Fruitful vs. Froward

"A froward heart shall depart from me" (Psalm 101:4).  "If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it" (Proverbs 9:12).  "He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:23).  "The good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).   

There are decisions we must make

Regarding things that must depart

And things that stay for Jesus' sake

That we may have a fruitful heart.

 

The Lord is glad when we are wise,  

And we have done ourselves a favor,

But scornful hearts shall soon despise

The foolishness of their behavior. 

 

Our Savior spoke in terms of fruit

From seed that flourished in the ground

Wherein the Word of God takes root

As good and honest hearts are found. 

 

O Lord, within this parable

Describing seed in soil sown,

You have exposed our very soul,

And every class of heart is shown. 

 

We thank You, Lord, that You reprove

Your people with Your admonition

To show us what we should remove

As You review our heart's condition. 

 

Regarding sinners who have scorned,

How fearful is their hearts' estate!  

We pray, Lord, that they may be warned

Before, at last, it is too late.