PROVERBS 21:2-30
V2: "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart."
There is so much more to us as people than what may meet the eye. What truly matters is what lies deep within our hearts, and a the end of the day, that is what God seeks. We oftentimes get so caught up with our outward appearances, that we forget to focus on what is truly important: our hearts and how they look before the Lord.
V3: "The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices."
We can often prioritize the gifts we give to the Lord over our actions. The truth is that the Lord is more pleased when we are doing what is right, even more so than our sacrifices to Him.
V4: "Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin."
Haughty eyes direct our sight away from the Lord and onto ourselves in a self-centered and self-elevating manner. A proud heart is the root of a lifestyle of pride. Evil actions become habits. All of these things are opposite the things of the Lord and are best described as nothing short of sin.
V8: "The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road."
The path of righteousness is a straight and direct road that the innocent travel. It is those who are guilty of wrongdoings that find themselves on the crooked path of life.
V10: "Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them."
The difference between believers and nonbelievers is what they strive for and crave. The Godly want more of the Lord, but all that evil people desire is more evil.
V13: "Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need."
A way we love one another is through servanthood. Whether we are helping someone who is well off and rich or the poorest of the poor, love knows no bounds and chooses to help others no matter what condition they may find themselves in. The people who choose to not help but instead ignore the cries of the poor will be ignored when they are in need. Since ignorance was what was sowed, when the time comes, it will also be reaped.
V16: "The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead."
The people we surround ourselves with have the chance to either lead us toward the Lord or corrupt our character. The ones in the company of those who bring nothing but death become the ones who stray away from wisdom and common sense.
V21: "Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor."
The people who seek after Godly righteousness and the unfailing love of the Lord will be blessed with righteousness and honor. When your gaze is set on the things of the Lord, you can't help but reap the blessings He has laid out for you!
V26: "Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!"
A greedy person has their best interests in mind at all times. A Godly person is always looking out for others, and instead of striving after self-gain, directs their hearts to a posture of giving.
V30: "No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord."
We have a very limited understanding when compared to the insight and knowledge the Lord has. We cannot even comprehend the things that He has in store for us. At the end of the day, the Lord is the one in control, and everything He does is with our best interests in mind, so as long as we can continue to trust in Him, we will not fail!
Comments