Welcome to all! Let's continue in Proverbs, this time chapter 14. For commentary on verses 1-9, search "Sept 14" and "Oct 14". Today let's look at Proverbs 14:10-12.

"10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And no outsider can share in its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death."

Prov 14:10 This is why it may not be best to say "I know what your're going through", but maybe "I kind-of know what you're going through." It is difficult if not impossible to know every nuance of the many factors in causing one to feel bitter, or even joy. Still, we want to be as compassionate as we can, with the right motive, a pure heart, desiring to be an extension of God's comfort and hand in helping them overcome grief, bitterness, or to share their joy. The Scriptures tell us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." (Roma 12:15).

Prov 14:11 Those choosing a way of badness may seem to prosper for a time, at least materially, as they perhaps make Riches their god. But it is the upright ones who will truly flourish, generally content with the essentials of life, but "rich in fine works," perhaps not even owning their own home in the current system of things. Under God's kingdom, however, "they will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full." (Isai 65:21,22).

Prov 14:12 The Scriptures say to "make sure of the more important things," and "do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of [Jehovah], and he will make your paths straight." (Phs 1:10; Prov 3:5b,6) We need God's word to guide our steps in life. If we ignore God and go out on our own, what we do may seem right, but we will not be on the road leading to eternal life. While it is commendable to listen to our conscience, it really needs to be trained by God's word and a love for truth, for it to be a more reliable guide in life, in harmony with true wisdom.

Psalm 55 (Book 2, 14th psalm) mentions how one feels if one of their own companions turns against him, the way Judas betrayed Jesus. "For it is not an enemy who taunts me; Otherwise I could put up with it. It is not a foe who has risen up against me; Otherwise I could conceal myself from him. But it is you, a man like me, my own companion whom I know well. We used to enjoy a warm friendship together; Into the house of God we used to walk along with the multitude." (Psal 55:12-14). How sad, to lose a warm friendship, a close companionship, and turn against a sincere fellow brother or sister.May we never become a Judas toward our own brothers and sisters, but treasure fond friendships with them, being sincere, honest, never deceptive toward them. If there is friction over anything, be open and up front about the matter, quickly settling any dispute, to safeguard the peace and love within the congregations of God.

Galatians 4 shows caution is in order even after we've begun learning the truth about God. Gala 4:9 says "But now that you have come to know God or, rather, have come to be known by God, how is it that you are turning back again to the weak and beggarly elementary things and want to slave for them over again?" We must be careful that our newly acquired knowledge of the truth about God doesn't cause us to want to deeply investigate or accept worldly philosophy that is opposed to the word of God, or to forget that it is our genuine, sincere trust and faith in God and Jesus that is life-saving--not simply the adherence to a code of law, a list of rules or regulations. Of course, our love for God should move us to become obedient from the heart to His commands and loving instruction. May the truth of God be our delight to hear, study, and appreciate, as we grow in divine wisdom and knowledge, with love for God and others. (Psal 1:1-3).