June 18, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 18
Click above for full KJV Online

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

1. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4. The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

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

"The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" - Proverbs 18:14

In today's verse Solomon reveals the importance of a man's spirit. The world tends to focus on the physical, but this Proverb shows that a person's attitude is far more important. He opens by saying that a man's spirit will sustain his infirmity. In this life we are all plagued by difficulties. Some of these pertain to illnesses, while others pertain to deprivations of one sort or another. It seems that there is always something going wrong. However, no matter what the problem may be, if our spirit and attitude are right, we can overcome it. I have met many people who were carrying huge physical burdens, yet they were able to maintain a positive outlook on life and be a blessing to others because they chose to trust the Lord in spite of their afflictions. They did not allow their ailments to control their attitude, but overcame their infirmities with their spirit.

The second half of the verse states that, while a strong spirit can overcome a weakened body, there is nothing that can overcome a weakened spirit. Once a man "gives up" spiritually, or adopts a pessimistic attitude towards his situation, there is nothing that anyone can do to help him. Physical strength will not sustain emotional weakness. Thus, it is imperative that I guard my spirit and make sure that my attitude is correct.

The question is this: what kind of attitude do you have towards your problems? Your difficulties may be very real, but your God is very real also. H has promised never to leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5), that nothing can separate you from his love (Rom. 8:39), and that all things are working together for your good (Rom. 8:28). Can you trust him, and chose to maintain a sweet, positive spirit, or have you surrendered to bitterness and pessimism?

You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude about what has happened. Your choice will make all the difference.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery