Voices: Friendships 2

On November 30, 2011 By Ben JenningsIn Devotional8 Comments

Devotion for Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. Proverbs 1:10-19

One of the things that confused me when I was young was when people who claimed to be my friends would do things that made our friendship difficult. I had friends that every time I hung out with them I ended up doing something wrong and getting in trouble with my parents. I thought they were my friends, but really they were just using me to get what they wanted.

Proverbs warns us about people who try to get you to do wrong with them. I have found that when people do wrong things, they try to get others to do wrong with them. They don’t feel as bad or guilty when they aren’t the only ones doing wrong things. It’s almost like they think that God is ok with our sin if we sin in groups. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s how we think some times.

When people, who claim to be our friends, speak into our lives and their voices are pushing us to do wrong, at that moment they aren’t really being your friend. If they were your friend, they’d be looking out for your best interest. If there is a pattern of them trying to get you to do things that aren’t good for you, then they aren’t really your friend.

The author here gives great advice in that situation, “”My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.” If that is the kind of relationship you have with them, it’s time to end the relationship.
Application
How does this apply to you today?

Voices: Friendships

On November 29, 2011 By Ben JenningsIn Devotional12 Comments

Devotion for Tuesday, November 29, 2011

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20

When I was young I heard a preacher say, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” In many ways I have found that to be true. This proverb gives us some wisdom when it comes to friends. The word “walk” here convey’s the idea of spending time with or doing life with. People that are wise spend time with other wise people and learn from them. But the foolish person is un-discerning (is that a word) about the character and wisdom of the people that they let influence them.

The people you spend time with will influence you. Period.

We may have read and learned about this verse before, but I think it’s so important that we take this in and apply it to our lives.

You and I need wise voices speaking into our lives.

Application
What are some steps you can take to invite wise voices into your life?
Are there any friends that are acting foolish and are affecting you?

Voices: Parents

On November 27, 2011 By Ben JenningsIn Devotional13 Comments

Devotion for Monday, November 28, 2011

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Proverbs 1:8-9

Application:
Why do you think it’s so difficult for us to obey our parents?
What are some different ways that you can honor your parents today?
Can you think of any other ways to apply today’s verse?

A Saturday with Proverbs

On November 26, 2011 By Ben JenningsIn Devotional10 Comments

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Proverbs 11:12-31
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.s13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.s14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.ss16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.s23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.s26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.s31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.