Measuring Up

Today I read Proverbs 16 and 17 and 2 Corinthians 10. My favorite verses are:

2 Corinthians 10:12 and 18 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

This verse from Proverbs was in the same vein as those I chose from 2 Corinthians. Sometimes we try so hard to please the people around us or to be “as good as” they are that we forget God is the One we need to please. We might begin to pat ourselves on the back when we measure up to some standard that is manmade; but until we measure up to God’s standard, we have nothing to boast about. The best way to get along with others, even our enemies, is to live a life pleasing to God. And remember that He is the final judge that we must answer to. Always remember it is impossible to please God if we are not saved by His Son Jesus. Jesus will intercede for us when we fall short and make us acceptable to the Father.

(And I couldn’t resist) Proverbs 17: 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
How often do we open our mouths and speak then wish we could take it back. It is always best to keep the lips shut until the brain kicks in. Lord, guard my lips today!

I am looking forward to continuing the study in Jonah at church tonight.