2019 Jan 16 Proverbs 16, Psalms, Galatians 6
2019 Jan 16 Proverbs 16, Psalms, Galatians 6
A warm welcome, wishing you well! Let's continue in Proverbs 16, this time verses 20-24:
"20 The one who shows insight in a matter will find success, And happy is the one trusting in Jehovah. 21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, And the one kind in speech adds persuasiveness. 22 Insight is a fountain of life to those possessing it, But fools are disciplined by their own foolishness. 23 The heart of the wise one gives his mouth insight And adds persuasiveness to his speech. 24 Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones."
Prove 16:20 What then is insight? It is a compassionate comprehension of other's circumstances, a seeing beyond the obvious to understand what has led up to a situation or incident. This may be seen by comparing Proverbs 19:11, which says: "The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense." Seeking compassionate comprehension in what caused or led up to "an offense" by another, we are better able to overlook it, or forgive the person for what was done. For example, at work a woman approaches another man for some information she needs, but he is rather rude to her. Rather than let it rattle her, she uses insight to ask him why he is speaking in such a way to her. He apologizes, and realizes that it was because he had recently bought a new dress shirt, and just spilled his coffee on it. With such insight into the situation, she readily forgives him, and he proceeds to kindly give her the information she needed. She thus found "success" (lit., "good") in the matter, and remained happy as she trusted in Jehovah's way of handling matters.
Prove 16:21 The gaining of true wisdom is worth great effort, as it brings untold blessings and hope of life to it's owner. While it seeks the honor and glory of Jehovah and holds to His elevated standards, still one blessing from God is His watchcare of one's reputation in the long-term. Right-hearted ones of mankind will see and appreciate the wisdom we work hard to cultivate. Still, as Christ foretold, we may have to endure negative talk or even persecution by some for a time, but our enduring it with kindness may even in time persuade some persecutors to the truth.
Prove 16:22 Here insight is contrasted with foolishness. Insight is a "fountain of life," as compassionately seeking to understand others makes it possible to teach them effectively, especially important with spiritual matters leading them to eternal life. A fool however may not often seek this, but if so it is typically for selfish purposes, as he or she is normally rather self-centered. The foolishness of his reactions may discipline him in some way, although he normally scoffs at advice from others, being "right in his own eyes." (Prove 12:15). The fool needs to appreciate kind counsel from loved ones, being helped to gain godly fear with discernment and foresighted prudence to see the consequences of good and bad decisions, to reject the bad along with its associated problems. God gives us His guidance to save us from grief and trouble, as He knows best how we can maintain true happiness!
Prove 16:23 Recall that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matth 12:34b). A wise-hearted one with insight then, will compassionately speak with such insight, and prove to be more persuasive, helping others gain more understanding of matters.
Prove 16:24 May we treasure "pleasant sayings," especially those coming from God's word, that are encouraging, upbuilding, and positive. True wisdom contributes to speech that is "healing," as Proverbs 12:18 says "...the tongue of the wise is a healing."
Psalm 88 (Book 3, 16th psalm) expresses pleas to Jehovah for His assistance, acknowledging the plight of one with opposers afflicting him, as if God were bringing punishment. This psalm may well express the feelings of Jesus nearing his death, as his reputation seemed to be in ruins. Verses 6,8 say "You have put me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in a large abyss...You have driven my acquaintances far away from me; You have made me something detestable to them. I am trapped and cannot escape." Still, the psalmist writes, in verse 13: "But I still cry to you for help, O Jehovah, each morning my prayer comes before you." Thus is the way of a true servant of Jehovah, a true Christian, relying upon God to cope with the difficulties that may come in the present system of things. May we continue to exercise faith in Jehovah and Christ, looking to God for guidance, direction, spiritual protection, help and salvation.
Galatians 6:4,7,8 highlight some important concepts for finding genuine peace in life and being protected from spiritual harm and corruption. Verse 4 highlights that value of avoiding an unhealthy competitive spirit, comparing ourselves with others, often causing either excessive pride on the one hand, or self-defeating discouragement on the other. Such a spirit works against true love. How much better to focus on your own work, seeking to continually improve by the week, month and year! Verse 4 puts it this way: "But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person." By doing this, we can avoid harmful jealousy, with its detrimental effects on relationships. Verses 7,8 provide a further important caution against spiritual harm, realizing however that God says this to protect us from danger: "Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; 8 because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit." If we sow poison ivy, we will not reap grapes, will we? We should sow with a view to spiritual things, seeking God's pleasure as we live in harmony with His will. He wants us to enjoy life, we just need to do so in harmony with His standards, which promote true happiness. Seeking pleasures without regard for God results in troubles, pain, and grief in the end. Doing things God's way leads to eternal blessings, even with a loyal marriage partner. We need to see things from God's standpoint, as His word enlightens us and brings us true wisdom. Regarding this, His word says "All other desirable things cannot compare to it." Godly wisdom brings delight as we practice it, and brings greater purpose and joy to the other pleasures in life, given by God, the giver of every good gift and perfect present. (James 1:17).
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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!
