September 7, 2011

Proverbs 20:16-30 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 21:20-28, Hebrews 4:1-11, Isaiah 13-15

Journal Entry

Scripture

23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,
and false scales are not good.

Observation

Proverbs, including these verses are such an interesting mixture of simply practical ideas and at the same time deeply insightful spiritual truths. In these verses the author (King David) writes about honest work, wise planning, sincere speech, honoring parents, trusting God, as well as describing the realities that sustain people (in leadership - v. 28), and how the LORD works (v. 27).

The word abomination stood out to me. I'm not sure how often it is in the bible, but I don't think it is commonly used so it caught my attention. Earlier in Proverbs 6 verses 17 + 19 lying is listed twice as something that is an abomination to God.

Application

I think part of the reason why this stood out to me is knowing how easily each one of us is prone to self-deceoption, including myself, I wanted to ask the Spirit's help in assessing my heart. Because I do not see myself as lying I need the Spirit's help in recognizing areas that I may be engaging in deception.

My application will be to ask the Father 2 questions and allow him to respond as I wait in silent anticipation.

1. Father, why is lying, among other sinful attitudes and actions, an abomination to you?

2. Search my heart Father, and see where I may be lying or untruthful. Mercifully make me aware of any untruth in my heart.

Prayer

Father, Son and Spirit, I really do want a pure heart. Can you, in your wonderful mercy, bring to my awareness, areas of my life where I am not fully honest and engage in deceit and lying. May your word guide me to divided parts of my heart so that you can make me whole. I trust you will do all this in love and that is what frees me to ask you to show me my heart and the areas that need to be cleaned up and made whole (integrity). Amen.

--John Loppnow