PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Proverbs 15-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33)
After years of trying to figure things out, I’ve learned that I can’t.
Many of the things I thought I was certain about, I no long hold with confidence.
Its not that I have given in to doubt and unbelief; I trust Jesus more than ever.
But that is the thing; I don’t trust my beliefs, I trust Jesus’s grace!
The greatest lesson in life is humility, and a healthy respect (fear) for God.
This is not about cowering before a scary God, but loving respect and submission.
I am nothing compared to God, my opinions and beliefs are a house built on sand.
We can be very arrogant about our thoughts and beliefs and opinions.
As if we see things better than others, that our perspective sees the whole picture.
I have come to a place where I realize how fragile and flawed my understanding is.
If I want to be wise, the best way is to not think too highly of myself and my opinions.
When I finally stand before Jesus on the last day, my hope will not be in my beliefs.
My acceptance with God will not be because I was right… but because Jesus is right.
Orthodoxy (right doctrine) does not save us, but a right (humble) heart!
PRAYER
Lord, you have been gently breaking down my system of beliefs, and building up my faith. Thank you that I am saved by your love and grace, and not by being right!
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” I may think I know something and in my vanity follow my own ways – but that leads to failure. My own ego and pride stands in the way of learning – of wise counsel. I need to follow wise “…life-giving correction…” In my own eyes I might think that my ways are right, “but motives are weighed by the Lord.” Rather I need to “Commit to the Lord whatever [I]you do, and he will establish your plans. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[b] and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. I have learned that my own pride can get in the way – the Lord humbles me and I thank Him for it. Don’t give up on me – I need your counsel everyday!
Words.
Our words show whose we are.
My words can bring life or death. I need to be careful that my words brings gladness of the heart – speaking what is right. I meed to give careful thought to my words and that is only a possibility when I fully trust the Lord.
O the joy while thus we meet,
Learning here at Jesus’ feet
Words of truth that point the way
To realms of day!
Precious words of worth untold,
Ever new but never old,
May we read them o’er and o’er,
And love them more.
Words that tell of Him Who came
In His Father’s blessèd name;
And the angels at His birth
Sang “Peace on earth”;
Words that tell His love to men,
How He died and rose again,
To provide a mansion fair
That we might share.
Words that kindly say to all,
While their tones like music fall,
“Come to Jesus while you may;
He calls today”;
If our heart we open wide,
He will then with us abide;
We may dwell with Him above,
Where all is love.