The Word of the Listener

For Friday, May 25, 2007
Proverbs 21:28

A false witness will perish,
but the word of a man who hears will endure.

Yet another unexpected contrast. We would think the second clause to say something like, "but the word of a man who tells the truth will endure." This contrast draws out the heart condition of the false witness. Such a person lies because he is not interested in a fair hearing of a case, but in getting his own way. Some lie to take advantage of another; some lie to avoid being taken advantage of. In either case, the false witness is more concerned in getting the outcome he desires than for the truth to be known.

This proverb also notes what is in the heart of the truth teller. He is interested in the truth. That is why he first takes the time to listen well before speaking. Some people pride themselves in truth-telling when they are no such thing. To speak before one has listened is to betray that one's real motive is merely to draw attention to oneself. It certainly shows a disregard for truth, because truth may come from any source, and it is the wise person who is able to listen well and discern the truth that is spoken.

Will you speak the truth today? The better question is, "Will you listen carefully for the truth?"

Intent

For Thursday, May 23, 2007
Proverbs 21:27

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination even when he does so with (in his mind) good intent. The wicked will contribute to charity. They will attend church and contribute to its causes. They will offer up prayers and even volunteer to help others. But because they do not repent of their sins, because they do not submit to the law of God, their sacrifices and "good" deeds are regarded as an abomination.

How much more then when the wicked bring their sacrifices with evil intent. They may give to a church in order to have control or to cover up their wickedness or to win the adulation of others. Attending church may be a means to win political favor or gain new clients or even to prey upon the unsuspecting. They may pretend to worship while inwardly mocking those who are worshipping.

God will not be mocked. It is better for the wicked to offer no sacrifice. Consider then the false ministers who turn their office as Ministers of the Gospel into Salesmen of Prosperity or even Deniers of the Gospel. Tremble for such persons who must give an account before the Almighty Judge. Take not lightly what God calls an abomination.

And take not lightly what our Lord has done for us. For without his sacrifice, our "sacrifices" would be an abomination to God no matter what our intent. His sacrifice was his own precious blood that he presented with the only pure intent ever shown by any man. Let us humbly give him thanks even now.

Killing Desire

For Monday, May 22, 2007
Proverbs 21:25-26

The desire of the sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
All day long he craves and craves,
but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

How is it that desire kills the sluggard? Why not the obvious - his laziness? Being a slackard is a serious flaw, to be sure, but combining that flaw with ungodly desire is deadly. Think of the addicted who crave and crave for a fix. Their very addiction makes them sluggards, while all the more it is critical for them to earn money to satisfy their cravings which can never be satisfied. Unless their addiction is broken, they will inevitably die. Think of the person craving for wealth, but lacks discipline. He tries foolish scheme after another, trying to find the route to quick, easy wealth. Each scheme leads him further into debt until the day of reckoning comes. Think of the individual lost in his daydreams which prevent him from applying himself to his work. His very desire keeps him from achieving his goal.

That is why the sluggard is contrasted with the righteous, rather than merely the industrious. The righteous desires the right things. He desires to please his Lord. He wants to be like Jesus. He does not curb his cravings so much as he craves good things such as doing good and expressing the love of his Savior. Thus he gives and does not hold back; and thus he receives all the more from his Lord. The desire of the righteous strengthens him rather than weakens. As he blesses, he is blessed.

Which desire controls your life?