Don't Be Wicked - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) January 25, 2022

My first full reading of the Book of Proverbs left me wondering how I could have ever been so dumb about so many things. I finally understood why the Bible is called a literal manual for our lives. I continue to read it now and then so as to get a tad smarter as I move through life.

A main focus in Proverbs is on wicked people and admonishing God's children not to be like them. In fact, Proverbs 4:14-15 states Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. This tells me not to do the things the wicked are doing. To stay very far away from their practices. Unfortunately, this instruction can be hard to obey given the line between right and wrong is sometimes hard to see. Nowadays, wicked behavior and wicked things are commonplace and seen as normal, even harmless, aspects of modern living.

So, who exactly are the wicked and what do they do? The Bible describes them as adulterous and therefore disloyal (Proverbs 5:3-8). Also included are troublemakers (Proverbs 6:12), people who plot and take joy from the downfall of others (Proverbs 6:18), those who lie or slander other people's character (Proverbs 6:19). The wicked oppress and use force to dominate and manipulate to get their way (Psalm 10:2). They are arrogant and reject God (Psalm 10:2-11).

The Bible spells out more wicked characteristics and thank God, because trying to figure them out on our own would be foolhardy. It is through the Bible that we can learn to identify the wicked and their behavior. That knowledge is our only way to avoid becoming wicked ourselves. And if we find that there are wicked ways in us, we must repent and call on God for mercy. For the wicked are detestable to God. His plan is to punish them if they do not turn from their ways (Job 34:26-27).

On the other hand, God's plans for the righteous are good and not of evil (Jeremiah 29:11). He will not allow sudden disaster to come upon them (Proverbs 3:25) and will help them whenever they cry out to Him (Psalm 1:6). God specifically promises to bless those who aren't wicked. Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

Let us think carefully about our lives and identify what if any wicked ways are in us. May the Lord help us to do away with the parts of us that are unpleasing to Him and may we move cautiously, weary of exhibiting wickedness. For the Bible exhorts us in Proverbs 4:26-27 - Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Father, we need Your grace and seek to obey. Make us righteous and keep us on Your path of righteousness, in Jesus name, Amen.

I pray you'll join us for Praise & Pray (for others) at Noon EST today where we will distinguish ourselves from the wicked. We'll honor God with genuine praise and worship, then turn our attention to interceding on behalf of other people. These are things the wicked can never do and definitely not with a pure heart. But, as children of God, we have the mind of Christ and will serve the Lord today, IJMN, Amen. Please set your alarm and see you then!