2020 Feb 28 Proverbs 7, Psalm 119 Stanza 15B
2020 Feb 28 Proverbs 7, Psalm 119 Stanza 15B
"13 She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold
face, she says to him: 14 “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I
paid my vows. 15 That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you,
and I found you! 16 I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful
linen from Egypt."
Prove 7:13 While her husband is away on a
journey, this unfaithful woman has immorality on her mind. Not only can
such an act cost us everlasting life with a loyal marriage partner, but
it can have devastating effects now on our spirituality and our
relationships with others. (1Cori 6:9-11). There are those who would have
us believe that such a practice is not harmful. God, however, forbids it
for good reason! Rather, it causes us to lose our sense of loyalty and
faithfulness to God and others. It leads us astray from God's righteous
standards, which promote true happiness and peace among people. Jehovah once told his prophet Hosea of Israel, at Hosea 1:2, that "by prostitution (or, "immorality; promiscuity") the land has turned completely away from following Jehovah." How that hurt Jehovah--what a calamity! At that time God would use such prophets to teach important lessons to His people, to help them understand their wrong ways and repent.
"14 “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I
paid my vows. 15 That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you,
and I found you!"
Prove
7:14-15 This woman wants to believe that offering a few sacrifices to
God is enough to make up for her serious sin, her serious lack of
integrity to God. This is not the case. We must seek loyalty to God, and
only in the case of sincere repentance, with a turning around to serve
God faithfully might forgiveness be extended in God's mercy. Still, there are consequences to sin, especially serious sin. Even God's loved servant King David suffered many family troubles for his serious sins. May we not take God's loving warnings for granted, but aim to stay away from sin, and far away from the most serious transgressions, or violations.
"16 I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful
linen from Egypt."
Prove 7:16 This woman clearly has meditated on her immoral desire, preparing her bed for such activity while her husband is away. How she tries to entice this young man into a disobedient course bringing ruin to their spiritual lives. Is that true love? To engage someone in a practice that threatens your and that one's future of everlasting life with a loyal marriage partner? How much better to treasure God's marriage arrangement, and trust in Him to find that person that you can enjoy a lovely lifetime with together, looking forward to the day of your marriage for satisfying appropriate sexual desire. Such is the privilege of the marriage bond, with a willingness to love God first, and then this person like no other, as "one flesh." (Gene 2:24). This is a treasured bond of loyal love, loving one another as you help each other be loyal to the God of love, Jehovah, who is the Ultimate Giver of "every good and perfect gift." (James 1:17).
The 8 verses of stanza 15 express thoughts such as these: What determination by the psalmist to lovingly obey God! How can we avoid half-heartedness, and how does a proper motive aid us to keep God’s law?
Stanza 15B reads like this:
117 Support me that I may be saved; Then I will always concentrate on your [instructions].
FINDING JOY IN GOD'S INSPIRED WORD. As the psalmist earlier revealed, his life was “in constant danger.” He pleads now for God’s support that he “may be saved.” While he has not forgotten God’s law, he is not able to give it the attention he would like, as a likely king or future king. Proverbs 16:10 says, for instance: “10 Inspired decision should be on the lips of a king; He must never betray justice.” Thus he expresses his desire to concentrate on the detailed guidance God has given in the Law, so as to follow it carefully and, perhaps, to ensure others understand it accurately so as to keep it as well. While still finding joy in God’s reminders, how he hopes in becoming free of constant enemy opposition, as God may have promised him, so as to focus even more on God’s inspired word! ( v.111,116).
118 You reject all those who stray from your [instructions], For they are false and deceitful.
PROVEN DIVINELY INSPIRED. Recall that “God is love,” and He is the “God of truth.” (1John 4:8; Psalm 31:5). Therefore, when He sees a need to give us specific instructions, are these not to help us live happily and peaceably in harmony with His good will and purpose? God-fearing ones love and appreciate such thoughtful guidance from our Creator! His instruction is far superior to that of those mistakenly believing that there is no God. To honest and right-hearted ones, having a proper motive, God’s instructions give evidence of it’s divine inspiration, moving them to keep His law. Those straying from such guidance, therefore, are “false and deceitful.” They promote their own ideas above God’s, deceiving others in seeking their own glory. May we not be so deceived, but appreciate God’s superior wisdom and give Him the glory He so deserves!
119 You discard all the wicked of the earth as if they were worthless dross. That is why I love your reminders.
HELP TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. Regarding Jehovah, Isaiah reports: “14 With whom did he consult to gain understanding, Or who teaches him in the path of justice, Or teaches him knowledge, Or shows him the way of true understanding? 15 Look! The nations are like a drop from a bucket, And as the film of dust on the scales they are regarded. Look! He lifts up the islands like fine dust.” (Isaiah 40:14-15). Thus while appealing to them to turn from their badness, Jehovah can in time discard the unrepentant wicked ones, who are misleading others away from true worship. God’s reminders, on the other hand, assist all to follow the way of truth, love, and peace, the path of righteousness. At Isaiah 48:18, God appeals: “18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Such ones would know the right way to go, would make the right decisions, consistently, to promote true happiness, peace, and godly success. With proper motive, may sincere lovers of God and truth ever appreciate His reminders as helping us “pay attention” to the vital commands contributing to eternal peace and happiness!
120 The dread of you makes my body tremble; I am in fear of your judgments.
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!
