…remember these words: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”

The temptation to be jealous and envious of those who have more or better things than we do can become a distraction to those who struggle to live a righteous life. It is not introduced in this verse as a warning of something new and different. Rather, there is a preview of it in the Psalms: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong”… (to gain the treasures and pleasures of this world). “Trust in the Lord and do good…delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (if they are consistent with His blessings.)

Although not specifically stated in this proverb, we must never forget the fact that what the ungodly have and the things they possess are temporary. We have been conditioned to believe that the “things of this world” will bring happiness and hope, joy and satisfaction, pleasure and success, strength and security.

“Envy” is an interesting Hebrew word. It contains the idea that being envious will force us into action to do more and work harder. However, that can be good. One can be envious of the sinful or the righteous. The choice is ours!

One translator provides an interesting interpretation: “Do not sinfully envy the temporal and momentary benefits that the sinful seem to enjoy, instead, set your heart upon zealously possessing the fear of the Lord.”

If we are always zealous in our fear of the Lord and “set our hearts on things above, not on the things of this world” and “give the battle to the Lord,” there can be little doubt about the outcome. The key is to “set” and “give” to the Lord.

Prayer:  We admit, Father, that it is so easy to be tempted by that which has no eternal value. Guard our heart from deception. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

The Bible was not written to teach psychology. But, the Bible is psychologically sound and correct.
Consider Proverbs 12:25: “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” The writer does not profess to be a diagnostician but he certainly is insightful.

Recently a study on “anxiety disorders” concluded that 40 million Americans, or 18.1% of our population, are  plagued with fears that, from time to time, trouble them. It is also a known fact that anxiety can lead to depression.

From wisdom that comes from God, Solomon made the same “diagnosis.” Notice that he said, “Anxiety weighs down the heart.” The words “weigh down” imply a state of depression. Our author, with God’s guidance, described people whose anxiety is coupled with fear or worry - which can lead to depression.

All of us, at one time or another, have had those moments when we feared that something horrible was about to overtake or destroy us. When those feelings came to the “surface” it was natural to feel “weighted down” or depressed. It is normal to look for encouragement and support when that happens. How tragic if no one was there to help us or share a “kind word to cheer us up.”

Notice, however, that Solomon was not talking to a behavioral health specialist. He was talking to people like us who have the ability to recognize the lonely, the sad, the worried, the anxious and depressed. Often people only need a “word” of grace, comfort, encouragement or...simply a smile to bring them hope, health and happiness.

Prayer:  We thank You, Father, for giving us Your love to share with others. May we be alert to those in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Joseph Priestly left college believing he was called to serve God as a minister. However, he soon became uncomfortable with this calling and decided to teach school. One day Benjamin Franklin visited his classroom and was very impressed with his teaching skills. At the conclusion of the class he said to Priestly, “I believe that you have the abilities to write a history of electricity. I’ll help you by lending you my books and notes.”

Encouraged by the generosity of Mr. Franklin, he accepted the challenge and immediately began writing a book on the history of electricity. He was so enthusiastic and excited about this project that he researched and wrote the entire book in one year. This inspired him to dedicate his life to scientific research. His research led him to the discovery of oxygen. He is also credited with developing the first carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.

Paul recognized the important role of encouraging others. In his letter to the Thessalonians he encouraged them to “encourage each other and build each other up!”

At the end of a long race the runners often speak of muscles that are cramping or throats that are parched and burning as their body is about to collapse. But then the crowd begins to shout, “You can do it - keep it up - you are going to make it!” Those few words of encouragement are all they need to finish well.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to be alert to those around us who need a word of strength, hope or love to persevere in the face of adversity. Make us Your encouragers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

He had a burning desire to be a writer even though everything seemed to be against him. As a young man in London, he was only able to attend school for four years. His father was jailed for bad debts and he had no one offer to help him.

Finally he got a job pasting labels on bottles. The owner of the business was kind enough to allow him to sleep in the warehouse where he worked. Every spare moment he had was invested in writing stories. For years every editor returned every one of them. But he refused to give up.

Finally, one day, an editor wrote him and said that one of his stories had been accepted for publication. He went on and complimented him for his work. A word of praise and the publication of one story was all that he needed. He continued to write and eventually perfected his passion. Today, libraries and book stores around the world contain many books written by Charles Dickens.

Let's encourage and not discourage others!

Prayer: Lord, keep our eyes open and our minds alert to find and help all who need encouraging. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works...

Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play for a major league baseball team. Although he eventually became highly respected for his many accomplishments, he had a difficult time breaking the “color-barrier.” Wherever he played, he had to prove himself again and again. The crowds enjoyed jeering him game after game.

Once while playing in a critical game, he committed an error. The fans immediately began to boo and ridicule him. Standing at second base, tears filled his eyes.

Suddenly, Pee Wee Reese walked over to where he was standing and put his arm around him, and faced the crowd. Suddenly the booing and jeering ended.

Later, Jackie Robinson said, “That arm around my shoulder saved my career!”

When “e” is placed next to “n” it forms “en” - which means “to give to” or “to cause.” And when we put the letters before “courage” it means that we “give to” or “cause” others to have courage. When we encourage others we show them understanding and compassion, and give them inspiration and strength, hope and help.

Prayer: Lord, all around us are the beaten and broken, discouraged and downhearted. Give us no peace until we comfort their pain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Acts 11:23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

“What’s in a name?” asked Romeo in one of Shakespeare’s plays. He then answered his own question by saying, “A rose by any other name would be as sweet!”

But there is something interesting in a name.

A name sets people, places or things apart. A name designates or describes, it represents or restricts, it gives an identity to or information about people, places or things. When someone calls us by our name, we respond, wondering what they may want. When people speak of us, they have some ideas about us in their mind – perhaps an image that represents us to them.

There is a man in the New Testament who was given the name, “Joseph.” That name means “one more” or “he will add” or “may he add.” To his family he was “one more.” But the disciples saw that “he will add” to what they were doing.

And what did he add? Encouragement! So, they changed his name to “Barnabas,” which means “Son of Encouragement.” He encouraged everyone.

When people think of us, what comes to their mind? What does our name represent to others?

Prayer: Father, fill our lives with Your love, grace and beauty. When others call our names to mind, may we represent only those qualities that they see in Jesus Christ, our Savior, in Whose Name we pray. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Acts 4:36-37