July 19, 2024 -- Proverbs 19:3 -- Warned against folly, welcomed to rest

When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,
his heart rages against the LORD.
Proverbs 19:3 ESV

What is folly? It is a lack of sense. It is the inability to see how a particular action will result in physical, moral, spiritual or emotional harm. Folly is the way of fools, the very people who say in their heart there is no god (Psalm 14:1). Though such a person professes not to believe in God, when his own actions bring trouble on his head he blames the very God he claims not to believe in. How can a man be mad at One in Whom he professes not to believe in? This is clear evidence that ways of rebellious people cause them to suppress the knowledge of His nearness.

The Proverb here is written by a believer, Solomon, to believers, and this by the inspiration of the Spirit. Christians need to be warned here. How many times don’t you unthinkingly speak, and wound others? How often are your purchases impulsive and the results bad? Think how easily you fall into old patterns, sinful patterns, and get frustrated when the consequences bite you? Christian, be warned, by the words of this Proverb.

After studying Hebrews for the better part of eight months, I was surprised at how many warnings against apostacy were in that book. Yet Paul urgently warns believers against laziness. Against spiritually drifting. Against inattention. Against acting like children who still need spiritual milk instead of solid food. The warnings in Scripture are meant for believers, so that they will walk in the way of wisdom.

No wonder Jesus called out: “Come to Me all you who are weary” (Matthew 11:28). Weary of sins. Weary of doing the same things over and over again and not getting different results. Weary of finding yourself knee-deep in the muck of the consequences of your sins. No wonder Jesus urges His followers, “Come on, come to Me”. Shake off the chains of your folly, your sinful patterns, be renewed in close association with Me. Your weary heart, exhausted mind, and hands hanging limp tired from sinful exertions will be brought to the reconciling peace of Christ. Healing is found in Him. Christian, do not rage against the LORD, but come to Him. Find forgiveness full and free and healing rest for your soul. Be renewed in the way everlasting, following Jesus.

ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against Thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly Thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Confession; Divine Service Book for the Armed Forces, 1950, page 51

https://youtu.be/I1GiZL60c80?si=mqvqOJzXdjEK8jI2 “His Mercy Is More”

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.