July 29, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 29
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Following Scripture Verses

1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. .

Today's Pathway:
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"In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice." - Proverbs 29:6

It is the second half of today's proverb that I would like to focus on. While transgressions bring a man snares, righteous men are filled with singing and rejoicing. Joy, as we have seen before, comes from an internal relationship and fellowship with Jesus Christ. External things may bring temporary pleasure, but true joy can only come from within. However, Solomon adds that the righteous not only have joy, but they also sing.

Singing is a part of the Christian life. We are to sing songs of praise within ourselves (Eph 5:19), in the midst of the church (Heb. 2:12), and before the throne of God (Psalm 100:2). It concerns me when Christians are not willing to sing. May I say that I know some believers whose musical skills might prohibit them from being the church song-leader. However, regardless of an individual's skill, singing praise to the Lord is not only expected of the child of God, but it should be natural.

It is thrilling to hear folks sing out during the song service in church. It indicates that the people love the Lord and desire to worship Him. Others are so concerned about what someone else might think of their voice that they refuse to sing out, and in some instances refuse to sing at all. This is not right. When you love the Lord, and are in a right relationship with Him, making a joyful noise unto Him will be a natural result.

Do you sing in your heart to the Lord? Do you sing as you go through the day? Do you sing out and join with the rest of the church in praising God? The righteous man does, because he is filled with the joy of the Lord.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery