2019 Jan 12 Proverbs 12, Psalms, Galatians 2
2019 Jan 12 Proverbs 12, Psalms, Galatians 2
Welcome to one and all, wishing you a fine day! Let's continue with Proverbs 12, this time verses 13-18:
"13 The evil man is ensnared by his own sinful speech, But the righteous one escapes from distress. 14 From the fruitage of his speech a man is satisfied with good, And the work of his hands will reward him. 15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice. 16 A fool immediately shows his annoyance, But the shrewd man overlooks an insult. 17 The one who testifies faithfully will tell the truth, But a false witness speaks deceit. 18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing"
Prove 12:13 The "evil" man has allowed his heart to be corrupted, or perverted. Thus his speech is also wicked, or sinful, as he places priority on badness, disregarding God's right and happifying standards. Such a person is not truly happy, regardless of how he or she may appear on the outside. And the speech of such as person gets him in trouble in various ways, as ridicule, reviling, and negative talk are likely commonplace. The righteous one, on the other hand, often "escapes distress" by speech that is wholesome, upbuilding, and humbly corrective of mistakes.
Prove 12:14 Continuing with the speech of a righteous one, his speech rewards him with good things, for instance commendation approved by God for his efforts to build up others, and 'rescue them with knowledge.' (Prove 11:9). Also "the work of his hands" rewards him, perhaps also with commendation. It is such efforts for which young ones should be commended, however not for simply having knowledge of something--rather, for using that knowledge skillfully to assist others in some kind or beneficial way. One study showed that young ones commended for their knowledge logically were not motivated to work for others, but became lazy. Those commended for their efforts instead showed more diligence in their activity. May we be generous with kind commendation to encourage our youth in the practice of good toward others.
Prove 12:15 The foolish one tends to be prideful, arrogant, and is often moved by such arrogance to act without foresighted shrewdness, or prudence. Not humbly willing to acknowledge his own error, he may continue on a path leading to trouble, or turmoil. The wise one, on the other hand, is humble, eager to listen to others, and willing to accept advice. This helps him to 'ponder each step,' being more careful what he believes and how he proceeds to act in life. (Prove 14:15).
Prove 12:16 Further underscoring the lack of shrewdness in a foolish one, he quickly reveals his annoyance, without giving thought to how it may impact others. The foresighted shrewd one, however, "overlooks an insult," with compassionate insight to readily forgive others for occasional slights. God sets the example as one who is "good and ready to forgive." (Psalm 86:5). Such mercy allows a conversation to carry on toward its intended purpose, rather than needlessly being interrupted.
Prove 12:17,18 One "testifying faithfully" may be under pressure to compromise, to accept a bribe, but refuses to do so. A false witness, however, has not integrity, and gives in to such pressure, whether for money, out of fear, or for some other seeming benefit. We should trust Jehovah God as our refuge and shelter, to speak the truth in matters of law, with integrity to Him, upholding true justice. Jehovah sets the example for us to imitate, as "a God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he." Regarding those not imitating Him, the scripture continues "they are the ones who have acted corruptly. They are not his children, the defect is their own. They are a crooked and twisted generation!" (Deute 32:4,5). May such ones 'turn to doing good,' and receive an exaltation by God for their repentant and renewed spirit.
Psalm 84 (Book 3, 12th psalm) Walking in integrity to God, such as by truthful speech, is greatly rewarded by Him, as this psalm expresses. For instance, verse 10-12 says to God: "a day in your courtyards is better than a thousand anywhere else! I choose to stand at the threshold of the house of my God rather than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For Jehovah God is a sun and a shield; He gives favor and glory. Jehovah will not hold back anything good From those walking in integrity. 12 O Jehovah of armies, Happy is the man who trusts in you." Thus if we choose to keep integrity to God and speak truthfully despite bribery or threats against us, we can turn to our God, whose "ways are justice," in prayer for strength, trusting Him to be "a shield" for us, confident in eternal rewards for our faithful course. Practical steps may still need to be taken in some circumstances, to protect someone from harm, but may we not "be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your petitions be made known to God," receiving the powerful "peace of God." (Phili 4:6,7) May we put our confidence in our powerful God to uphold true justice as His kingdom is poised soon to usher in untold blessings in a fair and just society.
Galatians 2:17,18 encourages us as ones turning to the truth of God, not to turn back to things we've left behind. The apostle Paul set an example in this regard, having been raised as a Pharisee with great prominence in Judaism, with prospects of easily being well-off materially and otherwise. However, upon learning the truth about Christ, he left a life of falsehood behind to pursue God's favor and the reward of eternal life promised by Him for one's faithful and loving course. (James 1:12). We do not necessarily need to drop everything for the truth, but we should take a fresh look at our life and adjust or do away with anything detracting us from serving God faithfully. Paul referred to the "excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord," and considered his past pursuits as "a lot of refuse," that he may gain Christ. (Phili 3:8). True worship of Jehovah through Christ opens our eyes to the truth, and as we grow in divine wisdom, we are better able to assess what is truly important in life and adjust our life accordingly. (Phili 1:10). We should turn to God in prayer before making any rash decisions, however. Look to God for guidance and direction, as we 'let our reasonableness become known to all men.' (Phili 4:5). God will nevertheless bless us for any sacrifice we make for the sake of His name and purpose, that enables us to move forward in serving God, and not turn back to a sinful course in life. Galatians 2:17,18 reads this way: "Now if we have also been found sinners while seeking to be declared righteous by means of Christ, is Christ then sin’s minister? Certainly not! 18 If the very things that I once tore down I build up again, I demonstrate that I am a transgressor." Paul added in verse 20: "Indeed, the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and handed himself over for me." May we appreciate the loving, selfless spirit Christ displayed in his earthly life course, seeking the everlasting happiness of all willing humans, as described in the Holy Scriptures, and seek to follow his example. (1Pete 2:21).


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