June 19, 2026 - Proverbs 1-6

An interesting thought from the first chapter of Proverbs:  “[Fools] set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives.  Such are the paths of all who pursue gain dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who profit from it” (1:18,19).  Rightly, we often emphasize the thing that makes sin so heinous is that it is committed against God.  And that’s true.  But sin also ruins lives, our own lives.  We think we are getting away with sinning, but that only for awhile.  Eventually, it ruins our lives.  This is wisdom indeed, to avoid sin, both because God hates it and, also, because it does terrible harm to us.   Of course, the good – great and wonderful! – news is that, though we struggle with sin, Jesus has taken our sin to the cross and paid the penalty, full and complete, for it.  And so, even as we fight against sin, we live with the assurance of God’s forgiveness.

Yield not to temptation,

for yielding is sin.

Each vict’ry will help you

some other to win.

Fight valiantly onward;

dark passions subdue.

Look ever to Jesus;

He’ll carry you through.

Ask the Savior to help you,

comfort, strengthen, and keep you.

He is willing to aid you;

He will carry you through.   -- H. R. Palmer (1868)