Proverbs 21:8: The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.
Insight
Like the trail of the serpent are the ways of a guilty man. It is invariably a sign that something is radically wrong at bottom when a person’s path is crooked, and he has to be continually excusing and explaining. He who walks with God will be above reproach; for he will shun every form of evil. The work of the pure is right. His life is like an open book, which explains itself, and shuts the lips even of enemies. Daniel was of this character; so that when the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against him concerning the kingdom, “they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him” (Dan. 6:4). 1
Application
Have you read recently how the Lord feels about the promotion and legislation of sin in the world? Consider Genesis 6:5–6: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
Does your life bless the Lord and bring Him glory, or does it grieve the Lord? What social media or entertainment changes do you need to make? What will it take to live above reproach?
Motivation
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8
The best cure for a guilty conscience is a repentant heart. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please create in me a clean heart.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.
