Proverbs 23:10-11

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about traditions and landmarks and cognitive anchors:

Proverbs 23:10-11 (ESV)

Do not move an ancient landmark

or enter the fields of the fatherless,

for their Redeemer is strong;

he will plead their cause against you.

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year are a time of year where there is a lot of focus on tradition. We do the holidays like we always do them. We like to repeat the same celebrations. Traditions make us comfortable and are familiar. That isn't always the best reason to follow a tradition, however. Being comfortable and familiar is sometimes dangerous and rigid. In this Proverb we have a great reason to not remove the traditions of the past (ancient boundary or father's field). Removing them should be done with extreme caution as God watches over these boundary stones and these fields of dreams. There is an assumption in this proverbs that God has been part or the reason the boundary and field has been established, however. We can't assume that the boundary is to be saved simply because the boundary has always been there. We have to decide if the boundary is a boundary established by God or for God. He will then establish the boundary and "plead" for it. So, before you remove a tradition be careful that you don't remove something that God has established and will guard and protect.