2018 Dec 16 Proverbs 16, Psalms
2018 Dec 16 Proverbs 16, Psalms
Hello to all, with a warm welcome! Let's continue with Proverbs 16, and verses 13-19.
"13 Righteous speech is a pleasure to kings. They love someone who speaks honestly. 14 The king’s rage is like a messenger of death, But the wise man appeases it. 15 In the light of the king’s face there is life; His favor is like a cloud of rain in spring. 16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is to be chosen over silver. 17 The highway of the upright avoids what is bad. Whoever safeguards his way preserves his life. 18 Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19 Better to be humble among the meek Than to share the spoil of the haughty."
Prov 16:13 Are you in the practice of keeping honest integrity? The righteous one finding God's pleasure in Psalm 15 is "speaking the truth in his heart." (Psal 15:2). If you are honest-hearted, it will be natural for you to 'speak honestly' before kings or anyone else.
Prov 16:14 The wise man may appease the king's rage by understanding or discerning it's cause(s) and reasoning on the matter accordingly. Is such wisdom valuable to you?
Prov 16:15,16 Do you want to find favor in the eyes of a right-hearted king? Then choose wisdom, or spiritual wealth, over material wealth. The latter may still follow the former, but God's favor and blessing should be the motive. Why not prefer the favor of the Loving Creator of the Universe?
Prov 16:17 May we choose the path of the upright, which at times may be a "highway" accessible to multitudes. Choosing the right way throughout our day preserves our hope of eternal life, and with God's blessing may even spare us untimely death in this unrighteous system.
Prov 16:18,19 Another significant one of the Proverbs, pride or haughtiness is the "sin that easily entangles us" that Paul mentioned when discussing true faith. (Hebr 12:1). The term "entangles" can refer to the garment worn in ancient times, which may become entangled when running, causing "stumbling." Such is the snare of pride, causing a devastating fall. We should love to maintain a humble view of ourselves, appreciating the value of others--their gifts and talents which may at times exceed our own. We should appreciate that any such that we may possess are gifts emanating from God himself, and should be used for His praise and glory--not our own. Any glory or "spoil" obtained by pride or arrogance is only temporary, as Proverbs 10:2 says "The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, but righteousness is what rescues from death."
The next 8 verses of Psalm 119 each begin with the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet:
"121 I have done what is just and righteous. Do not abandon me to my oppressors! 122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; May the presumptuous not oppress me. 123 My eyes have grown weary waiting for your salvation And for your righteous promise. 124 Show your loyal love to your servant, And teach me your regulations. 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, So that I may know your reminders. 126 The time has come for Jehovah to act, For they have broken your law. 127 That is why I love your commandments More than gold, even fine gold. 128 Therefore, I consider every instruction from you to be right; I hate every false path."
Once again, in verse 125, understanding is key to knowing God's reminders. This understanding sees the big picture, but also how each piece fits in with the others to make the whole. Gain an overview of things as you study, especially divine matters, then you may better comprehend the finer details.
Ephesians 6:5-7 encourages those doing work for others to do so whole-souled as though working for God and not simply men. Thus we should be primarily not men-pleasers, but having the higher motive of pleasing God in all we do, seeking His honor as we represent him. These verses read: "Slaves, be obedient to your human masters, with fear and trembling in the sincerity of your hearts, as to the Christ,6 not only when being watched, just to please men, but as Christ’s slaves doing the will of God whole-souled.7 Slave with a good attitude, as to Jehovah and not to men"
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!
