Reputation (2)
Notes
Transcript
Why not silver or gold?
Why not silver or gold?
The New Revised Standard Version Chapter 22
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
This Proverb speaks to our character. The speaker reminds us which is better to seek. The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 10:17–20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Jesus discusses with the disciples that even though Jesus’ name was revered for his great works and miracles, it was not meant for them to boast. IN other words, do not boast that you have been given the power to do these things but that your reputation or character has earned you a place in the book of life.
You can choose to have a good character for it is a common theme despite your fortune. The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all.
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 22:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Verse 3 gives us a warning to be smart. The clever see danger and hide;
but the simple go on, and suffer for it.
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 22:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
The New Revised Standard Version Chapter 22
The reward for humility and fear of the LORD
is riches and honor and life.
The reward is for righteousness. Humility is to lower oneself for the good. In other words choose good over evil; choose right from wrong, and then you will inherit that which God has offered. Is it really all about choices? Yes!
The New Revised Standard Version Chapter 22
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
the cautious will keep far from them.
John the Baptist came to make the ways straight for the Lord. The teachings of the gospel are meant to keep us on the straight and narrow path. Can you understand that the pathway is narrow and straight not necessarily because we don’t walk it but because there are distractions that can make you wonder from the trail.
The New Revised Standard Version Chapter 22
Train children in the right way,
and when old, they will not stray.
According to verse 6, we have a responsibility if we are on the pathway. Train or teach others especially children. Ask me why the children? You all know already don’t you? As foster parents Mary and I know that getting young people to take care of always has challenges, but the younger you begin to teach them the easier it is to steer them in the right direction.