Proverbs 14

Happy Valentines Day, everyone!

I’m thinking optimistic lately; does it show?   😀

These verses stood up off the page for me today:

Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.  (22b)

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.   (23)

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.  (26-27)

Back in December when our daughter Bethany was moving from one position to the next it became evident she was going to have to stand tall and insist her former company do right by her as she transitioned out.   I encouraged her with a few text messages and emails,  one of my thoughts was  “There are three things in life you just don’t mess with:  1) Rattlesnakes   2)  Blizzards    3)  You  ( I think I actually used a childhood nickname that rhymes with “you” but she’d hunt me down if I posted that in a worldwide blog, so I’ll not go there 😉 )    

There’s a fourth, something the wise man just doesn’t mess with:  The fear of the LORD.  Verses 26 and 27 in today’s chapter speak of the rewards of fearing Him, and it’s a healthy fear; blessings if I live to bring Him honor, penalties I’m not willing to pay if I don’t. 

Thinking about stepping out of line?  

Take thirty seconds to imagine what the LORD could do if He stepped in – because He has that option if you’re a child of His. 

Now take thirty seconds more and picture the long-range benefits of a right choice.  

OK, now choose.

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Get it.  And don’t forget it.

—PLR—