Read Proverbs 15:12-22

This morning we will take a look at Proverbs 15:16-17.  I delight in the certainty of God's Word, and the direct nature in which it speaks truth to each of us.  Most people live life with a faulty value system.  They value things that aren't very significant and fail to acknowledge the value of things that are truly important.  Let's take note of two significant words that form the basis of each comparative.  With the words "better" and "than", we have our two comparisons.  

Verse 16, "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith."  One is far better in life who is of modest means but lives in the fear of the Lord, than one who is affluent (without the fear of the Lord). The latter inevitably finds trouble in life.  The problem in our country and in our churches is that most people would rather live an affluent lifestyle than to live life in a manner that is focused on honoring the Lord and living in the center of His will.

In similar fashion verse 17 states, "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." A paraphrase of the thought might be, ‘better is a dinner of beans where there is love, than a dinner of filet mignon where there is hatred.’ The thought of a “stalled ox” is that of a head of cattle fattened up (in a stall) to be butchered. The greater thought is how a life of modest means, with love and the fear of the Lord, is far better a life of affluence with hatred and no fear of God. The world is full of the latter and they, often, are miserable.

What do you value?  I have said this many times before, "The sad thing about America is we know the cost of everything and the value of nothing."  Take note when the Bible informs you of that which is better.  It makes our choices simpler and the results far more enjoyable.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why do most people place such a high value on “things”?

2.  What does it mean for you to live with the fear of the LORD?

3.  Do you work at establishing love as the basis of your relationship? Explain how.

4.  Do you value God’s Word more than the comforts of this world?  How are you benefited by your choice?