relationships (Proverbs 12:14-28) The Most Resourceful Relationships

(Proverbs 12:14-28)

14 A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
     And the deeds of a person’s hands will return to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
     But a person who listens to advice is wise.
16 A fool’s anger is known at once,
     But a prudent person conceals dishonor.
17 One who declares truth tells what is right,
     But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
     But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips will endure forever,
     But a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
     But counselors of peace have joy.
21 No harm happens to the righteous,
     But the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
     But those who deal faithfully are His delight.
23 A prudent person conceals knowledge,
     But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
     But the lazy hand will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
     But a good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous person is a guide to his neighbor,
     But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 A lazy person does not roast his prey,
     But the precious possession of a person is diligence.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life,
     And in its pathway there is no death.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We have to remember that Christianity is not about living by do's and don'ts, it is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord.  And this will make sense when we dissect these verses into the do's and the don'ts.  Because what we do and say is the evidence of what is in our hearts.  And what we sow is what we will reap.

We are all born with a sinful nature.  So in our own strength and wisdom, no one can be perfect, which is required in order to get into heaven, because God is holy and cannot have a relationship with sin.  So without God in our lives, one can only try to be good in their own strength and wisdom.  The problem with this is that one is only tapping into a very limited resource.  God is perfect, we are NOT!

With our feeble, limited thinking, we would be foolish to think that we don't need any help in figuring things out!  And when we do think we have all the answers, since our thinking is only based on self-centered, selfish desires, we will most certainly run into opposition and frustration.  And it is laziness that tires to cut corners wherever one can, which is dangerous because one can neglect important details in life that can hurt, damage or make one sick.

When a person doesn't address their pride and arrogance, they will be greedy and deceitful, which are all evil in God's eyes.  Not only will those who are wicked lead others astray with their lies, a person actually is lying to themselves which will keep them from finding truth.  There's a saying that goes something like, "If you are going to lie, you better have a good memory," because when you start with one lie, you will have to try to cover that up with another, and another, etc.  And the more one talks, the more likely they will stumble and prove their ignorance and evil intentions.

It's telling, when a person lashes out in anger right after being hurt or insulted.  Reacting rashly will only do more damage to others and as well as to oneself, since one would only have themselves in mind.  So, we can see how the wicked can be filled with trouble and anxiety, which will bring them down.  A drowning man tends to do whatever they can (right or wrong) in order to save themselves.  And in grabbing another person, the risk is that both will drown.

Well, spiritually, no one can save themselves.  Jesus is the only one who can save.  When we repent of our sins, He forgives us and we are reborn.  At the same time we are given the indwelling Holy Spirit of promise to change us from the inside out, and is always there to guide and help us.  

As we ask and allow the Lord to work for us, in us, and through us, we are tapping into a resource that is beyond, because the Lord is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.  Therefore, if a person has God in their lives and is walking closely with Him, we will become more and more like him, which will be evident in the things that we do and say.

Remember, whatever we sow we will reap!  So when our words and actions are Spirit-led, they are fruitful, and good will come out of this, bringing healing to others as well as satisfaction to our own lives.  Those who seek and promote peace will experience joy.  When we live in God's righteousness, we are protected, because God's truth endures forever.  Therefore, we are wise to listen to advice.  

In more practical ways, no matter the circumstance, it is never wise to try to prove how smart we are.  Even if we are smart and don't stumble over our facts, this just never goes over well.  I mean, the more one talks, the less people hear.  It really is counterproductive.  As well, we should keep in mind that it is not wise to react when we are insulted or hurt.  We should get the facts first, and then with God's wisdom, seek reconciliation, with love as our motive.  

When we speak and do things with love and good intentions, we can bring about peace and make people glad.  In God's righteousness there is life, and we can help guide others to eternal life, as well as to a healthier, purposeful and fulfilling life here on earth.  And God is pleased and will bless us in our faithfulness and diligence, which is to live out the evidence of having Him in our heart!  Jesus is the best and most resourceful relationship one could ever have!