Reading for Today:
Proverb Chapter 6
Gold Nugget
Verse 14: “Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil
continually, he sows discord.”
Commentary
Perversity is a word we wouldn’t feel comfortable using to describe ourselves. Perversity in its simplest and most accurate definition is to change
something from its intended purpose to something that it isn't or wasn't intended for. Falsely declaring someone’s intentions is
perverting the truth. This is something that happens more than we are probably
willing to admit. We should be very careful when attempting to interpret
someone’s intentions. Even when someone errs, their intentions should be
correctly considered. As today's gold nugget says, “Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord.” Misrepresenting someone's intentions, is by definition, perverting their intent and we don't want perversity in our heart.
Another issue with misrepresenting someone's intention is the division it causes. As today's gold nugget concludes, “Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord.” We can sow discord by the judgment we proclaim concerning
an individual. If my impression or opinion of someone is declared publicly,
someone may share unfairly in my unjust assessment of another person. Even if I am correct in my
understanding of a person’s intentions, it is rarely our place to point it out
to others. This sowing of discord mentioned in verse 14 is quickly addressed
again in verse 19. It is one of what we call, “The Seven Deadly Sins”. As a
matter of fact, it is deemed by The Scriptures as something God hates. The
sowing of discord is the destruction of unity and fellowship.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for
reminding us of the attitude and behavior we should have to those that we think
or maybe have erred. Keep us from declaring their guilt, but rather help us to
be planning and participating in their restoration and healing. Amen
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