Greed or trust?

Proverbs 28:25 “A greedy men stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.” Our Heavenly Father’s promises never fail.  That statement instills such a trust in our God that if you and I rely on Him, our life on this earth is guaranteed as successful.  We have to not only recognize our trust in our God, but also teach that trust to our children and grandchildren.

Time always wins

Proverbs 28:23 “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.” An initial reaction to discipline is often rebellion and a dislike for the corrective words.  Our human nature does not enjoy discipline, just the opposite.  Given time, however, there is a lesson learned and the recipient of the discipline realizes his error and becomes a better person.  Ignoring an issue or condoning where correction is needed will have shown the opposite of wisdom and loss would be the only result.

Principles easily sold

Proverbs 28:21 “To show partiality is not good—yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.” Can you or I be bribed?  That is, will either of us cheat or lie or gossip or curse or steal (just a little item) or …the list is endless, yet we all fall guilty and fail for such little pleasures.  Our author says–for a slice of bread, meaning, for so little satisfaction.  You and I must always be on our guard that we never betray our Heavenly Father no matter the seeming tiny earthly reward.  Obedience is far more important than teenie earthly pleasure. Have a great weekend.

Again, be blessed

Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” Question—–Are you eager to be faithful or are you more eager to be financially secure?  God is telling each of us—be eager to be faithful and I will be sure to make you absolutely secure in earthly blessings.  I have to ask myself the same question you ask yourself—-who am I working for, myself or my Savior?  The answer will establish my and your peace, security, comfort and totally contented lifestyle.

Plenty of…

Proverbs 28:16 “He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his full of poverty.” This simple truth has been truth since the beginning of time.  God has promised abundance to those who work and to those who do not work the opposite is true.  If a person loves swimming and goes into a pool, he/she will not only enjoy the experience, he/she will definitely get wet.  If a person enjoys thinking about swimming but never goes into a pool, neither the pleasure of the activity nor the experience of getting wet will ever happen.  Is there a simpler truth? 

Be blessed

Proverbs 28:14 “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” How can anyone not live in awe at the wonders of God?  From Creation to Redemption through Eternity there is not one person on earth who should not stand and marvel at the incomprehensible wonders of our Faithful God.  Unfortunately, the world is full of those who are lost souls.  Praise and thank God that He has opened your eyes, while praying for those who presently live in a world of sadness.

Think carefully

Proverbs 28:6 “A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.” Earthly wealth is very short lived.  Practiced wisdom is not only a treasure while living on this earth, it is also an everlasting gift which will be enjoyed for eternity.  To have our Heavenly Father at our side is a treasure of such untold value–it is impossible to measure.  Earthly wealth can be a blessing, but wisdom is a far more valuable treasure.

When is poor good? When is wealth good?

Proverbs 28:6 “Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.” Being blameless or being perverse–that is the choice while being wealthy or having little is incidental.  One could be poor and perverse or rich and perverse while another could be poor and blameless or rich and blameless.  Usually those with wealth are admired, but God is telling us possessions don’t tell the story—character and the way a person lives life is what should be admired.  Walking with our Heavenly Father at our side is the key to success.

Bold or scared?

Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Stability in life and death is an awesome treasure.  Living in fear is never enjoyable.  If a person lives with the assurance of his/her Heavenly Father constantly walking at one’s side, there is never an earthly fear which can shake stability.  Without our Savior’s presence, stability, comfort, security and peace are never experienced and fleeting pleasure as a substitute lacks all the treasure a person could be enjoying.

From something to SOMETHING

Proverbs 27: 25-26 “When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.” Invest.  Prepare. Be wise. Have expectations. Natural results from prepared actions.   What is God talking about?  One thing leads to another.  One’s life is constantly preparing for the future and then enjoying that future even as one enjoys the present.  No preparation–no enjoyment.  The ultimate preparation is preparing and looking forward to the ultimate joy of Heaven.  The temporary joy is preparing and living an abundant life on this earth.  Are you preparing and enjoying?  If so, what are you doing?

2 mirrors

Proverbs 2718 “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects a man.” It is not at all unusual for a person to try and manipulate or fool or deceive another person.  This is extremely common in the world of addiction.  For a short period of time the lies might work, but not for long as just as reflections display who a person is, so actions and words become an open book into the true character of us all.  Our hearts, like it or not, are always on display.  Do you know the prayer—Create in me a pure heart……

Gain wisdom

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” If a knife is dull the purpose of being a knife makes it difficult to serve its purpose.  The same is true of you and me.  If we become lazy in our thinking or activity, we don’t serve the purpose God intended for each of us.  God wants each of us to help each other and encourage each other in gaining wisdom as we serve Him and serve each other.