Proverbs 19:19-23 – Way of Life
Verse 19 – What is the cure for a quick temper? Many people struggle with it and find their anger breaking out again and again. What do you do? Pray. Pray for grace and strength to learn self-control. Remember who Christ is and what He has done for you. Keep this knowledge in the forefront of your mind, so you will always try to act out of love for Him instead of selfishness.
Verse 20 – Put pride to death. Accept the fact that you don’t know everything, and you are not always right. Go to God’s Word for guidance, for instruction, for rebuke, for teaching. Believe it, accept it, live it, and you will be wise.
Verse 21 – The Scottish poet, Robbie Burns wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men, Go oft astray.” Sounds very like this proverb. And why? Why do they go astray? Because there is a sovereign God, who reigns as King, and overrules the workings of man. Aren’t you glad? Do you have such confidence in man that you would rather he had the final say? Or is the whole reason you can sleep at night because you know that the Lord’s plan and purpose will win through, and it will always be good.
Verse 22 – Where can we find unfailing love? In only one place – our Lord Jesus Christ. His love did not fail in Gethsemane, it did not fail on the cross, and it did not fail in the tomb. It will surely not fail you His child whom He’s paid such a high price for. Far better to be a poor man or woman and have this love than the riches of the world without it.
Verse 23 – The world says that to be a Christian is foolish, that you lose out. But God promises that obedience leads to peace, contentment, joy, love, and happiness. Put that against what the world has to offer, and you wonder who is really losing out.
Questions
- How can you work on a quick temper?
- What are the benefits of being a Christian?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for all Christ has done for you.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.