Daily Bible Study

Tweet

Day 168 Proverbs 18:2 Proverbs 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. Fools have one agenda, themselves. They care nothing for anyone else, and take delight in problems they inflict on others. They are disgraceful and dishonorable, leaving behind them tragedy and corruption. Solomon saw a lot of that, even in his own family where conspiracy reigned in his brothers’ hearts. As Christians, you are to stay away from fools and wicked people, especially those who call themselves Christians, but their actions show otherwise. Paul admonished the Christians of Corinth about keeping company with such people. 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. As Christians, you have an obligation to bring the gospel to everyone. Yet at the same time, you are to stay away from those Christians who display foolish and wicked ways when they refuse to repent of their actions. Jesus told his disciples how they were to handle such people. Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (KJV) There is only so much you can do to help restore someone to the body of Christ, but when you have done all you can, you are to leave him to God alone. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. There is only so much you can do when someone acts in an ignoble manner. When they refuse to acknowledge their evil ways, you are to leave them be. However, if they do repent, they are then restored to fellowship with you. James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. Not all those who call themselves Christians, are noble. If, as Solomon showed, they are fools and wicked, you are to stay away from them. Let’s pray: Father, help me restore those who have a repentant heart back to the body of Christ. However, help me leave those who refuse to repent, and keep with their wicked ways, in your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 23 February 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay