40 BY CONTRAST F O O T ================================

• H O L D

READING 40 BY CONTRAST —————————————————————- PRAY Change my life through the knowledge of your word, Lord God. —————————————————————- READ Proverbs 10:1-24. —————————————————————- THINK Is there a particular verse in this chapter which takes prominence above the rest? —————————————————————- FOCUS This chapter begins a new section of the book (10:1-22:16) and it is written in quite a different style from the preceding chapters. In general each verse is an individual unit with its second half providing a contrast to the first. In today’s reading we see the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. This contrast affects: WHAT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE. The RIGHTEOUS experience God’s blessing, now and beyond the grave (2,3,6,16). They are also a blessing to others (1,7). Though that doesn’t mean that the WICKED will never become successful or rich! But their lives will be lived under the judgement of God (3,7,16). WHAT PEOPLE DO. The prudent son makes the most of all his opportunities and works hard; those who sleep and waste time become poor (4,5). Honesty is certainly the best policy, whilst dishonesty is sure to lead to trouble (9,10). WHAT PEOPLE SAY. What a contrast there is here! The WISE man is prepared to listen and think; he wants to obey the commandments of God (8,14,17). He doesn’t express his opinion as a matter of course, but when he does speak he is honest and helpful (11,13,20,21). The FOOLISH MAN talks too much and thinks too little, believing that his knowledge is superior. In reality, what he says is dangerous and destructive. He is his own worst enemy (6,11,14,18,19,20,21). —————————————————————- PRAY Ask that God will help you to see the areas of your life that need his forgiveness and grace. ============