I was introduced to the verse, Proverbs 3:33, while attending a spiritual retreat several years ago. One of our speakers was Donna Snow who is mostly known from the television show "Texas Flip 'N Move". Let me tell you...this woman is so much more than that. She was filled with the Spirit that night. I was writing so fast and furious because I wanted to remember everything that she said.

One of the little jokes or quotes that she said was "Don't shack up with the devil because he's not paying your rent". That one stuck with me because I began to think about who am I "shacking" up with - the devil or the Lord. Is my house firmly planted on solid ground?

What’s the Difference?

As I was trying to figure this verse out, I decided to "word map" this verse. (You can find a ton of information about verse word mapping on Pinterest.) I was amazed to discover two different phrases that I didn't see the first time I read the verse: "house of the wicked" and "the dwelling of the righteous".

Why two different words for the word “home”? Don’t they both mean the same? So, I went straight to Blue Letter Bible and Webster's dictionary and here's what I found:

house : a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families : HOME

dwelling: : a shelter (such as a house) in which people live

Not much of a definition for the word dwelling, so I looked up shelter and this is where I found the difference between a "house" and a "dwelling".

A shelter is:: something that covers or affords protection: an establishment providing food and shelter (as to the homeless): an establishment that houses and feeds stray or unwanted animals

So to be blest by God, we are called to be a "good neighbor". I can't help but think of the State Farm jingle..."like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." We should replace “State Farm” with "like a good neighbor, the Lord and I will be there."

Is your home inviting? I don't mean do you have the prettiest house in the neighborhood. Do you offer a shelter to those who need it? Do you take a meal to a family in need? Is your home a place where others know that they can come for refuge…or maybe a cup of coffee?

I must confess that I haven't been very good at hospitality lately. My house needs some updating and I've let other circumstances in my life interfere. So, I haven’t kept up with the housecleaning like: dusting, vacuuming the dog hair that seems to accumulates everyday, washing dishes, etc. I always seem to want to stay home and not visit with family and friends. Plus, I'm embarrassed with a dirty house and so I don't want to invite anyone over. I simply do not think that my home is a welcoming shelter to those who need it.

But it doesn’t take a beautiful home to be welcoming to those in need. It takes a Spirit filled heart to show the love of Jesus Christ to others….to make them feel comfortable in your home. There is probably always going to be a project or two that needs to be done but don’t wait until they are finished to invite someone over. You never know when you might really touch or help a friend in need.

I don't want to live in a house of the wicked anymore. I want to dwell in the presence of my Lord and Savior. I want my dwelling to be inviting to anyone that is needing a place to stay, needs a home cooked meal, or maybe just a shoulder to cry on. I need to put out that "Welcome" mat in front of my door and actually mean it.

How about you? Is where you live a “house” or a “dwelling”?