Don't shoot the messenger -

 

Daily thoughts on faith and life: 😏

1. There are people, who for various reasons, have issues with God and the Bible.  How is this my problem?  Frankly, it has nothing to do with me.  Except they've taken issue with something I've written.  Sadly, this happens frequently.  First of all, truth does not cause hurt.  Your hurt comes from what someone else did to you.  Don't shoot the messenger.

• Recently I posted something to FB discussing the term odious:  from Proverbs 30:23 KJV.  This translation uses odious woman, NASB uses unloved, while NKJV uses hateful.  I also think hated is an appropriate interpretation.  And the differences caused me to dig in.  Turns out the odious woman is unloved and hated because of her own miserable behavior.  Sadly, it's a self-inflicted wound.
• Here are her descriptors:  obnoxious, disagreeable, offensive, repulsive, possessing rusty steel claws which entrap a man, a wretched woman bringing a life of daily torment, domineering, henpecks her man, has control issues, contrary about most things, always having an opinion, interrupts any conversation, is highly critical, her behavior stinks and is vile, usually looks like she swallowed something foul, deceitful and selfish and tries to hide her ways during courtship.  Marrying this vile creature will result in a life sentence of misery.
• The cause?  Being wounded and making the wrong choices - thinking they're healing and really inflicting more misery on themselves and their family.
• Application:  God's way is far better than anything the world dreams up.  Confess, repent.  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  If you fail, and you may, repeat this step whenever necessary.  

  Proverbs 10:6  Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Key words/phrases: context: verses

•  

What does it say?  (in my own words) - Abundance of blessings for good men.  Not for the wicked.

What does it mean?  

Study Questions:  

1. How long does it take to change a habit?

The next right thing (application):  Remember the law of sowing and reaping.  Keep short accounts - confess, repent and produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  That means you need to change your ways.  

Free resources:  Personal favorite: e-sword.net for free bible study software.  Intothyword.org for inductive study information.  Biblegateway.com is also a great resource.  Tons of free resources on the internet.  😀 

Disclaimer:  I get one Proverb verse in email each day (except Sunday) so these are not selected by me.  I try to stick to the list.  I also don't blog daily.  Just when I've time...