Proverbs 18
18:2 "A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind" and 18:13 "He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him." How hard it is to listen! Even though God gave us two ears and one mouth, most of us are more interested in speaking our own mind than understanding someone else. Maybe its pride, maybe its insecurity, maybe it is the need to be understood, but most people won't take the time or energy to truly put themselves behind the eyes of others. If we could simply see things from an other's perspective, we would understand why they act and think as they do. Too often we simply dismiss others as foolish, selfish, evil, or stupid. The more I take the time to truly understand someone else, the more I realize that even the strangest actions are done based on the "rational information" someone else has. Their information maybe be flawed, but they don't know it. The same is true for most non-believers. They have been given wrong information, deceived by the enemy and make poor choices. Of course our sinful nature bears responsibility, but too often the roots go much deeper.
18:11 "A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination." Great verse. Riches can be deceitful, giving a false sense of security. Yet, no one knows what will happen tomorrow, or even tonight for that matter. Do you trust in your job, your bank account, your insurance benefits, your retirement or the Lord?
Lord, may we take the time to try to see things from Your perspective, to understand Your heart and trust You fully.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Seek God, Share Jesus, Show Love
Calvary Chapel West Boca
Seek God, Share Jesus, Show Love
Blog Archive
-
▼
2007
(31)
-
▼
July
(31)
- Proverbs 31
- Proverbs 30
- Proverbs 29
- Proverbs 28
- Proverbs 27
- Proverbs 26
- Proverbs 25
- Proverbs 24
- Proverbs 23
- Proverbs 22
- Proverbs 21
- Proverbs 20
- Proverbs 19
- Proverbs 18
- Proverbs 17
- Proverbs 16
- Proverbs 15
- Proverbs 14
- Proverbs 13
- Proverbs 12
- Proverbs 11
- Proverbs 10
- Proverbs 9
- Proverbs 8
- Proverbs 7
- Proverbs 6
- Proverbs 5
- Proverbs 4
- Proverbs 3
- Proverbs 2
- Proverbs 1
-
▼
July
(31)
4 comments:
18:17 "Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight."(TLB) In order to help someone in a difficult situation we must make sure you hear both sides of a story. We need to use the discernment the Lord has given us so we don't "enable" a person during a trial. It is my human nature to jump in and "help", but Praise God I am finally learning to rely on the Lord to show me just how to help.
Rick C. said...18:2 I often begin speaking words of wisdom (ha ha) before I have understood the problem. Too many times I am quick to show what I know to someone that has come to me for help. And in my zeal to speak spritual wisdom, I do not hear the heart of the matter. Our answers should always be based on the understanding of the heart. Remember that the word of God is there to produce healing. Yes, it is true 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that scripture is profitable for reproof but the goal of reproof is spritual healing. Kevin H. used to remind us in the men's group that if we did not love someone, we should not minister to them. That's not to say that we should not minister, but that our heart should be from the overflow of God's love to us. We must always be seeking the healing of others instead of the demonstration of our own knowledge and spiritual maturity. We should always listen without thinking of what our response will be. But, hear the matter and let God speak out of love to healing the of others. Solomon said victory comes from an abudance of counselors. So also, our words should come only when we have heard and understood the matter from many angles and sides. Then we can weight that by the word of God.
Rick C.
Pro 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
This verse has been very thought provoking for me. As I meditate on it’s meaning, I think about how we can “chew” on the words that others speak to us. The criticism and harsh words tend to drown my thoughts and at times can overwhelm me. Connie, this is like what you were talking about with Samantha… when others tease us, we drown in it. It really hurts us to be teased. I still remember the pain of being teased that happened over 30 years ago.
Yet, if we could look to the fountain of wisdom that comes from the Lord, and allow ourselves to be drowned in that, we can be washed free and clean. However, my tendency is to have that wisdom be just a fountain that barely covers the rocks (trials) in my life. As much as I like to sit by a bubbling brook and listen to it, appears pleasant, and is fun to walk through, it’s hard to swim or bathe in it. Yet the constant and steady flow of water running over the rocks that makes the peaceful sound, is what makes their rough edges smoothed out over time. Wisdom takes time to wash over us and sink into to the depths of our rough places. Plant yourself in that bubbling brook and allow Him to wash over you and all the rocks of criticism, rather then allowing yourself to drown in those deep waters.
Pro 18:7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul... How true! How many times have we gotten ourselves into trouble because we couln't keep our mouth shut? Or even getting someone else into trouble becasue we like to share that juicy gossip or talk about a co-workers mess up?
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe... Sweet words and an awesome reminder of who and where we should always turn to.
Pro 18:17 The first to plead his case {seems} right, {Until} another comes and examines him...
There is always 2 sides to every story. I like to go right to the source and get the real scoop. We should always put off judging until we get ALL the facts. We are supposed be innocent until proven guilty! Even with that being said we all know that God is the ultimate judge.MG
Post a Comment