Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 29, 2020
Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Proverbs 19:1-3, NLT
I was reminded recently of the sheer delight and utter disappointment honesty communicates. All of this occurred to me as my seven year old grandson Harrison and I enjoyed a memorable morning fishing. It was one of the best days of my life, as I was able to experience with a child what I desired as a child—pure joy with someone who loved me. Harrison’s quiet smile of ecstasy when reeling in a perch, and his unfiltered shout of disappointment when he missed one, “He got away Pop!” I was challenged to be my authentic self, to shed my protective adult skin of image management and replace it with sincere honesty. Honesty is the wisest way to live.
Proverbs is very clear about the wisdom of an honest approach to life. If a decision to acquire money requires dishonesty, — foolishness becomes the unhealthy outcome. And if honesty forfeits a few extra dollars or even a fortune—wisdom wins. A hasty decision without first gaining more knowledge and understanding leads to regrettable mistakes. We can talk ourselves into anything if we allow selfish desires to lead us. Relational ruin follows foolishness, with anger directed to the Lord. Wisdom is able to slow down, be honest and trust God.
“In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery” (Proverbs 28:23)
Make sure your honesty with others is motivated by love and kindness. Honesty without discretion is like telling an obese person he is very fat and the reason for his unhealthy condition is his undisciplined lifestyle and his addiction to food and drink. All that may be true but honesty needs to be helpful, not harmful. On the other hand, flattery only contributes to the foolish notion that there is not problem, “You look great, let me feed you more.” Humble honesty says, “I love you, and I want to help you grow healthier. What habits can we change to be better together?”
Most of all be honest with yourself and honest with the Lord. Ask, what do I really want? And, what is God’s best for me? The honest answers to these two questions will lead you in the Lord’s will for your life. Honesty celebrates a fulfilling career, even if the income means a modest lifestyle. Honesty is being happy with a child whose goals in life may be different from what you would choose. If you force her to be someone she’s not, foolish outcomes will follow. Avoid anger at the Lord by trusting in the Lord. Wisdom is able to wait and doesn’t have to be in control. The habit of honesty may be painful in the present moment, but brings healing as truth is embraced.
“And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (Luke 8:15).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grow my heart of honesty into an authentic follower of Jesus, in His name, Amen.
Application
Who needs for me to be lovingly honest with him today?
Related Reading
Luke 16:10; Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:10
Enjoy Boyd’s newest and well loved 40 day devotional book: Wisdom For Living. Wise living is all about the Lord Jesus Christ. What is His best? What is His will?
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