In this world, it is easy to get caught up in “making ends meet” and “having a cushion”—but is that our own wisdom? If our wisdom keeps us from sharing our riches with those in need, maybe we are too focused on our money. If our focus shifts to money rather than ministry, it could be that our labor is to be rich, not to follow God. This does not give us permission to be careless, but it is a good reminder to check our motives.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. (Proverbs 28:20)
If I notice a lot of strife around me, I need to stop and check: am I the one being contentious?
Envy can be one of those silent sins that we nurture in our hearts. If no one sees it, it doesn’t seem as sinful. But here, it is portrayed as worth than anger and wrath (which are outrageous and cruel). Just like we have to be on guard to not give place to wrath, we must also guard against envy.
We must ever be on guard against a hardened heart—it can happen so quickly. Is our heart tender toward the Lord? Do we fear Him and truly believe His Word? If we catch ourselves in mischief, with a hardened heart, the previous verse gives us a choice: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
2 comments:
Ouch! Pointed reminders!
Something that stood out to me in 1 Samuel 18 is that 4 times during the onset of Saul's hatred for David, it says that David behaved himself wisely. When faced with adversity, could God give the same testimony of us?
@ Ryana - yeah... God's Word does that to me. ;) Good point from 1 Samuel 18!
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