May 6
My Thoughts on Proverbs 6:
Two ideas emerge from Proverbs 6; the foolishness of laziness (v. 6-11) and the ways of the wicked (v. 12-19). While laziness and wickedness are different they are usually related.
Observation of the ant offers a vivid contrast to laziness, so I’d like to look at little closer at the ways of the wicked. Let me first say that when it comes to wickedness, it is a heart issue before it is a behavior problem. Solomon himself wrote: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).
In verses 16-19 Solomon deals with the things God hates. One Bible scholar notes that these vices deny the divine element in humanity. The list God hates is (1) pride, (2) lying, (3) killing of innocents (4) evil schemes (5) eagerness to do evil, (6) bearing false witness and (7) sowing discord. A.P. Ross writes: “If God hates these things, then conversely he must love and desire (1) humility, (2) truthful speech, (3) preservation of life, (4) pure thoughts, (5) eagerness to do good things, (6) honest witnesses, and (7) peaceful harmony.”
Let us resist doing what God hates and strive to do those thing God loves.
My Prayer:
Father God:
We come before Your throne, thanking you for the wisdom of Your Word. We ask that you guide us with it and help us to apply it to our lives. We lament our laziness and ask forgiveness for our wickedness.
We come seeking an end to the Covid-19 pandemic. We mourn those that have died from it. We ask for healing for those who are sick from it. We ask you comfort those who are isolated by it. We pray for protection for those who battle it.
Lord, we lift up our leaders locally and nationally both outside and inside the church. We ask that you grant them Your wisdom. We ask that they be neither lazy nor evil, but hard-working, honest and good.
We as believers confess and repent of our laziness when it comes to doing your work and we have so easily fallen into evil. Lord, we stand on the promise of 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Lord, we ask that you grant us opportunities even in the midst of crisis to share the gospel with those that don’t have a relationship with You.
We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.
Marcia Brandt says
As a recently retired professional educator, I do pray for teachers and students. We have always dealt with reduced/lost learning we call summer slide. The fall return this year is going to face huge disparity. Lazy parenting is going to show… and that is not limited by income!.