Instrument-4-Christ

Oh the joys and sorrows of working and reaping wages. In verse 8 we are reminded of the injustice rampant in many a workplace. Oppression and cruelty abound in many places where workers aren’t treated well by those for whom they work.

In verse 10 we are reminded one again that some people are never satisfied with their monetary gain. They just want more and more but never find happiness in what they gain. Therefore, they don’t truly want what they get since they never get what they are seeking.

Verse 12 caps off the selection of Scripture by showing that someone who is content with the little he has is better off than the one who wants more and more and keeps getting more and more but can never rest.

The best option for me is to work hard, be content and satisfied with the fruit of my labor, and enjoy peace and comfort with God’s provision.

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,
For in what he is given he is always content.
Whether he has a lot or a little to eat,
On just being satisfied he is fully intent.

“Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.”

Wow. Do I have a habit of sinning because of my mouth? Or do I make frequent excuses for my sin?

Our world has a habitual problem of sinning because of things it says. Too often we say things that we can’t or won’t do, and our words cause us to sin in our actions. We are hasty with our words.

But on top of that, we make excuses for our sin. Our mouths compound the problem by trying to explain away or justify our actions. Sorry humans, but God doesn’t take excuses. He wants confession and repentance.

My words are important. My word is important. I shouldn’t have to promise to do anything to assure someone that I’ll do what I say. My word at face value should be good enough.

Once I say I’ll do something, I should do what I say, but if I can’t follow through, it’s my mistake. Excuses and justification are not acceptable. An acknowledgment of my mistake is what is needed.

“In the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity.” What’s the solution? What is my best option?

“But fear God.” Sounds so easy, so simple, and yet it’s not. But the good news is, it’s also possible. It’s just not easy.

If you say that you’ll do something,
You should plan to keep your word.
For if you end up do nothing,
You have wronged those who had heard.

Don’t let your mouth cause you to sin,
You’ll lose trust with one another.
Friends may not hear you again;
Empty words will lose a brother.

Excuses don’t work either,
If you sin just take the blame.
But work hard to just do neither-
Fearing God should be your aim.