August 7 ~ Proverbs 22
17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Do you know somebody of whom it is said, “He/she would give you the shirt off his/her back?” I think we probably all know someone who is extremely generous. My friend Cheryl is like that. She is always willing to share her belongings with others or to give things to her friends and family members. But sometimes, this backfires on her. Because Cheryl is so generous, sometimes others take advantage of her kindness. Sometimes she loans things to people who don’t return them. While she doesn’t expect anything in turn from the people she helps, sometimes the recipients are less than kind to her. They abuse her kindness and generosity and demand more. Or they are not respectful of her property and return it in poorer condition than it was lent.
Now, I seriously doubt that Cheryl is going to stop being generous to others. And I’m not saying she should. But the Bible tells us to be cautious about our help. If it is a small loan and doesn’t really matter in the scheme of things… like an article of clothing or a book that can be replaced… it’s probably worth the risk. If it is the loan of a car, a place to stay, a large sum of money, or co-signing a bank loan for a purchase, it might be a good idea to give careful consideration to the borrower’s reputation – and the potential consequences of the loan.
God gave us The Proverbs to show us how to be good stewards of His gifts without losing our shirt! He wants us to help the poor and needy and those less fortunate than we are, but He also wants us to use good judgment and common sense and to be smart and sensible. So the next time your neighbor asks to borrow a cup of sugar, you can probably figure that one out on your own. But if your best friend wants to borrow your car, your cell phone, or that new diamond ring your mom bought you, have a little visit with God first before you decide!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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August 6 ~ Proverbs 22
11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Suppose you owned a pharmacy, and it was the only one in your community. Everybody had to come to you for their prescriptions… rich and poor alike. You did okay in your pharmacy and made a decent profit on all of the prescriptions you dispensed. BUT… you had people over a barrel, so to speak, and you could sell the prescription drugs for more than three times what you paid for them and make a nice profit. You could have made a good living by only doubling the price over your cost, but you could make a whole lot more if you tripled it!
You weren’t hurting the rich, certainly, by overcharging. And it was surely your privilege to charge as much or as little as you wanted for your prescriptions. But by setting your prices so high, you really made it tough for the lower income customers. The poor had to eat, just the same as rich people, but because you made it so difficult for them to afford their prescriptions, they had to forego other things, and for some, that included food. Others chose to skip the medications they needed in order to be able to eat… or to feed their families.
All the while, you were driving a great little sports car and living in a big beautiful house. You wore designer-label clothing to work and a nice wristwatch and jewelry, all thanks to the fine customers who patronized your store. And you didn’t feel the least bit bad about doing so!
The Proverbs tell us that God hears our thoughts… He knows our hearts. And those of us who are deceitful and greedy – those of us who mistreat the poor in order better ourselves – will be dealt with and our efforts will be frustrated in some way. You may seem to get by with this behavior on this earth, but there will come a day when you must answer for your actions and your lack of concern for others.
So as you go about your day, ask yourself this question, “Am I pure of heart? Are my motives acceptable and honest? Am I pleasing God with my thoughts and actions?” Check your attitude and your actions at the door before you set foot out the door, and remember to give yourself a check-up often!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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August 5 ~ Proverbs 22
1 A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and do a passage lookup.)
When I was a child, I thought my paternal grandparents were rich. They lived on a farm, where they grew an abundance of food and raised cattle and chickens. They were always doing things for my sister and brother and me… and for others. It never occurred to me how hard they worked. I never realized that they went to bed before 7 p.m. because they had to be up by 3 or 4 a.m. to get to work. I never thought much about the fact they didn’t watch much TV… chalking it up to their living in a rural area where television reception was poor. My grandfather didn’t have much spare time, but when he did, I often saw him reading his Bible.
My grandparents were probably in a fairly low income bracket. Yet I still believe my grandparents were rich. Maybe they weren’t rich in money or the things it can buy, but they were rich in love, experiences, and a relationship with God. I never forgot that, and as I have aged, I have realized even more how valuable the example of their lives was for others. They served others humbly, and often, I saw them give to those who were less fortunate than they. Theirs was a legacy of sharing with others, and I hope that I have learned this lesson well and can pay it forward in my own life.
When we stand before God, He does not see cars, jewelry, houses, or things. He sees our heart. You may be standing next to the “richest man in the world” in the eyes of man, but in God’s eyes, you may be the richer one. It is up to you to choose wisely how to spend your time, talents and material wealth. You truly do reap what you sew, and I pray that your reputation will be one that is worth more than silver and gold… a treasure “rather to be chosen than great riches!”
©2007 Debbie Robus
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August 4 ~ Proverbs 21
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I am a big fan of “I Love Lucy.” In fact, I love those shows so much that my husband got me flannel “I Love Lucy” pajamas and matching slippers. They feature Lucy and Ethel in their famous “chocolate factory” scene – eating the chocolates as they race down the conveyor belt because they can’t keep up with getting them wrapped and packaged! Lucy is always getting into trouble in those episodes, and quite often, it is because of something she says. Oh, she doesn’t mean to cause trouble, but she surely does. And then she incurs the wrath of Ricky!
These verses tell us to guard our hearts and our tongues against saying and doing – and thinking – things that are untrue or unkind… or evil. There is no mincing of words in these verses. To do otherwise is to bring trouble and God’s anger and punishment to our lives. On the other hand, following God’s commandments and walking in His Spirit and righteousness will bring us an abundant life - and safety in the Lord – a life that honors Him. Is there really any question which we must choose?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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August 3 ~ Proverbs 21
12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
When I was in the first grade, President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. I still remember hearing the news and watching all of the events of the next few days on television and seeing the accounts in the newspapers. One of the pictures that is etched in my memory is the one of Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby. Apparently Mr. Ruby decided he could not wait for the wheels of justice to turn. He took matters into his own hands.
Now, many would applaud this vigilante action. But God does not approve of vigilantes. He and He alone is responsibility for addressing evil behavior. I believe that God provided us with a system of checks and balances for dealing with criminals on this earth. Our legal system may not always work as well as we would like – and some would argue whether it works at all – but the Bible tells us that courts are nothing new and offer a better shot at fairness for all than any vigilante.
If you do an internet search for “Jack Ruby,” you will learn that he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He appealed the sentence, and before a second trial could be held, he died of lung cancer. I do not know Jack Ruby’s heart nor his motives in shooting Lee Harvey Oswald. But trying to “play God” is foolish… and we see in Verse 20 that fools spend up their treasure and waste it. God WILL take care of evil people and situations. It may not happen on this earth, but it WILL happen. As faithful Christians and good stewards of God’s blessings, we must trust Him and His timing in every experience.
©2007 Debbie Robus
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August 2 ~ Proverbs 21
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. (Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Let’s say you are shopping and you pick up a bag of dip for your chips and put it in your basket. You move on down a few aisles, and there on the end cap is another brand of dip – and it’s on sale. So, you take out the first jar of dip, sit it on the shelf, and grab a jar of the sale brand. OR… you are shopping and decide you don’t want something you picked up over in cosmetics, and you are already way over in the pet supplies, so you just lay the cosmetic up on the shelf. The store clerk will return it, right?
Suppose you get up late for school, and you hurry to shower and dress, and you leave your wet towel and pj’s in the floor. If your mom (spouse, roommate, sibling) doesn’t pick them up for you, you can do something with them after school… but only IF someone else hasn’t already taken care of it for you!
These are minor issues in the scheme of things, but again, if you are not faithful in small matters, you probably won’t be in the larger ones. It isn’t going to cause a breakdown of the world as we know it if you don’t return that item to its rightful place on a store shelf. But as Christians, we must be diligent in even the smallest gestures. We must be even more careful to show respect to others… to put back those items we don’t want, to pick up our belongings, to put away our dishes and be helpful to those around us. Verse 3 says doing what is right and fair is more important to God than a sacrifice.
God knows our heart. He knows that when we pick up after ourselves so others won’t have to do it… when we return the grocery cart to the cart corral at the store… when we take time to hold a door for someone or simply speak politely and respectfully to others, and we do it with a good attitude and a loving spirit, we are setting the stage and laying the foundation for honoring Him in larger things.
So the next time you are tempted to leave your cart in a parking space or you change your mind about purchasing something and set it up on a shelf where it doesn’t belong, remember Who is watching. HIS “security camera” is the one that matters most!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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August 1, 2007 ~ Proverbs 20
24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.
30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
When I was a little girl, there was a commercial on television for a hair coloring product – Miss Clairol maybe – and the punch line to the commercial was something like “only your hairdresser knows for sure.” Harmless enough, right? Of course! Most people could care less about someone else’s hair color.
But this innocent commercial speaks to a bigger issue in our culture and in our personal lives. The Bible tells us in Luke 16:10…”He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” And that is what this passage is telling us, especially in verses 25 and 27. Often, we get into a mess, and we promise God the moon, if only He will deliver us from this trouble. We will come to church more. We will pray more often – and more fervently. We will “turn our life around” so to speak! But these verses tell us to be careful what we promise in the heat of the moment. God knows our heart AND our future. He knows when we say one thing and believe another in our heart. He knows when we are real with Him and when we are really just saying what we think He and those around us want to hear.
So go ahead and color your hair and wear fake fingernails, colored contact lenses, hair extensions, or whatever floats your boat. But don’t play loose with God! He knows the real you – your hairdresser is NOT the only One Who knows for sure!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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