Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.

Just thinking: I have found in the book of Proverbs, which is call the book of wisdom that God gives me guidelines to live by. I can gain wisdom by reading it daily. He also says that wisdom is found all through the bible on every page at every level and I would be a wise son if I read it daily.
Today’s proverb tells me that if I run my business or deal with people inappropriately, with a desire to gain some kind of material or emotional (ego boost) advantage, then I will not enjoy any profit from it. I have seen men whom have gained millions of dollars by taking advantage of others, but they have traded that wealth for the abundant life that Jesus promises; they do not have the peace and contentment that God promises. God will not allow me to find pleasure in anything except Him. Oh sure, I can get a temporary high from an alcoholic beverage or a glance at a skimpy magazine, but it cannot and will not satisfy. God will not permit it.

My part: A righteous person, that is the person that has put his faith in the sacrificial substitutionary death of Jesus for themselves enjoys life. Or in other words, if you believe that you have sinned and that Jesus died for your sins, in your place, you have been declared righteous before God. God does not see your sin any longer. Jesus paid your debt. You will be delivered from eternal death, have an abundant life here, and live in heaven eternally.

God’s Word: John 10:10

The thief (the devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Love you all, Walt, Dad, Uncle, Son and Friend

Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

Just thinking: I’ve done a lot of medical and dental work in my life. I’ve had the privilege of pulling thousands of teeth, performed surgery, sewn up many wounds and treated many sicknesses. The one think that troubled me most, was when you would prescribe a method of treatment and have them completely ignore it or totally disregard instructions.
A wise person listens knowing that other people have wisdom and understanding that you don’t have, and that it would be prudent to listen to them. A wise person is not proud and he gives attention to advice.

My part: According to today’s proverb, if I want to grow in wisdom then I need to listen to the advice of others. I don’t have to use it, but it would be foolish not to take note.

God’s Word: James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Love you all, Walt, Dad, Uncle, Son and Friend

Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

Just thinking: Growing up as a young ADHD boy. Adrenalin Driven Highly Dynamic young man. I was continually told to listen. Listen to the teachers, listen to mom and dad, listen to police men, and the list went on. As I entered adulthood, and opened up the bible for the first time, I read that God also suggests that I listen. He says that in a multitude of words, there lacketh not sin. There is wisdom in listening to others and especially to God. The thing about listening is that I have to keep quiet to do so, and those that know me know that I am challenged in that area. What I’ve learned in the bible is that when I am always wanting to tell others my thoughts and ideas is the sin of pride.

My part: My part is to discipline myself to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Asking God to help me in that area.

God’s Word: Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;

Love you all, Walt, Dad, Uncle, Son and Friend

She is boisterous and rebellious, her feet do not remain at home;

Just thinking: After reading the above proverb I reflected on today’s sermon by David Smith where he spoke on 2 John. In the passage God warns us to not allow those that carry a false gospel message into our homes. I thought of how our enemy the devil creeps into our lives to hurt us. This taught me to look at the above proverb a little differently.
Today’s proverb is a continuation of last month’s talking about the whiles of the harlot and how a person can be lead astray by temptuous woman. I thought, but what if the harlot is not a woman? What if this proverb is teaching something differently? Maybe I let other harlots into my life, for example the Internet or the TV. Maybe the harlot can be a gossip session or too much wine. Maybe I think that I will be happy if I could buy that new Harley Davidson. I reread this proverb with a newer understanding of what it might be saying to me. I can now see that I have committed adultery with the pleasures of this life; maybe not physically, but mentally and spiritually.

My part: I need to realize and admit that I’ve been committing adultery against God. Confess it and ask God to show me where I put sinful desires ahead of Him.

God’s Word: 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Love you all, Walt, Dad, Uncle, Son and Friend

Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, For I give you sound teaching;

Just thinking: One of the ways that satan has culturally deceived Christian Americans including myself is found in today’s proverb. I’ve have read over and over in the bible God saying, listen. Listen to God, listen to your father and mothers teaching, bind them to your heart, pay attention. I find myself getting so busy doing good things for God, that I miss the great opportunities. I sacrifice the Great for the good because I am in a hurry, I don’t stop and listen, I don’t take the time to pray about a situation or ask counsel before making a decision. I am in such a hurry to accomplish that next task that I miss out on God’s best. God promises to give sound teaching if I would only stop and listen to counsel.

My part: I need to take steps of faith and learn to trust God. By my not waiting, seeking counsel or praying about something means that I am self dependent and I am sinning! Romans 14 say’s and whatever is not done by faith is sin. The deception of the devil is that, if he can get me to act without thinking, then I will not be as useful in the hands of God. God is willing to give me sound teaching and counsel if I would only stop.

God’s Promise: Psalm 46:10 says

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Ps. The Be Still in this verse means to stop, or to shut-up and know!

Love you all, Walt, Dad, Uncle, Son and Friend

God’s view: Found in Proverbs 20:3

“Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.”

Just thinking: I find it interesting how many times God warns us in the Bible not to quarrel with others; it is just not wise. A fool loves to argue, disagree, fight and bicker. God tells us not to be involved in discord and it is honorable to be a man of peace in God’s eyes. I want to please God; I want to live the life of peace. A fool will argue even if he is proven wrong; he just loves to cause dissension. A fool will argue about anything, just for the sake of argument. It is the sin of pride. God says in his word, where there is dissension, there is pride. God hates pride and He hates it when we argue and quarrel.

Our part: I need to ask God to show me if I am a fool. Do I often get into arguments? Does it seem that my life is continually in conflict? Am I constantly angry at others or are they angry with me? If so, perhaps I am the common denominator. Ask God to help us to see where we are foolish in our actions with others.

Memorize this verse:

God’s Promise: Proverbs 13:10

“Only by pride cometh argument: but with the well advised is wisdom. “

Love you all, Walt, Dad, Uncle, Son and Friend