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"Word Pictures" for Our Imagination

Tuesday, July 1st Free Printable Devotional Sheets

Are We Feeding on Trash and Foolishness?

Today's Daily Verse is found in Proverbs 15.14

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash"        - New Living Translation

The heart of him that hath understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. - King James Version

Knowledge is power, for either good or evil. Where we get our knowledge from determines what controls our thinking and the decisions we make...

Where do we go for knowledge? What information do we trust?

Every day we are called upon to make decisions. The ability to discern between that which is good and that which is evil is important to each of us individually.

Proverbs makes it clear -

• We become like that on which we feed. If we spend our time in front of "reality" television - that will be what we crave
• The fool is fully satisfied with his way of living and the way in which he sees the "world"
• He sees no further need to explore healthy or godly information, as he estimates that he doesn't need such information based on his self-evaluation of himself... 

A fool cares not for information that builds character and gives him opportunity to depart from evil ways and thoughts, but feeds on trash and mental junk that makes him more foolish and empty of any value system whatsoever...

On the other hand,the man or woman of understanding is always ready to learn, is always hungry for more and more GOD information!

One of the key goals in life is the ability to discern both "good and evil"

Hebrews 5.14 "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong."

The only way to tell the difference is to be feeding on the word of GOD.

What Do We See In The World System Everyday?

It is very important to understand what David saw...What we see all around us in this advanced day and age is NOT new!

Let's see the overall commentary found in Psalms 73 -

"Truly God is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright and pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious of the foolish and arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten and plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe].

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; and the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies].

8 They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously].

9 They set their mouths against and speak down from heaven, and their tongues swagger through the earth [invading even heaven with blasphemy and smearing earth with slanders].

10 Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them.

11 And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue and have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children.

16 But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful

NOTE: David is really upset. He has set his heart on GOD and changes his thinking  to GOD's way - and yet observes the prosperity and way that unbelievers treat GOD, are defiant, mouthy, arrogant, and seem to be getting away with it...then he finds out what the program really is all about :

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end.

18 [After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin and destruction.

19 How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors!

20 As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show.

21 For my heart was grieved, embittered, and in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder].

22 So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand.

24 You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You and like [spiritual] harlots depart from You.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

Be as David... Psalms 119.98-100 "You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies, for [Your words] are ever before me.  "I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are my meditation. " I understand more than the aged, because I keep Your precepts [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them].

Be as Solomon... Ecclesiastes 12.9-10 "Keep this in mind: Solomon was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. Solomon sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly."

Proverbs Warning!

Never be wise above "what is written"...

Imitate Jeremiah... Jeremiah 15.16,17 "Your words were found, and I ate them; and Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. "I sat not in the assembly of those who make merry, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because Your [powerful] hand was upon me, for You had filled me with indignation."

Imitate Job... Job 23.12 "I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."

See you tomorrow...

In the meantime: May I encourage you to call or email someone and invite them to join us in our daily study in Proverbs... Your call today, may be the lifeline they really need...make that call. You'll be pleased you did!