Friday, November 1, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 11:19-23


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wisdom’s Great Gain: Doing The Lord’s Will Through Discretion: Proverbs 11:19-23

19) As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death.
20) They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the LORD: but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight.
21) [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22) [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion.
23) The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath.

In this section of the Proverbs, we find that another great gain that can be had through the application of wisdom is the ability to consistently follow the Lord’s will for our lives through the use of one of wisdom’s fruits…. discretion.  
What is discretion?  The word “discretion” in verse 22 comes form a Hebrew word that means “to taste or perceive” which influences our decision making.  It is best pictured by someone tasting a new flavor of ice cream before making the decision to purchase it. When we apply the taste of the ice cream to our decision, that is using discretion in our decision making.
Spiritually, discretion is when we use the Bible to perceive the true character or nature of something.  Then, based upon what we have perceived, we decide to either partake or refuse it.   The Bible reveals that lying is not a part of God’s revealed will for our lives.  Therefore, based upon what has been revealed to us about lying, we choose to avoid it.  This is what “discretion” means in the verses set before us this morning.


EXPOSITION:

19) As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death.
God’s Word reveals to us that….
1.  Being aligned with the desires and commands of God will lead to life.  Obeying God will guide us to a lengthened physical life, receipt of spiritual life through belief, and entrance into the very presence of Almighty God for an eternity.  
2.  Those who are actively seeking to disobey the Lord and rebel against Him will continue in their state of spiritual death and, in many cases, shortened physical life, as well as eternal separation from the Lord in the Lake of Fire.

If a wise man would exercise discretion in his life’s decisions, obviously righteousness would be chosen over the pursuit of evil.

20) They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the LORD: but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight.

3. those who possess a false, hypocritical, wicked heart are rejected and disgusting to the Lord.
4. those who sincere and honest followers of God are accepted and pleasing to Him.

If discretion, the fruit of wisdom, is given forth a man will choose to live a sincere, honest lifestyle to please their Lord.

21) [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

5.  unity of purpose and actions of the wicked will not overcome, nor restrict, their coming judgment
6.  the converts that are won by the witness of the righteous will be saved from their sin, divine wrath and enter into the same eternal blessings that are enjoyed by those who witnessed to them.

Discretion teaches us of the need to be living witnesses of His grace and glory, for the good of those around us.  To join with the wicked in the hopes of overcoming the divine punishment of the Lord will be fruitless and brought to utter ruin.


22) [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion.

7.  To put gold jewelry on a pig does nothing to change or better the pig.  It still possesses the nature and character of a pig.  This is like the physical beauty of a woman who exercises no discretion in her life’s activities.  Although physically beautiful and desirous, she is still one that is wicked and without spiritual purpose nor motivation.

Discretion, compared to the temporal wealth and beauty of this world, is of spiritual and eternal value.


23) The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath.

8.  the righteous possess the life goal of doing that which is pleasing and glorifying to God as the source of their lasting satisfaction and purpose.
9.  the wicked do not find genuine satisfaction in their life goals but it is only God’s judgment that is awaiting them.

Discretion will lead us to live righteous lives and seek to serve Him in truth, as compared to living the life of the wicked knowing that there only awaits God’s divine judgment.

SUMMARY:

With the possession of wisdom comes the exercise of discretion in our daily decision making.  It is through wise (Scripture-based) discretion that we can fulfill the Lord’s will for our lives and refrain from following the sinful ways of the fallen world in which we live.  May we all seek the knowledge of His Word and the wisdom and discretion that is necessary to be living testimonies of Christ.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org



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