May 15, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 15
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Following Scripture Verses

1. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Today's Pathway:
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"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die." - Proverbs 15:10

No one ever gets away with sin. People may think that they have violated the Word of God and avoided the chastening of the Lord, but they are not correct. In today's verse, Solomon reminds his son that there is a great price that must be paid for choosing to live a life contrary to the principles of the Bible. All transgressions must be dealt with by God, whether they were done intentionally or in ignorance, because He is holy and just. However, there is a particularly heavy dose of judgment when the sin was done deliberately.

The man in this verse has "forsaken the way". He is not confused, he is willful. He knows what is right, and has chosen to abandon the correct path so that he can live as he desires. For this man, the correction from the Lord will be grievous. It will be very painful for him, whether physically or emotionally, and he will be made to be sorry for the foolish decision that he has made.

The second part of the verse is even more disturbing. Once a man has been warned about his behavior and its consequences, if he still chooses to go his own rebellious way he will ultimately die. The man obviously hates reproof, or else he would listen to it. I John 5:16 warns us that there is a "sin unto death", and apparently willful sin followed by rebellion against reproof falls into that category.

Throughout the Scriptures we read of those who had their lives taken from them because of their iniquity. Others were sorely punished because of their wickedness. Today each one of us will make the choice whether or not to obey the Scriptures. There is a severe penalty for making the wrong choice. Which decision will you make?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery