Daily Wisdoms: Proverbs 11:2-8

[all4givn]

Chapter 11

 

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them:

but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:

but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:

but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish:

 and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

 

                        When we are operating with ‘self’ on the throne, we are bound to say or do something foolish - something that will cause us shame.  Lowliness is best exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.  He laid aside His deserved position to become a man and pay a debt He didn’t owe to open the way for us to know Him.  The quietness of a soul yielded only to His approval hears His voice and hears His wisdom.  In the haughtiness of our own understanding we are bound to come to shame but in the lowly place of one who seeks guidance, we find one whose steps are sure and ordered.

 

                        Choosing paths that please the Lord result in sure-footedness that allows the traveler to enjoy the sights along the way.  Life’s choices must be those guided by integrity so that we can enjoy the journey without looking upon that which might trip us.  Allow a sensitive conscience to be guided by the Holy Spirit and His pure leading.  Make choices that, although no one else will see, will please the Lord and be those full of integrity.  Someone else may look like they have gained a lot of ground on their path with some twisted and dishonest action but the Lord says that the very thing they used to try to get ahead, will destroy them in the end.

 

                        Many people in this world weigh a choice as to how much it will profit them financially, disregarding the element of questioning its impact on things like; family, their relationship with Christ, priorities and the like.  We must never, as believers, allow such a guideline to be that which orders our steps. Whenever I go to a funeral I never hear such eulogies concerning the person’s possessions but their character, family and faith in God.  Riches do not profit in the end so why let them rule while we’re living?  Do you need that extra money, or does your child need your time?  Do you need to purchase that high maintenance item or do you need a more disciplined prayer life?  Does your husband need to get a second job, or does he need more time enjoying his children?  Ask Your Lord.  He will tell you.

 

                        Righteousness and wickedness.  Two opposing character traits.  When making those choices we must ask if our choices are righteous.  That means...are they right in the eyes of the Righteous One?  Let’s contrast the two and what happens when we make decisions based on righteous or wicked principles.

Wickedness

     shame (11:2)

destruction (11:3)

  falling (11:5)

  taken (11:6)

disappointment (11:7)

  trouble (11:8)

 

Righteousness

    wisdom (11:2)

   guidance (11:3)

deliverance (11:4,6,8)

                              direction (11:5)