The Proverbs Challenge - Day 28

Hi Woman of God

We’re in the final few days of the Proverbs challenge. How have you found it? I pray you have heard God speaking to you throughout it. Many of you ladies have messaged me to say that these challenges are such an encouragement to your spiritual walk, so I will seek to do more in the new year. Stay tuned for more information on when the next one will be.

For now, let’s dive into proverbs 28.

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs Chapter 28, verses 1, 4, 13, and 23.

OBSERVATION

Verse 1:
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."

Those with a guilty conscience, who know they have committed evil, are always on edge, quick to flee, and never settled in their hearts. Their awareness of their wrongdoing creates a constant sense of fear and condemnation. In contrast, the righteous - those who seek to live uprightly and are confident in their standing with God - are bold as lions. This boldness comes from knowing they are in right standing with God and have His protection, leaving no room for fear of harm or judgment.

Verse 4:
"Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them."

There will always be supporters for those who work in darkness. From politicians to celebrities and even people in our workplaces, some openly promote wickedness. It can be frustrating to see others praise and defend them, but this verse reminds us that such people and their supporters will always exist. Those who reject God's law naturally align themselves with and celebrate wickedness. On the other hand, those who love God’s law will continue to stand against such evil. This tension highlights the deep divide between those who live by God’s wisdom and those who do not, which often plays out in societal and political debates on critical issues as we see all the time.

Verse 13:
"He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."

There is true freedom in confessing our sins and laying them before God. Trying to hide our wrongdoing only leads to guilt, fear, and the turmoil mentioned in verse 1 - always on the run and never at peace. But this verse reveals the solution: confession. Admitting our sins and asking for forgiveness not only restores us spiritually but also liberates us emotionally. Even if short-term consequences arise after confessing sins, they are far less painful than the burden of concealing sin which will inevitably be revealed (Luke 8:17). God offers mercy to all who come to Him in genuine repentance.

Verse 23:
"He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue."

Flattering someone may seem like the easy or kind thing to do in the moment, but it is ultimately unfruitful. True respect and favour come from having the courage to lovingly correct someone when needed. The best friendships and relationships are those where people care enough to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Offering correction, when done in love, builds trust and fosters growth in both individuals.

APPLICATION

I will strive to walk uprightly, knowing my confidence comes from being right with God. I will not shy away from contending for God’s truth in the face of wickedness, even when it seems easier to stay silent. When I fall short, I will confess my sins to God, finding refuge in His mercy and forgiveness. Finally, I will aim to speak truth in love, offering correction when needed, rather than settling for flattery that bears no fruit.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the boldness and freedom that come from being in right standing with You. Help me to live courageously, upholding Your truth even when it’s challenging. When I sin, remind me to confess and forsake it, trusting in Your abundant mercy. Give me the wisdom and grace to lovingly correct others when necessary, and surround me with people who will do the same for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See you tomorrow for Day 29 sister ✨

With my love

Tochi
creatortochi.com