Friday, May 17, 2019

praying effectively: Be Bold in Righteousness (Pv.28)

(Proverbs 28:1-28)
 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
By the transgression of a land many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
poor man who oppresses the lowly ilike a driving rain which leaves no food.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive with them.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things.
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich.
He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
14 How blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.
18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is crooked will fall all at once.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.
20 faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 He who robs his father or his mother and says, “It is not a transgression,” is the companion of a man who destroys.
25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we do not support murders (28:17)
- that we keep the law and do not uphold those who break the law (28:4)
- that we do not show partiality (28:21)
- that we value integrity over riches (28:6)
- that we value understanding over riches (28:11)
- that we are bold in God's righteousness (28:1)
- that we confess and forsake our sins (28:13)
- God will not hear the prayers of the disobedient (28:9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins and hearing my prayers.  Thank You for Your grace, which gives me eternal security.  While I am still here on earth, show me where I am wrong, so I may confess that, so as to not impede my prayers.

Help me to seek after Your righteousness, so as to demonstrate Your lovingkindness.  I thank You for how generous You are.  Help me to be content with what You have given to me.  And help me to be wisely generous to the poor.  Amen.

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