BDBD is Proverb 13:7

Solomon makes a simple observation; one pretends to be rich and another pretends to be poor. Yet, he does not say why this is so, probably because there are several reasons why and the point of proverbs is to make us think about ourselves, our lives, and those around us.

The point here is am I putting up a facade, pretense, and appearance? If I am why am I? What am I attempting to accomplish? One of the main reasons, perhaps the only reason that matters for pretense is that I may not like the social, mental, and physical ramifications of being what I have become. The rich don’t like the isolation and heartless attention wealth brings. The poor don’t like the isolation and heartless inattention poverty brings. So they pretend to be the opposite without having the strings of their alter-reality. Yet, I have observed that the pretense weighs more heavily on the soul than the truth of existence.

Paul wrote the astounding statement, “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11b-12) What is the secret? The answer he continues with is, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (4:13) Being content resides in a life reality of Christ in my soul.