Sep 08

Proverbs 1 is a chilling reminder of the truth that we reap what we sow. That chapter describes those who refuse to listen to God speak to them now, in this life, and who will therefore reap the consequences of this refusal when this life is over. They did not want God in their life now; they will not have God in their existence for eternity in hell.

As you read the words of Proverbs 1, the answer to a question that often puzzles people becomes apparent. That question is how a loving God can send people to hell. The answer which this chapter gives is that he doesn't: They send themselves there by their own action.

There is more to answering this question than this, since the matter of justice also comes into play, but certainly the truth revealed here also has its part.

What Proverbs 1 says is that there is a natural law and consequence that comes into play when people refuse to heed God's ways. That principle is this, that what their heart desires is what they will receive, or as verse 31 says, "they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes."

Scripture speaks much of the heart and there is a constant theme there of reaping what is sown. So it is not simply a case of God doing something -- sending a person to hell -- but of the person himself being the cause of his own eternal death. This sobering truth gives tremendous seriousness to how we live our short lives here on earth. Our choices are not inconsequential and insignificant, but every one of them has eternal consequences.

Scripture for today: Proverbs 1:20-33
Thought for today: All I do in life has meaning and significance.
Prayer for today: Make me ever mindful, Lord, of the seriousness of my life and my choices.

SEP 08