Directions VI

Saturday, June 11, 2022

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.

-Proverbs 11:26-31 The Message

26 The people curse him who holds back grain,

    but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.

27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

    but evil comes to him who searches for it.

28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,

    but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,

    and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

    and whoever captures souls is wise.

31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,

    how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Verse 29 study: The most incredible resource God gives us is family. Families provide guidance, acceptance, encouragement, and course. Therefore, to bring trouble to your family is foolish. It is through anger or an exaggerated desire for independence because you are cutting yourself off from all they provide. In your family, strive for healing, communication, and understanding.

Verse 30 study: A wise person is a guide for a meaningful life. A tree can attract people to the shade, while a wise person can attract them by guiding you to a sense of purpose so they can find meaning. Gain wisdom yourself, then let that be the first step of leading people to God. The most important thing is to lead people to God because it keeps us in touch with God while offering others eternal life.

Verse 31 study: Don’t let society tell you that anyone that sins get away with it. The faithful are rewarded while the wicked will be punished. It will matter regardless of how much someone says, “it won’t matter,” “nobody will know,” or “we won’t get caught.”

18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

1 Peter 4:18 ESV