Proverbs 18; Romans 3:1-22

Proverbs 18
This proverb has quite a few words of warning for foolish, unfriendly, lazy, scandalous, proud people. You can probably find some other unflattering adjectives to describe the way we don't want to be!

I think we will look at the positive advice that is also part of Proverbs 18.

• The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." v. 10 So many times we run everywhere in the world EXCEPT to the Lord. We should remember to run to Him first.
• "...humility precedes honor." v. 12 Pride is an enemy for all of us. Really, only God can produce pure and godly humility. Such an attitude is due to none of our own effort (lest we become proud of our humility...)
• "Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge." v. 15 No comment needed here. Even when we read the Bible, we should be open to what God is really saying--rather than looking for evidence of what we already believe.
• "The first to speak in court sounds right--until the cross-examination begins." v. 17 What do they call this? The law of first mention or something like that? When we hear a person's side of the story, we are prejudiced against the other side. This is something to keep in mind when someone confides in you.
• "Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction." v. 20
• "A man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord." v. 22 :)
• "...a real friend sticks closer than a brother." v. 24

Romans 3:1-22
I realize it's been a week or more since we looked at Romans 2. Paul was teaching the Jewish believers at Rome that they would not be right with God simply because they were born into a Jewish family and followed Jewish laws and traditions.

So in Romans 3, he asks this question, "Then what's the advantage of being a Jew?" He answers his own question by reminding them that they as a people were entrusted with the whole revelation of God. v. 2

Paul goes on to make an irrefutable argument that everyone has sinned. It's not good to sin just to show by contrast God's righteousness or grace, but it is entirely true that we all do sin. The Old Testament clearly teaches this as is shown in vv. 10-18, and it's an ugly picture. No one can keep the law and no one can be made right with God by trying to keep it. The purpose of the law is to show us how truly sinful we are. This dark picture takes us through v. 20.

We can thank God that He doesn't leave us there in the dark for too long! v. 21-22 show us the remedy for our hopeless condition, "But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law,...We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are."

Go ahead and read through the rest of Romans 3. I will begin next time with v. 23. The truths revealed here are critical to an understanding of what it means to be a Christian.