Proverbs 1:29–31: Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.
Insight
This picture may seem to speak of despair. But we have experienced miracles of divine grace, so that we do not need to despair. We must not, however, water down God’s own words. Have we never seen this demonstrated as a sinner dies? He neglected and scoffed at the Gospel, and as he dies, he does not offer up one cry for God to have mercy on his soul. This gives us a solemn warning that limits are placed on the day of God’s grace. It is possible for a sinner to be lost on this side of hell. 1
Application
We have been designed in His image. He has given us the desire to know Him and to live for Him. He has given us grace upon grace for forgiveness of all our sins. He has given us truth to understand the meaning and purpose of life. But He has also given us a free will to accept Him or reject Him. Are you sowing to the Spirit or sowing to the flesh? You will reap the full consequences of your commitment. There are no special exceptions. Do you have a fear of the Lord? You are accountable to Him!
Motivation
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:23
There can come a time on earth when your hardness against His grace will determine your eternal destiny. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please keep my heart in a place of praise, regardless of my situation.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
