September 12, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 12
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Following Scripture Verses

1. Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Today's Pathway:
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"He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding." - Proverbs 12:11

I see two different ideas in today's verse that ultimately seem to go together. The first principle is that a man who is willing to work will have enough to satisfy his needs. We have many people today who are too lazy to go to work, and then complain about their economic situation. They want to blame the government or big business or someone else for their plight, but the fact is that they don't want to work. We constantly hear people calling for the government to provide them with jobs, but the truth is that there are plenty of jobs out there if a man is willing to work. They may not be glamorous positions, and the worker may never become a millionaire, but if he labors he will receive the necessities of life.

The second half of the verse contains a warning to stay away from vain people. The word "vain" carries two ideas. The first is to be proud and self-centered. The second is to be empty. People who are filled with themselves, but really have nothing to offer should be avoided.

As I look at these two concepts, I understand how they go together, at least in our society. Who does the average unsaved young person idolize, and who does he want to be like when he grows up? Who's poster is likely on his bedroom wall? An athlete, a movie star, or a rock musician. Yet all three of these groups of celebrities are filled with pride, and quite frankly have very little substance to them. They make lots of money, and have glamorous lifestyles, but they usually have minimal educations, immature emotions, warped philosophies, and no spirituality at all. Yet even adults follow after these "vain persons". How sad.

A young person would be better off learning to work a regular job than pursuing after the fame and fortune of the vain. It may not bring him wealth and glamour, but it will bring him the satisfaction of accomplishment, it will provide all he needs for his family, and it will keep him away from shallow, sinful celebrities.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery