Spiritual Nuggets For

08-17-2008

96. One of the best and quickest ways to examine your present spiritual condition is to consider your own motives behind the things you do and say. Motives are very important and this is what God considers:

All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (Prov 16:2)

Not only that, but God will expose the motives of men’s hearts at the judgment:

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. (1 Cor 4:5)

As expected, God knows and understands our motives:

And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. (1 Chr 28:9)

Without considering motives, you might think wrongly of yourself and/or someone else.

97. At a time when Israel was battling opposing armies, Solomon wrote this powerful truth:

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (Prov 16:32)

As important as warriors and those who would take a city were, a person and one who controls his temper is even more of an overcomer.

That also shows the inner battle we all face with being impatient and losing our temper. The words of James also fit perfectly here:

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19,20)

98. Are you a man of understanding? (Such is mentioned only in the Old Testament.) If you are, then you should be described here:

A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom. (Prov 10:23)

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. (Prov 11:12)

Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. (Prov 15:21)

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. (Prov 17:27)

There is also a way or path of understanding:

Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding. (Prov 9:6)

A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead. (Prov 21:16)

NOTE: For one who strays from the path of understanding (God’s truth as found in the Bible) will come to rest in the company of the spiritually dead. In other words, such will cause loss of salvation.

99. How can you guard your own spiritual life?

The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. (Prov 16:17)

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (Prov 13:3)

Your words and behavior must be kept under control to guard your spiritual life. Avoid certain people, places and things.

100. Which is better, a food festival plenty good enough for a king with strife or the barest less tasty food essentials with peace and quiet? The latter is the correct answer:

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. (Prov 17:1)

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. (Prov 15:17)

Here’s a good verse that connects it all together:

Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. (Prov 15:16)