ResponsiveReiding

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

RAF: Anxiety is a complex issue. There are right and proper anxieties, in terms of genuine concerns over very real difficulties. And then there are anxieties which are unrealistic, and/or occupy an improper place within us.

When we are controlled by our anxieties, we’ve let them run away with us. They become the dictators of life decisions, rather than the great realities of our God on His throne and His ever present and unfailing promises. They occupy the “throne” of our hearts, rather than serving to bring us to prayer and to seek to rest in God’s love and care. One way to know if our anxieties have crossed over from legitimate and reasonable concerns – even abiding ones – to sinful and destructive is by how we respond to God’s Word on the subject. If we cannot be calmed by reminders of God’s goodness, His providential care, an underlying trust that He holds us and knows what is best, and we slip over into despair, we need not only to fight the anxiety itself, we need to repent. If a “good word”, a right and correct and properly fitting word from the Lord’s counsel does not ease our anxiety, then perhaps our problem isn’t anxiety – but something else. Maybe, it is unbelief.

Does this mean all of our cares and concerns will simply evaporate? Not at all. In such seasons, we might find the need to battle this attack on our trust in the Lord a thousand times a day. A thousand times an hour! But we seek to regain the control our anxiety tries to rob from us. We treat it not like a condition to be accepted or merely treated or anesthetized, but an enemy to be defeated.

Little is so debilitating as a heart weighed down with anxiety. And notice the focus here – the heart. In other words, the love and trust we ordinarily have in Christ, is displaced in this condition. It seeks to reign within us, to be what occupies us most. But it is a usurper of the peace and joy that is meant to be ours in Him – and we fight it like the interloper and assassin of faith it really is.

Fight beloved. Fight the good fight of faith. Don’t surrender the throne of your affections to this pretender to the crown of your life. Guard the door of your heart – and continually crown Christ the king of kings and Lord of Lords in your own heart and mind.

Proverbs 12:26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

RAF: Today, many would title this idea: “Lifestyle Evangelism”. The truth is BOTH, what we say AND what we do matters. We can never safely have one without the other.

When it comes to evangelism, some would lay more or all of the stress in our efforts of proclamation. And proclamation is absolutely essential. People must hear, understand and believe – the Gospel – the message.

Others would place the bulk of the stress upon lifestyle and the “what” of our lives.

But good actions are not the Gospel by themselves, the “message” of Christ’s atoning death is; and the Message negated by graceless lives is an exercise in futility. We are to be men and women of integrity – of life and message so wrapped around one another that they cannot be separated.

The bottom line is – if Jesus hadn’t lived in perfect holiness, He could not have been fit to be our Savior. And if the message of the meaning of His death were not proclaimed, there is no faith by which one is justified.

Neither one could be omitted without salvation being a myth. We are not meant to be mere signposts, we are guides. Guides go themselves, where they want others to go. 

Proverbs 12:16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Many a person reacts instantly and negatively to slights and then justifies it under the guise of being “honest” or “transparent.” But honesty and transparency do not require wearing our every feeling on our sleeve, nor subjecting others to our every discomfort. This is a fool’s errand. Knee jerk reactions are the reactions of a jerk  – or more properly, a fool. The one who is easily provoked, is the slave of the provocateur. The only buttons someone else can push, are the ones you give them access to. And if you cannot set the provocative aspects aside to stay focused upon the real issues at hand, you will be forever barred from arriving at solutions to problems. I know. I’ve been there. I have played the fool. Heaven help me to be more like my King, Jesus. He responded to all situations, but never just reacted.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Do you tend to use your words as weapons – to wound others? Chances are, they were uttered rashly – like the knee-jerk responses of verse 16. But even if not – even if well considered, what a poor use of such a powerful tool – this tongue of ours. Even in reproof, our aim ought to be healing and never simple denunciation or hurting someone back. If someone needs correction, may we truly bring correction, for their good, and not merely give vent to our personal vitriol. Our job is not to punish others with our words. Ultimately, that is never more than our own desire to hurt the other. Even “when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” (Jude 9). Neither should we.

Proverbs 12:20  Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

This is a right heart – one whose plan it is to bring peace – especially where it is threatened. For the lost, we seek their peace with God in Jesus. For the Redeemed, we seek their peace with one another. If that is not our goal, we are self-deceived and are devising evil instead.

Proverbs 12:21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

It isn’t that the righteous are trial-less, but rather that God is not chastening, and every woe is redeemed for blessing.

Proverbs 12:23  A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Spilling everything we know about everything to everybody is foolish. When we shut up and listen, we remain prudent.

Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

This is as true in spiritual matters as it is in natural ones. The “farmer” who is not diligent to plow thoroughly, plant liberally, water carefully, pull weeds ruthlessly, protect from ravaging pests watchfully and harvest punctually – will not survive. The “Christian” who does not feed their soul on the Word daily, attack indwelling sin viciously, drink in worship thirstily, breathe in prayer repeatedly, seek holiness intentionally and pour grace into others as providence allows – will not survive either. I believe it was A. W. Tozer who said that most of us are not as holy as we wish were, but all of us are as holy as we are willing to be. If your spiritual progress has been stalled, or has taken a back seat – is it not time to see if you are being diligent about the things which make for true growth in the likeness of Christ? We will not rule over ourselves and indwelling sin, if we are not diligent to pursue those things which make for it. Nor should we be surprised then that spiritual matters have become more like forced labor than joyful privileges. It was in Christ’s diligence to pursue all the Father had put before Him, rather than shrinking at the struggles and labor, that purchased our salvation.

Proverbs 12:8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.

RAF: Everyone, especially Christians, are responsible for what they hear and believe. No one will be able to appeal to God in the Day of Judgment and say “but they told me…” That might be deemed the “Eve Defense.” It didn’t work for her, and it won’t work for us. Why? Because we already have God’s Word available to us, to use as the means to measure what others tell us. Even preachers. AND, because though there are times when God’s wisdom outstrips our own, He never fails to make sense. He does not spout nonsense. Hence we have the warning here – DO NOT give ear to those whose mind is twisted (warped, crooked, distorted, out of proportion) no matter how “Biblical” they sound. If it is not “good sense” – it isn’t commendable by treating it like it has merit. Jesus demonstrated this very means to repel the argument of the Pharisees when they accused Him of casting out demons by the Prince of Demons (Satan). In effect His response was: “Your argument is nonsense. A house divided against itself cannot stand. It is ludicrous to think that Satan is casting out Satan. It doesn’t make sense.” It may sound deep, or spiritual, or use Biblical language, but sift it carefully. And if it doesn’t make sense on the face of it – toss it out. The most underutilized spiritual gift He has given us is our grey matter. We are responsible to use it.

Proverbs 12:9 Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.

RAF: It is better to have what is useful in truth, than to live the lie of outward appearance and in truth have nothing. This is true in spiritual matters as well. Many a humble person spiritually seems to have little – but what they do have is useful. And many who make a show of their spirituality are in fact, bankrupt of Christ’s Spirit. Let us never strive to be thought “spiritual” or high in the eyes of other saints. Instead, let us seek after Christ with all our hearts.

Proverbs 12:11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

RAF: As will happen again and again in Proverbs, diligence rises before our eyes. Diligence in prayer. In the Word. In worship. In fighting sin. In growing in Christ’s image. In every pursuit in the Christian life. We must remain diligent if we would have the fruit OF diligence. We will not have that fruit if we follow get rich quick schemes – spiritually or materially. Running from conference to conference, special meeting to special meeting to get some sort of spiritual leap forward is not diligence – it is worthless. It is in the day to day divine drudgery of following Christ that progress toward Heaven is made. There are no shortcuts.

Proverbs 12:12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

RAF: Few things so highlight the difference between the spirit of the age, and the Spirit of Christ as this: Evil doers get their gain by external means – plundering others, getting “spoil.” While the righteous enjoy gain which is the fruit of the life of Christ within them. Oh, how long will we long for “spoil” instead of fruit? And how empty, indeed poisonous it is. Father, forgive us.

Proverbs 12:13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

RAF: Sooner or later, the wicked will betray themselves by their speech. Listen carefully. Watch. Wait. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Where they want to go verbally will ultimately demonstrate where their hearts are. Give it time. If you would really KNOW people, let them talk. Invite them to talk. Be a better listener than speaker.  How do we best know God Himself? By His Word – the Christ incarnate – Jesus.

Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

RAF: As we saw Sunday, Proverbs 12 is a study in contrasts. This is at the heart of becoming wise. If one does not perceive differences between those who do right and do not, those who think right and those who do not, those who are diligent, and those who are not, etc., then reason in action goes out the window, and we live as fools. Ultimately though, it is a study in two portraits: Fallen man, given over to our own plans, purposes and reasoning, and Christ – showing us the life man was made for, and His redemption, returning us to pursuing original purposes. To live without thinking about who we are as created, and what we are here for in God’s plans – is – STUPID. Living like a mere beast.

Proverbs 12:3 No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

RAF: If you are looking for stability in the midst of trying situations – keep in mind that sin will never bring it. Better to suffer some measure of continued discomfort than to take the course of the wicked. You will only add to the destabilization and chaos if not. Things will be truly “out of control.” You cannot bring stability to your life or home or mind by the pursuit or accommodation of any sin.

Proverbs 12:4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

RAF: Firstly we need to consider – as the Bride of Christ, are we His crown? Or do we more often bring rottenness to His bones? Oh Father, rule us by your Spirit, that Christ might be “crowned” by us. Do we bring Him honor by the way we live and think and act – or bring Him shame? Is He proud to have us on His arm? Can He trust us in bearing His name?

Secondly, in our homes, we can see this in terms of wives who may act shamefully. Who perhaps dress provocatively in public, or are brash and brazen or even a busybody (preoccupied with other people’s business). These bring shame upon her husband.  In the natural, wives need to take heed whether or not their discussions – especially with their close confidantes – leave their husbands open to ridicule and shame? Do they reveal things which would make others think less of him, or things HE would rather keep private? Unless there is a compelling reason in terms of bringing actual help, confidences need to be kept.

Thirdly, we can see how these two overlap. Just as husbands honor Christ when they love their wives sacrificially, and when honoring Christ in all their ways – bring blessing to their wives; so too wives honor their husbands in growing in their Christlikeness, and honor Christ in treating their husbands respectfully and in a godly manner. The two are never separate. We cannot mistreat others without shaming Christ, nor neglect Him without hurting others.

Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

RAF: There are those who give counsel out of the flow of who they are and how they think all the time. They live on principles in the inner man. It is how they think about their own actions, how they see truth and the world.  And then there are those who give counsel based on manipulation and trying to achieve certain ends. Their counsel will be self-contradictory at times. It does not spring from an established, principled way of thinking but purely out of expedience. The former are “righteous” – in that they bear the image of God. He only thinks and acts in accordance with His own holy, just nature. Always. The latter are “wicked”. They do not think and act on holy principles, but perverse desires and goals. Father, let me be a man who lives as Christ – serving your holy nature, and not driven by unprincipled goals and desires. Let me share your constancy in Christ by the Spirit.

Proverbs 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.

RAF: Talk is cheap. One does not bless by merely uttering kind words – though certainly that is a part. Christians do not bless their communities by simply making pronouncements. One must act to truly bless. We must live uprightly, honestly, devotedly, authentically. When we merely profess Christianity with our mouths, while denying it in our thoughts, attitudes and actions – we do not bless, we curse. When one makes the sum of their actions talk – destruction is not far behind. Beware the temptation to lip service.

At the same time, words are not meaningless either. They can be an exceedingly destructive force. Many a person has suffered for years under thoughtless, careless or vicious words from others. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is true on one level. But such things can pierce the soul and leave true lasting wounds and scars. Worse, the lying, misleading or vilifying words of the wicked inevitably bring destruction upon any society. Be it the small society of the home, or the greater society of the city, state or nation. We must beware that the lips which were created to praise the Living God, are not employed to crush those who are made in His image. “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:6-10)

Proverbs 11:15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.

RAF: What an interesting observation to be made in the midst of a passage about learning how to “weigh” things rightly. And a principle to be considered carefully in our everyday lives. Loans should not be easy to obtain. Knowledge of the individual, their habits and attitudes, their track record – their viability as a re-payer, these all need to be established well. To ignore this, is to invite disaster. The present state of our national economy bears tragic witness to this reality. But remember what is most often behind the willingness to extend risky credit – at least commercially; making a quick buck, no matter what it may do to the one who is a shaky borrower. It is a lack of love. It is valuing the profit to be made, above the welfare of the one to be profited from. An unjust, deceived balance.

Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.

RAF: Beauty is an adornment, an accessory – not part of the person. Beware. It reveals nothing about their soul. It can hide the most vile corruption. And how needed this is when considering marriage. A pretty face or a handsome countenance, smooth speech, flattering words and passible explanations are often mistaken for a beautiful heart. We forget that Satan himself appears as an angel of light, beautiful – completely disguising the hidden opposition to all that is good which defines him. And let us beware that we ourselves do not mistake our own attractiveness for virtue. Just because we do not look in the mirror and see the “face” of a murderer, does not mean that a murderer’s hatred doesn’t lurk within. Oh that the Spirit of God might search us and know us, to see what wicked ways may remain within – and lead us in the way everlasting. Father help us that we are not putting the ornament of religion on an unconverted soul, and leading ourselves and others astray in the process.

Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

The theme of chapter 11 is valuing – weighing things correctly. Over rating and under rating are both acts of deception. We can easily over emphasize and add spin when we want things to be seen a certain way. Fear of people and desire for being viewed a certain way can result in exaggerations and minimizations to suit the hour. It is an abomination to the Lord.

But more than deceiving others by the use of “false balances” is the problem of self-deception which arises from our failure to value things in terms of God’s economy versus that of the World.

The World’s value system revolves around three things (1 John 2:15-17): Desires of the flesh: Viewing all life from SELF – outward; Lust of the eye: Valuing the seen and what is on the surface above the unseen and the true substance; Pride of life: Security and well-being in the seen above the unseen. Living in the immediate above the eternal. When these outweigh the reality of who we are and why we were created from God’s perspective, and valuing what He tells us is worth valuing above these 3 things – nothing but misery and judgment can follow. How Solomon labors in this chapter to get his son to examine what it is he places value on, and why.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

All sin can trace its roots back to pride. Not pride in the sense of imagining ourselves so wonderful – but more in the sense of unwillingness to submit to God’s rule. Pride that can appear emotionally humble – but acts as though self has the rights of God.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

This is living by principle above precept. When one has a solid sense of integrity – a life that is lived on consistent principles of action in every sphere, then many “decisions” about individual issues, are off the table and need no further consideration.

When one determines that human life is sacred as man is made in God’s image, racial discrimination, abortion, abuse of others, neglect of the poor – are simply non-issues. By principle, they cannot be entered into. The “upright” one is guided then – even though he or she is not given individual answers for every specific case.

Proverbs 11:4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Here is a most sobering and useful thought to return to when tempted: Whatever it is you think you are gaining from your sin at this moment – it is worthless. And it will be seen so in all of its folly on the day of judgment.

Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.

The clarity and usefulness of this statement cannot be overemphasized. Either one walks in the freedom which is theirs in Christ – or they are slaves to sin. There is no other option. There is no middle ground between the two. Either we are free in serving Christ, or we are slaves to our lusts. And it behooves us all to examine ourselves regularly to see where we are in this regard. And if we find ourselves living as slaves to our sins again, to run back to our Redeemer, or Savior, and seek the working out of His setting the captives free in our own hearts and lives once more by the power of His Spirit. It is only if we walk in the Spirit, that we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:16)

Proverbs 11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.

This is not an affirmation that it is right to shout for gladness when the wicked perish. Even our Lord declares that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. And Proverbs 24:17-18 will warn us: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.”

It is instead meant to be a solemn observation – that those who think they gain so much by dishonesty and deceit, in the end prove to be so onerous to others that it is a relief when they are gone. What a legacy.