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Pathways Through Proverbs
Daily Devotional
April 29, 2008
Today's Reading - Proverbs 29
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Following Scripture Verses
Proverbs Chapter 29
- He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
- When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
- Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
- The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
- A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
- In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
- The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
- Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
- If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
- The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
- A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
- If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
- The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
- The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
- The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
- When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
- Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
- Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
- A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
- Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
- He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
- An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
- A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
- Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
- The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
- Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
- An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
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Today's Pathway:
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Yesterday we saw the importance of choosing men to be political leaders who have shown integrity and a willingness to govern by Biblical principles. Today we see another characteristic of a good leader: the ability to make decisions based upon what is right instead of based upon what will benefit him financially.
Solomon writes that a nation will be able to stand that is led by a king who practices sound judgment. This is contrasted with the king who destroys his country by making his decisions based upon who gives him the most gifts. The first king wants to do what is best for the country; the second king wants to do what is best for himself.
While the verse deals expressly with government, I believe that the principle contained in it is applicable in many areas of life. I think that many of us make our decisions based primarily on "what's in it for me?". If it will bring me more money, then it is a good idea. If it will give me more leisure time, then it is a good idea. If people will like me more, then it is a good idea. The questions we should be asking are, Is it the will of God?, and, What does the Bible say about this?. Even in the church we tend to base our choices on their impact on our attendance and finances rather than on the wisdom of God. We fail to preach on certain topics, or refuse to rebuke and discipline the backslidden because we fear that people will get angry and stop attending. We compromise Biblical standards of holiness in an attempt to attract more people. We aren't making those kinds of decisions in the wisdom of God; we are doing it because we think that it will benefit us.
A nation, a church, or a family will only last as long as the leaders make decisions in accordance with the Word of God. As soon as selfishness moves in, catastrophe is soon to follow.
Pastor Mark J Montgomery
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