Tiny Devotional for Wednesday, 01-13-2021

 A great good morning to all my friends and neighbors in Internet Land! And to family members who have dropped by, Alicia Ann goes to the dentist today.

Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless,
But wickedness brings the sinner to ruin.
Proverbs 13:6, NASB
Righteous Gurkha Guards

Important considerations: 

  • “Way is blameless” is NOT the same thing as “perfect in heart, mind, and spirit.” 
    • If it read the latter way, it would be a verse wasted on me (and everyone else I know). 
    • This goes back to “feeling bad doesn’t mean doing bad.” 
    • Restrain your behavior; work on your internal life at your leisure, while you are not in jail for assault.
  • “Wickedness” is not the same thing as “sinfulness.” 
    • I looked it up! Different words in Hebrew, as well as in English. 
    • So, don’t expect you are gonna get busted upside the head just because you mess up.
  • On the other hand, it’s a REALLY GOOD THING that wickedness (which is a matter of intent and determination) leads to ruin. Otherwise, the wicked will never change, and the not-wicked aren’t encouraged to get their act together before it’s too late.

I’m inclined to believe that no activity by God is required in order for this verse to work; I THINK it’s strictly logical consequences. Those are, as far as I’m concerned, the greatest learning tools God gave us. We come into this world knowing nothing, but we do have standard equipment that preps us to learn: this feels nice, that is uncomfortable.  

So, what is the righteousness that guards the one who doesn’t punch people in the nose and take their stuff? 

  • It’s a good reputation; 
  • no one seeking vengeance for being wronged; 
  • and a habit of peaceful living.

Works. Right?

Peace be on your household.

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