ט Teth

Do good to your servant
    according to your word, Lord.
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I obey your word.
You are good, and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.
Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
It was good for me to be afflicted
    so that I might learn your decrees.
The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Psalm 119:65-72

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:2-5

Maturity! An admirable and desirable state. But few would find the reward worthy of the toil if they could see it, or think the treasure equal to the price if it was shown to them. Maturity is easily wasted on the the unwise and is thrown away by the willful and foolish. But to the one who values teaching, there are trials and wisdom in abundance.

Hear this: there is no virtue in suffering. Men often suffer selfishly, it is a perverse sort of pride but common enough to be seen in all ages and all professions. But the one who suffers for doing good is commended (1 Peter 2:20). The one who perseveres and holds fast to the wisdom of God will attain to a more sure mature state.

Do not seek conflict and heap disrespect on Jesus name. Can the subjects of the Prince of Peace be eager for fighting? But when persecutions do come on account of the name, persevere and bring glory to Christ Jesus.

Ethan Kirl