Advice, That Will Bring Blessings Pt.2

Advice, that Will Bring Blessings pt.2 Text: Proverbs 21:1-31

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. 20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. 24 A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent! 28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.

Proverbs 21:1NLT The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.

God will have the final say. The king represents the most powerful person on the face of the earth, but regardless, God controls his heart.

Scripture reference is, Daniel 5 God speaks through Daniel to tell Belshazzar that his days are numbered. (God’s in control.)

Proverbs 21: 2NLT People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

Man can become self-deceived, God determines his true motives.

I Samuel 16:7NLT But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Paul writes in I Corinthians 4:4NLT My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

Proverbs 21:3NLT The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

Isaiah 1:10-11,16-17NLT Listen to the law of our God, people of “Gomorrah.”11.“What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 16. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways.17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Proverbs 21:4NLT Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.