How can we align our desires with the "good" mentioned in Proverbs 11:23? The Verse in Focus “The desire of the righteous is only good, but the hope of the wicked is wrath.” (Proverbs 11:23) What “good” Means in Proverbs 11:23 • Morally upright and beneficial in God’s eyes, never merely “harmless” or “nice.” • Rooted in God’s own character (Psalm 119:68). • Reflective of God’s revealed will in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Why Our Desires Need Alignment • Apart from Christ, the heart is “deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). • Sin distorts even legitimate longings (James 4:1-3). • The Spirit produces desires that differ drastically from the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). Foundational Truths That Shape Desire • Regeneration gives a new heart inclined toward God (Ezekiel 36:26-27). • The indwelling Spirit enables obedience (Romans 8:5-6). • God’s Word renews the mind, transforming the will (Romans 12:2). Practically Aligning Desires with God’s Good • Delight in the Lord—He reshapes longings as we treasure Him (Psalm 37:4). • Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, making His priorities ours (Matthew 6:33). • Saturate the mind with whatever is true, honorable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). • Walk by the Spirit; cultivate His fruit, which steers affections toward holiness (Galatians 5:22-23). • Pray Scripture back to God, asking that requests match His will (1 John 5:14). • Keep short accounts with sin through confession, preventing calloused desires (1 John 1:9). • Welcome wise counsel; iron sharpens iron by exposing misplaced wants (Proverbs 27:17). • Serve others; love expresses itself in action, training the heart to value what God values (John 13:34-35). Scripture-Driven Daily Checklist □ Morning: meditate on a brief passage, asking, “What does God call ‘good’ here?” (Psalm 1:2). □ Throughout the day: pause before decisions, recalling Proverbs 3:5-6. □ Evening: review desires pursued, praising God for Spirit-led ones, repenting of flesh-led ones (Lamentations 3:40). Encouraging Promises for the Journey • God works in us “to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). • He “grants the desires of those who fear Him” when those desires mirror His own (Psalm 145:19). • The righteous “shine like the sun” as their lives increasingly display God’s goodness (Matthew 13:43). As these truths and practices take root, our desires steadily echo the “only good” God affirms in Proverbs 11:23, bringing Him honor and blessing those around us. |
    |