Observant I

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

God Doesn’t Miss a Thing

15 A gentle response defuses anger,

    but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.

2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise;

    fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.

3 God doesn’t miss a thing—

    he’s alert to good and evil alike.

4 Kind words heal and help;

    cutting words, wound, and maim.

5 Moral dropouts won’t listen to their elders;

    welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.

-Proverbs 15:1-5 The Message

A soft answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

    but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

    keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,

    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father’s instruction,

    but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Verse 1 study: Have you tried to argue by whispering? That is complex to do when you want to answer gently. Then you have voice raising and harsh words, most of the time triggering a response. Instead, choose gentle words to turn away wrath and seek peace.

Verse 3 study: Many people believe that God is letting evil run through the world, and we often wonder if he notices it. God clearly sees what’s going on, evil actions, and evil intentions behind it (15:11). He is not different when it comes to observing. He is caring and active in the world. Right now, his work may look incomplete and not seen. Don’t give up. One day, he will wipe out evil and punish the evildoers, just as he will put forth the effort to the righteous that do good by His will. He sees and keeps account of everything. You are not hiding if you say you are hiding.