Thought for the Day

Verse 5 - There are many warnings against pride throughout the book of Proverbs. The proud in heart are offensive to the Lord. An arrogant heart is worth little (Proverbs 10:20), as opposed to a humble heart, which is of great price before God."But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:4). Pride was one of the sins of Satan, causing him to rebel against God. Pride keeps us from coming to the Lord. A day is coming when all men must give an account before God for their deeds. When a man's space of time for repentance runs out, God's judgment cannot be postponed. God desires that all people come to repentance; but because He is also just, judgment must come upon sinners. The Bible says, "...behold now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthian 6:2b). Time is running out for all of us. We need to decide today to serve Christ, while we still have the opportunity.

Verse 6 – The Lord can free us from our sin and iniquity. Our part is to line up with His truth and receive His mercy; He will purge our hearts. By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. This fear is a holy respect for God and His Word. It causes us to take seriously what the Bible says. If we really believe His Word that says "sinners will go to hell," a holy respect for the Truth will drive us to Him and we will depart from evil.

Verse 7 - When our ways please God, He will make even our enemies to be at peace with us. What a wonderful promise! God does not want us to be in strife. Our enemies are not other people, but rather the devil and his demons who use people for their evil work (Ephesians 6:12). If we take authority over the real enemy and pray for those who are pawns in his hands, we can experience deliverance for ourselves and others. When we obey the Lord's commandment to overcome evil with good, He strips our enemies of the means to attack us, forcing them to be at peace with us.

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:18-21).