September 21, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 21
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Following Scripture Verses

1. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Today's Pathway:
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" Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts." - Proverbs 21:2

Today's verse reveals both the pride of men and the omniscience of God. The first half deals with the attitudes that men have towards their own ideas and actions. When a man makes a decision, he assumes that it is the correct one. This is based in his arrogance, for what he is really saying is that this choice must be right because he made it, and he couldn't possibly be wrong. Most men don't set out to go down the wrong path. They don't plan to ruin their lives. Their activities may even be illegal, yet they still believe that they are making the best choice for themselves, though they run the risk of punishment. This is why men tend to rebel against any authority, be it secular or sacred, for they reject anyone who suggests that their choices are not correct.

While men consider their ways to be righteous, regardless of the validity of that opinion, our all-knowing God not only knows whether or not our actions are correct, but He also understands the heart attitude behind them. It is possible for a man to do the "right" thing, yet do it with an improper motivation or a rebellious spirit. He may be able to fool other men with his activities, but the Lord knows what is really going on in the depths of his heart.

It is clear that I must have Biblical actions, but I must also do them with a Spirit-filled heart. I dare not trust my own judgment, but lean upon God for guidance. Then, when I know what I must do, I need to surrender to it with a heart of rejoicing, thanking God for the opportunity to do His will and attempting to accomplish it for His glory.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery