The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)Some of the world’s leaders seem to think that they are above anyone else’s ideas. And there are people who believe everything they hear without checking out the facts. Otherwise social media would have fewer postings. On a larger scale, political leaders need to respect the advice of others without going off on their own and creating chaos.
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Proverbs 14:15)
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. (Proverbs 14:18)
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (Proverbs 14:30)
The last two speak to me as well. I can talk all day about how much work I have, but talking does not get it done. For me, ‘poverty’ is life without any accomplishments just as much as it is life without money or other resources. Talk will not do it for me or for anyone else. Sweat and effort are required.
Last night I was tired and feeling overwhelmed. While some of the things on that to-do list are self-imposed, it seemed I will not live long enough to deal with so many responsibilities. I felt quite stressed and prayed that God would grant me peace of mind. This morning the first answer was this, the verse for today on Logos:
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)Then I read the one above from Proverbs 14, “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot” and hear the Holy Spirit telling me two things. One: Rest in the presence of the Lord and Two: watch my motivations for what I am doing. If envy is there, it will kill me.
This may seem like a simple thing to some, but anyone involved in creative activity is subject to the temptation of envy. I am a quilter. I belong to one large guild and two small groups. It is easy to fall into the sin of comparing myself with others in these groups. One of them praises me for my creativity and the other one makes me feel as if I don’t have much of it.
Comparing my work with others is not a great idea. It can inspire me to do well, move me to keep working, or make me wish I could do as well or better than they do. However, the NT says:
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. (2 Corinthians 10:12)This verse is in a passage where Paul says he is humble yet bold, humble to not walk in the flesh yet bold in the power of God. He reminds me that the confidence I should have is that I belong to Jesus. I have weaknesses and strengths, yet they are of no account. I can only feel confidence in that I am doing what God gave me to do. Paul winds up saying:
Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:17–18)I’ve some clues that the people I sometimes envy also envy me. How silly we are. To each God gives gifts that He uses to bring glory to Himself. This means that all that is on my list may or may not be from Him, but getting it done isn’t so I can gleefully put a check mark on the list, but so He can somehow be glorified. Part of that will be the display of a tranquil heart, rather than a frantic feeling of envy that pushes me to try and do more than He asks.
PRAY: Jesus, forgive my sinful comparing — for it takes my eyes and motivations off You and puts me on a competitive mode that does not glorify You. Resting in You changes all that, and being content says far more about Your grace and power that winning a frantic race of accomplishment. Thanks for Your reminders and these words that change anxiety to peace. Amen.
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