Wednesday: GOD’S GUIDANCE

Feb 22, 2023
2 min read

Proverbs 11:12-20

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.  A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.  For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.  A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.  A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.  Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.  The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Understanding is like wisdom. Through understanding, God decides when to hold my tongue and my words, so my words do not tear others down. Even when I think my neighbor deserves my harsh words, God says the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. God gives rules for rebuking a brother when needed, but even these words are to be encouraging in helping a brother see truth through my love for them and their situation.

During other times when I need to hold my tongue…instead of betraying a confidence by spreading gossip, I should be trustworthy in keeping a secret.

A nation can fail for a lack of Divine guidance; whenever a decision is to be made, it should be made by many who are seeking the Lord together.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

Every situation requires Divine guidance, whether I’m considering cosigning a loan or taking a job, I must consider God’s Word. I desire to attain life through righteousness in every situation, but if I pursue any course of action without the Lord, then I will surely suffer. The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Lord, help me to seek You in all things, so You will delight as You see Your will blossoming in my life. Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman