3 wise questions to evaluate Motives

Read Proverbs 23.

In the opening verses of this chapter Solomon warns "do not" four times.  His purpose is to cause the reader to evaluate what they are doing and why.  It is the fool who blindly consumes only to desire more.  But there are motives behind every action; not all are pure.

Here are three questions to ask in evaluating motives.  The point is to think and be careful.
1. Why is a wealthy person showing kindness to you? (vv.1-3)
How should you respond and act when a person of financial means or high position extends an invitation?  A fool sees selfish opportunity and wants to get all they can from the engagement.  Think and be careful.  Most often there is a reason behind the invitation.  Yes, it could be to extend friendship, perhaps a reward, or even something mutually beneficial.  However, just as often it is because they want something from you.  A wise person is humbled to be included and cautiously restrains themselves.

2. Why do you do what you do? (vv.4-5)
Knowing one's purpose in life according to God's design is essential to a fulfilling life.  Too many people work hard only for the money.  Money is deceptive and fickle, like a bird that lights on a tree limb and then flies away.  At best, all our finances are temporal.  Money is a tool to be used, not a goal in itself.  So, the moral evaluation in our labors has to do with what we are trying accomplish.  A wise person thinks and is careful.  Once we recognize that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1), we see our work and our wealth as a stewardship to take care of and to expand His work in this world.

3. Why is a stingy person showing kindness to you? (vv.6-8)
It is unusual for a person, who is known to be tight with their finances, to demonstrate generosity.   A wise person thinks and proceeds carefully.  Have they had a change in heart?  Are they doing this out of some forced obligation?  Do they have a hidden agenda?  Of course, we always want to be kind to our host but remember that their motives may not be pure and our compliments wasted.  Without caution we may be setting ourselves up for huge regret.  The word stingy is often translated "evil".  This is in contrast to Proverbs 22:9-"Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."

When it comes to interacting with others, Jesus taught His followers to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).  When it comes to our behavior, we are to be generous and give with pure motives, "expecting nothing in return" (Luke 6:35).

 

11 words about the Word that will change your Life.

 Read Proverbs 22.

(v.17)
1. Incline: My Granddad was hard of hearing.  So, when someone spoke to him, he would place his right hand to his ear, bend the flap, and lean forward.  It was a sign that he was intent on what was being said.

2. Hear: The Hebrew word has to do with giving one's full attention.

3. Apply: It is one thing to listen to knowledge, it is quite another to put it into practice.  Until we implement what we heard, we really have not learned. (v.18)

4. Pleasant: When one sees the benefits and embraces the truth it is a delight to the soul.

5. Kept within: This involves memorizing verses and/or principles.  Reviewing them for accuracy and meditating on them for wisdom will cause them to stick in our thinking.

6. Ready: When the opportunity arises, we have something to say.  Not an opinion, but God's timeless perspective that will be helpful to others now and for eternity. (v.19)

7. Trust: God's goal is that through knowing and applying the Scriptures our faith and reliance on Him will keep on increasing. (vv.20-21)

8. Written: Though Solomon was specific here, the entirety of Scripture is written down for us.

9. Know: We may have absolute confidence in God's Word about what is right and wrong, true and false. 

10. Give: The purpose knowing God’s word is never for personal arrogance or to be used against others.  Sharing Scripture is our greatest resource in serving the true needs of those around us.

11. Sent: We who have committed our lives to Jesus are on a mission to tell the world of God's wonderful message to them.

1 Peter 3:15-16a, "But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..."

 

When things seem out of Control

 Read Proverbs 21.

If you ever wonder if God is still in control, here are three statements to consider.  These will test our faith when things appear to be going in the wrong direction.

1. The LORD controls the leaders.
"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will."  (v.1)
Do leader's sin? Yes they do.  Are some even under the influence of Satan?  Yes.  But they will ultimately fulfill God's purposes.  In the days of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar made some horrible, anti-God decisions.  But the LORD was able to protect His people and change the king.  In the days of Esther, the king made some unconscionable decrees.  Yet, God moved in a miraculous way to change the king's mind and world history.  

Pray for the leaders in your life.

2. The LORD controls the plans.
"No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD." (v.30)
Satan and the selfish interests of the human mind have invented an endless array of false beliefs and directions for life.  However, none of them will stand the tests of time and truth.  Reading the Scriptures and comparing them with history provides absolute confidence that God is in charge of His-story.  Indeed, the culmination of all things is written down for us.  We are not left in the dark as to what the LORD is doing.
Learn God's plans in the Bible.

3. The LORD controls the results.
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD." (v.31)
This statement laughs in the face of those who claim to be self-made successes.  All power, and therefore all glory, belongs to the Owner of all things.  Are we responsible to work hard and diligently use our opportunities for achievement of good goals?  Absolutely.  But as we do, it is with the full recognition of the Source of our gifts, talents, opportunities and results.
Trust God for His will to be done.

Can I trust You?

 Read Proverbs 20.

"Trust me", they say.  But are they trustworthy?  Trust is established by verification and/or performance.  Did their words prove true?  Did they do what they promised? 

The Bible holds in highest regard a person's faithfulness.  It is a serious matter to the LORD.  Our world treats truth as relative.  Deceit is acceptable.  Lying is rationalized and excused.  Verse 6 asks the question, "...a faithful man who can find?" 
 
1. Claims.
Exaggerations and overstatements are no substitutes for truthfulness in claims or accomplishments.  How many times have high-profile people been caught with false claims on their resumes or plagiarism in their writings?  Some can look right into the camera or under oath and lie. 
  
2. Commitments.
Everyday people make promises to lenders to pay on time over a period of years.  They sign their name to the contract to be faithful.  The ultimate commitment in life is marriage.  Before God, family and witnesses the couple makes a lifelong promise, regardless of the circumstances.  The vow states "until death" but about 50% of marriages do not last that long.  Usually, it is one party who decides to violate the trust and prove to be unfaithful.  Instead of being embarrassed and humbly dealing with the sin, the guilty party wants to simply and pridefully walk away.

3. Conduct.
Verse 23 refers to how one conducts their business.  Some are willing to say anything to make a sale or cheat to get ahead.  But, accuracy is important to God who watches every transaction. 

Faithfulness is a character issue of integrity.  God is ever trustworthy.  Those who know Jesus are to reflect His character in every moment.  

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

 

Perspectives on the Poor

 Read Proverbs 19.

Wealth can attract the attention of many so-called friends.  But when the money disappears, one discovers who their true friends are.  Then, what about those who never had much?  Judging the poor strictly by their financial status may well lead to a wrong conclusion.

In this chapter, the LORD provides four principles of His perspective on the poor. 
1. Character. (v.1)
Here is the contrast.  Which is better: to have no money yet live and do what is right, or to have money yet speak and behave as a fool?  Character has nothing to do with one's bank account.  It has everything to do with who a person is on the inside. Even without resources, a poor person may stand tall in their integrity.

2. Connections. (vv.6-7)
A wealthy person can be surrounded by people and highly connected with others.  Many who desire to be friends with the wealthy are wanting something from them.  But when one has nothing materially to give, it can be lonely.  They may even be treated with disdain.  One of the beautiful features of a healthy local church is its diversity.  Regardless of one's background, race, or financial status, all stand on level ground at the foot of the cross, sit together in worship, and learn together how to apply the Scriptures.  

3. Charity. (v.17)
Giving to the poor is not a matter of providing money but resources.  This is the mistake of most of the government's efforts.  Wealth redistribution is not helpful to either the wealthy or the poor.  Certainly, there must be provisions of care and compassion for immediate needs.  Counseling and job training coupled with work opportunities are essential to helping people get out of poverty.  The truly poor should be helped in a dignified way that leads them to support themselves.  While a church can provide friendship and spiritual help, the practical resources are usually available through some fine local organizations.

4. Consistency. (v.22)
Everyone desires to be faithfully loved.  If the poor is truly to be helped, it cannot be a hit and miss operation but demonstrated in consistent acts of love for them.  To say we love and not support it with actions is falsehood.  

“…let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

 

Rethinking personal Security

 Read Proverbs 18.

Where do you run when threatened?  Where is that place of personal safety and security? 

1. Physical security. 

When building a city in the days of the Old Testament, security and safety took two basic forms.  There would be a wall all around.  At the sign of trouble, those working in the fields outside could run to the nearest gate.  At night, the gates were locked.  Watchmen served as lookouts at their stations on the wall.  The second type of structure was a tower.  Sometimes, they were built outside the wall or along the road for emergencies.  Often, defensive towers were constructed inside the wall as a stronghold.  This acted as a large safe-room for people in the city, if the gates or walls were breached.

Today, there are alarm systems for cars and homes.  We can call 911.  Some have weapons at the ready.  We trust the police to keep our streets safe and the military to protect our nation.  But there are no guarantees.

2. Financial security. (v.11)
Living below our income level.
Keeping plenty of margin in our monthly budget for the unexpected.
Saving money equal to many months of our income in case of job loss.
Contributing the maximum to our retirement funds.
Investing wisely.
These are all prudent ways to build financial security.  But there are no guarantees.

3. Spiritual security. (v.10, 12)
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower."  His name refers to His character and reputation.  The LORD is eternally faithful.  Physical safety measures may not always protect us.  Financial losses are always possible.  But the strong name of Jesus is an unfailing place of refuge and peace.  The enemy of this security is pride.  Once a person admits their need and humbles themselves before God they discover His acceptance and protection.

Lina Sandell penned the old hymn entitled "Security."
"More secure is no one ever than the loved ones of the Savior..."
"Neither life nor death can ever from the Lord His children sever;
For His love and deep compassion comforts them in tribulation."

 

6 keys to peace and Quiet

 Read Proverbs 17.

Peace and quiet are missing elements in our noisy, high-tech, informational bombarding world.  We need times of turning off the noise.  Withdrawing to a place of solitude for prayer and spiritual renewal is necessary for our well-being.  There are times when remaining quiet, when we could have spoken, shows wise discernment.  Living in contentment instead of striving for more brings inner satisfaction. 

Several verses in this chapter underscore the values of peace and quiet. 
1. Our home. (v.1)
Having more stuff often brings more stress and strife with it.  Being grateful for what we have is essential to peace at home.

2. Our listening. (v.4)
What goes in is sure to come out.  A person who allows their ears to listen to evil, wicked words will be affected in their thinking, their speech and their behavior.  We need to screen, and even steel, ourselves from people, music, and movies that are offensive to the LORD.

3. Our trustworthiness. (v.9)
Covering has to do with keeping quiet about someone else's sin.  Ideally, with confession and forgiveness, the matter can be resolved quietly and peaceably.  But when instead the sin is told to those who are not part of the problem or part of the solution, a person's character can be destroyed.  Open conflict will be the result.

4. Our responses. (v.14)
When conflict does come (and it will), it is important to respond quickly and not allow escalation.  It is easier to deal with a small disagreement than it is to stop a war.

5. Our family. (v.17)
Many times we are not able to cope with the trouble that comes our way.  We need someone to listen to us, to love us, and to provide assistance.  That is why God has given us a family.  Friends may come and go, but we have family by birth.  Many do not have a natural family to whom they can turn.  The church is a family of believers who can provide that kind of mutual support for each other.

6. Our discretion. (v.20)
Knowing when to speak up and when to be quiet requires wisdom.  Telling all we know in every conversation is foolishness.  Sometimes the hardest work of all is the ministry of simply listening to another's strife.  Wisdom is often demonstrated by its restraint as much as its actions.