Sunday, September 19, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 12:25-28, we learned about the importance of being honest, prudent, and diligent. We also learned that we should try to face each trial in life with a smile. A person can always find the bad in something, no matter how much good there is in it. However, a person can also always find the good in something no matter how much bad is in it. The choice is almost always our own. A heavy heart will cause us to be bitter. Solomon wrote that a heavy heart would cause us to be down and depressed. Heaviness comes from the Hebrew word that means anxiety or anxious, and the way around such uncomfortable, undesirable emotions is to learn to see the good in everything. Learn to be thankful that there is some good in everything. Then, once you have made this attitude adjustment to your own everyday life, try to pass it on to others. Most people are carrying some kind of burden. We can help by always having a good word to say. We can be kind-hearted and nice. We can be upbeat and cheerful without being phony and stupid, plus we can try to encourage those who are experiencing some kind of difficulty. A key to right living is to walk with the Lord, then to show others that we are trusting our circumstances to Him. Many times, we make our own sadness. Most of the time, we must also make our own gladness. Again, the choice is usually our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
In Proverbs 12:26, Solomon contrasted living right and living wrong. He exalted the standing of those who are righteous by saying that they are more excellent than their neighbor. Excellent comes from the Hebrew word that means to seek, explore, or go trading. Seduce comes from the Hebrew word that means to cause to err or to mislead mentally and morally. Solomon said that the wicked try to seduce their neighbors. Matthew Henry wrote, "The righteous is abundant; though not in this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, which are the true riches. Evil men vainly flatter themselves that their ways are not wrong." As we trust in the Lord and hold our head high with a smile, we will take on the ways of the righteous, forsake evil, and live a more victorious life. As we trust in the Lord in all things, we will become more diligent in the affairs of our life. A lazy person will not even cook the meat that he has acquired through hunting. Thus, while laziness holds back the brilliant, a willingness to work promotes those who are less intelligent. Laziness is another choice in life where we can decide for ourselves. Righteousness is a choice also, and choosing to live right brings blessings and honor. Solomon wrote that the righteous do not die. Psalms 32:10-11 says, "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." On our own, we cannot do much, so we must trust our heart and life to the Lord.
There is virtue, peace, joy, and blessing in living right and in trusting the Lord. As you go through the coming week, reflect on these truths and trust your heart and life to 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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