Chapter 20

Proverbs 20 (Don)

Since beginning the Proverbs Blog and reading the different Proverbs written by others, I have been reminded of things that happened to me, or were related to what I was doing at the time. Some of the experiences were good, some not so good, but all contributed to my growth in the Lord.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 KJV

I like to think of my experiences as this (and I have used this saying many times), “Think of what has happened today, drive a stake in the ground for a time to look back to remember.”

In the book of Psalms, the word “Selah” is used many times. It means "to chew the cud, to do over, to think deeply about what you read or experienced."

The word testimony in the Old Testament means, “to do again.”

Some thirty years ago, the Lord called Linda and I into full time ministry in a community setting. We both had heard from the Lord with neither knowing until Linda asked, “Have you heard anything special from the Lord?” “Yes”, I told her, "but I didn’t want to hear it.” I then told her all I had received. We then found that we both had heard from the Lord, which confirmed we were moving in the right direction.

To follow the leading of the Lord, we knew we were to sell all we had. In my heart I knew all we had was His, only a year or so before I had given him all I had, so I was not surprised when he came for it and my words.

I called a Christian brother named David who was in the real estate business to list my property. With David’s help, we decided on what was a fair market price at the time. Later, a Christian couple came and liked the house, they said they had prayed about the house and felt they were given a price to offer. It was quite a bit lower than the asking price. David called and gave me the price offered and I told him I would pray and sleep on it. I asked the Lord for wisdom and how to handle the sale of his property. He gave me Proverbs 20:10 NIV...

"Differing weights and differing measures—the Lord detests them both."

Well, I had the word, now also had a personal word for how to interpret it. When you do business, it is good that both parties get a fair deal.

I told David, my realtor, about the word I had received and that I thought the price was fair but that I would submit it to him, as he was the authority, and whatever he said I would do.

Something strange happens when you give up your rights and submit... the Lord steps in and takes over. The sale went through at the original price, David shared with them Proverbs 20:10 and how he knew the price was a fair price and they came to agree. They enjoyed the house for many years; I think they still live there.

Don’t let me forget to mention that Linda and I spent over 10 wonderful and blessed years serving the Lord in that community setting and are still receiving from all we learned there. One thing learned: when you surrender, you can never out give God!

"Ill-gotten gain brings no lasting happiness; right living does." Proverbs 10:2 Living Bible

Fairness truly counts in the Kingdom of God.