Are You Capable of Heeding Wise Counsel?

There is a difference between wicked and evil. Wickedness is that which is not God, or choosing to live apart from Him. Evil is cold-blooded murder, the end product of choosing to live without God in your life.

I'm not saying that all who choose to try and live as their own god eventually commit murder. I am saying that without The Holy Spirit, a person opens their self up to the sway of darkness to a much greater degree, and is in grave danger of being overcome by evil.

Put another way, which one of you actually believes you are immune to the influence of both good and evil to the point where you can live your life as you please without ever being conscripted to one side or the other? A man is not an island, and a person cannot live life on their terms - not to the point of determining their own destiny. It's not how life has been designed. And none of us can claim credit for creating our own lives.

So, on this, the Day of Fools, a line has been drawn, and a decision has to be made (if it hasn't been done already). You're either in, or you're out. But you have to choose. You don't have to choose today; but to procrastinate, you do so at your own peril. In the meantime, be sure you are growing more and more wicked. We just are not allowed to hover in this existence we've been so lovingly given.

Today's Promise is actually a few guarantees from God regarding life's conditions for the wicked (a person not in right-standing with God) and the righteous (a person that is in right-standing with God) and ultimately the fate of each. In Proverbs 11:18 we are told (insertions and emphasis for each of the following Scriptures mine), "The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness (or righteously) will have a sure reward."

Proverbs 12:3 tells us, "A wicked man is not established by wickedness (wicked acts), but the root (foundation) of the righteous cannot be moved."

Proverbs 12:13 assures, "The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his own lips, but the righteous will come through trouble."

Two verses later, in Proverbs 12:15, we are told, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."

Proverbs 12:2 plainly describes the fate of whichever we choose. "A good (person) obtains favor from The Lord, but a (person) of wicked intentions God will condemn."

Do you get that word "condemn"? You have been sentenced to death - unless you swallow your stupid pride and receive Jesus' Blood as the sacrifice for your sins. But that's all you have to do to escape certain death.

Now, look at Proverbs 12:15 again, and decide which you will be. It is at and up to this point where each of us does get to be in charge of our own destiny. Don't be a fool.