(Proverbs 14:24-27 KJB) The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. (25) A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. (26) In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (27) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
These verses from Proverbs 14 were published on the back of our Church Bulletin this week. I wrote a Devotion for our weekly bulletin, but I had this Devotion in mind for this article, “...from the Pulpit.”
By carefully reading this Proverb, we can see that these few verses define a Christian, a summarized version, but nonetheless a definition. Below, I have collected those portions which I have used.
(Proverbs 14:24-27 KJB) The crown of the wise is their riches:.. (25) A true witness delivereth souls:.. (26) In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (27) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The “…crown of the wise…” (in regards to our riches,) tells us to be wise and prudent with what God has given us. It isn’t being overly frugal, but careful as to how others see us in our spending. This “crown” shows we are tithers, we support missions, we support our local church, and we attend regularly.
Again we are told to be “…A true witness …” someone who asks his neighbors, his friends, and his family to join him at church. He is a person who willingly tells any or all he meets about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he does it with “…strong confidence ..,” a confidence that shows a “…fear of the LORD …” [“…fear….” being defined as “moral reverence” of the LORD.] He knows who he serves, and has the understanding that his LORD will meet the needs of his “…children..,” his family, and himself. He knows that his reverence of the LORD will protect him today, and down the road.
I believe this shows a good overview of a “good Christian,” however, as was with Job, we must protect ourselves against ourselves.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJB) Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: (24) But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
We are not to “…glory in his wisdom …”, as that would defeat our fear [reverence,] of our LORD God.
(Revelation 2:4 KJB) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
We must be very careful in our “walk and our talk.” Does the LORD have “…somewhat against thee …” because you may have strayed away from “…thy first love…” These verses define us. Can we all say, “Yes LORD, I am a Christian as defined above, and LORD I do know my heart is with You.” Where is your “…first love …?”
Bro. John R. E Chastain
This Devotion was written for publication in the Wellington Leader, Wellington, Texas, for publication under "...from the Pulpit" April 21, 2010
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