S) "17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel."
Proverbs 20:17 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 20
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 20
O) This proverb is about much more than lying for food. This verse is about stealing what does not belong to us, and the consequences of trying to take such short cuts. This really applies to all sorts of sins. Whether it is the lying that is mentioned here (falsehood), because it is easier or faster, or sins of fornication or theft. All of that amounts to some form of idolatry, because we have a tendency to put things ahead of God in our priorities. But, God cannot be mocked (see Galatians 6:7-8). The point to this verse, is that these kinds of shortcuts that we try to take, to finding meaning or satisfaction or pleasure, they all backfire. The bread, which was so sweet when we put it into our mouths, becomes gravel as soon as we try to chew it. Not only does it lack any kind of nutrition or taste that we were seeking, but it actually breaks our teeth and would wreck our stomachs if we tried to actually eat it.
A) Unfortunately, I know the pain of eating rocks. This verse is a great, succinct reminder of both the deception and the destruction that sin represents. This is why it is so important that I am finding my satisfaction in God, and in the blessings He has already given me. He provides me with all that I need, if only I will seek Him and His ways, and not try to circumvent His plans and do things myself. He intends for me to find companionship in my wife. He intends that I find nutrition in the food He provides. He intends that I live on the wage He has given me, by the honest work He has supplied me. Going outside His plan to find peace, prosperity, or pleasure, will always end with, at the best, a bad taste in my mouth and a turned stomach.
A) Unfortunately, I know the pain of eating rocks. This verse is a great, succinct reminder of both the deception and the destruction that sin represents. This is why it is so important that I am finding my satisfaction in God, and in the blessings He has already given me. He provides me with all that I need, if only I will seek Him and His ways, and not try to circumvent His plans and do things myself. He intends for me to find companionship in my wife. He intends that I find nutrition in the food He provides. He intends that I live on the wage He has given me, by the honest work He has supplied me. Going outside His plan to find peace, prosperity, or pleasure, will always end with, at the best, a bad taste in my mouth and a turned stomach.
P) Father, everything You have done in grace, is more than I could ever need. Even so, I confess that I have gone outside of Your plan to satisfy cravings that were always meant to draw me to You, not lure me away. Forgive me for trying to find shortcuts to Your ways, God. Give me the discipline to remember this warning, and to remember the horrible taste and aches, that come from trying to eat these metaphorical rocks, Lord. Help me to trust that Your way is the only good way, and that I will never find anything but painful regret, trying to find my own way to what I want. Let Your will be done in my life, and in this world, just as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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