A little Practical Application of Biblical Truth will change your life!

Proverbs 24: 1-12

Do not be envious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them;

Sometimes what is evil actually looks like fun, like they are having such a good time, and who are they hurting?  They are having sex with whoever they want, they drink and laugh and joke.  They are even “there” for each other when there is trouble – my Christian buddies aren’t always there for me! They don’t make such demands on my, like those in the church do.  They don’t judge me or expect more of me.  What can it hurt to be friends with the unbeliever?  That isn’t really being yolked to them, we’re not married or anything!  And I don’t get drunk, in fact, usually I’m the designated driver, so aren’t I doing a “good thing” hanging out with them?  Being there to protect them and others from harm?  They know I’m Christian, I don’t have to shove it down their throats or anything. 

But the Lord clearly advises us:
² For their heart devises violence,
And their lips talk of troublemaking.

In fact, the Lord wants the best for us, so He reveals that we need wisdom and knowledge to live a good life, to “build a house”, a life, that is “worthy of the calling with which we have been called” Ephesians 4:1

³ Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
⁴ By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

⁵ A wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;
⁶ For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

In fact, it is wisdom that will give us the strength to withstand evil, and to recognize the need to avoid those who chose evil over God and His truth.  Because we are engaged in a spiritual battle every minute of every day, even when we fail to recognize that truth.  To fight a winning WAR you need strength and not physical strength but spiritual strength which only comes from the Lord Himself!  So don’t be FOOLISH….

⁷ Wisdom is too lofty for a fool;
He does not open his mouth in the gate.

Don’t let evil people inch you into evil.  That’s how it happens, it’s just one tiny step in the “wrong” direction, then another tiny step, and soon you are in full blown evil!

⁸ He who plots to do evil
Will be called a schemer.
⁹ The devising of foolishness is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

¹⁰ If you faint in the day of adversity,
Your strength is small.

You WILL faint in the day of adversity, because your strength in your flesh is very small and very weak.  Only in the power of the Holy Spirit will you find the strength you need to do the work the Lord has called you to do.  And that work is important!

¹¹ Deliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.

This is the purpose, the plan of God, the command Jesus left His disciples with!  Be witnesses of Him, that people would receive salvation-LIFE, because they are stumbling along toward eternal death otherwise!
¹² If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?

God knows our hearts.  He gives us the desire of our hearts, it is His Holy Spirit that works in us to will (want to) and do (action) His good and perfect will.
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

Talk about your treasure in Heaven!  We obey, reap the Harvest to His Glory and we receive RICH REWARD for our obedience to Him!