2019 Mar 05 Proverbs 5, Psalm 107
2019 Mar 05 Proverbs 5, Psalm 107
With a hearty hello, wishing you a fine day! Let’s conclude Proverbs 5, with verses 21-23:
“21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; He examines all his paths. 22 The wicked one is ensnared by his own errors, And he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin.23 He will die for lack of discipline And go astray because of his excessive foolishness.”
Prove 5:21 Clearly, Jehovah can see what a man has done, and what is truly in his mind and heart. But does Jehovah use this ability to try to find fault with or condemn mankind? Or, like a loving father toward his children, does He not prefer to rejoice in those seeking to practice good, being lovingly willing to offer correction to those seeking His help in prayer? Certainly, God recognizes that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Still, as John 3:17 clarifies: “17 For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him.” Mankind has been given the gift of free will, and God wants us to use our freedom to please Him, hating what He reveals is bad for us. Who knows better than God what way of life will make us truly and lastingly happy and satisfied? Who knows better than God what ways will bring us harm, grief, trouble, and problems, not only to ourselves but to others as well? Does Jehovah take delight in those causing such grief to themselves and others? How we need God’s help and word to guide and correct our steps! It is up to us to use our freedom to seek His direction in our life. Proverbs 15:29 says “29 Jehovah is far away from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Prove 5:22 Notice that it is not necessarily God himself that is bringing troubles on those sinning, but it is often their own errors that cause them trouble, which Jehovah lovingly wants to warn us against. Such errors ensnare a wicked one. God understands the troubles caused by “sin,” which means “missing the mark,” as an arrow might miss it’s target. Some arrows, like errors or sins, might miss the target completely, whereas others may not be as far from center. How terrible if an arrow is so far off target that it seriously wounds another human! We need God’s wise and wonderful word to make sin clear to us, following Jesus’ commands and teachings to avoid hurting others and please God more fully.
Prove 5:23 Such ones may have lacked the loving discipline, or guidance, that a parent should freely offer their children. Parents should aim to lovingly instruct and guide their children, not merely punish them for every conceivable violation of rules. Even before Jesus set an example in patiently instructing his disciples, God had given Israel guidance in this. Deuteronomy 11:18,19, for instance, says to parents: “18 You must impress these words of mine on your heart and your soul and bind them as a reminder on your hand, and they should be like a headband on your forehead. 19 Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” Parents, have we let ourselves become too busy to follow God’s instructions here through Moses? Let’s minimize some of the distractions that may be getting in the way of such beneficial communication. We might benefit from an honest publication sharing Jesus’ teachings for young people, or we might find age-appropriate material from Proverbs 1-10 and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5-7, along with stories from other Bible books like Genesis, for starters. Try to relate the real-life stories of the Bible with enthusiasm, and with emphasis on the vital lessons to be learned, showing how to apply it and benefit day to day.
Jesus made good use of illustrations and stories to teach such important lessons—may we share these freely with our children, helping them understand the way of true Christianity.
Psalm 107:21-31 reveals the vanity of trusting completely in human ingenuity—it cannot lead to true happiness, peace and security as only God in His wisdom and devotion to justice knows completely how to bring to mankind, and do so everlastingly. Notice the example mentioned in these verses:
“21 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men. 22 Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving And declare his works with a joyful cry. 23 Those who travel on the sea in ships, Who ply their trade over the vast waters, 24 They have seen the works of Jehovah And his wonderful works in the deep; 25 How by his word a windstorm arises, Lifting up the waves of the sea. 26 They rise up to the sky; They plunge down to the depths. Their courage melts away because of the impending calamity. 27 They reel and stagger like a drunken man, And all their skill proves useless. 28 Then they cry out to Jehovah in their distress, And he rescues them from their plight. 29 He calms the windstorm; The waves of the sea grow quiet. 30 They rejoice when these grow still, And he leads them to their desired harbor. 31 Let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loyal love And for his wonderful works in behalf of the sons of men.”
May we place our complete confidence in Jehovah God, trusting in His ways of right living, the ways of true peace and happiness, based on true faith and love for God and others. Jehovah’s way is the way of everlasting life. At Psalm 37:34, David says under inspiration: “34 Hope in Jehovah and follow his way, And he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked are done away with, you will see it.” Of course, the whole universe belongs to God, so what He may permit humans to do in the future remains to be seen. But first, God’s will is for “4...all sorts of people [to] be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1Timo 2:3,4). This would include our ancestors from times past. May we rejoice in cooperating with God’s will for mankind, as we clean up the earth and make it a worthy home for true worshippers of our great and holy God, Jehovah.
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!
