Scripture – Proverbs 23:17 “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day”
Observation – Much of Proverbs chapter 23 reads like a father giving a son advice for his life. In much of this advice the fatherly voice urges the son to not forsake his future for momentary pleasure or quick gain. In life it is not always doing the right thing that leads to immidiate results. Often it can be the opposite. There are times where cutting corners, cheating, treating people harshly can lead to quick gains and “success.” Ultimately, the urgency of the scripture in verse 17 though is to continue in the Lord’s way, even when it’s not the easiest choice.
Applicaiton – I am faced with many different decisions all throughout the day. When I face them today will I choose the path that feels like the quickest route to success or will I choose wisdom and the way of the Lord even if it is hard, even if no one notices? Today, I desire to look towards the future and not the present and remember the Lord’s way in my decisions.
Prayer – God thank You for Your way that leads to life. Help me increasingly to walk in Your way and Your truth in my daily life.