An idiom is a natural manner of speaking to a native speaker of a language. The English language has many idioms that have a message in them. I’ve used idioms for years and had no idea of the Biblical roots behind them. Idioms are phrases that have a meaning shared in a creative way. I would like to present an idiom to you in this article and then examine its roots to see the importance of understanding this idiom as we learn how to use it in our everyday conversations.
The idiom that I would like to present is, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” and it means “Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything”.
This “Bird in the hand” idiom has its roots in the Bible. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes written by the wisest man who ever lived, with the exception of Jesus Christ, King Solomon, the 3rd king of Israel.
1 For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred ; anything awaits him. 2 It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked ; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean ; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner ; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. 4 For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope ; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know they will die ; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. 6 Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun. 7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart ; for God has already approved your works. 8 Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head. 9 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun ; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9)
From this passage we learn that there are two paths on this road of life:
1. One path is for people who want to live life their own way, according to their own desires. This passage describes them as being:
- wicked
- unclean (symbolically their hearts and minds are impure)
- people who do not serve God
- sinners
- swearers (people who have to make vows because they do not keep their word)
2. The other path is for those who live according to God’s way. This passage describes them as being:
- righteous (correct in God’s eyes, right with God)
- good
- clean (symbolically their hearts and minds are pure)
- people who serve God
- afraid to swear (they do not need to make vows because they keep their word at all times)
Verse 4 is the specific verse where this idiom comes from: “surely a live dog is better than a dead lion”. Whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope. The choice is set before us. We can choose to run wild and free like a lion, thinking that this way of life will be great because we do not have to listen to anyone, yet not knowing that this path leads to destruction and death. This is the first path described in the first 3 verses of the passage. It is insanity because even though it appears to be a great way to live, it actually leads to destruction and many have taken that path over the years. It would be insane for you to think that you could take that path and avoid the destruction yet so many end up thinking that way. This would be the uncertainty of the “two in the bush”. You may think that it is better to have the two but you are not certain that you will attain them. This path will lead you to wickedness and it will keep you from serving God.
The second path is symbolized by being a living dog, a faithful dog. In this case, dogs are presented in a positive light. Dogs are faithful and loyal to their masters and their good masters take care of them. If they serve their masters then they have assurance that he will take care of them. If you choose the path of certainty, the “one in the hand” then you will be rewarded with life. You will be right with God and you will be able to serve Him. You will be a person of good character who is able to stand on his or her word. At first glance, many mock at this way of life saying that it is better to be a wild lion than to have a master ruling over you. Just remember, the person who lives as the wild lion is living a life of insanity, destroying himself in the process, and will ultimately be blessed with death. That is not a very wild and free lifestyle if you ask me. Plus, the wild and free lifestyle is not really wild and free. That lifestyle leads you slavery, slavery to sin and its desires. So, in both cases you have a master. The insane way of thinking would be to serve the master of sin which presents your path as being wild and free like the lion yet entangles and enslaves you with its passions instead of choosing to serve the good Master, God, who cares for you and will protect you.
So, from this passage we can all examine our own lives, as to how we choose to live. How about you? Do you live your life according to your own way or according to God’s way? From the “Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” idiom, meaning that living your life according to God’s plan brings assurance of hope and life. Only when we live by God’s rules can we have this blessed peace….a sure thing. May the Lord guide you and bless you in your daily life.
Author: Kathy Babb
