The Natural Man is Never Satisfied

Proverbs 27:19–27
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Just as water, like a mirror, reflects a person’s face, so will a person’s heart and thoughts reflect what he is really like (v. 19). The natural man is never satisfied (v. 20). The more he gets the more he wants. It is reported that John Rockefeller was once asked how much money it would take to satisfy and he said, “just a little more." 

A comparison is made between the hot smelting pots and furnaces for testing silver and gold and the testing of men in the crucible of praise (v. 21). To be falsely accused and trust the Lord to clear your name is easy in comparison to being praised and truly giving the Lord and others all the praise. The pounding of the head of wheat separates the husk from the grain. Though you pound a headstrong, self-willed person, he has so entrenched himself in his stubborn will that it cannot be separated from him even with the most violent pounding (v. 22). 

The person who works hard day after day and takes care of his resources well will have all he needs (vv. 23-27). You should take good care of your sheep and goats (v. 23), because wealth and honor don’t last forever (v. 24). After the hay is cut and the new growth appears and the harvest is over, you can sell lambs and goats to buy clothes and land (vv. 25-26). From the milk of the goats, you can make enough cheese to feed your family and all your servants (v. 27).

Application

Have you ever had your will broken? A person who wants to have his own way will not want to follow God’s way. He is the type of person who will make his own plans of what he wants to do and then want God to bless him in his own selfish plans. I want to put God first and ask Him what He wants me to do and be looking as to how I can fit into His plans.