Reading: Proverbs 23-26
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat (Prov. 23:1-3).
Gifting us with His Word is the second greatest blessing (the path to salvation being the first) God has ever bestowed on mankind. Not only does it introduce us to Him and provide us with the means to discern His Will, but it also is packed with Godly wisdom offering us direction on how best to navigate the fallen world in which we live. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps. 119:105). When we internalize God’s Word and align our values with His, we are granted the clarity of mind to seek His wisdom and apply it to our daily lives. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).
Individually, pride, greed, and ambition are all spiritual stumbling blocks that can distract us from our walk with Christ. But when combined, the danger they present is exponentially multiplied. In today’s reading, Solomon cautions us against allowing flattery and hunger (physical, mental, or emotional) to blind us to the true nature of any given situation. Those in a position of earthly power rarely extend invitations without ulterior motives. Instead of allowing our senses to be dulled by our prideful gratitude and satisfaction over being allowed entrance into their world, we should consider diligently what is before us and keep our appetites and ambitions under control. It would be foolish to accept hospitality or favors before first learning the ultimate cost.
Just because a person is not in a position of power and authority over us, however, doesn’t automatically mean we should lower our guard. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words (Prov. 23:6-8). Communing with friends and neighbors who willingly and gladly share the bounty of God, accepting and giving in relation to the moment’s need, is a beautiful thing. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common (Acts 4:32). But regardless of our need, we should avoid accepting anything that is grudgingly given. An individual who believes they have earned all they have and feels they must jealously guard against those who wish to take advantage of them is not someone to whom we need to be indebted. As with the rich and powerful, any invitations or favors from the selfish or miserly will come with strings attached. Strings which, if we allow them to entangle us, will work to draw us away from God’s clearly marked path.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Rom. 13:8-10).
Thought For Today:Avoid leaders that would have us serve them rather than have us help them to serve God.
Christ Revealed: As the One who rewards those who repay evil with good (Prov. 25: 21-22). If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink (Rom. 12:20). Jesus commanded: Love your enemies (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27,35).
Word Studies: 23:20 riotous = gluttonous; 24:26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer = A fair answer is as pleasant as a kiss on the lips; 25:9 discover not a secret to another = do not betray another man’s confidence; 26:24 dissembleth = harbors deceit.
Pray For Government Officials: Sen. Markwayne Mullin (OK) • Country: Turkey (81,619,392) Asia Minor and Southeastern Europe • Major Languages: Turkish, Kurdish • Official resistance to Christian witnessing • 99.8% Muslim; 0.2% Other (mostly Christians and Jews) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and the Lord will free you from your fears (Ps. 34:4).
Optional Readings:Hebrews 3