Pretty Clear Cut
Most of the ice cream stores in the area are starting to open. This presents a problem for many of us. The “problem” is something like this: Do I choose teaberry or peanut butter or vanilla or black raspberry or…. Do I go with small, medium or large? The decisions are not very clear cut. Granted, these decisions are not very important in the grand scheme of things…you can’t really go wrong with an ice cream flavor….unless you pick “coffee” which, in my opinion, is a waste of ice cream, but I digress.
Proverbs is a book of choices. It is a book of contrasts. Proverbs 12:4-11 is another section of these contrasts. Let’s read these verses:
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand. 8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. 9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread. 10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.
The choices presented here are not like choosing ice cream. We are asked to choose between obviously good things and terrible things. When we choose righteousness, when we choose following the Lord and His path, we will not be disappointed. The choice is pretty clear cut. If you are stuck on a choice, perhaps I could help you. Call me. E-mail me. Whatever it takes to help you make the right choice will be done. Also, if you can’t decide on teaberry or chocolate, I’d be glad to go to the ice cream store with you and help you decide…my treat!
In wisdom,
Eric