Bible Thoughts

December 1, 2002

"The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life"(Proverbs 10:11).

One's speech is an identifying mark of a person who is dedicated to the ways of God or to the ways of the world. The words(from thoughts) that come forth can build up or destroy. Solomon says that the "mouth" is a "well of life." Speech can lift one up or tear another down. The world is filled with those who speak in a manner that blasphemes God and tears down men. The one who follows the Lord speaks in a manner that encourages others to follow the ways of God, that is, in reality--"a well of life."

"A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal..."(Proverbs 12:10).

Farm animals were extremely valuable in a society that did not have mechanization. The owner of such would take special care of his stock due to his dependence upon them for his food. The righteous person would not fail to provide for the needs of his animal: he would feed, house, and be alert to any problems that arose. One who did not care properly for his animal would likely not care about others, as well.

A righteous man of today is aware of the needs of those who depend upon him. He will provide for their welfare and see that they are safe and comfortable. A righteous man will set an example of godliness for his family and see that they are provided with their spiritual needs. Truly such a person will have regard to others, even outside of the family. A righteous man cares about others.

"A righteous man hates falsehood..."(Proverbs 13:5).

When one tells the truth, there is no room in his mouth(or heart) for falsehood. Always tell the truth, even if it hurts one personally or offends another. Jesus always spoke the truth; he taught his disciples to tell the truth; he expects Christians to tell the truth. As one grows in the faith, a disciple of Christ will "hate falsehood." Whether in the worldly class of "a little white lie" or "big fat lie," the righteous hate the falsehood. One never has to repent or apologize when only the truth is spoken.

"The righteous man wisely considereth the house" (Proverbs 21:12).

An observant disciple of the Lord will be able to contrast, in his mind, the house in which principles of truth and righteousness can be found. One who is righteous will be wise and avoid the ways of those who are evil. A home is no better than the people who live in the house. By words and actions, an atmosphere that promotes goodness and kindness can be found, or--an atmosphere of lust and transgression. It is not difficult to distinguish the house of the righteous man from the house of the wicked. A righteous man will provide a home where the Lord and His way are foremost in the minds of his family. Even if one has a rather splendid structure, with all of the latest gadgets and comfortable furniture, in the absence of respect for the Lord and His way, that home lacks what makes a righteous "house."

"...that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their lawless deeds"(II Peter 2:8).

It is not easy to live in a world that is given over to lust and ungodliness. Over the past few years, our society has become a haven for those who promote iniquity, causing the faithful, like Lot, to be "sore distressed." The righteous people of today can understand the attitude of Lot as they behold the iniquity that fills the hearts of so many. While our age has justified all kinds of iniquity, there are still those who remain righteous. When we think that we are the only ones who are willing to follow the Lord's commands, look around and see others who are faithful to the way of truth. The number of righteous people in any generation is small,but the few who trust in the Lord and His way always remain strong against the evils of Satan. Let us thank the Lord for all righteous people.

As Paul stood in the midst of those who worshipped idols, he said, "...in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious"(Acts 17:22).

Out of ignorance the people of Athens created idols they could serve and were so zealous they even made an altar to an "unknown god." A very religious city, but an ignorant city. The apostle Paul took the opportunity to speak the truth to those who were present. The reaction to Paul's preaching included those who "mocked," those who wanted to hear more, and those who accepted the truth that Paul presented.

Our world is filled with those who are "very religious," but have little knowledge of the truths of the Bible. It is sad that so many will take the words and thoughts of men without searching for themselves the truths of God's word. All preaching and teaching must be weighed in the light of God's word. No matter how sincere the presenter may be, if one does not speak the truth of God's word, his message will cause those who heed to be lost.

Men put forth many efforts to try to convince those who will observe or listen that they are "very religious." Some will wear certain clothing, hang crosses around their necks, engage in repetitious speech, and many other approaches that cannot be found in the word of God. True religion comes from the heart and is seen in the life of an individual. James said, "Pure religion before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world"(1:27). Religion is something the Christian practices, not something one displays for others.

There was a man beaten by robbers and left to die. A priest walked by, saw the injured person, but failed to help him. A Levite also came by, observed the injured man, but failed to stop and help him. A Samaritan, not held in great esteem by the two who passed by, stopped and 'bound up his wounds." The Samaritan put him on his own beast and took him to an inn, paying for his care. Which of these three was "very religious?"

The faithful disciple believes and practices each day that which the Lord has commanded. While there may be persecutions and disappointments, the "very religious"(in the right way) will overcome such efforts by Satan to discourage the disciple.