Day 217 - The Dangers of Dwelling on Evil Thoughts and Actions

Updated: Jan 18

Consider your thoughts and actions. The dangers of dwelling on evil thoughts and actions are many.

For an upright man, after falling seven times, will get up again: but trouble is the downfall of the evil.

Do not be glad at the fall of your hater, and let not your heart have joy at his downfall:

For fear that the Lord may see it, and it may be evil in his eyes, and his wrath may be turned away from him.

Do not be troubled because of evil-doers, or have envy of sinners:

For there will be no future for the evil man; the light of sinners will be put out. (Proverbs 24.16-20 Bible in Basic English (BBE))

There is no future for the evil person. These words are plainly stated, leaving no room for doubt. Evil has no future. Envy has no future. Wishing for or celebrating harm to another, no matter what they have done, has no future. The dangers of dwelling on evil thoughts and actions are many and costly to your future.

As a human, it isn't easy never to find yourself thinking one of these things. Yet, learning to avoid these thoughts is a goal clearly stated in Proverbs. You're mistaken when you think of any of these things. It probably means that you are not considering the true blessings you have received or that you are judging another. Consider finding comfort in thinking about the beauty in your life that you didn't expect when you think things you know are unworthy.

Prayer:

Holy Lord, I know that I have led a mixed life. There are times that I wished for something that someone else had, and there are others where I felt some relief when someone received what I considered a just punishment. I understand this doesn't seem right, and I was wrong to have had these thoughts. They were beneath me and you. I confess this sin and ask for your forgiveness. Please help me wake up to my errors more quickly and take action to change my thoughts. I do not intend to disappoint, but my humanity is in the way. Help me learn to live above it and follow your desired path more readily. Thank you for loving me. Amen.