June 12, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 12
Click above for full KJV Online

Today's Pathway:previous - - - - - - - - - - - - next
Click above to go directly to TP
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:
You may click on verses for Scripture

"He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread." - Proverbs 12:9

Two men are contrasted in today's passage. One is "despised", and the other "honoureth himself". The contrast could not be more pronounced, for the Hebrew word translated "despised" means "to be light", and the word translated "honoureth" means "to be heavy". The first man is looked down upon by the world. He is considered to be a "lightweight". No one pays much attention to him. He lives simply, but clearly within his means, for he is able to have a servant. The second man is highly esteemed by the world. He is well known in the community, and people seek his favor. He enjoys showing off for his neighbors. He lives an extravagant lifestyle, but his spending has put him in a position where he has run out of money.

This is exactly what is happening in our economy today. People who wanted to be big shots have indebted themselves to the point where their homes are being foreclosed on and they are declaring bankruptcy. Their desire is to blame the government, the banks, the credit card companies, and the housing industry, but the fact is that they spent more money than they could afford to. They wanted to honor themselves with a large home in an upscale neighborhood, or perhaps with a brand new vehicle. They honored themselves with expensive clothes, collectibles, and vacations. However, they can no longer pay their debts, and their lifestyle is about to change drastically.

However, there were also people who chose to live a simpler lifestyle. They didn't require the best of everything. They squeezed a few more years out of their vehicle, and chose a home that was within their means. They shopped at the "pre-owned" stores, and ate most of their meals at home. And, when money got tight, they were still able to afford to live. In fact, they got to do some things that the big shots didn't because they had lived frugally.

It is better to live simply and be able to maintain your lifestyle than to live extravagantly and ultimately become impoverished.. Which choice are you making?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery