Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Proverbs 14:16-19

When we look at Proverbs, God is continually warning His people about the dangerous influence of the evil man. In these four verses, we are again admonished to be careful who we interact with.

Proverbs 14:16, “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.”
A wise man says, “This backslider is going to get himself into trouble, and me along with him. I’m going to stay away from him.” However the fool says, “I can handle anything that happens. Just bring it on.” We are told that he would fall into the same trap as the backslider.

Proverbs 14:17, “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.”
This verse could not be clearer. He that gets angry very quickly is going to act like a fool. How often have you seen somebody go off and say things they wish they had not said?

I am not much of a golfer but I have heard of irate golfers wrapping their very expensive golf clubs around tree trunks in a fit of anger. I have watched people kick their cars doing more damage than good. When anger controls you, you will have problems.

This Proverb goes on to say, that a man who plans and prosecutes wicked deeds, because of his angry heart, will be hated by everyone.

Proverbs 14:18, “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”
My mother used to say, “Birds of a feather flock together.” If you are foolish and do foolish things, you will receive more and more foolishness. Foolish people will surround you. Foolish actions will control you. Foolish consequences will fill your life.

On the other hand, the prudent will be rewarded with the results of their thoughtful cautious approach to life. God wants His children to be prudent.

Proverbs 14:19, “The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.”
This verse brings to mind Philippians 2:5-11. The Apostle Paul tells us that Christ is our example. He came to this earth as a humble servant obedient to the Father. His obedience was untimely death. The Bible tells us that because of His obedience, He will be exalted above everyone, and at His name every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

The end of the wicked, the end of the evil man is humility. The end of the good and the righteous is exaltation. If you want to be exalted in the eyes of the Father, we must daily surrender to His Spirit that we might live righteously in His sight.

Proverbs 14:20, “The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”
This is true financially. This is true spiritually. This is true socially. If we choose to disobey God, we will reap the harvest of an empty life. If we obey His Word and are rich in our spiritual walk with Him, we will be a friend of God and a friend to many others. Let us choose God and walk in His wisdom.

God bless you.
Your friend,
David Teis

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