Kind Words or Condemning Words

O. T. #1570  "Kind Words or Condemning Words"
Nov. 20, 2019
Isaiah 5-Part 2
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; and put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20


LET IT GLOW

Are we living in the same time when moral standards are reversed, as people:

• call evil good,
• call good evil,
• say dark is light,
• say light is dark,
• that bitter is sweet,
• and sweet is bitter.

Matthew Henry explains:
These people live in the omission of that which is good, condemn it, argue against it, and because they will not practice it themselves, run it down in others; they do evil, justify it, applaud it, and recommend it to others as safe and good. Virtue and piety are good, for they are light and sweet, they are pleasant and right; but sin and wickedness are evil, darkness, which is bitter.

Biblical examples include: Adam and Eve were persuaded by Satan to disobey God; King Saul sought Samuel's affirmation for the sacrifice he had offered, in direct disobedience, since he was not a priest; the Amalekite soldier sought David's praise for Saul, God's anointed king; Ananias and Sapphira expected praise from the early church for their offering, when it was a lie; Christians who add one to the prayer list, but are actually spreading gossip. (Blackaby)

We hear people say, "No one can decide for anyone else what is really right or wrong." They try to justify their sins, which God calls sin-drunkenness, extramarital sex, money used for pornography, etc.

God's standards are to be the guide for our lifestyle. We are not to make excuses for our actions. Our moral choices should not appear fuzzy. I know it is hard to remain faithful and good in such a world that we live. Especially when our political system is always trying to find faults in the good people.

May we stand for the right and good and against the wrong and evil.


LET IT GROW

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (verse 21)

Do we have pride in our self-wisdom and self-determination?
We may be wise in worldly things, but are we wise in God's Word and His wisdom?
The foolish try to disprove God's Word. They don't care what it says, they are right and it doesn't matter to them.

Prudent means discern, perceive, understand, deal wisely.

Shouldn't we be prudent in God's Word and ways, not our own ways? God resists the proud.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:7)
Be not wise in your own conceits. (Romans 12:16c)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Cor. 3:19a)
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. (Prov. 31:26)

Are we careful as we approach those who think themselves wise? Is our way condemning or helpful?
Are our words kind?

LET IT GO

May I stand for what is good, not evil.
Let my words be kind, not condemning.