2019 Feb 12 Proverbs 12, Psalms, John 12
2019 Feb 12 Proverbs 12, Psalms, John 12
Hello, wishing you a fine day! Let's pick up in Proverbs 12, verses 19-23:
"19 Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue will last for only a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief, But those who promote peace have joy. 21 No harm will befall the righteous one, But the wicked will have their fill of calamity. 22 Lying lips are detestable to Jehovah, But those acting faithfully bring pleasure to him. 23 A shrewd man conceals what he knows, But the heart of the fool blurts out his foolishness."
Prove 12:19 God just doesn't lie, and doesn't want us to either. Of course, in harmony with God's word, there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak," meaning we don't have to tell everybody everything. (Eccle 3:7). Not everyone has a right to hear the truth, or all the facts, especially if they will do harm with the knowledge. We may thus keep silent or change the subject in such a situation, as Jesus did so to carry out the will of God when with Pilate (John 19:9-11). Still, Jehovah hates a lie, Proverbs 6:16-19 detailing 7 things Jehovah hates, among them a "lying tongue" and a "false witness who lies with every breath." Even a lifetime of such lying, 70-100 years or so, is "only a moment" when compared to the millions upon millions of years Jehovah wants humanity to enjoy in truthful living forever. So let us put our trust in God that we may be honest and open with those deserving of the truth, including God himself in our honest prayers.
Prove 12:20 Those 'plotting mischief' are not promoting true peace, based on sincerity, seeking the welfare of others rather than their harm. Such mischievous ones carry deceit in their hearts, meaning they likely haven't pondered the benefits of living by God's right standards, so as to affect their real conduct. They may know what's right, but they are not moved to practice it, allowing selfish desires to lead them astray. Those promoting peace, however, have joy. They are learning the way of true happiness by learning to live peacefully and in accord with God's righteousness. As James 3:18 explains, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace."
Prove 12:21 No lasting harm will come to the righteous, even if some good people do suffer problems in this current system of things. Righteous ones are not guaranteed a problem-free life in this system under evil influence. Psalm 34:19 says "Many are the hardships of the righteous one, but Jehovah rescues him from them all." Wicked or evil ones, however, typically have many more problems, lacking God's blessing and the benefits of living by right standards. There are great spiritual and physical benefits from living the way of the truth--God's way. This is why God warns us against wrongdoing in the first place, because He loves us, wants to be happy and avoid the troubles, grief, pain and stain of sin. Thus, those ignoring God's standards "will have their fill of calamity," which could end up in death without heartfelt repentance and turning around (Acts 3:19).
Prove 12:22 In contrast to lying, persons acting faithfully are true, honest, sincere. They are faithful to God by adhering to His ways, and faithful to others by helping them do the same, to remain on the path of eternal life. Such ones are consistent in obeying God, just as the moon is called a "faithful witness in the skies," consistently maintaining it's place and function in God's purpose (Psalm 89:37).
Prove 12:23 It is not always wise to reveal everything one knows to others--there may be undesirable consequences. Again, some may do harm with the knowledge we have, so depending on who we're speaking with, there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak." (Eccle 3:7). We do want to help right-hearted ones, however, to embrace the truth of God, and perhaps move others to mend their ways, finding true happiness. A "fool" however, who disregards a father's discipline, is "right in his own eyes," and loaded with foolishness, which he is eager to 'blurt out," without self-control.
Psalm 101 (Book 4, 12th psalm), by David, expresses several points of integrity to God. In verse 2, he says "I will act with discretion and blamelessness. When will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart inside my house." What are some ways we can show integrity to God? Verse 3 says "I will not set anything worthless before my eyes. I hate the deeds of those who deviate from what is right; I will have nothing to do with them." Are we able to judge what so-called entertainment may be considered "worthless?" Philippians 4:8 reveals standards of things worthy of our consideration. Also Proverbs 13:20 says "The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly." Therefore we are wise to "have nothing to do with" those who "hate to turn away from bad." (Prove 13:19).
John 12:1-8 Beginning the final days of Jesus' life and ministry before offering his life in sacrifice, Mary, in a marked display of appreciation, pours costly perfumed oil on Jesus' feet, wiping it off with her hair. Judas Iscariot objects, however, that this oil was not sold and the money given to the poor. We're informed, however, that he would steal from the money box he carried that was meant for the needs of Jesus and his apostles. Thus Judas' words and actions had begun to reveal his heart motive in violation of his integrity to God and faithfulness to Jesus. Thus we're reminded to turn from a course of deception, which will always be exposed in time, and God can see the heart. Galatians 5:19 says "the works of the flesh are plainly seen." Such sinful works are noticeable to others, and do not contribute to our lasting happiness. Rather, may we ponder appreciatively on God's loving guidance and instruction, that we may see the value of living by the truth, God's standards, and see how to do so day-to-day, in our personal lives and dealings with others. As we learn of God's standards, we might ask two questions: "How do I apply and live by this day-to-day?" and "Why is doing so both beneficial and beautiful, something to be appreciated?" Thus, HOW and WHY B&B.
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!
