Proverbs 12:5
|
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
|
The difference between the righteous and wicked is enormous - with great consequences in this world and the next (3:33; 10:7; 11:31; 12:21; 14:11; 15:8,29; 24:19-20; Ps 58:1-11; 112:1-10; Matt 25:31-46). You are one or the other: you make the choice each day!
Where does this difference originate? In the thoughts and counsels of the heart! Solomon in this proverb makes a simple observation, but it is our duty to extract the lesson. Righteousness or wickedness begins in the thoughts, and it is these that must be ruled.
You must keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life (4:23). "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil" (Lu 6:45).
The heart may be the seat of the emotions, but it is certainly the source of our motives and choices, for we choose what we desire and love. Therefore, we must rule and teach our hearts to love things that are right and to hate things that are evil (8:13; Ps 119:128).
But there is a problem ... a terrible problem! Because of inherited wickedness from Adam, the father of all men, our hearts are corrupt and perverse (20:9). It is written, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer 17:9).
The only hope you have is the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, Who gives new hearts to His elect and writes His laws in them and their minds (Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10; 10:26). Without this new creation, your heart is at enmity against God (28:26; Gen 6:5; Mark 7:20-23).
The thought of foolishness is sin (24:9), and it leads to sin (Jas 1:13-16). The wicked think about sin day and night, without thoughts of God (Ps 10:4; 36:4; Micah 2:1). They fantasize about adultery (6:25); they scorn correction (26:16); they devise evil (6:18).
The righteous meditate on the law of God and right things (Ps 1:1-3; 119:97). They are committed to doing what is right in the sight of God. When they fall and sin, they confess their folly, repent of their wickedness, and pursue God yet again (Rom 7:14-23).
What must you do? Confess sinful thoughts (Ps 51:10)! Beg God to search your thoughts (Ps 19:14; 139:23-24). Ask Him to incline your heart to good things (Ps 86:11; 119:36; 141:4). Fill your mind with His words, good preaching, and good music (Luke 4:4; Acts 17:11; Col 3:16). Choose to transform all your thinking (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 4:22-24).
www.letgodbetrue.com
