Readings in Proverbs
Proverbs – Day 36
Day 36: The fear of the LORD – part 3 The LORD is our shepherd who guides us in His paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). When […]
Day 36: The fear of the LORD – part 3
The LORD is our shepherd who guides us in His paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). When others aggrieve us, we are not to seek vengeance, but instead turn our minds and emotions to trusting the LORD for His deliverance (Prov. 20:22). This is what God’s law says: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the LORD (Lev.19:18).”
These proverbs affirm the control of God, even directing the king’s heart like water being directed by the hand (Prov. 21:1). This is a comfort to us! Those who are wicked will not stand before Him (Prov. 21:12). The LORD weighs the heart and sees all things (Prov. 20:27). Surely, there is nothing more hypocritical than mixing worship and wickedness (Prov. 21:27). Ezekiel saw a vision of worship in the temple, but God was not present at their worship because of their idolatry (Ezek. 8:1-18). Nonetheless, their empty worship continued! God hates such hollow and wicked worship. May this be a warning to us.
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
– Prov. 20:22
The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
– Prov. 20:27
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
– Prov. 21:1
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
– Prov. 21:2
The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.
– Prov. 21:12
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
– Prov. 21:27
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.
– Prov. 21:30
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
– Prov. 21:31
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honour and life.
– Prov. 22:4
The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
– Prov. 22:14
O Great God, when evil upsets us, give us patience to wait for You. We thank You for the great love You have for us.
We pray that Your Word will not return empty to You, but that it would guide us and warm our hearts to You.
We pray in our Saviour’s Name,
Amen.
– Graham Barnes
