November 16, 2022 -- Proverbs 14:23 -- Dependable for Jesus through the power of the Triune God

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

In all toil there is profit,
   but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 ESV

Are you a big talker or a walker who keeps his promises? The character trait today is dependable versus being unreliable. Toil is an old-fashioned word meaning to work hard, or to work persistently at something. In Proverbs 14 there are many proverbs focused on the way in which wisdom leads a man to prosper, to be respected and be crowned with knowledge. While the unreliable, the fool, is disgraced, destroyed and his way ends in death.

The one who is unreliable is a promise-breaker. He is profoundly self-centred and when he says to you he’ll do this or that, you can only hope no better offer comes along, otherwise he’ll break his promise to you in order to do whatever he considered better or more entertaining. This is a man who has to swear oaths and promises that he’ll do this or that, because his word so often has proved to be empty.

The man who is dependable “keeps his word whatever the cost” (Psalm 15:4 CSB). The woman who is dependable “her lamp does not go out at night” (Proverbs 31:18 ESV) because she has calculated how much oil her lamp will need, and she provides for her household. To be dependable means that others can count on you for support and help. The man or woman who is dependable has clear boundaries, defining what is his work to do and does not foster co-dependent relationships.

Faithful Father, You are the ultimately dependable One. We, Your people who bear the Name of Jesus, guiltily confess how easily we prevaricate, dodge our responsibilities and duck out when things get too difficult. Thank You for the suffering of Jesus and His nail-scarred hands, pierced feet and wounded side, which are proof that He is dependable to the end of all days. Spirit of the Living God, reinvigorate our faith and empower obedience so that will endure wrong in order to remain true to You, Triune God. As we individually live up to the duties and responsibilities You have given, forge in us and among us, true, deep community, a gathering which is fragrant with the goodness of Jesus Christ and compellingly attractive to others whom You are beckoning to receive Jesus through our ministry. Amen.

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