Hobart Herd – Proverbs 20 – 4-20-20
The first thing I noticed about chapter 20 is that there are a lot of warnings of the pitfalls of this sinful world. We are warned against drunkenness, fighting, laziness, double standards, greed, boasting, stealing, slander, gossiping, just to name a few.
Sometimes I am so busy that I fail to see these things creeping into my heart. If I am not carefully following the Word of God, led by His Spirit, the things of this world become a part of my thinking, heart and life.
There are two questions in this chapter that caused me to stop and ponder the answers. The first is found in verse 9, “Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?(NAS) At first I was confused as I know that I can know my heart is cleansed from sin. But then I reread it and it became clear that we can not make that declaration of “self cleansing” and forgiveness before the Lord. 1 John 1:8-9 says this: 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(NAS) I am dependent on the Lord’s faithfulness and righteousness provided to me by His sacrificial death on the cross to provide my cleansing and forgiveness.
The second question is found in verse 24: “Man’s steps are {ordained} by the LORD, how then can man understand his way?”(NAS) Often in my walk with the Lord I have been confused as to path that the Lord would have me take. I recognize that my steps are ordained by the Lord, and in this crazy world today, I will not live any longer then the Lord has ordained for me. Our lives are truly in His hands. However, understanding God’s direction in life can be frustrating in or own understanding and wisdom. The answer to this question is found in Psalm 119:105; “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”(NAS) It is my job to stay in His Word and allow His Holy Spirit to be a light to my path. Then verse 27 can come into play. The Word of God through the Spirit of God can use our spirit and conscience to show us the way.
I am reminded of Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Father, thank you for the clear warnings of Your Word that keep me from falling prey to Satan, sin and the world. I recognize my sinful heart likes to lead me into sin and trouble. Thank You for Your Son that provides the cleansing and forgiveness that I so long to know. Thank You for Your Spirit’s direction as I remain in Your truth. Help me to live in such a way that Your desires become my hearts desires. For then You can grant me the desires of my heart and Yours together. In Jesus name, Amen! Pastor Rob