2019 Feb 15 Proverbs 15, Psalms, John 15
2019 Feb 15 Proverbs 15, Psalms, John 15
Wishing you a pleasant day with a hearty hello! Let's continue in Proverbs 15 verses 26-33:
"26 Jehovah detests the schemes of the wicked one, But pleasant sayings are pure to Him. 27 The one making dishonest profit brings trouble on his own household, But the one hating bribes will keep living. 28 The heart of the righteous one meditates before answering, But the mouth of the wicked blurts out bad things. 29 Jehovah is far away from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 Bright eyes make the heart rejoice; A good report invigorates the bones. 31 The one who listens to life-giving reproof Is at home among the wise. 32 Anyone refusing discipline despises his life, But whoever listens to reproof acquires understanding. 33 The fear of Jehovah is a training in wisdom, And before glory there is humility."
Prove 15:26 The "wicked" one spends time plotting evil schemes out of selfishness, greed, or jealousy, for instance. Proverbs 24:8 says "Anyone who plots evil will be called a master schemer." How much better to spend time pondering pleasant and wise sayings! Such sayings are "pure" to Jehovah God, and if from Him, "refined" and entirely good. Proverbs 30:5 says "Every saying of God is refined." By pondering what is good and upright, ones may develop heart appreciation for goodness, and learn to hate and turn away from what is bad, or evil.
Prove 15:27 Jehovah rewards and blesses the righteous, not those making "dishonest profit." Lacking God's blessing, and encouraging greed among even family members, such ones open themselves up for trouble on their own household, for instance, by jealous trouble-makers, wanting their "piece of the pie." Life may even be involved, as the contrasting statement says that the one hating unjust bribes "will keep living."
Prove 15:28 Perhaps the lesson of this verse is summed up by the saying "Think before you speak." The righteous ponder before answering someone, as they wish to say the right thing, in the right way, in a way their specific audience may comprehend and benefit from. The wicked, on the other hand, may often have no such concerns, rather 'blurting out' what is bad. Such ones are usually prideful, being 'wise in their own eyes,' perhaps believing their every idea is great, worthy of speech. (Prove 3:7). Proverbs 18:2 says "A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding; He would rather disclose what is in his heart." Such ones should learn to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19).
Prove 15:29 If such wicked ones do not repent, Jehovah is "far away" from them, but in contrast hears the intimate prayer of the righteous. Who should not want to be close to the Grand Creator of the Universe? (Eccle 12:1). What a privilege! The wicked somehow have no appreciation for this privilege, choosing to be "close" to other selfish evil ones.
Prove 15:30 Bright, or "enlightened" eyes, receiving light of truth from God, brings rejoicing to the heart. Psalm 97:11 says "Light has flashed up for the righteous And rejoicing for those upright in heart." Thus a good report also "invigorates the bones," refreshing our spiritual core.
Prove 15:31,32 Proverbs 12:15 says "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice." May we aim to appreciate advice, even strong, but loving, discipline from others. Such correction is often given with much considerate forethought, even prayer. We need such discipline to remain squarely on the path of eternal life. Strong correction should add to our understanding of life, aiding us to continue walking in the fear of Jehovah, hating what is bad. (Prove 8:13). However, such discipline must be given in love to be truly beneficial, after the example of Jesus' loving treatment of his "disciples." To refuse such correction would reveal a lack of appreciation for one's hopes of eternal life, as Proverbs 6:23 says "...the reproofs of discipline are the way to life."
Prove 15:33 The healthy fear of displeasing God is shown to be the "beginning" of both divine knowledge and wisdom. (Prove 1:7; 9:10). Thus, this should be taught at a young age, helping youths to grasp the qualities of both understanding and discernment (Prove 2:1-5). Humility must also be treasured among genuine servants of God, truly considering others as superior to us, valuing their gifts and knowledge that we may benefit from.
Psalm 104 (Book 4, 15th psalm) recounts many of the works of God. Notice, for instance, verses 14,15: "14 He is making grass grow for the cattle And vegetation for mankind’s use, To grow food from the land 15 And wine that makes man’s heart rejoice, Oil that makes the face shine, And bread that sustains the heart of mortal man." Can you recall or recount your favorites foods or dishes? How many to choose from! Such a loving God we have to give us such a variety of things to enjoy on a daily basis! And indeed, a good whole-grain bread has been shown to supply vital minerals to the body, strengthening the heart. Spiritually as well, sustaining spiritual nourishment feeds our figurative heart, as we ponder such things, seeing how to apply godly reminders in our personal lives. Verse 24 expresses appreciation for God's works in the words: "How many your works are, O Jehovah! You have made all of them in wisdom. The earth is full of what you have made." May we never take for granted God's wonderful works motivated by love for His human creation!
John 15:1-10 finds Jesus saying to his faithful apostles: "“I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. 2 He takes away every branch in me not bearing fruit, and he cleans every one bearing fruit, so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in union with me, and I will remain in union with you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you unless you remain in union with me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in union with me and I in union with him, this one bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing at all. 6 If anyone does not remain in union with me, he is thrown out like a branch and dries up. And men gather those branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in union with me and my sayings remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will take place for you. 8 My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. 10 If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love." Clearly Jesus set the example in loving and obeying the Father, Jehovah. While Jesus is the head of the worldwide Christian congregation, he himself has a "head"--he answers to Jehovah God (1Cori 11:3). Jesus' teachings and commands, along with extended teachings "inspired of God" from the apostle Paul and others, comprise the "new covenant" that was foretold to replace the Mosaic Law covenant which ended with the impalement of God's Son. (Jerem 31:31-34; Colos 2:14). May we consider the teachings and commands of Christ on a regular basis, as expressed in God's word. How do ones "bear fruit" as genuine disciples? While we wish to "make disciples" in harmony with the command of Christ, not all have productive territories in which to speak. Still, speaking "the word of the Kingdom" may be considered fruitful to God. Hebrews 13:15 says "Through him [Jesus] let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name." We are also fruitful as we bear the "fruitage of the spirit," Christian virtues that speak volumes about the way of life contributing to true peace and happiness, on the basis of genuine faith and love. (Galat 5:22,23). May our appreciation for God's word move us to share Christian truths with others, hoping in their spiritual growth and true happiness.
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!
