the proverbs study group

#32Chapters
Chapter 20 - Staying On The Path Hallerin Hilton Hill

Last week...
Patience = strength. Self-control = success key.

This weeks main point(s).

Gods path will get you where you are trying to go. If you off the path get back on. If youre on the path stay on it. Staying On The Path Injustice and lies lead you from the path; honesty and generosity return you to it. Proverbs 20:25 Kindness and truth sustain you on the path; through these you will be strengthened. Proverbs 20:28 God has called you to a better way, a better path. wisdom, equipping you to live in the fullness of joy. His desire is to ll your life with

He wants you to be free. Sin is slavery. You may think when you choose sin you that you can sin and be free at the same time. Sin binds. Sin blinds. Sin separates you from the very source of your survival: God! As weve moved through the Proverbs its clear that Gods path is a better path. Every Tuesday I leave the study pumped. Im ready to take on the world. challenge is STAYING on the path. The

Verse 25 and 28 offer help. They tell us how to stay on the path. These verses tell us what takes us off the path. Lets start with what gets you off track. The rst half of verse 25 lays it out. Injustice and lies lead you from the path. Here we are again face to face with truth. Lies gut your integrity. They make you fear the presence of God. When you are out of his presence, when you are out of his light you cant growyou cant goyou cant know. Thats how you get off the path. We kinda know that, but what will keep you ON the path?

Honesty! Not course unrened honesty. Purposeful honesty. Look at verse the second half of verse 25 and all of verse 28. honesty and generosity return you to it. Kindness and truth sustain you on the path; through these you will be strengthened. Truth and honesty wrapped in kindness and generosity get you back on track and keep you on track. Truth. Honesty. Kindness. Generosity. Isnt the character of God. Injustice. Lies. Who does that sound like? Whos your daddy? The more you practice the virtues of your heavenly father the stronger you will become. Gossip Beware mingling among the indiscreet or with those who gossip and tell lies. Proverbs 20:19 (Shapiro) Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler. Proverbs 20:19 (ESV) Gossips cant keep secrets, so never conde in blabbermouths. Proverbs 20:19 (The Message) A gossip betrays a condence; so avoid a man who talks too much. Proverbs 20:19 (NIV) In verse 18 with wisdom writer is telling us to seek counsel, wise counsel when planning strategies for success. You can do something really big alone. You need help. You should surround yourself with mentors and counselors who love and respect you and have your best interest at heart. Love how the NIV renders verse 18: Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. Heres a great question to ask when choosing the people who help you plan and execute the assignments God had given you in your life. Would I go to war with this person? If I was in the ght if my life would I trust them with my life? Could I rely on their counsel to get me through the hell of war? Verse 19 is a great lter to help you weed out people who will never help you grow.

Liars lie. Gossipers gossip. They dont do it to other people and not you. Remember words have the power of life and death. People who habitually gossip are not the kind of people to put your trust in. They are not the kind of people who will protect you and have your back. Whose close to you right now that needs to move from friend to acquaintance? Has anyone ever betrayed a condence of yours? Have you ever betrayed someones condence? Revenge Do not dedicate your life to revenge; surrender your revenge to God. Proverbs 20:22 (Shapiro) Do not say, Ill pay you back for this wrong! Wait for he Lord, and He will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22 (NIV) Dont ever say, Ill get you for that! Wait for God; hell settle the score. Proverbs 20:22 (The Message) Revenge: n. the act of inicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. In the world of wisdom revenge is a waste of time. Gods justice not only settles the score it redeems the other person so there is a possibility they wont continue on their evil path. Its back to simply trusting God with every part of your life. Grow. Help others grow. Be Encouraged. Wisdom House Publishing
(c) 2012 Hallerin Hilton Hill