The Four Generations

The Four Generations

Scripture:-

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. Proverbs 30:11-14

Observation:-

This Proverbs speaks of four generations, each with a specific fault. One curses and complains. One is righteous in his own eyes. One is proud and lofty. One is harsh and ruthless. In the realm of psychology, there are likewise documented four main personalities of the human race and when we compare the four generations and the main weaknesses of each personality, we find an interesting parallel.

Firstly, there is the generation that curses his father and does not bless his mother. The image comes to mind immediately of an ungrateful, complaining, moody person. This is the main weakness of the Melancholic, although brilliant and talented, and capable of achievements of very high standard, are also prone to mood swings and typical grumbling and complaining when others cannot meet their high standards. They find it hard to be thankful for the good things that they have.

Secondly, there is the generation that is pure in their own eyes, but are not washed from their filthiness. The Phlegmatics are often content in their own little worlds, watching the world go by happily, while thinking they are just fine and righteous where they are. They are however, quite often guilty of the sin of omission. To condone the wrongs that go on around them without doing anything is to be party to the wrongs themselves.

Thirdly, there is the generation who have lofty eyes. These speak of the Sanguines who have the biggest egos and love the praises of men the most. They are quite often the best talkers and the life of a party, but they also quite easily become jealous and immature when things don’t go their way. As their heads are quite often in the clouds, they often do not pay attention to the day to day important things that needs to be done.

Finally, there is the generation whose teeth and jaws are as swords and knives, who do not hesitate to devour the poor and needy. These speak of the Cholerics who will have their way at all costs without consideration for anyone else. Their words are often harsh and impatient and will not hesitate to tell off anyone who gets in their way. They are great leaders and often achieve great things but also hurt many people.

Application:-

All of us have some mixture of the strengths and weaknesses of each of these personalities. In respect of the weaknesses, we need to be aware of them and work towards overcoming them. Melancholics need to learn to be thankful and appreciate the simpler things in life and not expect others to be as perfect as them. Phlegmatics need to learn to be more helpful, to step out of their box and do the right things when they have to. Sanguines must learn to be more humble, and be more grounded and aware of the things around them. Cholerics need to be more compassionate, and patient to the people around them.

Prayer:-

Lord, I thank You for the special way that you made me, with my own unique strengths and weaknesses. Help me grow stronger in the areas you have made me strong, and give me the grace to grow more mature in the areas where I am weak. Help me O Lord, in all things. In Jesus name, Amen.