Day 357 - Isaiah 40:12 - 41 & Proverbs 19

 Julie

This one began with God reminding people that he is always there and that he did make everything on earth. The summation of this entire reading though I think boils down to, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I think that this one of the most comforting verses in the entire Bible. When I am afraid and I am unsure I return to this verse to find comfort.

This whole proverb seems to be telling us the consequences for all types of wrongdoing. I had previously focused on verse 20, "Listen to advice and accept instructions, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Does the apply to us in accepting advice and instructions from God and those that the chooses to speak through? 

Michelle

I believe you are right that verses 8-10 really sum it up.  It speaks to God's actions, character, and hop for the future of all mankind and is a reminder that he is always with us and we need only turn to him.

Agreed.  It seems to be consequences of negative actions or bad choices.  That is a good question.  I think we are to listen and accept instruction from God, although sometimes we don't seem to understand what he want us to do.  We have to take it in faith.  I would think that also applies to those he speaks through.  When we are going through something I think it's hard for us to discern where the instruction comes from, God or elsewhere.  We get confused and unsure of ourselves and need to pray for that discernment and wisdom.  There were a couple verses that stood out to me.  V 13-14, "A foolish child is a father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.  Houses and wealth are inherited from parent, but a prudent wife is from the Lord".  This seemed like instruction for the wife.  I have been getting angry about some things lately and have been biting my tongue to keep from arguing or fighting, which I honestly just got tired of doing a long time ago.  But lately, I have been feeling like I need to speak up on some things.  This has me rethinking that for some reason.  Like my concerns aren't valid, even though they seem valid to me.  I don't know how to take this reading.