They ARE Out to Get You

(Proverbs 28:10 KJV)  Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

As the saying goes, there is good news and there is bad news.  The good news first.

According to this verse it is possible to be “righteous" (upright NASB) (3477) and “upright" (blameless NASB) (8549).  Don’t let anyone ever tell you different.  Some people focus on the fact that we are sinners and are born with sinful natures.  They seem to feel like we are doomed to be spiritual cripples until the resurrection when God will do something they don’t seem to think He can do now.  This verse puts the lie to that theology.  I will give some wiggle room and say that however you want to define it, your understanding of the teaching of the Bible is that it is possible to live in a way that brings the approval of God.

Then the bad news. 

There is one who “causeth to go astray" (leads astray NASB) (7686) anyone he can.  He has many servants.  There are people who enjoy nothing more than to drag someone else down.  They glory in it.  It somehow  gives their life meaning.  Be leery of anyone who seems to want you to compromise your standards of right and wrong. 

Of course we know there is really good news.  We know that,

(1 John 4:4 KJV)  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

So?  Stay alert.  Take up the armor of God.  Remember, we have read the book and we know who wins.  Don’t forget that last Sunday we celebrated the resurrection.  Rejoice with your eyes open.