Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.
Insight
Here a pure heart does not describe the natural but the renewed person. It is no external varnish. It is sincerity, humility, turning from sin, conforming to God’s image. Anyone who has attained this purity is before God’s throne. He who loves this is God’s child on earth. Such a person is welcomed by the King into his heavenly kingdom. As our Lord said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). 1
Application
Since Daniel submitted his life to our Heavenly King, he was rewarded by the earthly king. Notice Daniel 6:21–23: My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” The king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.
How is our Heavenly King drawing you to Himself as His friend? If you are having difficulty receiving His loving friendship, perhaps your heart may need more purifying. Ask God now to forgive that sin that you struggle with the most. Not only ask for His forgiveness, but also ask for His power to give your greater daily victories.
Motivation
Righteous lips delight kings: They love him who speaks what is right. Proverbs 16:13
Our King loves to hear the lips of His children speaking graciously to one another. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please purify my heart, then my lips, then my labor. Thank You for wanting to build a friendship with me, Your redeemed child.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
