Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NLT)

We, who have lived more than half of our allotted years, are at heightened risk of “going astray” in two basic ways: (1) Because we’ve “seen it all,” we are less open to a corrective word from someone else, especially if they are younger or less experienced than we; and (2) people who can help may be put-off when we don’t appear approachable or teachable.

Truth is truth, whether from the lips of an angel or from the mouth of a jackass (that is, the jackass of Numbers 22); and help is help, whether from a brother or from a stranger.

Work at being open to God’s discipline and His words of correction.  The Lord uses many personalities, agents, and circumstances to guide His people in the way that leads to life!  – Luther

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“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.”  (Proverbs 23:17, NASB)

The sinner does not regard the law of the Lord as applicable to him; nor does he consider valid the instructions of his Creator.  The fact is this: We all have been active sinners; dismissive of God’s law and disdainful of His rightful authority.

Are we tempted to envy those we see cruising on sin’s easy boulevard while we endure the inconveniences of the narrow moral road?   Yes!  We feel the tug because of our humanity.  However, we were created for grander purposes.  Do not give-up; and do not give-in to envy.

To “live in the fear of the Lord” is to continuously mindful of the things that matter to the Lord — and to allow your heart to follow the Spirit’s leading.  – Luther

 

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  (Proverbs 3:5, NIV)

Today’s scripture addresses the proper ordering of both our hearts and our minds.

Our affections and loyalties are nurtured in our heart.  In the life of the Christian disciple, all affections and loyalties are subordinate to one’s love of the Lord.   What He allows, we may allow.  What He prohibits, we must prohibit.

We have complete confidence in this arrangement because we have complete confidence in our heavenly Father.  Therefore, we need not rely on our own reasoning to make sense of things.

Do not be the disciple who says to God, “Show me and I will go,” when He has said, “Go, and I will show you.”  We need first to be obedient.  Understanding will follow.  – Luther

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