Proverbs 16

Still working through Proverbs. Looking at chapter 16 here.

Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the LORD one avoids evil. (16:6)

There are really one two ways to live. We can choose to live on our own, hoping that the people who love us will be able to look past our screw-ups and keep forgiving us when we confess over and over. Or we can choose to live God’s plan and “avoid evil” altogether. It’s your/my choice.

Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness. (16:12)

I heard this quote from John Adams yesterday about what is necessary for our form of government to work:

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. how to dose ivermectin for dogs It is wholly inadequate for any other.

According to Paul (Romans 13:1-7), government’s role is to watch out for the people and punish those who do wrong. If the laws are written for the wrongdoers, the nation is in trouble. Our laws were based on the assumption that people would be “moral and religious”. ivermectin cat dose

A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work. (16:26)

This is why the capitalist system works best for a nation. Those who work, eat. Those who won’t, don’t eat. Long-term hand-outs for no work will ultimately ruin both the welfare system that is handing out and the people who are addicted to that system.

Paul said nearly the same thing to the Christians in Thessalonica who had quit their jobs to wait for Christ’s return. ivermectina He said, “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of righteousness. (16:31)

Remember this next time someone makes fun of the fact that you are or are going gray. (Hint, hint, Saralynn!)

The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is from the LORD. (16:33)

There is no such thing as chance – not even in gambling. If God doesn’t want you to win, you won’t – regardless of your sure-fire “methods”.