Proverbs 15:32 "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. "
A lot is said in this chapter about the power of words. Wise men's words spread knowledge. Gentle answers turn away wrath. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life. You can kill and you can heal with your words. Likewise, you can teach and you can deceive with your words. It is abundantly clear in this chapter which type of person God commends, and which type of person He despises.
Are you going to be a jerk? A loudmouth? That is no way to make progress in a relationship or a discussion (argument). You turn the volume down, you sound wiser, and the weight is in the content of the words.
I suppose another aspect of Proverbs is to pay attention to what the fools do. They spurn discipline and wise teaching. They spread ignorance, resent correction, feed on folly. And by folly, I don't believe that's goofy humor. I believe that's mindlessness. Stupid actions.
God wasn't about the sacrifice in itself as an action. God was after the heart. This is emphasized here again in verse 8.
Resenting correction. True correction stops you from going down the wrong path. Stops you from making a fatal foolish mistake. Who could resent that? It's pride that makes one not want to change course. How could I be wrong? (v. 12)
Unity and harmony are valued higher than wealth. (v. 16-17)
Don't be afraid to ask advice on a difficult situation. (v. 22)
Showing posts with label words. Show all posts
Showing posts with label words. Show all posts
Monday, August 03, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Ps. 12: Pervasive Evil
Psalm 12:8 "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men."
David laments in the twelfth Psalm what appears to be a disappearance of good. He takes a look around, and perceives only evil. It is so bad that he says that the faithful have disappeared from among men. That's pretty bad. Those are rough times. It kind of sounds self-righteous, but David wasn't proclaiming that he was the last righteous man standing. He was the only one doing any good. But doesn't it sometimes feel like it? Look around you.
All David really wanted to hear was something good from the LORD. God's words are like a refreshing drink of water in the desert of flattering lips and boastful tongues.
If what is vile is honored among men, think about what is reviled among men.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)