Several months ago I began to read one chapter each day from the book of Proverbs. It has been an excellent discipline for me to undertake. The relevant challenges for daily living are simple and direct, and so very timely. I am amazed at the wide range of subjects covered by the various Proverbs. "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." Proverbs 1:3 (ESV) Why would anyone not take advantage of the wisdom and guidance shared with us by the writers of Proverbs? Yet, every day, tragedies take place because of people who fail to learn from God's instruction.
The news out of New York state this week has been heartbreaking for the Eliot Spitzer family. The former governor of New York, he resigned today, is accused of being involved in sexual immorality. The accusation seems to ring true enough for him to remove himself from office rather than face the threatened impeachment. How tragic to see the truth of Proverbs 5:22&23 lived out in this man's life. "The inquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray."
I am grieved for Mr. Spitzer, his wife and their three children. I don't know if the former governor knew what Proverbs said or not, but it proved to be true. But he is not the first, nor will he likely be the last, to find out that the warnings of Proverbs would be best heeded. It was last year that I was saddened to learn that Ted Haggard had also become ensnared in sexual immorality. I know Rev. Haggard should have known what was in Proverbs. What we must remember is that Proverbs 5:21 tells us, "For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths." I wonder why anyone thinks they can ignore God's instructions and warning and not end up paying a price, a very heavy price, for their trangression.
It is the New Testament that tells us that it is not enough to know what God's word says, we need to obey it. In fact, James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." It is my prayer that I will be attentive to the Word of God and the life giving instructions I find there. I also pray that in the pages of Scripture I will see a Jesus whose love and acceptance motivate me to live in such a way as to obey His commands. I wonder if you will join me in that prayer.
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