Live In Peace

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. (Prov 28:6 KJV)

What a miserable state to find oneself in: rich and perverse! Poor and perverse is not so good either! But, he that walks in uprightness will be able to lay down at night and get a good nights sleep. He will be able to rise in the morning and be at peace with himself and with life because he knows that he walks with his integrity intact. 

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Prov 22:1)

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. (Prov 10:9)

There are enough people in this world who seek pleasure in the perverse things of this world. There are enough who in the pursuit of their own riches and enjoyment who will trample on others. They will know no peace. Do not follow in their footsteps. Seek what is good; do what is right; and live a life of peace! 

God's Peace be with you all - Pr. J.

A Perverse Or Wholesome Tongue?

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 

                                                                                     (Prov 15:1-4, 7 KJV)

God does see both the physical and mental abuse that goes on in this world. Nasty tones and attitudes do indeed stir up anger. They stir up hatred. They stir up division. 

It is human nature to become angry when offended. It is more Christ-like not to act upon that anger. It is best to walk away for your sake and everyone else around you. If an angry person is in need of aid help if you can and if they are willing to let you. But, do not become so involved in their lives that you risk the chance of becoming a person filled with anger yourself. Nothing good will come of it. The book of Proverbs reminds us: 

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. (Prov 22:24-25)

The world is full of anger and hate. But, we do not have to be. In Christ we have been born again. We do not have to live the old life that included so much anger. We can live in peace with joyful spirits when Christ abides in us and we in him.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor 13:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Wisdom of the Elders

Arlene's wisdom helped
to guide me for many years.

"The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
    but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
    but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse."
                            (Prov) 10:31-32 NRSV

The wisdom of our elders should not be neglected. It should be listened to. It should be heard. I admit, I did not listen well when I was young. Yet, it still amazes me that so many will neglect to listen to the wisdom learned through the life's lessons of the elders. Instead, many turn to their peers or even those who are much younger who have experienced even less than they have. I am not discounting the knowledge or the wisdom of the younger people. I am merely wondering why someone would so totally ignore what has already been proven.

Much grief would be averted if we listened to one another; especially if we listened to those who have already learned life's lessons.

May God open our ears and our hearts to hear and receive wisdom so that we might live abundant lives in righteousness.

God's Peace - Pr. J