2018 Dec 24 Proverbs 24, Psalms, 1Peter 4
2018 Dec 24 Proverbs 24, Psalms, 1Peter 4
Hello to all, wishing you a fine day! Let's continue in Proverbs, this time chapter 24:15-22:
"15 Do not wickedly lie in ambush near the home of the righteous one; Do not destroy his place of rest. 16 For the righteous one may fall seven times, and he will get up again, But the wicked will be made to stumble by calamity. 17 When your enemy falls, do not rejoice, And when he stumbles, do not let your heart be joyful; 18 Otherwise, Jehovah will see and be displeased, And He will turn away his anger from him. 19 Do not be upset because of evil men; Do not envy wicked people, 20 For there is no future for anyone evil; The lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. 21 My son, fear Jehovah and the king. And do not associate with dissenters, 22 For their disaster will arise suddenly. Who knows what ruin both will bring upon them?
Prove 24:15,16 An evildoer seeking the life of a righteous one will bring him or her calamity, possibly loss of eternal life, while such a righteous one would maintain his reward of life, with God's promised resurrection. Where is the benefit for the wicked? Proverbs 10:2 says "The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, but righteousness is what rescues from death." So God ensures the loss of treasure gained by any evil, such as by lies, murder, bribery, extortion, and the like. Turning to righteousness, however, will bring God's blessing and true contentment.
Prove 24:17,18 Compassion or fellow-feeling should move us to sadness at the loss of any human made in the image of God, since it is hoped by God that no one "be destroyed but [that] all...attain to repentance," turning around from any evil, realizing the pain and sorrow caused, and desiring to reject such a course, finding true happiness pleasing God, growing in true love of God and neighbor. (2Pete 3:9; Acts 3:19).
Prove 24:19,20 We find reason not to become jealous or envious of the wicked or objects of their so-called happiness. Any happiness they seem to have will prove to be in vain, non-existent, as "there is no future for anyone evil," and any arrogance supposedly lighting their path will also be removed, hopefully with the result of their humbly turning to God before it is too late. (Prove 21:4).
Prove 24:21,22 In the healthy fear of God, we are to give honor to those in kingly station over us, as God is the One permitting their rule, and they must answer to Him for their ruling decisions. (Roman 13:1-4). May we pray for such kings to do so with regard for God's wisdom and purpose, upholding truth and godly standards, promoting true peace, happiness, and love for those under their rule. (1Timo 2:1-4)
Psalm 24 acknowledges the One deserving of our greatest praise, honor, and glory. It reads:
"1 To Jehovah belong the earth and everything in it, The productive land and those dwelling on it. 2 For he has solidly fixed it on the seas And firmly established it on the rivers. 3 Who may ascend to the mountain of Jehovah, And who may stand up in his holy place? 4 Anyone with innocent hands and a pure heart, Who has not sworn a false oath by My life, Nor taken an oath deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessings from Jehovah And righteousness from his God of salvation. 6 This is the generation of those seeking him, Of those seeking your face, O God of Jacob. (Selah) 7 Lift up your heads, you gates; Open up, you ancient doorways, That the glorious King may enter! 8 Who is this glorious King? Jehovah, strong and mighty, Jehovah, mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; Open up, you ancient doorways, That the glorious King may enter! 10 Who is he, this glorious King? Jehovah of armies—he is the glorious King. (Selah)"
Notice how verse 4 highlights some crucial traits of those truly wanting to please God: (1) "innocent hands," seeking to act with blameless integrity to God, (2) a "pure heart," unselfishly motivated to put away or disregard filthy practices causing harm to ourselves or others physically or spiritually, and to treasure what is clean and upright before God. Such ones realize that God will not forever tolerate "those ruining the earth," physically or spiritually. (Revel 11:18). To this end we should carefully guard our close associations, realizing that "Bad associations spoil useful habits." (1Cori 15:33). Also such ones have not (3) "sworn a false oath", nor "taken an oath deceitfully." Lying, especially if thwarting true justice in a court of law, is a practice God hates, contributing to an unfair, unrighteous society missing the blessing of God. While taking reasonable precautions, we should look to God for his support, guidance, and protection to uphold what is right and true, endeavoring to keep our oaths or solemn promises where we possibly can, trusting God for strength where necessary, or special cases.
1Pete 4:1-5 counsels those who would be true Christians to faithfully endure trials or suffering, setting an example in true loyal love for God and others, with integrity, hoping that others may respond in faith to a good example, finding the path of eternal life. Notice Peter's words:
"Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person who has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins, 2 so that he may live the remainder of his time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will. 3 For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries. 4 They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you. 5 But these people will render an account to the one who is ready to judge those living and those dead." Therefore, such abusive speech will not long continue, and by responding gently, with Christian mildness, we may soften their hearts, or defuse any escalating anger or irritation they may have. (Prove 15:1). If we truly love them, we will set the right example, rather than weakly bowing to their selfish God-dishonoring practices. We should thus pray for courage, self-control, and true love and wisdom to deal with others appropriately. Remember, "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, and He adds no pain with it." (Prove 10:22).
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!
