| “A person will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.” – Proverbs 12:8 |
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| Our verse to DATE the Word on December 8 (12/8) is Proverbs 12:8. Proverbs 12:8 says, “A person will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. Decisions can bring PROMOTION or DEMOTION Proverbs is so good at reminding us that our choices have consequences, both for good and for bad. Proverbs 12:8 tells of how a person’s decision to acquire and apply WISDOM can bring praise and commendation, yes, PROMOTION. In contrast, the decisions of another person to practice perversity can bring disgust and be literally despised, yes, face demotion. Throughout Proverbs, you will find “THE WISE” being described by their actions and the various advantages that come from those actions. Sometimes the advantages are seen by what DOES NOT happen to them but happens to the FOOL. For instance, For instance, here are a few examples of what the wise DO: “The wise in heart will receive commands, But an arrogant fool will fall.” Proverbs 10:8 Proverbs 10:14 says, “Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” The wise have wisdom when they need it. Proverbs 10:19 says, “he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” The WISE will choose carefully their companions. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;” The perverse heart is totally different. First of we learn from Proverbs 3:32 that “The perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,” From Proverbs 16:28 we see that “A perverse man sows strife,” Proverbs 28:18 compares the advantages of the blameless with the perverse telling us. “Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.” Proverbs 14:2 provides contrasting responses to God. It says, “He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.” The perverse do not want God to tell them anything. They want to live how they want to live. There is no respect for God or His ways. Thinking of this practically we ask if they are not willing to listen to God why would you ever think they would listen to a boss or to any other authority? No wonder they are despised. Are you a wise person? If you are, you know that you don’t know all you need to know and you, therefore, seek to acquire more wisdom so that you might apply it to your life. When this is happening, you will be commended! Are you a perverse person whose heart is filled with filth that brings forth crooked actions? Do you find that you despise what God has to say? If you live this way expect to be despised. Your choices have consequences! Verse to DATE the Word on December 8 (12/8) is Proverbs 12:8. It says, “A person will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. The wise bring delight and are promoted while the perverse are despised and demoted. Continue Strong by acquiring and applyiing WISDOM, And remember to DATE THE WORD |