Today we are back in Proverbs. 24:1-22. How to Treat Others

Why does it seem like good people fave adversity while the wicked prosper? Don’t envy them though, for their path will end in destruction. Look at this passage from Psalms: 73: 1-20

Book Three: Psalms 73-891 A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.fn5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.7 From their callous hearts comes iniquityfn; their evil imaginations have no limits.8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.fn11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?”12 This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

Keep schemers at a distance. They are not liked even by their own families!

Seek strength in wisdom, wise men become increasingly stronger.

The righteous will rise and the wicked will fall. However, we must not gloat over other’s misfortune. Even the wicked can be saved in the right situations.

The destiny of the rebellious brings calamity so don’t follow them.

Even the worst government is better than no government.

I. We Should Respond to the Wicked and Foolish with Low Emotional Investment and Caution.(24:1-2, 7-10, 15-22)

Your kids bad choices are not a reflection on you. They are responsible for their own destiny.Allow them to experience what comes from their bad choices.

Pray for them but detach yourselves from them. Easier for dads than moms. I can attest to that! In our case it was Josh for a long time. I felt somewhat sorry for him but Dave practically divorced himself. Now, things have improved!

Please don’t forget about your own self care and practice it. Keep doing your jobs, hobbies, and trips.

Dont forget to attend to the vulnerable.

We need to read and learn what the entire Bible says. Don’t just open it, point to a scripture and say that this is what God wants me to do today

Fight against the wickedness that we know is going on.Poor kids made to change their gender at a young age.

Wisdom is as sweet as honey is delicious, but its effects go on forever!

II. We Should Respond to Our Families, the Influencable, and the Vulnerable with Purpose, Action, and Wisdom. (24:3-6, 11-14)

Thank you all for being here and have a blessed Sunday and a safe Labor Day!