.
Grandpa,
I have a fellow who works in my department who has a saying. Every time he is given a directive he says, “This has been my practice, I obey your precepts.” He tells me it is a quote from Proverbs. He seems to know the bible, but I cannot find the quote. I have looked in my concordance. I do not see it. I have read Proverbs in various translations. I do not see it. I have read in the past where people think something is in the Bible and you point out it is in the Koran. Might that be the case here or is this guy just blowing smoke?
Grandpa says; Even an incorrect quote can have a positive effect. How much might you have searched the Book of Proverbs had you never been intrigued by your underling’s talk? I suggest you ask your associate to tell you where in the Proverbs he found that quote. Let him know that the publisher of my KJV must have messed up big time. He put it in the 119th Psalm, Verse 56 in my Bible. King David is telling the Lord of David’s faith in the promises and the Law of the Lord. David is re-affirming his servitude to the Lord and Creator. I have heard this sung in Hebrew. It has a very lovely poetic melody when spoken. Next time he quotes that phrase, recite to him Proverbs 22:29. Go ahead, look it up.
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