Today I read Proverbs 22-24. I am just amazed at how much information is in Proverbs. I need to get some flash cards and write some down that I have highlighted and underlined.
Yesterday I had found a verse that I could relate to a lot. It wasn't until today's reading that my "aha" moment came when I read in Proverbs 24 a verse that struck home.
Yesterdays verse:
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
Today's verse:
Proverbs 24:17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
I have fallen so guilty in the second verse. Here I think I am glorifying God by celebrating someone getting their due and in reality I am self gloating so to speak.
How often do we fall prey to this when someone has been fired from a job, or their hours cut from work? Do you feel this when a your child made the team and another hasn't? You could make the list longer with anything in your life.
How awful I must seem to God when I do this. Reading this truly changed my whole mind set and it convicted me on so many levels. Would I want someone to gloat and feel malicious pleasure in God taking care of my wrongs? Absolutely not. My heart has officially changed, it definitely wasn't in the right place in those circumstances. I don't want God disapproving of my actions and heart. I will rejoice in the Good that God does and thank him for being there, and not in my enemy's stumblings. There may be a day I may need that person for help, or they need mine.
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
Today's verse:
Proverbs 24:17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
I have fallen so guilty in the second verse. Here I think I am glorifying God by celebrating someone getting their due and in reality I am self gloating so to speak.
How often do we fall prey to this when someone has been fired from a job, or their hours cut from work? Do you feel this when a your child made the team and another hasn't? You could make the list longer with anything in your life.
How awful I must seem to God when I do this. Reading this truly changed my whole mind set and it convicted me on so many levels. Would I want someone to gloat and feel malicious pleasure in God taking care of my wrongs? Absolutely not. My heart has officially changed, it definitely wasn't in the right place in those circumstances. I don't want God disapproving of my actions and heart. I will rejoice in the Good that God does and thank him for being there, and not in my enemy's stumblings. There may be a day I may need that person for help, or they need mine.
So today I am grateful for God is his almighty wisdom that he shares with me. His words are the true bread of life, I surely need them every day. The One Year Chronological Bible journey has truly been a blessing in my life. May your day be filled with peace knowing God is always there!
Blessings, Angie
Blessings, Angie
Ouch. I know I am guilty of this a lot more than I care to admit, too. I have a strong bent for justice, but seeing justice served doesn't give us license to gloat, does it? I'm glad I read this post today, Angie!
ReplyDeleteLinked here from Julie's blog.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good post. The Proverbs are so challenging b/c they speak to everyday issues of life. This is one example! I suppose most of us have gloated over the failing or falling of an enemy. Good to read this verse occasionally and be reminded of God's perspective on it. Good article.