"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." - Matthew 5:44
I have a "Voice of the Martyrs" magazine sitting on my counter. It's a tough read. Our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in other parts of the world encounter extreme persecution for their faith. Yet they have the same Bible we do and they are told to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
What is my response to their situation? Feeling guilty is obviously not productive. Praying is productive. Giving money is productive. Writing letters on their behalf may be productive. Practicing is productive.
Practicing!?! No, I am not talking seeking out situations to practice being persecuted, but I am talking about applying Matthew 5:44 every day. In our country we often confuse injustice with inconvenience. When we are significantly inconvenienced we respond as if we have been treated unjustly. We (or at least I) rant and rave about this or that injustice, which is really just an inconvenience. I think one talk show even has an "'outrage' of the day", perpetuating this mentality. Somehow, because our treatment is not "real" persecution by "real" enemies, we think it's ok to get upset, vent and demand fair treatment. Yet, if we don't practice the proper response in these realitively mundane situations, how in the world do we expect to display the proper response if we ever are truly the objects of overt persecution?
The proper response is hard. I encountered a situation the other day where a person I did not know was in a position to make things easy, but decided to make it really hard. Frustration swelled up in me and I had to work hard to submit to this individual and do what they asked. It was a small thing (in the grand scheme of things), but it affected me for several hours. The Holy Spirit reminded me that I had taught Matthew 5:44 to my WNA class the prior week. Since I don't have "real" enemies, I determined that this individual would work in a pinch and I committed to pray for them. It did not take long until my heart had completely softened.
As I'm sure we'll be learning this week, love is action and obeying Matthew 5:44 is a good action to take.
Proverbs - 29 - READ THE MAP!
This time, we went a different way. Same destination, different roads. Don't ask me why...it was an adventure. The family was on board, everything we 'needed' was packed, and we were on the road. The problem began when we found that the directions we were following were for the way back home. Not good.
Then we discovered we did not have a map in the van. Also not good.
Then we found that we did not have cell service (notice I am refraining from mentioning my cell carrier). Definitely not good.
Since we had already traveled some distance, we decided to continue to the next town (30 miles away) and redirect ourselves from there. After traveling a little further, we stopped at a two pump gas station/'convenience' store and purchased a map. From that point, even though we were off track, we traveled with confidence because we knew what was ahead and had a new plan to get to our destination.
There are some different ways to think about this. I, personally, would normally choose to go the way we have always gone--interstate all the way, stopping at the exits that have the good stuff (I am thinking reliably good mochas, clean bathrooms, 24 hour breakfasts, etc), a road that has no surprises and I can pretty much predict when we will arrive...
But there are some nice things about going a new way: Less traffic, pecan groves, driving speed limits that went from 55 to 35 with little warning (can you say speed trap?), water lilies (we actually saw water lilies!!), farms, produce stands, forests, small towns (ever been to Ludowici, GA?), small town hardware stores, fewer 18 wheelers, miniature horse farms... I was surprised at how interesting it was and how quickly the miles passed by.
The key was the map. With the map, we had assurance of the way and could enjoy the journey. Without the map, we worried about when we would arrive, if we would arrive, how much time we would waste, etc.
Proverbs is clearly a map. There are destinations of righteousness, foolishness, wisdom, destruction, safety, justice, etc. God has given us all His 'map' (v. 13). Knowing/following His map allows us to know if we are 'on course' or 'off course'--and how to get back on track. As believers, we can travel with confidence, song and rejoicing (v. 7, 18).
We do have to keep in mind that a map is useful only when it is followed.
Proverbs - 28
As I looked to the recurring themes in this chapter, two stood out to me.
Godly Leadership
First, a ruler who is oppressive is feared and will eventually fail; but a ruler who deals fairly will be trusted, and his country will thrive.
Diligence and Generosity
Second, a person who oppresses the poor or attempts to gain wealth unscrupulously will end up poor; but the person who works hard and is generous with what he has will find peace.
Wisdom brings Life
One of the single verses that jumps at me is verse 26, "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe." How many times has Solomon reminded us that the way that often seems right to us ends in death, but that if we will follow wisdom we will find life? How many times have I seen this played out in my own life? Despite what I know to be true, I often find myself sinking into that muddy puddle of putting self-interest first. How many times has that mud splashed up at me, showing the nastiness of my greedy heart or my careless ways?
Dear Lord, Once again I ask you to clean my heart and lead me around those mud puddles. Please take away from me the desire to trust in myself, serving my own selfish ambition, and give me a longing for Your wisdom and the desire to bring glory to Your Name alone.
Godly Leadership
First, a ruler who is oppressive is feared and will eventually fail; but a ruler who deals fairly will be trusted, and his country will thrive.
Diligence and Generosity
Second, a person who oppresses the poor or attempts to gain wealth unscrupulously will end up poor; but the person who works hard and is generous with what he has will find peace.
Wisdom brings Life
One of the single verses that jumps at me is verse 26, "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe." How many times has Solomon reminded us that the way that often seems right to us ends in death, but that if we will follow wisdom we will find life? How many times have I seen this played out in my own life? Despite what I know to be true, I often find myself sinking into that muddy puddle of putting self-interest first. How many times has that mud splashed up at me, showing the nastiness of my greedy heart or my careless ways?
Dear Lord, Once again I ask you to clean my heart and lead me around those mud puddles. Please take away from me the desire to trust in myself, serving my own selfish ambition, and give me a longing for Your wisdom and the desire to bring glory to Your Name alone.
Proverbs 27 -
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1
I imagine that I will be posting this verse on my mirror so that it can be a reminder to me daily. The Lord has spoken to me loud and clear through His words in this verse. I am convicted about how I live my life...thinking that I have control over it all...making plans as if I am going to live forever...getting caught up in people and earthly possessions...dwelling on the wrong things.
The devotional, Wisdom from the Proverbs stated it plain and simply for me as I read it today. "We live our lives as if we have all the time in the world. That is so foolish. The only thing we are sure of is that we have today, this minute. It is the wise man or woman who learns to live each day to the fullest. We must strive to be as good as we can be, and to give as much as we are able every single day, for we do not know which one might be our last. God richly blesses those people who will live fully and for the day. His pride is in His children who act wisely and don't waste any of the precious time he has given them."
How do I live each day to the fullest, "strive to be as good as I can be", and "not waste any of the precious time he has given me"? Scripture tells me how to do this when it says things like, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). Luke 12:13-21 tells me how to be "rich towards God" in the Parable of the Rich Fool. Also, John 17:3 tells me about what eternal life is: "that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Knowing Him = Obeying Him = Loving Him = Loving and serving others = Living life to the fullest = Not wasting any of the precious time He has given me!
Lord, I praise you for the time you have given me on earth. Please help me to know you and share you with others. Help me to bring you glory through the things that I say and do. Thank you for all of the blessings that you have poured upon me. I am so thankful!
for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1
I imagine that I will be posting this verse on my mirror so that it can be a reminder to me daily. The Lord has spoken to me loud and clear through His words in this verse. I am convicted about how I live my life...thinking that I have control over it all...making plans as if I am going to live forever...getting caught up in people and earthly possessions...dwelling on the wrong things.
The devotional, Wisdom from the Proverbs stated it plain and simply for me as I read it today. "We live our lives as if we have all the time in the world. That is so foolish. The only thing we are sure of is that we have today, this minute. It is the wise man or woman who learns to live each day to the fullest. We must strive to be as good as we can be, and to give as much as we are able every single day, for we do not know which one might be our last. God richly blesses those people who will live fully and for the day. His pride is in His children who act wisely and don't waste any of the precious time he has given them."
How do I live each day to the fullest, "strive to be as good as I can be", and "not waste any of the precious time he has given me"? Scripture tells me how to do this when it says things like, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). Luke 12:13-21 tells me how to be "rich towards God" in the Parable of the Rich Fool. Also, John 17:3 tells me about what eternal life is: "that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
Knowing Him = Obeying Him = Loving Him = Loving and serving others = Living life to the fullest = Not wasting any of the precious time He has given me!
Lord, I praise you for the time you have given me on earth. Please help me to know you and share you with others. Help me to bring you glory through the things that I say and do. Thank you for all of the blessings that you have poured upon me. I am so thankful!
Proverbs 26 ~ The Fool
Today’s proverb has the following to say regarding “fools”:
Honor is inappropriate to fools. (v. 1)
He does not respond to reason and thus is to be driven by the rod. (v. 3)
There are times when a response to a fool would be a descent to their level and there are times when a response is necessary in order to prevent credence being given to what they say. (vs. 4-5)
Fools are useless messengers. (v. 6)
Fools are dense. (v. 7)
Honor is inappropriate to fools. (v. 8)
Fools misuse and misapply proverbs. (v. 9)
Hiring a fool is dangerous. (v. 10)
Fools persist in folly. (v. 12)
So, what is a “fool”? The Book of Proverbs contrasts two ways of living life. “On the one hand, there are those who reject God’s laws and refuse to keep his covenant. Proverbs designates these individuals as “fools” and their life choices as “folly.” On the other hand, those who carefully maintain their relationship with God and adhere to his ways are called “wise” and their lives are characterized by “wisdom.”” Encountering the Old Testament by Bill Arnold and Bryan Beyer (page 316)
John MacArthur says, “Biblically, a “fool” is not so named because of intellectual limits, but because of unbelief and the consequent abominable deeds (Ps. 14:1; Rom. 1:22). He lives apart from God and against God’s Law (Prov. 1:7, 22; 14:9), and can’t comprehend the truth (1 Cor. 2:14) or his true condition (Rom. 1:21, 22). The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (page 609)
These two definitions of the Biblical “fool” make it clear that it is those who walk apart from Christ that the Bible designates as a “fool”. But, for the believer, Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5 to “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (vs. 15-17). Believers are to avoid behaving like fools and are to make wise use of our time. We can choose to be governed by circumstances and wasted time, or we can deliberately seek to fill our time with eternity in view. We are to understand God’s will for our lives by reading and studying the Word as it applies to our lives and by asking for His guidance when we pray. How are you and I doing? Are we walking as wise women and making the most of the short time that God has given us here on this earth? And, are we reading and meditating on God’s Word and asking Him to show us His will for our lives?
Lord, give us grace to walk as wise women.
Honor is inappropriate to fools. (v. 1)
He does not respond to reason and thus is to be driven by the rod. (v. 3)
There are times when a response to a fool would be a descent to their level and there are times when a response is necessary in order to prevent credence being given to what they say. (vs. 4-5)
Fools are useless messengers. (v. 6)
Fools are dense. (v. 7)
Honor is inappropriate to fools. (v. 8)
Fools misuse and misapply proverbs. (v. 9)
Hiring a fool is dangerous. (v. 10)
Fools persist in folly. (v. 12)
So, what is a “fool”? The Book of Proverbs contrasts two ways of living life. “On the one hand, there are those who reject God’s laws and refuse to keep his covenant. Proverbs designates these individuals as “fools” and their life choices as “folly.” On the other hand, those who carefully maintain their relationship with God and adhere to his ways are called “wise” and their lives are characterized by “wisdom.”” Encountering the Old Testament by Bill Arnold and Bryan Beyer (page 316)
John MacArthur says, “Biblically, a “fool” is not so named because of intellectual limits, but because of unbelief and the consequent abominable deeds (Ps. 14:1; Rom. 1:22). He lives apart from God and against God’s Law (Prov. 1:7, 22; 14:9), and can’t comprehend the truth (1 Cor. 2:14) or his true condition (Rom. 1:21, 22). The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (page 609)
These two definitions of the Biblical “fool” make it clear that it is those who walk apart from Christ that the Bible designates as a “fool”. But, for the believer, Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5 to “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (vs. 15-17). Believers are to avoid behaving like fools and are to make wise use of our time. We can choose to be governed by circumstances and wasted time, or we can deliberately seek to fill our time with eternity in view. We are to understand God’s will for our lives by reading and studying the Word as it applies to our lives and by asking for His guidance when we pray. How are you and I doing? Are we walking as wise women and making the most of the short time that God has given us here on this earth? And, are we reading and meditating on God’s Word and asking Him to show us His will for our lives?
Lord, give us grace to walk as wise women.
Proverbs 25 ~ Rebels with a Cause
The notes in my Study Bible ascribe the following title to Chapter 25: "The Proverbs of Solomon Copied By Hezekiah's Men". The subtitle of the chapter is "Proverbs Concerning Relationships with Others". The chapter discusses relationships with kings (v. 2-7); with neighbors (v.8-20); with enemies (v. 21-24); and, with yourself (v.25-28).
The thing that jumped out to me when reading through Chapter 25 this month was how contrary much of the advice about relationships is to our modern day, conventional wisdom. A few examples should help illustrate my point.
God tells us in verse 6: "Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men." Yet, we are told that you have to "sell yourself"and "promote yourself" in order to succeed.
God tells us in verse 11 to use our words wisely "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." Yet we are told to "speak your mind" and "be assertive".
Society tells us that a few white lies and a little gossip won't hurt anything. Yet God tells us in v. 18 that speaking against our neighbor is equivalent, in terms of damage, to a club, a sword and a sharp arrow!
We hear that we need to get revenge when we have been wronged (there are actually websites devoted to helping people get revenge). Yet God says "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head..."
Conventional wisdom tells us that if it "feels good, do it". Yet God says that a person who gives way to emotions, desires and impulses is as empty and ravaged as a looted city (v. 28).
So, go ahead "buck the system", "go against the grain", be a rebel. Be a rebel against man's wisdom and for the glory of the Lord!
The thing that jumped out to me when reading through Chapter 25 this month was how contrary much of the advice about relationships is to our modern day, conventional wisdom. A few examples should help illustrate my point.
God tells us in verse 6: "Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men." Yet, we are told that you have to "sell yourself"and "promote yourself" in order to succeed.
God tells us in verse 11 to use our words wisely "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." Yet we are told to "speak your mind" and "be assertive".
Society tells us that a few white lies and a little gossip won't hurt anything. Yet God tells us in v. 18 that speaking against our neighbor is equivalent, in terms of damage, to a club, a sword and a sharp arrow!
We hear that we need to get revenge when we have been wronged (there are actually websites devoted to helping people get revenge). Yet God says "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head..."
Conventional wisdom tells us that if it "feels good, do it". Yet God says that a person who gives way to emotions, desires and impulses is as empty and ravaged as a looted city (v. 28).
So, go ahead "buck the system", "go against the grain", be a rebel. Be a rebel against man's wisdom and for the glory of the Lord!
Proverbs 22 - Train A Child
For many of our children, today is the last day of school for this year. For some, it is the last day of school because they are choosing to quit school and do other things. For others it is the last day of high school and they will proudly graduate Saturday night. Some have jobs, some have plans for more schooling, some have no clue what is next. It is a scary, exciting, and pivotal time in the life of our kids.
Verse 6 reads: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." But what happens to the child who is not trained as he should go? Is the opposite true? What happens to the child who is not taught the following truths?
- A good name is more important than wealth. (v.1)
- God is the maker of the rich man and the poor man. (v.2)
- Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor & life. (v. 3)
- The borrower is servant to the lender. (v. 7)
- If you sow wickedness you reap trouble. (v. 8)
- Sharing with the poor leads to blessing. (v. 9)
- Giving to the rich/oppressing the poor leads to poverty. (v. 16)
- God is the defender of the poor. When you exploit the poor you are an adversary of God. (v. 22 & 23)
- You become like your friends. (v. 24 & 25)
- Live within your means: no debt = no foreclosure. (v. 26 & 27)
How do we incorporate these truths into our lives so that they are on the tip of our tongue to teach when the opportunity arises? Read the Word. Study, meditate, memorize. Pray for chances to boldly dare to teach, to demonstrate the Gospel and God's principles. I am trying to do this more with my kids and other kids I see--here is one recent example:
The other day I had to run an errand to the grocery store with my daughter Brittanne. On the way to the store, she was extremely rude to me. There happens to be a coffee shop in the grocery store, and I pulled Brittanne over into the line with me to order. She told me she would like to order something too. Well, you can just imagine what I was thinking!!! :) But I told her, "Brittanne, I am going to get you some, but I want you to know you don't deserve it, you have been very rude. I am going to get it for you because this is what God does with me... I say the wrong things and mess up, and He chooses to forgive and love me too." Now, normally I would have just told her the first sentence and let the 'logical consequences' of 'rudeness is not rewarded by hot chocolate' hold court. Instead she learned more about God's grace.
So, what if you don't have a captive audience---i.e. children / grandchildren of your own? Borrow some. There are some available here at our church (discipleship, being a WNA teacher, sitting and talking with kids at dinner on Wed. night, etc.) and there are many available in our area schools (mentoring).
They are hungry for training.
Father thank you for the practical instructions in Proverbs. Help us to see and take advantage of the opportunities you give us to train up the children You have placed around us.
Proverbs 21
More verses grouped by theme…
Diligence, or "Just one more game, Mom."
Vs 17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
Vs 25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work
Forgiveness…Pleeeease?
Vs 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
---Remember Samuel's words to Saul when he thought it would be OK to disobey God by keeping the forbidden sheep as long as he used some of them in worshipful sacrifice? "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
Vs 26 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent.
Who, Me?
Vs 9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Vs 19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
---Surely MY husband has never considered the roof or a desert preferable to home. [wink wink]
That Sovereignty thing again.
vs 1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
Vs 30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
---Because HE is in control!
Vs 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory rests with the Lord.
---Is it because I tried to control my life for so many years (and sometimes even tried to manipulate the ones around me) and found myself to be sadly insufficient, that I am still so thankful to have found out that HE is in control and can be trusted? What an indescribably delightful contrast. I am "speechless and amazed."
Proverbs 20 - Overflowing
"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel." Proverbs 20:15
This spring John and I have planted many flowers and plants, both in pots and in the ground. It has been wonderful to see the rain come and green everything up this year. The LORD has really provided abundantly, although the lake is still low! Even though we have gotten a good deal of rain, I have had to water our plants and flowers. As you know, when watering a potted plant, once the soil gets saturated, the excess water overflows from the pot and out of the hole in the bottom. The plant uses what it needs for nourishment and there is always some (at least when I water mine) left that overflows.
This is what the LORD does for us! We are the plants that need care. He "rains" upon us to make us grow and bear our flowers and fruit. At the same time, He is able to provide way more than we think we need to grow. We are the plant that gets watered to overflowing! We need Him and His Word for our nourishment. But He gives abundantly so that He POURS out of us! Are you experiencing this? Are you allowing Him to "rain" upon your heart and fill you to overflowing? Are you remaining in Him and allowing Him to be your sole source of nourishment?
John 15:5-8 says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and wither; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
God's Word is our nourishment. It's power gives us strength and life that no other can give. Verse 15 of Proverbs 20 above reminds me of just one area that is a part of God's filling me to overflowing...MY WORDS. Matthew 12:34b says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Proverbs 12:18 reminds us that, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
James 1:26 states, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." Our words are part of our witness. What a message!
Lord, I need you to fill my heart. Please continue to give me a desire and hunger for you and your Word. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 19 ~ A Matter of Trust
While Chris seems to get the proverbs that talk about guarding the mouth, I seem to get the proverbs that deal with wealth verses poverty.
My first line of reasoning comes from verses 4 and 7 that talk about people being more attracted to those who are wealthy than to those who are poor. I thought of Jesus and his poverty, not even having a place to lay his head (Mt. 8:20). And as for friends, Jesus didn’t have very many real friends and even those who were, in the end deserted him. So, what about Jesus? What was his response? I thought of 1 Peter 2:23 that says that Jesus, after a life of poverty and his friends deserting him, while hanging on the cross and having insults hurled at him, entrusted himself to the Father.
Then verse 17 caught my attention because it said that a person who gives to the poor lends to God. How can anyone lend to God? After all,
Ps. 50:12 says, “If I (God) were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” And,
Rom. 11:35 says, “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him?” And,
1 Cor. 4:7 says, “What do you have that you did not receive?”
Once again, John Piper helped me out on this one. He says that if I give to the poor some of my money, or my time, or my energy, then I won’t have as much money or time or energy left over to do the things I was planning to do to make me happy. “So that means I will have to trust God and not rely on my own insight. But that’s really no big risk, because I know how much God loves to be trusted. In fact God loves to be trusted so much that he always blesses those who trust him with a life more fulfilling than if they hadn’t trusted him. So, of course, I will give this poor man my help.
If being kind to the poor is an act of trusting God to take care of us, there is a sense in which God becomes a debtor. He is a debtor to his own glory. If I trust him and reckon his word and wisdom and love worthy to be counted on, then God is honor-bound, glory-bound, to uphold the worth of his word and wisdom and love. Trust is the one thing that can put God in debt. The reason trust can do this, is that it is the one human attitude that looks away from our sufficiency to God’s sufficiency. When God’s sufficiency is at stake, he will prevail.”
With or without earthly possessions or friends, it all boils down to trusting the Father. Jesus' entire life was lived entrusting himself to the Father. If it was necessary for the Son of God to entrust himself to the Father, how much more is it necessary for us to do so?
Lord, help me to experience the fulfillment that comes from entrusting my life to You.
My first line of reasoning comes from verses 4 and 7 that talk about people being more attracted to those who are wealthy than to those who are poor. I thought of Jesus and his poverty, not even having a place to lay his head (Mt. 8:20). And as for friends, Jesus didn’t have very many real friends and even those who were, in the end deserted him. So, what about Jesus? What was his response? I thought of 1 Peter 2:23 that says that Jesus, after a life of poverty and his friends deserting him, while hanging on the cross and having insults hurled at him, entrusted himself to the Father.
Then verse 17 caught my attention because it said that a person who gives to the poor lends to God. How can anyone lend to God? After all,
Ps. 50:12 says, “If I (God) were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” And,
Rom. 11:35 says, “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him?” And,
1 Cor. 4:7 says, “What do you have that you did not receive?”
Once again, John Piper helped me out on this one. He says that if I give to the poor some of my money, or my time, or my energy, then I won’t have as much money or time or energy left over to do the things I was planning to do to make me happy. “So that means I will have to trust God and not rely on my own insight. But that’s really no big risk, because I know how much God loves to be trusted. In fact God loves to be trusted so much that he always blesses those who trust him with a life more fulfilling than if they hadn’t trusted him. So, of course, I will give this poor man my help.
If being kind to the poor is an act of trusting God to take care of us, there is a sense in which God becomes a debtor. He is a debtor to his own glory. If I trust him and reckon his word and wisdom and love worthy to be counted on, then God is honor-bound, glory-bound, to uphold the worth of his word and wisdom and love. Trust is the one thing that can put God in debt. The reason trust can do this, is that it is the one human attitude that looks away from our sufficiency to God’s sufficiency. When God’s sufficiency is at stake, he will prevail.”
With or without earthly possessions or friends, it all boils down to trusting the Father. Jesus' entire life was lived entrusting himself to the Father. If it was necessary for the Son of God to entrust himself to the Father, how much more is it necessary for us to do so?
Lord, help me to experience the fulfillment that comes from entrusting my life to You.
Proverbs 18~What Not to Say
My writing assignments keep falling on the chapters of Proverbs that talk a lot about gaurding our mouths. I'm getting the impression that I have lots to learn in this area! In chapter 18, over half of the verses talk specifically about the consequences of a person's speech. Toward the end of the chapter, in verse 21, the author asserts that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (v21) If death and life are in the power of one's speech, it is a topic worthy of some investigation.
Chapter 18 includes a lot of instruction on what NOT to say. By highlighting the consequences of saying the wrong things, the author does a very effective job at communicating what IS worth saying. Here are a few paraphrased highlights:
A fool doesn't discuss things to increase his/her own wisdom, but to reveal his/her own opinion. (v2)
A fool's words intentionally evoke strife. (6)
A fool's words will be his undoing. (7)
A gossipy tale is almost mouth-watering in its appeal, but has serious effects. (8)
It is shameful to jump to conclusions before you know the whole story; likewise, the person presenting the story should tell the WHOLE story so they won't be embarassed when all the facts are eventually revealed. (13)/(17)
Once you've offended someone with your words, it's very difficult to un-do the damage .(19)
I have to admit that the area I struggle with the most is gossip. I'm not really tempted to gossip with friends, neighbors or other women, but I am daily tempted to share little tidbits with my husband or my mother. For years, I thought this was "okay" to do, but I realized over time that sharing these little observations, frustrations or insights was the proverbial "'tip of the iceberg" for me in formulating negative thought patterns toward other people.
It is sometimes a real test of discipline for me to keep my mouth shut and not share things with my husband, especially when I've been offended by someone. Just last week, someone really hurt my feelings. I felt strongly that I needed to trust the Lord in the situation and not share the details with my husband (mainly because it could have biased him against this person); God honored my silence and reconciled the person to me the very next day.
Taming the tongue is a lifelong endeavor. I am thankful that God is faithful to help us so that we can use our lips to glorify Him as often as possible.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14
Chapter 18 includes a lot of instruction on what NOT to say. By highlighting the consequences of saying the wrong things, the author does a very effective job at communicating what IS worth saying. Here are a few paraphrased highlights:
A fool doesn't discuss things to increase his/her own wisdom, but to reveal his/her own opinion. (v2)
A fool's words intentionally evoke strife. (6)
A fool's words will be his undoing. (7)
A gossipy tale is almost mouth-watering in its appeal, but has serious effects. (8)
It is shameful to jump to conclusions before you know the whole story; likewise, the person presenting the story should tell the WHOLE story so they won't be embarassed when all the facts are eventually revealed. (13)/(17)
Once you've offended someone with your words, it's very difficult to un-do the damage .(19)
I have to admit that the area I struggle with the most is gossip. I'm not really tempted to gossip with friends, neighbors or other women, but I am daily tempted to share little tidbits with my husband or my mother. For years, I thought this was "okay" to do, but I realized over time that sharing these little observations, frustrations or insights was the proverbial "'tip of the iceberg" for me in formulating negative thought patterns toward other people.
It is sometimes a real test of discipline for me to keep my mouth shut and not share things with my husband, especially when I've been offended by someone. Just last week, someone really hurt my feelings. I felt strongly that I needed to trust the Lord in the situation and not share the details with my husband (mainly because it could have biased him against this person); God honored my silence and reconciled the person to me the very next day.
Taming the tongue is a lifelong endeavor. I am thankful that God is faithful to help us so that we can use our lips to glorify Him as often as possible.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 15 - Pleasing God
Characteristics of the Wise/Righteous Man:
v. 1 he responds with gentle words/tone of voice.
v. 2, 7, 14 he commends, spreads, and seeks knowledge.
v. 4 he has words that heal.
v. 5, 32 he heeds correction.
v. 8 his prayers please God.
v. 9 he pursues righteousness.
v. 18 he calms a quarrel.
v. 21 he keeps a straight course.
v. 22 he seeks others' counsel.
v. 23 he finds joy in giving wise counsel.
v. 28 he weighs his answers.
v. 31 he listens/gives heed to a life-giving rebuke.
v. 33 The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom and humility comes before honor.
I do not resemble this list very much. If you don't believe me, just come by my house any day between the hours of 4-6pm: everyone is tired, hungry, and the possibility of demonstrating the qualities listed above are put to the test! I find great hope in verse 33-- The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom (!) and humility (experienced in the daily failures of the late afternoon and at other times) comes before honor (wisdom).
"Fear of the Lord"--reverence, honor, respect, awe, delight, adoration...how does fear of the Lord teach wisdom? I believe that our esteem of God grows with our knowledge and "practice" of Him. Reading, studying, and meditating on His Word helps us to see His perspective, learn His ways, know His character, trust His promises. Then when we try to "Pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17)-- we remind ourselves that no matter what the circumstances, God is present, He is actively involved, He hears us, etc. We benefit here--this is for us! When we pray all through the day*, when we submit and allow God to teach, instruct, rebuke(!) us on the spot, we are more likely to ask for His help, wisdom, guidance...we are more likely to listen and make thoughtful responses...and perhaps resemble more of the characteristics of the wise man...
God's Promises/Rewards to the Wise/Righteous:
v. 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
v. 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure...
v. 8 The prayer of the upright pleases Him.
v. 9 He loves those who pursue righteousness.
v. 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful
v. 15 The cheerful heart has a continual feast.
v. 25 He (the Lord) keeps the widow's boundaries intact.
v. 26 The thoughts of the pure are pleasing to Him.
v. 29 The Lord hears the prayer of the righteous.
Prayer pleases God.
Pursuing righteousness pleases God.
We can please God in our obedience to seek Him.
We please the Almighty God, the Creator & Sustainer of everything when we seek Him...
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor v. 33.
Thank you Father that you are present and actively involved in our lives--from the 'big moments' to the 'little moments.' Help us to be conscious of your living presence with us and help us to seek you more and ourselves less.
* "Pray all day"...hmmm... Ever had a day where things just kept happening, and you had to call someone repeatedly because they 'needed' to hear what had happened next? So you might have texted them some, left multiple messages, --- you were so excited and could not wait to tell them the latest development? I think this is our goal here...to be available and God-oriented all day, even when we do the most mundane of daily tasks.
Proverbs 14 ~ Wise vs Foolish
This chapter is a collection of seemingly random proverbs, most of which show the contrast of the wise vs the foolish. I'll regroup a few by theme. They hardly need explanation—-just my obedience. [sheepish grin]
Temper, temper, temper.
vs 16 – A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
vs 17 – A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
vs 29 – A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
Giving
vs 21 – He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
vs 31 – He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Home
vs 1 – The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
vs 26 – He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
Diligence
vs 4 – Where there are not oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.
vs 23 – All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Peaceful living
vs 9 – Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
vs 30 – A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots his bones.
Thank You, Lord, for making Yourself known to us by showing us the good path of life. Thank you for the hope of peace that comes with knowing You.
Temper, temper, temper.
vs 16 – A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
vs 17 – A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
vs 29 – A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
Giving
vs 21 – He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
vs 31 – He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Home
vs 1 – The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
vs 26 – He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
Diligence
vs 4 – Where there are not oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.
vs 23 – All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Peaceful living
vs 9 – Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
vs 30 – A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots his bones.
Thank You, Lord, for making Yourself known to us by showing us the good path of life. Thank you for the hope of peace that comes with knowing You.
Proverbs 13 - Light
The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Proverbs 13:9
Throughout Scripture "light" is equated with hope...with good...with God/The Son/The Word. Light is something positive and its opposite, darkness, is negative.
*In the beginning God spoke and there was light (Genesis 1:3).
*In 2 Samuel 22:9, David's song of praise to the Lord includes, "You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light."
*The face of the LORD is said to be light in Psalm 4:6.
*The LORD is our light and our salvation (Psalm 27:1).
*The Word is the light that illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105).
*1 John 1:5 declares, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
Through believing, remaining in Him and abiding in His Truths, He gives us the privilege to reflect His glory and have eternal life. Only through constant communion with Him are our lives able to reflect any of His light at all. He commands us to be light, as he is light. Jesus says this over and over in Scripture...
*Jesus says, in John 8:12, "'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
*Matthew 5:14 & 16 commands us to be the "light of the world" and to, "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
*2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us that the same God who spoke light into the world also, "Made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
*2 Corinthians 6:14 states that light can not have fellowship with darkness.
*1 Peter 2:9 says that we are chosen, royal, holy, and a people belonging to God. We are to "declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light."
*"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 20:14).
Help me to remain in You. I pray that I would be a light in your dark world.
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Proverbs 13:9
Throughout Scripture "light" is equated with hope...with good...with God/The Son/The Word. Light is something positive and its opposite, darkness, is negative.
*In the beginning God spoke and there was light (Genesis 1:3).
*In 2 Samuel 22:9, David's song of praise to the Lord includes, "You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light."
*The face of the LORD is said to be light in Psalm 4:6.
*The LORD is our light and our salvation (Psalm 27:1).
*The Word is the light that illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105).
*1 John 1:5 declares, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
Through believing, remaining in Him and abiding in His Truths, He gives us the privilege to reflect His glory and have eternal life. Only through constant communion with Him are our lives able to reflect any of His light at all. He commands us to be light, as he is light. Jesus says this over and over in Scripture...
*Jesus says, in John 8:12, "'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
*Matthew 5:14 & 16 commands us to be the "light of the world" and to, "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
*2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us that the same God who spoke light into the world also, "Made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
*2 Corinthians 6:14 states that light can not have fellowship with darkness.
*1 Peter 2:9 says that we are chosen, royal, holy, and a people belonging to God. We are to "declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light."
*"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 20:14).
Help me to remain in You. I pray that I would be a light in your dark world.
Proverbs 12 ~ Correction
One of the hardest things for any of us to accept is correction or reproof. Yet, here in this proverb, God says that those who hate correction are stupid. It has been my experience that the strongest corrections that I have received have come from those who do not know the Lord. Therefore, I have been tempted to set them aside and not consider them, thinking, “What do they know? They are not following God.” Yet, this is not the example that I find in God’s Word. In Chapter 16 of 2 Samuel, David, the man after God’s own heart, was fleeing from his son, Absalom when he came upon a Benjamite named Shemei who began to throw stones at the king and his officials and falsely accuse him of treachery in regard to Saul. Can you imagine the nerve of this guy…..this is God’s anointed, the king? In the account, he almost sounds like a madman. Then Abishai, one of David’s chief men, says to David, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” (9) (My thinking is more along these lines when being corrected). However, David shows his trust in God by refusing to avenge himself, “Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.” (11, 12) David not only refused to avenge himself, but looked to God in faith to even bring good out of the accusation. What a lesson in true humility and one that I pray that I will remember when God uses people, even unsaved ones, to correct my wrong thinking!
Lord, help me to accept, in humility, your correction from whatever source you choose to give it.
Lord, help me to accept, in humility, your correction from whatever source you choose to give it.
Proverbs 11~Practically Speaking
I am practical (to a fault, if you ask my family). I like things that are simple, clear cut and black and white, whenever possible. One of the reasons I like the book of Proverbs so much is that the advice is practical and straightforward in informing us how God wants us to live. Up until today, if you had asked me what my favorite chapter in Proverbs is, I would have said chapter 16 or chapter 31. However, chapter 11 has moved right up there. Why? It has a wealth of practical advice!! Here's a sampling of how the Lord's words spoke to me today.
Starting with verse 1.
"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight."
Don't fudge. Don't fudge even a little - not on your taxes, not in the grocery store (when the clerk forgets to ring something up), not anywhere.
Verse 2.
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom."
Beware when that prideful feeling begins to swell up inside. Confess it and humbly give credit for any success to the Lord. Otherwise... dishonor might be right around the corner.
Verse 12.
"He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent."
Life is crazy. Misunderstandings occur (in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, etc.). Don't let hate fester - keep opinions to ourselves and leave room for God to work.
Verse 19.
"He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, and he who pursues evil will bring about his own death."
That sinful stuff might look fun and exciting from a distance, but its end is death. Conversely, keeping our eyes and hearts on the Lord sustains our very lives (temporal and ETERNAL).
Verse 21.
"Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered."
This verse reminds me that the blessings of a righteous life pass from generation to generation. I am receiving blessings today from the faithfulness of my mother, my grandmother and her mother. God also assures us that He will ultimately dispense justice to the evil, so I don't need to spend any of my own time or energy seeking revenge.
Lord, help me to walk in the light of your truth each moment of every day.
Starting with verse 1.
"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight."
Don't fudge. Don't fudge even a little - not on your taxes, not in the grocery store (when the clerk forgets to ring something up), not anywhere.
Verse 2.
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom."
Beware when that prideful feeling begins to swell up inside. Confess it and humbly give credit for any success to the Lord. Otherwise... dishonor might be right around the corner.
Verse 12.
"He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent."
Life is crazy. Misunderstandings occur (in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, etc.). Don't let hate fester - keep opinions to ourselves and leave room for God to work.
Verse 19.
"He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, and he who pursues evil will bring about his own death."
That sinful stuff might look fun and exciting from a distance, but its end is death. Conversely, keeping our eyes and hearts on the Lord sustains our very lives (temporal and ETERNAL).
Verse 21.
"Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered."
This verse reminds me that the blessings of a righteous life pass from generation to generation. I am receiving blessings today from the faithfulness of my mother, my grandmother and her mother. God also assures us that He will ultimately dispense justice to the evil, so I don't need to spend any of my own time or energy seeking revenge.
Lord, help me to walk in the light of your truth each moment of every day.
Proverbs 8 - Priorities
There we were. Married for three years and expecting a child. We had dreams about what it would be like to be parents...we had parties where birth experiences were told, where names of children were discussed, where parenting advise was given. And then, a month before the baby was due, driving home from Atlanta, (from the last baby shower) my water broke and everything began to change. Massive hemorrhaging, emergency c-section, father waiting in the waiting room not knowing if either mom or baby was alive, low apgar scores, apnea episodes with resuscitation, seizures--nothing we had prepared for--definitely not our dream.
Jesse was in ICU two weeks. He weighed 4 pounds 12 ounces at birth and looked like a cute pint sized Yoda. He had no fat, so his skin was in wrinkles and since he had a c-section delivery, his head was round and beautiful. He was irritable, yelled a lot, had tubes running everywhere, and was the cutest baby ever.
As time went on, we learned more about Jesse. We were sent to Emory for a brain test which revealed some differences from a typical little kid brain. What that would mean would only be revealed in time. Between 4 & 6 months he lost weight. After a barium swallow and other tests, we were sent to an OT and at 8 months, the words Cerebral Palsy were voiced. Then began the course for the next few years-- OT, PT, Speech, Early Intervention, positioning equipment, AFO's (ankle foot orthotics), oral motor stimulation...lots of new stuff for us. Not in our plan.
The danger in raising Jesse has always been that our focus would slip to the "Nots" -- all the things that Jesse can NOT do, NOT experience, NOT enjoy. There are a lot of those.
I have had a lot of time to think about what God's purpose is, and what He is doing in and through Jesse's life. At one point, I thought about what was the most important ability for a person to have...
- to walk?
- to talk? to communicate?
- to use your hands?
- to care for yourself--feeding, cleaning, dressing?
- to be toilet trained?
The subculture of the disabled toddler allowed me to see many disabilities and witness the pain, adjustment, strength, and spirit of other disabled children and their families. I began to see and appreciate Jesse's abilities and strengths--and there are a lot of those.
So what does this possibly have to do with Proverbs 8?
First, consider verse 11--
- Prov. 8:11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her
I can desire and dream really big things and the verse states that NOTHING you desire compares with wisdom. We are to seek God, seek His wisdom, this much.
Now look at verse 17:
- Prov. 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
God is available to those who seek Him.
Then, look at 20 &21:
- Prov. 8:20 & 21 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
The only requirement here is that one loves God.
Then there is this promise:
- Prov. 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.
Why do I think of Jesse when I think of these verses? Because Jesse's life cuts to the chase. Jesse's list of NOT's fade to trivial status when contrasted to truth of the familiar "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever" (Westminster Shorter Catechism question 1).
To the world/society, Jesse's life (as a severely disabled, totally dependent individual) has questionable value. I know that sounds harsh, but to the unregenerate world this is sadly true.
God sees him quite differently. God loves Jesse v.17, has allowed Jesse to desire a relationship with Him, has revealed Himself to Jesse v. 17, has promised to make his treasury full v. 21, has given Jesse life and favor v. 35.
Jesse has value, we all have value, only only only because God chooses to love us. For the believer, we should not seek to increase our self-esteem, but to increase our God-esteem.
So, what is the most important ability to have? The ability to love.
The most important thing to desire? The desire to love God.
Father thank you for loving us and creating a way for us to know and love You.
Proverbs 7 ~ Keep My Words
The heart of the chapter is a lengthy scenario about an adulteress who persuades a young man to spend time with her. However, the heart of the message is a general one of warning and promise.
Moving backwards through the chapter, we see the warning given in verses 24-27 for the young man not to allow his heart to turn toward the ways of the deceitful woman. If he does, his path will lead to death.
In verse 6, at the beginning of the story about the woman, the narrator says, "...I noticed among the young men a youth who lacked judgment." Although this chapter speaks directly about an adulteress, I think it can be applied to any thing that seduces.
I am convinced that we must teach our children how to be discerning. How? I would love to hear practical ideas from others on how to accomplish this. It seems to me that some learning will come from simply making time to talk with our children, beginning discussions with them around scenarios we see in books and movies, the news and real life, things that are simple and things that are complex. Then, we should compare and contrast them with what the Bible says.
The promise comes in verses 1-5 where Solomon says, "My son, keep my words…store up my commands within you…guard my teachings…write them on your heart…[make] wisdom and understanding your kinsmen…they will keep you from…seductive ways."
The ultimate answer is two-fold: 1) keep God's Word in our hearts, and 2) ask God to give us the understanding and wisdom to apply His Word in our lives.
David said in Psalm 119:9 &11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."
Moving backwards through the chapter, we see the warning given in verses 24-27 for the young man not to allow his heart to turn toward the ways of the deceitful woman. If he does, his path will lead to death.
In verse 6, at the beginning of the story about the woman, the narrator says, "...I noticed among the young men a youth who lacked judgment." Although this chapter speaks directly about an adulteress, I think it can be applied to any thing that seduces.
I am convinced that we must teach our children how to be discerning. How? I would love to hear practical ideas from others on how to accomplish this. It seems to me that some learning will come from simply making time to talk with our children, beginning discussions with them around scenarios we see in books and movies, the news and real life, things that are simple and things that are complex. Then, we should compare and contrast them with what the Bible says.
The promise comes in verses 1-5 where Solomon says, "My son, keep my words…store up my commands within you…guard my teachings…write them on your heart…[make] wisdom and understanding your kinsmen…they will keep you from…seductive ways."
The ultimate answer is two-fold: 1) keep God's Word in our hearts, and 2) ask God to give us the understanding and wisdom to apply His Word in our lives.
David said in Psalm 119:9 &11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."
Proverbs 6 - Warnings
The writer is really warning us in Proverbs 6. In verses 1-5 he warns us against co-signing. In verses 6-11 he warns us against laziness. And in verses 24-35 he especially warns us against adultery. ALL things that are rampant today! The LORD led the author to write these things because, not only were these sins common during his time, but He knew that they would only get more prominent as time went by.
The verses that really stood out to me as I read this Proverb over and over and in different translations were verses 20-23. Here we see the responsibility of parents as we see in many other Proverbs. Here are two separate translations:
New Living Translation
20 My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's teaching.
21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck.
22 Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you.
23 For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life.
The Message Translation
20-23 Good friend, follow your father's good advice;
don't wander off from your mother's teachings.
Wrap yourself in them from head to foot;
wear them like a scarf around your neck.
Wherever you walk, they'll guide you;
whenever you rest, they'll guard you;
when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next.
For sound advice is a beacon,
good teaching is a light,
moral discipline is a life path.
Follow your mother and father's advice and keep them in your heart always. They will lead you, protect you, and be your lamp and light. WOW. So what he is saying is that mine and John's advice will be able to lead, protect, and light the lives of our boys? No! He is saying that the teachings of the LORD will lead, protect, and light their lives. And our teaching MUST be that of the Lord's. Verse 23 in the New International Version says, "For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light." As parents, we cannot stray from Scripture. We must always go to the Word to guide our own hearts and minds so that we may discipline, love, and guide our children accordingly. It is only through His Word and His power.
Psalm 19:8 says,
"The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 119:105 also reminds us of the power of the WORD.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
Father, teach us Your ways. Help us to wrap ourselves from head to toe in your Word so that we can be overflowing with your love and wisdom for our children.
The verses that really stood out to me as I read this Proverb over and over and in different translations were verses 20-23. Here we see the responsibility of parents as we see in many other Proverbs. Here are two separate translations:
New Living Translation
20 My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's teaching.
21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck.
22 Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you.
23 For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life.
The Message Translation
20-23 Good friend, follow your father's good advice;
don't wander off from your mother's teachings.
Wrap yourself in them from head to foot;
wear them like a scarf around your neck.
Wherever you walk, they'll guide you;
whenever you rest, they'll guard you;
when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next.
For sound advice is a beacon,
good teaching is a light,
moral discipline is a life path.
Follow your mother and father's advice and keep them in your heart always. They will lead you, protect you, and be your lamp and light. WOW. So what he is saying is that mine and John's advice will be able to lead, protect, and light the lives of our boys? No! He is saying that the teachings of the LORD will lead, protect, and light their lives. And our teaching MUST be that of the Lord's. Verse 23 in the New International Version says, "For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light." As parents, we cannot stray from Scripture. We must always go to the Word to guide our own hearts and minds so that we may discipline, love, and guide our children accordingly. It is only through His Word and His power.
Psalm 19:8 says,
"The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 119:105 also reminds us of the power of the WORD.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
Father, teach us Your ways. Help us to wrap ourselves from head to toe in your Word so that we can be overflowing with your love and wisdom for our children.
Proverbs 5 ~ Don't Go There!
I detect a note of desperation in this Proverb; something like the feeling that your child is about to walk into harms way and, with all that is in you, you to say “Don’t go there!”
Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house. (vs. 8)
It even sounds like the writer may be speaking from experience.
And you groan at your latter end when your flesh and your body are consumed;
And you say (vs. 12) "I was almost in utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.” (vs. 14)
And what can keep us from the utter ruin mentioned above? Being satisfied with what we have rather than going out vainly searching for happiness elsewhere.
Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well. (vs. 15)
For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress...? (vs. 20)
Or, if being satisfied with what we have does not restrain us, then, how about the all-seeing eyes of God?
For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord and He watches all his paths.
(vs. 21)
Repetition of harmful ways form habits and habits become principles that rule our lives.
His own iniquities will capture the wicked and he will be held with the cords of his sin.
He will die for lack of instruction and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.
(vs. 22, 23)
Oh, but, our merciful God is always ready with outstretched arms to receive the penitent sinner! What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:24-25)
Lord, let your love for me and the knowledge that everything in my life is given to me by my loving Father restrain me from going astray. And, when I do, help me to come running to you for forgiveness.
Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house. (vs. 8)
It even sounds like the writer may be speaking from experience.
And you groan at your latter end when your flesh and your body are consumed;
And you say (vs. 12) "I was almost in utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.” (vs. 14)
And what can keep us from the utter ruin mentioned above? Being satisfied with what we have rather than going out vainly searching for happiness elsewhere.
Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well. (vs. 15)
For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress...? (vs. 20)
Or, if being satisfied with what we have does not restrain us, then, how about the all-seeing eyes of God?
For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord and He watches all his paths.
(vs. 21)
Repetition of harmful ways form habits and habits become principles that rule our lives.
His own iniquities will capture the wicked and he will be held with the cords of his sin.
He will die for lack of instruction and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.
(vs. 22, 23)
Oh, but, our merciful God is always ready with outstretched arms to receive the penitent sinner! What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:24-25)
Lord, let your love for me and the knowledge that everything in my life is given to me by my loving Father restrain me from going astray. And, when I do, help me to come running to you for forgiveness.
Proverbs 4~Solid Footing
v18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
When I read this verse, I envision a hiker setting off through the woods early in the morning as the sun begins to creep into the sky. The path is there, but it is a little difficult to see, so the hiker just puts one foot in front of another, trusting that the path is reliable. As the sun rises, the path becomes much clearer and the hiker's steps become more confident. This is similar to the walk of faith. When a person becomes a Christian and begins to live by God's Word, they may be tentative at first. As faith and confidence in God builds, walking with Him becomes more sure. Even when difficulties are encountered, we move forward, trusting in Him.
v19The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
The contrast to the sure footed hiker is someone stumbling in the dark. This verse brings to my mind a person in pitch black darkness, groping and falling over everything in their way. What a frustrating and discouraging way to live.
A bit later in Chapter 4, we're told how to make sure we stay on God's path.
vs23-27Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.
Lord, help me to remain on the righteous path today. Help me resist the temptations to harbor ugly thoughts and to worry unnecessarily. Help me to trust in you, even when the path is hard.
Lord, help me to remain on the righteous path today. Help me resist the temptations to harbor ugly thoughts and to worry unnecessarily. Help me to trust in you, even when the path is hard.
Proverbs 1 - Seek Wisdom or Else!
In this chapter Solomon implores the reader to fear the Lord, to heed parental instruction, to seek wisdom. He then describes a dire future to those who disregard his warning and a promise to those who listen to him. As we have seen, these themes are repeated and amplified throughout the remainder of Proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1-7 -- The proverbs of Solomon son of David, King of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline: for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple/ knowledge and discretion to the young-- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Solomon then moves to a description of someone disregarding the teaching of his parents and living a rebellious sinful life. The warning in v. 24 - 28 is very direct and clear:
But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock you when calamity overtakes you--when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Then in verse 31--they will eat the fruit of their was and be filled with the fruit of their schemes...
Contrast that with the promise in verse 33:
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
I don't know about you, but when I read this chapter, I am struck by the way it is all laid on the line. Heed wisdom and be blessed, Disregard wisdom and suffer. Pretty straightforward.
It makes me look at how I teach and discipline my children... Am I clear/deliberate/purposeful in the teaching of my children? Is my discipline just? Do I follow through with what I say? Do I let my children experience logical consequences? Are they aware that I will let them face their consequences or are they surprised when I do? Am I aware of where my parenting is leading my children? Am I conscious of God parenting me and letting me experience either results from heeding wisdom or ignoring wisdom? Am I enjoying verse 33, and basking in the protection and freedom of following God's instructions?
Father, would You show us Your wisdom, would You guide us to better understand how to apply this chapter today? Thank You for loving us.
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