Brought down or never brought down

Proverbs 14:32 “When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.” The seeming worst that can happen to any person is that they die.  That is seemingly the worst calamity every person must face.  That seeming truth is absolutely false for a child of God.  The seeming greatest calamity is a gateway to eternal/never ending happiness.  Does an unbeliever understand this truth?  Unfortunately, no.  Those who rest in Jesus’ arms rest in peace in both life and at the end of life when Home life begins.

Your heart and the poor

Proverbs 14:31 “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” This passage does not say God makes some poor and some not poor.  This passage does say God is the Creator of body and soul and some individuals will not have as much in the form of earthly goods as others.  Those who have more, out of honoring their Creator need to share their blessings and that sharing or helping honors God.  Who of us does not want to honor our Creator?

Contentment

Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Jealousy never has nor will in the past, present or future accomplished anything positive.  Jealousy–rots the bones–what could be more descriptive?  To be content, to use your God given talents, to walk with your Savior at your side–what a pleasure it is to live such a life. 

Patience vs. Temper

Proverbs 14:29 “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Instant anger will never allow wisdom to be displayed.  Instant anger will always bring later regret.  Silence and careful thought should always dominate as such a mentality gives God a chance to enter and whenever God enters wisdom will prevail.

security=fortress

Proverbs 14:26 “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Having a close relationship with your Heavenly Father allows you to live without fear; that is, fears in life and the fear of death.  None of us will live life without disappointments, but none of us need live in fear.  The wonderful news of this Proverb is:  the thinking of your and my Savior walking by our side is a great inheritance we can give our children and grandchildren while we live.  Nothing we can buy for them can give more security and comfort than this wisdom we can pass on to them.