Read Proverbs 4
Highlights:
"Listening" to the instruction of a father (Prov. 4:1) won't necessarily spare a child all these things, but listening can spare him much heartache and misery. The wise way to live (4:18,20-22)! It is of utmost importance that you know the seven things that the Lord hates (6:16-19). Again, a simple person is pointed out and his destination predicted (7:7; 7:24-27).
The first of the seven deadly sins is a proud look (Prov. 6:16-19). Of all kinds of sin, pride naturally comes first, for it precedes all other sins (see Gen. 3:5).
All sin is selfishness in some form or another, and pride consists essentially in sinful self-esteem, delighting in the thought of one's superiority over others. This characteristic of Satan underlies the remaining six sins that are an abomination unto God. All of them are manifestations of hatred against one's neighbor and four consist of displaying falseness and malice proceeding from the mouth. Because of unrestrained speech, the effectiveness of many Christians is seriously diminished. Instead of being instruments of blessings in the Lord's service, they make little impact for Christ because of their constant careless talk.
Every Christian has an obligation to talk in such a way that his words become an overflow of the Spirit-filled life. We cannot offer a member of our body for our Lord's use on one occasion and then on the next, use it to deceive or destroy another. Therewith (With our tongue) bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude (likeness) of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:9-10). According to Ecclesiastes 5:3 we can detect the voice of a fool by his multitude of words. We reveal our hearts by what we say. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matt. 12:34).
Oh how some people enjoy talking and love above all else to relay what gossip they want you to "pray about." Ponder the kind of talk you enjoy hearing. In this way you can get to know yourself, for the kind of talk you like to hear indicates the kind of person you are. Note also the sort of people who pour into your ears all the latest "gossip." They have "sized you up" as being the type of person who wants to hear that kind of garbage.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. . . . by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matt. 12:35,37).
Thought for Today:
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Col. 4:6).
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Prov. 4:7,11). Christ is the Teacher in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3).
Word Studies:
4:12 straitened, hindered; 4:13 fast, firm; 4:24 froward mouth, deceitful talk; 5:3 strange, adulterous; 5:6 moveable, irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished, delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords of his sins, ensnared, held fast by the control of his sins; 6:12 naughty, worthless, wicked; 6:26 whorish woman, prostitute; 7:10 subtil, deceitful; 7:18 solace, delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Sen. John Barrasso (WY), Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. Betty Sutton (OH), Rep. Jimmy Duncan (TN), Rep. Phil Roe (TN), and Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC) • Country: Paraguay (5 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and Guarani • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Ps. 9:11).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:3
