The Desirable Life

Proverbs 19 (I love the proverbs!) Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.  What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

Look at the last part of this passage – sleeping satisfied and untouched by evil.  That sounds like a goal – like a pleasant life – doesn’t it?

Yesterday we read how we are to bind kindness and truth around our necks.  Today, we are told the same thing in different words.  Kindness is desirable in a man, and being poor is better than letting go of the truth!

We are reminded that man has lots of plans and ways, but it’s the plans and ways of the Lord that will stand.  In fact, it’s his plans and ways that will lead us into live, completely satisfied and at peace.

And what are HIS ways and plans?  They are for us to be kind and hold on to the truth.

Hammering the truth into our kids without being kind will result in bruises and wounds.

Being kind to our kids but omitting the truth of who God is and his love will leave them loved, but lost.

We must hold fast to both – for that is the richness of life.