September 9, 2011
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Searching the Soul

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Opening Prayer

Lord, help me live today better than yesterday, more in step with You, more loving to others.

Read PROVERBS 20:1-30

[1] Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. [2] A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life. [3] It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. [4] A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. [5] The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. [6] Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? [7] The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. [8] When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. [9] Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? [10] Differing weights and differing measures- the LORD detests them both. [11] Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. [12] Ears that hear and eyes that see- the LORD has made them both. [13] Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. [14] “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. [15] Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. [16] Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. [17] Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel. [18] Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. [19] A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. [20] If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. [21] An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. [22] Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. [23] The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. [24] A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? [25] It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. [26] A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. [27] The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being. [28] Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. [29] The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. [30] Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect

“Proverbial wisdom is available to everyone. The wise are those who heed God’s commands while the foolish ignore them. Wisdom is all important in the business of living” (Derek Tidball).

Practically helpful and spiritually searching, these sayings are born of a sharp eye and a godly heart. We enjoy new pearls and the ever-fresh beauty of familiar ones. Here are a few, under two headings.

The soul and sin. Verses 6 and 9 remind us of some key things. Don’t make overblown claims about how holy you are; be realistic about your purity. Never let the devil dupe you into thinking that you have outgrown your need of the cross. We live by faith in Christ’s righteousness “from first to last” (Rom. 1:17). Verse 27 warns us: God’s searchlight—his word and his purity—is too bright to leave dark recesses in which sin might remain unseen. Verse 30 encourages us, albeit strangely: the Lord disciplines those whom he loves (Heb. 12:4-13). Don’t be duped into assuming that those inmost sins won’t be challenged. The sins to which you might be blind are seen by God, who will rid you of them. It will hurt, but only if you’ve cherished them.

Life’s ruin. Wine and beer (1) are not made of evil molecules, but if you let them master you they will make a fool of you. This is important to God. He made you to bear his image; he is remaking you in Christ to bear that image again. It’s cost him a lot. You matter, and the quality of your humanity matters to him. If he is your master, he will ennoble you; let alcohol master you and it will ruin you. The same goes for the self-indulgence of laziness (4,13): you don’t set out to be a sluggard, it creeps up on you. But you’ll be ruined by it. God cares about this, so work hard, be industrious, while enjoying rest in its proper place.

Apply

Are any of the issues raised in today’s reading a struggle for you? Addiction, laziness, or secret sin? If so, bring them to the cross for forgiveness.

Closing prayer

Lord, help me to be wise and obedient to Your instruction. There are so many clamoring voices demanding my attention. I desire to trust and obey You.

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