June 3
Proverbs 22:17-24:34
Today we finish up the proverbs of Solomon (we will pick up the end of Proverbs in a month). One of the themes we encounter is envy. Envy reveals what we value. If we envy someone with a bigger house, it reveals we value material possessions. If we envy someone with more money, it may reveal we value comfort or security. If we envy someone with a more prestigious job title, it may reveal that we value power or the opinions of others. Consider for a moment what causes envy to well up in your heart. Solomon's concern in Proverbs 22-24 is that we might envy sinners/the wicked (23:17, 24:1). This envy reveals we value something more than God. If we envy people who do not know God, then it shows that we desire something more than him. This is a scary and foolish place to be, so Solomon warns against it.
The antidote to envy of the wicked is a satisfaction and delight in God. If we find life, purpose, identity, and value in God; then we will realize nothing this world provides can do for us that which only God can give. So let us become more like Christ and not seek to achieve what the world tells us to pursue.
Father God, help me to delight in you. May my joy and purpose flow from you. Help me to see things accurately and to know that you alone satisfy. Amen.
What breeds envy in your heart and how can you resist this?
Today we finish up the proverbs of Solomon (we will pick up the end of Proverbs in a month). One of the themes we encounter is envy. Envy reveals what we value. If we envy someone with a bigger house, it reveals we value material possessions. If we envy someone with more money, it may reveal we value comfort or security. If we envy someone with a more prestigious job title, it may reveal that we value power or the opinions of others. Consider for a moment what causes envy to well up in your heart. Solomon's concern in Proverbs 22-24 is that we might envy sinners/the wicked (23:17, 24:1). This envy reveals we value something more than God. If we envy people who do not know God, then it shows that we desire something more than him. This is a scary and foolish place to be, so Solomon warns against it.
The antidote to envy of the wicked is a satisfaction and delight in God. If we find life, purpose, identity, and value in God; then we will realize nothing this world provides can do for us that which only God can give. So let us become more like Christ and not seek to achieve what the world tells us to pursue.
Father God, help me to delight in you. May my joy and purpose flow from you. Help me to see things accurately and to know that you alone satisfy. Amen.
What breeds envy in your heart and how can you resist this?
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