Highlights In Today's Reading:
How often have we heard someone say they wished they had known what they know now when they were young? Truly listening to the instruction of a father (4:1) will spare a child heartache and misery. Read the pitfalls of wicked living, bad company, immorality, and temptation. Don't miss the wise way to live (4:18,20-22)! It is of utmost importance that you know the seven things that the Lord hates (6:16-19). Again a simple person is pointed out and his destination predicted (7:7; 7:24-27).
The first of the seven deadly sins is a proud look (6:16-19). Of all kinds of sin, pride naturally comes first, for it precedes all other sins (see Genesis 3:5).
All sin is selfishness in some form or another, and pride consists essentially in sinful self-esteem, delighting in the thought of one's superiority over his fellows. This characteristic of Satan underlies the following six sins that are an abomination unto God. All of them are manifestations of hatred against one's neighbor and four consist of displaying falseness and malice proceeding from the mouth. Because of unrestrained speech, the effectiveness of many Christians is seriously curtailed. Instead of being instruments of blessings in the Lord's service, they make little impact for Christ because of constant careless talk.
An obligation rests upon every Christian to let his words be an overflow of the Spirit-filled life. We cannot offer a member of our body for His use on one occasion and then on the next, use it to deceive or destroy another. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:9-10). According to Ecclesiastes 5:3 we can detect the voice of a fool by his multitude of words. We reveal our hearts by what we say. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34).
Oh, how some people enjoy talking and love above all else to relay what others have said. Ponder the kind of talk you enjoy hearing. In this way you can get to know yourself, for the kind of talk you love to hear indicates the kind of person you are. Note, also, the sort of person who pours into your ears all the "latest information." They have "sized you up" as being the type of person who wants to hear that kind of garbage. You can evaluate yourself by taking time to note the things people come and talk to you about.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. . . . by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:35,37)
Thought for Today:
The things that we see and hear, especially if they are evil, are stored in our minds and are often used by Satan to tempt us to sin.
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7,11). Christ is the Teacher in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Word Studies:
4:12 straitened =b> hindered; 4:13 fast =b> firm; 4:24 froward mouth =b> deceitful talk; 5:3 strange =b> adulterous; 5:6 moveable =b> irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished =b> delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords of his sins =b> ensnared, held fast by the control of his sins; 6:12 naughty =b> worthless, wicked; 6:26 whorish woman =b> prostitute; 7:10 subtil =b> deceitful; 7:18 solace =b> delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Brian Stortz • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. John Duncan (TN), Rep. John Salazar (CO), and Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY) • Country: Afghanistan (22.7 million) in central Asia • Major languages: Pastu and Afghan Persian (Dari) • Hostile to Christian evangelization. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is automatic execution • 97.5% Muslim; 1.5% Parsee; .35% Hindu; .1% Traditional ethic; .1% Baha'i; .02% Christian; .02% Sikh; .01% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: Go to God in prayer with a heart and life that are keeping His Commandments and He will answer you (I John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: Titus 2
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:10
