“True Strenght” Proverbs 11 (Part III)

 “True Strenght” Proverbs 11 (Part III)

 

A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.( Proverbs 11:16)

As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion (vs. 22)

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him( vs.27)

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise ( vs.30)

 

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.”

This now is in stark contrast to our last devotion where because of hurt, lack of love  and guidance we become self focused in trying to fulfill the void we were left with. Paul mentions an interesting principal for another problem that with some understanding could be applied here. A way to cure stealing Paul says is to work and then give to those in need “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth (Eph.4:28).” This obviously deals with a changed heart, however we are also dealing with a very basic human need in all of us. We need to feel as though we matter. The need to give, to be helpful, to live in such a way that I am connected to a larger circle than just me. Without this sense of contributing, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually, my life really has no purpose. To live as such, a no purpose life, causes depression and emotionally one implodes on themself becoming more self centered. The most miserable people in my opinion are those who are all about themselves because you can really never satisfy yourself. Self centeredness is a reoccurring debt that is always demanding payment ( the Kardashians come to mind). So as in stealing, a similar way to cure self focus is to seek the good of others “he (or she) that seeketh good.” This is a complete recalibration of one’s soul that in itself is a miracle.

How does it happen? It can start small with a friend inviting us to a function, like “kids day,” and volunteering to help with some activity and finding joy in helping. Other times the change occurs through brokenness. Everything we thought we had was taken or we destoryed it with our own hands. At this point the soul is forced to seek help, to reach outside of itself and be willing to change. To get to this point, that we seek help, is a critical first step.

 The more likely way of change which probably is true for most of us is when we have our first child. The care of something that is so innocent and helpless changes you. Prior to being a parent our tendency is to focus on ourselves. However the care of a baby is amazing and life changing. sleep deprived and all. For some, it is a steep learning curve that requires internal recalibration but once that is made the joy of having the care and love of a little life was totally worth the refocus. The joy of giving to your child(ren) and seeing their happiness makes all the effort worth it. Becoming responsible and “doing it right,” is how self respect and feeling good about ourselves starts. Internally I believe many of us know what is right, and the shouldering of the responsibility of the care of another  fuels more change, even unto the care of our fellow man. We experience verse 25 of the same chapter “he who waters will themselves be watered,”or as our verse of study says, “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor:” this is how we were meant to live, in community not separate isolated lives. 

 

In contrast to this is “but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.” Mischief (Raah) meaning all shades of evil, from a white lie to murder. Depending upon context Raah describes the full spectrum.  I had a very knowledgeable C.P.A many years back that was helpful and made sure we kept everything legal and above board. He also did investments which we did not participate in. He was our accountant for several years and I really liked him. One day however I received a phone call from his secretary saying that the F.B.I had arrested him and taken him to jail. We were all shocked, his wife, his staff and clients. Apparently the F.B.I had been watching him for some time and he was using investment money illegally. I never knew the exact charges, but what a surprise. The same law he made sure I followed was the same law he tried to go around. Raah came home and it came home with severe consequences and had a great business going for him.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” I love this verse. What is the ” fruit of righteousness,” is it not love, peace, joy, forgiveness, kindness, patience etc., all the qualities of a Christ like life. How can you go wrong when these qualities have permanent residence within your soul. Not only do you bless others but these qualities bless you as well. Health is more than the food we eat, though that is very important true health goes deeper, it goes to the soul and spirit of the individual and the fruit of righteousness promotes and maintains an inward healthy me. I’m convinced that so many of our illnesses, especially reoccurring ones, have to do with the state of my “inner me.”

Next what is meant by a “tree of life?” Considering the region in which the scriptures where penned, a green and flourishing tree meant water. As a desert traveler this green tree literally meant life. Not only did it signal water but it was an opportunity to get out of the scorching sun and rest in the shade. It was also the means to refill the depleting skins with water ( thermoses were made from animal skins) and an opportunity to hunt as game came to drink and rest. So truly a green and thriving tree did represent life. So our fruit of righteousness represents life to the weary of soul. It’s restful to find someone you can trust, someone that has your best interest at heart. It’s peaceful to know that your loved and accepted, that the only person you have to be is you, flaws and all. And lastly love nourishes, so it is satisfying, a much needed pit stop on the race track of life. To demonstrate and be these qualities to others how can you not “win souls?”

 

Father God,

Thank you for this time in your Word. To study and make application is like that green tree in the desert, it satisfies our soul. Let us do our part to present ourselves with a readied heart, with a pen and Bible in hand and expect to be taught from a Father who is anxious to draw His children nigh. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward. in His Grace – Arthur

 

1. Is this not what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ, to be Christ to the world? As Paul said he was an ambassador in chains for Christ. Though he was chained his demeanor and the words of Christ where not. There are far too few of us that represent Christ as Paul did. Yet though Paul was uniquely called, we have the same access to the Holy Spirit as he had, the real question is do we want it and our we really to pay the cost to have it, truly dieing to self?