Sour Grapes

We have heard the expression, “That’s just sour grapes.”     Did you know that it comes from the Bible and was an old proverb that irritated God?

Excerpts from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel  18, 13, 30-32

Then the LORD came to me, Ezekiel, and said “What is meant by this proverb Jews often say about the land of Israel, ‘The fathers ate the green (sour) grapes, but the children’s teeth are set on edge’?”

“As I live," declares the Lord GOD, "you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore  (Damn It!@)

If a man is virtuous . . . he shall surely live, says the Lord God.  . . .If a man begets a son who is not virtuous, the son shall not live.  His fate shall be his own fault.  . . . Therefore, I shall judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his ways. 

(In other words, stop blaming your problems on your parents.   Stop blaming your woes on your ancestors who brought you to this land.  Stop whining about your station in life.  Stop being a victim of your circumstances.   Quit your bitching!  Stop with the “sour grapes.”)

Accept responsibility for the sins you have committed and make for yourself a new spirit.  Return to God and you will live!  

  

As you know, this week’s daily Old Testament readings are from the Book of Ezekiel.   This reading was confusing until I read some commentaries explaining it.