Day 17 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "Tests for Purity of Heart"
SELECTED SCRIPTURES & INSIGHTS FROM PROVERBS 17:
Proverbs 17:3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
God is always concerned with foundational principles. Purity has to do with our hearts and purposes not being mingled with ungodly influences. Everything gets tested and proven. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue of foundational purity in 1 Corinthians 3:12 "Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward."
This Scripture may refer to a time when we stand before the Lord in judgment of our works as believers. However, I would like to believe that we're being tested and purified in this season as well. I don't want to wait until the end to find out if my works were worthy of Christ.
Proverbs 17:5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
This is another reference in Proverbs about the importance of how we relate to the poor. God loves the poor and he is concerned about their welfare and future success. I am sometimes concerned that our society, as well as the Church, becomes so obsessed with the "lifestyles of the rich and famous" that we "tune out" the poor. Someone once said that a society can be judged by how it treats its children and its poor citizens.
Proverbs 17:16 It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning.
This seems to be a questionable translation of the text in the New Living Translation (which sometimes reads more like a paraphrase than a Bible translation). However, it presents an interesting perspective. The new King James version of verse 16 reads, "Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it?."
The idea of this text seems to indicate that investing resources to provide education or wisdom to persons who have no desire for it is a waste of money. As we have learned through this study in the book of Proverbs, people must choose to listen to God and to value what He has to say. Jesus said it another way in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
These seem like harsh words, yet they are based on proven principles.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
Success and prosperity benefit from maintaining a cheerful attitude. If we do not have joy in serving the Lord, there will not be much motivation to serve faithfully. A broken spirit helps nothing. Discouragement and disappointment will bring us low if we do not cast our cares on the Lord.
Proverbs 17:24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
In a world full of distractions and foolishness, it is more important than ever to keep our eyes "glued" on the wisdom of God.
Proverbs 17:27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
When wisdom is operating in our lives, we don't need to attempt to adjust our perception in the sight of others with our words. Sometimes talking too much is evidence of something lacking in one's heart. God's wisdom and understanding helps us become settled and steady day after day.
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PRAYER:"Lord, help me maintain a pure heart towards You and all people, especially towards the poor. I'll keep my eyes glued on your wisdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen!"
ACTIVATION:
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- How does God test our purity of heart?
- Comment on one of the verses in Proverbs Chapter 16?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
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