(Proverbs 12:1-13)
1 One who loves discipline loves knowledge,
But one who hates rebuke is stupid.
2 A good person will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a person who devises evil.
3 A person will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved.
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked wait in ambush for blood,
But the mouth of the upright will rescue them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A person will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.
9 Better is one who is lightly esteemed and has a servant,
Than one who honors himself and lacks bread.
10 A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal,
But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 One who works his land will have plenty of bread,
But one who pursues worthless things lacks sense.
12 The wicked person desires the plunder of evil people,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 An evil person is ensnared by the offense of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.
But one who hates rebuke is stupid.
2 A good person will obtain favor from the Lord,
But He will condemn a person who devises evil.
3 A person will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved.
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked wait in ambush for blood,
But the mouth of the upright will rescue them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A person will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse mind will be despised.
9 Better is one who is lightly esteemed and has a servant,
Than one who honors himself and lacks bread.
10 A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal,
But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 One who works his land will have plenty of bread,
But one who pursues worthless things lacks sense.
12 The wicked person desires the plunder of evil people,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 An evil person is ensnared by the offense of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
Healthy lifestyles will develop healthy relationships. We cannot give others what we do not have. Anyone with a poor character, cannot offer anything of value to anyone else. If the foundation of a selfish person's life is greed, even when they are being nice, they will have ulterior motives. And in order to gain the trust of others, they will do things like boast and honor themselves. As well, this person will fabricate lies to cover up their indiscretions. So, we can see how these people would be unreasonable and their paths would be twisted with hypocrisy. Who can really trust this kind of person, whether in business or in a relationship?
As Christians who continuously grow closer to the Lord in a personal relationship, we will be rooted in Him, trusting in Him and relying on Him. Because He is love, we will love others unconditionally, sacrificially and unselfishly. Because He is wisdom and truth, we will love knowledge in truth and will know how to apply it. Because the Lord is holy, just and righteous, our thoughts and the intentions of our heart will be just, right and good. And because He is faithful, all-powerful and eternal, we will stand and not be moved.
It is the Lord who keeps us firmly planted, giving us courage and strength. Because we are rooted in the Lord, and He is the one nourishing us and growing us, we will produce fruit of righteousness. Because we have the Lord's indwelling Holy Spirit, we should always be allowing Him to guide us through life, through every aspect.
Whatever is in our hearts will help steer our words and actions. Therefore, a person's character will be demonstrated by what they pursue, what they desire, how they speak, how they work with responsibility, how they treat an animal, and how they treat others - especially - how they treat their own spouse.
Here is just one good reason why a believer should date and marry another believer... because the two become one flesh. Therefore, if one spouse is being rude to the other, they are actually being rude to themselves. If a spouse is behaving shamefully, it is shameful to both. Etc. But if a spouse behaves excellently, it reflects positively on both. Most importantly, when both are reflecting the love of God, they are not just honoring each other and their marriage, but they are honoring the Lord!
Even individually, when we speak with godly words and with spiritual insight, we are honoring and glorifying God. Others will find this praiseworthy, simply because we are not honoring or glorifying ourselves. But God, who knows our hearts, will be well-pleased at how we represent Him. The closer we grow to the Lord, the richer we become in His strength, wisdom, peace, love, joy... Therefore, the more we ask God to help us, the more we have to offer to enrich our relationships with others!
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