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Proverbs Chapter Twenty-One
April 15, 2017

Last week we read that foolish people are deceived by wine and alcoholic beverages. This week we learn that no matter who is in charge God controls the ruler's desire and intent. It makes no difference the level of power; God can and does intervene with those in authority to benefit his people. Even though every person will naturally think they are taking the correct action, God understands intent, and knows whether good or evil is intended. God's preference is that we make the righteous decisions from the onset without needing to later ask for forgiveness. Any act of an arrogant person is sin; whether this be a physical appearance, an attitude, or an act. People who throughly consider all the pros and cons before taking action are more likely to have a productive result; those who quickly rush into a course of action without carefully thinking things through are more likely to come up short. Those who seek wealth through lies will result in nothing as their life edges closer to death. Seek do do what is right. Avoid living with an angry person. Remember those who are evil will never desire good for you.

Proverbs 21:1-10
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Punishment given to others can be a teaching tool for those who have a hard time discerning between right and wrong. Those who are more able to discern between right and wrong and who also follow God, the righteous, fully understand the evil that is brought about by wicked people. Never overlook the despair of those in need; help others in their time of need as you are able so that when you are in your time of need, others might help you. Privately given gifts will bring favor; secret bribes will bring wrath. People of integrity like to make good things happen for good people; people of sin like to destroy what has been previously built up. Those who choose to leave the path of spiritual knowledge will end up in the graveyard of the dead. Those who seek pleasure will not be rich because they will never work hard enough to be rich. God will use the wicked and unjust of the world as buffers to protect the righteous. When given the choice between living with an angry person or by yourself in the middle of nowhere, choose living in the middle of nowhere. Everyone wants the good life; wise people are able to achieve at least part of the good life and foolish people never do.

Proverbs 21:11-20 
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Pursue righteousness and mercy and you will be repaid many times over. Wise people are able to figure out how to get around nearly impossible barriers. Always watch what you say; a single word that offends can cause you much grief. Lazy people are destroyed by their dreams because they know their dreams will never be fulfilled. Lazy people covet--they desire without the willingness to legitimately work for what they want. Righteous people will work very hard for what they want and they never give up. False acts or repentance are always evil. Those who lie will one day die; those who remain will talk about the liar. Wicked people will always be wicked; the righteous will take action to benefit the future. Never argue against God; you will lose.

Proverbs 21:21-31
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Remember it is our responsibility to be prepared for life; also remember it is God who delivers us.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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