November 22
PROVERBS 19
16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;
he who despises his ways will die.
17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will repay him for his deed.
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death.
19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.
– Proverbs 19:16-20
PROVERBS 19 OBEYING GOD BRINGS LIFE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Anyone who listens to God’s commandments and follow him
They will find wisdom and life will be good if they obey it
When one listens to advice and accept instruction
That person will gain understanding and have a vision
As soon as we take God’s covenant promise seriously
We will have the benefit of his bounty, grace and mercy.
Many people suffer in their lives because they have no clue that our main purpose in life is to obey and live in the will of our Creator. When someone has not heard and accepted the gospel that Jesus was given to humanity so we can be free from the bondage of sin, it is difficult to grasp the meaning of life. Once a person does not know the character of God and the salvation history of mankind, he will continue to live a life against what God designed it to be. He cannot overcome sin. He will live hating God and his laws and do what is against it.
Solomon gives us the benefit of obedience to God in verses 16 and 20. Following his law and his word bring us life and protect us from spiritual death. It saves our soul and spirit.
REFLECTION
• Why would it be hard for someone to obey God’s commands?
