Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Teaching to do Right

Proverbs 19:15-29

“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” (Proverbs 19:15)

Laziness makes a person feel tired and constantly in need of sleep.  The less they do the more tired they feel.  Because they can’t be bothered to get out and do anything they use up everything they had and end up in poverty and hunger.  Many feel obligated to see that such people have the necessities, but II Thessalonians 3:10 says, “,,,we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”  We have no right to circumvent God’s plan by feeding people who don’t want to do their share.

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. ” (Proverbs 19:16)

God’s commands were given to enable people to have the best possible life.  Obeying them preserves a person’s life, while disobeying them leads to the loss of one’s life. 

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17)

A person who takes the trouble to help those who are struggling is in effect lending the Lord the value of his help.  God always pays his bills.  It will pay off. 

“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)

To chasten means to make a person aware their actions will not be tolerated.  Sometimes just a scolding is enough while other times some type of physical punishment is required.  It is important that chastening be done before the action becomes habitual.  Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”  If the action is allowed to continue, eventually you will be unable to stop them.  Don’t let the fear of making him cry stop you from teaching him what is right. 

“A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.” (Proverbs 19:19)

Sooner or later a person who lets themselves fly off the handle will get into trouble because each time they get away with it they get worse.  Trying to get them out of trouble just encourages them.   Don’t waste the time.

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20)

Listen to advice and learn from it.  Eventually it will make you wise.

“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

People are constantly coming up with new ideas and plans, but God’s principles do not change.  Unlike people, God doesn’t change his mind. 

“The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.” (Proverbs 19:22)

What a person wants determines how he treats other people.  A poor man is always worth more than a liar, no matter how much the liar may have.
 
“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. ” (Proverbs 19:23)

Respect for the Lord and his power tends to make a person cautious about disobeying him.  As a result he avoids God’s judgment and is able to enjoy his life.

“A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.” (Proverbs 19:24)

A lazy man resents even having to exert himself to bring a bite of food to his mouth.   He’d rather just fold his hands and let somebody else do it for him so he doesn’t have to exert himself at all.

“Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. ” (Proverbs 19:25)

Punishing a rebellious and stubborn person rarely changes their ways, but it makes other people think about the consequences of their actions and may deter them.   A thoughtful person will pay attention with just a warning. 

“He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. ” (Proverbs 19:26-27)

A person who just wastes what his father earns and refuses to have anything to do with his mother is an embarrassment to his parents, constantly shaming them.   He needs to quit paying attention to bad advice or teaching that encourages him to do wrong.  As I Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”  Despite one’s best intentions, he will be affected by listening to such advice.

“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. ” (Proverbs 19:28-29)

Ungodly people hate the idea they will be judged and think it ridiculous, and wicked people flock to wicked things like flies are drawn to honey.  They don’t understand that Judgment is designed specifically because of their attitude, and the punishment is for fools who think wickedness is fun. 



2 comments:

  1. Great post, Donald! In today's society of technology helping us with many mundane tasks, and the expectation of instant gratification, it is easy to become slothful and forget the importance of hard work. In spiritual discipline there are no short cuts, and if we seek to know Him we must apply ourselves in Bible study and in prayer.
    May you, your family and your ministry be blessed this Christmas, in 2015 and until He comes again!
    Laurie

    ReplyDelete