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Pathways Through Proverbs
Daily Devotional
November 24, 2008
Today's Reading - Proverbs 24
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Following Scripture Verses
Proverbs Chapter 24
- Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
- For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
- Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
- And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
- A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
- For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
- Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
- He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
- The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
- If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
- If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
- If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
- My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
- So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
- Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
- For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
- Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
- Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
- Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
- For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
- My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
- For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
- These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
- He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
- But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
- Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
- Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
- Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
- Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
- I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
- And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
- Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
- Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
- So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
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Today's Pathway:
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There are several important principles contained in these two verses. First of all, Solomon teaches his son that he has a responsibility to do right and help others in a time of need. The illustration is that people were about to be slain, and could have been rescued, but the man in question chose not to go to their aid. When something can be done and should be done, we have an obligation to help out, particularly when there may not be anyone else who can provide assistance. Many folks today "don't want to get involved" when someone else has a crisis. Yet Solomon says that we must get involved.
Second, notice that the man lies about his reason for not helping. He says that he didn't know about the situation, but it is clear from the context that he did know, and simply chose to turn his back. Men who know that they are in the wrong are quick to make excuses for their behavior. How often have we proclaimed our ignorance on a matter when the truth is that we were simply disinterested, selfish, or lazy? Here is a harsh lesson: if you don't care about someone else, admit that you don't care. Don't make your situation worse by trying to excuse your inaction with lies.
Finally, Solomon reminds his son that God knows what he did and why he did it, and will judge him accordingly. In fact, since God "renders to everyman according to his works" the day will undoubtedly come when this man will cry out for help, but no one will come.
Don't ever turn your back on someone with a need. Don't pretend not to notice. God sees what you do, and will deal with you exactly as you have dealt with others.
Pastor Mark J Montgomery
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