DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 15 March 2023
TOPIC: Birds of A Feather
Text: Proverbs 17:15-20 (KJV)
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
KEY VERSE
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are an abomination to the LORD.”
(Proverbs 17:15)
DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 15 March 2023 MESSAGE
The expression, “birds of a feather flock together” is said to date back to a 1545 poem called The Rescuing of Romish Fox, written by William Turner. It simply means those who have the same goals and inclinations would always be found together pursuing those objectives. They form a strong bond for their dreams, even if they do not have a written code or have sworn to an oath.
However, the Bible warns genuine believers to beware of the type of friendship or relationship they cultivate, in view of potentially pernicious influences. God cautions that both the one who justifies the perpetrators of wicked acts and his companion who condemns the just are both guilty of abomination. They are in the same sinking boat. The Lord says He will not spare any of them, since they have formed a league against the just. God is no respecter of persons.
In addition, it is the Lord’s desire that we evaluate those who come into our lives as friends on the basis of the word of God which declares that “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”. When we are in any relationship, we must ask ourselves if we are comforters and ambassadors for Christ. As believers, we must influence those in the community with our values, and not the other way.
The Lord preserves the redeemed in the world to fulfil His charge that we should be “as sheep in the midst of wolves” and that we should be “harmless as doves”. This requires that we do not only pray for grace to receive the spirit to measure up to these responsibilities, but also strive to be those standing in the gap for the lost. We must not be spiritual bedfellows with those who commit abominations.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Watch your company; it can edify or defile you.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 22-25
