Proverbs 20-23 Us, God, and Life

This morning’s readings seem to best be summed up as “Who we are, who God is, and what He can do with us.”

 

“No one can say, ‘I am innocent; I have never done anything wrong.’ …  The Lord looks deep inside people and searches through their thoughts … You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord judges your reasons… The Lord decides what a person will do; no one understands what his life is all about … The Lord can control a king’s mind [or my mind (GF)] as He controls a river; He can direct it as He pleases … God, who is always right, watches the house of the wicked and brings ruin on every evil person …  There is no wisdom, understanding, or advice that can succeed against the Lord … You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the Lord who gives the victory … Be wise enough to control yourself … Don’t envy sinners, but always respect the Lord.  Then you will have hope for the future… Keep your mind on what is right … Learn the truth and never reject it.  Get wisdom, self-control, and understanding.”

 

It all seems to boil down to this:  We are all sinners before a sovereign God.  We can’t win against Him.  He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He judges even our motives.  If we stay focused on Him, exercise self-control where we can, and ask Him to direct our minds where we can’t, we will respect Him and live a life that honors Him.

 

Father, write these truths on my heart and direct my paths.  Let me never doubt them.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford