Insights

Day 25: Indulging Without Self Control – Proverbs 25

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day 25 pic of beach

“Do you like honey? Don’t eat to much or it will make you sick.” Proverbs 25:16 (NLT)

“It’s not good to eat to much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls.: Proverbs 25:27-28 (NLT)

I didn’t really think much about these 2 verses. I like honey, but it’s never been something I indulge on. But then, I checked out this Proverb in The Message, and well, it got my attention.

“When your given a box of candy, don’t gulp it all down. Eat to much chocolate and you’ll make your self sick.” Proverbs 25:16 (The Message)

“It’s not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you. A person without self-control is like a house with it’s doors and windows knocked out.” Proverbs 25:27-28 (The Message)

I’m like, wait! What! Too much chocolate? Really? It can make me sick? I mean, we are talking about chocolate! I really love chocolate, especially dark chocolate… mmmmmmmmm!

Ok, so here’s the thing, these verses are not saying honey, sweets and chocolate are bad. They are telling us the indulgence, with no self-control is the problem. I’ve been there and indulged on warm chocolate chip cookies, Sun Drop Pound Cake, gourmet chocolates and well, I could go on and on. I know that when I eat these things with no self-control, I will feel bad later. And isn’t it just like my sinful nature to say, “It’s worth feeling bad because those cookies were so good!” Really? What am I thinking?

I need to heed this wisdom for my life. I know there are foods that are not good for me. They may taste good in the moment, but they bring harm to my physical health. It may not be evident right away, but the effects of indulging will catch up to me.

This speaks to me today on a couple different levels. First, there is a definite warning here to not indulge on sweets. And I know scientifically and because of experience that to much sugar is harmful to my physical health. And secondly, this thought that the later pain is worth the immediate pleasure. That is sin.

I know that I’ve allowed this lack of self-control effect what I eat. Where else have I allowed the pleasure in the moment justify the effects of the sin?

Forgive me Lord for indulging and for a lack of self-control. Forgive me for justifying sin in my life. I pray today for more revelation in my life about where I’m lacking self-control. And I pray today for an increase in self-control. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 25? Comment below or join the conversation in our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.

Day 20: Double Standard – Proverbs 20

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Day 20 pic of birds over sunset

“False weights and unequal measures; the Lord detests double standards of every kind.” Proverbs 20:10 (NLT)

“The Lord detests double standards; He is not pleased by dishonest scales.” Proverbs 20:23 (NLT)

It can be so easy to read the Word and pick the parts of Scripture that are about love, grace and forgiveness. I think it’s just my human nature to want to feel all warm and fuzzy all the time. Journaling about how good God is and all He is done for me is so important and has great value. But I can’t overlook the parts of Scripture that challenge me or convict me of sin. It’s the moments of repentance that I experience true transformation. If my true desire is to become more like Him, then I have to be willing to allow His Word to penetrate deep into all the corners of my heart.

As I read through Proverbs 20 the statement “the Lord detests double standards,” jumped out at me TWICE! And in all honesty, I didn’t want to journal on that today. I reread the chapter a couple more times trying to pick something different. But, “double standard” are the words that were speaking to me today.

I want to just say, “I’m good, no double standards here!” And though nothing may come to my mind in this moment, I feel challenged to search my heart and to allow the Lord to draw out the inconsistencies in my life. Where have I compromised my values and beliefs? Where have I allowed myself to accept less than what He has for me? Where have I allowed myself to sin, simply because it’s socially acceptable? Where in my life do, I walk out a double standard, saying I believe and have faith, but my actions, attitude, thoughts or my heart don’t reflect the same.

Lord, I’m praying today and asking you to search my heart and reveal areas of my life where I hold a double standard. I desire those things to be brought to the surface and for healing to come into my life. I pray for courage to face those inconsistencies allowing you to break strongholds and bring freedom. And I thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 20? Share in the comments below or join the conversation on our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.