Proverbs 13:17-19 – Message, Correction, Desire
A messenger proves his character by how he deals with the message. A wicked messenger betrays his master’s trust, tries to hurt him, and falls into trouble. But a faithful messenger brings and receives a blessing. These words seem like a nice, obvious truth, until we apply them to ourselves – then they frighten. For we are messengers, servants of God sent with the message of the Gospel. Are we careless of this message? Do we neglect it? Do we betray our master’s trust by never delivering the message? Or are we faithful in telling others of Christ, bringing healing words to a hurting people? What kind of messenger are you?
The correction of God is a blessing. That may be hard to understand as no one likes being corrected, disciplined, or punished. But it is a blessing. It turns us from the sinful path we are heading down, and all the consequences of that sin. Men and women who recognise that God’s discipline is a good thing, saving them from the dangers of sin, will find that others respect them for learning from their mistakes. But those who do not learn will soon be turned over to their sin and will race down the path of destruction bringing shame and often material but always spiritual poverty upon them.
Just like in verse 12 we can see in verse 19 the great blessing of getting what you long for. But only those who put their trust in God ultimately get their desire. For their desire has become God’s desire. They want what God wants. But the sinner, who has not turned to Christ, desires only his sin, and nothing can make him turn from it short of the powerful work of God in his heart. It matters not that he is never content; it matters not how joyful and at peace the Christians around him are, he wants to sin.
Questions
- What message must we take to others?
- Why do people refuse to learn from their sin; why do they hold tight to it? What makes them change?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of family and friends.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.