November 29, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 29
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Following Scripture Verses

1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. .

Today's Pathway:
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"The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it." - Proverbs 29:07

Unless you happen to be one of them, it is easy to ignore the poor. Most of us have our own financial struggles, and very few of us would consider ourselves to be wealthy. Thus, we tend to focus on our own needs, and we don't consider the plight of the impoverished individual. The Bible tells us in this passage that it is wicked not to think about the condition of a poor man.

Please note that this verse does not say that a righteous man turns over all his money to every poor person that he meets. It says that he considers their cause. There are several implications in this statement. First of all, the righteous man thinks before he acts. He ponders the situation, and undoubtedly seeks the Lord's wisdom before making his decision. He is sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that he understands exactly what it is that He would want him to do. Second, he observes the poor man's condition. I think this involves several things. He takes note of why the man is poor. There is a difference between a man who is disabled and unable to work and a man who is too lazy to get a job. There is a difference between a man who has lost his job because the company shut down and a man who has been fired or has made no preparations through education or training to get a job. There is a difference between a man who has spent his money on medical bills for his family and a man who has spent his money in the bar. If a man has been foolish or lazy, then I do not believe that the Christian is obligated to pay for this man's unscriptural lifestyle. However, if he has been faithful to the Lord, his family, and his work (I Tim. 5:8-10; II Thes. 3:10) , then I believe that he is worthy of assistance.

The believer also takes note of what the man will do with the money. If he is going to waste it, then we should not enable the fool to continue in his foolishness. However, if he is going to use it to provide for his family and to ensure his future economic stability, then it may be the Lord's will for us to help him.

The poor may always be with us (Matt. 26:11), but this does not give us the right to ignore them. Seek the Lord's face, pay attention to what is going on, and see if God doesn't impress upon you to help someone in need.

By the way, when you receive this, please hit the "reply" button so that I know you got it. If you have already replied within the last few days telling me that you received one of the devotionals, you do not need to do it again. Thanks.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery