Avoiding Spiritual Sickness

There is more than one way to get sick. You can get physically sick, but you can also get spiritually sick. Spiritual sickness is often far worse as it affects that part of us that will live forever. Here are some tips on how to avoid spiritual sickness.

Proverbs 3:7 NKJV

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:8 NKJV

8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

I. “Be Not Wise in Thine Own Eyes”

(v. 7)

A. Do not be impressed with yourself

1. Nothing uglier than the pretty girl who knows it

2. Nothing dumber than the intelligent one who knows it

B. Do not be closed to instruction

1. Learn from your critics

2. Listen to your teachers

3. Find some models on which to pattern your life

II. “Fear the Lord” (v. 7)

A. Basic meaning

1. Hold God in awe

2. Old Testament term for salvation

B. Further implications

1. Need some fear of the Lord in the sense of being afraid of what He can do

2. Remember

a. God sees everything you do

b. God knows everything you think

c. God knows everywhere you go

3. You will answer for all the above, in the judgment

III. “Depart From Evil” (v. 7)

A. Turn away from doing evil

1. Other side of doing right

2. Avoid every potentially evil situation

Proverbs 3:31–35 NKJV

31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

B. Stay away from the evil man (vv. 31–35)

1. Envy him not

2. Choose not his ways

3. Agree with God’s analysis of him—he is wicked and a fool

Conclusion:

A good spirit in any group depends on the members of that group. The success of any enterprise also depends on every person in the group. Spiritual sickness will “take you out of the play.” Resolve to stay healthy by avoiding spiritual sickness.