“There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again, it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak. Sift and weigh every word.” Proverbs 14:12-13 (The Message)
Sin can look harmless. It can be accepted and even enjoyed by those around me. It can be very tempting to just do what everyone else is doing. If everyone else seems to be doing it and they seem to be ok, then maybe? “Look again,” the verse says, this way of life will lead to heartbreak. Most definitely my heart break and God’s heartbreak. The New Living Translation says this path will lead to death!
I chose The Message paraphrase because I like what it says at the end of verse 13, “Sift and weigh every word.” The Word of God MUST be my plumb line. Everything I do, each action I take must line up with what it says. I can’t pick and choose what I like and leave out what I don’t like. Those around me, society and culture don’t determine what is sin.
My only defense against the trap of sin is to know God’s Word. I must be in it continually, keeping it close to me. Following its instruction won’t always be the popular choice. It may mean that I have to go against the grain. My life will look different. His Word will always lead me and direct me in the right way. I must trust what it says.
Thank you, Lord, that you are for me and not against me. Thank you that your Word will always provide the answers I am looking for. Today I pray you will increase my understanding of your Word and strengthen my faith to always follow its commands. Amen.
What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 14? ? Share in the comments below or join the conversation on our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
How can I build my house to be wise? I must get rid of the junk in my heart to make room for what God has to put inside! I must surround myself with his word and his people to give me wisdom in so I can be a blessing and an instrument of his peace when he chooses to use me.
I need to be careful not to destroy my testimony with my selfish acts or desires.
Prayer
Father God empty me of me and pour into me your goodness and your righteousness! So that the overflow would be that which points to you! Lord please increase my desire for more of you and less of this world. May I seek and use wisdom and self-control to not void out my testimony in Jesus holy name!
I love the thought that surrounding yourself with wisdom from His Word and His people ahead of time, so when He chooses to use you, you are ready.