Directions V

Friday, June 10, 2022

21 Count on this: The wicked won’t get off scot-free,

    and God’s loyal people will triumph.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

    is a beautiful face on an empty head.

23 The desires of good people lead straight to the best,

    but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration.

24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger;

    the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;

    those who help others are helped.

-Proverbs 11:21-25 The Message

21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,

    but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

    is a beautiful woman without discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,

    the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

    another withholds what he should give and only suffers want.

25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,

    and one who waters will himself be watered.

Verse 22 study: Someone being attractive wears out. We should find character strength that makes wise decisions, not those who make us look good. People who look good don’t make a person look good or live with. Taking care of our bodies is not wrong, but understand that building the ability to think is a plus.

Verses 24-25 studies: These are the idea of a paradox: we become more prosperous by being generous. The world teaches us to hold on to our stuff, but people don’t understand that God blesses those who give their time freely, possessions, and energy. When we give, we are being supplied by God to provide more. In addition, giving gives us a different viewpoint on our possessions. We learn that it is not, to begin with, but is given to us by God to be used to help others. So what do we gain by giving? Our freedom, enslavement to our possessions, joy for helping others, and God’s approval.