Depression (Proverbs 12:25)

It is easy to get bogged down by the world around us.

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad." Proverbs 12:25, Amplified

Anxiety is caused by worry. Worry is simply lack of faith in our God. Yes, as human beings we have a tendency to see only the temporal and not the eternal. We have a tendency to see only the physical and not the spiritual. When we lose our focus on the Lord, anxiety sets in. Some translations use the word depression in this verse.

Depression is very real, and can be devastating to a Christian. For years, I have battled with depression. I used to take pills to help with my depression. Since i was seventeen I have not taken the pills. Over the years I have managed with the depression because a good word did make me glad. Of late, however, the fight is getting harder for me, so I must root myself deeper into the Lord.

I am meeting with a good friend today to help me with a tough decision today regarding depression. I know the Lord is with me.

Fortunes Flipped (Proverbs 12:24)

In the end, payment will be rendered.

"The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor." Proverbs 12:24, Amplified

Fortunes will turn in the end. The diligent will be in the place where they do not have to work anymore. Those who developed blisters from working, will rule from a plush throne. The men and women that proved their faithfulness will be rewarded.

When they are taken away from their labor, who will step into their places? The lazy and the slothful. Those who do not know how to work will be put to forced labor.

Hands that worked will be put to rest and the hands that did not will be stirred to sweat.

The Mouth (Proverbs 12:23)

The difference between the foolish and the wise man is their mouth. One is always open.

"The prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly." Proverbs 12:23, Amplified

What separates the foolish man from the wise and prudent man is only eighteen inches; from heart to head. Whatever knowledge the wise man has collected and stored, he waits to relinquish that knowledge to others. That knowledge might be detrimental to others, it may destroy others, it man hurt others. So his mouth remains closed, because he thinks before he speaks, emotion has little to do with what he thinks.

The foolish man does not care who is hurt by his verbal vomiting. They will spew their filth wherever and upon whomever. The think little about what is to be said because emotion has everything to do with what they think.