Forked Tongues Make Forked Ways

(Proverbs 28:6 KJV)  Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

I find the marginal reading of “perverse” (crooked NASB) (6140/1870) to be interesting.  The same words and marginal reading are found in verse 18.  The margin says “perverse in two ways.” 

This is actually the combination of several words but it shows the moral bankruptcy of those who lack “integrity” (8537).  We see this kind of thinking when we watch congress make laws.  They love to pass a limitation on us common folk but they exempt themselves.  They want standards to be done two ways, one for them and one for the rest of the population.

We can find the root of our dishonesty or inconsistency in this desire to get away with something.  We want the highest salary we can get but are offended when the boss wants the same thing.  We want a spouse who puts us first but we refuse to return the priority.  We want to live in a quiet apartment but want to play our music to suit our needs. 

Jesus put it this way,

(Matthew 7:12 KJV)  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Its called the Golden Rule.  It is the opposite of crooked.

So?  Do unto others....  Forgive, be patient, loan, overlook, ___________.  You can fill in the blank better than I can but only if you are paying attention to what God is telling you.