Daily Wisdom, Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29

Side note, it really bothers me that the last post is in a different font. I have a slight amount of OCD with certain things, but I had to try a new tactic for writing on my phone, and so the different font is the result of that. But I will be setting that aside because I don't know if there is any way to change it, and I'd probably make myself more crazy if I tried to. Anyway, moving on to today.

It's interesting how different things hit you at different times of life. When I read this chapter on my phone before work I highlighted things that aren't highlighted in my Bible. And there are things highlighted in my Bible that I didn't highlight today. But one thing that is highlighted in both is verse 11, "A fool always loses his temper but a wise man holds it back."

This statement shows an aspect of maturity and control that comes from an intimacy with God. It is easy to lose your temper. Things come up hourly that can set you off, and it's not hard to let them. It's easy to shorten a fuse. But part of the Fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and it continues as we grow in grace into new life in Christ. As we grow, the fruit of righteousness, the Fruit of the Spirit, is produced in our lives. And as the fruit matures, wisdom increases.

The more we grow in Christ, the more we become like Christ, the more self-control, or Spirit-control since it is of the Spirit, we are able to exercise.

"The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother" (verse 15).

When a child is given discipline and correction, they learn self-control. It is the job of the parents to teach their children to fear and love the Lord. It is their job to set their child's feet on the path of wisdom and righteousness. Self-control begins at an early age when a child is taught that they cannot simply live for them self. You ruin your child if you spoil them and let them walk all over you. "Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul" (verse 17).

"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law" (verse 18).

How many churches have a solid vision that more than the pastor is aware of? If not, the church isn't growing and thriving. Without vision you have a group of people that show up out of habit, enjoy their comfortable routine, and go home around noon on Sunday with a check next on their Spiritual to-do list.

But when there is God-centered, Kingdom-focused, vision, when the leadership is passionate about it, when the people know it and live it out, you have a Church that is expanding the boarders of the Kingdom. When there is vision to follow and get behind you have direction, you have a heading. Vision is so important, because without it there is chaos.

"A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor" (verse 23).

Humility is the key. Without humility we can never come to God. Without humility we can never find wisdom. Without humility there is no life.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for mans comes from the LORD" (verses 25-26).

Fear of man is crippling. It keeps you from living and risk taking. If we are too afraid of failure, of not impressing someone, of letting others down, we play it safe and don't really live. There is no passion, just existence. But if there is trust in God, we follow His leading into the unknown.

Men can be bribed, and justice then is corrupted, but God is the righteous judge. He is the source of justice. Every deed will be laid before Him and judged, and no one will be able to escape His sentence. No one can bride or talk their way out of the judgement of a good judge. Those who have been given injustice on earth, those who have been taken advantage of and abused will have justice from God. He will defend the defenseless. He will speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. And no one who does wickedness can escape it.

"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread."

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you