Beware of Life's Pitfalls

Dear Brethren,

Solomon taught his children as though each one of them were to grow up to sit on the throne of Israel.  It does not come naturally to a person to know how to run a country.  When we study the Book of Proverbs, God is teaching us, His children, so that we will know how to be spiritual royalty - kings and priests in the world tomorrow.  There are universal spiritual principles that we are to be learning as we live our daily Christian lives.

Solomon tells his children not to be surety for their friends in Proverbs 6:1.  We do not use the word, "surety" very much in today's vernacular - everyday speech.  We would say, "Do not become responsible for another's debt."  God says that it is foolish to put oneself at risk in this way.  To the sophisticated financial mind of today's investors, this seems like a very simplistic concept.  Is it an act of Christian love to co-sign for a friend, or is there a principle of God that should be followed?  Most people today do whatever is most expedient for them in any given circumstance.  What are we, as God's people, to learn from this?

Next, in Proverbs 6, Solomon taught his children the foolishness of being lazy.  Is it a sin to be lazy?  What is the difference between relaxing and being slothful?  Self motivation is a virtue.  The opposite, being an idle, indolent sluggard, is a pitfall which leads to ruin.  How is a Christian to apply this principle?

One would think that it would go without saying that it is also foolish to cause trouble.  And yet, God spells it out for us in Proverbs 6: 12-15.  We are cautioned not to say things that would incite others.  The saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me," is not true.  Mischievous words do hurt.  "A base person, a wicked man of iniquity, walks with a perverse mouth."   God warns of trouble-makers who go about to harm the reputation of others.

Then, in verses 16-19, Proverbs 6 comes right out with a list of things which God hates.  "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (1) A proud look, (2) a lying tongue, and (3) hands that shed innocent blood, (4) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, (5) feet that be swift in running to mischief, (6) A false witness that speaketh lies, and (7) he that soweth discord among brethren."  (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Brethren, many are called, but few are chosen.  Let's ask God to help us to understand His Word, and be wise in its use.

***

Sermon:

"Beware of Life's Pitfalls"