Read Proverbs 20
Highlights:
We see the benefit of integrity and having a good reputation. Warning is given against alcoholic drink and its subtle addiction that leads to destruction. How should we treat the less fortunate and our children? Proverbs 22 is unique in that the writer gives us "thirty sayings of the wise."
Everyone despises a liar and a thief (even liars and thieves despise people who lie to them): The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets (Prov. 22:13). His lion is an "excuse" and a lie for not wanting to work. Such a lie is common, but just as sinful as any other lie. A child makes "excuses" for disobedience to his parents but he had other plans; a salesman who makes no calls has excuses for making no sales. A husband who decides to play a game of pool says working overtime is the reason he is late coming home.
Rather than making excuses for laziness we need to remember what Jesus prayed for you and me on the night He was betrayed: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them . . . that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me (17:20-23).
Truthfulness and obedience are keys to pleasing God and are essential if one is to know God's will. Jesus promised His disciples: When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth (John 16:13).
The true believer is never satisfied with mere knowledge of the Gospel, but he is a doer of the Word — not a hearer only (James 1:22-25). And, in this new life of spiritual freedom, disciples go forth to witness for Christ and spread the Word which has brought salvation and true joy to themselves. As a part of the Body of Christ, they are willing to respond in every sphere of work in the service of the Church, by the bedside of the sick, caring for the poor, and seeking to bring the wanderers back to the fold. Even the weak in faith and babes in Christ witness to their joy as a new creature (II Cor. 5:17) in Christ, who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). All who possess eternal life find joy in expressing their love for their Lord and His Word.
If ye continue in My Word, then ye are My disciples indeed; And ye shall know The Truth, and The Truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32).
Thought for Today:
Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
Christ Revealed:
As the King who sits on the throne of judgment (Prov. 20:8). For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies:
20:10 divers, differing; 20:19 meddle not, do not associate; 20:25 make inquiry, reconsider; 21:7 robbery, violence; 21:9 brawling, contentious; 21:14 a reward in the bosom, a secret gift; 22:2 meet together, have this in common; 22:26 sureties for, responsible for.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. Otto Legrady • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe • Major language: Portuguese • Limited religious freedom • 95% Christian; 5% non-Religious/Other; .5% Muslim; .1% Hindu; .01% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with sincere lips (Ps. 17:1).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:4
