TLIC FAMILY: PROVERBS. DAY 47. FEBRUARY 16: SCORNERS.

THINK TOGETHER.

Have you ever heard the phrase “You reap what you sow?” What does it mean?

READ TOGETHER

Proverbs 3:34. Toward the scorners [God] is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

One of the most important truths from the Bible that we all need to learn is the truth that we reap what we sow. Do you know what that means? “Reap what you sow” is true with God too. God responds to us in the same way we respond to him. Toward the scorner God is scornful. What is a scorner? A scorner is someone who is too proud to listen to God. In fact, the scorner mocks God and makes fun of people who pray and listen to God. Do you know any scorners?

The good news is that God doesn’t scorn the scorners out of spite or to “get even” with them. He does it so that they might turn from their sin and become humble before God. When we come to God with humility, then we receive the favor or grace of God. Here’s how James says all of this in the New Testament:

James 4:6-10. ⁶But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ⁸Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

One way we can all be scorners is by thinking that our sin is no big deal. But James says that we must never be proud like this. We must be cleansed and pure before God, humbling ourselves before God and admitting our sin. Then, and only then, will he exalt us. The good news is that in Jesus God has already cleansed our inside once and for all. Now we can be wise and let what we do on the outside match how clean we are on the inside. We can be humble and experience God’s grace.

Because of Jesus we are cleansed on the inside and can always turn to God.

With Jesus we must never scoff at God, but rather be humble before him.

DO SOMETHING TOGETHER

Make James 4:10 a family memory verse.

PRAY TOGETHER

Jesus, you humbled yourself before God at the cross for me. Now you are exalted in Heaven. Help me to be humble before your throne every day. Amen.

***

Check out Psalms on ToLiveIsChrist blog! –> Click Here