May 28 - Proverbs 28

I am reminded today of two great truths ...

Verse 6 reminds us that it is far better to live with integrity, even if you do not have much in the way of earthly wealth, than to have much "stuff" and be crooked.  The NASB uses the word, "crooked", where the NIV uses "perverse".  When you hear someone described as being a "crook", what do you know about the person?  They can't be trusted.  They're devious, dishonest.  All the wealth in the world will not compensate for crooked living.  That fact you can take to the bank!

Verse 27 reminds us that God cares about the disenfranchised in His world.  He cares about the poor.  If God cares about that ... does it not make sense that we should as well?  It reminds me to not close my eyes to the needy around me.  No one of us can cure the poverty of the world.  Even Jesus reminded His followers that the poor would be with us always.  But the reality of their existence does not negate the necessity of our compassion and care.  It speaks volumes about our own hearts.  Generosity is a gift of the Spirit.  Let it be said of us ... "She did what she could." 

Lord, give us eyes to see the poor around us.  Give us hearts to care.  Give us your spirit of generosity toward others rather than a spirit of greed.  You tell us, Lord, to trust in You ... and You will make our paths straight.  Our desire is to walk with integrity ... not crooked.  And so Lord ... we tell You again today ... in You we trust.  Make our walk today ... straight.