2019 Mar 16 Proverbs 16, Ephesians 6
2019 Mar 16 Proverbs 16, Ephesians 6
Welcome, wishing you a pleasant day! Let’s conclude Proverbs 16 with verses 29-33:
“29 A violent man entices his neighbor And leads him in the wrong way. 30 He winks his eye as he schemes harm. He pinches his lips together as he carries out mischief. 31 Gray hair is a crown of beauty When it is found in the way of righteousness. 32 The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, And the one controlling his temper than one conquering a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, But every decision by it is from Jehovah.”
Prove 16:29,30 The connection may not be clear here, but a violent man is typically prideful, thinking his own ways are superior, and wants to draw undue attention to himself, rather than having proper regard for God and His ways. He may still be persuasive, and entices his neighbor to do as he pleases, feeling justified in his course of wrongdoing as others also comply. It is, however, “the wrong way.” While he might make his voice “gracious,” he is still violent, perhaps immoral, but not truly mild or gentle and compassionately patient with others, at least not dependably so. His anger may flare over any slight against him, even if intended as loving correction. While perhaps “loving” those who love him, he can also hate others, ‘scheming harm’ against them while winking his eye, feeling justified as he takes revenge on an innocent one. Proverbs 3:31,32 thus says “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.” May we steer clear of deception, trickery, and scheming against others, but instead let true love and peace dominate our motives for acting toward others with compassion and kindness. May we choose to be upright before Jehovah, seeking to please and honor Him as He so deserves as our Life-giver and “the Judge of all the earth.” (Genes 18:25).
Prove 16:31 Yes, Leviticus 19:32 states: “32 “‘Before gray hair you should rise up, and you must show consideration for the person of an old man, and you must be in fear of your God. I am Jehovah.” Of course, older persons tend to be wiser with experience gained in life, but how much more so when such ones have treasured their relationships with God and others, seeking to live by the teachings of Christ. Thus learning to love God and neighbor, and seeking to live peaceably with others as they practice God’s right ways, hating what is bad in godly fear, they thus tend to have much to share with younger ones to encourage them toward eternal life. May we delight in receiving of their encouragement and treasure dear faithful ones among us.
Prove 16:32 What a powerful proverb, encouraging genuine patience among true worshippers of God. We must keep any anger under control, better yet, as King David encouraged at Psalm 37: “8 Let go of anger and abandon rage; Do not become upset and turn to doing evil. 9 For evil men will be done away with, But those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth.” Naturally, something may begin to irritate us—this is the time to act, to channel any energy into finding a solution to the problem or seeing how to cope with it. Do not allow such irritation to escalate beyond reason into anger that disrupts your ability to think clearly, and often causes hurt feelings and other damage. By cultivating self-control, mild gentleness in dealing with others, love and patience, channeling any energy into finding solutions, we may safeguard our relationships to the delight of our loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and especially the God who “is love,” Jehovah (1John 4:8).
Prove 16:33 This was a God-approved way in ancient Israel for certain matters to be determined. God has ways to give us answers we need! Thus we needn’t turn to witchcraft and sorcery to have divine direction in our life. Rather, we need to reject witchcraft and sorcery, part of “spiritism,” which is considered by God to be one of the “works of the flesh” that can disqualify one from eternal happiness (Galat 5:19-21). The practice of spiritism includes the use of such things as Ouija boards and Tarot cards. Let’s turn to God! For instance, whose help would you rather have in finding a loyal marriage partner—Jehovah God’s or one of his enemies, such as the demons? Does not our loving God want to count you worthy of receiving of His assistance? Cannot Jehovah, the God of love, know you well, what you delight in and desire, and help you find someone you can truly delight to share life with? In fact, the first book of the Bible, Genesis, contains the actual history regarding descendants of Abraham, where Jehovah intervened to bring loyal persons together in heart-stirring love stories—Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel, with Leah. This was real history—the early origin of the Jewish people, as Jacob would proceed to have 12 sons, mostly constituting the 12 tribes of Israel. Thus, “5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.” (Prove 3:5,6). Receive of God’s loving guidance available, for example, in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7, and the book of Proverbs, starting with chapters 1-10. With Proverbs, don’t be discouraged over the “big words” in the first few verses—use a dictionary if necessary—these are some of the aspects of true wisdom that you will gain understanding of as you read this book, provided in part “to give to a young man knowledge and thinking ability.” Pray to God for help to understand this book, and utilize resources such as this website. James says “5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all...” (James 1:5,6).
Ephesians 6:5-9 contains counsel for dealings between employers and employees, encouraging respectful treatment both ways, thus honoring God. It is worded as to “masters” and “slaves,” but the principles still apply. Notice how it reads:
“5 Slaves, be obedient to your human masters, with fear and trembling in the sincerity of your hearts, as to the Christ, 6 not only when being watched, just to please men, but as Christ’s slaves doing the will of God whole-souled. 7 Slave with a good attitude, as to Jehovah and not to men, 8 for you know that whatever good each one does, he will receive this back from Jehovah, whether he is a slave or a freeman. 9 Also, you masters, keep treating them in the same way, not threatening, for you know that both their Master and yours is in the heavens, and there is no partiality with him.”
Therefore may employers seek to provide good working conditions, including a good atmosphere of dignity and respect for each person, while employees aim to respect and appreciate what employers provide for them in this regard, and in the way of compensation. Life is not yet as it will be in God’s new world, where work should be more stimulating and purposeful, more refreshing, contributing toward God’s purpose of a peaceful Paradise new earth. In the meantime may we look to God for support through difficulties, perhaps seeking practical steps to improve matters where possible, within reason. An older King David said, at Psalm 37:25: “25 I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread.” Thus, may we seek to hold to God’s standards, relying on Him in prayer to have what we truly need to support ourselves and our families. Even righteous ones however may experience “hardships,” but Jehovah supports them despite such experiences. (Psalm 34:19). So may we be supportive of others in distressing situations, sharing the comfort of God toward them. (2Cori 1:3,4).
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!
