An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Adjectives for Attitude

(Proverbs 13:10 KJV)  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

The most common translation for this first term is “pride” (2087).  The NASB moves from “presumption” to “insolence” in its update.  If you trace the word back to its root the underlying concept is “seething.”  The proud radiate their sense of being better than anyone else.  We have a word for it at school.  It is called “attitude.”  If you have an attitude it will multiply the “strife” (4683) in your life.

In a sense we all have an attitude but like so many things in our lives it is the adjective that gives the word its meaning.  Think of some of the adjectives that could go before this word:  haughty, arrogant, pushy, demanding, narcissistic, self-centered.  Do any of these apply to you?  Most of us would say, “No.”  We can’t usually see ourselves.

The attitude we should be exhibiting are found in the fruit of the Spirit,
(Galatians 5:22 KJV)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
How many of these could be adjectives in front of your attitude?

So?  Watch how people respond to your words and actions.  Pray that God would allow the fruit of the Spirit to grow in your life.  Understand that He cannot plant the seed if you have not allowed Him to save you in the first place.  “Saved” is kind of an old fashioned concept but like home made ice cream it is always better than the alternative.

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