Under Gods Command
Proverbs 15:1 –A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger and angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 14:29 – A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
A quick temper can be like a fire out of control. It can burn us and everyone else in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. Yet anger, in itself, is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause. Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right? Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult? Pray that God will help you control your quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.
What made the people listen to and support the false prophets? These prophets said what the people wanted to hear. False teachers earn fame and money by telling people what they want to hear, but they lead people away from God. It we encourage false teaching, we are as guilty as they are.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
If you don’t want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you are to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn. ‘This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much. How does this fit into your life. Remember, Same thing, Same Results. In order to change the results in your life, you have to do something different.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 13:15 Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken.
While it is good to respect our country and our church, our loyalties always carry a hidden danger-arrogance. When is pride harmful? When it causes us to (1) look down on others; (2) be selfish with our resources; (3) force our solutions on others’ problems; (4) think God is blessing us because of our own merits; (5) be content with our plans rather than seeking God’s plans.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.
Not even the threat of captivity could move the people to repent. The people had become so accustomed to doing evil that they had lost their ability to change. God never rejects those who sincerely turn to him. God is warning them to repent before it becomes impossible to change. We must never put off until tomorrow those changes God wants us to make. Our attitudes and patterns for living can become so set that we will lose all desire to change and will no longer fear the consequences.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 10:23-24 I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, LORD, but only with justice-not in your anger, least you reduce me to nothing.
God’s ability to direct our lives well is infinitely beyond our ability. Sometimes we are afraid of God’s power and God’s plans because we know his power would easily crush us if he used it against us. Don’t be afraid to let God correct your plans. He will give you wisdom if you are willing.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 7:19 But am I the one they are provoking? declares the LORD. Are they not rather harming themselves to their own shame?
This verse answers the question, “Who gets hurt when we turn away from God? We do! Separating ourselves from God is like keeping a green plant away from sunlight or water. God is our only source of spiritual strength. Cut yourself off from him and you cut off life itself.
Under Gods Command
Jeremiah 8:4-6 Say to them, This is what the LORDS says: “When men fall down do they not get up? When a man turns away, does he not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying “What have I done?” Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle.
When people fall down or realize that they are headed in the wrong direction, it only makes sense for them to get up or change directions. But as God watched the nation, he saw people living sinful lives by choice, deceiving themselves that there would be no consequences. They had lost perspective concerning Gods will for their lives and were trying to minimize their sin. Are there some indicators that you have fallen down or are heading the wrong way? What are you doing to get back on the right path?
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 9:7-10 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put down or clever retort when rebuked. Listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.
Under Gods command 