Thinx 79: Goodness and Faithfulness

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

— Proverbs 20:6 (KJV)

One of these days, when someone tells me he's a good man, I may remember to ask him if he's a faithful man. If he's got a girlfriend/partner/wife, is he faithful to her both in thought and in action, or do his eyes and mind wander when an attractive woman comes into view. Has he made promises and kept them? His goodness is useless if not backed up by faithfulness.

but a faithful man who can find? who answers to the character he gives of himself, or others upon his own representation give him; who is as good as his word, and, having promised assistance and relief, gives it; and who, having boasted that he has done a kindness to such an one and such an one, does the same likewise to another when applied to; or who sticks to his friend, and does not forsake him in his adversity, but supports and supplies him whom he knew in prosperity; it is hard and rare to find such a man

— Gill's Exposition

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2015

Thinx 65: Encouragement

No one has an easy life. Pastors especially. Pastors need encouragement. For the most part they get everything but. Yet, it is often within our power to encourage them. For all that may be achieved through random acts of kindness, the fact is nothing beats deliberate, well thought out acts of kindness.

Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help.
-- Proverbs 3:27 NET Bible

This parallels what Paul has to say in Galatians:

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
-- Galatians 6:10 NET

With our words we can destroy. With our words we can strengthen and empower. Use your words for the good of all who hear them. Encourage your pastor / minister / priest today (and anyone else you encounter on the way.)

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2011.