July 25, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 25
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Following Scripture Verses

1. These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
3. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
7. For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
8. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
9. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
12. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
16. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
18. A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20. As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
21. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
23. The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
24. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
25. As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27. It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Today's Pathway:
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"It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory." - Proverbs 25:27

Honey is very sweet to the taste, and thus very enjoyable to eat. However, according to verse 16 of this chapter, eating too much honey will cause a man to be sick to his stomach and vomit. God uses this as an illustration of what happens to the man who spends his life pursuing his own glory and praise.

It is enjoyable to receive praise from men. Everyone likes to be told that he has done a good job, or that he possesses some admirable trait or talent. However, this is a pride issue, and can ultimately destroy a man's life. Some men go out of their way to seek praise. They want to see their names in the paper, or have people recognize them on the streets. They desire to have people want to talk to them so that they can give their opinions and advice on issues. Please note that this is not a problem that is limited to the unsaved. Church musicians can sing or play an instrument for the praise of men rather than for the glory of God. Preachers can preach in such a way that they will be enjoyed and appreciated rather than preach so that God will be exalted. Pastors can lead their people in such a way that the pastor becomes the most important person in the church rather than Christ being the most important One. Laymen can serve so that others will think well of them rather than because they love the Lord. All of these are equally wrong.

Just as it is not glorious to eat to much honey and then vomit, so it is not glorious to seek for others to praise you. You may enjoy the attention at first, but eventually you will be miserable, and the glory that you are now receiving will be taken away.

Who's glory are you seeking: your's or God's?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery