Proverbs 13 (Kate)
For every action what is your reaction?
As we read King Solomon's words, what is your reaction? Compassion for the sinner? Justification for the faithful? Conviction in your life? One wave of long-lasting thought that stood out from verse one all the way through to twenty-five was that of outcome. The word outcome refers to the result of a previous action or choice. As often as we experience an "outcome" in our day to day lives, it's quite astonishing to think of our reactions. Complete surprise. Total frustration. Absolute joy.
Proverbs reminds us, repeatedly that for every action there is a Biblical reaction or outcome. Why are we surprised by the outcomes of our choices? God certainly is not. On a fast and furious level it appears quite simple--- if we do "A" it will bring about "B." This is why we don't walk in front of traffic or leave our children unattended. We understand the concept of action and reaction.
Why is this simple understanding not applied to our walk with God on a daily basis? Proverbs is meant to give us the action and reaction answer key for our daily life.
"Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard." v. 15
Right in the middle of the chapter, Solomon, amidst sharing the truths regarding obedience, knowledge, and sin, even highlights the simplest of truths. Paraphrased: if you are unfaithful life will be hard. Again, why when we know that our input equals our output do we act surprised when life gets hard?
Remember that God is never surprised. He gave us His word that we may be as prepared and equipped as possible. "Good understanding wins favor…" As wise as we all claim to be, it never hurts to reflect on the "hardness" of our own lives and ask, "am I being faithful to God's opportunity for favor?"
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Let's be faithful in seeking God's provided, grace-filled favor.
