2018 Dec 13 Proverbs 13, Psalms, Ephesians 3
2018 Dec 13 Proverbs 13, Psalms, Ephesians 3
Welcome to all, wishing you a fine day! Let's continue with Proverbs 13, verses 9-12.
"9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, But the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. 10 Presumptuousness leads only to strife, But wisdom belongs to those who seek advice. 11 Wealth quickly gained will dwindle, But the wealth of the one who gathers it little by little will increase. 12 Expectation postponed makes the heart sick, But a desire realized is a tree of life."
Prov 13:9 The righteous let their light shine by their fine speech and deeds toward others, honoring the Father, enabling others to see and respond by themselves giving glory to God. (Matt 5:16) The wicked, not seeking the Father's honor, but rather their own with arrogance, must have their prideful lamp extinguished, either by responding to the truth and changing their heart's motivation, or by their eventual death due to their refusal to honor God.
Prov 13:10 Presumptuousness is overstepping due bounds, taking liberties, and is in direct contrast to genuine modesty. Due bounds may be God's laws or regulations, or what is socially acceptable in speech or actions. Crossing such boundaries hurts others and thus causes conflict. On the other hand, "wisdom is with the modest ones." (Prov 11:2). Those 'seeking advice' are humble, modest, and want to know the boundaries to respect them, not desiring conflict with others. Such an attitude contributes to the gaining of true wisdom.
Prov 13:11 It is easy to spend quickly when money is gained quickly, having the money to obtain more expensive items that may not be purchased if the money was gained "little by little."
Prov 13:12 What an important truth to bear in mind, as we do not wish for the heart of friends or family to become sick. For instance, some may be looking forward to an upcoming vacation, but how would you feel if the day before you leave, a problem arises at work that requires you to remain and cancel your plans? May we do our best to keep our obligations to others, and wisely avoid "planning ahead for the desires of the flesh." (Roma 13:14). What does that mean? There may be some acceptable desires that we however shouldn't be constantly thinking about or longing for. Let's keep busy in fine Christian works and pondering spiritual matters, then enjoy appropriate desires when they do come.
The next 8 verses of Psalm 119 each begin with the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet:
"97 How I do love your law! I ponder over it all day long. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, Because it is with me forever. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, Because I ponder over your reminders. 100 I act with more understanding than older men, Because I observe your orders. 101 I refuse to walk on any evil path, So that I may keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your judgments, For you have instructed me. 103 How sweet your sayings are to my palate, More so than honey to my mouth! 104 By your orders I act with understanding. That is why I hate every false path."
Verse 97 reminds us of the things our heart should ponder through the day, thoughts and reminders relating to the will and law of God, since "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever." May we especially avoid pondering wrong desires originating with our sinful flesh and the ungodly world around us. By pondering God's will we gain great insight and act with more understanding than many. This helps us "refuse to walk on any evil path," "hating every false path," and thereby being safeguarded from sad consequences for ourselves and others.
Ephesians 3:10 refers to the "greatly diversified wisdom of God." God's word contributes to our wisdom in so many ways as we give it careful attention. Verse 14,15 say "14...I bend my knees to the Father, 15 to whom every family in heaven and on earth owes its name." May we appreciate God as the Source of "life, breath, and all things," including our family and it's name and reputation (Acts 17:25). May we seek the Father's honor, praying to Him regularly regarding things large and small, and thus acquire a "good name" with God, leading to eternal life, more important than any measure of material wealth (Prov 22:1).
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!
