Insightful Musings on the Scripturesby
Ray Sparre, NU class of '67
Ray has a wealth of experience as a Husband, Father, Pastor, Missionary, and student of the Word. He believes and practices his faith where the rubber meets the road. You'll find his writings to be practical, insightful, and grounded in a truly Christ-centered world view.
Below are links to a printable daily Bible reading guide which Ray has followed, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010 and 2011.
| Daily Reading Guide | 2011 Devotion Archives | 2010 Devotion Archives |
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24 January 2011
Proverbs 24
Focus: “Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company…” Proverbs 24:1.
Yesterday we read, “Do not let your heart envy sinners.” Today we read, “Do not envy wicked men.” In verse 19 we hear it again: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked.” A similar warning was presented back in chapter 3: “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways” (Proverbs 3:31). Do you think there could be something important here? Of course there is!
As is the case with so many positive principles of life, this is a whole lot easier said than done. It calls for careful scrutiny and self-discipline because it is so easy to be caught in the web of envy without even knowing it. How about the temptation of a young guy to envy some professional basketball star who is incredible with his athletic antics, makes multiplied millions, gets all kinds of applause, but is destitute of moral integrity? Or consider the temptation of a young girl to envy the looks, the fame, and popular acceptance of some rock star singer who entertains and enthralls millions, but who also seems void of moral foundations as demonstrated by her lifestyle. On this note, Proverbs 11:22 speaks volumes: “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful women who shows no discretion.”
Let’s not direct this warning to only youth. We’re all vulnerable. It can be very subtle. And I’m convinced that one of the most effective modern means that our arch enemy uses to trip us up with temptations to be negatively influenced by wrong role models is through the medium of television and movies. By that media we are constantly being presented with people who are smart, confident, attractive, skilful, successful, invincible, rich, always winning over the opposition, and rotten—at least morally flawed. Make no mistake about it—ROTTEN IS CONTAGIOUS!
I cannot imagine a more important question to answer in order to set a successful and purposeful life course: WHO AM I GOING TO BELIEVE? Or WHO AM I GOING TO LOOK TO AS A STANDARD SETTER FOR MY LIFE?
“As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.” - Antisthenes