What Separates Us? (Proverbs 16:23)

Learning is a constant process. It is never truly finished until we meet our Lord.

"The mind of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips." Proverbs 16:23, Amplified

There is a saying that someone speaks their mind. I feel that humanity really speaks their hearts instead of their minds. We often speak out of emotion without thinking of the consequences that our words may have. The wise, however, instructs their mouths on how to speak. The way the verse reads, this can be a child of God or of the world. Anyone can speak with tact or intelligence. Anyone of the world can also learn more and become a persuasive person. What separates us is in how we get our knowledge and how we use our knowledge. The Christian has the same abilities and tools as the rest of the world. It is how those abilities and tools are used to glorify the Lord.

The Problem with Talking to George (Proverbs 16:22)

There are two parts to correction. First: finding fault and pointing it out. Second: understanding the fault and fixing it.

"Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it, but to give instruction to fools is folly." Proverbs 16:22, Amplified

Correction always leads toward life. When I say life, I mean the better of two paths. There is the first path taken where the decision made is not the correct or best one. Correction comes and instructs the decider about the two choices in front of him. Instruction is similar to school teachers (or instructors) who grade papers. The red marks left in their wake are corrections to wrong decisions that were made by you on the paper. Those red marks now become a teaching aid so that you can study and find the correct answer or go to the source of the grading and ask why the answer was wrong. In either case, correction is designed to divert from wrong choices.

Fools are inherently foolish. To give instruction to a fool is not the best choice for anyone. There are those of us in this world who just do not want to listen to advice, instruction or correction. I had a friend named George. Most everyday he would come to me for instruction or advice for things going on in his life. The question would come and then I would present my answer. The response from George was always, "No, I do not think that is right." Now imagine hearing that every time advice is given. Finally I got tired of it and told him I would no longer give him advice and specified why. He begged and begged. So I gave in two days later and when advice was given, his response remained the same. Who was the foolish one in this scenario?

The point is, we need to know when to and when not to instruct, advise and correct. The religious leaders did not always accept Jesus' responses to their questions but Jesus never went around to subvert their authority. He was never on the attack. Jesus honestly answered and and all questions despite the motive behind it. Remember, the idea of correction is to move someone from wrong to right in love. Correction should always be covered n a blanket of love, otherwise it becomes a tool of superiority.

The Sweetness of Prudence (Proverbs 16:21)

To be prudent is to show an active care or interest in the future. I know this is a subject and a definition that has already been covered in these studies, but the book of Proverbs often broaches subject matter more than once. Repetition is usually indicative of the need to hear. In other words, the more the Lord says it, the more important it must be for us to hear.

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent, understanding and knowing; and winsome speech increases learning [in both speaker and listener]." Proverbs 16:21, Amplified

Wisdom brings about a great respect from other persons. In the book of First Kings in chapter three, Solomon is visited by the Lord. The Lord offers him anything that he might request. Solomon chooses wisdom over everything including riches and fame. In his first wise act, Solomon is confronted with two women who claim that one baby is both of their own. They each claimed that the other had killed the other baby in their sleep. Solomon proposes that he cut the baby in half in order to satisfy both women. It was the compassion of one of the woman that exposed her as the real mother. After that it was said that Solomon's fame grew. Solomon wrote more than just these proverbs that we read in these thirty-one chapters.

What the Amplified Version calls "winsome speech" the New King James calls "sweetness of the lips". This is not necessarily a discrepancy in texts since both have similar meaning. To be winsome means to be attractive or appealing sweetness is mostly always attractive to audiences. When speech is sweet, more people will tend to listen. I do not agree with those who want to stand on corners with megaphones and preach hellfire and brimstone. I do believe there is a time and a place for such teaching, but this is not what draws people to Jesus. John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave is only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." God was in the position to be wrathful and vengeful, but He chose love. God was in the position to punish, but He chose the sacrifice of His Son. God did not have to love, He wanted to love. Life without Christ does end in death and hellfire and brimstone, yes, but His focus on the earth was love. The world needs to understand why it does not have to go to hell. Sweetness will draw men to Jesus. Sweetness will allow for us to know and understand our God more.

Trust (Proverbs 16:20)

Everyone needs something or someone to trust in. In my experiences I have found that all things are untrustworthy except the Lord. He never fails.

"He who deals wisely and heeds [God's] Word shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts and is confident in the Lord, happy, blessed, and fortunate is he." Proverbs 16:20, Amplified

There is nothing in the world that we can touch or experience that will fulfill us the way the Lord can. There is nothing in this world that we can trust in that will not let us down. Everything fails. The physical law of entropy I feel can be translated into the spiritual: everything breaks down. But the Lord, He never fails.

The words "it shall come to pass" appear 120 times in the Bible. The words "it came to pass" appear 176 times in the Bible. This more than compensates for all the times the Lord says that something will come to be.

The Lord has proven Himself faithful to humanity trough the centuries even to the point of sacrificing His Son to satisfy the need for blood. If our trust in solely in Him, then happy are we. If we lean solely one Him, then blessed are we. If we have confidence in nothing else other than Him then fortunate are we.

Pride and Humility (Proverbs 16:18-19)

Pride is the antithesis of the Christian spirit. Pride allows no room for anyone else including Jesus Christ. Pride has destroyed many people and I fear that it is far from finished for pride has a voracious appetite.

"Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18, Amplified

This has to be one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. I have always heard that pride goes before the fall, but no, it is the haughty spirit that brings about the fall. Haughtiness is very similar to pride, but is in itself an entirely different beast. It is defined by Webster's as arrogance.

This haughtiness reminds me of another person in the Bible: Lucifer. In Isaiah we get a glimpse as to why he fell. "For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'" (Isaiah 14:13-14, NKJV) "I will's" leave no room for "we can's".

When we exalt ourselves, be sure that a fall is coming. Pride and arrogance are twin sisters whose soul purpose is to bring men (and women) down.

"Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the meek and the poor, than to divide the spoil with the proud." Proverbs 16:19, Amplified

It is far better to be humble than proud. Jesus spoke many different times on this very same subject. Pride leaves us rigid and breakable. Humility leaves us soft an moldable. "The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying: 'Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.' Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, at it seemed good to the potter to make. Then he word of the Lord came to me, saying: 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you as the potter?' says the Lord. 'Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so you are in My hand, O house of Israel!'" (Jeremiah 18:1-6, NKJV)

An unfinished pot can constantly be reshaped and reformed in to another vessel. Water can always be added to the clay to keep it pliable. God is not finished with the earthen vessel that writes this devotion. I am not ready for the kiln till He says that I am finished. When will that be? I do not know. But until then I want to remain pliable and workable.

A State of Being (Proverbs 16:17)

Righteousness is a state of being. It is not a series of choices that one makes, rather it is a way of life. The Breastplate of Righteousness covers the main part of the body, all the vital organs that make up the person, namely the heart. A state of being just is. If a person is funny, this is his state of being. He does not need to go around telling everyone how funny he is, he just is. If he were to remind everyone how funny he was on a daily basis, he would no longer be funny just annoying. The same can be said of righteousness. We need not go around telling everyone how righteous we are, we can just be. If our state of being is righteous, then our actions, conduct and conversation will follow.

"The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life." Proverbs 16:17, Amplified

The way we walk is so important as to what defines us. Our path in life should always take the detour if it entails avoiding evil. Why be unduly tempted? If I know that pornography is a huge hurtle in my life, why would I go into liquor stores that sell such items? AMPM is a perfect example of a business that has avoided such distasteful product and I can go in and buy whatever I want without the temptation of buying a dirty magazine.

Not only does a righteous path need to be chosen, but a guarding of the heart must take place. We are but flesh. No matter how righteous our choices in life may be, we will always encounter the temptation of sin. This is why we must guard ourselves. The Armor of God found in Ephesians 6 is the perfect example. Each piece of armor is specifically designed for its placement on the body.

The best example that I could find for this idea of walking righteously and guarding ourselves is this: "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NKJV) This word "circumspectly" means in all directions at once. Not that our walk should be in every direction at once, for that would make for chaos. This means choosing a specific path in life (namely toward God) and walking while keeping you guard up by looking in all directions. Rarely does the enemy hit us from the front. It is a blitz attack on our blindside.

Walk as wise men and women of the Lord. Redeem the time that we have here on earth. Redemption is getting what value is left in an object or thing. If you buy a can of soda, it has a California Redemption Value. When you have finished the contents for which you bought the can, the can itself still holds value. The time that we have left on this earth still has value. Get all you can. Redeem the time, walk circumspectly, guard your path and take the high road.

Riches or Wisdom? (Proverbs 16:16)

Would you rather be rich and stupid or smart and satisfied? This is not to say that the rich are stupid, because they have to have some sort of business savvy to get rich. The pursuit, however, is the focus of this morning's study.

"How much better is it to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16, Amplified

Everybody has a pursuit in life, a passion that they have dedicated themselves to. What is that passion for you? Is it fame? Is it accumulation of possessions? Is it riches? Solomon lays out here that the pursuit of wisdom and understanding are to be desired more than anything else. Though wisdom and understanding are not tangible possessions their existence is still evident in our lives. The footprints of wisdom can be seen in our lives. Understanding can be seen in our relationships with others. Wisdom and understanding are both good for the soul, whereas any physical possession is only good for the physical world. Can riches be used in a "Christian" way? Of course. But is riches are our main focus, our goal, our crowning achievement, then we have missed what the Lord wants for us.

Simple Rules for Parenting (Proverbs 16:10-15)

We are a nation of kings and priests. I am not speaking of America itself, but the culture of Christianity. In his letter to the seven churches, John twice refers to us as kings and priests (Revelation 1:6, 5:10). What does this mean? We have the responsibility to rule our households righteously and religiously. What I mean is to watch over the moral and spiritual compasses of our families. Morality and spirituality are the two fingers in our character that can and do touch ever fiber our our character and being. And what of single mothers? You, then, are called to be a queen and a priestess.

"Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment." Proverbs 16:10, Amplified

It is proper for a king to submit his heart to the Lord and allow his will to be guided by the Lord. Saul and many other kings allowed for their own wills to override what the Lord wanted. In fact, it was because of the ill will of Rehoboam that the nation of Israel was split into two kingdoms. The Northern ten tribes never had a king that was righteous, whereas the nation of Judah suffered under the hands of unrighteous kings and prospered under the hands of righteous kings.

Every decision that we make for our families should be first bathed in prayer. We cannot be divinely directed if we are not submitted to the Divine.

Rule #1: Pray over your family for every aspect of their lives.

"A just balance or scales are the Lord's; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles]." Proverbs 10:11, Amplified

This verse may seem to be out of place in a group of verses focused on kings. However, it is not. Balances and weights were the deciding factors on how much something costs. If the weights were too light, that would mean that all the more weights would be needed to balance the scale. More weights, more money. There was a butcher and a baker who were the best of friends. Every week, the butcher would give the baker a pound of meat in exchange for a one pound loaf of bread. At one point in their relationship, the baker became extremely offended because he had found that the butcher was shorting him a couple ounces of meat and he demanded an answer. The butcher simply looked at the baker and stated that the one pound loaf was the balancing weight.

The balance of our heart and judgement needs to have the weight of the Word of God. Our own words and thoughts will always be unjust, but the Word of God is right and true. A king must therefore be right and true.

Rule #2: Read your Bible everyday. Develop a devotion for yourself.

"It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for the throne is established and made secure by righteousness - spiritual and moral rectitude in every area and relation." Proverbs 10:12, Amplified

The position of rule is not necessarily the most prestigious role in the kingdom of God, but it should be the most righteous. What I mean is, there is a lot of responsibility for the one sitting on the throne. The decisions that are made will not always be the most popular. As long as the decision made are weighed against the Word of God, then the throne will be established.

Fathers and mothers will not always be well liked by their children. But believe me when I say that you children will respect you in the end or sticking to your decisions. You will not always be the super star in their lives. When you are spiritually and morally in line with what the Lord would have for you, then your children have that example to go off of when they receive their throne of rule.

Rule#3: Line up every decision made with the Word of God. When prayer and devotion are a focus of your daily life, this should be easier to discern the voice of the Lord.

"Right and just lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right." Proverbs 16:13, Amplified

There is camaraderie found in like minds. It can get lonely for one sitting on the throne. The throne was never meant to separate the king form the people. Fellowship is an important aspect in the life of a Christian. Like minds find refuge in each other.

Rule #4: Fellowship with other believers.

"The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it." Proverbs 16:14, Amplified

How does this fit into the role of parenting? It was in the power of the king to put to death anyone of his choosing at any time for anything. For the child, the wrath of a parent might bring the death of freedoms and the birth of restrictions. When King David transgressed against the Lord by numbering the people, judgement came down on him from the Lord. Gad, a prophet of the Lord came to David with a message: "Choose for yourself, either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else three days of the sword of the Lord - the plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel." (First Chronicles 21:11-12, NKJV) David pleaded with the Lord and offered a sacrifice to appease the wrath of the Lord. He did not want the people to be punished for his transgression. David appeased the wrath of the Lord.

Rule #5: Do not be unappeasable and do not allow for your anger to be the end all of things. There must be a good balance between judgement and mercy.

"In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favor is as a cloud bringing the spring rain." Proverbs 16:15, Amplified

The king must be a refuge for his people. Just as the Lord opened the door to salvation and life for humanity, so we too must be that life giver. I am not saying that we are to step into the shoes of God and become the Redeemer. However, we must give the idea that love is available in our hearts. Once man realizes that God is not just about wrath and judgement but love as well, He then becomes appealing to them. Note however, that God does not change Himself to appeal to man, He rather exposes another facet of His being.

Rule #6: Always let your children realize the love that you have for them. Constantly remind them of the love that you have for them.

Plans, Decisions, Destinations (Proverbs 16:9)

There are so many plans made by so many people. But in reality, those plans will not come to fruition unless the Lord intends for them to.

"A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure." Proverbs 16:9, Amplified

This verse is quite similar to the first verse of this chapter, "The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue." (Proverbs 16:1, Amplified) It is not uncommon the the book of Proverbs to be repetitious. In fact, repetition is one of the keys to memorization. It is the whole idea of practicing to make perfect. The more actions are completed and then repeated, the more likely one is to perform better.

Here, Solomon uses a different vernacular. He states that a man plans his way but the Lord directs and makes his steps sure (in other words, the steps of the man are founded on solid ground). Think of it like kind of a road trip. You get out a map and plan your route. But how do you know where road construction may be taking place, or an accident may occur? The truth is you do not, but your Lord does. He sees days, months even years in advance, long before you planned that trip.

Does this mean that the Lord does not want us to plan anything? Not at all. What it means is that the Lord has the best in store for us. As our minds are more in line with Him, then our plans will be more in line with His will. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." (Psalm 37:23, NKJV) The idea is to submit to the Lord allowing for His direction because with His direction there is surety and foundation. He can be a bit like the GPS in your car with real time traffic updates directing us around traffic collisions and road construction.

Will every plan of the heart be established? Maybe. I know there were times when I made plans to transgress. As a young I planned to stay up late on a Friday night to watch late night movies on Cinemax. There were times when that worked and there were times when it did not for my father worked the swing swift and would get home late. There was one night when I shook my fist at the Lord because I was so upset with Him for interfering with my plans. The Lord had a hand in every step I took in my young Christian life, even in my adult life. He allowed for some plans to come to fruition and others to not. Why some and not others? I cannot answer that question. All I remember as a young man and as a child is that most of my decisions were sexually motivated. What I do know is this, the Lord has used all my decisions and my steps to bring me to this blog, to make me into the man that I am today. He will use this blog to take me somewhere else.

I Have plans in my heart to do certain things and go certain places but the Lord is directing my steps. He kept me from getting hired as a teacher immediately after receiving my Bachelor's. I feel the Lord wanted me to hone my perspective of Christian philosophy, discover who I am going to be as a teacher. In waiting, someone else has filled the position that I wanted, but I know my piece of the puzzle is somewhere else. I discovering who I am in the Lord makes me a more effective tool in teaching young adults. All my plans and steps have come to a place of submission to the will of the Lord. My destination will be realized when I reach the end of this particular trek.

Keep the Important things the Important Things (Proverbs 16:8)

Sometimes, less is more.

"Better is a little with righteousness - uprightness in every area and human relation and right standing with God - than great revenues with injustice." Proverbs 16:8, Amplified

What the Bible is essentially saying here is that less is more when you can actually enjoy it. It is better to have a little bit of possessions and have our relationships with our fellow man and with God to be in good favor. Could a man be rich and have many possessions and still be in right standing with the Lord. Sure. But what the Bible is focusing on here is the more important thing, our relationship with others and with God. The Ten Commandments were written to show how our relationships with God and man should be.

"A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of the wicked." (Psalm 37:16, NKJV) The common thing between this verse and the one in Proverbs is the righteous man, the man who is right standing with God and man. Possessions mean nothing if our relationships are off. Keep the important things the important things.

Peace (Proverbs 16:7)

The Lord rewards those who are in line with His will.

"When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7, Amplified

This verse is so simple put that there is no real digging to be done. Not every verse in the Bible needs a spelunker to go into the depths of its meaning.

When we are walking in the will of the Lord, He gives us peace. This peace in not only internal but external as well. Though king David was a man of blood, his son Solomon had peace for his reign because his ways pleased the Lord at the beginning. In reading the book of Judges, we find that the children of Israel were brought under subjection to a Gentile when they strayed from the Lord. But as they turned their hearts back to the Lord, He caused a judge to rise up and give His people peace.

Peace can only come from God. Walk in the ways of the Lord and He will give you peace. Peace can only come from God. Heed His voice and He will give you peace. Peace can come only from God. Avoid sin and He will give you peace. Please the Lord and He will give you peace. How do we please the Lord? There is no secret to pleasing the Lord; He is not a cryptic God who speaks in riddles. He only wants us to walk in His ways and heed His voice and avoid sin. If there is another way that you can think of that will please the Lord in your life and walk, then do it; please the Lord today.

Confess and Run (Proverbs 16:6)

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. So what is the defining truth of a Christian? How are we set apart?

"By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man, not by sacrificial offerings] iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil." Proverbs 16:6, Amplified

There is no secret to becoming a great Christian. There is no magic formula on how to live a holier life. So what must be done? Two things.

First iniquity must be purged from the heart. The definition of purge according to the New Oxford American Dictionary is this, "to rid (someone) of an unwanted feeling, memory, or condition, typically giving a sense of cathartic release."How does one rid themselves of sin? Through confession and atonement. First we openly confess our shortcomings and sinfulness and need for a Savior. As sinners, we were openly defiant to God, now we must be openly obedient to Him. After confession can come atonement. This is the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; one cannot come to God unless he is covered by the blood. Think of atonement as being "At Onement" with God: we were separated from God, but now we are reconciled to God. In the verse above, we read that this purging of iniquity from the heart is not done through sacrifice because the blood o bulls and goats was never sufficient enough. But the blood of Jesus Christ lasts forever. "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purity of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience fro dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:13-14, NKJV) And the Bible also says, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin." (Hebrews 10:4, NKJV) What began as a ritual and liturgy was abolished through the sacrifice of Christ because it was insufficient.

Secondly one must depart from and avoid evil. After confession must come change. the verbal must become manifest in action. If we truly confess Christ, then we must show it through our lifestyles. Is just verbal confession enough? Can we just open our mouths and confess Christ just to receive "fire insurance"? Maybe. But who would ever believe that you were really in love? Think of it like a personal relationship here on earth with the opposite sex. You find a girl (or boy) and you confess you love for them in the quad at school. Now everyone knows that you said you love her (or him). But you never give her (or him) flowers, candy, love notes or any other trinkets. There is no physical manifestation of your love. In fact others find you in the gym holding hands with another, they find you between the buildings kissing another. Your confession to them means nothing; your actions have violated your words and now no one believes. Avoidance of sin is possibly one of the hardest things for a Christian to do. Sin comes in all shapes and sizes, evident and ambiguous. But as we physically and spiritually turn ourselves from sin to Christ, then our actions become the manifestation of our confession.

All Consuming Pride (Proverbs 16:5)

No one will ever be able to stand against the Lord. Many have chosen to defy Him throughout the centuries, but all have failed. Pride is the killer of many.

"Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured - I pledge it - he will not go unpunished." Proverbs 16:5, Amplified

Pride can take many different sizes and shapes. Take for instance, self pity. Self pity is a hidden form of pride. Remember, pride is not how highly one thinks of himself, rather it is how often he thinks of himself.

As we think about ourselves more and more there is no more room for other people, nor is there room for the Lord. How is one to watch after the orphans and the widows if he is consumed with self? No praise can be given to a Savior, for pride deludes us into thinking that we are the highest and mightiest beings in our lives.

Pride will allow us to reap the reward of punishment, however. If we think only of ourselves, then we too must become the end all of everything in our lives. We must be the savior. deliverer, rewarder, provider for ourselves. What could the punishment be for this particular mindset? I do not know, however I do not want to find out. There have been many different men who have proven themselves prideful and answered to the Lord on different occasions and in different ways. Ahithophel was King David's closest friend but was for Absolom. In the end, Ahithophel killed himself. Cain ended up a wanderer and a nomad in the world after rising against his brother and killing him. Both of these examples are of self pity (because remember that pride is not how high but how much). But here is a final example of pride. "Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country. So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration tot hem. And the people kept shouting, 'The voice of a god and not a man!' Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied." (Acts 12:20-24, NKJV)

Pride will consume everything it touches, even you. Pride does not care about your pedigree or nationality. Pride is an unsatisfied force in the lives of human beings. Do not allow it a foothold in your heart.

Are Some Destined for Hell? (Proverbs 16:4)

There are some real difficult verses in the Bible. This happens to be one of them.

"The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose; even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil." Proverbs 16:4, Amplified

What this verse is essentially saying is that there are certain human beings who were created for Hell. God is holy. In fact this is the only adjective ever used to describe God multiple times: holy, holy, holy.

Do not misinterpret what I am saying. This is not the scenario that this verse is describing. A man meets a woman and they fall in love. The love they have for one another surpasses all others who have gone before them. The two decide to get married. Soon a child is born. God, in His infinite wisdom, did not "ordain" that child to go to Hell.

So what is this verse all about? One of the qualities of God is that He is omniscient, He knows everything. Before the foundation of the world was laid, He knew that man would ultimately fail. Before the first words were spoken, He knew that His own creation would turn on Him and deny Him. Yet He still created humanity. God created human beings knowing that there would be some who would eventually have their end in Hell. Why? Because He is a holy God. Hell was not made for humans, it was made for the devil and his angels. Hell exists simply because He cannot tolerate sin, it exists because His holiness allows it to.

In creating human beings the Lord instituted free will within them, within us. Hell is ultimately another choice. It exists as the proverbial fork in the road, either Heaven or Hell. To assume that there are some persons created specifically to fill Hell is naive and Calvanistic. If there are some created to go to Heaven an some to go to Hell, then free will is abolished. Today, choose life.

Is God Real Enough? (Proverbs 16:3)

How are we as Christians supposed to focus our minds on the Lord at all times?

"Roll your works upon the Lord - commit and trust them wholly to Him; [He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed." Proverbs 16:3, Amplified

The Lord must be our foundation. If we wish for our plans to be founded, they too must be founded on the Lord. To be established means to have a foundation. So how is this foundation laid?

Our works must be committed to Him. Well that is how the New King James Bible puts it. Here, the Amplified Version uses the term "roll". How are we to roll our works upon the Lord? "Roll (turn over) them, as a burden upon the shoulders of One who is stronger and wiser than you." (Unger) This leads to another question: Is God real? If we must commit our works to Him then He must be real to us. Think of it a bit like a chair. We sit in chairs because we have faith enough to know that they will support us. If a chair is wobbly, we are less likely to sit in it. God has been tested and tried throughout the centuries to see if He is real. In our own lives (or at least in mine) God has been tested and tried and be found real. If He is real, then committing all that we do to Him should be a natural step for us. This means of course that all that we do must have the ability to be exposed to the light. What I mean is the work that we perform must be something that you are not willing to hide.

As those works are committed to Him then what our plans are for the future can and will be established. As we commit ourselves to the Lord, our thoughts, too, will be in line with what He would desire. "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5, NKJV) Our ways, our plans will be in line with what the Lord wants for us as we commit our lives to Him. Everyday make the pledge to commit this day to the Lord. Let every task be done for Him no matter how insignificant it may seem. Just as a marriage vow is real enough for a man or woman to remain faithful to his or her spouse, so should our relationship with the Lord be real enough to commit our works to Him. If He is real to you, prove it in your life, in your works, in yourself.

Intentions (Proverbs 16:2)

There are times when the paths that we take seem to be of the best intentions. But the Lord knows better.

"All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits - the thoughts and intents of the heart." Proverbs 16:2, Amplified

Even at our best, we are still at our worst. The vision that we possess is different than that of the Lord. He sees deeper than man could ever imagine to see. This is a difficult verse to interpret this morning, for I feel that there are times when I know that my ways are not pure. There are times when I have done "good" things for ulterior motives. I remember immersing myself into church and going to every service I could not because I desired to get closer to the Lord, but because I wanted to spend more time with the pastor's daughter. There can be no pureness in action when the action is self serving.

So what is this verse speaking of? This is speaking of our view of mankind in general. There is no way that we can know the heart of other men. We see men serving in the church, or at the local homeless shelter how are we to judge the intent? We cannot. What we may see as pure, the Lord knows better than us. As Samuel went looking for the next king of Israel to replace Saul, he was looking at the outward appearance of the person. "But the Lord spoke to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" (First Samuel 16:17, NKJV) Does this mean that we need to pray the Lord show us who is real and who is not? No. This means that we continue serving the Lord. Keep our focus on our own walk, on our own lives and not worry about the true intent of others. "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30, NKJV)

Preparations of the Heart (Proverbs 16:1)

We may think that we have control over every aspect of our lives, but in reality, everything about ourselves belongs to the Lord.

"The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue." Proverbs 16:1, Amplified

What happens inside the mind of man belongs to man, or does it? Just because no one else sees it or hears it does not mean that we have the reigns of our existence. If thoughts and actions are actions are locked within the labyrinth of the mind, does not mean that the Lord did not know it was there. All things exist and are held together by the Lord. Nothing happens without His knowledge. I feel that it was misguided for the authors of the Amplified version of the Bible to insert "wise" into this verse. This verse isn't saying that all good answers come from the Lord, rather it is saying that when man opens his mouth to answer, good or bad, it is only because the Lord allows it.

In the book of Job we find an interesting conversation between God and Satan. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, 'From where to you come?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.' Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job,that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'Does Job ear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, and his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands,and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!' And the Lord said to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.' So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord." (Job 1:6-12, NKJV) We all know the rest of the story. Job did not curse the Lord, but the Lord again allowed for Satan to attack Job physically. All this happened because the Lord allowed for it to happen.

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" (James 4:13-15, NKJV) Just because no one else can see it or hear it does not make it our own. Preparations may be made in the heart, but the Lord decides the physical outcome and manifestation of those preparations. But James leaves us with this warning, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17, NKJV)

Correction and Humility (Proverbs 15:31-33)

To receive any form of correction is hard for anyone to receive. But if you look at things in a different fashion, you would see that it happens more often than you think. Coaches do it to players. Bosses do it to employees. Parents do it to children. Teachers do it to students. So why then is it so hard to receive correction from a religious stand point? Why is it harder to receive rebuke and correction from the Lord?

"The ear that listens to the reproof that leads to or gives life will remain among the wise." Proverbs 15:31, Amplified

There is a correction or a reproof that does not lead to life. By definition, correction is usually associated with the positive. But what of those people who correct good behavior to replace it with bad? Some of us have had those friends that try to convince us it is okay to bend the rules a little bit. Those who follow such correction end up in the way of fools. But the correction that rights wrongs, that turns unrighteousness into righteousness is always the better choice. Every choice that we make has the ability to impact eternity.

"He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding." Proverbs 15:32, Amplified

The Bible is not talking about a self loather here but by action one shows that he cares not for his well being. That well being could be the temporal or the eternal. Take for instance the one who sleeps around. He knows that the more he sleeps around the better chance he has at getting an STD. To heed to correction would be to stop what he is doing shows that he has no regard for his personal being. The same can be said for any type of sin.

"The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:33, Amplified

Two things are found in this verse that we must apply to our daily lives. First we must fear the Lord. As the verse states, it is a reverent and worshipful fear. This fear places us at the feet of our God. It is the same position that Mary took when Martha was complaining. To sit at the feet of Jesus is to receive all that He has to offer us.

Secondly, humility brings honor. This humility is not speaking of something embarrassing happening to you. Rather it is a states of the heart. In the heart, many things can rest on the throne, pride being the most recognized of all. But to give that throne to something else, to someone else is a great act of courage. To give up the throne of the heart and relinquish control is the very antithesis of pride and honor. Humble is the word here that humility to trying to define. As we humble ourselves, He will honor us.

Infectious Joy (Proverbs 15:30)

Happiness and joy can be quite infectious.

"The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the heart of others, and good news nourishes the bones." Proverbs 15:30, Amplified

Have you ever heard the expression of someone having a gleam in their eye? There are those who happiness is not worn on the sleeve, rather it is worn in the eyes. Have you ever heard the expression of someone smiling with their entire face? There are those who find it impossible to hide the joy from their face. It is our responsibility, and privilege, to spread the joy that we have in Jesus to others. Good news from this world can only go so far. But what of the news about eternity?

As we accept the Lord in to our hearts, there should be a light in our eyes that surpasses any other light source on this earth. Nothing of this world should ever be able to make us beam the way that Jesus does. Not only is the good news of eternity good for the bones, but it does wonders for the soul. Be that Christian today who spreads the love and joy of Jesus with a smile. Be that Christian today who spreads the love and joy of Jesus with a good word.

The world does not need a debate on the goodness of Jesus. The world does not want to hear about the theologies of Christianity. The needs to see the love and joy of Jesus at work in us. The world wants to hear the simple words, "Jesus loves you." What better news is there?

Expressions of Love (Proverbs 15:29)

Everyone needs closeness in life. Girls need their BFFs (best friends forever) and boys ned their best friends (wing man). But with age, a new need arises, a physical need; boy friends and girl friends cuddle, lovers, spouses, parent and child. This closeness allows for the receiver to feel love and the giver to express love. When we need this closeness spiritually, how are we to cuddle with the Lord?

"The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the [uncompromisingly] righteous - the upright, in right standing with Him." Proverbs 15:29, Amplified

The answer to the previous question is in this verse. In the first part we find that the Lord is far from the wicked. In our bad decisions and bad behavior, we push the Lord away. He cannot associate with us in our sinfulness and wickedness. It is when we avail ourselves of the sinful lifestyles that we lead that He can finally approach or we Him. Does this mean that every time we need a "spiritual hug" that we clean up our act? By no means. This decision needs to be on a daily basis. Everyday needs to be a day when we express our love for the Lord. Think of it like this: we need not seek out a hug from the Lord, rather we need to seek Him out to give Him the hug.

The only time when a hug can be given or received is when intimacy is established. Both parties need to be willing to ignore territorial bubbles and allow another in. How is intimacy established with the Lord? Prayer (us talking to Him). Reading the Bible (Him talking to us). Works (Him working through us). ( I want it to be known that I dod not have a "works" based faith. When I reference works I mean performing activities to express our love for the Lord. This could be volunteering at church functions, a soup kitchen, missions or witnessing. Faith without works is dead for works is a verification of faith.)

The Lord was, and is, the ultimate example as to what He desires. In the book of Exodus, He desired a Tabernacle that He might dwell among the people. But this was not enough for Him. In the Gospel of John we read that the Word became flesh dwelt with the people. But this was not enough. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and said that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This is a forward progression of intimacy on the Lord's part. He reached out to give humanity that touch. If we are made in the image of God, then we too must act appropriately. If we are made in the image of God, then we too must desire more. A simple trip to church on Sunday morning should never be enough. A quick prayer before a test should not be enough. A quick motion to the heavens because of a touchdown or an award that was won should not be the end of our expression of love. Every breath, every movement should exemplify our love for the Lord.

Governor of the Heart (Proverbs 15:28)

There is an apparent governor in the heart of a righteous man. It acts sort of like the governor on a vehicle, controlling the rate of speed the vehicle can travel. The governor of the heart would control the speech of the man, keeping him in line with the image of God.

"The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things." Proverbs 15:28, Amplified

The heart is the seat of emotion and the mind is the seat of intellect. As human beings, we are able to think and act by use of these two seats. There is the man who only uses the intellect, however, he lacks emotion and empathy. If he uses the heart, then there is no logic in his communication, it is just a blabber of emotion with no meaning. Though the two seats can operate independently, both are needed in the character of a Christian. When the heart of the man is in line with the Lord, the mind follows suit. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..." (First Peter 3:15, NKJV)

A good pupil studies his master's lessons. A good disciple follows his master's footsteps. What makes the Christian any different? If the Christian lacks discretion and the skills of a good pupil or disciple then there is nothing to distinguish him from the world. As it said in the verse above, the wicked pours forth evil. If the heart is not prostrate before the Lord, then what keeps it holy? If the mind is not subject to the things of God, then how is it to remain sharpened? "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (Second Timothy 2:15, KJV)

Number 3 on a List of Seven (Proverbs 15:27)

There is a need for more built into the human psyche. It has been said that greed is one of the seven deadly sins.

"He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. Proverbs 15:27, Amplified

The word for greed that we may be more familiar with is covetousness. One of the original Ten Commandments tells us not to covet: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, not his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." (Exodus 20:17, NKJV) Isn't greed nothing more than wanting more than what you have? And if you do not have it, then someone else must have it. Greed breeds a restless heart. Who who is content with what he has, he too has a contented house. His heart can stay focused on the most important of things: Jesus.

The original list of deadly sins can be linked to a 4th century monk named Evagrius Ponticus. He actually listed them in Greek and they read like this: gastrimagria (gluttony), porneia (lust), philargyria (avarice or greed), lype (despair), orge (wrath), akedia (acedia or sloth), kenodoxia (vainglory), hyperephania (pride). In AD 590, Pope Gregory I revised the list and replaced vainglory with envy and removing fornication and replacing it with extravagance.

In truth, there is not one sin greater than another. Any and all sin builds a barrier between myself and the Lord. Sin makes me undeserving of His grace and forgiveness. If I allow that way of thinking to guide my life, then I will never seek out His forgiveness. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23, NKJV) Everyday we are on the battle field. Whatever sin has eclipsed God in your life, realize that it cannot rain all the time. The sun must come out again and it will come out again. The Son longs for fellowship with us, the only sin that will separate us is the sin we refuse forgiveness for.

Thoughts and Words (Proverbs 15:26)

The Lord knows what is on our hearts even before it reaches our lips.

"The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him." Proverbs 15:26, Amplified

Even before the words reach the mouth of the wicked, the simple thoughts of the wicked offend the Lord. We serve a God who is spirit. The spiritual and intangible things of this world offend Him just as much as the physical words or acts.

But the words of the pure are pleasing to Him. The Lord loves the words of the pure because they not only think in their heart these things, but they manifest into the physical world for others to partake of. If the wicked were to open their mouths it would be to pollute the world around them. The pure, however, seek to bless those around them. The difference between the two is that one is self serving and the other is people serving.

Are you blessing the Lord today or are you polluting the world around you?

Looking Out for the Widow (Proverbs 15:25)

We, as Christians, are called to look after the orphans and the widows for they have no one to look after them.

"The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but He makes secure the boundaries of the [consecrated] widow." Proverbs 15:25, Amplified

The Lord has called us as Christians to look after the orphan and the widow. It is not a suggestion, it is commanded, "Pure and undefiled religion is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27, NKJV) If we do not live up to what the Lord expects us to do, then He will do as He feels best. (I am not saying that we have the ability to live up to what the Lord asks, rather I am speaking of the choices and effort that we make to do those things that the Lord commands.) If he cannot find anyone who is faithful, He will taker matters into His own hands. When the Lord returns, what will He find us doing? Will we be the representation of Christ that He wants us to be? Or will our house be like that of the proud, ready to tear down? The Lord is faithful to those who do not have the strength within themselves. He is the strength for the weak. He is the hope for the hopeless.

Choices (Proverbs 15:24)

The life of the righteous and wise has a natural inclination toward heaven.

"The path of the wise leads upward to life, that he may avoid the gloom in the depths of Sheol (Hades)." Proverbs 15:24, Amplified

The "wise" in this verse are none other than those who have made the choice to follow Jesus. The reality of Hell is one that they are trying to avoid. Maybe trying is to bleak of a word. In the choice that they have made, they will avoid Hell. The choices that he makes on a day to day basis lead him closer to Heaven. Will he make wrong choices? Yes, we all do. Remember, however, that we are created in the image of God. We are a reflexion of Him. A reflexion shows the image of a reality, though it is not the actual thing. For example, as you look at yourself in the mirror, you can see yourself, it is not real but it shows an image of the real thing, you. We, as humans are that same reflexion, though we are not God, we reflect God. That reflexion is shone through the lives that we live and the choices that we make. "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set you mind on the things above, not on things of the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV) Be careful as to what you place into your mind, for what we expose ourselves to and immerse ourselves in, that we become.