Proverbs 10:9-12 says,...

Today's verses are Proverbs 10:9-12, which read,

v.9 - He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Other words for integrity are completeness or maturity as to ripen.  The wise walk, notice again another active movement, in total surrender and submission to God's wisdom and that produces security or safety or trust.  Security or safety or trust in what?  The answer is the wisdom of God.  Many times it looks like those who are perverted their ways, playing the system, or shading the truth are getting ahead but they will be found out.  Who will they be found out by?  They will be found out by the God of wisdom who is watching how they are walking.  The Hebrew word for "found out" is "yada" so when you use that expression "yada, yada" you are saying "I know, I know."  

What are we walking in the security of is the question.  If we are walking in the security of the world's provisions then we will pervert our ways to keep in graces with it as it ever changes.  If we are walking in the security of the Lord's provisions then will will walk in integrity in relationship to Him which is stable throughout the world's changes.

v.10, 11 - He who winks the eyes causes trouble, and a babbling fool will be ruined.  The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

When someone winks it can mean so many things, that is the whole purpose of the wink.  The one who winks has you guessing what is really going on.  It is a signal that all is not as it appears and you have to guess what is really happening here or being said between the lines.  God doesn't wink and God doesn't babble.

God gives the righteous His direct commands and words to follow after and those bring life.  The fool rambles about him or herself and uses tools to hide the purpose of their involvement in your life.  The wise continues to speak not of themselves but of the One who gives eternal life.  

Maybe this is a great place to throw in John 10:10 as a New Testament example of this contrast between the two.  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  What Christ gives doesn't need a wink or non-ending talk but He calls us to walk in integrity for Him and to the glory of Him to be a witness to the world of His clear mission.  

v.12 - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.

Satan's efforts are to bring more discord among others.  God's efforts are to deal with discord so it can resolved to repentance and reconciliation.  Who are you mirroring today?  Is what you are doing and what you are saying creating strife?  Is what you are doing and what you are saying creating holiness?  When we live the life of the fool we will live a life that ultimately hates others and God because our focus of love is on ourselves solely.  When we live the life of the wise we will live a life that ultimately loves others and God because our actions reflect a righteous life for Christ.

Peter quotes this verse in 1 Peter 4:8, which says, "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."  When I live a life of love in relationship to God then my actions will direct me away from foolish sinful practices.  It will also help me to respond in a God honoring way to sin directed toward me.  Because of my love for the other, I will keep my eyes on the person rather than the offense.  It is not that the offense or sin shouldn't be dealt with for it should but with God's instructions and not our methods that mirror the world.  

When you look out your eyes at others, do you really think about them and love them or are you selfishly looking at how you can use them to fulfill a desire within you to get something from them?  Let's pray.

"Lord, what a powerful proverb today.  You are slicing through my actions to the true motives that I have when I don't follow Your lead.  Forgive me for winking and babbling about things that bring ruin and help me to focus on giving a clear message about Your love and eternal life.  I pray my life will reflect You and therefore show peace and love rather than strife.  Amen."

Pastor Adam 
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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