A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Do we work as hard toward having a “good name” on a daily basis as we do to make sure that we are living comfortably & affording our desires?
What do we do to achieve a “good name”?
He who loves a pure heart & whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
Proverbs 22:11
How do our words come through? Do we speak with love & gentleness?
Proverbs 23:12
How do we accept advice from others? Does our pride get in the way or can we take it & use it to better ourselves?
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
Proverbs 23:17
Do we try to get away with doing things that we know are not honouring to God? Are we “Sunday morning” Christians or do we live for God every day of the week?
For waging war you need guidance, & for victory many advisers.
Proverbs 24:6
Are we able to seek counsel from others when we need to make big decisions?
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice.
Proverbs 24:17
Can we love & hurt for those that have mistreated us when it is clear that they need God or to we relish when they fall?
Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive. Do not say, “I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did.”
Proverbs 24:28&29
Are we willing to forgive?
What do people think of when they think of us?
Do they know us to be considerate in our words, humble & willing to consider advice, an example of a Godly person every day of the week, forgiving & not finding joy in others’ pain?
Do our names & who we are reflect God daily?
2 comments:
Proverbs 24:17&18
Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the Lord will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
These verses stood out to me as well. When I read this I thought of a former client of mine that still hasn't paid up all he owes. If he were to stumble, would I laugh and say he has it coming? Or would I help him out, trying to show him the love of Jesus? Would be difficult, but hope I would show him love, which would teach a lesson more valuable than all the money he owes me.
I appreciated the verses you highlighted, and your comments. Proverbs has some challenging stuff for us, that's for sure!
22:3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
I read this and thought of it in the context of sin. Sin always over-promises and under-delivers. Always. If we would look past the immediate temptation, and instead look at the consequences of our sin, perhaps we would be more likely to resist.
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