Sunday, October 24, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 13:18-22, we studied about poverty and shame, good and evil, and about the value of godly instruction. As Christians, it is important for us to be open to instruction. It is important for us to be willing to receive instruction and correction from others. When we refuse, we cannot improve. When we are open to advice and correction, however, we can become better, happier people and, as a result, more richly enjoy the blessings of the Lord. The way to be honored is to be open. Therefore, be a good listener and learn. Next, we should avoid foolish desires and foolish people. When someone wants something very badly, they are usually pleased if and when they get it. But a fool most of the time wants those things that are not positive and uplifting. Solomon wrote that fools think that it is an abomination to walk away from evil. Proverbs 14:9 says, "Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour." Those who are righteous have favor with the Lord. Those who are righteous have sweetness in their soul when their desires are fulfilled. The righteous and the wise tend to live right and hang around the right kind of people. The foolish, though, are not so wise or so fortunate. In the end, they and their companions are destroyed.
Being righteous and being good are important. The evil, mischievous person always seems to find trouble. Solomon wrote that trouble actually pursues them. Pursues comes from the Hebrew word that means to follow or run after. The sinner is almost always a victim whether he or she wishes to be or not. The key to avoiding evil is to not be evil. Live as you should, seek the Lord with all your heart, and try to live a life that will be glorifying to Him. Be righteous and good. Also, be someone who is responsible and wise in the handling of finances. Solomon wrote that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children. A good man also leaves an inheritance to his children's children or to his grandchildren. The love of money is the root of all evil. I Timothy 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." However, while loving money might be wrong, the intelligent handling of money is still an important part of being godly. We should never love money, whether we have it or not, but we should always strive to be good stewards over all that we have. When we have been good, faithful stewards, then we will be able to meet our own needs and still have something for those we leave behind. A good personal goal is to take care of your money when you are young so that it will take care of you when you are old.
This week's lesson has taught us about the importance of listening and being open to correction, about avoiding fools and foolishness, and about leaving an inheritance to our kids and grandkids. Each of these has their part in making us better Christians. Therefore, as you go through the coming week, reflect on these and the many other positive teachings of the Book of Proverbs. Then, do your best to be the person that God would have you be.
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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