Proverbs 23: Zealously Loving God

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD” -Proverbs 23:17

Most of us have had moments in which we wondered…

 “What’s the point of doing the right thing?” 

“What’s the point of making tough but godly choices?”

“What’s the point of turning the other cheek?  Honestly, the guying doing the hitting seems to be in a better position than the guy doing the turning!”

The "Good Guys" Finish Last or Do They?

For me these moments tend to emerge when it seems like the “good guys (and gals)” are finishing last.  

An Understanding God

It’s challenging to see criminals with money to spare and hard working parents that can barely pay their bills.  Some days it’s tempting to envy the seemingly care-free lifestyles of the godless… It’s tempting to envy those that live by the code “God step out of the way!  I am in control and I am going to get what I want by any means necessary.”

God understands our challenge which is the reason he provided the insight recorded in Proverbs 23:17…

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD”

Wow!  God understands my temptation!  The first piece of good news is that if you’ve ever envied the ungodly folks that seem to always get ahead, your normal and your God understands those feelings.  (See Hebrews 4:14-16)

Benefits of Trusting God

Additionally, while God blesses everyone (See Matthew 5:44-46), there are many benefits to “zealously fearing (respecting, obeying) the Lord.”  I will encourage you to reflect upon three:

• Godly Success is Long Lasting, Ungodly Success is Short Lived  (See Psalms 37:1-2; Psalms 1; Proverbs 11:18 )
• Godly Success results in a Productive Life, Ungodly Success results in Disaster (Psalm 125:5-6; Proverbs 22:8; Galatians 6:7-8; Joshua 1:8)
• Godly Success Produces Confidence and Peace, Ungodly Success Produces Anxiety (Psalm 32:10; Psalm 37:3-6; Isaiah 26:3-4; Psalm 20:7)

I will Zealously (Passionately) Follow the Lord!