Some wisdom from Proverbs 19 on this 19th October.
God places a high value on Truth;
13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, WITH THE BELT OF TRUTH BUCKLED ROUND YOUR WAIST, Ephesians 6 (the Belt holds everything together and is the first item of armour listed)
Proverbs 19 gives several serious warnings to those who abandon Truth;
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will perish. (Repeated twice)
22 What a person desires is unfailing love;
better to be poor than a liar.
Being poor is not desirable, but even that is better than telling lies; yet many consider it trivial today, but God doesn’t.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end (needs time to take root) you will be wise.
27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
We need to heed God’s Word (written and spoken to us) and never stop listening to it, it protects us here – unfortunately people do go astray. Such a blessing to know the Lord and follow Him in our lives on earth.
11 A person’s wisdom gives them patience;
it is to their glory to overlook an offence.
The first mark of Love 1 Corinthians 13:4 is patience and this verse tells us that wisdom gives patience, a great benefit in growing in understanding of the things of God. It is to ‘Our Glory’, brings us Glory, to overlook offence or insult. Never an easy thing to do, but the Lord didn’t retaliate when He was being attacked. Another corresponding verse from Ephesians;
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4
My favourite verse from Proverbs 19;
23 The Fear of the Lord LEADS TO LIFE;
then one rests content (abides satisfied KJV), Untouched by Trouble (problems others face will never touch us).
Anything we allow to come between us and our loving God will ultimately be a poor substitute. He wants only the best for us, His children and He alone knows the way that we should take.
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
May it be so in our lives today, God bless you and keep you.