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Daily Devotion: Proverbs 11:19-20

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Proverbs 11:19-20    "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."

We notice in these two verses that righteousness and uprightness are bookends that stand out. Sandwiched between these are evil and "a froward heart".  The Lord goes on to tell us, "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." (Proverbs 11:21) We understand that the total being of God is so much greater than our minds are able to comprehend; yet, He opens windows for us to look into a portion of His character.  He loves that which is right and He hates that which is wrong. He rewards the upright, or those who walk in a way that is right according to His standard. Remember yesterday we saw that "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."  It must be according to God's standard of balance when we think of doing that which is right, walking in the upright way, and exhibiting righteousness in our lives. If we believe that God's Word is the standard of truth, then we understand that right is not according to man's thinking.  Humans can have a "froward heart"; that is, the human mind is fully capable of being perverse, or distorted, in our way of thinking. As I look at today's veses, I am presented with the choice of seeking righteousness or pursuing evil, living a distorted life or one that is right in God's sight. I want to walk in the manner that is right according to God's standard, not man's.  When brought before the counsel, Peter stated it in this manner: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye." (Acts 4:19)  Paul spoke in this manner, "for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) And then once again, Joshua spoke these words, "... choose you this day whom ye will serve..." (Joshua 24:15)  But then he emphatically stated, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

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