February 27, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 27
Click above for full KJV Online

Today's Pathway:previous - - - - - - - - - - - - next
Click above to go directly to TP
Following Scripture Verses

1. Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
3. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
4. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
5. Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7. The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8. As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
9. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
10. Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
13. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15. A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
17. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18. Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19. As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20. Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21. As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so a man to his praise.
22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
23. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
24. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
25. The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
27. And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Today's Pathway:
You may click on verses for Scripture

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." - Proverbs 27:2

We live in a generation that has been taught that it needs to brag on itself. Most people that you talk to will be more than happy to tell you about their latest accomplishments and awards. This is true even in the Christian realm. Go to a preacher's conference and see how quick the pastors are to tell each other all the great things that they have done recently. Visit the church often enough and you will hear church members boast of their spiritual achievements. Take a moment to listen how some churches promote themselves: they are the "greatest", the "most dynamic", the "fastest growing", or something like that. Even if it is true, it is improper for people to say such a thing about themselves.

The Bible tells us that we need to keep quiet about our own proficiency. The obvious reason that I ought not to brag is the fact that without the Lord I could have accomplished nothing. My abilities come from Him, my time comes from Him, my salvation comes from Him, and if I ever do something that might be considered praiseworthy it is only because He allowed me to do it. Therefore, I have no reason to "toot my own horn." In fact I need to be careful to exam my heart attitude when I give a testimony. Am I really giving glory to God, or am I using His blessings as an excuse to glorify myself?

If God has allowed you to win a victory, make sure that He gets all the credit. If you accomplish something, don't broadcast it around so that people will praise you. Let someone else compliment your achievements. And remember, even if no one notices what you have done, God has seen, and He will reward.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery