June 7, 2020
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!
Proverbs chapter 21 touches on a few different themes. In the middle of the chapter we see the theme of the reward in living wisely contrasted with the ruin brought on by wickedness and foolishness. A repeated notion in this section is that the wicked man who shows no mercy will also find no mercy when he seeks it: verse 15 states that “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
As people who have experienced the rich mercies and extravagant generosity of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to extend that same mercy and generosity towards others!
The proverb implies that the one who shows no mercy should not expect to receive mercy when in need of it; if we fail to be people of mercy, it should cause us to pause and question whether we have truly experienced and been transformed by the mercy of God! “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7).
Proverbs 21
21 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked,
but the conduct of the pure is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;
he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself call out and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret averts anger,
and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense
will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
and the traitor for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land
than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling,
but a foolish man devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty
and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves,
but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish,
but the word of a man who hears will endure.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,
but the upright gives thought to his ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
can avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Family Discussion Question:
- Why is it so important that we show the same love, mercy, generosity and kindness that God has shown us in Jesus? What does it demonstrate about us if we don’t?
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Gracias padre por tus palabras que dejaste para nuestro vivir mejor siguiendo tus pasos cotidianamente, eres nuestro maestro día a día, gracias padre porque siempre nos nutres y nos llenas de tú espíritu santo tú eres nuestra guía espiritual quien nos da la sabiduría para no apartarnos nunca de tu camino, padre celestial tuyos son los cielos las naciones, tú eres el inicio y el fin sin ti nada somos cúbrenos con tu misericordia y llevamos de tu mano para seguir haciendo siempre tú voluntad no la nuestra te amamos y en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén ?
I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
A big thank you for your article.
I always spent my half an hour to read this web site’s articles or reviews daily along with a mug of coffee.
Lord Jesus thank you for this day the Sabbath. Your day of rest. I praise You for You are God. Forgive me Lord when I doubt You. Forgive me of my worry and anxiety. I acknowledge You are in control of all things and You can see all things. Thank you for knowing my heart as Your Word says. Keep changing it to a heart of flesh. For You are God of love. There is no greater love than a brother laying down his life for another. In Jesus Name Amen.
Dear Lord I want to live an upright life. I know we are to be kind and loving to others. We are to help those that are in need. We are to live a life of happiness, truth and honesty. We should not bring harm to others. This I know to be true. In Jesus name I pray Amen
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to be wise and upright in my thinking and my actions. You have written in your Word the ways we should live. If we only follow Your advice, we will be blessed beyond measure in all ways that are just and pure. During this isolation we have endured, it has allowed more time for reflection on what is truly important. Treasures that we strive for on earth are merely things with no meaning. It is better to be poor in riches than in spirit. Those that truly love You know this . We are to share with those less fortunate and show Your love to them. Please help me to be mindful of my actions and thoughts so that I will bring glory and honor to you. I want to store io treasures in heaven for You. Thank you for this day. Lead me, dear Lord, I pray . In Jesus name. Amen.
The Lord God made us and He knows us, the thoughts and intents of our hearts. I believe verses 2 & 3 sum up what we as believers need to remember and the way to “follow after Christ.”
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
I pray that as believers we would daily and minutely surrender our will to the Holy Spirit’s leading. To be more like Jesus is my goal in life. To love others who are made in the image of God and treat them as I would want to be treated.
Dear Lord, help.me to remember that but for Your grace and mercy I would have no hope of eternity with you. Amen
From everlasting to everlasting, Father you are on your throne. Your mercies last for ever and ever. Bless your people for they are weary and troubled. As we lift our empty cups to you this day fill them to overflowing. Move in us. Direct us. May others see you in us in all we do and say. You can do more in a moment than we can do in a life time. Now, let’s be going together, arm in arm, to serve your people and to find one more for your son, Jesus. Amen
Thank you father that I can be a light to others who do not know you and speak of the love of Jesus in my life.
We love because He first loved us.
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. Proverbs 21:2
Lord,
Our hearts speak so much of who we are. I pray You will create in me a clean heart, and renew a loyal spirit within me as Psalm 51:10 instructs.
In your merciful name,
Amen.
Father thank you for guarding my eyes and heart to love you only
I will pursue righteousness and loyalty, and find life, righteousness and honor. I will guard my mouth, tongue and my soul from trouble. I will listen to the truth so I will speak forever. Victory belongs to the Lord.
Quoting from our Sunday school lesson this morning:
Daniel 9:18 – “O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolation’s and the city which is called by Your name for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.”
Thank you Lord that we can come before you and expect You to stand on Your covenants and promises even though, we try but fail, You daily in our christian walk.
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Especially in times like this, where we are more aware of violent injustice to minority groups, from those in positions of power, help us Lord make the changes necessary to have a more just, criminal justice system, while also having people who want to serve and protect us all.
Lord, please help us to see one another as Your precious creation! Help us to stand strong against the enemy that wants to divide us and cause us to hate each other. Help me to use wisdom when speaking and in my actions, that what I say and do will be pleasing to you.