Daily Nugget:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverb 29:18
Proverbs 29 mentions a weakness of all mankind. In many cases, man has to “see it, to believe it.” If proof of God is not seen, like a vision or a miracle, many will not believe there is a God or that He is dealing with them. They are sight-oriented.
By nature, man is weak in faith in God. In Old Testament times, without proof, the people’s “faith” in God disappeared. Most relied on the miracles done by godly leaders or God’s miracles. Those living by sight, as were many in bygone days, temporarily followed God. As soon as the “proof” was gone or forgotten, so was their “faith.”
Some did not constantly need proof of God’s presence or workings in earlier times. They learned about God’s dealings with men from scriptural writings and what the prophets and godly leaders said. By faith, they believed and obeyed God’s commandments. They were not only faithful in following God’s desires, but they were contented and “happy.” Even in dark, frightening moments, their faith did not waver. Faith is essential to having a close, trusting walk with the Lord.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
That is why many of today’s forms of “Christianity” are not of God or are very weak in faith. They want to dwell by sight. They feel they are strong in the Lord after they experience speaking in tongues (an unlearned language), experience healing abilities, handle poisonous snakes, foretell future happenings, or other miracles.
Those “proofs” may not be of God in most cases and, according to the Word of God, are not for this church age. God said when the perfect, preserved Bible (“that which is perfect is come” — I Cor. 13:8-10) was given to man, we are not to live any longer by sight and miracles. We are to live by faith.
“Charity [love] never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” I Corinthians 13:8
Too many are still relying on proof from God. All we need to know and believe is between the preserved pages of the Bible. Believe, obey, and trust all He has said. Live by faith, not by sight.
To learn more about what the Bible teaches about the sight gifts of the past, please read Are Tongues and Miraculous Gifts for Today?
Today’s Thought:
“It is not faith and works; it is not faith or works; it is faith that works.” — Author Unknown
Words to Understand:
Bewrayeth: make visible; show
Reproved: corrected; rebuked
Scornful: despiteful; extremely disliked
Today’s Reading:
Proverbs 29
1 ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 ¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3 ¶ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4 ¶ The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5 ¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6 ¶ In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 ¶ The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8 ¶ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9 ¶ If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10 ¶ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11 ¶ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12 ¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13 ¶ The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14 ¶ The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15 ¶ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16 ¶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17 ¶ Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18 ¶ Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19 ¶ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20 ¶ Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21 ¶ He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22 ¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23 ¶ A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 ¶ Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25 ¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26 ¶ Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
27 ¶ An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
