“Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?”
Psalms 107:17 Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
Psalms 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good
Psalms 92:6 The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever;
Proverbs 1:22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 7:7 and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense,
Psalms 38:1-8 O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.
Isaiah 57:17-18 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
Jeremiah 2:19 Your evil will chastise you, and your apostasy will reprove you. Know and see that it is evil and bitter for you to forsake the LORD your God; the fear of me is not in you, declares the Lord GOD of hosts.
Foolish, simple, backsliding, lacking sense, hating knowledge, and no fear of God all speak of the condition of man and the potential to forsake God. I sometimes wonder if much has changed in mankind. Our sinful nature is always sticking its ugly head up into our lives. Some of these verses were written over 2500 years ago and yet they seem to apply as written for today. Think of the technology today that draws us away from seeking, speaking, following, praising, and listening to Him. iPad, iPhone, computer, smart TV, and easy transportation all are used to fill our lives. It does not take long for them to erode our walk with God. Busyness and technology quickly lead us down a path of complacent neglect and is no excuse. It takes a fully committed heart, mind and soul to seek, follow, honor, listen to, and obey God. Do you want to hear His whispers of guidance? – Read His word. Do you want to find purpose and satisfaction? – Read His word. Are you tired of seeing everyday as just another self centered meaningless non-fulfilling day? Read His word. In His word we find promises of hope, joy, grace, mercy, eternal life, forgiveness, peace, rest, power, strength, and His steadfast love.
