Friday, March 11, 2016

A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11 like the previous chapter contains a wealth of information that can be used in our daily interactions with our neighbors, co-workers, random people we meet, or our families.

Before we go further, I like the analogy of distance running when it comes to doing this challenge. When you initially start running, a few minutes in you may feel like stopping, but you tell yourself to press on. Your legs are a bit sore and your feet feel like lead, but the longer you run, that feeling disappears. We're at that point.

Today, I've provided my thoughts on a few verses that resonated for me.

Highlights and Observations
The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.(v3) Integrity is the quality of  being honest and having strong moral principles. A person of integrity usually does not shift their views based on the circumstance but rather their moral compass allows them to handle any circumstance appropriately. Having strong moral principles will always guide you in the right direction. Something isn't right because it feels right, it's right because you have a guide of right and wrong and you know what right is.

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. (v10, 21) A note about the joy - we're not joyful to see another person's demise; it's more of an acknowledgement of what we always knew but they refused to see. We shouldn't get too cocky about being right, or a person's downfall either.

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (v13) People who talk freely about others to you in a slanderous way, will talk about you the same way to others. This makes you not able to trust them. A trustworthy person does not betray trust.

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion (v22). My immediate thought today is Kim K and her latest antics. Your beauty is priceless, something to be treasured, not thrown around or flaunted in the mud until it is tattered and unrecognizable because it is co-mingled with the filth of the pig sty. Think of the imagery of a gold ring in a pig's snout the next time you wish to recklessly flaunt what you have been given. Instead, be discreet; you're still beautiful.

The liberal soul shall be made fat...(v25) Be generous; you have nothing to lose by doing so. It is God who has blessed us, so liberally share his blessing with others as you will be blessed also. This may be your time our resources.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that wins souls is wise...(v30) The fruit of a believer's life is attractive, appealing and inviting. Our righteous living speaks for itself and others are influenced to follow Christ by our example.

Keep reading. What verses/proverbs stood out for you?

2 comments:

  1. I like verse 22 alot =]
    by the way this is BLT, i told you i would comment some day :) lol. I'm about to go eat and the train, adios =D

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