Wise living under God

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post in the archives, dated November 12, 2008, where I introduce myself and the blog.

Thursday, September 17, 2009
Devotions: Proverbs 21
The leader’s heart is in God’s hands, and God turns it wherever He will. YHWH prefers righteous acts and justice rather than ritual sacrifices. Arrogant eyes and a proud heart guide the wicked, and they are sin. The plans of the diligent lead to abundance; haste leads to poverty and want. Treasure snared with lies fades away like a vapor and is a death-trap. The violence of the wicked will sweep them away; they refuse to do what is just. The path of the guilty is crooked; that of the pure is straight and true. Better to live in the corner of a housetop than to share an opulent home with a contentious woman. The wicked crave evil with their souls, and their neighbors get no mercy. Punish a scoffer and enlighten the simple; instruct a wise man and he gains knowledge. Watch the wicked: their houses will fall into ruin. Ignore the cries of the poor, and your own cries will go unanswered. Avert rage with secret gifts and bribes. Working justice heartens the righteous and dismays evildoers. One who wanders from the path of understanding will end up in the assembly of the dead. Pleasure-seekers become poor; gourmands will not be rich. The wicked and faithless become ransoms for the righteous and upright. Better to live in a desert than with a contentious and fretful woman. Precious treasure abides in a wise man’s dwelling, but is devoured if lodged with fools. One who pursues righteousness and kindness will also find life and honor. Wisdom scales the walls of the arrogant, and brings down the stronghold in which the mighty have trusted. One who holds his tongue saves himself a lot of trouble. The arrogant proud become known as scoffers. A sluggard dies of his refusal to work. The wicked covet all day long; the righteous gives and wastes no energy holding back. Even the sacrifice offered by the wicked is an abomination to holy God; how much more when it is offered with evil intent. A false witness will perish; the word of a fair witness will abide. A wicked person puts on a bold face, but an upright person reflects on his ways. Against YHWH no wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail. Horses are prepared for the day of battle, but YHWH owns the victory.