September 17, 2018
Proverbs 22:1-21 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Book of Proverbs shares practical snippets of wisdom for living; that wisdom is usually contrasted with a foolish way to live. We can choose to live wisely or foolishly. For those who desire to serve God and live in fellowship with him, we seek to follow the righteous path vs. the foolish path. Yet, we cannot do that in our own strength or righteousness. Good behavior alone does not bring salvation; belief in Christ brings salvation and a desire to please God.
God desires for us to have a pure heart before him and Jesus brings deliverance and forgiveness; we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s pure requirements. Our sin has caused us to be separated from God. Jesus is the Savior who died for humanity and paid the price for our sin-filled lives, so we could re-connect with the Father. The blood of Jesus makes spiritual purity possible and obedience to God’s Word keeps our hearts tender and ready for the change new life in Christ requires. To stay on the righteous path, we must be willing to allow the work of the Spirit to bring transformation to how we think, how we speak, and how we act. Because of Jesus, we can enjoy life with God; the way we were originally created to live before human sin. So, practice wisdom and follow the Lord with your life.
Proverbs 22:1-21 The Way of the Righteous Leads to Life with God
1
Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
2
The rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord made them both.
3
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4
True humility and fear of the Lord
lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5
Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
whoever values life will avoid it.
6
Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.
7
Just as the rich rule the poor,
so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8
Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,
and their reign of terror will come to an end.[a]
9
Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.
10
Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
Quarrels and insults will disappear.
11
Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
will have the king as a friend.
12
The Lord preserves those with knowledge,
but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.
Prayer: Lord, help me to choose wisely each day on how I will live as your daughter. Convict me when I act foolish and seek my own way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.