THE CLEAR CONTRAST

January 19, 2018

Proverbs identifies and fleshes out for us the deep divide between wise men and foolish men. We see the contrast both in their actions and outcomes. Notice the stark clarity of this in Proverbs 3:32-35.

32  For the devious are an abomination to the Lord;

But He is intimate with the upright.

 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,

But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

 34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers,

Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

 35 The wise will inherit honor,

But fools display dishonor.

If you walk with Christ and are wise ...

• God is intimate with you (This alone should be enough to convince us for this is the greatest treasure!)
• God blesses your dwelling 
• God gives grace to you (the desire and power to do everything He asks)
• God honors you

If you do not walk with Christ and are foolish ...

• You are an abomination to the Lord
• You are under the Lord's curse
• God scoffs at you (just as you scoff at Him)
• You will display (lift up) dishonor, i.e., your dishonor will be evident to all

It seems the height of foolishness to choose the last list versus the first. And yet, all of us choose to not let the One who created us and knows us best be in control at times. We have a constant battle in surrendering to His Lordship.

We must be convinced of the VALUE of walking righteously with Christ. We do what we think is valuable. Meditating on this will help us surrender. Surely this is one of the reasons this contrasting list is given to us.

""Lord, let me be a man after Your own heart. Help me walk in uprightness, righteousness, humility and wisdom. I long for all of these things You mention here, but most of all, I long for You. Be ""intimate"" Lord with me, as you promise, for everything of value flows from Your Presence!""

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