July 17, 2018 – Proverbs 15:28-30
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. Proverbs 15:28-30.
In I Kings 3, we learn about Solomon and his deep devotion to God. During a dream God appeared to Solomon, “Ask what I shall give you.”
Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. I Kings 3:6-7. Solomon asked for wisdom. And this wisdom of God is written in Proverbs.
Recognition of the difference between the righteous and the evil is clearly given. The discipline of listening to God’s words creates light in the eyes and joy in the heart through wisdom and humility.
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:1-3.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:31-33.