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Let Him Cook

A popular phrase I hear a lot is "let him cook," which is usually said in connection with an athlete. When someone gets in the zone and begins to go off, making big plays, the announcer might say he is starting to cook, or to let him cook. The phrase is used in other contexts as well, like when people are having a debate and someone starts to make good points, he is cooking.

The phrase as a cultural metaphor originated with a rap song by Lil B., who used the picture of cooking to refer to someone letting their creativity flow without being interrupted. If someone gets in their way, they are not able to cook. 

There is a Hebrew word that is related to cooking, but the way it is used, we should not let him cook. Proverbs 13:10 says, "By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom."

The word insolence is typically translated into English as pride, and that is the way the NIV renders it. The actual word means to be presumptuous or overconfident. Interestingly, it is associated with cooking and is derived from a word that means to boil. The picture is that of steam rising off of the pot of boiling water.

The proud or presumptuous person is portrayed as that steam, which rises up. In his own mind, the one who is arrogant is higher than everyone else in the room; all others are beneath him.

Solomon said this brings nothing but strife because his actions will set him against everyone else. No one wants to be around a person like that. They look down their nose at you, acting as if they have to endure you and your shortcomings. These insolent people are rude and disrespectful. They would never consider taking advice from anyone because they do not see the need for it. Why would they listen to someone when they already know everything? Why would they consider your two cents when they have it all figured out? 

When someone is starting to cook, we are encouraged to get out of their way and not interrupt their process. But when someone is becoming proud and arrogant, we do not need to let them cook. We should love them enough to tell them when they are out of line. If you are boiling up and rising above the rest of us like steam on the stove, turn the burner down. Stop cooking and humble yourself before the Lord humbles you. 

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