This week we are talking about Internal Ethics in Proverbs 21:1-31

To me, the entirety of Proverbs deals with the positive vs the negative, the good outcome vs the bad.

The first group of Proverbs pastor John talked about today dealt with the positive, neutral, and mixed statuses.

God directs the hearts of Kings, meaning that we may have our own ways of doing things but God is the master planner. Whether a king is just or unjust, is all a part of God’s plan and He ultimately directs things to go in His favor.

Justice, mercy, and grace should be more valued than rituals, although they are fine as long as they are done with the right attitude. With God in your heart.

Poor planners act impulsively, but wise people put themselves in a position to be more wise. The Righteous one- God- will judge the wicked and the good people that struggle can rest in that fact.

We want to have all these good characteristics. Honesty, integrity, kindness, and compassion.

Kindess diffuses hostility. Pastor John jokingly says here that’s why we give gifts to diffuse a bad situation abroad.

Wise ones save up and have good food and oils, but the wicked devour all they get immediately. Proverbs praises those who receive delayed gratification.

Wisdom is more powerful than physical strength. Work smarter not harder in other words. Self control guards us from trouble, speak less and think more.

Upright people are objective and take advice but wicked ones are braggarts and conceited.

The next set of Proverbs deal more with the negative aspects ill- gotten gains ends poorly.

The evil will be destroyed by their own devices. Pastor John interjects his prayer that Texas never receives casinos or dispensaries.

I can’t lie and say I’ve never gone to a casino, but it’s more my husband’s idea of fun than mine. I think he knows that I play with him for him more than for me, if that makes sense. I don’t want to deny him his form of fun and relaxation.

Don’t nag your husbands, its better to demonstrate a positive attitude and show in your actions what you want your husband to emulate. Be side by side with him and love him like a friend.

Christians can be narcissistic when they don’t show compassion for others.

He who seeks pleasure will end up poor because it dwindles your finances.

The proud and arrogant are smug and unpopular-mockers are disliked even by their own families.

The lazy are takers, the righteous are makers. Seek to be makers.

False witnesses will come to ruins. No plan of urs is better than God’s plan for us.

II. Negative Character Will Produce Foolish Living

Cooperate with the sanctification process and align yourselves with Christ. Be proactive and walk with God. Learn His Word and trust in it.

As I type these words, I’m sitting with my dogs in the living room with religious piano music in the background and the windows open to the cool temperature and soft breeze.

I hope you all have a peaceful, still Sunday. Be blessed and thank you for visiting. 🙏😊