Proverbs 2:6-8

For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

Were you ever bullied as a kid? I have red hair so I got my fair share of name-calling and general harassment when I was growing up, but what if I had some big bruiser walking around with me all day as my defender? That’s right – no more name calling.

Today’s Proverb starts with familiar themes – wisdom, knowledge, and understanding – but expands into a general promise based on our own character. Are you an honest person? Do you live a life of integrity? Are you fair to other people? Are you faithful to the commands of the Lord?

Just because you have become a Christian doesn’t mean you get all of what God has to offer. Obedience is still a requirement, and Jesus cut right to the chase when He said, “If you love me, you will obey all of my commands” (Jn 14:15). When things don’t go your way…when the dots just won’t line up…when trouble chases you around every corner, you need to take a look back at today’s passage and ask the tough questions:

Am I living a life characterized by honesty? Integrity? Justice? Fairness? Am I living a life characterized by my obedience to the things of God?

No mere mortal has ever lived a perfect life and neither you nor I are going to break that trend. However, God has called us to lives that pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:16) and if we do, we can expect Him to be our “Guardian Angel.” If we choose not to? We always suffer the consequences.