johnmarkharris.net

My son, obey my words,
   and treasure my commands.
Keep my commands and live,
   and guard my instructions
   as you would the pupil of your eye.
Tie them to your fingers;
   write them on the tablet of your heart.
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
   and call understanding your relative.
She will keep you from a forbidden woman,
   a wayward woman with her flattering talk.

How easy it is to think “oh, it’s just a little harmless flirting” yet, that’s how it starts. Listen to the wisdom of God’s word, do not even flirt with the idea of the “forbidden woman,” whether she is someone you know, someone online, or a virtual temptation… just don’t go there. You’ll be glad you didn’t and sorry if you do. Recommit yourself to this, start fresh today.

Go to the ant, you slacker!
Observe its ways and become wise.
Without leader, administrator, or ruler,
   it prepares its provisions in summer;
   it gathers its food during harvest.
How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?
When will you get up from your sleep?

Ouch! Do you wait for someone to tell you what to do, or do you get after it? Do you wait for someone to notice what you’re doing or you quit? Our motivation for what we do should be centered in our identity in Christ and our desire to please our Lord. I know it’s hard to get up early, but do it anyway. You’ll be glad you did.

A wicked man’s iniquities will trap him;
   he will become tangled in the ropes of his own sin.
He will die because there is no discipline,
   and be lost because of his great stupidity.

We live by a code. Not simply rules and regulations, but according to a high standard of character. When we sin, even though we think we get away with it, we won’t. Our sin always catches up to us and robs us of the joy and fulfillment of faithfully following the Lord. You, as a Christian, have the ability to control yourself, it’s part of the fruit of the Spirit. Don’t be stupid, live right, then you never have to worry. No, you won’t get away with it…

Guard your heart above all else,
   for it is the source of life.
Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,
   and don’t let your lips talk deviously.

Stop and think. Don’t live your life out of your gut. Have a plan and be logical about your choices. Weigh the consequences of your actions and don’t just live “in the moment.” When we speak, it can have a devastating impact on those around us. A bad attitude is contagious and can cause people to be predisposed to distrust and dislike others. Guard your emotions and be sure that what you say is not only accurate but in no way misleading. It’s not enough to simply be correct you must also be honest.

Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
   write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard
   with God and people.

Being the kind of person people can count on reveals godly character. When you say you will do something, going beyond simply getting it done, and crossing all the “t” and “i”s makes you the kind of person people like to be associated with. This also gives you an opportunity to let the Lord shine through your life. Be a “get ‘er done” kind of person.