The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in [their] walk are His delight.
Message: Train the heart
Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.
What the Lord is Saying: These contrasts are always interesting to me. The contrast here is the perverse and the blameless; the result is an abomination or a delight and how it relates to the Lord. Matthew Henry comments here, "Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness." It is interesting and amazing to me that this book is written, that we have this collection in Proverbs. It reminds me of Rob's lessons and the numerous ways to say the same thing. Like there is this constant need for more information, in the hopes that people will live their lives in the correct manner. Like, how many different ways can it be said.
The Lord wants our upright behavior. The Lord wants us to walk in ways of blameless. At my PT appointment there seems to be a recognition by the people of the hospital to be attentive to people's needs. We get these feedback ratings and the good feedback is wanted, the good ratings of customer service. The cable guy knows he needs the good rating even though his demeanor wasn't necessarily great, but he asked for all 10's and I guess you want to give that to him, even though there was something about him that wasn't helpful. But it is wanted is the point. People see that what people want is good customer service. We see this in life. To be respectful. And in many ways that is what these passages are saying over and over.
It amazes me and makes me wonder how did we get all of these sayings and why did Solomon write them all. I think of Grandmother Payton and Wiley and even my mom and the various sayings around the house, the phrases and the notebooks Wiley had of all the sayings and the clippings my Grandmother had - little motivating words, little reminders. All of these little reminders.
Maybe this is what we need continually, to be reminded more and more of these truths.
Source of following statements:
- In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, intentions, and will.
- The emphasis on the heart suggests that God is concerned not just with outward actions but with the inner motivations and attitudes of individuals.
- The term "blameless" does not imply sinlessness but rather integrity and uprightness in one's conduct.
- The "walk" refers to one's way of life or conduct, suggesting a consistent pattern of living that aligns with God's commandments.
It isn't only the outward God is focused on, but what is on the inside. And living that sort of life that encompasses thoughts, intentions and will. But it isn't about being perfect. And yet in Scripture whatever the failure rate there is - 10% or 15% or more that Jesus covers it. And yet that 10% makes us completely unworthy. LDS thought is do your best and Jesus covers the rest, but this misses the boat. We are stamped not acceptable the moment we sin. Yes, we want to live good lives, but for our own well being, not for God's acceptance.
Prayer: God, these verses and the meaning of these verses is what I need though at times I don't understand the repetition but I suppose we need these reminders continually. We need the constant reinforcement of the behavior we are all trying to live by. I need these good sources of information and need to be trained in this manner that reminds me that life is about glorifying you. That it is about pleasing you and making you number one. But God I thank you for covering my sin. That you cover it all. That you make it so I can know you. You have given me the right understanding of who you are and who I am in Christ. Keep working on my heart and not only mine but all those I am in contact with, in my life. I thank you for the friends you have given me and the course of life we are all on. Thank you for my grandmothers and the reminders in life that we need to live rightly. I need that reinforcement. Lord, you want my good behavior. Help me to make the right choices in life, to honor you. And I need this good behavior in my life. I live by peace when I live in this manner.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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