"MY INSTRUMENT"
Rene Phillips Qualls

I have often wished that I could play the piano. I mean, really play the piano. For a few months, in 1965, I took piano lessons. I learned to play "Symphony No. 9" ("Ode to Joy"), by Beethoven, and "Prince Igor," by A. Borodin. These were not the elaborate renditions of these masterpieces, but were the simplified, one page versions, from my practice book, "Five Finger Classics." Of course, my repertoire would not be complete, without including "Chopsticks," and "Heart and Soul." I manage to huff out "Oh, Susanna," on the harmonica, too. My expertise on these instruments will never impress anyone!

There is one instrument, however, upon which I can play flawlessly. That instrument is Me. I have many hours invested in practice . . . forty-seven years worth of endless scales, arpeggios, and tempos. And, in all that time, I have perfected only one composition. I can play "The Fool." I read the Book of Proverbs, and, within its verses, I so clearly hear my music.

Proverbs 12:15-16 (NKJV)
[15] "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
        But he who seeks counsel is wise.
[16] "A fool's wrath is known at once,
        But a prudent man covers shame."

Proverbs 14:1, 3, 9, 18, 33
[1] "The wise woman builds her house,
        But the foolish pulls it down with her hands."
[3] "In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
        But the lips of the wise will preserve them."
[9] "Fools mock at sin,
        But among the upright there is favor."
[18] "The simple inherit folly,
        But the prudent are crowned with knowledge."
[33] "Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding,
        But what is in the heart of fools is made known."

Proverbs 15:2
[2] "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
        But the mouth of fools pours out foolishness."

Proverbs 17:10, 16
[10] "Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
        Than a hundred blows on a fool."
[16] "Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
        Since he has no heart for it?"

Why is it, that "a hundred blows" don't seem to get the message across to me, that I need to watch what comes out of my mouth? Why can't I see, that I hold in my hand the "purchase price of wisdom?" It is because, within my foolish pride . . . my vanity, I know that I excel at my instrument. And, there is another player waiting offstage. Satan plays me for a fool. If my practice falters, or if I finish my recital, he is right there, ready to continue my idiotic melody.

But, there is hope, for this fool. I am learning to give Jesus Christ more time at the keyboard. I am letting His music flow through me, His wisdom direct me, His words fall from my tongue. I am becoming more vigilant about avoiding the devil, and his discordant song. To do these things, is to practice wisdom. I want to play "The Wise," on my instrument. I want to be the lady described in Proverbs 31:26, 28-31.

[26] "She opens her mouth with wisdom,
        And on her tongue is the law of kindness."
[28] "Her children rise up and call her blessed;
        Her husband also, and he praises her:
[29] "Many daughters have done well,
        But you excel them all."
[30] "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
        But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands,
        And let her own works praise her in the gates."

"Practice makes perfect."

How well do you play your instrument?
 

Copyright © 2001  René Phillips Qualls  (Used by permission.)