2019 Mar 03 Proverbs 3, Psalm 107
2019 Mar 03 Proverbs 3, Psalm 107
A warm welcome, wishing you a fine day! Let’s complete Proverbs 3 with verses 31-35:
“31 Do not envy the violent man Nor choose any of his ways, 32 For Jehovah detests a devious person, But His close friendship is with the upright. 33 The curse of Jehovah is on the house of the wicked one, But he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 For he mocks those who ridicule, But he shows favor to the meek. 35 The wise will inherit honor, But the stupid ones glorify dishonor.”
Prove 3:31,32 We are not to envy, or desire what the violent man has, materially or spiritually, possessions or talents. Verse 32 shows this “violent” man is also devious, so we’re not simply talking about athletes who happen to be able to take a lot of pain in their sport. The “violent man” mentioned here deviates from a right course and loves his forceful, destructive ways, usually taking no true delight in gentle mildness, a manner of life for true Christians. We are not to seek to emulate such a man, or choose any of his ways or practices. Normally Jehovah hates WHAT is bad, but in this case God’s word says Jehovah “hates anyone who loves violence”—How serious! (Psalm 11:5). Caution is in order regarding the realism of most modern movies, music and video games when it comes to promoting violence. Youths are especially impressionable, and at risk for adopting violent behaviors by involving themselves with such choices of so-called entertainment. Certainly there are many finer options that can be chosen! If possible, don’t limit yourself to a few games available at a local store, unless they carry several good choices. Try to find sources that carry many enjoyable, God-approved options in all forms of entertainment, recreation, and education.
Prove 3:33,34 Which would we rather experience—the curse of Jehovah, or His blessing? How happy we may be when acting wisely in harmony with godly truth and right ways, having Jehovah’s favor upon us, humbly seeking His powerful assistance in doing good. The wicked often ridicule the doing of what is good and right, trying to make it seem or appear weak, ineffective, or somehow not beneficial. How unfitting! At Isaiah 5:20 God responds: “20 Woe to those who say that good is bad and bad is good, Those who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, Those who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” May we rather treasure the truth, and help all to appreciate the good, lovely, and marvelous ways of Jehovah! If wicked ones refuse to repent of their errors, despite Jehovah’s loving appeals, their harmful ways will come back on them. Isaiah 3:11 says: “11 Woe to the wicked one! Disaster will befall him, For what his hands have done will be done to him!” May such warnings move one to turn around from bad ways and practices, in God’s mercy, and experience true happiness with God’s blessing.
Prove 3:35 As a result of pursuing God’s ways, seeking true wisdom and to represent Him well, honoring Jehovah by the way we speak and live, we will experience honor from Him that will continue into eternity. Ironically, the morally stupid ones, while often seeking to glorify, and give or demand honor for, themselves actually glorify dishonor, as their corrupt ways and practices are not worthy of such honor or esteem, and bring them shame or disgrace. Such ones need to acquire an understanding heart, to see the big picture as to reasons for practicing right and hating what’s bad, seeing ill consequences of badness—the troubles, turmoil, grief, pain, sadness and more caused by sin. Then perhaps such ones may begin to respond to or take to heart the loving discipline from parents and others.
Psalm 107:8-15 highlights Jehovah’s loyal love and wonderful works in the way He lovingly offered corrective discipline toward those who had disrespected His word and counsel. These verses read:
“8 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men. 9 For he has satisfied the thirsty And filled the hungry with good things.10 Some were living in deepest darkness, Prisoners in affliction and in irons.11 For they had rebelled against the word of God; They disrespected the counsel of the Most High.12 So he humbled their hearts through hardship; They stumbled, and there was no one to help them.13 They called to Jehovah for help in their distress; He saved them from their plight.14 He brought them out of deepest darkness, And he tore off their shackles.15 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men.”
May we not take Jehovah’s loving correction and discipline for granted. Hebrews 12:6 says “...those whom Jehovah loves He disciplines, in fact, He scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” May parents imitate the loving example of Jehovah, offering corrective guidance and assistance to their precious children, to help them hopefully before any punishment is necessary. Parents should not hold back from offering them help. Accept the correction of Proverbs 13:24 which says “24 Whoever holds back his rod hates his son, But the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.” Hebrew “hate” can also mean “love less,” but the point is clear—true discipline, offered the way Christ dealt with his “disciples,” is motivated by love for the eternal welfare of it’s receivers.


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