2019 Jan 14 Proverbs 14, Psalms, Galatians 4
2019 Jan 14 Proverbs 14, Psalms, Galatians 4
Welcome to all, with a hearty hello, and wishing you well this day! Let's continue in Proverbs 14, 19-24:
"19 Bad people will have to bow down before the good, And the wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbors, But many are the friends of the rich person. 21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to the lowly is happy. 22 Will not those who plot mischief go astray? But those intent on doing good will receive loyal love and faithfulness.23 There is benefit in every kind of hard work, But mere talk leads to want. 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth; But the foolishness of the stupid is only foolishness."
Prove 14:19 Practicers of bad or wickedness must one day acknowledge their path is not leading to the happiness they imagined it would, but rather, is leading to death. They must bow in respect of the good, or righteous ones. If their acknowledgement humbles them, they may repent of their error, and in God's mercy, find the path of life and the true happiness they were missing.
Prove 14:20 Occasionally, Proverbs acknowledges a tendency among humans that is not necessarily the proper or right view. This is evidently one example. It can be noted, however, that the term "hate" in Hebrew can also mean to "love less." However, perhaps one in such an unfortunate condition should be loved more, not less. Psalm 34:18 says of God, "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." In imitation of our God, may we willingly aim to help those in need, as the upright woman of Proverbs 31 "extends her palm to the lowly one, And she opens her hands to the poor." (Prove 31:20). Of course, today, as then, "many are the friends of the rich person," who likely enjoys the attention, and may offer gifts. May wealthy ones, however, humbly learn to rely on God, the giver of "every good gift and perfect present," for life's enjoyment, true friendships, and genuine happiness. (1Timo 6:17).
Prove 14:21 May our compassion overcome any tendency to hate or despise others, which would be sinning. Thus we may maintain true happiness, as hatred of others does little to contribute to this. Rather, loving and even praying "for those who persecute you," as Jesus instructed in his Sermon on the Mount, may prove to have a good effect on others, as well as ourselves. (Matth 5:44). May we realize that those practicing bad are often desperately in spiritual need, and who will be there to lovingly help them? If we cannot do it ourselves, can we at least, with godly insight, overlook an offense, and compassionately pray for them to receive needed help? (Prove 19:11). May God reward the love you show!
Prove 14:22 The rewards are many for those "intent on doing good," rather than plotting mischief! Psalm 18:25 says of God, "With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless man you deal blamelessly." Thus, such ones receive of God's loyal love and faithfulness, as may be expressed by others. Recall that God "makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God." (Roman 8:28). May we rejoice to receive of God's blessings for pursuing a righteous course before Him!
Prove 14:23 While planning is beneficial, is it not the "hard work" that's needed to receive the benefits, actually accomplishing what we've set out to do? Merely talking, without appreciation for the effort necessary for success, brings little benefit. In harmony with this, praising others for their head knowledge, rather than for efforts to use their knowledge for the benefit of others, causes laziness.
Prove 14:24 Truly wise ones become successful in life, bringing wealth upon themselves and others. This wealth is primarily spiritual, placing emphasis on one's relationship with God and the blessings of eternal life. However, the skills gained by true wisdom may often bring a measure of material wealth as well, with God's blessing. Still, such ones are typically content with the necessities of life, remaining humbly reliant upon God. Foolish ones do not apply knowledge skillfully for the benefit of others--if at all, usually only selfishly for their own benefit. Any material wealth a foolish one may gain is not accompanied by spiritual wealth, and may even be spent in foolishness, lacking God's blessing. May we willingly continue growing in true wisdom, seeking to apply divine knowledge for the everlasting welfare of ourselves and others, cultivating true love for God and our neighbor.
Psalm 86 (Book 3, 14th psalm) emphasizes God's response to our prayerful reliance upon Him. Verse 5 says "For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call on you." May we call on Jehovah, humbly relying upon Him daily. The psalmist David acknowledges before Jehovah in prayer, in verses 10,11: "...You are great and do wondrous things; You are God, you alone. Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I will walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name." David requests that his heart not be divided, loving God only halfheartedly. Jehovah gives all good things, even wanting us to enjoy life. He deserves our worship with a complete heart, as part of that worship includes marriage partners loving one another as one flesh, and loving neighbors as ourselves. Our loyalty to God, however, must remain first, as those in the bond of marriage love each other the most by helping each other remain loyal to God. As we do so, we have God's blessing on our marriage, or on our relationships with others.
Galatians 4 cautions us regarding the motives of those seeking to influence us. We should not naively presume that everyone we know has entirely good or righteous motives. As Jeremiah 17:9 warns, "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?" Therefore we must be extremely careful before blindly following the counsels of others, when their motives may be in question. Paul writes regarding some, under inspiration, in verses 17,18: "They are zealous to win you over, but not for a good purpose; they want to alienate you from me, so that you may be eager to follow them. 18 However, it is always fine for someone to seek zealously after you for a good purpose and not just when I am present with you." So clearly, let's pray to God to discern the difference between those loving us with good motives, to help us serve God faithfully, and those with improper motives, threatening to lead us astray from true worship. God's enlightening word surely helps us to see the difference, as can God's powerful holy spirit. Therefore, rely upon God, and make sure we are not led to violating the inspired word of God, as Romans 3:4 says, "...let God be found true, even if every man be found a liar, just as it is written: “That you might be proved righteous in your words and might win when you are being judged.”" Certainly God is preserving many righteous ones that we can trust and enjoy close friendships with--may He guide us to recognize such ones and serve Him faithfully alongside them. Still, others may be seeking to correct wrong motives. May we love all who are putting forth effort to turn around from wrong ideas and practices, to serve the true God in faith.
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!
