June 27, 2026 -- Proverbs 12:26 -- How'd I get here?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 12:26 ESV
 
How did I get here? It is the plaintive cry of men I meet with in the prisons. Though many around them could see exactly where they were headed, how their wicked companions and deceitful friends would lead them astray, those being led often didn’t see past the deadly amusement of the moment. Many of us know the maxim show me a man’s companions and I’ll tell you about that man’s character. Who you hang out with influences you far more than you realize. We readily say things like, “well, at least I’m not like that person, or those bad people.” Incarcerated or not, there is a commonly held unwillingness to examine one’s motives and actions against the only standard which matters: Jesus. When we look to Him, we realize the truth of the Word: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
 
One possible translation of Proverbs 12:26 could be: the righteous guides his friend. I like that. As Jesus is a friend of sinners, Who by His Spirit leads us in the way of righteousness, as followers of Jesus Christ we are to be friends to those around us, leading them in the way of righteousness. Righteousness is holiness in action. Righteousness is living for Jesus with whole-hearted commitment. We’ve already seen the consequences of deceitfulness and ruin wickedness brings; so it is an honour and a joy to live for Jesus! It is an even greater joy to walk with others and be used of God to lead them in the paths of righteousness.
 
Faithful God—my Shield and very Great Reward, I am weak and weary, send Your Spirit to revive me so that I am renewed in my whole-hearted, wholly joyful obedience to Jesus. Triune God, as I walk in step with You, let me be a guide in righteousness to friends and family members. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/TxC16duiHvQ?si=lsxn747wz9GOV89O O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer


 

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