Can Pride Be Found in the Midst of Every Strife?

 ^{I have highlighted the verses that I find intriguing in today's reading.  Please follow he Lord's promptings on what you find interesting!}

⁶ Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

⁷ One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
    another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

⁸ A person’s riches may ransom their life,
    but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly,
    but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

¹⁰ Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Pride, the very thing that launched satan out of heaven. We know that pride comes before a fall- but here we learn that pride  is found within the midst of conflict. Can it be that easy, I wonder?  Could pride be found at the middle of all conflicts?  I feel like we are being granted a sliver of evidence in the schemes of the enemy in dividing us.  Pride. Causing separation with in the body.  Pride is defined as “ an excessively high opinion of one’s self or one’s importance.”  Pride centers on self.  What has been done to me, I didn’t’ deserve it, I should be thanked and appreciated, I am important, I am misunderstood. I know more than you. I am better than you, perhaps we feel that we are less than, not enough.

I think sometimes we may have a credible argument, in that, sometimes we are hurt and we didn’t deserve it. I think the secret that Solomon gives us here is to hold our tongue, hold in the stagnant death of rotten fruit, and seek Godly counsel and pray.   Wisdom is found in those that seek counsel in the Body. Wisdom focuses on the Body and on a bigger picture than self. Wisdom slows down the reaction and allows us to respond to situations.

This concept has so intrigued me this week.  I feel that I have to sit up and take notice.  In the midst of strife, can I pinpoint pride?  In Myself, or in others.  Very interesting concept that requires further inspection!  What do you think? Have we discovered a Kingdom jewel in the midst of Solomon’s wisdom?

Do Our Lips Offer Fruit?

I have highlighted the verse that I found intriguing each day.  This might be a different verse for you!!  Follow the lead of God, not me!

Day One

13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

² From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
    but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

³ Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

⁴ A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

⁵ The righteous hate what is false,
    but the wicked make themselves a stench
    and bring shame on themselves.

From the “fruit of their lips”- have you ever thought about that?  Last week we learned that the Hebrew word for the edge of the sword is called the “mouth”. Words cut.  They can cut away the past and circumstances that need to be removed from our lives.  Words can cut those closest to us, driving them away. Our words should illustrate the power of God’s grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Our lips offer fruit to the ears of all of those around us.

Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruit that is possible through the indwelling of the holy Spirit:

^22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
^23-24 Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
Our lips can offer fruit! Affection, compassion, a respect of righteousness and holiness that permeates people and our world. Our words can speak of loyalty and commitment.
Galatians 5:19-21 also speaks of rotten fruit.  Remember that satan always serves up the counterfeit of our loving God’s ways:

^19-21 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.”

Our lives and our lips can usher rotten fruit into the Kingdom. When we have accumulated mental and emotional garbage, this spills out of our lips and clouds our judgement and how we perceive the world.  Loneliness, competitiveness and jealousy become our bed mates. A brutal temper….the list continues on in insecurity, jealousy, anger and loneliness spurring the mouth and directing speech.

Our lips, what kind of fruit are they blooming in the kingdom, in our homes and in our relationships?

Proverbs 13

For the week of May 8-14 we willbe reading Proverbs 13.

Proverbs 13New International Version Niv

13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

² From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
    but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

³ Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

⁴ A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

⁵ The righteous hate what is false,
    but the wicked make themselves a stench
    and bring shame on themselves.

⁶ Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

⁷ One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
    another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

⁸ A person’s riches may ransom their life,
    but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly,
    but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

¹⁰ Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away,
    but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
    but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death.

¹⁵ Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.^[a]

¹⁶ All who are prudent act with^[b] knowledge,
    but fools expose their folly.

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

¹⁸ Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.

¹⁹ A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but fools detest turning from evil.

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.

²¹ Trouble pursues the sinner,
    but the righteous are rewarded with good things.

²² A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
    but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

²³ An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
    but injustice sweeps it away.

²⁴ Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
    but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

²⁵ The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
    but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

Proverbs 12: 24-28

    THE WORKER WINS (12:24–28): 

 But a hard worker becomes a leader.

²⁴ 
The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor.
²⁵ 
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.
²⁶ 
The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
²⁷ 
The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].
²⁸ 
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death [but immortality—eternal life].

In 1Kings11:28, we see that Solomon advanced Jeroboam because he was a hard worker and industrious. I try to instill this in my children: Work hard, don’t take short cuts.  My oldest son snickers and complains some mornings, because other parents allowed their students to flex first period- so they can sleep in.  Every morning we have a “thing”. 

He says, “Mom can I sleep through first period today.”

“Ummm, let me think about it……. No.”

“Yeah, maybe tomorrow then.”

Lol, I have to admire his perseverance in asking, though tomorrow will bring the same answer.  He is working in the front office first period, as an office assistant. This has afforded him a marketable skill to earn extra cash while he is in college. 

Others students miss school because they are tired. My son said to me yesterday, “How can they miss so much school and still pass?”  I admire that this bothers him, because it means that our work ethic has taken root.

Short cuts are not allowed, the extra mile is encouraged.  I ask my children for the same work ethic that my husband and I adhere to- nothing more, nothing less.

Have you noticed that this seems to be an old-fashioned idea as of late?

Most companies customer service is deplorable, as we pay for the bare minimal output from their employees.

“Not my job” seems to be the new standard.

How refreshing when you see, and experience, someone that goes the extra mile- because this is a gem in today’s culture!

As parents and grandparents what values are we instilling in our children? As consumers what service are we encouraging from employees? As bosses what work ethic are we allowing?

Hard work still matters and still pays off. Wisdom tells us this is so.

Words Can Wound

Proverbs (12:17–23): 

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

17
He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right,
But a false witness utters deceit [in court].
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 be established forever,
But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.
²⁰ 
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
²¹ 
No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.
²² 
Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.
²³ 
A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time],
But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.
²⁴ 
The power of the tongue. From Ellicott’s commentary:  (18) There is that speaketh.—Rather, that babbleth, like the piercing of a sword, that chatters on, not noticing or caring how he may wound the feelings of others by his inconsiderate remarks.The tongue of the wise is health.—Or, healing; soothing the wounds made by the other’s indiscriminate chatter.”

It is interesting to me that we are speaking here of the babbling of words that cut and pierce, while taking no notice of the victim’s suffering.  Our words carry such impact, to our children, spouses, family and friends.  Do we speak life and encouragement, or are we coming from it with criticism and judgement?

Let’s look at some way our tongue can cut, kill and maim:

·      Criticism – approaching all interactions through a critical spirit. Why not see how you can help, rather than find whats wrong?

·      Slander. We cut people down and leave them gasping for air when we speak about them- defacing their character.  Instead pray for them.

·      Whisperings behind another’s back – which divide and separate. Why not speak in the light, through the lens of love?

·      A foolish woman is soon angry and has no problem expressing it.  This shatters communication and separates.  This road is a road that leads to constant chaos.  Why not “Stop, drop and pray” before the words and accusations tumble out?

·      A lying tongue cant be trusted…ever. Why not offer truth instead?

In Hebrew, the edge of the sword is called it’s “mouth”. Is the path that we are cutting one that destroys, criticizes,, castrates and maims as we go?  Or are our words cutting through uncharted territories with encouragement and worship, paving the way into the mysteries of God? We, always, have the choice.

Proverbs 12:15-16

               THE WISE WEIGH THEIR WORDS (12:15–16): 

“Fools think they need no advice.”

¹⁵ 
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,
But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
¹⁶ 
The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],
But a prudent man ignores an insult.

To pause and reflect before we speak.  The fool’s anger is quickly known.  I have been on the receiving end of such eruptive anger, and I have been the source of theses outbursts.
For me, when this kind of allegation hits, this anger than vomits all over you, a sense of indignation takes over.  You want to clarify, justify, explain, hurt with your words.  Lady Wisdom would prefer that we didn’t.  She would prefer that we hold our tongues in response to the outburst and show decorum, allowing our response to show sound judgement and good taste. To not fight back is my key.  To not have to win the argument…..and that is so much easier said than done.  Satan stirs the fire and reminds us what was said and the tenacity with which we were approached and attacked.  Decorum is a choice that we have to make in the heat of the battle.  A prudent man IGNORES an insult.  That doesn’t mean you didn’t hear it, but that you are choosing not to react to it.  A wise and prudent man listens to counsel and weighs his words.  
I have also been in the moment when a white heat threatens to take over and spill out of me like a geyser- hurting, maiming and crippling whoever my words are intended for.  Like a geyser, I know when the pressure is mounting and I am about to blow. I have a choice though, unlike the geysers found in Yellowstone.  I can choose not to. I can choose to curb the explosivity of the geyser and channel that power into wise words that encourage conversation, rather than defense.
Wisdom continues to guide us in ways of relationship that foster safety and intimacy for those that we interact with.  This is truly living, a life bursting with color and possibility…one where we are at peace and harmony with our surroundings and relationships, fostering joy through each interaction.

Proverbs 12:1-14 Character Counts!

       CHARACTER COUNTS (12:1–14): 

The Lord is happy with those who are good but condemns the wicked.  In looking at verses 1-8, I am struck with a Proverb that seems to sum up the moral benefits of Godly character, verse 8 says: “A man will be commended according to his insight and sound judgment, But the one who is of a perverse mind will be despised.”

The word here for “Commended” is halal 
·  to shine (fig. of God's favour); to flash forth light-

We are reminded, once again, that our character shines forth like light.  Character is who we are when no one is looking.   This is about finding the will of God in our life, seeking Him out- and then doing it. Matthew Henry says, “Those who have grace, will delight in the instructions given them. “

Verse 1 ties character in with God’s Potter’s hands:

12 Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof and correction is stupid

What about you?  Do you delight in the reproofs of the Lord?

Do you seek His will in your decisions and follow His guidings?

I have had a revelation, as of late.  The Lord has closed many doors on me and my ambitions.   I pray that my life is a representation of His highest good that is laid out for me, and that I have the Wisdom to walk there.  This prayer, inherently, requires a constant pruning. 

            ->I have prayed for His will to be complete in me – yet, I balk when He closes doors. Rejection hurts, even when I continue walking towards His highest good.  I believe, with all of my heart, that He closes a door because I have prayed to only go through the doors that offer my highest good ---yet, I weep from the rejection as the doors close on my poor little face!!  Richard Mullins wrote lyrics for “Hold Me Jesus” that capture this very dichotomy that rattles around inside of me:

“Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees “

Finally I fall on my knees, and I accept His will, band-aiding my heart and knowing He calls me on to different pastures.

Abandoning my will to His call is a daily struggle. In this season my eyes have been opened and I am grateful for the doors that He closed. Yesterday, I was hectic trying to do everything:

·      Being a good wife

·      Being a good mom

·      Being a devoted church attendee

·      Being devoted with tithe, time and talents at church

·      Upholding an entire internet community

·      Taking care of my mom

·      Taking care of my daughter who is still suffering from post-concussive syndrome and a new diagnosis.

I barreled through  my day, dropping into bed exhausted.  I woke up- exhausted. I had a breaking point- weeping uncontrollably- I couldn’t do it all.  I couldn’t get everyone to all of the Dr appts and to the Homebound services that my daughter needed, while maintaning the schedules of the other 2 children at home, art classes, preschool, Senior classes, internet studies, conferences, and women’s ministry, and loving my mother well---I was breaking and calling out to the Lord- “Help Me Find BALANCE”. 

….and doors started to close.

…and I resented it and hurt from the “rejection”. How does He put up with me??

A few months have gone by now and I find this freedom in living my life as an act of Worship.   I got to keep that which He wanted and He – so graciously – took what I wasn’t supposed to have – away from me. I had to let it go.  There were parts of me that wanted to hold on – but, where is the sense in that?

Today I am amazed at my productivity for Him.  I know me and I know the urge will be back to fill up my calendar again.  I pray that this time I listen to the discerning voice of Wisdom as she walks with  me and the Holy Spirit guides me to the highest calling.