Proverbs 15:25

We hear much about talk today about demolition. We are told, and we observe that, in the city, there are many houses that need to be demolished. They disfigure the landscape and lend themselves to criminal activity. In the interest of aesthetics and safety, people are seeking to get undesirable houses demolished. That, however, is afar different thing from someone demolishing the houses in which we live. What if we were to return from work, vacation or church services, only to find that heavy equipment has leveled our houses to the ground? It would be a painful and depressing experience.

The writer of the book of Proverbs informs us that, from a spiritual perspective, there are certain persons who can be assured that their houses will be demolished. He says in chapter 15, verse 25, “the Lord will tear down the house of the proud.” When the Lord demolishes something, it has been demolished, indeed? The house of the ‘proud’ will be the target of the wrecking ball of God. The word ‘proud’ translated from the Hebrew term ‘gay-eh’ and means, lofty, arrogant.

Arrogant people are difficult to teach. They are not good listeners. They do not relate well to others. They have a distorted view of their own worth as well as the worth of others. Their houses are a bit late to the neighborhood of God. They’re dangerous to the souls of men. God, therefore, has promised to demolish them. Be sure that your house is properly maintained, otherwise, God himself will bring it down.

Proverbs 16:24

Life is not ideal. Some situations are ugly, despicable, and disgraceful. Some behavior is injurious and discouraging. This means that all words cannot be pleasant all the time. There are no pleasant words to accurately describe a senseless murder, a brutal act of rape, or false rumor that severely damages the reputation of a person. This being said, one should have the mindset of speaking pleasant words whenever the situation is appropriate. In the normal, daily interactions with people, one’s conversations should be encouraging and uplifting.

The text says, “pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Positive words are encouraging and strengthening. Pleasant words inspire hope and optimism. They help to heal the inner hurts of those who have been battered by the experiences of life. Pleasant words increase a sense of self worth. Say something good to, and about someone when you can, they bless the lives of people!

Proverbs 13:4

Desire can be a powerful and positive thing, although it is subject to misuse. People are motivated to plan, work, and sacrifice that they might acquire something that they want or need. If man did not desire food, shelter and clothing and a given standard of living, he would not be willing to meet the demands of employment. ‘Craving’ can be a great motivator. some people, however, only crave. They aren’t willing to invest the time and energy to make something happen.

The writer of Proverbs says, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing.” He desires, longs for, and hopes for something good to happen, but it doesn’t happen. Fruition eludes him, because the seeds of failure have been planted in his mentality. He has somehow accepted the false philosophy of ‘things just happen.’ He doesn’t understand that want, without work yields nothing. In short, more often than not, if you do nothing, you receive nothing. (that satisfies)

This is true for the individual but it is also true for organizations. There’s a price to be paid for accomplishment and success. The churches will NOT do great things IF the members are NOT willing to commit, sacrifice, and wok. dreams remain dreams for the sluggard, but exciting things can and do happen for those who actualize their dreams through planning and effort.

A church what will trust God, work hard and work together can do miraculous things. One that only ‘craves’ will ultimately die. The ‘Do nothing, get nothing’ principle is still at work.

Matthew 5:9

It is not difficult to find those who promote strife, division, confusion and turmoil. These are attractive to some people. Is attractive to some people because of inner unrest, anger, boredom, and unresolved personal issues. They create on the outside wood is taking place on the inside in many instances. Satan capitalizes on certain conditions and experiences, and causes the individuals to seek to cope in ways that are not healthy or fruitful. They seek to create disturbance instead of peace, but this does not bring happiness.

Jesus taught that “making” peace contributes to happiness and a state of well-being rather than “breaking” it. He said,”Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”(Matthew 5:9) making peace involves the application of several virtues. It involves the search for truth and understanding. It involves the spirit of forgiveness. It involves patience and tolerance. It demands the wisdom that comes from God. It takes into account the feelings of others. Peacemaking requires a person who was spiritually oriented.

Let us all strive to be peacemakers. The presence of peace provides the best atmosphere for progress and success. It guards against discouragement and spiritual weariness. It makes one want to smile, and sing, and rejoice, and focus upon the perfection of God and the potential of man. Peace is a good thing, that’s why God said that we should make it.