May 24: Proverbs

Today's passages echoed the truth that wisdom -- and, in large part, our faith-walk generally -- requires a long-term orientation. As the cadets learn at West Point, wisdom urges us to "choose the harder right over the easier wrong." Like Moses chose in his life, so must we: "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:24-27)


"A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (22:1)

This proverbs speaks to that long-term orientation. A good name only comes through faithfulness and kindness over many years of time. Also, as we seek to live for and honor God, His reputation ultimately becomes entwined with our own. A great test of our motivations lies in the question: How do people perceive God as a result of watching my life? Do I lead them closer to Him or farther away? Lord, may You help us to lead lives that draw people unto Yourself and bring glory to Your Name.


"He who brings touble on his family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise." (11:29)
"The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (14:1)
"A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity." (17:17)

Relationships have an amazing power to bring both great blessing and great pain. Unreconciled conflict can cripple our strength and destroy our ability to worship and love. Bitterness drives us to hurt those people who have loved us. While our families are not perfect -- simply as a result of our being in them! -- we may approach our relationships with our family members with gratitude and seek to bless them. God does not promise us an easy road with our families, but He desires us to love them richly. How do your actions today influence your relationships 20 years from now? How can you become a friend who stands by others in times of adversity? How can you give thanks for your true friends?


"Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure." (20:28)
"A ruler who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops." (28:3)

What drives us? We may see many examples of how power can corrupt man's vision and lead him to all sorts of self-seeking activities. Yet, the greatest motivation is love: love for God and love for others (Matthew 22:37-40). While we see many worldly examples of how Machiavellian tactics lead to short-term or perhaps even life-long gains, God's Word is clear in its message that love brings true blessing. David's love for His Father established his family on the throne. How does God's concern for the poor flow against the ways in which leaders in government and business use them?


"Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared." (3:25,26)

May we look beyond today's troubles and gratefully see God's amazing provision and faithfulness.