Self-Respect, Self-Control

Scripture Reading for this day is as follows: Proverbs 29:1, 2, 9, 11

Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

The theme of the book of Proverb is to exalt wisdom. Wisdom is the foundation in which to maintain a "right relationship" with God. Most of the instuctions given, are for ethical and moral support, rather than spiritual support. They are the secrets of true success in our relatonship with God, and man, if they are put into practice.

"Its principles of diligence, honesty, thrift, temperance, and purity are the secret of true success. These principles, as set forth in the book of Proverbs, constitute a treasury of practical wisdom". (Ed. 135)

There are some in the church who seem to always make excuses for sin. Some may say "You know they are not right mentally". Still some may say "You know they do not mean it", and still some say, "We have to meet them where they are". Then you have the leader of the church, that turns the table againt indiviual who calls sin by it's rightful name, sin, and makes it look like they are the one who is wrong in calling sin, sin. "So who made you the judge?" Satan loves that statement, because the statement itself is judgemental.

The wise man Solomon, advises us in Proverbs 29:1-2 "He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn".

The Amplified version says it this way:

1HE WHO, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed--and that without remedy.
2When the uncompromisingly righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man (the compromising man) rules, the people groan and sigh.

Sin Must Be Searched Out and Reproved. The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson that for one man's sin, the displeasure of God will rest upon a people, or a nation, till the transgression is searched out and punished. Sin is corrupting in its nature. One man infected with its deadly leprosy, may communicate the taint to thousands. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and reprove sin. Many dare not condemn iniquity, lest they shall thereby sacrifice position or popularity. And by some, it is considered uncharitable to rebuke sin. The servant of God should never allow his own spirit to be mingled with the reproof which he is required to give; but he is under the most solemn obligation to present the Word of God, without fear or favor. He must call sin by its right name. Those, who by their carelessness or indifference, permit God's name to be dishonored by His professed people, are numbered with the transgressor, registered in the record of heaven as partakers in their evil deeds.... The love of God will never lead to the belittling of sin; it will never cover or excuse an unconfessed wrong. Achan learned too late that God's law, like its Author, is unchanging. It has to do with all our acts, and thoughts, and feelings. It follows us, and reaches every secret spring of action. By indulgence in sin, men are led to lightly regard the law of God. Many conceal their transgressions from their fellow men, and flatter themselves that God will not be strict to mark iniquity. But His law is the great standard of right, and with it, every act of life must be compared in that day when God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. Purity of heart will lead to purity of life. All excuses for sin are vain. Who can plead for the sinner when God testifies against him? (ST April 21, 1881). {2BC 996.7}

Those that are true servants of God, are to call sin by it's right name, in Christlike love. We are to educate those , pray with those, and show love for those, that are erring.

"It is true there is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disrepute, when they see the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not a sin. But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan. Bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven". {DA 310}

Proverbs 29:9 "If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest".

Amplified version says it thus "If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest".

Proverbs 29:11 "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards".

So it goes to say, we have to have self respect, and self control. Without it, we will never see the kingdom of Heaven. Why would I say that? Listen to the next statement:

"Satan left the immediate presence of the Father, dissatisfied, and filled with envy against Jesus Christ. Concealing his real purposes, he assembled the angelic host. He introduced his subject, which was himself.

As one aggrieved, he (Satan) related the preference God had given Jesus to the neglect of himself. He told them that henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end. For, had not a ruler been appointed over them, to whom they from henceforth must yield servile honor? He stated to them that he had called them together to assure them that he no longer would submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs; that never would he again bow down to Christ; that he would take the honor upon himself which should have been conferred upon him, and would be the commander of all who would submit to follow him and obey his voice. There was contention among the angels....... Angels that were loyal and true, sought to reconcile this mighty, rebellious angel to the will of his Creator. Lucifer refused to listen.......Lucifer had lost self-respect and self-control. {SR 15.2}

Gal. 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Another word for lust is selfishness.

5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (through selfishness).

1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.

Thanks and God Bless, Anthony

Jeremiah 31:3 .... Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ, that a man should have to seek Him first, to find her.