2019 Mar 13 Proverbs 13, Ephesians 3
2019 Mar 13 Proverbs 13, Ephesians 3
Hello, and welcome to another day! Let’s conclude Proverbs 13 with verses 22-25:
“22 The good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, But the sinner’s wealth will be stored up for the righteous one. 23 The plowed field of the poor yields much food, But it may be swept away by injustice. 24 Whoever holds back his rod hates his son, But the one who loves him disciplines him diligently. 25 The righteous one eats and satisfies his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is empty.”
Prove 13:22 The apostle Paul confirms this expectation for his day, saying at 2Corinthians 12:14 “14...the children are not expected to save up for their parents, but the parents for their children.” Of course, situations do vary, but how fine when parents can look out for the future welfare of their children, and even their grandchildren! Recall that in the illustration of the Prodigal Son, the father allowed one of his sons to receive his inheritance early, which he unwisely wasted. (Luke 15:13,14). Clearly, while an inheritance might in certain circumstances be given sooner than normal, care should be taken that wise use be made of such provisions. Still, these days understanding should be shown by younger ones, if failing health or other factors limit what parents can give those they still love. Loving their children, and helping them on the path of eternal life, may be an even more rewarding inheritance to leave them! Sinners who stubbornly remain so and refuse to turn around, will be giving up their own eternal life, possibly even leading their family members down the same path. Is that the kind of inheritance they really want to leave their offspring? Often such ones are misunderstanding God’s love for them, or are not experiencing the deep-seated happiness that comes from serving God in harmony with His standards. May they repent of error and return to a loving Heavenly Father who “will forgive in a large way.” And may the rest remain on the path of righteousness leading to eternal life alongside a loyal marriage partner, and help our children receive a similar inheritance!
Prove 13:23 Clearly, God’s blessing may be on the land of a poor one who puts full trust in Jehovah to provide his needs as he seeks to live God’s way. Still, living under the current system of things, injustice has not yet been fully eliminated. Psalm 107:39 mentions other factors causing affliction, as “oppression, calamity, and grief.” May we still look to God for support through such circumstances, maintaining a hopeful outlook for enduring and perhaps overcoming such difficulties and finding “an abundance of peace” under God’s coming Kingdom. (Psalm 37:11).
Prove 13:24 Again it is clear that discipline is associated with genuine love, but how so? We must remember that the word does not simply mean “punishment,” but rather comes from the same root as “disciple.” We should know that Jesus did not go around punishing his disciples all day long, but rather he lovingly taught, trained, and corrected them. This was not only after they had done something wrong, but throughout the day they received loving instruction and guidance to serve God properly. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 shows Jehovah commanded the parents to have God’s words on their own hearts, and then to “7...inculcate them in your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up"(thus, not only when receiving “time-out” for doing something wrong). Parents, please make sure you make time for your young ones to lovingly answer their questions according to their age and development, and to assist in teaching them what they need to know, helping develop their powers of discernment and understanding (Prove 2:1-6). Proverbs 10:1 says “A wise son makes his father rejoice...” So help them develop godly wisdom to be able to make good, right decisions each day, and reap many blessings for time well spent!
Prove 13:25 The righteous one, wanting to act in harmony with God’s standards, feeds himself, not only literal food, but as Jesus declared, as stated at Matthew 4:4, that “...It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.” Thus he or she reasonably considers things such as found at Philippians 4:8, including “whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy.” Paul adds, “continue considering these things.” Again, we need reasonableness when we consider these guidelines for what we learn from and are entertained by. Whatever things are “true,” for instance, doesn’t mean we can’t watch a creative made-up story. But how fine when the lessons from such a story have real meaning in harmony with what is truly right and good! When we take care of what we feed our minds and hearts, especially spiritual things based on God’s reliable word, we ‘satisfy our appetite.’ Those not caring about such things often go hungry. At Isaiah 55:2 God says: “ 2 Why do you keep paying out money for what is not bread, And why spend your earnings for what brings no satisfaction? Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, And you will find great delight in what is truly rich.”
Ephesians 3:5-9 The chosen apostle Paul discusses further the secret regarding the coming Kingdom of God, and it’s associated co-rulers in the heavens above, also with affairs to be administered on the earth below. We read: “5 In other generations this secret was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by spirit, 6 namely, that people of the nations should, in union with Christ Jesus and through the good news, be joint heirs and fellow members of the body and partakers with us of the promise. 7 I became a minister of this according to the free gift of God’s undeserved kindness that was given me through the operation of his power. 8 To me, a man less than the least of all holy ones, this undeserved kindness was given, so that I should declare to the nations the good news about the unfathomable riches of the Christ 9 and should make everyone see the administration of the sacred secret that has been hidden through the ages in God, who created all things.”
What a marvelous purpose of God, regarding His Kingdom to halt ruination of the earth, and help restore Paradise conditions thereto! May we whole-heartedly cooperate with the loving will of God in these matters, respecting His Kingdom arrangement, and learning to meet it’s wise and beneficial standards. (For more information on God's Kingdom, you might review the article "God's Kingdom--Our Hope" elsewhere on this website.)


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