Thought for the Day

Verse 3 - Many "cause and effect" statements are found throughout Proverbs. Today's verses reveal that we find favor with God and man, if we allow mercy and truth to rule our hearts and lives. The Bible is God's Word; therefore, we are admonished to keep its truths in our hearts. John 14:6 also records that Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." We must invite Jesus to dwell in our hearts, for He is the Truth. We will never find our way in this world until we allow the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, to lead and guide us. Life and truth are in Him. When we follow Him, we will keep His commandments, which are absolute truth. Jesus said "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).

Humanistic teachings claim that there are no moral absolutes or absolute truth. These false doctrines have spread throughout the world. Humanism teaches that each man is his own guide and truth. We are told to do what "feels right" for us and to let others do what they "feel is right" for them. Right or wrong becomes whatever each individual decides it to be. This destructive teaching is wreaking havoc in our world. Without moral standards, there is no justice; each person becomes a law to himself. Proverbs 16:25 describes this kind of thinking: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

Verse 4 - If we desire God's favor, we must embrace His words and His ways. If we want man's favor, we must not only embrace the truth, but be merciful to people. We must not be legalistic about God's Word, but always have mercy in our hearts toward those who break the laws of God. The Lord tells us that if we desire to obtain mercy in our time of need, we must be merciful to those who fall short of the truth and hurt us. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).