A Heart Condition, Good & Bad Counsel

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 27)

v. 1, 3-4, 7-8, 15-16, 18-20, 22, 24-27 A Heart Condition

   “As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” Proverbs 27:19

     Solomon states that even the cruelty of anger, which is heavy, is nothing compared to jealousy. Jealousy is at the root of much sin. Lucifer was jealous of God and cast out of heaven. Jealousy and anger can result in lowering standards, and then we crave even the bitter things, deceived they will be sweet. In contrast, contentment results in satisfaction, even sweet things are not a temptation. One content with the provisions of God prospers and wants for nothing.

v. 2, 5-6, 9-14, 17, 21, 23 Good & Bad Counsel

     “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6

     As we learned in Psalm 1, our company influences us. Solomon adds to that warning: we must also be careful whose counsel we seek. Trustworthy, faithful, and godly counselors reprove and exhort. A true friend is honest and shares hard truths with your best interest at heart. Rebuke from a friend is better than praise or “kisses” from your enemy. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss in the garden. This was not a friendly greeting; Judas was selling Jesus out to His enemies.

Application:

     Do you struggle with anger or jealousy? Does the happiness of others, friend or foe, make you happy for them or perturbed, frustrated, and maybe even angry? Do you think you deserve better than you have? Jealousy destroys, so ask God how to walk in freedom without the shackles of anger and jealousy.

     Do your friends and mentors point you to Christ or feed your flesh? Do they lead you to the cross or stroke your ego? Ask the Lord to bring people into your life who put Christ at the center of all relationships and conversations.

Prayer:

     Lord, search our hearts and reveal their current condition. Teach us contentment, and please, remove impulses rooted in anger and jealousy. Also, we pray over our friendships and mentorships, help us to receive truth spoken in love from those You have placed in our lives.