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| Photo courtesy of the artist Banksy |
Review
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
Every action has consequences, regardless of the situation. If we spend more than we earn, at some point our lifestyle will catch up to us. If we don't pay our taxes, eventually someone is going to knock on our door and require payment, or they will start collecting our personal property. If we begin spreading gossip about someone, we can no longer control those words as they spread like wildfire. If we make poor decisions day in and day out, the results that follow from our bad ideas are unavoidable and often painful.
Proverbs 19:3 is fairly clear and simple - People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at God. Time and time again, we make poor decisions, and then blame God for allowing us to suffer persecution. But then we eventually run to God to fix everything and make our life better, like a do-over.
Here's a short list of some common examples -
Here's a short list of some common examples -
- Overspending? Chances are pretty strong that the LORD isn't going to use the lottery to help you get caught up, so stop playing it. Come up with a plan to reign in your spending. You might have to do without, but life will go on.
- Keep making the wrong choices? Which people surround you with wise counsel, and which people do you need to cast off because they aren't improving your decision making process? We need people in our lives who will be honest and speak the truth, not just tickle our ears with what we want to hear. Just because a fool confirms your decision doesn't make that decision right.
- Hate your life? Decide what changes need to be made, in accordance to God's will, and then move in that direction. So much of life's failures come as a result of lack of planning. Take responsibility for yourself - you are the only person who can.
We have the full and complete revelation of God's plan for our lives. So I ask, how much time do you spend with Him asking for direction? Do you pray over decisions, no matter how large or how insignificant they might seem to you? When's the last time you opened your Bible to hear from the Father outside of a church service?
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 19:3 - People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
Quote
Everybody, soon or late, sits down to a banquet of consequences. - Robert Louis Stevenson
Related Scriptures
2 Peter 1:4 - And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, helpus be mindful of the consequences of each and every action we perpetrate. Before we act or speak, may we have sought and received Your approval, so that all we do brings You the glory and honor You deserve.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
Verse 2 is good stuff!
ReplyDeleteEnthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
Sometimes I get excited about something and run ahead of God's will. I'm learning to slow down. :)
Verse 17 "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done."
ReplyDeleteI continually find myself looking at this measure of wisdom throughout Proverbs. God created everyone equally. Through our own inherant qualities we make our way in the world having little or no money or becoming wealthy. Simply stated, some are less fortunate than others. God commands us to help those in need and to be unselfish in giving. Isn't it amazing that some of the "poor give" what they have to give no matter how small? Don't be selfish because He gave you everything you have. It is His to give back. Lending a hand to the less fortunate is pleasing to the Lord and your reward with Him will be favorable. 2 CO 9:7 "God loves a cheerful giver".