He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: The Word Of God (2): Proverbs
13:18-21
18) Poverty and shame [shall be
to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be
honoured.
19) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart
from evil.
20) He that walketh with wise [men]
shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21) Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
EXPOSITION:
A
description of the benefits of a wise attitude concerning the Scriptures is
shown to us in this text…
18) Poverty and shame [shall be
to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be
honoured.
1. A foolish attitude is described as “willfully
loosening” or “letting slide away” the instruction found in the Word. We can
refuse His Word by simply allowing it to gradually slip away and no longer be a
part of our life.
2. This is compared with the wise attitude of “protecting”
or “guarding over” the correction found in the Word. In this case, instead of allowing these
things to slip away due to lack of diligence, we carefully watch over His Word
making certain it continues to be a living part of our lifestyle and testimony.
What
do these attitudes result in?
1. For the foolish, allowing the Word to slide
away results in spiritual poverty (and, perhaps, physical poverty) as well as
public shame in this world and eternity to come.
2. For the wise, carefully guarding His Word,
results in being taken seriously by those around us and receiving eternal
rewards for faithfulness from the hand of God.
Wise
attitudes result in spiritual blessings, human respect and eternal rewards.
“But without faith [it is]
impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
19) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart
from evil.
1. For those who wisely desire to depart from sin,
overcoming sin is agreeable, pleasant and brings fulfillment.
2. For the fools holy living is detestable and
to be avoided.
Wise
attitudes result in a fulfilling, pleasant life desirous of Godliness.
“For I am now ready to be
offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good
fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall
give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
20) He that walketh with wise [men]
shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
1. For those who are wise, they will understand
the strong influence of others and, therefore, will desire to accompany others
who are wise.
2. The fool does not understand the power of the
influence of their companions and, therefore, form close relationships with
those that are foolish.
Wise
attitudes result in seeking out Godly acquaintances that will enhance their spiritual
growth.
Then they that feared the
LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a
book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and
that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine,
saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare
them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and
discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and
him that serveth him not.” (Malachi 3:16-18)
“Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath
Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath
the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God
hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing];
and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto
you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
21) Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
1.
For the foolish who make a practice of
sin, harm, distress and retribution will follow them.
2. For those who wisely forsake sin and live
according to righteousness, they shall receive that which is beneficial and
pleasing to them.
Wise
attitudes will lead a man to a righteous lifestyle that will only benefit Him
now and throughout eternity.
“Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but
he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.” (Psalms 32:10)
SUMMARY:
A
wise attitude that leads a man to reject sin and live according to the desires of
God is of great gain…
1. Wise attitudes result in spiritual blessings,
human respect and eternal rewards.
2. Wise attitudes result in a fulfilling,
pleasant life desirous of Godliness.
3. Wise attitudes result in seeking out Godly
acquaintances that will enhance their spiritual growth.
4. Wise attitudes will lead a man to a righteous
lifestyle that will only benefit Him now and throughout eternity.
May
we all remember the overflowing blessings that await those who are in
submission to the will and ways of the Lord.
May we use these blessings as a motivating force as we produce a Godly
lifestyle that honors and glorifies the Lord.
“But without faith [it is]
impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
“Esteeming the reproach of
Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the
recompence of the reward.” (Hebrews 11:26)
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”.
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