Under Gods command

A wise person is a model of a meaningful life.  In the same way a tree attracts people to its fruit, a wise person’s sense of purpose attracts others who want to know how they, too, can find meaning.  Gaining wisdom, then, can be the first step in influencing others to come to faith in God.  Leading people to God is important because it keeps us in touch with him while also offering eternal life to others. 

If you send someone out to do a job, you do not want him being lazy and laying around (sluggard). If you have someone this lazy working for you, it is painful to you just like it is painful to put pure vinegar on your teeth. It makes them burn.

 Defined: As the acidity of vinegar causes the unpleasantness and pain to the teeth, and by softening and dissolving alkali of the bone, impairs their texture, and renders them incapable of grinding; Smoke in your eyes causes you to cry, and I believe that is what is meant here. Truly someone who is supposed to do a job and won’t, will bring you tears.

You can imagine how God feels when He calls us to do a job for him and we are too lazy to carry it out.

 Defined: As smoke, by irritating the tender vessels, causes the eyes to smart, and prevents distinct vision; so a sluggish messenger is a continual vexation and loss to those by whom he is employed (see Isa 65:5).

The walk of a Christian is one day at a time. Our commitment to the Lord is for a lifetime, but we must live it one day at a time. God’s instructions for living are found in the Bible. It is impossible to live pleasing lives in Him without knowing what His Word (Bible) says. Our prayer each day should be, “Lord, help me live pleasing to you today”.  

This verse implies that there is a time for fighting.  Injustice must be combatted, sin resisted, and evil confronted wherever it appears.  But do not waste time and energy on needless fights, arguing about trivial matters or personal inconvenience.  Save your energy for the real battles against sin and God’s enemies. 

You cannot hide from God. He knows every move you make. He even knows the desires of your heart. God thinks about (ponders), all the ways of man. In mercy, the Lord withholds immediate judgment, allowing a sinner time to repent or to be caught in his own sin.

There is a song called “The All Seeing Eye”. God is that all Seeing Eye. You cannot keep any secrets from Him. There is a record being kept, and someday the books will be opened. If we have lived in sin, we shall be ashamed to stand before God.