Proverbs 19:21-25
 
Prov 19:21 (KJB)
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
 
Devices - Thoughts, plans, or inventions
Stand - To stand, rise, or attack
 
Here is a verse which should be a comfort to all Christians. Sometimes we have a project before us and we are not sure which way to go with it and so many ideas are suggested and some may be good, but if they do not align with God’s will for that project, the Lord’s counsel and guidance will override those plans and put us on a correct path. This applies to any situation in life. It could be business, or marriage, or where we want to live. We do not know all the correct questions to ask but if we ask the Lord and lean on Him, then we can be sure that He will guide us. Here is another personal testimony. In 2007, when I had to move after my father died, I came to Whiting, NJ and had placed a down payment on a home but there was something not right with the whole thing, so I said to the Realtor, what other homes are available. Within a few minutes, she showed my the home I presently reside in. It had a new washer and dryer and other appliances. It was like a brand new home and I knew instantly this was where the Lord wanted me, so I made a bid and got the house. The plans I had to buy the other house was overrode by the Lord’s guidance and counsel. This verse does not only point to sinful thoughts but to legitimate concerns we have. In the case of sinful plans, the Lord may allow them to proceed but He may stop them in their tracks.
 
Prov 19:22 (KJB)
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
 
Desire - Longing or appetite
Kindness - Mercy, loyalty, or steadfast love
Liar - Falsehood
 
A man or woman who is kind and merciful, is the type of person which is desirable to others. The one who is mean or shows a vengeful spirit will never be desired by others but let a man be loyal to his friends and family, he will be desired above all. Those who are saved also have a desire to be kind to others. That kindness is manifested through bringing the Gospel and helping out in times of need, where a greater Gospel testimony is present. Then the second half of this verse speaks about the fact that it is better to be poor and honest than to be a liar. Someone may lie about their status in life and make promises to others and then neglect to keep them, since they were only windy words. A rich man or one in office may feed the poor people lies and promises and never fulfill them. His only desire was to get elected to that office and the platitudes they spew are nothing but empty words.
 
Prov 19:23 (KJB)
The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
 
Abide - Lodge or spend the night
Satisfied - Full or satiated
Visited - Punished
 
This verse is definitely speaking of one who is saved. The unbeliever has no fear of God, because they are spiritually dead. (Rom 3:18 KJV) There is no fear of God before their eyes. They do not realize that they are in eternal danger and can face the wrath of God and be sentenced to an eternity in Hell. Those who are saved are alive unto God and because we are now saved, we are filled and satiated with the Spirit of God and His indwelling teaches us about having the fear of God is a wise way of going through life. We are able to filter our actions through that fear and ask if what we are doing is aligning ourselves with the will of God. As a result, the believer is not punished with any destructive element of evil. We will never face the wrath of God because of our sins since Christ died in our place and removed those sins. Salvation will be like lodging in a stranger’s home and sleeping comfortably without any worry. (Psa 4:8 KJV) I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.  God’s salvation can bring us through this evil world without fearing what it can do to us.
 
Prov 19:24 (KJB)
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
 
This is the ultimate in laziness. The lazy man has before him the physical provisions of life but he is so lazy he does not even want to lift his hand to his mouth to put the food in. It is the same with those who shower once a week (or less) that have the shower available to them each day. Those who do not want to shower are just plain lazy. This is compared to the Christian who have the Bible but will not open it to get the truths of God into their mind. Laziness has many destructive qualities because refusing to do things is just as bad as doing things wilfully wrong. Once in a while we all get a little lazy but when it becomes the lifestyle, then we are in for trouble.
 
Prov 19:25 (KJB)
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
 
Smite - To strike or hit
Simple - Naïve
Beware - Prudent
Reprove - Chastise, to set right, or show what is right
 
This verse may have been a catalyst for public executions and punishments in the old days. When a person is publicly punished for some crime, then those who attend their punishment may think twice about committing a crime. When the scorner is smitten, even the simple or naïve ones will become prudent and may decide not to be so foolish. When a person of understanding is reproved, they do not reject it, instead they will obtain knowledge as to where they went wrong and will make sure that it does not happen again. A wise person not only learns from his own mistakes but learns from the mistakes of others, that is the difference between a person of understanding and a fool.

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