Proverbs is an amazingly challenging book. It causes us to really think about pertinent issues by giving the reader the encouragement and tools to pursue a life of walking in wisdom. In this day and age when information comes and changes at incredibly fast paces we need something consistent in our lives and Proverbs provides us with one overarching theme that all followers of Jesus need to live into: seek wisdom and you will end making decisions that will lead you closer to God and experiencing his blessings. Let's dive into Proverbs 6!!!
6:6: Go to the ant you sluggard. . . this short reminder is telling us to be ants!? What is the writer thinking?? Well, what we can see is that this verse is written in a commanding tone. The writer doesn't say please go, go when you have the time, the writer simply says, "Go!" The writer is urging the reader or in the original case the listener to learn from the ant to prepare for the future.
He uses the example of an ant storing its food during the summer, so when harvest comes he has enough to eat. The command and tone of this series of verses is simple: work hard, prepare, learn, and regardless do something with your life and your time on this earth.
6:16-19: There are six things the Lord hates, seven things that are detestable. . . The writer than goes on to list those things and spell very clearly what God truly hates. I do want to point out that in that list most of the things that the Lord hates are deemed somewhat small and near the bottom in our fictional conception of the "sin ladder." The only one, hands that shed innocent blood, would be near the top and probably be labeled as a "bad sin." Most of the sins we would see as minor such as haughty eyes or a lying tongue.
I don't want you to miss the principle or the idea here. The main idea is that all sin destroys our relationship with God, eliminates closeness with Jesus, and will effect us whether or not we choose to admit it or not. This year make it a priority to pray as a family, attend worship, serve together, forgive each other, and encourage each other.
6:27: Can a man scoop fire into his lap without being burned?
The answer is no. When you as a person stray to close to sin you will get hurt and others around you will get hurt. Because we as humans do not live in a vacuum we live with each other and our decisions affect others. Understand what tempts you, your weaknesses, and be honest with friends and family of how through their help and the power of the Holy Spirit you can overcome them.
Question (Feel free to reply below or on Facebook) What role does the Holy Spirit play in our Christian walk as we pursue wisdom?
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
on Proverbs 5
We have been so blessed to see God's goodness and wisdom pour out through Solomon in these short but powerful Proverbs. Always remember that following God and doing what he says produces relationships that are blessed, situations and experiences filled with joy, and a life that has few if any regrets.
Proverbs 5 starts out with a dire warning: beware of adultery. This is especially true today when sexuality is more confused and twisted than ever before. Proverbs 5 is a grave reminder that our sexuality is a gift but if used in the wrong way it has grave consequences. My challenge to you is to make a commitment to pray every day for God to be Lord over every area of your life including your sexuality and that is far more reaching than many people think.
Proverbs 5:2, "That you maintain discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. . ." Discretion is absolutely huge! In a society where we live to get the excess, indulge in any pleasure, and have little to no self control learning discretion in all areas of life is crucial. I'll be the first to tell you: discretion is hard but not impossible. Know where you are weak. Have the humility to allow others to tell help you and hold you accountable. This is a process not an event, be patient as you learn discretion and you will find wisdom.
Proverbs 5:11-12, "When your flesh and body are spent you will say, 'How I hate discipline. . ."
Proverbs is a hauntingly beautiful book, because Solomon one of the most wise men in the world indulged in pleasure after pleasure often despising discipline. He should have learned and seen the pain that David endured with Bathsheba but he didn't learn. Solomon was blessed by God with great wisdom and an amazing opportunity to build the temple, but I can't help but think these two verses apply to his life better than most any other verses in the Bible.
My prayer is that you fall in love with the word of God again each and every day.
Proverbs 5 starts out with a dire warning: beware of adultery. This is especially true today when sexuality is more confused and twisted than ever before. Proverbs 5 is a grave reminder that our sexuality is a gift but if used in the wrong way it has grave consequences. My challenge to you is to make a commitment to pray every day for God to be Lord over every area of your life including your sexuality and that is far more reaching than many people think.
Proverbs 5:2, "That you maintain discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. . ." Discretion is absolutely huge! In a society where we live to get the excess, indulge in any pleasure, and have little to no self control learning discretion in all areas of life is crucial. I'll be the first to tell you: discretion is hard but not impossible. Know where you are weak. Have the humility to allow others to tell help you and hold you accountable. This is a process not an event, be patient as you learn discretion and you will find wisdom.
Proverbs 5:11-12, "When your flesh and body are spent you will say, 'How I hate discipline. . ."
Proverbs is a hauntingly beautiful book, because Solomon one of the most wise men in the world indulged in pleasure after pleasure often despising discipline. He should have learned and seen the pain that David endured with Bathsheba but he didn't learn. Solomon was blessed by God with great wisdom and an amazing opportunity to build the temple, but I can't help but think these two verses apply to his life better than most any other verses in the Bible.
My prayer is that you fall in love with the word of God again each and every day.
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