June 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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"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother." - Proverbs 15:20

In today's Proverb Solomon gives us an interesting comparison. He contrasts the wise son and the foolish son, but he compares two different aspects of their lives. He opens by stating that the wise son makes a glad father. As this is Fathers Day, 2008, this seems like an appropriate verse to examine. Apparently, one of the greatest gifts that a son can give his dad is to live his life in a wise manner. This is obviously true, because a son who is behaving according to Biblical knowledge is going to stay out of trouble and make his life count for something. He will be a hard worker and handle his finances cautiously. He will marry the right girl, and will raise his own children to love and serve the Lord. I don't know that there could be anything greater that a father could receive than that.

The second half of the verse deals with the foolish son. Interestingly, Solomon does not reveal the outcome of this young man's life. He does not say that he makes his mother sorrowful, although it is reasonable to assume that he does. Instead, Solomon deals with the motivation that causes the man to live foolishly: he despises his mother. The Bible does not mince words. God does not beat around the bush when He reveals a man's flaws. Here He boldly proclaims that the man who doesn't do right despises his parents. If he loved them, he would do right. If he loved them he would pursue wisdom, because he knows that it would please his mom and dad. However, his parent's joy is of little concern to him. He cares only about himself, and his decisions reveal that.

Are you pleasing your parents, or do you despise them? Your actions will tell you the answer.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery