Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Notorious Mr. Bilbo

It is a fact that Bilbo's reputation went up a very great deal with the dwarves after this.

Bilbo must have been quite dismayed to hear the argument going on between the dwarves and Gandalf.  Gandalf tried to persuade them of the need to go back and find Bilbo.  And the dwarves argued about why he was even brought along in the first place.  Although Tolkien doesn't mention Bilbo's reaction, as the scene plays out there are signs of the effect is has had on him.
As he steps into the circle and removes the ring something happens.  The dwarves are impressed by his stealthy entry and start to praise his burglary skills.  His notoriety goes up in the eyes of his companions.  This has the effect of encouraging Bilbo to continue his deception.  He mentions nothing of the ring.
Isn't it fascinating how the deceptive power of the ring begins to exert it's influence not only on the ring bearer but on those around the ring bearer?  Such is the power of corruption.  It should be noted also that bad company corrupts also.  Just a few minutes before they were talking about him behind his back and now they are exalting him?  I'm not suggesting they are shifty.
Nevertheless despite the temptation to claim that it was the ring's fault the temptation is not too much to bear.  In our case, those who are followers of the Lord, we know the truth.  Truth with a capital T is a person.  Jesus Christ.  And we know that God always leaves us an escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Bilbo, alas, like many of us succumbs to one of the enemy's oldest tricks.  The sin of pride.  "How do you like me now?"

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