2019 Mar 12 Proverbs 12, Ephesians 2
2019 Mar 12 Proverbs 12, Ephesians 2
Welcome, wishing you a good day! Let’s conclude Proverbs 12, with verses 24-28:
“24 The hand of the diligent ones will rule, But idle hands will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word cheers it up. 26 The righteous one searches out his pastures, But the course of the wicked leads them astray. 27 The lazy do not chase after the prey, But diligence is a man’s precious treasure. 28 The path of righteousness leads to life; Along its pathway there is no death.”
Prove 12:24 Would you like to become wisely skillful in your work? Proverbs 22:29 says “29 Have you seen a man skillful at his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before common men.” One of the first of the proverbs, in chapter 10, verse 4, says “ 4 Idle hands will cause poverty, But diligent hands bring riches.” You may recall that laziness is often brought on by being praised excessively for simply having knowledge of things, contributing to pride, rather than for the work or effort to use that knowledge wisely and skillfully to benefit others or perhaps yourself. The Scriptural encouragement is found at Proverbs 6:6-11, beginning with the words: “6 Go to the ant, you lazy one; Observe its ways and become wise.” The ants work individually without even needing a “commander.” They are what are often called “self-starters.” Our motivation to work should largely come from God, as we seek to represent Him well before others. If we worship and represent the God who “created all things”, can we not become capable as a diligent worker? Colossians 3:23 instructs: “23 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men.” When learning a new skill, simply take it one step at a time, trying to see the purpose behind each step in the procedure. You, too, can become skillful and a diligent worker, to God’s honor!
Prove 12:25 We should recognize the role anxiety can play in how one feels, contributing to depression, or feelings of worthlessness. Clearly, we want to avoid such feelings whenever possible, not touching them with a 10-foot pole, so to speak. God’s enemy has wanted people to lose their hope of eternal life, but we should be determined never to let that happen. Hope is like “an anchor for the soul [or, “life”]” and is considered the “helmet of salvation,” protecting the mind, or our mental faculties. Perhaps Philippians gives us the finest counsel, revealing the powerful effect prayer can have on a person. We read, in Phili. 4:6,7 “6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” The God of hope, Jehovah, is eager to come to our aid if we look to Him for guidance and direction in life! (Psalm 25:5). A “good word” cheers up a man’s heart. God’s word is full of fine counsel and encouragement that helps us maintain a positive, joyful outlook. Proverbs 15:15 says this: “15 All the days of the afflicted one are bad, But the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” This powerfully shows the pointlessness of having a negative attitude on things, seeing only the bad, as if it’s unavoidable. A cheerful heart is one with a positive, hopeful outlook, and is said to have a “continual feast”—appreciating many fine gifts that each day may bring. May we, to the extent possible, choose a positive outlook, hoping in our great God, Jehovah, all day long.
Prove 12:26 Pastures are a feeding ground for sheep, for instance. So we might conclude that a righteous one searches for good instruction to feed others, especially those under his watch care. Thus another translation says “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.”
Prove 12:27 Again, diligence leads to success, the rewards of skillful work. This can make the difference in being able to provide for our family, one of the responsibilities or duties of a family head, usually the husband and father. 1Timothy 5:8 shows the seriousness of the matter, in saying: “8 Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” Now situations vary, including the economic environment where a family may reside. God is ultimately the one to judge such matters, but certainly knows how to help those rightly looking to Him to provide as needed. While enjoying occasional rest and refreshment, may we be moved to avoid laziness and care well for our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. This may be both spiritually and physically.
Prove 12:28 No lasting death will befall one on the path of righteousness. You may recall that righteousness is the framework for a happy and successful life, as possible now, even more so everlastingly in God’s new world. True righteousness is built on faithful trust in God and Jesus, and the ransom sacrifice for forgiveness of sins, with a determination to happily live in harmony with God’s standards. This is with recognition that God knows what’s best for us, what way of living will bring us the greatest happiness and satisfaction. He knows how humans can get along with one another in genuine peace and harmony. He alone can give us the best life possible into an eternity, including a loyal marriage partner to share life with. May we delight in God’s wonderful purpose for mankind, as we lovingly serve “the happy God !” (1Timo 1:11).
Ephesians 2:6,7 has reference to anointed co-rulers with Christ Jesus in the coming Kingdom of God, who “keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes.” (Revel 14:4). Notice God’s purpose, as the apostle Paul alludes thereto: “6 Moreover, he raised us up together and seated us together in the heavenly places in union with Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming systems of things he might demonstrate the surpassing riches of his undeserved kindness in his graciousness toward us in union with Christ Jesus.”
We can focus on the demonstration of God’s undeserved kindness, which will be shown in the “coming systems of things”—even now God is mercifully dealing with humans to help them embrace the way of eternal life and peace. But most certainly in His new world, with the resurrection of dear loved ones, and those anointed co-rulers with Christ assisting mankind to a complete life spiritually, learning to live with faith, love, joy and peace. May we do all we can to assist those dear to us to appreciate God’s coming rulership 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!
