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.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Mask Book

(Proverbs 21:29 KJV)  A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

What is the difference between a “hardened” “face” (6440) and a “directed” (3559) “way” (1870)?

While it is true that “hardenenth” (5810) means “strong” it is implied here that it is a mask.  An appearance of confidence will get you through many times.  I once heard a presentation by a guy who started with, “Hi.  I’m the phone guy.”  He had the belt and the shirt but he had no ID.  He said the costume alone gained him admittance to many secure areas.

The security we will face will not be a bored rent-a-cop sitting behind a desk and wondering when he should take his coffee break.  We will stand before the judgement seat of Almighty God who can see into our hearts and motives. 

We can approach the thrown with boldness.  We can have a “directed” (sure NASB) (3559) step because we have lived lives of uprightness.

So?  Did you notice I did not say “live the lives of the perfect, without error”?  Walking with Jesus is a matter of attitude, obedience, repentance and correction.  It is called being upright. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Perfection isn't required. Praise God! If it was, none of us would get in, me especially!

Pumice said...

In a strange way perfection can be relative. A baby can be perfect, even when it dirties its diapers on a regular basis. I can relate to that.

Grace and peace.