Proverbs for Living - 23

Proverbs 23:4-5 (CSB) - "Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; because you know better, stop! As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky."

How many Christians have wasted their lives by being exploited by a CHrist-hating world. According to 1 John 2:15-16 warns us, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world." That is how Satan fell from heaven. That is how Adam fell into sin. That is how all men fall from God. If Satan can get to us through these avenues, we have been exploited by the Devil, the flesh, and the world.

We need to be careful of our associations, particularly if they influence us to do things that are displeasing to God. Associations with those who rebel against God (both believer and unbeliever) then we can waste and ruin our lives. We must watch for unprincipled business practices (verse 10-11). Don't take advantage of those who we do business with. Be sure to use just standards and practices.

Beware of wasting our lives by living immorally (verses 26-28). God calls us to be pure morally. But, suppose I have already been immoral? Have I wasted my life? No! We can be thankful that we have a God who when we come to Him and confess and repent then according to 1 John 1:7 by the blood of Jesus Christ we have a new beginning. We can start over and are called to not sin like this any more.

In verses 29-35 the writer warns us not to waste our lives through chemical addictions. While these verses address alcohol addiction ("Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has red eyes?), I believe it holds true to all forms of chemical addiction - alcohol and drugs. Many a person has wasted their lives under the control of these substances. God calls us to be filled the the Holy Spirit and not under the control of these substances (Ephesians 5:18).

Prayer: Fill me Spirit! Move me to walk in the way that is productive. Don't let me waste my life. I have only one life to live, and I want to live it for the honor and glory of my Precious Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.