A Moment in Proverbs–Proverbs 28:14 Equipped to handle Trials

Proverbs 28:14, “Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”

What a good lesson this passage brings.  When we walk in truth and reverence God and righteous living, then we are blessed.  But let us harden our hearts, and then we fall into trouble.

If we keep in mind that troubles befall everyone, but those who seek God’s glory in their walk, will be equipped to handle those troubles.  We will live a life of faith that is ever watchful for our own measure of standards we’ve set before God by His Word.  We check and double check to see if there is anything in our lives that displeases the LORD and correct it as soon as it is revealed. We ask Him to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within (see Psalms 51:10). This is the great blessing when faced with trials, because in being conscientious of our walk, we find that we have gained strength by living righteously (see John 15:7-8).

The dangers of hardening our hearts to His instruction are many.  The one who does this is mocking God and we’re warned to not mock God lest we be found without an audience in our time of need. Living in defiance brings us to ruin (see Galatians 6:6-8).

Brothers and sisters walk before God in reverence; His grace has set you free from the law, it’s true.  But we cannot harden our hearts and seek after our own ways.  If we chose the path of rebellion, we become a slave to whatever sin we’re committing.  If you are a child of God and walking in rebellion, He will correct you because He loves you (see: Hebrews 12:5-7).  But if you are not His child; the wages of your un-repented sin is separation from God. But if you choose to obey God; it will lead to righteous living and eternal life (see Romans 6:23).

Prayer: Father, we were once slaves to sin, but now we have been redeemed through receiving Your Son as our Savior. We can now proclaim the peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.  He will make us perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.  This day we give Him honor and glory forever and ever!  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Abiding Still,

Connie Renfro ©