May 16, 2024 – To Share, Or Silence

To Share, Or Silencee
May 16, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 12:13-16
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

 

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

      Over and over, Solomon has attempted to show his son the difference between the wise and the unwise. The contrasts clearly seen in these verses are set between those whom he calls fools or wicked, and those recorded as the wise.

 

    Here, we’re told that the words of the wicked will display their heart. They believe they are right in their own eyes and are harsh toward those around them. They lash out and belittle others, hoping that in doing so, they might appear wise or mightier. Rather than being a help to an injured soul, they make things worse with unwise counsel.

 

    Solomon also says that the wise and prudent person is exactly the opposite of all this. Often being hard on themselves, they seek and accept counsel from those around them, knowing there are others wiser than themselves. Rather than exposing someone and their faults or sins, they will often accept the ridicule of others while concealing the hurt for another.

 

    Do you remember in Genesis chapter 9, the story of Noah and his sons? Ham went in and saw his father’s shame. Instead of covering his father, he went to tell it to others, behaving as though he thought he was somehow superior in character to his own father. Shem and Japheth, on the other hand, would not look upon their father but walked in backward to cover Noah’s dishonor.

    The heart of a person can often be seen by what they will or will not share with others.

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Do you have information about someone that could make for an interesting story? Ask yourself, if this were shared about you, how would you feel? God encourages us to help, not harm one another. Gossip not only damages the reputation of others but also diminishes the respect others have for the person spreading gossip.

 

Take a moment to consider
what speaks more about your Christian character:
your willingness to share
or your decision to remain silent?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: May 16, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
   1 Chronicles 23-26
   Proverbs 12:13-16

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
   1 Kings 3-5
   John 4:39-54