On Wednesday nights a bunch of guys from our church meet to study the book of Proverbs. That may sound pretty dry, but actually it’s a terrific time. I like the book of Proverbs and for many years I’ve tried to read a chapter a day. It’s truly mystical how I can read the same things over and over, and yet get good insight every single time. And I’m even more amazed by what I’m learning on Wednesday evenings.

Today’s the eighth day of the month, so this morning I read Proverbs chapter eight after I prayed about which mode of transportation I should take — the convertible or the motorcycle — and verses 12 and 13 really stood out for me…

I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Which words jumped off the page?
The words that stood out to me were prudence, discretion, and pride. so I looked them up in the dictionary. I really struggled with what I found. Under those words the dictionary mentioned things like good judgment, being frugal, responsible, skilled, cautious, reserved, conceited, arrogant, egotistical, and vain. I want to exercise good judgment and be cautious and reserved. But if I take those definitions to the limit, I’ll be driving my wife’s Subaru with all-wheel-drive and heated seats.

That would be fine with me, except that she doesn’t like driving a stick-shift anymore, and no matter what I say she won’t take the DMV test to get a motorcycle permit. So the Subaru is out.

I also want to be frugal, cautious and responsible. The convertible fits that fairly well. It gets good gas mileage and it’s paid for… But how do I avoid being prideful, vain, arrogant and egotistical while driving a bright red sports car? I guess I’ll just have to make sure I park it next to a Ferrari, Porsche, Rolls, or Lamborghini … or at least a BMW, Cadillac, Corvette or Mercedes.

Buick vs. Cadillac
This car-choice dilemma reminds me of an experience I had years ago with two friends. They knew each other well, but they had some problems in their business dealings with each other. As a result they didn’t get along and seldom spoke to each other.

One friend was determined to drive used cars that didn’t look too expensive. His most recent purchase at the time was a big used Buick. (This was back in the prehistoric days when Buicks were monstrous.) One day he made a comment to me about my other friend’s car. He wondered how my friend could drive a Cadillac with a clear conscience.

I explained that my friend with the Cadillac had purchased a slightly used Mercedes and then sold it for a considerable profit. Then he turned around and bought the Cadillac. I went on to tell him that the Cadillac actually cost my friend far less than the used Buick he was driving. That didn’t matter to him. It was “the appearance that mattered.”

Speck vs. Plank
So what do you think? Can a Christian drive a Cadillac? What about a Miata or a Hummer? Must we all drive a Prius or some other “green” car?

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?     – Matthew 7:1-3

Post Script
After thinking about the “appearance” vs. “stewardship” issue, I decided to keep the Miata for this project. Traveling in it will cost a lot less than finding another car. But in an effort to be “prudent” and ”responsible” I had some all-season tires installed at Jeff Fountain Tire Sales.

Two guys worked hard on my car. And when Miguel saw me taking pictures, he asked if I’d take one of him, too. (He’s the one with his hands in his pockets.)

The only thing left to do is get the oil changed, and then I’ll will be ready to go…