June 16, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 16
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Following Scripture Verses

1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
10. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11. A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15. In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
32. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Today's Pathway:
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"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged" - Proverbs 16:6

Every person has a problem with iniquity. We are conceived in sin, born with a sin nature, and we commit sin regularly. Since God is holy and can not tolerate sin, something must be done to remove the guilt of our transgressions from us. In today's verse Solomon writes that iniquity can be purged only through mercy and truth, and it is these two concepts that we will examine.

First, Solomon mentions mercy. Mercy is defined as "not receiving that which we deserve", and without this all of us would wind up in the Lake of Fire. Even as believers we are in constant need of the mercy of God, for He would be justified in destroying us daily for the sinful behaviors that we have. "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23), and "it is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed" (Lam. 3:22), thus we must praise Him continually for sparing us, and giving us another day to serve Him.

The second concept that Solomon mentions is truth. This is very important. Many people believe that they can wash their sins away in the waters of baptism, and this will purge from their iniquities. This is not the truth. Others believe that God will ultimately be merciful to everyone, regardless of what they do or believe. This also is not true. Salvation and forgiveness can be obtained only through repentance and faith. A man can not get his iniquities purged any way that he pleases. He can only receive this cleansing when He comes to God in the way that the Lord Himself has prescribed. Thus, unless you come to God in the true way, you will never receive His mercy that purges you from your sins.

My friend, what are you going to do about your sin problem? You must cast yourself upon the mercy of God, but you must do it in accordance with the truth of the Bible. Is this what you have done?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery