2018 Dec 12 Proverbs 12, Psalms, Ephesians 2
2018 Dec 12 Proverbs 12, Psalms, Ephesians 2
Hello to all, on another day that God may bless, although still in an unrighteous world. Let's continue in Proverbs 12, verses 8-12.
"8 A man is praised for the discretion of his mouth, But one with a twisted heart will be treated with contempt. 9 Better to be lightly esteemed and have a servant Than to glorify oneself and have no food. 10 The righteous one takes care of his domestic animals, But even the mercy of the wicked is cruel. 11 The one who cultivates his land will be satisfied with food, But the one pursuing worthless things is lacking good sense. 12 The wicked man envies what other evil men have caught, But the root of the righteous bears fruit."
Prov 12:8 Discretion involves using good judgment in our speech or conduct, reasoning on matters to show foresight and speak or act accordingly. One using such discretion will be typically be viewed favorably by others. This is contrasted with one having a twisted, or perverted, corrupt heart, which will result in having disfavor in the eyes of others.
Prov 12:9 This reveals the vanity of seeking one's own glory, which will not result in God's blessing, not even His provision of necessities as food. Jesus was well aware of such vanity, as he set an example in refusing to seek his own glory. People who are glorifying, even worshipping Jesus today are being misled, and causing Jesus distress, as he wants his Father Jehovah to receive such praise. For instance, once Jesus healed a man acting violently, who was evidently possessed by thousands of demons at one time. The man wanted to tell others about his newfound freedom. Who did Jesus want him to praise for this saving act? Jesus tells him: “Go home to your relatives, and report to them all the things Jehovah has done for you and the mercy he has shown you.” (Mark 5:19).
Prov 12:10 Evidently unrighteous, even wicked ones may mistreat their own domestic animals, or show cruelty to people even when claiming to be merciful. Since verse 8 shows one with perverted conduct will be viewed unfavorably by many, he needs to turn around from such to receive blessings from God and right-hearted men.
Prov 12:11 A foolish person does not have his priorities in order, and often gives attention to things, even knowledge, that contributes little to a responsible, godly, successful life. One acting with godly wisdom, however, will learn and do things that will enable him to provide necessities for himself and his family, or family-to-be.
Prov 12:12 Envy and Jealousy have caused great distress to humanity. It is the Tenth commandment that says: “You must not desire your fellow man’s house. You must not desire your fellow man’s wife nor his slave man nor his slave girl nor his bull nor his donkey nor anything that belongs to your fellow man.” (Exod 20:17). Notice this commandment involves the very desires of our heart, not the act of stealing which is outlawed in the eighth commandment. God can read our thoughts and heart, so may we learn to please Him, being happy at the good things others acquire, and trust God for His help to find the things we really want or need, in line with His will.
The twelfth letter of the Hebrew alphabet starts each of the next 8 verses of Psalm 119:
"89 Forever, O Jehovah, Your word will remain in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness is through all generations. You have firmly established the earth, so that it continues to stand. 91 By your judgments they remain until today, For they are all your servants. 92 If I had not been fond of your law, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your orders, Because by them you have preserved me alive. 94 I belong to you; save me, Because I have searched for your orders. 95 The wicked wait to destroy me, But I give close attention to your reminders. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, But your commandment has no limit."
Is God's word and instruction a protection for us? Notice verses 92,93. God preserved the psalmist alive by his keeping of God's law and orders. May we come to see the rewards, benefits, and protections of God's instruction. Consider, for example, Jesus' instruction to the first-century Jews that when certain events clearly revealed the fulfillment of prophecy, they were to take swift action. The Roman armies surrounded the city of Jerusalem, but then for no apparent reason, retreated. This was prophecy fulfilled, and Jesus' followers, on seeing this, were to "flee to the mountains." This they did, and were spared the miserable plight of death or captive conditions awaiting those not heeding Christ's instruction. Thus God's orders may even today in various ways prove to be life-saving, spiritually and literally.
Ephesians 2 warns us of the disobedient spirit that would be prevalent in the world around us. Verses 1-5 shows that many once walked in such a way, according to such a spirit, and as a result, were spiritually "dead" in trespasses and sins. Yet "God made you alive"! He enlightened us to the truth of His word, in His mercy revealing the value of the ransom sacrifice of Christ, the love of God and of the Christ which "compels us," to love God in return. (2Cor 5:14,15). Verses 4,5 read: "4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 made us alive together with the Christ, even when we were dead in trespasses—by undeserved kindness you have been saved." Although the context reveals these words apply primarily to the heavenly anointed ones serving with Christ to become kings and priests to mankind, the principles can apply to all those responding to the truth of the good news about God and Christ. May we appreciate the privilege of being "alive" spiritually, or being considered "righteous" before God as we exercise full faith in them, seeking obedience out of love, and regularly consider God's word and spiritual instruction, sharing what we've learned with others, about the marvelous hope we have come to have.


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