January 12, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 12
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Following Scripture Verses

1. Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Today's Pathway:
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Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. - Proverbs 12:1

Few people like to be told that they are doing wrong. We don't enjoy being rebuked for our actions, even though in our hearts we may know that the criticism is justified. This verse shows us that our response when we are approached and challenged for our actions reveals much about our relationship with the Lord and our resultant desire for wisdom. We have here a contrast between two types of men; one who welcomes corrective instruction and one who despises it. While I am sure that the first man is not looking forward to being rebuked, he understands that, if he is doing wrong, the best thing for him is for a Spirit-filled individual to come along and help him by showing him his error. This man loves knowledge; he wants to know what he is doing incorrectly so that he can fix the problem and behave in a wiser way.

The second man is selfishly motivated. He doesn't care if he is right or wrong, or if he conducts himself wisely or not. All he is interested in is doing what he wants to do, and he rebels against anyone attempting to show him his errors. Solomon calls this man "brutish", which means that he is animal-like in his thinking. Since we often refer to beasts as "dumb animals", we understand that God is saying that the man who rejects Biblical reproof isn't very smart.

How do you respond if someone comes to you in Scriptural fashion and shows you some areas of your life that need to be changed? Do you simply nod your head, and then go away the same as you were? Do you get angry that he would dare to question you? Or do you welcome the information, pray about it, and make the necessary changes?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery