[OneVike]

If the guilt gets you from reading the Proverbs, then go to the book of Psalms next. Especially any of the Psalms from 42-72. They pretty much deal with man's longing for deliverance.

Just as the book of Exodus tells us the story of Israel in captivity in Egypt, these Psalms describe the sorrow we feel due to our dalliances in sin as we ignored Him until we needed Him in our lives.

They poignantly describe our yearning for freedom as the Israelites did while in slavery in Egypt. Thus the reason God chose Moses, when at the burning bush He said:

"I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows." Exodus 3:7

Our longing for deliverance from sin is beautifully expressed in the opening words of Psalm 42,

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?" psalm 42:1-2

The last of this series of Psalms (42-72), Psalm 72 shows God as the almighty King who has set men free from the bondage which has enslaved us

"Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him. For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; and precious shall be their blood in His sight." Psalm 72:12-14

[circlecity]

"If the guilt gets you from reading the Proverbs,"

Oh, it doesn't. It just makes it difficult but I know the best medicine often tastes the worse. If I ever STOP getting convicted then I'll worry because that would mean the Holy Spirit isn't working in me.