How much of my life is in my hands? Proverbs 13:5-6

Probing Proverbs 13:5-6 The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace. Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.

One of the most precious realities that comes from reading the “truths” found in Proverbs is that so much in our lives is based on a “sowing & reaping” principle. Whether we realize it or not, that gives us so much power over how our life is experienced. 

Consider this passage: comparing what the “godly” sows and reaps, versus what the “wicked” sow and reap. Please remember, when the Scriptures use the terms, “godly” and “wicked” they are referring to the intent of our heart and actions. No one is truly “godly” in light of God’s perfection. We are all sinners, equally guilty and deserving punishment, that is why Salvation can only come by God’s grace and received by faith. 

However, when a person has entered into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, a new nature is created in that individual that desires to please God. Perfection is never reached, we still fail and the battle between the flesh (old nature) and the spirit (new nature) will continue until we meet God. Still, a godly intent exists and our “sowing” can now be after God’s heart. On the other hand, an individual outside the life of God only has the fallen nature to drive their intentions and actions.

It is important that we understand that “godly” communicates a desire to follow God, where as “wicked” does not mean everyone is a Hitler, instead it is communicating a desire to follow self! The point is that a desire to be like God, will reap godly intentions. A desire to run my own life (Be God) and focus on me will reap only what a “fallen” world can bring…ruin!

Notice, when you desire to follow God you “hate” lies. It does not say “liars,” for godliness also produces love for the unlovable. What is hated is the product of lying, a deception of what Truth is and darkness instead of Light! When your life is about you and what you want, what you reap will be shame and disgrace…don’t allow your thoughts to only cover the “here and now.” There are a lot of people that the world admired while they were on this side of eternity, sadly Scripture is clear that all that have refused to live with God…and many have demanded that God change for them…at the time of judgment who they were in reality will be shown. The shame of their sin will be exposed – everything will be brought out into the light. I know if I had that as my future it would bring me great fear. I, like anyone else, have a fallen nature and I am capable of being as wicked as any, by God’s grace my sins have been washed away by the sacrifice of Christ. I will not have to reap a horrible eternity ONLY because of Christ.

Lastly, those that sow godliness, that same desire guards their path, giving them warnings when they begin to step off that path. Those that sow to self, they will believe the false promises of sin which will lead them to eternal regret.

No one has to reap an eternity of regret, if they will only humble

themselves and go to God His way! Believing in Who He is, and how to begin a relationship with him. If you try to remake God in your image, you will reap regret.

The so what? What is your bottom line desire in life? Is it about you or God? When you have served only yourself what have the results been? Which do you believe is true; God needs people to serve Him and honor Him, or, God is perfect, needs nothing, His involvement in our lives is based upon His love for us and His desire to make our experience of life…including eternity…abundant. Remember, true abundance begins within a person, not the stuff they possess. Your answer will enlighten your view of Who God is.