Gold Nugget
Verse 11,18: "11Wealth gained
by dishonesty will be diminished: But he who gathers by labor will
increase 18Poverty and shame will come to him who
disdains correction, But he who regards a
rebuke will be honored.”
Commentary
I have always been very capable when it comes to building things. I am pretty good with my hands. From those first two statements, you can gather that I am also somewhat confident in myself in that area. There lies the problem. When it comes to putting bunk beds together, entertainment centers, bicycles, etc; I can see the end product and really don’t need rules and instructions to get me there. Well, that’s how I feel anyway. Taking the time to read the instructions first or even as I go is just a big delay that I am not interested in enduring. Sometimes this works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Too many times I have gotten near the end of building something only to find a necessary step was overlooked or ignored because it seemed like overkill. Usually it isn’t just an easy fix. More often than not, I have to start disassembling all the way back to put that piece I left out in and then start again from that point. So much for avoiding a big delay; I have now doubled the time it would have taken using the instructions.
I have always been very capable when it comes to building things. I am pretty good with my hands. From those first two statements, you can gather that I am also somewhat confident in myself in that area. There lies the problem. When it comes to putting bunk beds together, entertainment centers, bicycles, etc; I can see the end product and really don’t need rules and instructions to get me there. Well, that’s how I feel anyway. Taking the time to read the instructions first or even as I go is just a big delay that I am not interested in enduring. Sometimes this works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Too many times I have gotten near the end of building something only to find a necessary step was overlooked or ignored because it seemed like overkill. Usually it isn’t just an easy fix. More often than not, I have to start disassembling all the way back to put that piece I left out in and then start again from that point. So much for avoiding a big delay; I have now doubled the time it would have taken using the instructions.
I’m older now and have
learned the benefit of following the instructions and staying in the lines. In
my walk with the Lord, I have also found that reading, knowing and following
His instructions has helped me to avoid many pitfalls and setbacks. Likewise,
looking back at the times I thought a portion of the instructions seemed like
overkill has cost me deeply. My pride has suffered enough blows to make me a
lot more resistant to taking off on my own or taking shortcuts. I am not too
proud to walk in the shadow of the Almighty. I don’t want to try to put one
piece together without His instructions.
Trying to accomplish things
in this life at the expense of compromising the Word of God and righteous
living is flat out cheating. (11Wealth gained
by dishonesty will be diminished). Be willing to work for your
reward. (But he who gathers by labor
will increase) If we think our dishonesty towards the
principles of God and His Word will go unnoticed, remember Galatians 6:7: Do
not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also
reap. 18Poverty
and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your
truth that is put before me through your Word. Remind me as I go through my day
of the wisdom learned from these scriptures. When I am in a position where
taking a short cut, being dishonest or just compromising you truths is before
me, I will see clearly the opportunity to be wise and walk in obedience and
trust you for a better outcome. Let me also experience the joy that comes from
knowing that my choice has been founded in scripture and be confident of your
being pleased with me, your child. Amen
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