Proverbs 14:1-17
“The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” (Proverbs 14:14, NKJV)
From the time that we are infants, we crave things. We begin by craving mother’s milk whenever our stomachs are empty. As we grow older, we hunger for solid food. We also crave knowledge. We explore the world with its colors, shapes, textures and tastes. We play with toys. We discover pain.
The mind seeks entertainment, laughter, beauty, and new experiences. We develop an appetite for richer foods and exotic tastes. We like the look and feel of fine clothing. All these things satisfy the flesh—the physical and mental part of us. These things are not necessarily bad, but as Jesus said:
“Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25b, NKJV)
Sometimes people feed the flesh while neglecting the spirit. They pursue whatever they think will satisfy them, and they usually obtain what they seek. But often it doesn’t satisfy them as much as they hoped. Their hearts are soon filled with their own ways, but they don’t realize how far they have drifted from spiritual truth. They are like the children of Israel in the wilderness who craved the meat, melons, onions, and garlic of Egypt. God gave them their request but sent leanness to their souls (Psalm 106:15). The problem is that the mind set on the flesh is death, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:6-8). This is the backslider in heart, and sadly, many have left the narrow way leading to life to go down this path leading to destruction. They have loved the world and forsaken the kingdom.
But a good person will be satisfied from above. Jesus’ food was to do the will of God and finish His work (John 4:34). When we live to please the spirit, then we are fulfilled with the things of the Spirit. As we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything else is added to us (Matthew 6:33).
What fills your heart and life? Where do you spend your time and money? Are you craving the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit? Are you seeking the visible things of the world or the invisible things of the kingdom? May God help us to choose wisely.