Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Agur, having written this proverb, he brings it to a close with an admonishment to believers. He exhorts us to self judgment.
If we are to judge ourselves we must do so by some standard. What do we use to judge ourselves? How do we know what is right and what is wrong; how do we know what is correct and what is incorrect?
We know that we cannot compare ourselves to other people.
2Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Even Christians, on some occasions, have forgotten what God has called them to and have embraced foolish exaltations and have lifted themselves up in pride to the contrary of God’s will.
If their thoughts, and consequently their speech and actions are not pure, they become a danger to themselves and others leading to sin. At that point, as our scripture says, they should lay their hand upon their mouth refraining from egregiousness.
Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Laying your hand upon your mouth is indicative of one catching themselves in error and stopping it before it gets too far.
Letting such egregious actions and words fly are like the churning of butter and the wringing of the nose, it brings forth wrath. There is no need for unnecessary provocation to wrath.
Proverbs 30: 33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
2Timothy 2:24a And the servant of the Lord must not strive;
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
The standard by which we examine ourselves must be the Lord.
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
2Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Christian, would you be willing to judge yourself, examine yourself against the word of God? Would you read the word of God allowing it to examine you?
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
