The sinful man destroys his neighbor with his mouth, but those who are fair will be saved through knowing God. (Proverbs 11:9 NLV) He who hates his neighbor does not think well, but a man of understanding keeps quiet. (Proverbs 11:12 NLV) He who stays away from others cares only about himself. He argues against all good wisdom. (Proverbs 18:1 NLV)
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!" TRUE! But we are not an island to ourselves, we have to live around and be around people most of the time. We can't stays away from others. God created man in Him image, therefore we also have a desire in us to have relationships. God says a person who chooses to isolate himself cares only about himself. We can't witness by ourselves; nor can we learn and gain more wisdom of God's Word by ourselves. We have to be around people, and we have to know what we should and should not say around eachother also.
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. ... Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:2-10)
Not only should we watch how we speak to and about eachother, but we also need to make sure that we don't take advantage of eachother. He who works his land will have all the bread he needs, but he who follows what is of no worth has no wisdom. (Proverbs 12:11 NLV) I passed by the field of the lazy man, by the grape-vines of the man without understanding. And see, it was all grown over with thorns. The ground was covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I thought about it. I looked and received teaching. (Proverbs 24:30-32 NLV) Being a Christians doesn't mean we don't have to work, nor should others expect anything from us either, if they are able but unwilling to work.
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (II Thessalonians 3:6-15)
Those who are easy to fool are foolish, but the wise have much learning. (Proverbs 14:18 NLV) A foolish way is joy to him who has no wisdom, but a man of understanding walks straight. (Proverbs 15:21 NLV) A man without good thinking makes promises, and becomes a trust for what another man owes his neighbor. (Proverbs 17:18 NLV) It is not good for a person to be without much learning, and he who hurries with his feet rushes into sin. (Proverbs 19:2 NLV) Wisdom is too hard for a fool to understand. He does not open his mouth in the gate. (Proverbs 24:7 NLV) Oftentimes, when we become a Christian, we feel we have to do any and everything people asks us, to prove that we love them the way Christ loves us. That's not wise!
We have to be careful what we do and how we do it, because we are a living example of the Word of God. If any of us has a need, God promises, And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) If our needs aren't being met, then that's a sign that there may be a problem in our relationship with God. We can not replace God in people's lives. If they always call on us to get their needs met, and we always answer, how will they ever learn to call on and trust in God? Yes, God may use us as an instrument to give help to someone, but just as God's love is unconditional but His provision comes with conditions, so we should be the same way with eachother. And do not makes promises, and becomes a trust for what another man owes his neighbor; in other words, don't co-sign or put our name on anything for anyone!!! Yet again, God will provide all our needs, and if we work, we will one day be able to get what we want!
He who is slow to get angry has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper makes his foolish way look right. (Proverbs 14:29 NLV) Hit a man who laughs at the truth, and the foolish may become wise. But speak strong words to one who has understanding, and he will get more learning. (Proverbs 19:25 NLV) To get wisdom is much better than getting gold. To get understanding should be chosen instead of silver. (Proverbs 16:16 NLV) It does a fool no good to try to buy wisdom, when he has no understanding. (Proverbs 17:16 NLV) There is gold and many stones of great worth, but the lips of much learning are worth more. (Proverbs 20:15) Do we want to have something of true value? Do we want to live peaceably with all men? Buy truth, and do not sell it. Get wisdom and teaching and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23 NLV) AMEN
No comments:
Post a Comment