Proverbs 16:16-33

Henrietta Mears:

“A bird is free in the air. Place a bird in the water and he has lost his liberty. A fish is free in the water, but leave him on the sand and he perishes. . . . The Christian is free when he does the will of God and is obedient to God’s command. This is as natural a realm for God’s child as the water is for the fish, or the air for the bird.”

Freedom is possible only in the sphere of God-centered living. Bondage follows the one who ignores His will.

In this passage several things are set forth that brings freedom:

• Upright (verse 17)
• Humble (verse 19)
• Attention to word (verse 20)
• Sweetness of speech (verse 21)
• Pleasant words (verse 24)

Psalms 73:21-28 shows how the Lord ministers

• Continually with thee (verse 23)
• God is the strength of my heart (verse 26)
• The Lord God is refuge (verse 28)