Sunday, September 12, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 12:22-24, we learned about the importance of being honest, prudent, and diligent. Solomon taught that we should be honest and forthright in all our dealings. We often have the opportunity to cheat others, but we should resist that temptation. In our society, people cheat on their taxes. They cheat society by driving over the speed limit. They even cheat each other. But being honest and honorable are commendable, godly traits. Telling lies is wrong and creates trouble for everyone. Psalms 119:29 says, "Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously." Psalms 119:163, "I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love." The Lord is never happy with those who are habitually dishonest. Proverbs 6:16-19, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Solomon wrote that we should strive to be prudent and avoid foolishness. Prudent comes from the Hebrew word that means subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, or sensible. A rule of prudence is silence in many matters, to not utter everything. Solomon said that the prudent person would conceal some knowledge. We should not proclaim our business to everyone, and we should not be so eager to tell others exactly what we think. Proverbs 21:23 says, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." Unlike the wise person, the fool many times holds back nothing. He or she is always out there trying to be noticed, no matter how great the cost. Proverbs 10:23 says, "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom." Proverbs 14:16 says, "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." Lastly, Solomon proclaimed that those who are diligent should move forward in this life while the lazy will fall behind. Those who work hard and have a conscientious attitude toward their obligations will be recognized for their dedication. They will be the ones who get the promotions. The slothful, on the other hand, will not be so prosperous. They will not get ahead in life, plus they will be servants to the diligent. Proverbs 10:4 says, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich."
Solomon taught hard work, honesty, and right living in all matters. When we order our lives after his clear, simple principles, then our life will be spared much heartache and difficulty. As you go through the coming week, concentrate on ways that you can live a life that would be more pleasing to the Lord. And from that point on, always do your best to live for Him.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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