A life of contrasts.
I suspect if we are honest, all of us live lives of contrast. What we say doesn’t match how we live. How we act belies our maturity (or lack thereof). What we say laughs at our so-called “maturity of age.” In fact, the way we talk often screams at our words of “I am a Christian.”
As I was reading this morning I ran across some contrasts. I found them in Proverbs 12. I’m going to just give a few and would like to encourage you to read this chapter on your own and make your own notes and conclusions:
“The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.” (v.5)
“The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. (v.6)
“A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.” (v.8)
“Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.” (v.12)
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” (v. 15)
“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” (v.16)
“Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” (v.19)
I’ve given you just a few of the contrasts and there are more. What struck me though was how we hear voices speaking to us and they are telling us the exact opposite of what we need to hear and should hear, i.e. the truth. Not necessarily truth with a capital “T” (Gods truth found in His Word), but truth with a small “t” (as in telling the truth). The voices we often hear are the ones that tell us “Do your own thing” or “Do what seems right” or “Do what feels right.” Voices that are skewed. Voices that are off-base.
The only reliable voice to listen to is the voice of God found in His Word. Trust THAT voice.
God’s voice is the only one we should ever trust. May we ask Him for wisdom and discernment to hear His truth and act upon it.
Blessings, Bill!
Totally agree Martha. We need to resist those wayward voices
The enemy is the master crafter of half-truths. He likes to twist and skew. Sure in some cases, He will come in with a complete lie, but generally speaking he is craftier than that.
The contrasts you share are good reminders to where we may be drifting. Where our minds might be taking us. Where we need a re-calibration. I love the Proverbs for that alone… A reset of the mind. Replay the previous days thoughts and actions and compare to the Proverb you are reading for the day as well as prepare for your day with pre-loading your mind with absolute truths.
The only 100% reliable voice is God’s Word… Always compare what you are being told or what you are relying on with what is true. The Bible is our measuring stick, our litmus test, our compass, our roadmap.
Our men’s group has taken on the challenge of reading a chapter of Proverbs a day to coincide with the day of the month, (i.e. today is Proverbs 30)… There are always truths that can applied retroactively and proactively.
Not only are you totally correct in your analysis Ryan, but I love that your men’s group is doing that. I read chapter 30 this morning since that is my daily practice. I am also using a Men’s Devotional Bible and it had me read Proverbs 12 today. Thanks for your wise words.
I just finished reading through James, and there is no way to read through James or Proverbs and not have a conviction of your heart. May God’s voice be louder than all the noise and chaos around us. May we only rely on the true source of truth, God’s word and apply that to our lives.
You are so right Gail. Ironically, my next series beginning in May will be on James. What a fun ride!
Every time I read Proverbs I am totally blown away from the wisdom it carries. Of course, Solomon asked God for all that wisdom.
However in all that wisdom the man had one defect which I always think goes back to Adam and Eve..
He listened to his wives!
(Don’t shoot me!!) 😀
i won’t shoot you but I can’t vouch for others. 🙂 You are right in one thing though: it goes back to one defect: sin.