“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15: 1
Isn’t this so true? Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? How about trying to argue with somebody who insists on giving gentle answers? On the flip side, how many of us can keep our cool when someone is in our face yelling at the top of their lungs? A rising voice and harsh words almost always triggers an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, we must choose gentle words.
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on both the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15: 3
Wow, as soon as I read this verse I immediately knew I was going to back up these words with one of the Psalms. Sometimes we wonder if God truly sees the evil and the corruptness running rampant in the world. I thought of Psalm 73, because it’s all about the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the lasting rewards of the righteous. Just because you’re human, I know that you have questioned why good, even great success follows people who are so far away from God. I know you have, because I have… “God, here I am…loving you with all my heart, and here they are…” well, you know the rest. I love how brutally honest the psalmists’ were. How can you not relate to this…
“For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens and their words strut throughout the earth. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.” Psalm 73: 3-12
Open your Bibles and read the rest of the Psalm. God isn’t a nonchalant observer. He cares and is active in our world. Right now, His work is behind the scenes. It may not feel that way sometimes, but don’t give up. One day He will wipe out evil and punish the evildoers. Vengeance is His. Here’s another way of looking at this verse, “The Lord is watching everywhere….” We may be able to deceive others about the state of our hearts, but no sinful action or thought can be hidden from God.
“A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” Proverbs 15: 14
Ever hear the saying “garbage in…garbage out?” What we feed our minds is just as important, if not more important than what we feed our bodies. Take a look at your mental diet—What do you read? What kind of people do you talk with? Music? Films and TV? What you feed your mind influences your total health and well being. A strong desire to discover knowledge is a mark of true wisdom. The Bible tells us…”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12: 2 In other words… Let God transform you by changing the way you think🙂