Proverbs 2:11-22
WE fight two battlefronts - the evil outside and the evil lurking inside. When a person believes in Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Saviour, the work of salvation is done but the work of sanctification has just begun.
To be sanctified means to be separated for God’s use, walking in wisdom because the heart now fears the Lord. How foolish to pretend to overcome evil when, in the first place, we are still on the side of evil? You and I need to be sure we are on the side of wisdom before we engage with the temptations of the fools, remembering that the targets are not the fools but the wise. Where your communion with God is, so is the rest of your life.
1. Making Wise Choices (v.11)
“Wise choices will watch over you, and understanding will keep you safe”
Godly choices are not made by gut feelings, they are purely grace. We need to understand that making wise choices is not a one-time deal; it’s a daily, delightful discipline coming from a deep desire to depend upon God. Making wise choices is not about self-improvement, it’s about walking close with God.
· Wise choices are hard choices.
· Wise choices are made in the present tense.
· Choose to honor God now. Bow down to God now.
· Wise choices are from a heart that is not hardened by pride and softened by brokenness.
I like the way the MSG translate Proverbs 16:18 it says: “First pride, then the crash- the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.”
2. Marking evil people (vv. 12-15)
Marking evil people is not simple. I smiled when I read this unknown quote “Removing toxic people from your life is actually not the difficult part, not feeling guilty about it is”. Let wisdom guide us on how to mark evil people:
· Mark their words.
· Mark their ways.
· Mark their actions.
· Mark their pleasure.
While we are on the issue of marking others, here’s a good spot to pause and think what your reaction and reflection will be if it becomes obvious that you are marked by others for the same reason you marked them? Pause and reflect.
3. Maneuvering from ungodly influence (vv. 16-19)
This, in no way, discriminates against women but warns against immoral women or immoral men.
· Don’t go to their places.
· Don’t pay attention to their promises.
· Don’t try their pleasures.
· Don’t underestimate the plight of their victims.
· Don’t assume you are strong, have a backup.
Make alliance with the godly (vv 20-22)
Recovery is a long process and relapse is more deadly than the disease. While you need the guidance of a spiritual leader, you also need to discern whom you call your spiritual director or guide. Biblical discipleship is releasing while religious discipleship is controlling:
· Carefully find a godly mentor.
· Connect with a righteous, not self-righteous community.
· Count the cost of the consequences and rewards
Prayers:
Abba, help me choose wisely by focusing my eyes on Jesus, your Son. As I participate in worship today, may the presence of Christ influence my choices and may the peace of Christ overpower my guilt. Amen.
Abba, from being condemning, help me become discerning. Search my heart, check my motives and guide my path. Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen
Abba, keep me away from places where godliness is not found. Help me stay with those who are broken in spirit and those who walk in the fear of the Lord. Make me deaf to hearing the alluring promises of the wicked, help me see in advance the horror of living a life apart from You. Lord, hear my prayers. Amen.