The Lord is Your Security
25You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:25-26 (NLT) When we read that disaster or destruction comes upon the wicked, we may ask that what about the good people, the young innocent ones to whom also disaster and destruction come? Are they also wicked some way? Another translation says do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes - Proverbs 3:25 (NKJV). So not only does disaster or destruction come upon the wicked but it also comes from them. It comes from the chief of wickedness, the devil. But thank God we don't have to be afraid because the Lord is our security. He's our protection and defense against all evil. Know that the Lord is your security, have confidence in the Lord your security, declare that the Lord is your security, expect Him to keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
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God’s Wisdom offers Everything
13Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Proverbs 3:13,16 (NIV) The wisdom of the world cannot offer you everything. In the world's way of succeeding, you may get rich and famous but most of the time at the expense of your life, health, and relationships. Success and riches gained without God come with fear and worry. You fear and worry that you may lose it, that it may be stolen. Now you become restless. You work harder to maintain and safeguard your possessions. So, you have no time to take care of your health, no time for your loved ones, no time to enjoy life itself. Then you lose it all before it is actually lost because it has become meaningless. But the wisdom of God offers it all - long, healthy, stable life, riches and honor. The wisdom of God is the holistic blessing which makes rich and there's no sorrow with it. You're blessed in your mind with peace, in your body with health and longevity, loving relationships, financial and material prosperity, because it's God who guides and empowers you.
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The Lord’s Discipline
11My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. 12For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT) Some Christians think the Lord's discipline, chastening, training, or correction means hardships, trouble, and even tragedy including sickness, accidents and death. But that's a fallen nature mindset and it's not true of God's character. All the hardships, pain, and suffering in the world are the result of the fall of man and not in any way connected to God's ways. God disciplines us with His Word and Holy Spirit. They are our God given and ordained teachers and trainers. Responding positively to what God tells us even in the midst of fiery trials is the discipline of the Lord in action. When we read the account of Joseph the son of Jacob, we only focus on what he suffered but Scripture points out and emphasizes that the Word tested him or proved him true - Psalms 105:19. The things Joseph suffered from people wasn't the real discipline of the Lord. The Word God had given him through dreams and his holding onto it was the discipline of the Lord. What he went through was the work of men - Psalms 105:18, but it served as the ground where the Lord disciplined and trained him with His Word. If trouble or trials were the discipline then everyone who suffers would be disciplined, but it's not like that. It's the Word and Holy Spirit who teach, remind, encourage, warn, and strengthen us. It's the Word and Holy Spirit who even in the midst of suffering and pain discipline us to be patient, confident, kind, faithful, godly, honest, forgiving, understanding and loving.
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