2019 Mar 04 Proverbs 4, Psalm 107
2019 Mar 04 Proverbs 4, Psalm 107
Welcome, wishing you a pleasant day! Let’s conclude Proverbs 4 with verses 24-27:
“24 Put crooked speech away from you, And keep devious talk far away from you.
25 Your eyes should look straight ahead, Yes, fix your gaze straight ahead of you. 26 Smooth out the course of your feet, And all your ways will be sure. 27 Do not incline to the right or the left. Turn your feet away from what is bad.”
Prove 4:24 Crooked, or twisted, speech would not be entirely honest or straightforward—thus usually spoken with a hidden motive, such as wrong desire. The deception may not be as intentional and the degree can vary—for a young one it might be that desired candy before dinner that could ruin the appetite. This speech is to be put “away from” us, while “devious talk far away.” This speech also has wrong motive, but deviates from a right, lawful course, and is especially cunning, said with intention of hiding the truth. We should learn to hate all such speech, as trust is based on sincere honesty and straightforwardness. Parents should especially keep guard on their young one’s close associations, including TV personalities. Parents need to help their young ones appreciate trust and honesty, being willing to answer their questions honestly, though according to their age or development. As challenging as it may be, parents should not give the impression that the child should stop asking them questions—at certain times they may be especially inquisitive. Wouldn’t you rather be the one they turn to for answers, rather than someone else, who may not be truthful or have their best interests at heart?
Prove 4:25 Yes, we should walk straightforwardly, and keep our eyes on the path ahead, avoiding the distractions that may appear to our left or right. We should be on the path leading us to eternal life in true peace and happiness. We will then practically be able to go anywhere and do anything in harmony with God’s right standards, finding such delight in company with our marriage partner and dear friends. Even the near future will bring enjoyable work, cooperating with friends and loved ones to clean up this earth and turn it into a veritable Paradise, ready for the return of those who have died, being able to welcome our ancestors and encourage them to remain for life everlasting. We have much to look forward to, so may we delight in the gifts of God we may enjoy daily while we endeavor to work at what is good now, doing God’s will to the extent possible, helping as many as we can to learn the truth of God, to turn from wrong ways and habits. In our personal lives, looking ahead will help equip us for challenges we may be soon be facing, or that our children will soon face...
Prove 4:26 Thus let’s help our children prepare for what lies ahead, assisting them to grow in divine knowledge and wisdom to learn how to make good decisions daily, keeping God in mind—decisions that parents can take delight in! By growing in such knowledge, and taking it to heart by pondering it’s application to our daily lives, we may make it easier to walk a straight path, and “smooth out the course of our feet.” To fully do this, we need to gain the qualities of divine wisdom, such as understanding, discernment, shrewdness or foresighted prudence, and the healthy fear of Jehovah, which “means the hating of bad.” As we grow in such qualities, and “trust in Jehovah with all” our heart, taking Him into account in all we do, then all our “ways will be sure.” (Prove 3:5-7).
Prove 4:27 In this world many distractions are dangled in front of us on a daily basis. Suggestions to pursue this or that, often with an emphasis on pleasure or material gain, are almost constantly before us. Sometimes we may receive a beneficial lead to something we truly need or that is of real value. But scams are commonplace. May we keep a focused eye on our family’s lasting happiness, and our sincere service to God. Especially should we avoid pursuit of “what is bad,” in the respectful fear of Jehovah. Let’s help our family to “hate what is bad,” seeing the rotten fruitage of badness—the problems, headaches, heartaches, and the like that it leads to, away from lasting happiness and eternal life. Help them keep God close in mind and heart, treasuring their relationship with Him. Psalm 97:10 says “10 O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad. He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; He rescues them from the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 107:15-21 reminds us again of God’s saving hand, His loyal love for those loyally serving Him. Ones may suffer hardship at times, due to ignoring God’s warnings against wrongdoing. Usually it is the wrongdoing that causes the hardship—not God. But He may offer discipline “to the proper degree,” out of love for those violating His word or standards, doing so for their lasting welfare, to assist them back to true happiness in harmony with His righteousness. Notice verses 15-21:
“15 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men.16 For he has broken down the doors of copper And cut through the bars of iron.17 They were foolish and suffered affliction On account of their transgressions and their errors.18 They lost their appetite for all food; They drew near the gates of death.19 They would call to Jehovah for help in their distress; He would save them from their plight. 20 He would send his word and heal them And rescue them from the pits they were trapped in. 21 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men.”
May we continue to appreciate God’s loyal love for His people, leading them to lasting happiness by His might and through His son Jesus.
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!
