October 17, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 17
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Following Scripture Verses

1. Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3. The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
4. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5. Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6. Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7. Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
8. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10. A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20. He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21. He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Today's Pathway:
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"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..." - Proverbs 17:22

Disease is real. Solomon's intent in this verse is not to downplay the reality of illnesses or physical pain. However, he does indicate that a man's attitude during his infirmity, and actually his attitude towards his infirmity, can play a roll in his overall health.

It is very easy to get discouraged when ailments strike. The doctor gives us bad news and our human tendency is to become disappointed and distraught. However, this verse indicates that if we will allow our hearts to rejoice and be glad it will help us like a medicine would.

The Bible gives us some assistance in learning how to have a merry heart even in times of crisis. First of all, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. The second Fruit of the Spirit is joy (Gal 5:22), and the Holy Spirit will produce that in our lives if we will follow Him and don't grieve or quench Him. Second, we must realize that God has known all about this problem from eternity past. Nothing surprises Him, and in fact everything that happens in our lives is by His design in order to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28). Thus, even illnesses are for our good. Third, we need to understand that God's grace is sufficient for us (II Cor. 12:9). No matter how bad we may feel, or how serious the prognosis may be, God will still provide for us, and He is all that we need. Finally, we need to remember that God always leaves a way of escape for us (I Cor. 10:13). Any problem we might have is similar to the problems that many other have had, and God always sees to it that nothing happens to us that we can not handle with His help.

No one likes to receive bad news. However, when it comes, allow the Spirit to do His work, trust God to keep His promises, and allow the joy of the Lord to rule in your heart. It will do you a world of good.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery