2018 Dec 05 Proverbs 5, Psalms, Matthew 5
2018 Dec 05 Proverbs 5, Psalms, Matthew 5
Warm welcome and wishes to all! Perhaps we may find a spiritual gem or two from God's word. Let's continue in Proverbs 5, considering verses 3,4,8, 11-14:
"3 For the lips of a wayward woman drip like a honeycomb, And her mouth is smoother than oil. 4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood And as sharp as a two-edged sword. 8 Stay far away from her; Do not go near the entrance of her house, 11 Otherwise, you will groan at the end of your life When your flesh and body waste away 12 And you say: “How I hated discipline! How my heart despised reproof! 13 I did not listen to the voice of my instructors Or pay attention to my teachers. 14 I have come to the brink of complete ruin In the midst of the entire congregation.”
Recall that "shrewdness" basically means "foresighted prudence," and thus looks ahead at the consequences of actions and decisions beforehand, good and bad, and acts accordingly to avoid calamity, or danger. Something God tells us is "sin," which means "missing the mark," is out of harmony with God's standards and leads us astray, causing spiritual harm and other consequences. God loves us greatly, and warns us of such things to save us from spiritual and physical harm. As Proverbs 22:3 says, "The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced [or, "naïve"] keep right on going and suffer the consequences." The Bible book of Proverbs provides much in the way of awareness of the consequences of bad behavior. This consideration in Proverbs 5 is one example. One choosing as a life partner one not worshipping our loving God, but rather false gods, which God's word equates to serving demons, will likely reap bitter consequences, which can include eventual loss of life, even eternal life which could otherwise bring true happiness with God and a loyal marriage partner, among dear family and friends earthwide. Why give up such blessings, for enticements such as pleasure that a godly marriage partner can also bring, or money, or other things? This is merely a trap, snaring those lacking heart, or good motive. If one is of age, or nearing the age to marry, why not look to God for help to find a loyal marriage partner you can delight to share life with? The process need not be terribly drawn out! But failing to obey God, including in the matter of choosing a lifelong partner where possible that will adhere to true faith, is sin, and can lead to greater sin.
Do we want to regret our life looking back, saying "How I hated discipline!...I have come to the brink of complete ruin in the midst of the entire congregation?" Let us value needed discipline, and hate what is bad in God's eyes! May we especially learn to hate any violation of the marriage covenant, which is God's only provision for satisfying sexual desires. God commands: "Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people [or, "fornicators"] and adulterers." (Hebre 13:4). When married partners love God and each other, sex allows them to express their loyal love and likely bear children that can be raised in a secure, loving home by both mother and father, in harmony with God's ways. Often with God, we need only faithfully wait a little longer to experience many blessings from Him! If someone tries to entice you, refuse to participate! Says Proverbs 10:22, "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, and He adds no pain with it." Thus avoid sinning in this matter--is it true love to do what could cause another to lose out on eternal happiness with a loyal marriage partner, teaching them disloyalty to God? To move us to "hate what is bad" that we may make wisely "shrewd" decisions, may we realize that such sin, any serious sin, can result in headaches, heartaches, heartbreaks, troubles, turmoil, grief, sadness, and pain, for ourselves and others, along with the work spiritually necessary, with the help of spiritual shepherds, to try to get back on track after such sin, as well as personal efforts to do what we can to right the wrong to the best of our ability. While it is worth the effort to recover, how much better to see the consequences of badness, and stay far away from such sin in the first place, remaining close to God and others spiritually, finding true joy in living in accord with God's will and word!
Psalm 119:33-40 is the next section of 8 verses all beginning with the 5th letter of the Hebrew alphabet:
"33 Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of your regulations, And I will follow it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, So that I may observe your law And keep it with my whole heart. 35 Guide me in the pathway of your commandments, For in it I take delight. 36 Incline my heart to your reminders, Not to selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless; Preserve me alive in your way. 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, So that you may be feared. 39 Remove the disgrace that I dread, For your judgments are good. 40 See how I long for your orders. Preserve me alive in your righteousness."
The psalmist treasures "the way of [God's] regulations," God's law, "the pathway of [God's] commandments," God's reminders, and His orders. He sees that value and benefit of doing things God's way, living in harmony with God's righteousness. Jesus instructed his followers to "Keep on then, seeking first the kingdom and [God's] righteousness, and all these other things [necessary things as food and clothing] will be added to you." (Matt 6:33). Seeking God's righteousness involves keeping integrity to God as did Job, enduring through trial. Proverbs 11:3 says this: "The integrity of the upright is what guides them, But the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them." May we remain loyal to God, having our life guided by our keeping of integrity to God's way of life, integrity meaning wholeness or completeness without corruption. Thus we live our life completely as God, loving us greatly, would have us live, bringing sheer happiness to us and others, looking forward to endless life in true peace.
Matthew 5 begins with the Nine Happinesses or the Be Attitudes, which provide much insight into God's way of life. After encouraging us to be aware of our spiritual need, Jesus says " Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted." (Matt 5:4). We may mourn in at least two ways. When we come into contact with the truth of God, we may mourn over past ignorance of such things, or wrongdoing, without knowledge of the harm we may have caused ourselves or others spiritually. Such heartfelt mourning indicates sincere repentance over such things, and finds God's mercy and comfort, eventually bringing happiness as we turn to God and serve Him faithfully, determined never to violate His standards. Another way we may "mourn" is found in a prophecy of Ezekiel, where one is told: "...“Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.” Seeing numerous persons straying from the path of eternal life, even responsible ones of Christianity, falling to various sins and experiencing resulting calamites spiritually can sadden us as we become aware and in tune with God's way of life. So many are being deceived and tricked into practicing sin in various ways, losing out on true happiness and success in life. Yet God is working to enlighten many, and we may find comfort in those who are turning to God, and responding to His call to listen to Him and serve Him rightly.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
