Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

August 26
Monday


WHAT'S AT
STAKE?

READ:
Proverbs 19:15-25
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LIsten to counsel and
receive instruction, that
you may be wise in
your latter days.
__Proverbs 19:20
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To stake or not to stake? That's teh question Marilyn faces when she planted a tree sapling last summer. The salesman said, "Stake it for one year so it will be supported in strong winds. Then remove them so it can grow deep roots on its own." But a neighbor told her, "Staking may cause more harm than good. The tree needs to start building strong roots right away, or it may never. Not staking is best for long-term health."

We wonder about that question in relationships too. For instance, if someone has gotten himself into trouble , do we "stake him down" by rescuing him, or do we let the person "grow strong roots" on his own by allowing him to face the consequences of his choices? Obviously it depends on what seems best for the person's long-term spiritual health. What does love do, and when does it do it? Proverbs 19 gives opposite thoughts: We are to have "pity" and lend our assistance (v.17), yet there are dangers in rescuing another because you might need to do it again (v.19). Providing the right help requires wisdom beyond our own.

God hasn't left us on our own. He will give us the wisdom when we ask Him. And as we lean on Him, our own roots will grow deep in Him as well. __Anne Cetas

`````````````````We lack wisdom Lord, in many situations.``````````````````````
``````````````````We know we'll make mistakes, but teach us to``````````````````
``````````````````be dependent on You. Thank You that You will``````````````````
``````````````````be faithful. Grow our roots deep in You.````````````````````````
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Real wisdom is looking at the world
from God's point of view.

**************************Today's Bible Reading __ Proverbs 19:15-25**********************
15 Laziness casts one into
a deep sleep, and an idle
person will suffer hunger,

16 He who keeps the
commandment keeps his
soul, but he who is careless
of his ways will die.

17 He who has pity on the
poor lends to the LORD,
and He will pay back what
he has given.

18 Chasten your son while
there is hope, and do not
set your heart on his
destruction.

19 A man of great wrath
will suffer punishment; for
if you rescue him, you will
have to do it again.

20 Listen to counsel and
receive instruction, that
you may be wise in your
latter days.

21 There are many plans in
a man's heart, nevertheless
the LORD's counsel__that
will stand.

22 What is desired in a
man is kindness, and a
poor man is better than a
liar.

23 The fear of the LORD
leads to life, and he who
has it will abide in
satisfaction; he will not be
visited with evil.

24 aAlazy man buries his
hand in the bowl, and will
not so much as bring it to
his mouth again.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the
simple will become wary;
rebuke one who has
understanding, and he will
discern knowledge.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Proverbs has much to say about laziness (6:9-10; 12:24; 19:15,24;
20:4; 26:13). It is the road to poverty and shame (10:4; 20:13;
24:33). Solomon exhorts us to be wise and learn from the ant's
example of diligence and hard work (6:6-8). Paul also exhorted
Christians to work hard to earn a living (2 Thess. 3:10-12).