PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Proverbs 13-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.” (Proverbs 13:21)
As I read through these proverbs, I look for one that catches my attention.
There were several, like this one above, that did make me pause.
The question I had is, ‘is this really true?’
In my experience, those who try to do right often find trouble.
And too often, sinners often go rewarded in our messed up world.
What makes these sayings wise is that they look beyond the obvious.
They see behind what is happening, to what God is up to.
“The Lord works out everything to its proper end.” (Proverbs 16:4)
When at the moment it seems that sinners prosper, it won’t last.
In the end, truth and goodness and justice and love will win.
Jesus shows us this, as one who did what was right and found trouble.
His resurrection is our assurance that we will be rewarded with good things.
Do the right thing, even if it causes trouble; it will work out in the end.
Choose the Jesus way, and we too will endure the cross but receive the crown!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to do what is right, even when it is hard. Help me to trust that it will all work out for good in the end!
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, There is a way that appears to be right,…but in the end it leads to death.” How can I be discerning – to be prudent – to give thought to my ways and discern what is the right way? To find my purpose in living as a believer – as a child of God who has the same love for others – even evil doers – wanting that they too may be saved. Lord, help to be prudent – to hold my tongue when I need to hold it and to speak out when I should! Help me to love and do – to be loving, kind, patient, gentle and self controlled. Thank you for helping me to give thought to my ways, Holy Spirit!
In my journey of joy, for the joy of the Lord God is my strength, in His daily presence I am reminded once again that the fear of the Lord is the fountain of life, my daily Strength, my Refuge. He is my Confidence and throughout this day may my words and deeds show that I am His and He is mine.
I am my Beloved’s and He is mine—
His banner over me is love,
I am my Beloved’s and He is mine—
His banner over me is love;
I am my Beloved’s and He is mine—
His banner over me is love,
His banner over me is love.