Verse 1 must have been a painful verse for Solomon to write. He wasn’t poor and he certainly wasn’t blameless. He had chosen the way of perversity and lived to regret it. Perhaps he penned this Proverb while watching a poor man whose walk was blameless. Sitting in his palace walls, having chosen the way of a fool, he would have traded it all to be blameless. Doing the right thing, whether it be telling the truth, paying our tithe, paying our taxes, staying faithful to our vows, whatever, seems so hard initially. But in the end... life is good.
How typical of the human race. God gives us a choice, we reject His way (v.3), then we blame Him for our pain.
The Proverbs were written over 3,000 years ago, yet what was true of people then, is still true today. The wealthy have plenty of friends and the poor struggle to keep them (v.4 & 7).
It is encouraging to know that as we grow in wisdom, we also grow in patience (v.11). I need patience. Patience with God. Patience with my kids. Patience with my finances. It’s so easy to react without thinking.
Speaking of reacting, verse 19 teaches us to let the hot-tempered man pay the penalty for his anger. If we keep bailing him out, he will never learn.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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2 comments:
The verse I camped out on today was vs. 23,"The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Many people long for rest and contentment today...I know there are days I do! This proverb is so true! When I am slow to speak, quick to listen to wisdom (wise people and God's Word), things seem to roll off my back a lot easier. I find my life simplier and much more content. When I am truly fearing God, trying to walk in obedience...I feel much more at peace. You see, I know the one I am trusting in has my life all under control. That brings a much better night's sleep. Let go and walk in the ways God has set for us.
"The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it his glory to pass over a transgression." Proverbs 19:11. To pass over someones wrongdoing? Not point it out? How many times have each of us fail short and needed someone to do this for us. How much easier would have it been if we would of practiced this at some time with our children, spouses, friends. Just given it over to the Father to handle instead of finding anger. Might that lead to forgiveness...healing...for all involved and once again allowed God to participate in our lives- to have that relationship He desires to have with us.
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