Thought for the Day

Verses 17-18 - Faithfulness is an attribute that many people lack today. A faithful employee abides by company rules and heeds correction. This makes him a valuable asset in forming a healthy company and brings him honor and promotion. A faithless employee falls into mischief that hinders his job performance. A rebellious employee refuses instruction. This usually costs him his job, resulting in poverty and shame.

Verse 19 - Accomplishment brings a satisfaction rarely experienced by the person who seldom finishes a project. Procrastination stops many people from accomplishing their goals (Ecclesiastes 11:4). It is also a very subtle sin. Satan encourages procrastination with perfectly good-sounding reasons which usually involves one's immediate comfort. Those who entertain procrastination usually have good intentions of accomplishing their goals - just at a later time, which never comes. Persevering when we do not feel like doing something is a godly trait we must develop to become overcomers in Christ. Perhaps you have heard the old saying; the highway to hell is paved with good intentions. God deals with people's hearts, asking them to surrender to His will, yet many resist, thinking they will yield at a later time when they feel like it. We are warned not to turn from God when He speaks (Hebrews 12:25).

Fools refuse to repent. To even consider giving up the evil things upon which they set their hearts is an abomination to them. Let us not be foolish. Let us not procrastinate, if we need to repent or perform any responsibility. God will strengthen us to accomplish any task if we ask Him to do so.

Verse 20 - We have heard the expression, "birds of a feather flock together." To grow in wisdom, we should select wise friends and associates. Their input can rightly direct us so that we succeed in our endeavors and avoid many difficulties. If we choose the company of foolish and rebellious people, we will face destruction. Those who are wise want to be around those who are wise, while the foolish desire the company of fools.

Verse 21 - Evil things follow evil people, but if we seek God in faith, we are promised the rewards of the righteous. We must, however, seek God diligently and not half-heartedly. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).