I WONDER IF PSALM 23

is still in any public school textbook. Not really. I know it's not. But it used to be. It should be.

But those who legislate made it so spiritual things couldn't be discussed, couldn't be taught. But sex education could be. And a whole lot of other stuff.

But, if for no other reason than to teach poetic terms, the most famous of the psalms should be taught. Is there a better example of a metaphor? "The Lord is my shepherd." Not a simile: The Lord is like my shepherd."

"He leadeth me beside still water." Now, it could get a little unnerving here to the church and state people. Because Jesus is the living water, I would teach. Examples from scripture including the woman at the well. All who come to Him will never thirst in a spiritual sense. Ok, enough preaching. Back to the psalm.

The reason shepherds lead sheep to still water is that they fear moving or living water. They won't drink from it. In Israel, there's a lot of still water. Well, maybe not a lot, but enough for a good shepherd to find and lead them there. A good shepherd is one who cares for his flock and he would want them watered and without fear.

That's enough. Point well made. The psalm should still be in public school texts. We should still use the best examples to teach a concept. And if some spirituality seeped into the discussion, well, that's even better.

It sures beats denial and free condom distribution.