Scriptures:
Proverbs 28:25 - An arrogant (a proud) man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper
Proverbs 16:20 - He who gives attention to the word (heeds the word) will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Observation(s):
1. We are not to be guided by our own self, own reasoning, and own mind
2. We are not to be guided what others thinks of us (fear of man)
3. We are to heed God's word and trust Him
4. If we trust God, we are blessed, will prosper and will be safe.
Application(s):
In today's reading, I saw something as an answer with what I have been struggling with. My struggle is the tension between being diligent v. lazy, asking questions v. going with everyone else, listening to what I hear v. what others say. I have always believed everything depends on me. If someone needs help, I need to help them. If there is work to be done, I need to do it. If something happens, I feel an over sense of responsibility at times.
In looking over comments from others during the Proverbs 31 study, I noticed some women might want to just give up as the Proverbs 31 is not attainable. Others think that we improve but will never be perfected until we see Jesus so this applies to the Proverbs 31 woman. I believe God would not have said it is possible if it is not possible. Also will God all things are possible. Our part is to trust Him and heed His Word (do what it says). The flesh would like us to believe that it is hopeless. Jesus was 100% man and 100% God. As a man, he lived dependent upon the Lord and gave us hope that in the Lord all things are possible that God says we are to be in His Word.
As I read the three scriptures for today's reading, I saw that if I am arrogant and proud and think that I am the one that has to do it all.The other is that we just rely on others say because we have a fear of what man thinks. Therefore, we just go with the crowd. The balance between just relying on self or just relying on others is heeding God's word and trusting God. My part is to heed God's word.
Proverbs 28:26 - he who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 16:21 - The wise in heart will be called prudent and sweetness of the lips increases learning.
Proverbs 29:26 - many seek the ruler's favor but justice for man comes from the Lord.
Again, we these verses that come right after the verses for today's reading have the same format. First, we should not trust in our own heart. Second, we are not to just seek the ruler's favor (or others) as this is the "fear of man" of what they think of us. We are to trust God, be wise in heart and prudent (His wisdom begins with a fear of God.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you have given us all things we need for this life and godliness. We thank you that you tell us not to trust in our own heart or to trust in what others' think but to trust in you. We have your word and you living within us.
