Monday, June 16
Reading for today:   Proverbs 19-21

As you may have noticed, there are several strong themes running through Proverbs.  Honesty, Generosity, Diligence and of course, pursuit of wisdom.   I'm sure there are others.  What do you find?

Twice in chapter 19 the author repeats the fate of the false witness, a testimony to the value of honesty.   Honesty seems to be lacking in current society.  When our political candidates run for public office they pledge to do many things, most of which never occur...and no one seems to be too upset.  We take for granted that we are electing people who aren't honest in the first place.   When the leaders of a country don't reflect the core values that make (or made) the country great in the first place, then problems are on the horizon.    Would you keep someone employed to babysit your children if you discovered that they lied on their resume?   What if they invited friends to the house, when they were told not to?   Of course, you would end their employment rather abruptly.   Proverbs is giving us the keys to success.   Be honest,  be faithful.  Be Generous..especially to those less fortunate than yourself.   These are the themes of the Christian life.   The life "well lived".    The person who takes these "nuggets" of wisdom to heart, and makes them their life values is the one who is truly wise.    As Proverbs says,  the dishonest will be successful for a time, but they will not endure.   Everlasting life is reserved for the righteous.

Be Honest!


Pastor Rick